Iran's Ghalibaf warns no oil sales would be possible if Tehran is blocked
Iranian politician Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that no one would be able to sell oil in a region where Iran is prevented from doing so. He said that if Tehran's security is not ensured, no infrastructure will be safe. The comments were posted on Wednesday and were framed by Ghalibaf as part of what he described as a clear wartime equation.Ghalibaf said the choice was "either all or none," according to the post. He also linked the security of the Strait of Hormuz to the absence of American forces. The statement did not provide further detail on any immediate... [Continue Reading]
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Mamdani walks back claim he could arrest Netanyahu in New York, urges US action on ICC warrant
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not have the legal authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, walking back an earlier suggestion that his administration was examining that option. In a video posted on social media, Mamdani said his team had reviewed "every avenue available" and concluded that City Hall could not independently enforce the International Criminal Court warrant. He instead urged the federal government to act if Netanyahu travels to the United States.Mamdani said the federal government "does" have the power and called on it to join the ICC and execute the warrant. He... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: US Iran escalation, Gaza strikes and floods hit Asia as markets swing to commodities
The biggest story was the deepening US Iran confrontation, with Washington saying it had completed an 11th straight night of strikes on Iran while Tehran reportedly retaliated against US military targets in Iraq and Syria. President Donald Trump said the United States was not finished and warned of further attacks, including on the Pickaxe Mountain area and on Iranian bridges and power plants if shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is hit. π π π πThe conflict is also carrying a heavy financial and military cost. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the campaign has cost about $37.5bn so far... [Continue Reading]
Wales activates crisis management as multiple wildfires burn and aerial support is unavailable
The Welsh government has activated crisis management arrangements as multiple wildfires continue to burn across north and south Wales. Fire crews are dealing with several separate blazes, while residents in some areas have been told to keep windows and doors closed because of smoke. The response comes amid growing concern about the scale of the fires and the lack of helicopter support.Officials said North Wales Fire and Rescue Service had received extra resources, but aerial support was not available anywhere in the UK. The government said urgent discussions were under way within Wales and at UK level to find a... [Continue Reading]
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Trump attends Dover repatriation of US military dead from Iran war
Donald Trump attended a repatriation ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday for US service members killed in the war with Iran. He was joined by his war secretary, Pete Hegseth, and by the families of the dead as the coffins were carried from the aircraft, draped in US flags. The ceremony, known as a dignified transfer, took place as the conflict continued to intensify and as pressure grew over the human and financial cost of the fighting.According to the supplied report, the war has now cost the United States at least 18 military deaths and more... [Continue Reading]
Trump threatens bombing response over Iranian attacks in Hormuz
President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Tehran in response to any Iranian attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In remarks reported on Wednesday, he said the United States would strike back for every attack linked to the waterway, which is one of the world's most sensitive shipping routes. The warning adds to already high tensions between Washington and Tehran over maritime security in the Gulf.The latest statement sharpens earlier threats that had focused on Iranian infrastructure and the Pickaxe mountain site near Natanz. Trump had previously said the United States would destroy a bridge or power plant... [Continue Reading]
Nicolas Maduro returns to New York court for third hearing in US drug trafficking case
Venezuela's ousted president Nicolas Maduro is due to appear before a New York court on Wednesday for a third public hearing in his US drug trafficking case. The hearing is procedural, but it could confirm a proposed June 2027 trial date. Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, is also being held in Brooklyn and remains part of the same case.In a court filing late on Tuesday, prosecutors and defence lawyers jointly proposed the June 2027 date. Judge Alvin Hellerstein could approve that timetable at the hearing. Both Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking, firearms and related charges, and... [Continue Reading]
Russia reports fresh drone strikes on Wildberries logistics hubs as death toll rises
Russian officials and the company said drones again hit logistics centres linked to Wildberries in the southern regions of Krasnodar and Stavropol Krai, with fires breaking out at warehouse sites and injuries reported. The latest strikes were said to have taken place overnight on 22 July in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk. Regional authorities declared a local state of emergency, while emergency crews worked to contain the fires.Wildberries founder Tatyana Kim said employees had been evacuated in advance, but that 15 people were injured in the attacks, including 10 in Krasnodar and five in Nevinnomyssk. She said several workers were taken to... [Continue Reading]
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DR Congo Ebola death toll rises to 999 as outbreak spreads to Uganda
The death toll from the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has risen to 999, according to the country's National Institute of Public Health. The outbreak, which began in May, has also caused two deaths in neighbouring Uganda, the World Health Organization said. Health authorities said the latest figures underline how quickly the Bundibugyo-strain outbreak is moving across the region.The DRC health ministry said 2,473 cases had been recorded as of Monday, with 737 patients currently in isolation or hospitals. The outbreak was declared on 15 May after several deaths were reported in Ituri, in the... [Continue Reading]
Nicaragua congress begins work plan to implement move away from elections
Nicaragua's National Assembly has said it is beginning work on a plan to implement President Daniel Ortega's directive that the country should no longer hold elections. The announcement marks a new step in a political shift that has already drawn strong criticism from the United Nations and the United States. It also follows Ortega's remarks during a ceremony marking the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Sandinista revolution.In a statement on Tuesday, the Ortega-controlled assembly said it was starting the necessary analysis to draw up a work plan to carry out the president's directives. It said the move was being justified... [Continue Reading]
Oil tankers reverse course in the Red Sea after Houthi blockade threat
Two tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia have reversed course in the Red Sea after the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi ports, according to the supplied material. The vessels, identified as Rodos and Xin Long Yang, were heading towards Bab al-Mandeb before turning back near the Yemeni coast. Their movements are the first visible sign that the warning is affecting Saudi oil exports.The shipping analytics firm Kpler is cited in the supplied material as saying the two vessels were carrying a combined 2.8 million barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia's western port of Yanbu. The material says the ships... [Continue Reading]
China and Philippines trade blame after South China Sea confrontation, as Australia criticises Beijing
Australia has criticised Beijing after China and the Philippines traded blame over a physical confrontation between their maritime forces in the South China Sea. The dispute centres on an incident on Monday involving the China Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy, which has now drawn in other major powers with interests in the region. China's foreign ministry responded by accusing Australia of exaggerating tensions and inciting confrontation.Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday that Canberra was concerned about aggression and destabilising conduct in the region, and warned that countries had a choice to make in response. Chinese foreign ministry... [Continue Reading]
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China defends routine missile test and cyber governance position at press briefing
China used its July 22 Foreign Ministry briefing to defend a recent missile test in the Pacific and to restate its position on South China Sea tensions. Spokesperson Lin Jian said the launch was a routine training activity by China's military, not directed at any specific country or target. He said China had notified relevant countries, including Australia, beforehand, in line with international law and customary international practice. The comments came after Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in comments on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting that Australia regards China's recent missile test as destabilizing and is seriously concerned... [Continue Reading]
India presses Russia over seafarer deaths after missile strike on merchant vessel
India has pressed Russia over the deaths of four Indian seafarers after a missile strike on a merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. The diplomatic response came after New Delhi summoned the Russian charge d'affaires and later raised the issue directly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Manila. India said the attack on commercial shipping and the loss of civilian lives were unacceptable.Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said he met Lavrov on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in the Philippines. He said he reiterated India's strong concern about the safety of... [Continue Reading]
Equinor profits nearly double to $11.5bn amid war-driven oil price surge
Norway's state-controlled energy company Equinor has reported a sharp rise in quarterly profits as higher oil and gas prices, together with increased production, lifted earnings during the conflict affecting Gulf shipping. The company said profits nearly doubled to $11.5bn in the three months to the end of June. It linked the result to stronger output and to market disruption caused by the near-halt in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.Equinor said it had increased oil and gas production at the start of the conflict, allowing it to benefit from the supply gap created by reduced flows from the Gulf. The... [Continue Reading]
US and Iran exchange strikes as Gulf shipping disruption widens
The United States said it completed an 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, while Iranian forces reportedly retaliated by hitting US military targets in the Gulf. The latest exchanges were reported on Wednesday and came as the conflict continued to affect the Strait of Hormuz and other key maritime routes. The escalation has also coincided with growing pressure on shipping in the Red Sea and wider Middle East waterways.US Central Command said at 00:15 GMT that it had concluded another round of attacks on Iranian military infrastructure. It said the targets included military operations centres, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars,... [Continue Reading]
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Morocco demands answers as Bologna arrest death triggers protests
Morocco has asked Italy to fully clarify the death of Abderrahim Fakir during an arrest in Bologna, adding diplomatic pressure to a case that has already sparked unrest in the northern city. The Moroccan foreign ministry said it wanted the circumstances of the 42-year-old's death established and responsibility determined. The Moroccan embassy in Italy also called for the facts to be shed light on with rigour, impartiality and transparency.Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the truth must be pursued to the very end and described the death as unacceptable. She also said any possible responsibility should be investigated with the... [Continue Reading]
Rahul Gandhi freed after detention at student-led protest in New Delhi
Rahul Gandhi has been released after being detained during a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi, as student-led protests over education reform and exam-paper leaks continued to challenge the government. The detention and release took place on Tuesday, with other opposition leaders also held during the demonstration. The protest movement has been driven largely by students and a social media-led campaign that has gained rapid traction in recent weeks.The immediate trigger for the unrest was a leak of medical school test papers, which forced more than two million medical students to retake their exams, according to... [Continue Reading]
EU ambassadors move to finalise 21st Russia sanctions package in Brussels
EU ambassadors are meeting in Brussels on Wednesday in an effort to sign off on the European Union's 21st package of sanctions against Russia. The talks come after earlier attempts to finalise the measures ended without success. The push is taking place as the war in Ukraine continues to shape European policy and diplomacy.The latest round of discussions is focused on securing agreement among member states, some of which have expressed discontent with the package. The supplied material does not specify which governments are holding out or what exact measures are still under discussion. It does confirm that the aim... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: US Iran strikes deepen as floods, trade tensions and Gaza violence mount
The biggest escalation remains the US campaign against Iran, with American strikes continuing for an 11th straight night, Iranian air defences activated in Tehran and explosions reported near Natanz, while Donald Trump warned the United States was βnot finishedβ and could hit the Pickaxe Mountain area soon. π πWashington is also facing the financial and political cost of the conflict, after Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the war has cost about $37.5bn so far and pressed Congress for urgent extra funding. A US soldier has also been identified after dying in northern Iraq in a controlled detonation of a... [Continue Reading]
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Europe opens mixed as metals surge, Brent jumps above $93 and sterling softens
Executive summary: European markets opened with a split tone, as the FTSE 100 gained, the DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 were little changed, and the CAC 40 slipped. The biggest moves were in commodities, where gold, silver, platinum, palladium and Brent crude all surged sharply, while GBP/USD and EUR/USD weakened. The pattern points to a market leaning toward inflation hedges and energy exposure, even as equities in Europe remain comparatively steady at the open. [Continue Reading]
Upper Assam floods worsen as death toll rises to 31
Flooding in Upper Assam has worsened sharply, with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority saying 21 people died in 24 hours as river levels remained dangerously high across several districts. The worst-affected area remains Sivasagar, where the Dikhow River has been inundating low-lying neighbourhoods and surrounding communities. The latest figures show the emergency has expanded beyond a localised flood event into a wider regional disaster.According to the late bulletin cited in the supplied material, the number of people affected has risen to 5.6 lakh, up from three lakh on Sunday and Monday. Officials said 12,284 people are staying in relief... [Continue Reading]
Trump announces phased tariff plan for imported generic medicines
US President Donald Trump has announced a phased tariff plan for imported generic medicines, saying the policy is intended to push pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the United States. The announcement was made in a post on Truth Social and sets out a schedule that would begin on 1 August. It immediately drew attention in markets because of the scale of India's role in supplying generic drugs to the US.Under the plan, generic medicines entering the US would face a zero tariff for two years, before rising to 100% for one year and then to 200% from the third year onward.... [Continue Reading]
US 25% tariff on Brazilian exports takes effect, covering about 3,000 items
A new 25% additional tariff imposed by the United States on part of Brazil's exports has taken effect, marking a fresh escalation in trade tensions between the two countries. The measure began on Wednesday and applies to about 3,000 product lines entering the US market. It excludes several major Brazilian exports, including oil, coffee and beef.The tariff was confirmed by the US government last week after an investigation concluded that Brazil uses practices that "burden or restrict" trade with the United States. The investigation cited Brazil's PIX payment system and rules for digital platforms among its examples. Brazilian officials have... [Continue Reading]
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Tokyo Opens Lower as Oil Shock Lifts Havens, Pressures Japan Equities and Yen Trade
Executive summary: Tokyo and broader Asia-Pacific markets opened with a clear risk-off tone, led by a sharp drop in the Nikkei and Nikkei 225 ETF, while Hong Kong advanced and commodity-linked assets surged. WTI crude jumped more than 7%, gold moved above $4,000, silver rallied nearly 6%, and Ether gained more than 4%, signaling a market response to higher geopolitical and inflation risk. The yen weakened against the dollar, adding another layer of pressure for Japanese equities. [Continue Reading]
Carney and Trump agree to intensify trade talks after tariff threat
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he and United States President Donald Trump have agreed to intensify trade negotiations after Trump threatened 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian imports. Carney said the two leaders spoke on Tuesday and that discussions would begin again immediately. He also warned that Canada would consider all options if the tariffs go ahead.Trump announced the tariff plans on Monday, saying they were a response to what he described as discriminatory treatment of US-made cars, alcohol and dairy goods. Carney told reporters that the first objective was to reach a comprehensive agreement, while also... [Continue Reading]
Australia raises concerns with China over submarine-launched missile test in Manila meeting
Australia's foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has raised concerns with China over a test of a nuclear-capable submarine-launched missile earlier this month. She did so during a face-to-face meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila. The discussion took place as both sides also addressed wider questions of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.According to a statement from Wong's department, the meeting was their 12th. The ministers discussed ASEAN priorities and the importance of regional stability, while Wong also raised a range of consular issues. Those included the case of... [Continue Reading]
Major wildfire near Madrid burns 30,000 hectares amid Spain heatwave
Firefighters and troops are continuing to battle a major wildfire north of Madrid that has now burned roughly 30,000 hectares, according to the latest confirmed figures. The blaze has been burning since last Thursday in Guadalajara province, about 100 kilometres north of the Spanish capital. It is being described by authorities as one of the toughest fires they have faced.More than 600 firefighters and troops, supported by 29 aircraft, spent a sixth day working to contain the flames on Tuesday. About 1,200 people have been evacuated from their homes, while 34 hamlets have been emptied and residents in 14 further... [Continue Reading]
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Netherlands approves ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements
The Dutch government has given final approval to a decree banning the import, purchase and sale of goods from unlawful Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The measure is due to take effect on September 22. It marks a formal step by the Netherlands to restrict trade linked to settlements in the occupied West Bank.The government announced the approval on Tuesday, and Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen told parliament that the trade ban had already been planned, with only the implementation date newly set. Under the decree, Dutch companies will also be barred from brokering services that facilitate trade... [Continue Reading]
US-Iran escalation deepens as Trump says strike on Pickaxe Mountain is coming soon
US President Donald Trump has said the United States is "not finished" attacking Iran and warned that American forces could hit the Pickaxe Mountain area near Natanz "pretty soon" and "very heavily". He made the remarks at the White House on Tuesday, local time, as Tehran continued to step up strikes across the Middle East. The comments add a further nuclear dimension to an already widening confrontation between the two countries.Trump said the site was near Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility and suggested the military was prepared to "take care of" Iran-backed Houthi rebels as well. He also said the... [Continue Reading]
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At least 23 killed in Afghanistan's Nuristan floods as rescuers search for more than 100 missing
Rescue crews in eastern Afghanistan are searching for survivors after sudden flash floods killed at least 23 people in Nuristan province and left more than 100 others missing. The flooding struck on Monday, with teams on Tuesday digging through the rubble of collapsed homes and mud-covered debris. Forecasters have warned that more flooding could follow, keeping the emergency response under pressure.Officials said an unknown number of buildings collapsed in Nuristan, including in the provincial capital, Parun. Footage from the area showed homes reduced to mud and rubble after waters cascaded down mountainsides. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation's meteorology... [Continue Reading]
HRW alleges civilian abuse in joint US-Ecuador anti-drug operations
Human Rights Watch has accused Ecuadorian soldiers of abusing civilians during joint anti-drug operations with the United States, in a report focused on actions carried out between January and March. The rights group said farmers and fishermen were caught up in military operations aimed at organised crime, and that the campaign included attacks on land and at sea. It also said the US had provided equipment, training, intelligence and, more recently, direct military support to Ecuador.The report said its findings were based on 62 interviews, along with more than 100 photographs and videos, satellite imagery, vessel monitoring data, fire detection... [Continue Reading]
Europe closes mixed as oil and metals surge, DAX slips while FTSE 100 edges higher
Executive summary: European markets finished mixed, with the FTSE 100 posting a modest gain while the DAX and CAC 40 slipped. The biggest moves came outside equities, Brent crude jumped more than 8%, gold and silver rallied sharply, and ether extended its rebound. The pattern points to a market still reacting to geopolitical risk, firmer commodity prices, and shifting currency moves, even as broad European equity benchmarks stayed relatively contained. [Continue Reading]
Russian warship carries out live-fire exercise off Plymouth coast as UK calls move irresponsible
A Russian frigate has carried out a live-fire weapons exercise in international waters off southern England, prompting a fresh response from the UK government. The vessel was reported to be about 40 miles, or 74 kilometres, south of Plymouth when it conducted the drill on Monday local time. British officials said the ship was identified as Neustrashimy and that it was shadowed throughout by the Royal Navy.According to the supplied report, the frigate informed HMS Tyne before firing and asked the patrol vessel to move to a safer position. The exercise then lasted for 30 minutes, with the Royal Navy... [Continue Reading]
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ASEAN voices serious concern over Iran war spillover and energy shortages
Southeast Asian foreign ministers have voiced serious concern over the impact of the Iran war on energy supplies, as they met in Manila on Tuesday. The talks come amid disruption to key maritime routes, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has added pressure to oil imports across the region. ASEAN members are also discussing an oil-sharing mechanism as they seek to limit the effects of the crisis.In a statement, the ministers said they were deeply concerned that the developments were undermining efforts by key mediators and reducing the prospects for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.... [Continue Reading]
Iran vows to bomb its own land as fears grow over Kuwait incursion
Iran has vowed to bomb its own land as fears grow over a reported incursion involving Kuwait, according to the supplied material. The incident is described as developing on 21 July 2026, but the available row does not provide a clear account of the location, the sequence of events, or who was directly involved. As a result, the immediate scope of the situation remains limited in the confirmed record.The supporting row gives only the headline and publication time, with no verified figures, casualties, or official attribution. It also does not include a statement from Iranian, Kuwaiti, or other regional authorities.... [Continue Reading]
Khalil al-Hayya wins Hamas leadership vote by one vote amid internal divisions
Khalil al-Hayya has been elected as the new head of Hamas by a razor-thin 35-34 vote, according to the supplied report. The result comes after nearly two years of collective leadership and highlights clear divisions inside the movement. It also places renewed attention on Hamas's internal balance between rival currents and its relationship with Iran.Al-Hayya, who was Yahya Sinwar's former deputy in Gaza, was already part of the five-person council that has led Hamas since Sinwar was killed in October 2024. He defeated former political bureau chief Khaled Meshaal in the vote. The narrow margin is being read as evidence... [Continue Reading]
Ukrainian drone strikes leave Russian-held Crimea facing power, water and fuel shortages
Residents in Russian-held Crimea are reporting severe disruption after sustained Ukrainian drone and missile strikes across the peninsula and the transport links connecting it to Russia. People in Yevpatoria and other parts of the Black Sea peninsula say electricity, running water and fuel have all become unreliable, with some areas cut off for much of the day. The disruption has deepened through the spring and summer, according to accounts from residents and local reporting.The campaign is described as Kyiv's largest sustained air effort against Crimea so far this year. Kremlin-installed authorities last month declared a state of emergency and temporarily... [Continue Reading]
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Iran's IRGC claims strike on Amazon data hub in Bahrain amid escalating US confrontation
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that its Aerospace Force targeted and destroyed the central data infrastructure of the US company Amazon in Bahrain. The force also said it struck US air-defence systems and radar installations in the Bahraini areas of Muharraq and Riffa. The claim was issued on Tuesday through a statement from the IRGC's public relations office.According to the statement, the attack used several cruise missiles. Bahraini and US officials had not responded to the claim at the time of publication, and Amazon had also not commented. The IRGC said the strike was carried out in response... [Continue Reading]
Wildfire reignites on Slievenamon in Ireland as crews return to the mountain
A wildfire on Slievenamon in County Tipperary has reignited after being subdued overnight, prompting fire services to request aerial support again. Flames increased in the area on Tuesday morning after crews had been moved off the mountain for safety reasons during the night. The fire had spread from gorse into oak forestry on Monday, but favourable weather conditions briefly helped slow its advance.Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer Carol Kennedy of Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze had been subdued after overnight conditions improved, including fog at about 4am. She said the fire had "taken off" in gorse... [Continue Reading]
Delhi protests continue after police crackdown on youth-led education movement
Thousands gathered again in the Indian capital Delhi a day after police used batons and tear gas to disperse supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party. The movement is demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and had tried to march on parliament despite a police ban. The latest gathering came after Monday's confrontation near Jantar Mantar, where the protest drew large crowds and ended in violence.According to the supplied material, at least 60 protesters were wounded, 70 were detained and 118 police personnel were also injured during the crackdown. Police also tore down the stage... [Continue Reading]
Palestinians in Gaza react to Hamas election as daily hardship dominates
In Gaza City, Palestinians are reacting with mixed feelings to the election of Khalil al-Hayya as Hamas leader. For many residents, the political change has been overshadowed by the daily struggle to find food, clean water and shelter. The comments gathered from Gaza suggest that the leadership vote has had little immediate effect on people facing the continuing impact of war.One resident, Noman Saleh, said people in Gaza are suffering, hungry and humiliated, and argued that the political factions have failed ordinary people. He said it made no difference to him whether al-Hayya or someone else won, adding that what... [Continue Reading]
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Israel file shows scrutiny of global NGOs over alleged BDS links
An internal Israeli government file has revealed how officials collected data on more than 150 charities and humanitarian organisations, with a small number singled out in comments for their perceived positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The spreadsheet, obtained online via the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, was compiled in 2013 and included basic contact details, leadership names and areas of work. It also contained remarks such as "critic of Israel", "involved in anti-Israel campaigning" and "highly involved in BDS".The document identified France-based Premiere Urgence Internationale as a "critic of Israel", Geneva-based Defence for Children International as "involved in anti-Israel... [Continue Reading]
Ortega says Nicaragua will not hold elections soon, deepening political crackdown
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has said there will be no more elections soon, in remarks that effectively cancel the country's next scheduled vote. He made the statement during a speech marking the anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution in Managua, where he also attacked the United States and rejected the return of opposition parties to power. The comments go further than earlier reporting that he would no longer hold elections, because they now point directly to the removal of the next ballot from the political timetable.The next presidential election had been scheduled for November 2027, according to the supplied material. Ortega... [Continue Reading]
US-Iran conflict escalates as Trump vows Iran will pay for killing soldiers
US President Donald Trump has said Iran will "pay" after multiple American service members were killed in the widening conflict between the United States and Iran. His warning came as the US launched its ninth night of air strikes on Iran, according to the supplied report, marking another step in the exchange of attacks. The latest developments also included Iranian retaliation against US allies in Kuwait and Bahrain, signalling that the confrontation is spreading across the region.The report says Trump issued the threat on social media on Monday and said the directive had been passed to Secretary of War Pete... [Continue Reading]
US-Iran tensions push petrol and oil prices higher as Strait of Hormuz traffic thins
Average petrol prices in the United States have risen to $4.00 per gallon, marking a second straight week of increases as renewed tensions between the United States and Iran ripple through energy markets. Benchmark crude prices also moved higher before easing, with Brent reaching $91.42 and West Texas Intermediate touching $85.39 before retreating. The price moves come as concerns grow over tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.The latest market reaction follows the breakdown of the US-Iran ceasefire, according to the supplied material, and comes alongside threats affecting shipping in the... [Continue Reading]
France says two diplomats detained and one abused by Iranian security services in Tehran
France says two of its embassy officials were detained and interrogated for several hours by Iranian security services in Tehran, in what Paris described as a serious violation of diplomatic immunity. One of the officials was also physically abused before both were able to return to the embassy. The incident took place late on Sunday and was disclosed by French Foreign Minister Jean-NoΓ«l Barrot on Monday.Barrot said the two diplomats were held without reason and questioned for hours before being released. He said they were now safe and expected to return to France within hours. The minister described the episode... [Continue Reading]
Explosion Outside New York Federal Building Prompts Terrorism Investigation After Suspect Detained
An explosion was reported outside a federal building in Lower Manhattan on Monday morning, prompting a law enforcement response at 26 Federal Plaza. Police said a suspect was detained after allegedly deploying an incendiary device outside the building. The incident is being treated as an anti-ICE attack, according to authorities.Officials said the device contained fireworks and flammable liquid. They also said fireworks placed in a garbage can were set off and triggered a blaze. The case is being investigated by the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.The building at... [Continue Reading]
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U.S. and Iran trade strikes for ninth consecutive night as casualties rise
The United States said on Sunday that it had completed its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, as the conflict continued to widen across the region. The latest phase of fighting follows the collapse of a ceasefire memorandum of understanding signed on June 17, after which hostilities resumed on July 7. The supplied reporting says the exchange has now spread beyond military sites to roads, bridges, power plants, bases and transport assets.The immediate trigger for the latest casualty update was the death of a U.S. service member in northern Iraq on Saturday during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance... [Continue Reading]
IRGC pledges 'unforgettable lesson' for the US as Iran signals return to talks
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a warning to the United States, saying it would receive an "unforgettable lesson" as Tehran signalled that it may return to talks. The remarks come amid a period of heightened tension between the two countries and suggest that Iran is trying to balance deterrent messaging with a possible diplomatic opening. The statement was reported on 20 July 2026 and is the latest sign of the fragile mix of pressure and negotiation shaping the relationship.The comments were made by the IRGC, one of Iran's most powerful security institutions, which plays a central role in... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Mixed as Oil Jumps, Chips Slip and Bitcoin Extends Rebound
Executive summary: US markets opened with a split tone, as higher crude oil, firmer energy shares and a rebound in Bitcoin contrasted with weakness in AI and chip stocks, autos and several metals. The S&P 500 was little changed, while the Dow and Nasdaq slipped and small caps edged higher, suggesting investors are rotating rather than taking a broad risk-off stance. [Continue Reading]
Sir Keir Starmer gives final speech as prime minister as Andy Burnham takes office
Sir Keir Starmer has delivered his final address as prime minister on Monday, marking the end of his time in the post as Andy Burnham takes over the country's top job. Speaking before an applauding crowd, Starmer said: "My work is done" and wished Burnham well. The moment comes after Starmer had repeatedly said he would remain in office, before announcing he would step down on 22 June, four days after Burnham won a Westminster seat.The speech was presented as Starmer's last in the role and was framed around a formal handover of power. The timing places the transition on... [Continue Reading]
Hundreds protest at Pine Gap in largest demonstration in decades
About 300 people have protested outside the Pine Gap defence facility in Alice Springs, in what organisers described as the largest demonstration at the site in decades. Arrernte traditional owners delivered a letter to the front gates demanding the return of their land, while protesters called for the facility to be closed. The rally took place on Monday afternoon near the high-security base, which is jointly operated by Australia and the United States.Police established traffic checks several kilometres from the site and stopped people about 200 metres from the gated entrance on foot. Protesters were required to show identification before... [Continue Reading]
Israel publicly criticises Labor draft Palestine policy ahead of Adelaide conference
Israel's embassy in Canberra has publicly criticised a draft Australian Labor Party policy platform on Palestine, in an unusual intervention into the party's internal decision-making ahead of this week's national conference in Adelaide. The embassy issued a four-page statement challenging proposed language on Palestine, Hamas, settler violence and annexation of Palestinian territory. The draft is due to be debated by delegates at the conference later this week.The embassy said the draft risked placing responsibility for the conflict on one side while giving insufficient attention to Hamas and Palestinian leadership. It also said the policy motions were still in draft form... [Continue Reading]
Assam floods suspend train services near Simaluguri as tracks go under water
Train services have been suspended in the Simaluguri area of Assam after floodwater overtopped railway tracks and entered the station yard and railway colony. The disruption follows heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment, which caused the Dikhow River to overflow and flood parts of Simaluguri town in Sibsagar district. Indian Railways said the measures were taken to protect trains and passengers as water levels remained high.According to the Northeast Frontier Railway, services on the Simaluguri-Namtiali and Simaluguri-Selenghat sections have been suspended until further notice. Long-distance trains from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia have been diverted via the Rangiya-Rangapara route, while several local... [Continue Reading]
Twin earthquakes in Peru's Junin region kill at least five
Two earthquakes have struck Peru's Junin region east of the capital Lima, leaving at least five people dead and 21 injured, according to authorities. The tremors, measured at magnitudes 5.1 and 3.7 by Peru's National Seismological Center, hit the mountainous area on Saturday night. Rescue workers are still searching for anyone who may be trapped under rubble.Officials said the first quake was recorded at a depth of 24 km, while the second struck at 18 km. Peru's National Civil Defense Institute said early reports indicated at least 48 homes were destroyed and 18 more damaged. Around 300 people have been... [Continue Reading]
Iran's supreme leader urges 'sacred unity' amid escalating conflict with the US
A message attributed to Iran's supreme leader has called on Iranians to maintain "sacred unity" as fighting with the United States continues. The statement warned against "division, political disputes, and increases in social differences" and said the country's enemies should not see any sign of weakness. It comes after eight nights of renewed fighting between Iran and the US, according to the supplied report.The message was also framed against an internal political dispute over a memorandum of understanding with Washington that paused four months of fighting. The report says hardline supporters accused officials of treason over the deal, while President... [Continue Reading]
Iran missiles reported toward Jordan's Aqaba as US warns of credible threat
Israeli military officials said they had identified missiles launched from Iran toward the Jordanian city of Aqaba, adding a new layer to an already widening regional confrontation. The city lies close to the Jordan-Israel border and near the southern Israeli city of Eilat, making any missile activity there a matter of immediate concern for both countries. The report came after the United States warned its citizens to stay away from air and sea ports in Aqaba because of what it described as a specific and credible threat.The warning was issued by the US Embassy in Amman on Sunday afternoon local... [Continue Reading]
More than 50 Malian soldiers killed in attack near Anefis
At least 50 Malian soldiers have been killed in an attack near the northern strategic town of Anefis, according to local and military sources. The assault was carried out by Tuareg separatists and jihadists as troops were leaving the area, the sources said. At least 24 soldiers were also taken prisoner, making it one of the deadliest attacks on the Malian army in years.A local elected official close to the ruling junta said the provisional toll was "extremely heavy" and put the number of dead at more than 50, with at least 24 prisoners. The attack was reported on Sunday,... [Continue Reading]
Israel advances Gaza settlement plans amid blocked recovery concerns
Israeli officials are publicly advancing plans to establish new military-linked outposts and settlements in northern Gaza, according to remarks cited in the supplied material. Defence Minister Israel Katz said he intends to set up three Nahal outposts in areas that were in northern Gaza, describing them as bases that combine farming with an armed presence. The reporting frames the move as part of a broader strategy that analysts say would obstruct recovery in the territory and help consolidate control.Katz said the plan would be carried out only "in the right way, at the right timing, while coordinating," and argued that... [Continue Reading]
Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara arrives in US exile, Rubio says
Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, a prominent Cuban artist and cofounder of the San Isidro Movement, has arrived in the United States and is expected to live in exile. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the arrival on Saturday and linked it to wider calls for the release of political prisoners in Cuba. The development marks a new stage in the long-running confrontation between Cuban authorities and one of the country's best-known dissident cultural figures.Otero Alcantara is 38 and spent five years in prison after being sentenced for insulting national symbols, contempt and disturbing the public order. In the supplied... [Continue Reading]
Palestinian teenage footballer dies after West Bank settler attack
A 17-year-old Palestinian footballer has died after being shot during an attack by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank village of al-Mughayyir. Fadi Hamdallah al-Nassan was wounded on July 11 and died on Saturday, according to officials and relatives cited in the supplied report. His death has added to concern over violence in the territory, where Palestinian communities have faced repeated attacks and military raids.The Palestine Football Association said al-Nassan was shot in the thigh while settlers were attacking the village. It said his leg was later amputated, but he died from the injuries. The association also said he... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes hit residential areas in Gaza City as ceasefire line is crossed
Israeli strikes have hit residential neighbourhoods in Gaza City, killing at least eight Palestinians and raising fresh questions about the fragile ceasefire arrangement in Gaza. Medical sources said the attacks struck al-Nasr and al-Zeitoun on Saturday, with rescue teams still searching through rubble for possible survivors. The reported deaths came from a warplane strike on an apartment block and artillery fire in a nearby district.According to medical sources at the Al Shifa hospital complex, two missiles struck a second-floor apartment in al-Nasr and killed five people. Witnesses said the building was destroyed and a neighbouring block was damaged, while several... [Continue Reading]
China warns UK over British Steel nationalisation as compensation row deepens
China's foreign ministry has said it will closely monitor the United Kingdom's full nationalisation of British Steel and urged both sides to reach a mutually acceptable solution, including compensation arrangements for Jingye. The comments came after the UK government took full ownership of the loss-making steelmaker on national security grounds. The dispute centres on the Scunthorpe plant, which is the only source of primary steelmaking in the UK.The Chinese ministry said the issue had drawn widespread attention in China and warned that the way Britain handles it will affect Chinese investors' confidence in the UK's investment climate. Jingye, the Chinese... [Continue Reading]
Wildfire smoke keeps air quality warnings in place across the US as fires continue to burn
Warnings of dangerous air quality are expected to remain in place across large parts of the United States as smoke from out-of-control wildfires in Ontario and Minnesota continues to drift east. The affected areas include the mid-Atlantic, the Northeast, the Midwest and the Great Lakes regions, with some places likely to see only temporary relief. Officials say the smoke plume is still shifting, leaving uncertainty over where the worst conditions will settle next.The National Weather Service said pockets of improvement may come from rain and thunderstorms in parts of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, but those same storms could also bring... [Continue Reading]
Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow-region logistics sites kill at least 8, evacuate maternity hospital
Russian officials say overnight Ukrainian drone strikes have killed at least eight people and wounded dozens after attacks hit logistics sites in the Moscow region and sparked a fire at an oil depot in Noginsk. The latest reports say a Wildberries depot in Elektrostal was struck, while a nearby maternity hospital was evacuated for safety. Regional authorities said emergency crews were still working at the affected locations as the scale of damage became clearer.In Elektrostal, governor Andrei Vorobyov said one person was killed and 37 others were injured after a drone fell on the warehouse. He also said a fire... [Continue Reading]
More than 100 House Democrats back bid to cut military aid to Israel
More than 100 House Democrats have backed an amendment to cut military aid to Israel, exposing a sharp split inside the party over one of Washington's longest-running foreign policy positions. The measure was defeated overwhelmingly in the House after almost all Republicans opposed it, but the vote drew attention because of the scale of Democratic support. It comes ahead of November's midterm elections and against the backdrop of years of war in Gaza.The amendment was offered by conservative Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie. According to the vote tally, 103 Democrats supported ending the aid, while 10 others voted present. Nearly all... [Continue Reading]
More Than 100 Homes Destroyed as Wildfire Burns Out of Control in Drammen, Norway
A fast-moving wildfire has destroyed more than 100 homes in Drammen, southern Norway, according to rescue officials. The fire has forced hundreds of people to leave the area, which is around 30 miles west of Oslo. Firefighters and helicopters are continuing efforts to bring the blaze under control as it spreads through nearby forest.Local police said the fire was still not under control. No casualties or missing people have been reported so far. Officials have not yet said where the fire started, and the cause remains unclear.A Red Cross worker in Drammen said the blaze spread quickly because of the... [Continue Reading]
Ireland weighs Aughinish Alumina report as EU sanctions option remains open
Ireland is preparing to publish a report on the Russian-controlled Aughinish Alumina plant, with the findings expected to feed into a wider European Union discussion on possible sanctions. The site, on the Shannon estuary in County Limerick, has become the focus of a political and economic dilemma because of its links to Russia and its importance to the local labour market. The government is also weighing whether it would object if the European Commission moved to restrict alumina exports to Russia.About 1,900 direct and indirect jobs are tied to the plant, which refines bauxite into alumina before it is shipped... [Continue Reading]
Israeli forces destroy three schools in southern Lebanon, minister says
At least three schools in southern Lebanon have been looted and destroyed, according to Lebanon's education minister, in the latest reported damage to the country's education system during the conflict. The schools were said to have been reduced to piles of ashes after explosives were used, according to a statement carried by Lebanon's state-run National News Agency. The destruction adds to a growing tally of educational facilities damaged or destroyed in the south.Education and Higher Education Minister Rima Karami said the schools had been added to an expanding list of institutions hit during the fighting. She said the schools were... [Continue Reading]
India raises concerns after US moves to cap student, exchange and media visa durations
The United States has moved to tighten the duration of visas for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and media workers, prompting India to raise concerns about the impact on genuine travellers and students. The new final rule was issued by the Department of Homeland Security and would create fixed time limits for F, J and I visas. Under the proposed change, student and exchange visa periods would be capped at no more than four years.According to the official notice described in the supplied material, the visas are currently available for the duration of the programme or employment in the United... [Continue Reading]
Tanker seized off Yemen as suspected Somali piracy wave deepens
The seizure of the tanker off Yemen's Hadramawt coast has added to concerns about a renewed piracy threat in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel, identified as Astana, was reported seized about 26 nautical miles off the coast, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre said there had been an illegal boarding 65 nautical miles south of Mukalla. Early reports said the tanker was moving slowly southeast towards Somalia.Yemeni coastguard officials said the attack was carried out by suspected Somali pirates, and maritime authorities urged ships in the area to exercise caution. UKMTO said the vessel had been boarded by... [Continue Reading]
At least two dead as heavy rains and flash floods strike central Texas
At least two people have died and more than 230 others have been rescued after torrential rains and flash floods hit central Texas this week. The flooding has affected communities including Uvalde and Kerrville, while storms continued to move through western parts of the state on Friday. Officials said the emergency response remained active as crews worked to reach stranded people and assess damage.The state has deployed 2,350 emergency responders to the region, supported by helicopters, boats and aircraft. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 59 counties and said the state was carrying out round-the-clock emergency operations. He said... [Continue Reading]
Trump renews China election-interference claims as declassified files are reviewed
President Donald Trump has renewed his claims that China interfered in the 2020 US election, using a White House speech to argue that declassified intelligence files show serious vulnerabilities in the country's voting systems. The address, delivered in the East Room, lasted 26 minutes and centred on allegations that Beijing had carried out what he described as a major compromise of election data. The White House later published four sets of election integrity documents, which have since been reviewed in part by BBC Verify.The newly released material does not appear to contain the kind of evidence that would prove election... [Continue Reading]
Eight killed in landslide in Chongqing's Pengshui county as rescue operation continues
A landslide in Pengshui county in southwestern China's Chongqing municipality has killed eight people and left 34 missing, according to Chinese authorities. The slide buried homes in the area and forced a large rescue response as teams searched through debris on Friday. More than 1,100 residents were evacuated from the affected area.The landslide occurred at about 9:10am local time, or 01:10 GMT, in Pengshui county, which lies in the southeast of Chongqing near the borders of Hubei and Guizhou provinces. State media reported that 10 people had been rescued from the debris, including two who were seriously injured. More than... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan says raids kill 24 militants after suicide attack near Afghan border
Pakistani security forces say they killed 24 militants in intelligence-based raids in the northwest of the country after a series of attacks in Bannu, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. The military said the operations were carried out over the previous day in response to two militant attacks on Wednesday. Officials said the raids targeted members of the outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch separatist groups.According to the military, one of the attacks involved a suicide bomber who rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into police officers and civilians. Another attack saw a little-known militant group target a police station in... [Continue Reading]
Dismissal of Ukraine's defence minister highlights wider issues for Zelenskyy
Ukraine's abrupt dismissal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has triggered demonstrations in Kyiv and drawn concern from senior European officials. The move comes at a time when the government appeared to be making gains in several areas of the war with Russia. It has also revived questions about President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership style and his handling of military reform.Fedorov, who is 35, was appointed in January and had been widely associated with a more technology-driven approach to the war effort. He had pushed changes to military procurement, including competitive tendering, and sought to address corruption, manpower shortages and training problems.... [Continue Reading]
China landslide near Wujiang River traps residents as rescue operation continues
Heavy rain triggered a landslide near the Wujiang River in southwest China on Friday morning, trapping residents and damaging homes in a mountainous area. Emergency teams were still searching through rock, mud and debris after the collapse, which struck at about 9:08 a.m. local time. Authorities evacuated hundreds of residents and cordoned off the area as they assessed the risk of further collapses.At least nine people had been rescued by the time of the latest report, according to state media. Rescuers deployed more than 50 sets of search and detection equipment, while excavators cleared debris around damaged apartment blocks. Images... [Continue Reading]
China launches 29-nation AI alliance as Xi calls for global cooperation in Shanghai
China has announced a new 29-nation World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, adding a fresh diplomatic dimension to the country's push to shape global AI rules. The coalition was unveiled in connection with the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where Chinese President Xi Jinping called for countries to cooperate on artificial intelligence. He also warned against any one country dominating the technology.Xi said AI development should not be treated as the work of a single country, but as a shared international effort. He urged governments to resist stretching the idea of national security too far in the AI field, and... [Continue Reading]
UN urges probe into deaths in Pakistan-administered Kashmir unrest
The United Nations human rights chief has called for an independent investigation into deadly unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Volker Turk urged Islamabad to carry out prompt, thorough and impartial inquiries into all civilian and security force deaths linked to the violence. The appeal comes as at least 31 people have been killed since last month, with tensions rising ahead of regional elections later this month.The unrest has centred on the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, an umbrella group of traders and activists. The movement began with protests over rising food prices and utility tariffs, but the immediate dispute now... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine says it destroyed Tu-95 bomber at Russia's Engels air base
Ukraine says it has destroyed a strategic Tu-95 bomber at Russia's Engels air base, in a long-range strike that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said hit an aircraft previously used for missile attacks on Ukraine. The base is about 800 km from the Ukrainian border, according to the supplied report. Ukraine also said it struck facilities belonging to Russia's oil industry in the same operation.Zelenskyy said on social media that the military plane had been used by Russia for missile strikes on Ukraine. He said Ukrainian forces were acting "justly and proactively" and added that they were increasing the price Russia pays... [Continue Reading]
Qatar intercepts Iranian missile barrage over Doha as security alert is raised
Qatar said its air defences intercepted a fresh Iranian missile barrage over Doha on Friday, in the latest sign of widening regional tensions. Explosions were heard in the capital as the attack unfolded, according to the supplied reports. The incident prompted security alerts and a temporary rise in the threat level.The confirmed account says the missiles were intercepted over Doha and that the alert level was raised briefly before being lowered again. The reports also say a child was injured by falling shrapnel and is receiving medical care. No further casualty figures were provided in the supplied material.The attack adds... [Continue Reading]
Seven US aid workers quarantined in Kenya Ebola isolation facility after new travel restrictions
Seven American humanitarian workers who had been operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Ebola response work are now in quarantine at an isolation facility in Kenya. The group is being held at a bio-isolation unit on a Kenyan air force base after the United States introduced new travel restrictions linked to the outbreak. They are the first people known to use the facility, which was built with US backing to receive Americans potentially exposed to Ebola in Congo or Uganda.The workers are associated with Samaritan's Purse, whose president said the seven do not have symptoms of the disease.... [Continue Reading]
UK Labour Party to confirm Andy Burnham as next prime minister
The UK Labour Party is due to confirm Andy Burnham as its new leader at a special conference on Friday, setting up a change of prime minister in London. Burnham, 56, is expected to replace Keir Starmer in 10 Downing Street on Monday, according to the supplied report. The move comes after Labour's overwhelming majority in the House of Commons made the leadership transition effectively certain.Burnham is set to become the seventh UK prime minister in a decade, reflecting the unusually rapid turnover at the top of British politics in recent years. He returned to Parliament only four weeks ago... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 4,930 as missing count remains high
The confirmed death toll from the June earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 4,930, according to lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez. The United Nations estimates that as many as 50,000 people may still be missing, with many feared buried under rubble. The disaster, which struck almost a month ago, has left tens of thousands of people dead, wounded, displaced or still unaccounted for.Nearly 17,000 people are wounded, and 21,120 are living in shelters, according to the figures cited in the latest update. Venezuelan teams have been operating since the earthquakes struck, but displaced residents say the response has been slow. International rescue... [Continue Reading]
BIMSTEC security chiefs agree on joint action against terror and maritime threats in New Delhi
Security chiefs from BIMSTEC member states met in New Delhi on Thursday and agreed to deepen coordination on terrorism, organised crime and maritime security. The meeting was hosted by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and brought together national security advisers and heads of delegations from the regional grouping. The discussions also covered cyber, energy and disaster-management cooperation, according to an official statement.The meeting endorsed new guiding principles for maritime law enforcement interactions at sea. It also adopted guidelines for the maritime component of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, which officials said are intended to help member states carry out... [Continue Reading]
Ilhan Omar renews push for US to join ICC amid Trump pressure
United States Representative Ilhan Omar has introduced a resolution calling on the United States to join the International Criminal Court, in a direct challenge to the Trump administration's approach to the tribunal. The move was announced on Wednesday and comes days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to "dismantle" the court. The resolution also seeks to press the administration to lift sanctions and visa restrictions imposed on ICC officials.According to the supporting material, Omar's proposal would require the United States to ratify the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court. She said joining the ICC would strengthen the... [Continue Reading]
Vance accuses Israeli officials of trying to sway US opinion against Iran deal
US Vice-President JD Vance has sharpened his criticism of some members of the Israeli government, accusing them of trying to influence American opinion to keep the war with Iran going. In an interview published on Wednesday, he told conservative podcaster Joe Rogan that he trusted some people in the Israeli government, but said others were "manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely". He said there was a "very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign" aimed at derailing negotiations and the agreement with Iran.Vance said the effort was designed to pull the United States away... [Continue Reading]
Palestinians injured in separate settler attacks across the West Bank
Several Palestinians have been injured in a series of separate attacks across the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The incidents were reported on Thursday in Bani Naim, east of Hebron, Abu Njeim, southeast of Bethlehem, and Khirbet Emneizal in the South Hebron Hills. The reports also said more than 30 people were arrested across the occupied territory on the same day.Wafa said a 16-year-old Palestinian boy was shot in the chest by Israeli forces in Bani Naim and taken to hospital, where he is in stable condition. In Abu Njeim, settlers beat a 30-year-old man... [Continue Reading]
Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Italy over Moro extradition dispute
Nicaragua has severed diplomatic relations with Italy after a renewed dispute over the extradition of Alessio Casimirri, a man convicted in the 1978 kidnapping and murder of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro. Nicaragua's Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Thursday, saying the rupture was a response to comments made by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The move marks a sharp escalation in a long-running disagreement between the two countries over Casimirri's status.Tajani had criticised Nicaragua for harbouring Casimirri and granting him citizenship. Speaking at a summit of the European People's Party in Madrid, he said Italy had nothing in... [Continue Reading]
Syria says it seized weapons shipment it claims was bound for Hezbollah via Iraq border
Syrian authorities say they intercepted a shipment of missiles, rockets and drones at the border with Iraq, claiming it was being moved through Syrian territory for Hezbollah in Lebanon. The seizure was announced on Thursday after customs officers searched an oil tanker-truck at the al-Tanf border crossing. Officials said the vehicle was heading towards the Syrian coastal city of Baniyas when it was stopped.Syria's General Authority of Ports and Customs said the weapons were hidden inside one of the tanker-trucks and were found during routine inspection procedures. According to preliminary investigations cited by the Interior Ministry, the shipment was intended... [Continue Reading]
China overtakes United States in global favourability for first time, Pew survey finds
A new Pew Research Center survey has found that China is now viewed more favourably than the United States across the countries and territories surveyed, marking a reversal in a long-running pattern. The findings were released on Wednesday and are based on interviews with more than 42,000 people in 36 countries between February and May. The result suggests a notable shift in global public opinion at a time of strained perceptions of Washington and improving views of Beijing.The survey found a median of 51% of respondents held a favourable view of China, compared with 39% who held an unfavourable view.... [Continue Reading]
DR Congo Ebola outbreak spreads faster than any previous outbreak, WHO says
The World Health Organization has warned that Ebola is spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo faster than in any previous outbreak, as the country's case count continues to rise. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more than 2,000 confirmed cases have now been recorded, along with 796 deaths. He said the outbreak reached that level in less than two months, making it the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.The latest figures cited on Thursday put the total at 2,073 confirmed infections, after 62 new cases were reported. WHO said the true tally could be at least double the official... [Continue Reading]
Iran says US strike near children's cancer hospital in Ahvaz forced evacuation of 211 patients
Iran has accused the United States of carrying out a strike near a children's cancer hospital in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, saying the blast was close enough to force an emergency evacuation. Iranian officials said 211 patients undergoing chemotherapy were moved from Shahid Baghaei Specialised Hospital after the attack. A doctor at the treatment centre said the explosion was intense and so close that staff initially thought the hospital itself had been hit.Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the attack as a barbaric act and called it a cowardly war crime. In a post on X, he said... [Continue Reading]
EU commissioner urges member states to cut visas for Russian citizens
The European Union's internal affairs commissioner has urged member states to reduce the number of visas issued to Russian citizens, saying current levels are incompatible with support for Ukraine. Magnus Brunner made the remarks during an informal meeting of EU justice and home affairs ministers in Dublin on Thursday. He said the bloc needed to do more to bring down visa numbers, which he described as still too high.Brunner said member states were being asked to reduce the number of visas they issue to Russian citizens. He noted that the figure was down from around four million visas a year... [Continue Reading]
Former motorway boss sentenced to 12 years over Genoa bridge collapse
An Italian court has sentenced Giovanni Castellucci, the former chief executive of Autostrade per l'Italia, to 12 years in prison over the 2018 Morandi Bridge collapse in Genoa. The ruling came in a packed courtroom in the north-western city, where relatives of victims, lawyers, journalists and members of the public gathered to hear the verdicts. The case concerns one of the deadliest infrastructure disasters in modern Italian history, in which 43 people were killed.Castellucci received the longest sentence in the case and was convicted of complicity in multiple counts of manslaughter through negligence. In total, 32 people were convicted and... [Continue Reading]
United States to impose 25% tariffs on thousands of Brazilian imports from July 22
The United States is set to impose 25% duties on thousands of Brazilian imports, with the measures due to take effect on 22 July. The new tariffs cover a wide range of goods, including sugar, apparel, paper and steel. They were announced as Washington moves ahead with a revised trade strategy under Section 301 of US trade law.The announcement was made late on Wednesday by the US trade representative. Section 301 allows the United States to investigate what it considers unfair trade practices and then impose levies in response. The tariffs were proposed last month and are now moving toward... [Continue Reading]
Report says Trump promoted companies after buying their stocks, raising conflict questions
A report has raised fresh questions about possible conflicts of interest involving US President Donald Trump and companies whose shares were bought by his investment portfolio. According to the investigation, Trump later promoted some of those firms on Truth Social, including Nvidia, after his portfolio had already acquired stakes in them. The report said the pattern has prompted scrutiny over whether his public comments and policy actions could have benefited holdings in his portfolio.The investigation said Trump posted on 15 April 2025 that Nvidia had committed $500 billion to build AI supercomputers in the United States and that permits would... [Continue Reading]
Seven drones spotted near Switzerland's GΓΆsgen nuclear power plant, police say
At least seven drones were seen near Switzerland's GΓΆsgen nuclear power plant on Tuesday evening, prompting a police response after a resident reported the activity. The sighting took place around 10.30pm local time, according to the supplied report. Plant safety was not compromised, and the communications head at the facility said the threat posed by the drones was negligible.The incident took place inside an area where a no-fly zone is normally in force around the nuclear plant. That detail has added to concern because the site is part of Switzerland's critical infrastructure and any unauthorised aerial activity near it is... [Continue Reading]
Uganda discharges last Ebola patient and begins 42-day countdown to outbreak end
Uganda has discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient from an isolation centre at Mulago national referral hospital in Kampala, marking a key step in the country's response to the outbreak. The discharge on Thursday triggered a 42-day countdown before the outbreak can be officially declared over, provided no new infections are detected. Officials say the move also strengthens their case for countries to lift travel restrictions linked to the outbreak.The patient discharged was a Congolese national, according to the information provided by the health ministry. Uganda's health minister, Chris Baryomunsi, said the country was still not Ebola-free and that it... [Continue Reading]
Protests spread across Ukraine as parliament prepares to vote on wartime government
Hundreds of people have protested in central Kyiv after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, with demonstrations also reported in Lviv, Odesa and Dnipro. Crowds gathered near the Ivan Franko National Theatre, close to the presidential office, and called on Zelenskyy to reverse the decision. The protests came as Ukraine's parliament prepared to vote on a new wartime government later on Thursday.Local reports said demonstrators in Kyiv chanted "Shame!" and carried placards reading "The Russians are celebrating". The dismissal is part of a wider government overhaul that also saw Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko leave office. Lawmakers were expected... [Continue Reading]
Kyiv hit again as Russian missile strike kills at least two
Russian ballistic missiles struck multiple areas of Kyiv overnight into Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring five others, including a child, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. The attack hit the Sviatoshynskyi and Darnytskyi districts of the capital and triggered large fires at a warehouse and an administrative building. Emergency crews were still working at the scene as firefighters battled the blaze and search teams checked damaged structures for survivors.Officials said falling debris also damaged nearby properties, adding to the disruption across the affected districts. The strike came just hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen... [Continue Reading]
New Zealand downgrades tsunami warning after South Island earthquake
New Zealand has downgraded a tsunami warning to a national advisory after a strong earthquake struck near Te Anau in the South Island's Fiordland region. The quake initially prompted coastal safety measures for parts of the west coast, including areas from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point. Officials said the change followed a revision of the earthquake's magnitude to 5.9.The National Emergency Management Agency said the event was first assessed at magnitude 6.3 before being revised down. The agency said the quake occurred near Fiordland at 9:14 pm local time and that the advisory reflected a downgrade from warning status. The... [Continue Reading]
Eleven die in fire at foster care facility in Algiers
A fire at a foster care facility in Algiers has killed 11 people and injured 19 others, according to Algeria's civil protection department. Firefighters were still working to extinguish the blaze early on Thursday morning, with emergency crews reporting that the fire was still active at 06:50 local time. The incident took place in Algeria's capital, where authorities said five people with special needs were moved to a safe location.The civil protection department said the ages of those killed and injured were not specified. Algerian state media reported that Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited two hospitals in Algiers to see... [Continue Reading]
Bangladesh tribunal says bodies of July 2024 uprising victims were dumped in river near Dhaka
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal says investigators have found evidence that the bodies of many people killed during the July 2024 uprising were dumped into a river near Dhaka. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam made the claim after visiting the Martyred Intellectuals' Memorial at Rayerbazar, where he also said some unidentified bodies were buried. The remarks add a new layer to the accountability process surrounding the unrest that shook the country last year.Islam said several hospitals did not follow rules requiring the registration of bodies and instead disposed of them as unclaimed remains. He added that in some cases families were allowed... [Continue Reading]
US disables tanker in Arabian Gulf during Iran blockade enforcement
The United States said its forces disabled a Curacao-flagged oil tanker in the Arabian Gulf after the vessel ignored repeated warnings and continued toward an Iranian port. According to US Central Command, the unladen M/T Belma was transiting international waters toward Kharg Island when it was stopped. The vessel was hit after a US aircraft fired Hellfire missiles into its smokestack, CENTCOM said.CENTCOM said the tanker had attempted to violate what it described as a US blockade. In a statement posted on social media, the command said the ship was no longer transiting to Iran after the strike. It also... [Continue Reading]
Reform UK calls for round-the-clock protection for MPs after alleged targeted killing of Ann Widdecombe
Reform UK has called for all 650 members of parliament to receive round-the-clock protection if the party wins the next general election, following the alleged murder of its prominent figure Ann Widdecombe. The party said the former Conservative minister was found dead in her home last week, and counterterrorism police now believe the killing was a targeted attack. The announcement has added to concern about the safety of elected politicians in Britain.At a news conference, Reform's home affairs policy chief Zia Yusuf said lawmakers needed better security provision and accused other politicians and the media of fuelling hostility towards the... [Continue Reading]
Russian ballistic missiles strike Kyiv, with drone attacks reported in Kharkiv
Explosions were reported in Kyiv shortly after midnight local time after Ukraine's air force warned of several incoming ballistic missiles. An AFP journalist described bright flashes over the capital followed by a series of detonations. At the same time, Kharkiv, the main city in northeast Ukraine, was reported to have been hit by combat drones.Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a warehouse was hit and that missile debris fell on non-residential buildings. The reports did not immediately give details of casualties or the full extent of the damage. The strikes came a few hours after European Commission President Ursula von der... [Continue Reading]
Mexico rejects US DEA chief's claim of cartel links to government
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected remarks by the head of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration that suggested Mexico's government is aligned with criminal cartels. Speaking at her daily news conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said the comments were baseless and sounded more like a political statement than one supported by evidence. The dispute adds to an already tense debate over how the two countries should cooperate on drugs and security.The comments came after DEA Administrator Terry Cole said on Tuesday that the Mexican government and cartel networks were "one and the same". Mexico's government responded that the remarks did... [Continue Reading]
Malta court hears testimony naming former officials in Caruana Galizia murder plot
A court in Valletta has heard testimony alleging that two former Maltese political figures were involved in the plot to kill journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The claims were made during the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of ordering the 2017 car-bomb assassination. The hearing also featured evidence from George and Alfred Degiorgio, the brothers who confessed to planting the bomb and are serving 40-year sentences.Alfred Degiorgio was first to testify after being brought from prison to court. He told the jury that former economy minister Chris Cardona, lawyer David Gatt and former chief of staff Keith Schembri... [Continue Reading]
Burnham does not rule out wealth tax as he prepares to become prime minister
Andy Burnham has not ruled out a wealth tax, saying his incoming government may at some point need to ask for "a little more" in tax. The Labour MP, who is due to become prime minister on Monday, made the comments in an interview with former footballer and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker. He said he wanted first to review the state of the public finances and focus on "bringing people together" rather than creating "new divisions".Burnham said he was not prepared to rule anything out immediately, adding that decisions on tax would be difficult and would come... [Continue Reading]
World leaders arrive in Doha for mourning of Qatar's former emir
World leaders continued to arrive in Doha on Wednesday as Qatar observed the third day of national mourning for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The former emir, who ruled from 1995 to 2013, died on Sunday at the age of 74. The visits have turned the capital into a focal point for diplomatic condolences, with senior figures from Europe, the Middle East and Africa paying respects to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.Among those expected in Doha is Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whose visit comes as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high after renewed military exchanges... [Continue Reading]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMPβS WASHINGTON AGREEMENT
A catastrophic military escalation in Southern Lebanon has successfully disrupted the highest levels of global diplomacy. Just days after the signing of the United States and Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an armoured battlefield clash on the strategic heights of Ali al-Taher has effectively frozen implementation talks scheduled to begin today in Switzerland. The crisis provides an alarming look at how kinetic actions on the ground can instantly sabotage geopolitical blueprints designed in Washington. The Official Statement from Hezbollah Following the midnight clashes, the media wing of Hezbollah issued a formal, comprehensive statement outlining their strategic justification and rejecting accusations... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind Americaβs War Narrative
βWhen fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.β A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
The Glass Elevator to Nowhere: A World Trapped in a Chocolate Factory
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trumpβs 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [Continue Reading]





