Israeli air strike kills two Hamas security officials in Gaza's Deir al-Balah
An Israeli air strike has killed two Hamas security officials in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, according to the group's interior ministry. Among those killed was Colonel Wael Musa al-Ladawi, who the ministry said headed Hamas's internal security service in central Gaza. The second man killed was named as Ramez Tawfiq Abu Zureiq.The strike hit the car the two men were travelling in on Sunday, the ministry said. Footage posted online showed a charred vehicle in the middle of the road, with smoke obscuring the scene. The bodies of both men were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, according... [Continue Reading]
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US-Iran hostilities pause as Washington weighs wider escalation
The pause in US airstrikes on Iran has continued after nearly two weeks of nightly bombardments, according to the supplied report. The development comes as President Donald Trump has halted a proposal to escalate military operations further, amid concerns about dwindling air-defence stocks and the risk of a broader regional war. The conflict has also continued to affect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping pressure on one of the world's most sensitive energy routes.The report says the US military has paused strikes on Tehran for the first time in nearly two weeks, while diplomatic efforts are being pushed forward... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: US pauses Iran strikes as Congo Ebola deaths rise and wildfires rage in Europe
The US did not carry out air strikes on Iran overnight, after nearly two weeks of nightly bombardments, as reports said Washington is running low on interceptor stockpiles. The pause came amid wider concern over the pace and cost of the campaign. đź”—Separately, the Pentagon is facing accusations that it has hidden or downplayed US troop casualties in the Iran war, after reported deaths rose to 18 and injuries to 81. The claims add to pressure on the administration as the conflict intensifies. đź”—In the Middle East, Israeli forces said they detained more than 70 suspects in the occupied West... [Continue Reading]
Iran government and state TV clash over coverage as US talks are discussed
Iran's government has accused the state broadcaster IRIB of censorship after it omitted part of President Masoud Pezeshkian's remarks about negotiations with the United States. The dispute has opened a public rift between two key state institutions at a time when mediators are trying to encourage diplomacy between Tehran and Washington. It also comes against the backdrop of the aftermath of last year's 12-day war with Israel, which Pezeshkian referenced in his speech.The Government Information Council said on Friday that IRIB had cut the section of the president's comments in which he described how talks with Washington had been approved.... [Continue Reading]
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Iran and US ease slightly amid Strait of Hormuz dispute and ongoing talks
Iran has accused the United States of trying to force open a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the move would bypass Iranian authorities and breach the interim peace deal between the two countries. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the memorandum of understanding signed in June gives Tehran the right to set transit routes and mechanisms for the strategic waterway. He also said Washington should have consulted Tehran about any new route, while both sides have confirmed that direct communication remains open.The latest comments came as Iran reported no new US strikes overnight into Saturday for the first... [Continue Reading]
US small businesses sue over new Trump tariffs as duties take effect
Two small United States businesses have filed a lawsuit seeking to block President Donald Trump's latest tariffs, which took effect on Friday and include a 12.5% levy on Australian imports. The case was lodged in the US Court of International Trade and is being handled by Liberty Justice Center, a nonprofit legal group that previously challenged an earlier round of Trump tariffs. The plaintiffs are spice importer Burlap & Barrel and watch seller Collective Horology.The complaint argues that the administration's trade findings were predetermined and that the new tariff regime is unlawful. It says officials had already signalled they would... [Continue Reading]
UN envoy warns Houthi Red Sea attacks could drag Yemen back into war
The United Nations envoy for Yemen has warned that renewed Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping risk pushing the country back toward full-scale war. Hans Grundberg said he was alarmed by the resumption of attacks by the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, on commercial vessels and urged talks to resolve Yemen's crisis. He said escalatory actions could deepen the suffering of the Yemeni people and pull Yemen further into an already volatile regional environment.Grundberg said it was still possible to change course and move toward negotiations that address Yemen's political, economic and security challenges. He added that a negotiated... [Continue Reading]
US-Iran conflict deepens as Rubio says Tehran is not serious about ceasefire deal
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran was not serious about a ceasefire deal and warned that Tehran would pay a heavy price as tensions with Washington continued. He made the remarks during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Philippines, where he was asked about Iranian officials' recent rhetoric. Rubio said the price for Iran would keep rising and accused Tehran of trying to alter agreements after entering them.Rubio also responded directly to comments from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who had described Tehran's defence posture as an "eye for an eye" approach. In reply, Rubio said... [Continue Reading]
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Five killed in checkpoint attack in southern Thailand as authorities call it terrorism
Five paramilitary rangers were killed and six civilians injured in an armed attack on a checkpoint in Narathiwat province in southern Thailand, according to the military's Internal Security Operations Command Region 4. The assault took place on Wednesday and involved about 10 people dressed in black who arrived in a pickup truck and on motorcycles. Authorities said the attackers used military-grade firearms and pipe bombs before fleeing the scene.The injured included two children, a three-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, the statement said. After the attack, the assailants escaped with three AK-47 rifles, three bulletproof vests and several mobile phones... [Continue Reading]
Rubio and Lavrov meet in Manila as Ukraine war talks continue
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Manila on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting, with the war in Ukraine at the centre of their discussions. The meeting took place on Thursday and lasted just over half an hour, according to Russian media reports cited in the supplied material. It came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had spoken with US envoys in an effort to revive stalled talks aimed at ending the conflict.Russia's foreign ministry said Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow's readiness for a political and diplomatic settlement... [Continue Reading]
EU agrees 21st Russia sanctions package after Greece secures LNG exemption
EU ambassadors have reached a political agreement on the bloc's 21st sanctions package against Russia, ending weeks of delay over the latest round of measures linked to the war in Ukraine. The deal was reached on Thursday after member states overcame objections to several parts of the package. It now moves to technical completion and a written procedure for adoption.The package targets energy, financial services, crypto and trade, according to officials cited in the supplied material. It also includes a 12-month freeze on the Russian oil price cap adjustment, which had been due to rise automatically. Greece secured a one-year... [Continue Reading]
US says interim trade deal with India is almost complete after Manila meeting
The United States and India said an interim trade deal is close to completion after a meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Manila. The talks took place on the sidelines of ASEAN and East Asia meetings, bringing the two ministers together as both sides continue work on a broader strategic agenda.Officials said the discussion also covered defence, energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence. US officials said the interim trade deal is "almost complete", while the State Department said the ministers discussed recent developments in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. A spokesperson... [Continue Reading]
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Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya gives first televised address after selection
Khalil al-Hayya, newly chosen as head of Hamas's political bureau, has delivered his first televised address since taking the post. In the speech, broadcast on Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV, he pledged to rebuild Gaza, ease the suffering of its people and work toward the release of political prisoners held in Israel. He also called for an immediate end to what he described as Israeli aggression in Gaza.Al-Hayya was selected by the General Shura Council on Monday, according to the supplied material, after a run-off vote in which he was chosen ahead of former political chief Khaled Meshaal. He replaced Yahya Sinwar,... [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]
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]
Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 12, including family of six, as ceasefire efforts stall
Gaza's civil defence agency says Israeli strikes killed 12 people on Tuesday, including six members of the Al-Masri family in central Gaza City. The latest deaths were reported despite a fragile ceasefire that remains in place between Israel and Hamas, and amid stalled efforts to secure a lasting agreement to end the war. Witnesses and rescue workers said one strike hit a house belonging to the Al-Masri family in the north of Gaza City, leaving the building badly damaged and setting it on fire.According to the civil defence agency, the family members killed included four children, and Al-Shifa hospital said... [Continue Reading]
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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]
Lebanese residents return to pilot-zone villages in south as dispute over occupation continues
Dozens of displaced residents have begun returning to villages in southern Lebanon under the first phase of a US-brokered pilot-zone plan, even as local people and Lebanese security sources dispute whether the areas were ever occupied by Israeli forces. The villages named in the latest development include Froun and Ghandouriyeh, where residents started to go back on Monday after being forced out by Israeli bombardment. The move comes as the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel begins to be tested on the ground.The United States said Froun is part of the first phase of the pilot-zone plan, while Ghandouriyeh is... [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-Noël 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]
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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]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMP’S 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 America’s War Narrative
“When 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.” 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]
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GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
The Proving Ground, When “Decent” Reporting Meets High-Tech Warfare
For two decades I have watched wars unfold not only on battlefields, but on screens. Today’s incident over Kuwait, involving the downing of a U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle, is not just another headline in the Iran conflict. It may be a signal that something larger is unfolding behind the noise. Iranian state outlets rapidly circulated imagery of an ejected pilot. Washington responded cautiously. But beneath the spectacle lies a deeper question, whose technology was truly being tested? The Gulf as a live-fire laboratory For years, China has refined export-ready variants of its air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9 family and... [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]



