U.S. Vice President JD Vancesaid President Donald Trump has a range of options available if Iran resumes activities related to its nuclear program, threatens its neighbors, or supports militant groups, according to remarks reported by Al Jazeera on Wednesday.

Vance said Trump would be prepared to respond to any actions by Iran that the United States considers destabilizing. Speaking about Washington’s approach, he said the administration has several courses of action available should Tehran escalate tensions in the region.

According to Al Jazeera, Vance also claimed the United States had carried out airstrikes against Iran after attacks on commercial shipping and had helped ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes. He did not provide further details about the operations or specify when they took place.

Vance added that a U.S. delegation was holding indirect talks with Iranian officials in Doha, Qatar, to discuss details related to maritime transit and navigation. Neither U.S. nor Iranian authorities have publicly released further information about the reported discussions.

The latest comments come amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear activities, regional security, and maritime navigation in the Gulf. The United States has long accused Iran of pursuing activities that could enable it to develop nuclear weapons, while Tehran has rejected those allegations.

Iran has consistently denied seeking to build a nuclear weapon, maintaining that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes, including energy production and scientific research. Iranian officials have repeatedly said the country’s nuclear activities comply with its stated peaceful objectives.

Tensions between the two countries have remained high in recent years over Iran’s uranium enrichment program, sanctions, regional proxy conflicts, and security in key shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes, has frequently been at the center of disputes involving Iran, the United States, and other regional and international actors.

The United States and Iran have held intermittent indirect negotiations through mediators in an effort to reduce tensions and address disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security. However, major differences remain unresolved, and both sides continue to exchange accusations over military activities and regional influence.

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U.S. President Donald Trump reported earning at least $2.2 billion in 2025, driven largely by cryptocurrency ventures, real estate and overseas licensing deals, according to his annual mandatory financial disclosure filed with U.S. authorities.

The disclosure showed Trump’s reported income rose sharply from about $622 million in 2024, with cryptocurrency accounting for the largest share. The filing revealed that his personal wealth expanded significantly after returning to the White House earlier this year.

According to the disclosure, Trump earned more than $600 million from sales of the $TRUMP meme coin and roughly $500 million through tokens issued by World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture associated with Trump and his sons. The report also showed substantial revenues from golf resorts and international branding agreements.

The filing said overseas licensing deals in countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar generated more than $69 million, while Trump’s golf clubs in the United States produced nearly $200 million in revenue. The disclosure also indicated that the value of his investment portfolio exceeded $850 million, while some outstanding liabilities declined.

The financial disclosure has renewed scrutiny from ethics experts and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that Trump’s expanding business interests, particularly in digital assets, could create conflicts of interest because his administration is responsible for shaping U.S. cryptocurrency policy and financial regulation.

The White House has repeatedly rejected allegations of ethical violations, saying Trump’s assets are disclosed under federal law and that his administration acts in the public interest. However, watchdog groups have continued to call for stronger safeguards and greater transparency regarding the financial interests of senior government officials.

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Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, was engulfed in an unusual deep red and orange glow at sunset following the country’s devastating earthquakes, as experts linked the phenomenon to massive amounts of dust released by collapsed buildings and debris.

Local media reported that the rare atmospheric event occurred days after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, with residents describing the sky as “apocalyptic.” Scientists said suspended dust particles scattered sunlight during sunset, intensifying red and orange wavelengths and creating the striking visual effect.

Meteorologists said similar phenomena can occur after major natural disasters when large quantities of dust and fine particles remain suspended in the atmosphere, altering the way sunlight is refracted during sunrise and sunset.

The dramatic skies followed one of Venezuela’s deadliest natural disasters in decades. Authorities have reported hundreds of aftershocks since the twin earthquakes, although most have caused little additional damage.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude and occurring just 39 seconds apart, struck Venezuela last week, killing more than 1,700 people, injuring thousands and destroying homes, roads and public infrastructure. Rescue teams from dozens of countries continue search and recovery operations as thousands of displaced families remain in temporary shelters.

The United States Geological Survey has warned there remains a 44% probability that the final death toll could exceed 10,000 because many communities remain inaccessible and rescue operations are ongoing. International humanitarian agencies have also cautioned that damaged infrastructure, aftershocks and shortages of essential supplies continue to complicate relief efforts across the affected regions.

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Around 50 people are killed or injured every month in Afghanistan by unexploded ordnance left behind after decades of conflict, with children accounting for nearly 80% of the victims, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Afghans should be able to live safely without the constant threat posed by hidden explosive remnants of war, warning that reduced international funding has sharply scaled back mine-clearance operations across the country.

According to OCHA, demining and explosive ordnance disposal programs remain one of the most effective life-saving humanitarian activities in Afghanistan, but recent funding cuts have significantly reduced their capacity at a time when contamination continues to endanger civilians.

The agency said about 3.3 million people live near areas contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance, leaving communities exposed to daily risks while limiting access to farmland, schools, roads and other essential services.

Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most heavily contaminated countries with explosive remnants of war, a legacy of more than four decades of armed conflict involving the former Soviet occupation, civil war, international military operations and continued fighting.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that declining donor funding, combined with the return of hundreds of thousands of Afghans from neighboring countries, is increasing pressure on already vulnerable communities. U.N. agencies say sustained financial support is critical to expand mine-clearance operations and prevent further civilian casualties, particularly among children.

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Iran’s acting defense minister said on Wednesday that the country’s missile and drone programs are “non-negotiable,” describing them as a red line as indirect diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington continue over Iran’s nuclear program.

According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, acting Defense Minister Seyed Majid Ebnolreza said Iran would continue expanding its missile and drone capabilities, insisting that the country’s defense programs would not be included in any negotiations with the United States.

His remarks come as Washington and Tehran continue indirect contacts through Qatari mediators following recent military confrontation between Iran, the United States and Israel. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has traveled to Doha for consultations with Qatari officials, while Iranian representatives have maintained that discussions remain limited to the nuclear issue.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said this week Washington seeks a permanent agreement that includes strict inspections and the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program, while U.S. officials have also stressed the need for verifiable commitments preventing Tehran from restoring sensitive nuclear activities.

Iranian officials, however, have repeatedly rejected any negotiations over the country’s ballistic missile or drone capabilities, arguing that the programs are defensive and essential to national security. Tehran maintains that only its nuclear activities are subject to diplomatic discussions.

Israel has consistently argued that any future agreement with Iran should address not only Tehran’s nuclear program but also its expanding missile arsenal and regional military activities. Israeli leaders say Iran’s missile capabilities pose a direct security threat to Israel and neighboring countries.

The dispute over Iran’s missile program remains one of the main obstacles to a broader agreement between Tehran and Washington. While indirect diplomacy has resumed through regional mediators, both sides continue to hold sharply different positions over the scope of any future deal and the security issues that should be included.

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Technical-level negotiations between the United States and Iran have begun in Doha, Qatar, with expert working groups discussing Tehran’s nuclear program and the possible release of frozen Iranian assets, according to sources cited by Al Jazeera on Wednesday.

The report said at least three technical working groups are participating in the discussions, but no face-to-face meeting between senior Iranian and U.S. officials has been scheduled. Iranian officials have previously maintained that contacts in Doha are being conducted through Qatari mediators rather than through direct negotiations.

The latest talks follow renewed diplomatic efforts after a temporary understanding reached in June, with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other American officials engaging Qatari mediators to explore steps toward a broader agreement.

Despite the renewed dialogue, major differences remain unresolved. U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently said Washington seeks a permanent agreement that would dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and establish strict, long-term international inspections, while Iran insists its civilian nuclear activities are non-negotiable.

Iran has also rejected negotiations over its missile and drone programs. Acting Defense Minister Seyed Majid Ebnolreza this week described the country’s missile and drone capabilities as a “red line” and vowed they would continue to expand, arguing they are essential for national defense.

Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran resumed after months of heightened tensions, including U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and subsequent exchanges of fire that raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Qatar has continued to play a central mediating role, while regional and Western governments have urged both sides to pursue a diplomatic solution to prevent further escalation.

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Afghanistan is among the world’s most neglected humanitarian crises this year, with funding falling sharply despite rising needs driven by mass refugee returns and worsening economic hardship, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said on Wednesday.

In its annual report on neglected displacement crises, the NRC said Afghanistan appeared on the list for the first time, warning that the country is receiving far less humanitarian funding than required despite millions of people remaining dependent on emergency assistance.

Jan Egeland said the decline in humanitarian funding comes as 21.9 million people require assistance and millions of Afghans continue returning from neighboring countries. He urged donors to respond before “millions more are pushed into hunger and despair.”

The NRC said the sharp reduction in funding has been driven largely by the end of U.S. humanitarian support, leaving aid agencies struggling to maintain food assistance, healthcare, shelter and other essential services across Afghanistan.

The warning comes as Afghanistan faces mounting pressure from the large-scale return of Afghan migrants deported or repatriated from Iran and Pakistan. Aid agencies say the influx is stretching already limited resources and increasing demand for housing, healthcare, employment and humanitarian assistance.

The World Bank has also warned that the return of millions of Afghans has intensified economic pressures, contributing to declining per-capita income, rising unemployment and growing strain on public services. The bank says weak private investment and limited international financing continue to constrain Afghanistan’s recovery.

The United Nations has repeatedly described Afghanistan as one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies. U.N. agencies have warned that persistent funding shortages are forcing aid organizations to scale back life-saving programs at a time when poverty, food insecurity and climate-related challenges continue to affect millions across the country.

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The United States is seeking a nuclear agreement with Iran that includes permanent commitments and strict international inspections to ensure Tehran’s nuclear program is fully dismantled, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said.

Vance said Washington wants any future agreement to be based on permanent monitoring and rigorous verification, adding that the objective is to ensure Iran’s nuclear program is completely halted and dismantled inside the country.

His comments came as indirect diplomacy between Washington and Tehran continued. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Doha for talks with Qatari mediators aimed at discussing implementation of the temporary understanding reached in June.

Qatar said the U.S. delegation was meeting mediators, but no direct talks between American and Iranian officials had been scheduled. Iran has separately confirmed that a technical delegation is in Doha to follow up on issues related to the interim agreement.

The dispute continues to center on Iran’s nuclear activities and the scope of international oversight. While the United States insists on permanent inspections and guarantees that Iran cannot revive its nuclear program, Tehran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear activities are peaceful and that any agreement must respect its sovereignty and sanctions relief demands.

The latest diplomatic efforts follow weeks of heightened regional tensions after exchanges of military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran raised fears of a wider conflict. A Qatari-mediated ceasefire helped reduce immediate tensions, creating space for renewed diplomatic engagement.

Western governments have long argued that a durable agreement must include robust verification measures to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iranian officials reject that accusation, insisting the country’s nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes while calling for the removal of international sanctions as part of any lasting settlement.

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Saudi Arabia ranked highest among the Group of 20 economies for residents’ sense of personal safety in 2025, according to new figures released by the General Authority for Statistics using data from the United Nations.

The statistics, published on Tuesday, showed that 97.7% of people living in Saudi Arabia said they felt safe walking alone in their neighborhoods at night. The report also found that 94.9% of women, 97% of Saudi citizens and 97.2% of people aged 60 to 64 reported feeling secure during nighttime travel in residential areas.

Saudi authorities said the results reflect continued investment in public safety and quality-of-life initiatives under the country’s Saudi Vision 2030. The reform program aims to diversify the economy while improving public services, urban development, healthcare, cybersecurity and social well-being.

The General Authority for Statistics said the survey was compiled using internationally recognized statistical methods consistent with U.N. standards, allowing comparisons across countries through the Sustainable Development Goals framework.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in policing, smart-city technology and public infrastructure in recent years as part of broader reforms designed to attract foreign investment, tourism and international business. Authorities say improving public safety remains a central objective of those efforts.

The kingdom has also expanded cultural and entertainment programs since launching Vision 2030, easing restrictions on public events and opening new venues across the country. In a separate report released alongside the safety data, the statistics authority said 75.3% of the population attended at least one cultural event during 2025, highlighting growing public participation in cultural activities.

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A Czech opposition party has announced plans to ask parliament to support revoking the country’s highest state decoration awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing allegations over the naming of some Ukrainian military units.

According to Russian state news agency TASS on Tuesday, June 30, the proposal was submitted by the opposition Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD). The party said the initiative would first be discussed by parliamentary leaders before being referred to the lower house.

Lawmaker Jindřich Rajchl, who backed the proposal, claimed Zelenskyy should not retain the Order of the White Lion, the Czech Republic’s highest state honor, alleging that Ukraine had named military units after figures linked to the Nazi era. Under Czech law, however, only the country’s president has the authority to revoke state decorations.

Zelenskyy received the Order of the White Lion in 2022 from then-President Miloš Zeman in recognition of Ukraine’s resistance following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Prague has remained one of Kyiv’s strongest European supporters, providing military, humanitarian and political assistance since the war began.

The proposal comes as Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging long-range drone and missile attacks, with both sides reporting damage to infrastructure and civilian casualties in recent weeks. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled despite repeated international calls for negotiations.

Ukraine and its Western allies have consistently rejected Russian accusations that Kyiv promotes Nazi ideology, describing such claims as disinformation used by Moscow to justify its invasion. Russia has repeatedly cited the “denazification” of Ukraine as one of the objectives of what it calls its “special military operation,” a justification rejected by Ukraine, the United Nations and most Western governments.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed support for what he described as the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, as tensions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan continue to escalate over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

According to Al Jazeera on Wednesday, July 1, Netanyahu said the proposal remains part of Israel’s policy and also discussed the possibility of expanding Jewish settlements in Gaza. He has previously argued there is “no room for two states” between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.

Israel has promoted proposals for the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents since the war began following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack. Israeli officials say any movement would be voluntary, while Palestinians and many international governments reject the idea, arguing that Gaza’s population should not be displaced from their homeland.

The proposal has drawn widespread international criticism, with the United Nations and human rights organizations warning that any forced or coerced displacement of civilians from occupied territory would violate international law. Several governments have also reiterated support for a negotiated two-state solution as the only path toward lasting peace.

Netanyahu’s latest remarks come as his public confrontation with Erdoğan has intensified in recent weeks. Erdoğan has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and urged stronger international action, while Netanyahu has responded by accusing the Turkish leader of threatening Israel and defending Israel’s right to protect its security. Analysts say the increasingly hostile rhetoric reflects both deep disagreements over the Gaza conflict and broader regional rivalry between the two countries.

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At least 14 schoolchildren were killed and eight others injured after part of a school building under construction collapsed in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, police said on Tuesday, adding that two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police said rescue teams continued searching the rubble after reports that more children could still be trapped. Authorities identified the suspects as the owner of the educational centre and another individual linked to the construction project.

Initial investigations indicate that the second-floor roof, which was still under construction, collapsed because of poor building quality. Officials said the school had been operating in an older structure while construction work was ongoing.

Building collapses are a recurring problem in Pakistan, where weak enforcement of construction standards, poor-quality materials and rapid urban development have contributed to deadly accidents. Safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter oversight of schools and public buildings.

Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a thorough investigation. They said stronger safety measures and enforcement of construction regulations were needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has described the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China as a “historic mission” and an “unshakable commitment” of the ruling Communist Party, reaffirming Beijing’s long-standing position on the self-governed island.

According to Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday, July 1, Xi made the remarks during a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. He also stressed the party’s absolute leadership over China’s armed forces and said national reunification remains a core objective.

Beijing considers Taiwan an inseparable part of China and has repeatedly vowed to achieve reunification, by peaceful means if possible, while refusing to rule out the use of force. Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, arguing that the island has never been governed by the People’s Republic of China and that only Taiwan’s people can decide its political future.

The dispute has become one of the most sensitive security issues in the Indo-Pacific. China has increased military exercises, air and naval patrols, and diplomatic pressure around Taiwan in recent years, while Taipei has strengthened its defence capabilities and expanded security cooperation with regional partners amid concerns over a possible military confrontation.

The United States remains Taiwan’s most important security partner despite having no formal diplomatic relations with the island. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, Washington provides Taiwan with defensive weapons and supports its ability to defend itself, while maintaining its longstanding “One China” policy.

China has repeatedly condemned U.S. arms sales, military cooperation, and visits by American officials to Taiwan, accusing Washington of interfering in its internal affairs. The United States, in turn, says its actions are intended to preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force.

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Afghanistan’s ambassador to Australia, Wahidullah Waissi, has confirmed that the embassy in Canberra is nearing closure, marking the end of one of the last overseas diplomatic missions representing the former Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Waissi announced the development after what he described as one of his final official engagements, a farewell meeting with Sam Mostyn. He said he left Government House carrying “the hopes and concerns of millions of Afghans,” particularly women and girls who continue to face severe restrictions under Taliban rule.

During the meeting, Waissi presented the Governor-General with a handwoven cloth made by women artisans in Herat, describing it as a symbol of Afghanistan’s culture, resilience and the enduring strength of Afghan women despite years of hardship.

The closure comes as most diplomatic missions established under the former Afghanistan government have gradually ceased operations since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Several embassies have closed because of financial constraints, the absence of international recognition for the previous administration and uncertainty over diplomatic representation.

Australia has not formally recognized the Taliban government and has continued to express concern over human rights, particularly restrictions on women and girls. Canberra has also provided humanitarian assistance and refugee resettlement pathways for vulnerable Afghans following the collapse of the former government.

Waissi thanked the Australian government and people for supporting Afghanistan during two decades of international engagement, expressing hope that Australia would continue to stand with the Afghanistan people despite the embassy’s closure. He said governments may change, “but the people of Afghanistan remain” and deserve peace, freedom, dignity and the opportunity to shape their own future.

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The United States has deployed more than 900 military personnel inside Venezuela and nearly 800 additional troops across the Caribbean to support earthquake relief operations, according to General Francis Donovan.

Reuters reported on Tuesday, June 30, that the U.S. military has also deployed four to five drones over Venezuela to assess road conditions, identify collapsed buildings and support search-and-rescue efforts. Donovan said U.S. forces would remain in the country until the humanitarian mission is completed.

The deployment follows two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude that struck Venezuela within minutes last week, causing widespread destruction across several regions. The disaster damaged homes, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure, leaving thousands trapped under rubble and overwhelming local emergency services.

Venezuelan authorities say more than 1,700 people have been killed and thousands injured, while international agencies warn the final death toll could rise further as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings. Hundreds of thousands of people have also been displaced, with shortages of clean water, medical supplies and temporary shelter reported in the hardest-hit areas.

The U.S. deployment marks a rare instance of direct military humanitarian assistance in Venezuela, despite years of strained relations between Washington and Caracas.

More than 30 countries have sent rescue teams, medical personnel and humanitarian aid to Venezuela, while international organizations continue to warn that aftershocks and damaged infrastructure are complicating relief operations. Emergency officials say rapid assistance remains critical as survivors continue to be pulled from collapsed buildings and communities struggle to recover from one of Latin America’s deadliest earthquakes in recent years.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing him of threatening Israel and dismissing references to the Ottoman Empire, as relations between the two countries remained strained over the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Netanyahu said Erdoğan had spoken about “wanting to destroy Israel and take control of Jerusalem again,” adding that the Turkish leader had forgotten “that 400 years of Ottoman rule are over.”

“Today there is a strong State of Israel,” Netanyahu said. “He should calm down. We will not allow anyone to threaten our existence or our security, and I think we have shown what we are capable of.”

The remarks are the latest in an escalating exchange between the two leaders, whose public criticism of one another has intensified since the Gaza war began. Erdoğan has repeatedly accused Israel of committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza, allegations that Israel has consistently rejected.

Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated significantly since late 2023. Although the two countries had moved toward normalizing ties in recent years, the conflict in Gaza reversed much of that progress, with diplomatic contacts reduced and rhetoric becoming increasingly confrontational.

Turkey has emerged as one of Israel’s strongest international critics, calling for sanctions against Israel, backing Palestinian statehood, and pressing for an immediate ceasefire. Israel, meanwhile, has accused Ankara of supporting groups it considers terrorist organizations and says it will continue military operations to protect its national security.

Erdoğan has sought to strengthen Turkey’s leadership role in the Muslim world through outspoken support for the Palestinian cause, while Netanyahu has responded by emphasizing Israel’s military capabilities and warning that the country will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty or security.

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Norway reached the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a late goal from Erling Haaland secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas on Tuesday, booking a knockout meeting with Brazil.

Norway took the lead in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa before Amad Diallo equalised after the break. With extra time looming, Haaland struck in the 86th minute to score his fifth goal of the tournament and send Norway into the next round.

The victory continues Norway’s impressive return to the World Cup after years of failing to qualify for major international tournaments. Led by Haaland and a new generation of talented players, the Scandinavian side has emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise contenders.

Haaland has been central to Norway’s campaign, leading the tournament’s scoring charts and reinforcing his reputation as one of world football’s most prolific strikers. Analysts say his form will be crucial when Norway face five-time world champions Brazil in one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.

Ivory Coast created several chances after drawing level but failed to convert late opportunities as Norway’s defence held firm. The African side exits the tournament despite a competitive performance that kept the match balanced for much of the second half.

The result means Norway advances to the knockout stage, while Ivory Coast’s World Cup campaign comes to an end. Brazil, one of the favourites to lift the trophy, now await Norway in a match expected to test whether the European side can continue its unexpected run.

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U.S. Vice President JD Vance said oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has returned to pre-conflict levels, with shipping volumes on some days exceeding those recorded before the recent fighting in the Gulf.

Speaking on Tuesday, Vance said the strategic waterway remains open and that increased crude exports indicate the global economy is gradually returning to normal. He added that although the recovery will take time, international oil prices have fallen significantly since the peak of the crisis.

The remarks come as Washington seeks to consolidate a recently announced understanding with Iran aimed at reducing military tensions following weeks of exchanges of fire in the Gulf. U.S. officials say special envoy Steve Witkoff has continued diplomatic engagement with regional mediators, including Qatar, while indirect contacts with Iranian officials remain under way despite Tehran denying plans for direct negotiations.

Vance also referred to the U.S.-brokered framework between Lebanon and Israel, saying both that agreement and the U.S.-Iran understanding emphasize respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Washington has described the parallel diplomatic efforts as part of a broader strategy to reduce regional tensions and safeguard international energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil exports, making it one of the most important energy chokepoints globally. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has immediate consequences for global energy markets and international trade.

The recent military exchanges between U.S. and Iranian forces raised fears of a wider regional conflict and briefly pushed oil prices higher. Since then, diplomatic efforts involving Qatar, Oman and other regional partners have helped lower tensions, although analysts caution that the situation remains fragile and could quickly deteriorate if hostilities resume.

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Pakistan’s military said it shot down four drones that entered its airspace from Afghanistan, accusing the Kabul of sending the aircraft across the border into Balochistan, further escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In a statement issued late Tuesday, the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the drones crossed into Pakistani airspace on June 30 from areas under Taliban control. It said Pakistan’s air defence systems detected and intercepted all four drones in border areas of Balochistan, adding that the aircraft were intended for use by militant groups operating near the frontier.

However, the Taliban said they had carried out airstrikes against what they described as joint ISIS and militant bases in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The exchange follows a sharp deterioration in relations after Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar. United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said at least 28 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 49 others wounded, while Pakistan said it had targeted militant hideouts linked to cross-border attacks.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained tense since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, with both sides repeatedly accusing each other of harbouring armed groups responsible for cross-border violence.

The two countries have also clashed over border security, the mass deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan and militant attacks, including the recent assault in Karachi that Pakistan says involved Afghan-linked militants.

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The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense said its forces had carried out airstrikes against what it described as joint bases of ISIS and “groups of evil and corruption” in Pakistan’s provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In a statement issued late Tuesday, the ministry said one of the strikes targeted the Saranan area in Balochistan but provided no details on casualties or damage.

The announcement comes days after relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan sharply deteriorated following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar. United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said at least 28 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 49 others wounded in the strikes, while Taliban officials reported higher casualty figures. Islamabad has said its operation targeted militant hideouts, an assertion rejected by the Taliban.

Tensions have also intensified after a deadly attack on Pakistani security forces in Karachi. Pakistan has alleged that some of the attackers and facilitators had links to Afghanistan, accusations the Taliban deny.

Kabul has instead accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and targeting civilians through cross-border military operations.

Relations between the two neighbours have remained strained since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, driven by disputes over cross-border militancy, repeated military exchanges and Pakistan’s large-scale deportation of Afghan migrants.

Meanwhile, continued military escalation and competing security accusations could further destabilize the border region and complicate already fragile diplomatic ties.

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Global personal wealth rose by 10.8% in 2025, its fastest pace in years, with around one million people joining the ranks of millionaires, according to the Swiss bank UBS in its annual Global Wealth Report.

UBS said the sharp increase was driven largely by strong financial market performance. The United States accounted for nearly half of the global rise, with more than 440,000 new millionaires added during the year.

Despite the surge in wealth, the report warned that inequality has continued to deepen since 2020. While average wealth increased, median wealth—a better indicator of the financial position of middle-income households—declined in many countries, highlighting a widening gap between the wealthiest individuals and the rest of society.

The findings reflect a broader trend in which gains from rising asset prices, including stocks and property, have been concentrated among wealthier households, while many families continue to struggle with high living costs, inflation and slower wage growth.

Economists have warned that persistent wealth inequality could weigh on long-term economic stability and social cohesion, even as global markets continue to generate record levels of private wealth for high-net-worth individuals.

The report suggests that rising global wealth has not been shared evenly. While financial markets created record gains for high-net-worth individuals, many middle-income households saw little improvement or even a decline in median wealth. Economists warn that widening wealth gaps can weaken social mobility, increase political and economic tensions, and leave a growing share of the population excluded from the benefits of economic growth.

Meanwhile, the technology is expected to create new investment opportunities, improve productivity and generate significant value for companies leading AI development. At the same time, analysts caution that AI could deepen existing inequalities if its economic benefits remain concentrated among a small number of technology firms, investors and highly skilled workers while displacing lower-skilled jobs.

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The Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco captain has appealed to the Court of Cassation after judges confirmed he should face a criminal trial. Hakimi denies the allegation and remains presumed innocent. No trial date has been set.

Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has appealed to France’s highest court in a bid to overturn a ruling that he should stand trial on a rape charge, the latest turn in a case he has denied since 2023.

Hakimi’s legal team lodged the appeal with the Court of Cassation, France’s top court for civil and criminal matters, a source close to the case told Agence France-Presse. Reuters also reported the filing. The move follows a June 19 decision by the Versailles Court of Appeal, which upheld an investigating judge’s order referring the 27-year-old to a criminal court.

The Court of Cassation does not retry the facts of a case or weigh the credibility of those involved. It examines whether the lower courts applied the law and legal procedure correctly. If it rejects the appeal, the trial will proceed. If it overturns the referral, the case would return to an investigating chamber to reconsider whether Hakimi should be tried, according to AFP.

Hakimi has denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. Shortly after the appeals court ruling, he wrote on X that he had been waiting for the trial “since day one” and would finally be able to speak. He said his fame had shaped the case, adding that he had come to feel like an easy target and that his family and the truth had also suffered.

His lawyer, Fanny Colin, said the appeals court’s confirmation was expected and did not establish guilt. “Nothing here says that he is guilty of anything,” she told reporters, adding that her client remained firm in his defense. Colin has argued that the investigation uncovered evidence favorable to Hakimi and has pointed to what she describes as inconsistencies in the complainant’s account. She declined to comment on the appeal to the Court of Cassation.

The case dates to February 2023, when a woman, then 24, told police that Hakimi had raped her at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb west of Paris, according to French media accounts. The woman said she met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 and traveled to his home in a taxi he had arranged. She alleged that he kissed and touched her without consent before raping her, and that she managed to push him away and contact a friend who collected her.

Prosecutors in Nanterre later requested that Hakimi be sent to trial. He was placed under formal investigation in March 2023, a step in French law that indicates serious or corroborating evidence pointing to possible involvement. It does not amount to a charge, and it does not establish guilt.

Speaking publicly for the first time in an article published by Mediapart, the woman, who used the pseudonym Jeanne, said she wanted a trial so she could be heard. Her lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, said the decision to send the case to trial had brought her client a sense of relief and hope after more than three years of proceedings.

Under the French system, being ordered to stand trial is a procedural step, not a verdict. It means judges concluded there is enough evidence for a court to examine the accusation at a full trial. Hakimi has not been convicted of any offense, and he remains presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.

No date has been set for a trial, which would take place at the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department, near Paris. Under French law, rape is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, with longer terms possible where aggravating circumstances are found. Any sentence would depend on the outcome of a trial that has not yet been scheduled.

The proceedings have unfolded while Hakimi captains Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. He has remained in the squad, and Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the team stood behind its captain, describing him as relaxed. FIFA has said it is aware of the case but has announced no disciplinary measures while the matter is before the French courts. Neither PSG nor the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced any action tied to the case.

Hakimi is one of the most recognized figures in international football. He was central to Morocco’s run to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African and first Arab team to reach the last four. At club level, he won back-to-back Champions League titles with Paris Saint-Germain in 2025 and 2026, part of a period of dominance for the French champions.

The allegation surfaced in February 2023. French prosecutors opened an investigation, and Hakimi was placed under formal investigation the following month. Over the next three years, investigators gathered testimony and expert assessments. Prosecutors in Nanterre eventually asked that the case go to trial, and an investigating judge agreed. Hakimi challenged that decision.

The Versailles Court of Appeal reviewed the referral and, on June 19, upheld it, ruling that there was sufficient evidence for the case to be heard at trial. That decision does not determine guilt. Hakimi’s defense responded by taking the matter to the Court of Cassation, which will now consider whether the referral should stand as a matter of law.

The proceedings carry weight well beyond the courtroom. Hakimi is a national figure in Morocco, a country co-hosting the 2030 World Cup and enjoying a golden era in the sport. In France, where he has spent much of his club career, the case has drawn attention amid a broader national debate over sexual violence and consent. For PSG, one of the world’s wealthiest clubs, the status of a first-choice defender is a matter of close interest.

The case also sits at the intersection of celebrity, sport and due process. Hakimi’s defense says his profile has shaped the accusation, while advocates for the complainant say the trial matters for how allegations of sexual violence are handled, including in men’s football. Legal specialists caution that public opinion is not a substitute for the courts, and that the presumption of innocence applies until a verdict is reached.

The immediate step rests with the Court of Cassation. It will assess whether the lower courts correctly applied the law when they referred Hakimi to trial. The court does not reexamine evidence or judge credibility.

If the appeal is rejected, the case will move toward trial at the criminal court in Hauts-de-Seine, though no date has been set. If the court overturns the referral, the case would return to an investigating chamber for a fresh decision on whether Hakimi should be tried. Throughout the process, he remains presumed innocent.

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Security forces arrested dozens of lawmakers and officials in Baghdad’s Green Zone. As images of seized valuables spread online, including unverified claims of gold lingerie, Iraq’s new prime minister says the purge is only beginning.

BAGHDAD – Before dawn on Sunday, armored vehicles rolled into Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone, the sealed district that houses Iraq’s parliament, government ministries and foreign embassies. Gunfire was reported in streets that are normally among the most protected in the country. By morning, dozens of politicians and senior officials were under arrest, and images of the cash and gold pulled from their homes were racing across social media.

Within hours, the raids had become the most talked-about event in Iraq in years. Among the images shared most widely were photos said to show gold-colored items shaped like women’s undergarments, a detail that helped turn a corruption investigation into a viral spectacle. Iraqi authorities have not confirmed those images, and where they came from remains unverified. Different accounts online linked them to different lawmakers, a sign that the claim spread faster than the facts behind it.

Behind the online frenzy is a serious story. Security forces detained 47 people, including sitting members of parliament, in what the government has described as the first phase of Iraq’s largest anti-corruption drive in recent memory.

The arrests were carried out overnight between Saturday and Sunday by elite units from Iraq’s Counter Terrorism Service, acting on warrants issued by the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court. The Green Zone was sealed off, and parliamentary immunity was lifted for the lawmakers named in the warrants.

The official Iraqi News Agency reported that 47 people were detained, including at least a dozen sitting lawmakers. Among those named were Muthanna al-Samarrai, head of the Azm Alliance and a member of parliament, along with lawmakers Ziyad al-Janabi, Bahaa al-Nouri, Mohammed al-Karbouli, Alia Nassif and Hind al-Abbasi. An Oil Ministry undersecretary and a former government adviser were also named.

Several of the accused had built their public profiles on fighting corruption. Al-Janabi chaired the parliamentary integrity committee, and Nassif served as his deputy, a detail that has sharpened public anger.

Iraqi officials say the wave of arrests grew out of the detention in late May of Adnan al-Jumaili, a former deputy oil minister for refining affairs. According to Iraqi state media, statements he made under questioning pointed investigators toward additional suspects and hidden assets.

Some of the most striking figures circulating online have not been independently confirmed.

Iraqi media and security sources reported that security forces recovered more than 20 billion Iraqi dinars, about 15.5 million dollars, along with gold, from the home of lawmaker Alia Nassif. Those figures first spread through videos posted online and have not been independently verified by international news agencies.

Reports also say the wider operation has yielded more than 85 million dollars in assets, though that total has not been officially detailed. Footage of a horse farm linked to Nassif’s son circulated widely, with users claiming the animals were worth millions, a figure Reuters said it could not confirm.

The gold lingerie images fall into the same category. They have been shared and reshared by regional outlets and social media accounts, but no Iraqi authority has presented them as evidence or listed such items in any official inventory.

The crackdown is the boldest move yet by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, a 40-year-old businessman who took office in May and became Iraq’s youngest prime minister. A political newcomer, he was chosen to break a months-long deadlock that followed the November 2025 election, and he took power promising to confront the corruption that has shadowed Iraqi politics for two decades.

He has framed the raids as a direct answer to public demand. “Public money must return to the people,” he said, adding that no corrupt official would be shielded from prosecution. He called the operation the first stage of a wider campaign and said the arrests would continue.

The move builds on an earlier announcement by Iraq’s judiciary, which said investigators had recovered tens of millions of dollars in cash, along with gold, vehicles and dozens of properties, in related corruption cases. In some instances, officials said, money had been buried so deep beneath private homes that heavy machinery was needed to dig it out.

For many Iraqis, the images of stacked cash and hidden gold are not a novelty. They are a confirmation of what people have long suspected.

Iraq sits on some of the world’s largest oil reserves, yet public services remain weak, jobs are scarce, and electricity and clean water are unreliable across much of the country. Successive governments have promised reform since the United States invaded in 2003, but a system built on political patronage and weak oversight has allowed enormous sums of public money to vanish.

The scale of the problem is well documented. Iraq ranked 136th out of 181 countries on Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, placing it among the nations seen as facing the most serious corruption challenges.

That gap between national wealth and daily hardship is why the raids have struck such a nerve. On social media, many Iraqis welcomed the arrests but demanded that authorities pursue the country’s most powerful figures, not only mid-level officials.

The viral images, including the unverified gold lingerie, have drawn attention around the world. But they are a small part of a much larger question: whether Iraq can hold its political elite accountable in a system long defined by impunity.

Analysts caution that arrests alone are not reform. Real change, they argue, will depend on whether the cases lead to convictions, recovered funds and stronger institutions, rather than a single dramatic sweep that fades from public view.

For al-Zaidi, the stakes are high. He faces enormous challenges beyond corruption, including tensions between the United States and Iran and pressure to rein in armed groups operating outside state control. He is due to visit Washington in July.

If the prosecutions hold, this could become a turning point for public trust in Iraqi government. If they stall, it may be remembered as another moment of outrage that changed little. For now, a country accustomed to disappointment is watching closely.

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A federal judge in the United States has allowed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms to move forward, rejecting the company’s request to dismiss claims that Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive for children and teenagers.

The case was brought by 29 US state attorneys general. They accuse Meta of building features that encourage young users to keep scrolling, while failing to fully disclose the possible effects on children and teenagers, according to Reuters.

The ruling does not mean Meta has been found liable. It only means the case can continue in court, where some of the claims may later be tested before a jury.

US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who sits in Oakland, California, declined to dismiss claims involving deception, unfair business practices, and alleged breaches of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The law, known as COPPA, limits how online services can collect personal data from children under 13.

The judge said several central questions should be decided by a jury. These include whether Facebook and Instagram are addictive, whether Meta falsely denied designing them that way, and whether the platforms were partly aimed at children.

On the privacy issue, the court gave the states a partial win. It found that Meta did not meet COPPA’s requirements to notify parents and obtain their consent before collecting data from children under 13.

Meta has firmly denied the allegations. The company says it disagrees with the claims and believes the evidence will show its long record of supporting young people online. It has also argued that “social media addiction” is not a recognized medical diagnosis, and that Facebook and Instagram were built for a general audience rather than specifically for children under 13.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta welcomed the decision, calling it a “critical win” in efforts to hold Meta accountable over alleged harm to young users.

The lawsuit is part of a wider set of legal challenges facing large technology companies in the United States. Court records show that more than 2,600 individuals, school districts, and local governments have filed related claims over whether social media platforms contribute to addiction and mental health problems among young people. A separate trial involving claims from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey is scheduled for August 18, according to court records.

The family storytelling and digital safety platform 3A1Z Stories reported the case in the context of children, parenting, social media design, and online safety, noting that the dispute is not only about harmful content but about how the apps themselves are built.

Although the case is unfolding in the United States, it carries wider significance. Facebook and Instagram are used by children and teenagers around the world, and the lawsuit questions the design choices behind them. Critics point to features such as endless scrolling, autoplay, frequent notifications, likes, and recommendation systems, which they say can make it harder for young users to stop.

For now, no findings have been made against Meta. The company says it will continue to defend itself, and the case will be tested as it moves toward trial.

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Afghanistan has become increasingly dependent on Iran for trade, with 56% of its imports passing through the country, leaving its economy vulnerable to regional tensions and disruptions, the World Bank said in its latest Afghanistan Economic Monitor.

The report said Afghanistan’s economy grew by an estimated 4.8%, but warned the recovery has not improved living standards. Per-capita income continued to fall as rapid population growth, driven largely by the return of nearly 3.7 million Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan, outpaced economic expansion.

The World Bank also reported a 17% decline in exports in May compared with the previous month, while imports of machinery and other investment goods remained sharply lower, reflecting weak private-sector investment and continued financial constraints. It said India’s remained the largest export destination, while trade has increasingly shifted toward Iran after repeated disruptions at border crossings with Pakistan.

The report warned that Afghanistan remains heavily dependent on a narrow export base and external trade routes at a time when humanitarian needs remain severe. Aid reductions, high unemployment and limited access to international finance continue to weigh on the economy despite relative currency stability and steady domestic revenue collection.

Afghanistan is facing one of the region’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions of people requiring assistance after years of economic isolation, drought and conflict. The return of large numbers of deported Afghans from neighbouring countries has placed additional pressure on jobs, public services and already limited resources.

The World Bank said sustainable recovery will depend on expanding private-sector activity, improving access to finance, investing in infrastructure and creating employment opportunities, warning that current growth alone is insufficient to reverse worsening living conditions.

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The British government has proposed a new law requiring asylum seekers to repay up to £10,000 of the cost of their accommodation and support once they secure employment and reach a specified income level.

According to the Home Office, the proposal is included in a new immigration and asylum bill submitted to Parliament. Under the plan, recognised refugees would repay the costs in instalments before becoming eligible for permanent settlement. The government said the measure aims to balance public support with personal responsibility.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said asylum protection is “a right, but also a responsibility,” arguing that those able to contribute should help repay part of the public funds spent on their support. Officials said repayment thresholds would be designed to avoid causing financial hardship, although detailed income rules have yet to be published.

The proposal has drawn criticism from refugee organisations and migration experts, who argue many refugees face low wages, unemployment and integration challenges during their first years in Britain. They also note that most asylum seekers are barred from working while their claims are being processed, making them dependent on state assistance.

The bill forms part of a broader package of immigration reforms aimed at reducing pressure on the asylum system, strengthening border controls and reshaping legal migration routes. It is expected to face significant debate in Parliament before any measures become law.

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Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has continued despite heightened regional security concerns, with global vessel-tracking company MarineTraffic reporting 108 confirmed ship transits over three days following recent attacks on two commercial vessels.

According to MarineTraffic, 48 vessels passed through the strategic waterway on June 26, followed by 38 on June 27 and 22 on June 28. While commercial navigation has continued, overall traffic remains below levels recorded before the recent escalation in regional tensions.

The figures indicate a decline from June 25, when 54 ship movements were recorded, and June 24, when 70 vessels transited the strait—the highest daily volume since the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran began. Before the crisis, the strait typically handled between 130 and 140 ships per day.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Around one-fifth of global oil consumption and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets and international shipping.

Tensions in the Gulf have intensified following recent exchanges between the United States and Iran, including drone and missile attacks and concerns over the safety of commercial vessels. Although Washington and Tehran have recently moved toward renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing military escalation, shipping companies and insurers continue to monitor the security situation closely as they assess risks to commercial traffic.

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Morocco defeated Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting up a knockout clash with Canada.

The Netherlands appeared on course for victory after Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute, but Morocco forced extra time when Issa Diop headed in a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser.

Neither side could find a winner in extra time before Morocco held their nerve in the penalty shootout, with their goalkeeper making crucial saves to secure a place in the next round.

The victory continues Morocco’s strong record in recent international tournaments. The North African side became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final at the 2022 tournament in Qatar and has remained one of the continent’s highest-ranked teams.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, suffered another painful World Cup exit on penalties. The Dutch were also eliminated in a shootout by Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, extending a history of dramatic knockout defeats despite consistently reaching the latter stages of major tournaments.

Morocco created the clearer scoring opportunities in a physical contest marked by heavy tackles, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen producing a superb reflex save to deny Neil El Aynaoui’s first-half header.

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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it has delivered emergency medical supplies to hospitals in Afghanistan following Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in eastern parts of the country that left dozens of civilians dead or wounded.

The ICRC said the emergency assistance was distributed to hospitals in Gardez, the centre of Paktia Province, as well as medical facilities in Samkani District and other treatment centres to support the care of the injured.

The humanitarian response follows Pakistani airstrikes carried out on Sunday night in parts of Samkani district in Paktia, Giyan district in Paktika Province and Manogai district in Kunar Province.

According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 others injured in the strikes. Pakistani authorities have maintained that the operation targeted militant hideouts, while Taliban officials have rejected the claim, saying the attacks struck residential areas and caused heavy civilian casualties.

The airstrikes have triggered strong international concern and renewed diplomatic tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. The United Nations and several governments have called for the protection of civilians and respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty while urging both sides to avoid further escalation.

Humanitarian agencies warn that communities in eastern Afghanistan were already under severe strain from years of conflict, economic hardship and limited access to healthcare. The recent violence has added pressure on local hospitals, many of which continue to operate with shortages of medicines, equipment and funding while responding to growing humanitarian needs.

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Women and children are bearing the heaviest burden of Afghanistan’s worsening water crisis, spending hours each day collecting water for their families, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Tuesday.

In a statement posted on X, OCHA said women and children in the village of Baghlak Sofla in Bamyan Province gather around the community’s only functioning well, often waiting for long periods to secure enough water for household use.

The warning comes as Afghanistan faces mounting humanitarian pressure from the continued arrival of tens of thousands of returnees from Iran and Pakistan. Aid agencies say the influx is placing additional strain on already overstretched communities, many of which are struggling with limited access to water, housing, healthcare and employment.

The United Nations has repeatedly warned that Afghanistan remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions of people requiring assistance. Humanitarian organisations also say funding shortages have forced them to scale back essential aid programmes, leaving many vulnerable communities with reduced access to food, clean water and basic services.

Afghanistan is among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with years of recurring drought, declining groundwater levels and erratic rainfall worsening water insecurity. The crisis has affected not only rural provinces such as Bamyan but also major urban centres, including Kabul, where falling groundwater levels have raised concerns over long-term access to safe drinking water.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the country’s largest defence investment in decades, pledging to sharply increase military spending in response to what he described as a more dangerous and unstable global security environment.

Speaking on Tuesday, Starmer said the plan would raise defence spending from 2.3% to 2.7% of gross domestic product, with a long-term goal of reaching 3% and eventually 4.2%. The government will allocate an additional £15 billion, taking total defence spending over the next four years to nearly £300 billion.

Starmer said Britain faces growing security challenges, citing the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, rising living costs and emerging cross-border threats. He stressed that the investment was intended to “prevent war, not start one.”

The plan will increase annual defence spending from about £54 billion to nearly £80 billion by 2029. Funding will come partly from scaling back selected infrastructure and energy projects while improving procurement and efficiency within the Ministry of Defence.

The investment package includes strengthening Britain’s nuclear deterrent, expanding capabilities in drones, the Royal Navy, the Army and next-generation air power, while reinforcing the country’s commitments to NATO.

The announcement comes as European governments continue to increase military spending following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns over wider regional conflicts. NATO members have faced sustained pressure to raise defence budgets and strengthen collective deterrence against evolving security threats.

British officials have argued that higher defence investment is also expected to support domestic manufacturing, defence industries and technological innovation, describing the strategy as an investment in both national security and long-term economic resilience.

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More than 300 Afghan LGBTQIA+ refugees in Pakistan are facing the threat of forced deportation while living under worsening insecurity, discrimination and extreme poverty, according to Afghan human rights activist Omar Jan Sadat.

Sadat said on Tuesday that members of the Afghan LGBTQIA+ community had issued an open letter warning that any forced return to Afghanistan could place their lives at immediate risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They called on international organisations, foreign governments and media outlets to help secure protection and third-country resettlement.

The appeal comes as Pakistan continues its campaign to deport undocumented Afghan nationals, with thousands of refugees and asylum seekers facing increasing pressure to leave despite warnings from international rights groups that many could face persecution if returned.

Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Afghanistan has experienced one of the world’s deepest humanitarian crises, marked by widespread poverty, high unemployment and severe restrictions on fundamental rights. Human rights organisations say vulnerable groups, including women, journalists, former government employees, religious minorities and LGBTQIA+ people, face heightened risks under Taliban rule.

Afghan LGBTQIA+ people have long faced social stigma and discrimination, but rights advocates say their situation has deteriorated significantly since the Taliban takeover. Many live in hiding, while those who fled to neighbouring countries report continued insecurity, limited access to legal protection and growing uncertainty as regional governments tighten refugee policies.

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U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Doha for discussions linked to ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomacy, according to CNN, although Tehran denied reports that direct technical negotiations with Washington were planned.

Citing two senior U.S. officials, CNN reported that Witkoff was heading to the Qatari capital for talks with Iranian representatives. U.S. President Donald Trump also wrote on Truth Social that Iran had requested a meeting, saying it would take place in Doha on Tuesday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later told Fox News that Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Qatar for the discussions.

However, Iranian officials rejected reports of planned direct or technical negotiations. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said an Iranian expert delegation would be in Doha for consultations with Qatari officials but insisted no meetings with U.S. representatives were scheduled. He added that discussions with Qatar on implementing previous commitments would continue as normal.

The diplomatic activity follows the recently announced Islamabad understanding between the United States and Iran, which sought to reduce military tensions after weeks of missile and drone exchanges in the Gulf. The agreement also included commitments to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping and to pursue further diplomatic engagement.

Qatar has played a central mediating role in contacts between Washington and Tehran in recent years, hosting indirect negotiations and facilitating communication during periods of heightened regional tension. Despite the latest signals from Washington, differing public statements from both sides underscore the fragile and uncertain nature of the diplomatic process.

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Badr Albusaidi said Oman opposes imposing transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while signalling support for charges related to maritime safety and environmental protection.

Speaking to a French media outlet, Albusaidi said Oman does not support fees simply for using the strategic waterway. However, he said charges for services such as navigation safety, environmental protection and emergency response could be appropriate.

“Some services may include improving navigational safety, protecting waters from pollution and strengthening preparedness for accidents or emergencies,” the Omani foreign minister said, according to Al Jazeera Media Network.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil exports. Any changes to shipping arrangements or transit rules are closely monitored by energy markets and international shipping companies because of their potential impact on global trade.

Albusaidi’s remarks come after Oman proposed a new shipping corridor along its territorial waters to improve navigation and reduce risks following recent military tensions in the Gulf. The proposal drew criticism from Iran, which maintains that, under the recently announced U.S.-Iran understanding, responsibility for managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains with Tehran.

The Gulf has experienced weeks of heightened tensions following exchanges of missile and drone attacks between U.S. and Iranian forces before both sides agreed to reduce military activity under the Islamabad framework. While commercial shipping has continued, several shipping companies have adopted more cautious routes and operating procedures amid lingering security concerns.

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Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Ankara will provide a strong platform for allied nations to exchange experience and strengthen cooperation as the alliance confronts growing security challenges.

Speaking on Monday at a reception for parliamentary leaders from NATO member states in Istanbul, Erdoğan said Turkey would continue sharing its extensive experience in crisis management and collective defence within the alliance.

He said Ankara is increasing defence spending and remains among NATO’s top contributors to alliance missions and operations. Erdoğan also called for an “unconditional” security and defence network stretching “from Texas to Ankara,” stressing that maintaining NATO’s deterrence and internal solidarity has become increasingly important.

The Turkish president reiterated that the war in Ukraine should end through dialogue and diplomacy. He also said lasting peace in the Middle East would remain unattainable as long as what he described as the occupation of Palestinian territories continues.

Turkey has played an increasingly prominent role within NATO by expanding its defence industry, modernising its armed forces and serving as a strategic bridge between Europe, the Middle East and the Black Sea region. Ankara has also positioned itself as a mediator in several regional conflicts while maintaining dialogue with both Western allies and regional powers.

The NATO summit comes as alliance members continue to adapt to evolving security threats, including the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and increased pressure to raise defence spending. Turkey has repeatedly argued that stronger coordination among allies is essential to address both conventional and emerging security challenges.

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Germany is investigating a mass shooting at a mother-and-child support centre in the northern town of Eschede that left six people dead, in one of the country’s deadliest shootings in recent years.

Authorities said a 45-year-old man opened fire at the facility on Monday after reportedly attending a scheduled meeting linked to a dispute over the upbringing of his infant daughter. The victims were four women and two men, all employees of the centre.

Police said the suspect’s three-month-old daughter and the child’s mother were unharmed. The suspected gunman was taken into custody along with the child’s mother and another woman as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned the shooting, saying he was “deeply shocked by the level of violence in a place meant to provide safety and support.”

Police sealed off the area near the centre, while forensic teams searched the scene. Five victims died at the facility and a sixth later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Authorities later said there was no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators identified the suspect as a German-born man of Turkish origin who lives near Hanover.

Mass shootings remain relatively rare in Germany compared with many other countries, but several high-profile attacks in recent years have reignited debate over public safety, mental health and firearm regulations. German authorities maintain strict gun laws, although legal firearm ownership remains possible under licensing requirements.

The attack also highlights growing concerns over domestic and family-related violence. German officials have repeatedly called for stronger support services for families experiencing conflict, warning that disputes involving children can escalate into serious acts of violence if early intervention fails.

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Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrived in China on Tuesday for official talks with senior Chinese officials, as Riyadh and Beijing seek to deepen strategic cooperation and discuss regional and international developments.

Saudi Arabia’s state news agency SPA said Prince Faisal is leading a diplomatic delegation and will hold meetings focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across political, economic and investment sectors, as well as exchanging views on key regional and global issues.

The agency did not provide further details on the minister’s schedule or the officials he is expected to meet during the visit.

China has become Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner and a major buyer of Saudi crude oil, while Riyadh has increasingly expanded cooperation with Beijing in areas including energy, infrastructure, technology and investment. The two countries have also strengthened political dialogue through regular high-level visits and strategic partnership agreements.

The visit comes as the Middle East undergoes renewed diplomatic activity following the recent U.S.-Iran understanding reached through the Islamabad framework and ongoing efforts to ease regional tensions. Beijing, which previously brokered the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, has continued to present itself as an important diplomatic actor in regional affairs.

Saudi Arabia and China have also coordinated closely on economic diversification under Riyadh’s Vision 2030 agenda and on issues affecting global energy markets. Analysts say the latest visit reflects both countries’ efforts to strengthen long-term strategic ties while consulting on security developments across the Gulf and wider region.

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A 17-year-old Thai girl was allegedly killed by an Australian tourist after meeting him in the resort city of Pattaya, police said, in a case that has shocked Thailand and renewed concerns about the safety of young women in the country’s tourism hubs.

Thai police said the teenager met 55-year-old Australian national Simon Peter Carmen on a Pattaya beach on Wednesday night before accompanying him to his apartment. Investigators allege that he strangled the girl during the early hours of Thursday following an argument.

The victim’s body was discovered two days later inside a large suitcase abandoned in tall grass near a railway line, not far from the beach. Thai immigration police arrested Carmen at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport while he was allegedly attempting to leave the country.

Police in Pattaya said the suspect had made a partial confession, claiming he did not intend to kill the teenager but strangled her during a dispute. He has been charged with murder, concealing and moving a body, and offences related to abducting a minor. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence, life imprisonment or the death penalty under Thai law.

Security camera footage reviewed by investigators reportedly showed the pair entering the apartment building together at about 3:35 a.m., while later footage showed the suspect pulling a large suitcase believed to have contained the victim’s body.

The victim, described by local media as the only child in her family, had travelled to Pattaya only days before the incident. Her family became alarmed after seeing reports about the abandoned suitcase and later confirmed her identity.

The killing has drawn widespread attention across Thailand, where authorities have intensified investigations into violent crimes involving foreign visitors. Pattaya, one of Thailand’s busiest tourist destinations, has long struggled with crime linked to its nightlife and entertainment industry despite repeated government efforts to improve security and protect visitors and local residents.

The case has also renewed debate over the protection of children and young people in areas associated with commercial sex and human trafficking. Thai authorities have pledged to continue strengthening law enforcement against exploitation and violent crime while expanding measures to safeguard minors in major tourist centres.

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Venezuela’s death toll from the recent powerful earthquakes has risen to 1,719, authorities said on Monday, as rescue teams continued searching for survivors and residents complained that humanitarian assistance was arriving too slowly.

International media reported that search-and-rescue teams from about 30 countries have been deployed to the affected areas, bringing emergency personnel, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to support local authorities.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said a 4.6-magnitude aftershock struck north of Caracas, raising concerns about further damage and complicating ongoing rescue operations.

Residents in the mountainous El Junquito area said government assistance had been slow and uneven, with many families still living in temporary tents after losing their homes. Officials said more than 1,000 tonnes of international relief supplies had arrived and thousands of emergency workers remained engaged in rescue efforts.

The earthquakes have become one of the deadliest natural disasters to strike Venezuela in decades, overwhelming hospitals, damaging infrastructure and displacing thousands of people. Aid agencies have warned that access to clean water, shelter and medical care remains a priority as communities continue to recover.

Seismologists have also warned that strong aftershocks remain possible in the coming days, increasing risks for rescue workers and survivors living near unstable buildings. Authorities have urged residents to avoid damaged structures while emergency assessments continue across the affected regions.

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Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout on Monday to reach the FIFA World Cup round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history, prompting President Santiago Peña to declare a national holiday.

The match ended 1-1 after regular and extra time before Paraguay prevailed on penalties in the round-of-32 clash, securing one of the biggest victories in the nation’s football history.

Peña announced Tuesday as a public holiday, describing the victory as “more than a sporting achievement” and saying the national team symbolised the resilience, faith and determination of the Paraguayan people. A presidential decree said the government wanted citizens to have the opportunity to celebrate the historic success together.

Paraguay will now advance to the round of 16, where it will face the winner of another knockout fixture as the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup continues across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The victory continues a series of surprising results at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where several traditional football powers have struggled against emerging teams. Germany’s elimination follows an inconsistent tournament in which the four-time world champions failed to match expectations despite entering the knockout stage.

Paraguay also became the second South American nation to declare a public holiday during the tournament. Last week, Ecuador announced a national holiday after defeating Germany 2-1 in the group stage to secure its place in the knockout rounds, highlighting the significance of the World Cup for football fans across the region.

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WhatsApp is preparing one of the biggest changes in its history by introducing usernames, allowing people to start conversations without sharing their phone numbers.

The feature, announced on Monday, will let users reserve a unique username and share it with new contacts instead of exposing their phone number. WhatsApp said the change is designed to improve privacy, particularly when meeting new people or joining groups where users may not want strangers to see their number.

Unlike traditional social media platforms, WhatsApp said usernames will not be searchable through a public directory and the app will not suggest people to add. Users will have a single reserved username that can be shared privately, and new conversations will display the username rather than the phone number once the feature becomes the default.

Users can begin reserving usernames through the latest version of WhatsApp, although the full rollout is expected later this year. The company also said creators, businesses and organizations will be able to claim matching usernames already used on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.

The move marks a significant shift for WhatsApp, which has relied on phone numbers as the core identity system since its launch in 2009. With more than two billion users worldwide, the platform has become one of the world’s largest messaging services and a key part of Meta’s communications ecosystem.

Privacy has become an increasingly important issue for messaging apps as users seek greater control over personal information. Rival platforms such as Telegram and Signal already offer ways to communicate without widely sharing phone numbers, and WhatsApp’s new username system appears aimed at giving users similar protections while keeping the service focused on private messaging rather than social networking.

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India on Monday condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, saying the attacks, which reportedly killed and wounded civilians, violated Afghanistan’s sovereignty and threatened regional peace and stability.

In a statement issued on June 29, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the strikes had caused civilian casualties, including women and children, describing the operation as a “blatant act of aggression” and “a direct threat to regional peace and stability.”

The statement accused Pakistan of attempting to externalize its internal security challenges through cross-border military action, saying the attacks reflected a “persistent pattern of reckless behaviour.” New Delhi also expressed condolences to the families of those killed, wished a speedy recovery to the injured and reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The remarks follow Pakistani airstrikes on parts of Paktia Province, Paktika Province and Kunar Province after Islamabad said it had targeted militants linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. Pakistani officials have maintained the operation targeted militant hideouts, while Taliban authorities say residential areas were hit.

Taliban officials reported that 36 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 163 others injured in the strikes. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has said it is investigating the incident and previously cited lower preliminary casualty figures. The strikes have further heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, with both sides continuing to exchange accusations over cross-border militancy and security.

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Nasir Ahmad Faiq has condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, saying no security concern can justify attacks that kill civilians or violate the country’s sovereignty.

Writing on X on Monday, Faiq said preliminary findings by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) indicated that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 others, including women and children, were injured in strikes targeting parts of Paktika Province, Paktia Province and Kunar Province.

He added that the Afghanistan people should not bear the cost of terrorism, safe havens for militant groups or escalating military tensions, calling for respect for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and the protection of civilians.

The airstrikes followed a deadly attack on a Pakistani Rangers installation in Karachi, in which three Pakistani security personnel were killed. Islamabad said the operation targeted militants from Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claiming dozens of militants were killed in cross-border strikes. Pakistani officials also alleged that one suspected attacker captured after the Karachi assault was an Afghan national.

The Taliban administration has rejected Pakistan’s claims, saying the strikes hit residential areas rather than militant positions. Taliban officials reported significantly higher civilian casualties than the preliminary UNAMA figures and accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistan airspace and international law. The exchange has further strained already tense relations between Kabul and Islamabad, where both sides continue to trade accusations over cross-border militancy and security.

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Australia has urged its citizens not to travel to Afghanistan under any circumstances, citing severe security risks, arbitrary detention and limited consular assistance.

In an updated travel advisory published on Monday, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the security situation in Afghanistan remains extremely dangerous and advised Australians, including dual Australian-Afghan nationals, to avoid travelling to the country for any reason.

The advisory warned that Australians in Afghanistan face risks including armed violence, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and death. It also noted that the Australian government has only a limited capacity to provide consular assistance inside Afghanistan and said most travel insurance policies would not cover travel to the country.

Australia is among several Western governments that maintain the highest-level travel warnings for Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Germany have issued similar advisories, citing persistent security threats and the absence of normal diplomatic services.

The warning comes as Afghanistan continues to face a deep humanitarian and economic crisis, with millions relying on international aid amid widespread poverty, restrictions on women and girls, and ongoing concerns over security. Foreign governments continue to advise against travel, saying the operating environment remains unpredictable despite a decline in large-scale fighting.

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Taalatbek Masadykov visited Tajikistan to discuss implementation of a joint border security programme aimed at strengthening protection along the country’s frontier with Afghanistan, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) said on Monday.

According to the CSTO, the secretary-general met senior Tajik border officials and inspected border outposts, a crossing point and construction of a new road in the mountainous Shuroobod area, part of broader efforts to improve border infrastructure and operational readiness.

The discussions focused on implementing the CSTO’s long-term programme to reinforce the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border through improved surveillance, infrastructure and coordination among member states. The alliance has described the project as a key element of its regional security strategy.

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Tajik authorities have repeatedly warned that the security situation along the border remains fragile, citing concerns over the presence of militant groups in northern Afghanistan. The Taliban have rejected those allegations and insist Afghanistan territory will not be used to threaten neighbouring countries.

Border security remains one of the most sensitive issues in relations between Kabul and Dushanbe. Despite limited economic and humanitarian contacts, political relations have remained strained, with Tajikistan continuing to call for stronger measures to prevent cross-border instability while regional powers closely monitor developments along Afghanistan’s northern borders.

Tajikistan shares a 1,344-kilometre border with Afghanistan, the longest among Central Asian states, making border security a central concern for Dushanbe and the CSTO. The alliance has repeatedly announced plans to expand cooperation among its members to counter cross-border militancy, drug trafficking, weapons smuggling and other transnational security threats originating from the Afghanistan frontier.

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India has expanded its investigation into Telegram beyond alleged examination-paper leaks, broadening its scrutiny to include child sexual abuse material, cyber fraud, online scams and harassment, according to a report published by the parenting platform 3A1Z Stories, citing a government document reviewed by Reuters.

The expanded probe follows India’s temporary restriction of Telegram earlier this month ahead of the re-test for the country’s highly competitive NEET-UG medical entrance examination. Authorities alleged that cheating networks had used the platform to circulate claims of leaked exam papers and coordinate fraud. Although access to Telegram has since been restored, restrictions on its message-editing feature remain in place until June 30.

According to Reuters, a 35-page report prepared by India’s Cybercrime Coordination Centre and submitted to a court states that authorities are actively monitoring Telegram groups and channels allegedly used to distribute illegal content. The report includes screenshots of fake job advertisements, child sexual abuse material and pirated films.

The report says India has received more than 688,000 complaints since 2023 involving alleged cyber fraud conducted through Telegram, with estimated financial losses of about $750 million. It also records 1,556 complaints filed between January and May 2026 relating to online harassment, child sexual abuse content and other criminal activity on the platform.

Telegram rejected the government’s broader assessment, telling the court that illegal content represents less than 0.1% of activity on the platform. The company said it has used automated detection tools and moderation systems since 2018 to remove child sexual abuse material from public channels and denied allegations that it failed to respond adequately during the examination controversy.

India is Telegram’s largest market, with more than 150 million users, making the dispute significant for both regulators and the company. The platform has also faced increased regulatory scrutiny in several countries, including France, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom, where authorities have examined its content moderation practices and compliance with national laws.

The case has renewed debate over the balance between online safety and digital rights. Indian authorities argue that stronger oversight is necessary to combat cybercrime and the spread of harmful material, while digital rights advocates warn that broad restrictions can disrupt millions of legitimate users who rely on encrypted messaging platforms for education, business and everyday communication.

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Pakistan and Afghanistan have exchanged diplomatic protests after a deadly attack in Karachi and Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, further escalating tensions between the neighboring countries.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Talban Embassy in Islamabad to lodge a strong protest over the recent attack on a Rangers facility in Karachi, where three Pakistani security personnel were killed. Islamabad claimed that several Afghan nationals were involved in the assault, including one suspected attacker who was captured while wounded. Pakistan also said its ambassador in Kabul, Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, delivered the same protest to authorities.

Kabul’s Foreign Ministry responded by summoning Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires , condemning Pakistani airstrikes on the eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar. Zabihullah Mujahid said the strikes killed 36 civilians, including women and children, and wounded 163 others, describing the attacks as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and international law.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply over the past two years as Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan-based militants, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. Taliban authorities have consistently rejected the allegations, insisting they do not allow Afghanistan territory to be used against any neighboring country.

The latest diplomatic row follows a series of cross-border military operations and security incidents. Pakistan recently announced operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in which it said 15 militants were killed, while the Karachi attack marked one of the most serious security incidents in the country’s largest city in recent months.

Pakistan says its air operations targeted militant hideouts and killed armed fighters. Taliban authorities reject that claim, saying only residential areas were hit. The exchange of accusations has pushed bilateral relations to one of their lowest points in recent years, raising concerns about further military escalation along the shared border.

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Sheikh Hasina has pledged to return to Bangladesh this year despite being sentenced to death in absentia, saying she would overcome “every obstacle and conspiracy” to return to her country.

Speaking to Indian broadcaster NDTV from exile in India, the 78-year-old former prime minister dismissed the court ruling as politically motivated and accused Bangladesh’s judiciary of being used as a tool of political revenge. She said she was not afraid of death and described her planned return as an effort to restore democracy and the rule of law rather than pursue personal power.

Hasina fled to India in August 2024 after nationwide student-led protests forced her government from office, ending more than a decade in power. Bangladesh’s interim authorities later launched multiple investigations into alleged abuses committed during the unrest, including accusations that security forces used excessive force against protesters.

The political crisis has deepened divisions in Bangladesh, where the interim administration says legal proceedings against former officials are aimed at ensuring accountability. Supporters of Hasina and the Awami League argue the cases are politically driven and have called for the party’s restrictions to be lifted and detained members to be released.

Hasina also urged the current government to remove restrictions on the Awami League, withdraw what she described as fabricated cases against its members and free political prisoners. The Bangladeshi authorities maintain that the judicial process is independent and forms part of broader efforts to address alleged crimes committed during her administration.

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Vladimir Putin said no agreement to end the war in Ukraine was signed during his recent meeting with Donald Trump in Anchorage, adding that discussions on proposals to resolve the conflict remain ongoing.

Speaking in a televised interview with Russian state media, Putin said the talks had not produced a formal document but described them as part of a continuing diplomatic process. He also said recent attacks had disrupted parts of Russia’s fuel infrastructure and called for faster repairs, stronger air defenses and closer coordination among state agencies to protect civilians and critical economic facilities.

The Anchorage meeting marked the highest-level direct contact between Russian and U.S. leaders since the conflict entered a new phase. Washington has said diplomacy remains open but has stressed that any settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and be supported by Kyiv, while Moscow has continued to insist that its security concerns be addressed.

Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, fighting has continued across the battlefield. Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range drone and missile strikes against energy facilities, military targets and transport infrastructure, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian areas and seeking to influence public opinion through sustained attacks.

Putin also said Russia would strengthen fuel supply routes to Crimea and expand production of air-defense systems, arguing that evolving battlefield conditions and the widespread use of advanced drones require continuous modernization of the country’s defensive capabilities. He accused Ukraine of using strikes on civilian infrastructure as part of an information campaign, claiming such attacks would not alter Russia’s military objectives.

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Nearly half of the dialysis machines at Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, are out of service because of shortages of essential medical supplies, hospital officials said, raising fears for hundreds of patients with kidney failure.

According to media reports, 25 of the hospital’s 51 dialysis machines are no longer functioning. Medical staff have reduced both the duration and frequency of dialysis sessions to keep the remaining machines operating, affecting about 240 patients with chronic kidney disease and increasing the risk of life-threatening complications, including heart and respiratory failure.

Gaza’s healthcare system has been under severe strain after months of conflict, with repeated shortages of medicines, fuel, electricity and medical equipment disrupting hospital services. International aid agencies have warned that damaged infrastructure and restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian assistance continue to undermine access to critical healthcare across the territory.

The latest warning comes as diplomatic efforts continue to reduce tensions elsewhere in the region. While indirect contacts have resumed following the recent U.S.-Iran understanding aimed at preventing further military escalation in the Gulf, negotiations over a separate U.S.-backed framework between Israel and Lebanon remain contentious, highlighting the broader instability affecting humanitarian conditions across the Middle East.

Doctors at Al-Shifa warned that unless medical equipment, spare parts and treatment supplies reach the hospital urgently, more patients could face irreversible health complications or death. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for sustained access to life-saving medical assistance for civilians in Gaza.

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Elon Musk celebrated his 55th birthday with family and close friends, as his mother, Maye Musk, shared photos from the private gathering featuring a space-themed birthday cake inspired by rockets and a lunar base.

Posting on Instagram, Maye Musk said her son had brought her “55 years of joy” and expressed happiness that the milestone was celebrated with family and friends. The images showed Musk blowing out candles on a cake decorated with a model rocket and moon base, reflecting his long-standing focus on space exploration.

Musk is one of the world’s most influential technology entrepreneurs, leading Tesla and SpaceX. Under his leadership, SpaceX has become a major commercial launch provider and is developing the Starship system for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Beyond electric vehicles and space technology, Musk has expanded into artificial intelligence, robotics and satellite communications through several companies. His business ventures and public statements continue to attract global attention, making him one of the most closely watched figures in the technology industry.

Maye Musk, an author, model and nutritionist, frequently shares family moments on social media while supporting her son’s major milestones and achievements.

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Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian president said $6 billion of Iran’s frozen assets held in Qatar will be released under the recently announced understanding between Iran and the United States, with the funds expected to be transferred back to Iran.

Iranian state media reported that Pezeshkian said authorities were also pursuing the release of an additional $6 billion, bringing the total amount under discussion to $12 billion. He said arrangements had been made for the released funds to be returned to Iran.

The announcement follows the U.S.-Iran understanding reached through Pakistani mediation, which includes commitments to reduce military tensions in the Gulf, reopen diplomatic channels and address a number of outstanding issues, including maritime security and financial matters. Officials from both countries have said technical negotiations will continue despite the absence of a broader political settlement.

The agreement comes after several days of military escalation in the Gulf, including exchanges of drone and missile attacks between Iranian forces and U.S. military positions in the region. Although both sides later signaled support for de-escalation, regional tensions remain high as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations over implementation of the understanding.

Iranian officials say the release of frozen assets is an important step toward implementing the agreement, while U.S. officials have indicated that further progress will depend on both sides complying with their commitments under the framework.

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A light aircraft carrying skydivers crashed shortly after takeoff in eastern France on Sunday, killing all 11 people on board, French authorities said.

The aircraft, operated by a skydiving club, went down near the Nancy-Essey Airport in Tomblaine. The victims included the pilot, five instructors and five trainee skydivers. The aircraft crashed just outside the airport, narrowly missing nearby homes and a shopping area.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said prosecutors had opened an investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities said some relatives who had gathered to watch the trainees’ first parachute jump witnessed the accident.

France has one of Europe’s largest recreational aviation and skydiving communities, with hundreds of private flying clubs operating across the country. While accidents involving small aircraft are relatively rare, they often prompt detailed technical investigations by aviation safety authorities.

The Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) has launched an investigation. According to the agency, the crash is the deadliest civilian light-aircraft accident in France in recent history, excluding commercial and military aviation incidents.

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UNICEF says about 680,000 children in Venezuela require urgent humanitarian assistance following the recent powerful earthquakes, warning that damaged hospitals, disrupted water supplies and destroyed schools have left children increasingly vulnerable.

A UNICEF representative said hospitals are operating beyond capacity, thousands of children lack reliable access to safe drinking water and hundreds of schools have been damaged, disrupting education while some surviving school buildings are being used as emergency shelters for displaced families.

The two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck central and northern Venezuela last week, causing widespread destruction in and around Caracas and coastal communities. Rescue operations continue as emergency teams race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Authorities say more than 1,400 people have been killed, thousands injured and thousands more displaced. The United States Geological Survey has warned the final death toll could be significantly higher, potentially making the disaster one of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin America in the past century.

International assistance has continued to increase, with the European Union announcing emergency funding and satellite support for damage assessments, while additional humanitarian aid from the United States and other international partners is expected to bolster relief operations in the coming days.

The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, caused widespread destruction across the country, with the heaviest damage reported in and around Caracas and several coastal communities. Thousands of buildings, including homes, hospitals, schools and public infrastructure, were damaged or destroyed, forcing thousands of families into temporary shelters as rescue operations continued.

The disaster has triggered a major international humanitarian response, with governments and aid agencies deploying search-and-rescue teams, emergency medical assistance and relief supplies. The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian needs are expected to grow in the coming weeks as authorities work to restore essential services, while concerns remain over access to clean water, healthcare and education for hundreds of thousands of affected people, particularly children.

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Nabih Berri, Lebanon’s parliament speaker and a key ally of Hezbollah, has rejected a U.S.-brokered framework agreement with Israel, saying it fails to protect Lebanon’s rights and will not be approved in its current form.

In a statement issued by Amal Movement, Berri described the proposed arrangement as an imposed agreement rather than one that safeguards Lebanese sovereignty. The framework links a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon to the disarmament of Hezbollah.

The proposed agreement was announced after U.S.-mediated negotiations aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border following months of cross-border hostilities. Israeli officials have said their forces would remain in a security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed and no longer poses a threat to northern Israel.

Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected any agreement requiring it to surrender its weapons, arguing that Israeli forces must first withdraw unconditionally from all disputed Lebanese territory. Israeli leaders have also indicated they are preparing for a prolonged military presence in parts of southern Lebanon despite the diplomatic framework.

The dispute comes as regional diplomacy remains fragile following the recent U.S.-Iran memorandum aimed at reducing direct military confrontation in the Gulf. While Washington and Tehran have resumed negotiations after agreeing to halt recent attacks, Iranian officials have insisted that lasting regional stability also requires an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The competing positions continue to complicate efforts to secure a broader regional de-escalation.

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Canada booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Africa 1-0 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

The decisive goal came in the 92nd minute, when Stephen Stakio scored from outside the penalty area to secure Canada’s victory and eliminate South Africa from the tournament.

Canada progressed to the knockout stage after a disciplined defensive display, having withstood sustained pressure before finding the breakthrough in the closing moments. The victory continues Canada’s strongest World Cup campaign in decades as they prepare for a difficult round-of-16 challenge.

The result follows the completion of the group stage, where several higher-profile teams also secured qualification. Iran, despite remaining unbeaten in the group phase, failed to advance after other results went against them, while Egypt progressed after finishing ahead of Iran in their group.

Canada will next face the winner of the knockout tie involving Morocco and Netherlands, while South Africa’s World Cup campaign comes to an end.

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Iran and the United States have agreed to halt recent military confrontations in the Gulf and resume negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official told Reuters, raising hopes of preserving a fragile ceasefire reached earlier this month.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said both sides had agreed to suspend military action while technical negotiations on issues covered by a 14-point memorandum signed on June 17 would continue. According to Axios, a new round of talks is expected to begin in Doha on Tuesday.

The diplomatic breakthrough follows several days of escalating tensions after Iran and the United States accused each other of violating the temporary ceasefire. The latest flare-up included Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, followed by U.S. strikes on Iranian military infrastructure.

The June 17 memorandum was intended to end direct military confrontation and safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route. The agreement has come under pressure from repeated exchanges of fire, prompting renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict.

The broader regional crisis also continues to affect neighbouring countries. Despite a new security framework reached between Israel and Lebanon with U.S. mediation, Israeli forces have continued strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Iran has maintained that lasting implementation of its agreement with Washington also requires an end to hostilities in Lebanon.

The United States and Iran reached a 14-point memorandum on June 17 after weeks of indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan. The agreement was designed to halt direct military confrontation, safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and establish a framework for continued technical and diplomatic negotiations. Both sides described the arrangement as a temporary mechanism aimed at preventing a broader regional conflict rather than a comprehensive political settlement.

The agreement came under pressure after both countries accused each other of violating its terms following exchanges of missile, drone and air strikes in the Gulf. The latest understanding to suspend attacks and resume negotiations has renewed hopes that the ceasefire can be preserved, although regional tensions remain high as Israel continues military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Tehran insists that lasting regional stability requires an end to hostilities on all fronts.

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Hamid Karzai has condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, calling them a violation of the country’s sovereignty and international law.

In a statement issued on Monday, Karzai said the strikes on residential areas in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar were unacceptable. He expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

His comments came after Hamdullah Fitrat said Pakistani airstrikes had killed 36 civilians, including women and children, and wounded 163 others. According to Fitrat, one of the attacks struck villagers gathered to rescue victims after an earlier strike on a residential house.

Karzai urged Pakistan to abandon what he described as provocative policies and a dual approach toward extremism, calling on Islamabad to build relations with Afghanistan based on peaceful coexistence and good neighbourly ties.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban administration have remained strained over border security and militant activity. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other armed groups to operate from Afghanistan territory, allegations the Taliban deny.

Cross-border exchanges have intensified in recent months as Pakistan has increased military operations against suspected militants following a series of deadly attacks, including the recent assault on a Pakistan Rangers compound in Karachi that killed three security personnel. The escalating violence has further heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

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Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan have signed trade and investment agreements worth more than $350 million during their first joint business forum in Bishkek, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said.

According to the chamber, the agreements were signed in the presence of government officials and private sector representatives from both countries. The largest project is a $300 million investment to build a cement factory in Kyrgyzstan.

The two sides also agreed to establish a joint chamber of commerce aimed at expanding trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban administration has sought to strengthen economic ties with neighbouring and regional countries as Afghanistan remains largely isolated from the international financial system.

The authorities have increasingly focused on expanding regional trade and attracting investment through bilateral agreements with Central Asian states.

Kyrgyzstan is among several Central Asian countries that have expanded economic engagement with Afghanistan in recent years, particularly in trade, transport and energy. Regional governments have continued practical cooperation with the Taliban administration despite the absence of formal international recognition, viewing economic connectivity as important for regional stability and commerce.

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The price of fuel has risen sharply in Kabul in recent days, with petrol increasing from 66 afghanis to 75 afghanis per litre, adding to financial pressure on households, transport operators and businesses.

Residents said the increase has significantly raised transportation and daily living costs and called on the authorities to explain the reasons behind the price hike and take measures to stabilize the market.

Afghanistan relies heavily on imported petroleum products, with much of its fuel entering through neighbouring countries, particularly Iran and the Central Asian republics. In recent months, traders have warned that disruptions to regional trade routes, higher transportation costs and supply constraints have contributed to price volatility in domestic fuel markets.

The increase also comes as the country faces mounting economic challenges, including declining household incomes, high unemployment and rising food prices. International aid agencies have repeatedly warned that higher fuel costs can accelerate inflation by increasing the price of transporting food, agricultural inputs and other essential goods across Afghanistan.

Residents expressed concern that fuel prices continue to rise despite declines in global crude oil prices, saying the higher costs are placing an additional burden on families already struggling with the country’s prolonged economic crisis.

Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with millions of people dependent on humanitarian assistance for food, healthcare and other basic services. Aid agencies say rising prices, declining international assistance and repeated economic shocks have further weakened the purchasing power of ordinary families.

The humanitarian situation has also been compounded by sweeping restrictions imposed by the Taliban, particularly on women and girls. Limits on women’s employment, education and participation in public life, combined with reduced international funding and continuing economic isolation, have constrained economic activity and deepened poverty, leaving many households struggling to meet their basic needs.

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Pakistani airstrikes killed 36 civilians and wounded 163 others in eastern Afghanistan overnight, authorities said Monday, accusing Islamabad of targeting residential areas.

Pakistan carried out overnight airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, killing 36 civilians and injuring 163 others, Taliban authorities said on Monday, June 29, accusing Islamabad of targeting residential areas in three provinces.

Hamdullah Fitrat said the strikes hit civilian homes in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar. Pakistan has not immediately commented on the allegations.

According to the Taliban statement, Pakistani aircraft bombed a house in Mandokhail village of Chamkani district in Paktia, killing an elderly man and a child. The statement said a second strike hit villagers who had gathered to rescue survivors, killing 28 people and injuring 158 others.

The Taliban also said six civilians, most of them women and children, were killed after a house was struck in Walust village of Giyan district in Paktika. In Kunar’s Manogai district, another residential house was destroyed, although no casualties were reported. The statement said three homes were completely destroyed.

The latest accusations come a day after a suicide attack on a Pakistan Rangers compound in Karachi killed three Pakistani security personnel. Pakistan has since announced a series of military operations, saying dozens of suspected militants were killed in areas along the Afghan border.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban administration have deteriorated sharply over the past two years. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups to use Afghanistan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban deny the allegations, insisting they do not permit Afghanistan soil to be used against any country, but cross-border clashes and mutual accusations have continued to fuel tensions between the neighbours.

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Pakistan said its security forces killed 29 suspected militants in ground and air operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, days after a militant assault on a Rangers facility in Karachi killed three Pakistani security personnel.

According to Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, the operation began in Bajaur District and later expanded under the military campaign known as Ghadhab-ul-Haq, targeting positions of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and what Pakistani authorities describe as “Fitna al-Khawarij” in border areas.

Tarar said a senior Jamaat-ul-Ahrar commander, identified as Khan Forosh, and three other militants were killed during the ground operation. He added that airstrikes on targets in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar killed another 25 suspected militants and destroyed weapons and ammunition.

Pakistan said the latest offensive was launched in response to recent militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and the suicide assault on a Rangers compound in Karachi, where three security personnel were killed. Pakistani authorities have vowed to continue operations against militant groups until they are dismantled.

Security has deteriorated in northwestern and southwestern Pakistan over the past three years, with attacks by militant groups increasing after the collapse of the ceasefire between Islamabad and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Violence has been particularly severe in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where security forces have faced frequent attacks on military posts, police stations and infrastructure.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities of allowing TTP fighters and allied groups to use Afghanistan territory to stage attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban have rejected the allegations, insisting they do not permit Afghanistan soil to be used against any country. Despite those denials, cross-border tensions and security operations have continued to strain relations between the two neighbouring countries.

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Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has ordered police nationwide to immediately arrest Afghan nationals found without valid visas starting July 10, as Islamabad intensifies its campaign against undocumented migrants, according to local media.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported on Monday that the Interior Ministry instructed all provincial governments, special administrative regions, and law enforcement agencies to accelerate the detention and deportation of Afghan nationals lacking legal immigration status.

The directive also requires authorities to submit daily reports detailing the number of Afghan nationals found without valid visas, actions taken against them, and their current status.

The latest order comes as Pakistan continues to tighten immigration controls following months of heightened security concerns. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly linked undocumented foreigners to militancy and crime, allegations that Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have rejected.

Pakistan launched its nationwide deportation campaign in late 2023, ordering undocumented foreigners—most of them Afghans—to leave the country. The campaign was expanded in 2025 after the government cancelled hundreds of thousands of Afghan residence permits and warned that those remaining without valid documents would face arrest and deportation.

The crackdown has prompted the return of millions of Afghans from Pakistan and Iran, placing additional pressure on Afghanistan, where humanitarian agencies warn that widespread poverty, declining international aid, and border restrictions have deepened the country’s humanitarian crisis. The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have repeatedly called for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees while urging greater international support for those returning to Afghanistan.

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A mother realized that her son had been relying on an artificial intelligence tool to complete his homework, often without understanding the work himself. Her account, published by the parenting platform 3A1Z Stories, describes a moment that many families now recognize.

The experience raises a question being asked in many homes. AI tools are easy to find and simple to use, and children turn to them the way earlier students once relied on a calculator or a search engine. When a child uses one to finish an assignment, parents are left to decide what it means and how to respond.

These tools can explain a lesson, help structure an essay, summarize a long reading, and answer a question in seconds. Used honestly, that can support learning. The difficulty begins when the tool does the thinking the student was supposed to do.

The problem goes beyond school rules. It touches the trust between parents and children, the way learning happens at home, and how families talk about technology that is still new to most of them.

For many parents, banning AI outright is not practical. Children are growing up alongside these tools, which already appear in school, work, and daily life. The harder task is teaching the difference between using AI for support and using it to avoid the work.

That line is not always clear, even to adults. A child may not notice the point where help becomes cheating, especially when an app is described as educational or built to feel like a study partner.

The 3A1Z Stories account suggests that parents respond with questions before punishment. Instead of reacting with anger, a parent can ask how the tool was used, why the child turned to it, and whether the assignment made sense to them. Handled that way, the moment can become a lesson about honesty and judgment rather than a confrontation.

Schools face their own version of the problem. Teachers may need to rethink how assignments are designed, set clearer rules for when AI is allowed, and stay in contact with parents so children hear a consistent message in class and at home.

For immigrant and multilingual families, the picture can be more complicated. AI can look like a useful bridge for a child working in a second language, offering translation or a simpler explanation. The same tool can also take over the work, which makes it harder for parents to tell whether their child is learning or only submitting.

What the 3A1Z Stories piece describes is part of a wider change. Technology is no longer only a distraction outside the classroom. It now sits inside homework, writing, and research, and inside the trust that families place in their children’s effort. For many parents, the questions are practical and immediate. Did the child learn anything from the tool? Did they understand the answer? Was it used honestly? Those questions are likely to be asked at many more kitchen tables before schools and families agree on clear answers.

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Iraqi security forces launched a series of pre-dawn raids in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone on Sunday, detaining several politicians, business figures and members of parliament as part of a widening corruption investigation linked to the country’s oil sector, according to Al Arabiya.

The operation followed the arrest of Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al-Jumaili, whose reported testimony allegedly exposed a network of corruption involving oil contracts, allocation of state resources and bribery. Local media said arrest warrants were issued by Judge Diaa Jaafar of Iraq’s anti-corruption court.

Video circulating on social media showed heavily armed security forces deployed across the Green Zone, which houses government institutions, parliament, diplomatic missions and senior state officials. Iraqi authorities had not officially released the identities of those detained or commented publicly on the reports.

The raids come as Iraq faces mounting public pressure to tackle entrenched corruption, long regarded as one of the country’s most serious governance challenges. Successive governments have pledged reforms, but anti-corruption efforts have often stalled because of political divisions and the influence of powerful parties and armed groups.

Iraq’s oil sector, which accounts for the vast majority of state revenue, has repeatedly been at the center of corruption allegations involving procurement, contracts and public spending. Transparency advocates say weak oversight and political interference have cost the country billions of dollars over the past two decades, despite repeated investigations and arrests.

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Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani discussed regional security following the recently signed Iran-US Islamabad framework agreement, as tensions in the Gulf continue despite diplomatic efforts.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Dar and Al Zayani held a telephone conversation on Sunday in which Dar stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential for preserving regional peace and stability. The Bahraini foreign minister also confirmed plans to visit Pakistan in the near future, the ministry said.

The conversation came as military tensions between Iran and the United States have resurfaced despite the ceasefire framework brokered in Islamabad earlier this month. In recent days, Iranian forces launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain after Washington carried out strikes on Iranian military sites in response to attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz will return to normal operations only under Tehran’s management, while the United States has warned it will respond forcefully to any further attacks threatening international shipping or American forces. The renewed exchanges have raised concerns that the ceasefire agreement could come under increasing strain.

The Iran-US framework, signed after weeks of negotiations mediated by Pakistan, was intended to halt direct military confrontation and reduce regional tensions. However, repeated exchanges of fire in the Gulf and continuing disagreements over implementation have cast uncertainty over the durability of the agreement.

The security situation has also been complicated by developments in Lebanon. Israel has announced plans to maintain a long-term military presence in parts of southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, despite a separate US-backed security framework between Israel and Lebanon. Iran and Hezbollah have criticized Israel’s position, arguing it contradicts broader regional de-escalation efforts linked to the Iran-US agreement.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces carried out overnight drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, targeting two oil refineries in Russia’s Krasnodar region and another refinery in the Yaroslavl region, describing the operation as a “precise response” to continued Russian attacks.

Speaking on Sunday, Zelenskyy said the strikes were part of Ukraine’s strategy to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign. He added that every successful long-range operation reduces Moscow’s military resources and brings Ukraine “one step closer to peace.”

The Ukrainian leader shared videos appearing to show large fires and thick smoke rising from the targeted facilities but did not provide further details on the scale of the damage. Russian authorities have not immediately commented on the reported strikes.

The latest operation follows a series of Ukrainian long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and military facilities in recent weeks, as Kyiv seeks to disrupt fuel supplies supporting Russian military operations.

The attacks came as Russia continued its own large-scale drone and missile campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Moscow has increasingly relied on long-range drones and missile barrages targeting energy facilities, military airfields and civilian areas across Ukraine, while Kyiv has expanded its use of domestically produced long-range drones capable of striking hundreds of kilometres inside Russian territory.

The intensifying exchange of long-range strikes underscores the growing role of drones in the more than four-year war, with both countries increasingly targeting energy infrastructure and military logistics far behind the front lines. Despite repeated international efforts to encourage negotiations, fighting has continued across multiple sectors of the battlefield, while both sides maintain regular cross-border air attacks aimed at weakening each other’s military capabilities and strategic infrastructure.

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Former U.S. President Joe Biden sharply criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of weakening America’s global credibility, undermining traditional alliances and using the presidency for personal financial gain, as political divisions over U.S. foreign policy, including Washington’s recent agreement with Iran, continue to deepen.

Biden said Trump had done more than any previous U.S. president to diminish the country’s international standing by questioning the value of NATO and favoring Russian President Vladimir Putin over America’s allies.

“He has lowered America’s standing in the eyes of the world more than any president in history,” Biden said, adding that Trump’s approach had weakened trust among Washington’s long-standing partners.

Biden also accused Trump of using the presidency to enrich himself, claiming the president had earned billions of dollars since returning to the White House.

“He has no shame, and it’s an embarrassment for the country,” Biden said. “One of his main reasons for seeking the presidency was to make money from it.”

The former president also mocked several of Trump’s personal projects, including plans to remodel parts of the White House and place his name on the Kennedy Center, saying they reflected a focus on personal image rather than public service.

The remarks come as the Trump administration faces growing scrutiny over its foreign policy following a U.S.-Iran agreement brokered by Pakistan. Although the deal sought to reduce tensions, recent exchanges of drone and missile strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Gulf, along with disagreements over Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon, have raised questions about its durability.

The public rivalry between Biden and Trump has intensified in recent years. Trump has frequently described Biden as “sleepy,” while Biden has portrayed Trump as a threat to democratic institutions, U.S. alliances and America’s international leadership. Their exchange of criticism continues to dominate the U.S. political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.

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Iran were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite completing the group stage unbeaten after results elsewhere denied them a place among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Amir Ghalenoei’s side finished with three draws against Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand. Iran had hoped to qualify for the round of 32 through the best third-placed ranking, but a dramatic 3-3 draw between Austria and Algeria in another group ended those hopes.

Iran’s campaign was also shaped by missed opportunities. A late goal against Egypt was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, while striker Mehdi Taremi missed a penalty that could have secured a crucial victory.

The expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, allows several third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stage. Iran remained in contention until the final round of group matches, but other results left them outside the qualification places.

The tournament has produced several surprises, with traditional football powers advancing alongside emerging teams. Portugal reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group K behind Colombia, while veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo continues his record-extending World Cup career. Iran’s exit leaves the Asian side once again waiting to reach the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time in their history.

Iranian players also faced logistical challenges during the tournament, including travel disruptions and restrictions related to entry into the United States. After the draw with Egypt, Taremi described the team’s travel difficulties as a “logistical disaster,” saying the situation had affected preparations during the competition.

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Pakistan’s military said on Sunday that an Afghan national was arrested after being wounded during an attack on a paramilitary Rangers facility in Karachi that killed three Pakistani security personnel.

In a statement, the military said four attackers targeted the Rangers compound with a vehicle-borne explosive before attempting to storm the facility. Security forces killed three of the attackers during the ensuing gun battle, while the fourth, identified as an Afghan citizen, was captured in an injured condition.

The military blamed the attack on the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. Neither group has claimed responsibility for the assault. The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has not commented on Pakistan’s claim regarding the nationality of the detained suspect.

Pakistan’s military said the attackers failed to breach the compound because of what it described as the “swift and decisive” response of Rangers personnel, adding that retaliatory operations against those responsible would continue.

The attack came a day after Pakistan’s military announced that security forces had killed 15 suspected militants in intelligence-based operations in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the military, eight militants were killed in separate raids in Balochistan and seven others in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban authorities of allowing militant groups, including the TTP, to operate from Afghanistan territory and launch attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban have consistently rejected the allegations, insisting that Afghanistan soil is not used against neighboring countries. Despite those denials, cross-border tensions have remained high as militant violence in Pakistan has increased, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where security forces continue to face frequent attacks.

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Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met the newly appointed deputy head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Sunday to discuss the delivery and management of humanitarian assistance as Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s largest aid crises.

According to the Taliban foreign ministry, Muttaqi met Bruno Lemarquis, the new UNAMA deputy head, and emphasized the Taliban administration’s readiness to cooperate with the United Nations on coordinating humanitarian assistance and improving aid management across the country.

The ministry said both sides discussed mechanisms for delivering humanitarian assistance, although no further details of the meeting or any new agreements were disclosed.

The meeting comes as UN agencies continue to warn that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating because of shrinking international aid, mass returns of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries and growing economic pressures.

The United Nations World Food Programme recently warned that the prolonged closure of key border crossings with Pakistan has disrupted trade, increased transport costs and driven up food prices, further worsening food insecurity across the country.

According to recent UN assessments, nearly 13.8 million people in Afghanistan face acute food insecurity, while millions of returnees from Iran and Pakistan are placing additional pressure on already limited resources and public services. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Afghanistan has remained heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance as sanctions, economic decline and restrictions on women have contributed to one of the world’s deepest humanitarian crises.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz would return to normal operating capacity under Iran’s management once Tehran removes the remaining obstacles, rejecting proposals for alternative maritime arrangements.

Speaking during a visit to Iraq, Araghchi said the recent U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding gives Iran sole responsibility for restoring normal navigation through the strategic waterway and that no other country or international body has a role in reopening the strait, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

He warned that any separate initiatives or new arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would complicate the situation, delay the reopening process and increase regional tensions.

The remarks come days after Iran launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian military targets along the Gulf coast and near the Strait of Hormuz. The exchanges briefly disrupted commercial shipping and renewed concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy corridors before a U.S.-Iran ceasefire framework was announced.

Under that framework, Washington and Tehran agreed to halt direct military operations and restore freedom of navigation in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne crude oil exports, making its security critical for global energy markets. While Iran insists the waterway will reopen under its supervision, Oman has recently proposed an alternative shipping corridor along its territorial waters to reduce risks for commercial vessels, a proposal that Tehran has rejected.

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Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected a U.S.-brokered security framework between Lebanon and Israel on Saturday, calling it “surrender to Israel” and vowing the group would continue its armed resistance despite growing international efforts to stabilize the border.

Qassem said the agreement undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty by conditioning an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon on Hezbollah’s disarmament. He argued the framework grants Israel the right to maintain a military presence inside Lebanese territory while placing obligations only on Beirut.

The remarks came a day after Lebanon and Israel agreed to a U.S.-mediated framework intended to launch broader negotiations aimed at reducing tensions along the border. According to Israeli officials, the agreement allows Israeli forces to remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah and other armed groups are disarmed. Reuters has also reported that the framework envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal alongside the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Qassem rejected those terms, saying Hezbollah would not abandon what it described as its resistance against Israel. “We did not leave the battlefield in the most difficult circumstances, and we will not leave it now,” he said.

Hezbollah also argued that a separate U.S.-Iran understanding reached earlier this month, which sought to end direct military confrontation between Washington and Tehran, should serve as the basis for ending hostilities in Lebanon. Under that understanding, the United States, Iran and their allies committed to ending military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, and pledged to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Despite the new diplomatic framework, Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have repeatedly stated that Israeli troops will remain in occupied areas of southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully disarmed and Israeli communities no longer face security threats. Israel has also instructed its military to prepare for a prolonged deployment in the security zone.

The agreement comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian military sites and subsequent Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. military positions in the Gulf. Although Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire framework to halt their direct confrontation, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued, including fresh Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon. The conflict has displaced more than one million people in Lebanon since cross-border hostilities escalated.

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Colombia secured first place in Group K after a goalless draw against Portugal, with both teams advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match ended 0-0 early Sunday, leaving Colombia top of the group with seven points, while Portugal progressed in second place with five points.

Colombia created the better scoring opportunities throughout the match, but failed to convert them. Defender Davinson Sánchez thought he had scored late in the game, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for offside.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo had limited impact, with his only shot on target coming from a long-range free kick that was comfortably saved by the Colombian goalkeeper.

In the other Group K match, DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history. DR Congo will face England in the Round of 32.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the first edition of the tournament featuring 48 teams. The expanded format has increased the number of knockout-stage matches and broadened participation from teams across Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Under the tournament schedule, Colombia will face Ghana in the Round of 32, while Portugal will meet Croatia as the competition enters the knockout phase.

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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched a coordinated missile and drone attack against US military positions in Kuwait and Bahrain early Sunday, as the United States announced a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure following renewed attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the IRGC said naval and aerospace units targeted eight US military facilities, including Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, using ballistic missiles and attack drones.

Kuwait’s military said its air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones, while Bahrain’s Interior Ministry confirmed that air raid sirens were activated and urged residents to move to the nearest safe locations.

The attacks followed US airstrikes carried out overnight by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which said American aircraft struck ten Iranian military targets, including missile and drone storage facilities, coastal radar sites, air defence systems, communications infrastructure and naval mine-laying capabilities.

According to CENTCOM, the operation was launched after Iran allegedly fired another suicide drone at the Panama-flagged oil tanker MT Kiko, carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil near the Strait of Hormuz. US officials said the latest attack violated the recently announced ceasefire understanding between Washington and Tehran.

US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes, warning that Iran had ignored an opportunity to uphold the ceasefire. He said Washington had responded by targeting military infrastructure linked to Iranian missile and drone operations, adding that continued attacks could force the United States to escalate its military response.

The latest exchange further threatens fragile diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. The United States has sought to preserve a limited understanding aimed at reducing direct military confrontation, while Iran has repeatedly accused Washington of violating the agreement through military actions in the Gulf.

The escalation also comes as regional tensions remain high despite the recent US-mediated framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Israeli leaders have instructed their military to prepare for a prolonged deployment in occupied areas of southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, while Iran has linked broader regional de-escalation to an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and continued negotiations with the United States.

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Pakistan’s military said security forces killed 15 suspected militants during intelligence-based operations in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to Pakistan’s military, eight militants were killed in two separate operations in Balochistan, while seven others were killed during an operation in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operations were carried out between June 25 and 27 based on intelligence about militant movements, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.

Security forces said weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered during the operations, while clearance operations remained underway to locate other suspected militants in the affected areas.

The operations followed a major attack on a Pakistan Rangers facility in Karachi, where militants detonated an explosives-laden vehicle before opening fire, killing at least three Pakistani security personnel. Authorities said investigations into the assault were continuing.

Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence over the past two years, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where attacks targeting security forces, police stations and military installations have become increasingly frequent.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused militant groups operating from across the Afghanistan border of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, allegations the Taliban administration denies.

The deteriorating security situation has also contributed to heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including repeated border clashes, tighter border controls and the large-scale deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees from Pakistan.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is no place for a Palestinian state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, reinforcing Israel’s hardline position as regional diplomacy continues following the recent US-brokered ceasefire framework with Lebanon and ongoing contacts between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking ahead of Israel’s next elections, Netanyahu said the debate over a two-state solution had fundamentally changed since the outbreak of the war, dismissing the possibility of Palestinian statehood under any future government he intends to lead.

According to Al Jazeera on Sunday, Netanyahu said there was “no room for two states” between the sea and the Jordan River, arguing that Israel’s security requirements had become the overriding priority after months of conflict.

His remarks come as Israel has adopted a tougher regional security posture. Defence Minister Israel Katz recently ordered the Israeli military to prepare for a prolonged presence in occupied areas of southern Lebanon, saying Israeli forces would remain until Hezbollah is disarmed, despite a US-mediated framework agreement aimed at ending hostilities and restoring Lebanese state authority.

The statements also reflect growing unease within Israel over ongoing US diplomatic engagement with Iran. Israeli leaders have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with efforts to preserve understandings between Washington and Tehran, while Iranian officials have linked broader regional de-escalation to an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and an end to military pressure across the region.

The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and most Arab governments continue to support a two-state solution as the basis for resolving the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, negotiations have remained stalled for years amid continued fighting, settlement expansion and deep political divisions on both sides.

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At least three people were killed and four others wounded after militants attacked a police base in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi, authorities said, in one of the most significant security incidents in the city in recent years.

According to Pakistani media reports, the attack targeted a police facility in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area on Saturday. Security officials said the assailants detonated an explosive device at the entrance before opening fire on personnel stationed at the base.

Pakistan’s military said the attackers belonged to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The military said three militants were killed during the operation and that another suspect, identified as an Afghan national, was arrested. Authorities have not released further details about the detainee.

Witnesses reported hearing a powerful explosion followed by approximately 15 minutes of gunfire. Security forces later secured the area and launched a search operation.

The attack comes amid a broader deterioration in Pakistan’s security situation, particularly in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern province of Balochistan, where militant groups have intensified attacks on security forces, government facilities and civilians over the past two years.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused militant groups operating from across the Afghanistan border of carrying out attacks inside its territory, while relations between Islamabad and the Taliban administration have been strained by recurring border clashes, security concerns and disputes over the presence of TTP fighters.

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial hub, had witnessed a significant decline in militant violence in recent years. However, security experts warn that attacks such as the latest assault raise concerns about the possible return of organized militant operations in major urban centers. The incident is being described as the most serious security breach in Karachi since the 2024 bombing targeting a convoy of Chinese nationals.

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The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes has risen to more than 1,400, while over 55,000 people remain missing, authorities said, as international rescue teams expanded search operations in some of the country’s hardest-hit coastal areas.

According to Reuters on Saturday, more than 1,600 foreign rescue workers have arrived in Venezuela, joining local emergency crews searching for survivors in devastated areas, including the capital, Caracas, and the coastal state of La Guaira. Families and volunteers have continued digging through collapsed buildings, many complaining about shortages of heavy rescue equipment and limited official assistance.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across northern regions and triggering hundreds of aftershocks. Entire neighborhoods in La Guaira suffered extensive damage, while hospitals and emergency services have struggled to cope with the growing humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have warned that millions of people have been affected by the disaster. The International Organization for Migration estimates that nearly 6.8 million people may have been impacted, with urgent needs for shelter, clean water, medical care and protection services.

The United States Geological Survey has warned that the final death toll could exceed 10,000, potentially making the disaster one of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin America in more than a century. International aid and rescue operations continue as authorities race to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

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Israel has ordered its military to prepare for a prolonged deployment in occupied areas of southern Lebanon, despite a US-mediated framework agreement aimed at ending cross-border hostilities and restoring Lebanese state control, Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday.

Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the Israeli military to prepare for a “long-term stay” in the security zone, adding that Israeli forces would not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon. His remarks came shortly after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-backed framework intended to reduce tensions and strengthen the authority of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The agreement, announced this week with US mediation, is intended to create a phased process for restoring Lebanese sovereignty in the south, reducing cross-border violence and establishing a US-facilitated trilateral military coordination mechanism involving Israel and Lebanon. However, no timetable has been announced for Israeli withdrawal or Hezbollah’s disarmament.

The latest statement underscores continuing differences over implementation of the agreement and raises new questions about whether the framework can achieve its stated objective of stabilizing the Israel-Lebanon frontier after months of military escalation.

The border between Israel and Lebanon has remained one of the Middle East’s most volatile flashpoints since the outbreak of the Gaza war, with near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah causing civilian casualties and displacing tens of thousands of people on both sides.

The future of southern Lebanon has also become intertwined with wider regional diplomacy. Iranian officials have repeatedly linked Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory to broader discussions with the United States, making the issue one of several sensitive points in ongoing indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran over regional security and nuclear-related disputes.

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Former British ambassador to Afghanistan Laurie Bristow warned excluding women from education and public life threatens Afghanistan’s long-term future.

Former British ambassador to Afghanistan Laurie Bristow said Britain should continue engaging with the Taliban to understand the group’s positions, while maintaining that London should not formally recognize the currect administration.

Bristow stated on saturday that dialogue with the Taliban does not amount to endorsing its policies, warning that the exclusion of women and girls from education would have profound consequences for Afghanistan’s future.

Bristow said Britain has previously engaged with governments and non-state actors whose policies it opposed, arguing that communication remains necessary even amid fundamental disagreements.

“We do not agree with what the Taliban are doing, particularly against women and girls, and we must continue to explain the consequences of those actions,” he said.

He also warned that preventing women and girls from accessing education effectively deprives Afghanistan of half of its future workforce, undermining the country’s long-term economic and social development.

Bristow said the Taliban could not successfully govern Afghanistan while excluding half of society, adding that international engagement should continue to press the group to lift restrictions on women and girls and expand their participation in public life.

No country has formally recognized the Taliban government since the group returned to power in August 2021. Most Western governments have maintained limited diplomatic contacts focused on humanitarian assistance, counterterrorism and consular issues while linking broader engagement to improvements in human rights, particularly women’s rights.

Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls, including banning secondary and university education for females and limiting women’s participation in employment and public life. The United Nations has repeatedly described the measures as unprecedented and warned they are worsening Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crisis.

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Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had destroyed two Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets in a drone strike on an air base in southern Ukraine, as both sides continue to intensify long-range drone attacks in the fourth year of the war.

According to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency on Saturday, the attack targeted the Voznesensk airfield in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region. Moscow claimed the strike also destroyed ammunition, a fuel tanker, a mobile power unit and killed flight and engineering personnel preparing the aircraft for takeoff. Ukraine has not commented on the claims, which could not be independently verified.

The reported strike comes as Russia and Ukraine increasingly rely on drones to target military infrastructure far behind the front lines, with both countries expanding domestic drone production and launching frequent cross-border attacks.

In recent months, Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone operations against Russian air bases, ammunition depots and energy infrastructure, while Russia has continued large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian military facilities and cities.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the drones struck the airfield while the aircraft were armed and ready for operations, describing the attack as part of its broader campaign against Ukrainian military infrastructure.

The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has evolved into a prolonged conflict marked by intensive drone warfare, missile strikes and repeated attacks on airfields and logistics hubs on both sides, as diplomatic efforts to end the fighting remain stalled.

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The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into dozens of deaths in the custody of United States immigration authorities, urging Washington to take immediate steps to prevent further fatalities in detention facilities.

The appeal follows growing concern over a rise in deaths involving migrants held by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, with the UN warning that conditions in detention centers could amount to serious human rights violations if left unaddressed.

UN officials called for full transparency, independent investigations into every death, and accountability for those responsible. According to the organization, at least 62 people have died in U.S. immigration detention facilities this year, while reports have linked many of the deaths to delayed medical treatment, inadequate healthcare and poor detention conditions.

The renewed scrutiny comes as the United States faces mounting criticism from international human rights organizations over its immigration detention system, particularly as immigration remains a central political issue under the administration’s tougher border enforcement policies.

The UN urged U.S. authorities to reform detention procedures, ensure timely access to healthcare, and strengthen safeguards to protect the lives and rights of people held in immigration custody.

The call also follows the death of an Afghan asylum seeker in ICE custody in March, whose case remains unresolved. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly clarified, raising additional concerns among Afghan refugee advocates and rights groups.

The United States has expanded immigration enforcement and detention operations in recent years as authorities seek to curb irregular migration at the southern border. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that overcrowding, prolonged detention and limited access to medical care have increased risks for detainees, while international bodies have urged Washington to align detention practices with international human rights standards.

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Iran said on Saturday it had carried out retaliatory strikes against positions linked to the United States following recent US air attacks, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continued despite a recently announced ceasefire framework.

According to Al Jazeera, Iranian military forces launched the operation after US airstrikes targeted sites along Iran’s southern coast. Iranian officials said the American attacks violated both the United Nations Charter and the recently agreed framework intended to halt hostilities between the two countries.

The latest exchange follows US strikes on Iranian military infrastructure after Washington accused Tehran of attacking a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz with armed drones. US officials said the operation was intended to protect freedom of navigation and deter further attacks on international shipping.

Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any US military action would receive a “swift and decisive” response. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said Tehran should address any disagreements over implementation of the recent understanding through diplomatic channels, warning that further violence would be met with force.

The exchange underscores the fragility of the US-Iran ceasefire arrangement, which followed weeks of military confrontation involving US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory attacks by Tehran. International officials have warned that renewed hostilities could threaten regional stability and disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy supplies.

The confrontation also coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Israel and regional partners aimed at preventing further escalation while preserving freedom of navigation and protecting commercial shipping in the Gulf.

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The British government has announced plans to introduce new safe and legal pathways for eligible refugees while simultaneously tightening immigration rules to speed up the removal of people staying in the country illegally.

The UK Home Office said the new framework would allow community groups, universities and businesses to sponsor refugees by providing financial and practical support, creating additional legal routes for people in need of international protection.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on Friday the government would “open new legal routes for genuine refugees” while closing loopholes that have been repeatedly exploited under the current immigration system. She added that forthcoming migration legislation would curb what the government describes as abuses of human rights laws and reduce what it considers unfounded asylum and immigration claims.

Under the proposed reforms, the legal definition of family eligible for immigration-related claims would also be narrowed to immediate relatives. The legislation is expected to be introduced in the House of Commons next week.

The government said the sponsorship model draws inspiration from Canada’s long-running community sponsorship programme, which has helped resettle around 400,000 refugees since 1979 by enabling private organizations and local communities to support refugee integration.

Immigration has become one of the most politically sensitive issues in the United Kingdom, where successive governments have faced pressure to reduce irregular migration while maintaining commitments to people fleeing war, persecution and humanitarian crises. Ministers argue that expanding legal pathways while strengthening border enforcement is intended to discourage dangerous irregular journeys and reduce pressure on the asylum system.

The announcement also comes as Afghan nationals continue to face shrinking legal pathways to reach the UK. Most major resettlement and evacuation programmes established for Afghans following the Taliban’s return to power have been closed to new applicants, leaving many at-risk Afghans with limited options for lawful resettlement despite continuing humanitarian and security concerns in Afghanistan.

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A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan on Saturday, shaking Kabul and several northern and northeastern provinces, while authorities continued to assess possible casualties and damage.

Residents in Kabul, as well as in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif and other parts of the country, reported feeling strong tremors. There were no immediate official reports of casualties or significant damage.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located about 43 kilometers south of Jurm district in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province. The quake struck at a depth of 208 kilometers, a depth that often allows tremors to be felt across a wide geographic area.

Afghanistan lies along several active tectonic fault lines and experiences frequent earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain region, where deep seismic activity is common. Strong earthquakes originating in the region are often felt across neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Tajikistan, and northern India.

The country remains highly vulnerable to seismic disasters due to fragile infrastructure, remote mountainous terrain, and limited emergency response capacity. Previous earthquakes have caused significant casualties and displacement, particularly in rural communities where homes are often built with weak construction materials.

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World Food Programme (WFP) says the closure of major border crossings with Pakistan and the growing reliance on trade through Iran have sharply increased food prices and deepened Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.

In a report released on Friday, the WFP said around 60% of Afghanistan’s trade now passes through Iran after disruptions to commercial routes with Pakistan in late 2025. The agency warned that longer and more expensive transport routes are driving up the cost of food, fuel and agricultural supplies.

The report estimates that 13.8 million people in Afghanistan are facing crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. If trade disruptions continue, another 2.3 million people could fall into acute hunger over the next six months.

The WFP said the closure of Pakistan’s border crossings has significantly affected food markets. Since October 2025, prices of key imported goods have risen sharply, including Pakistani rice, sugar, cooking oil and fuel, while fertilizer costs have also increased, raising concerns about future agricultural production.

The agency also warned that Afghanistan’s economy is struggling to absorb the return of millions of Afghans deported or returning from Pakistan and Iran. Since 2023, around six million Afghans have returned, but only about one in five has found formal employment, leaving many families without stable incomes.

Border tensions between Taliban authorities and Pakistan have repeatedly disrupted trade and humanitarian access in recent months, with temporary closures of the Torkham Border Crossing and Spin Boldak–Chaman border crossing affecting commercial shipments and aid deliveries. At the same time, Pakistan has continued its large-scale crackdown and deportation campaign against undocumented Afghan refugees, adding further pressure on Afghanistan’s fragile economy and humanitarian response.

The WFP urged the reopening of trade routes through Pakistan, increased international funding and greater humanitarian support, warning that prolonged border disruptions and reduced aid could leave millions more Afghans without adequate food and essential services.

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Russian drone attacks killed at least three civilians and wounded more than a dozen others in southern and southeastern Ukraine, local officials said on Friday, as Moscow continued its aerial campaign while diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled.

According to a Reuters report published on Friday, two passengers aboard a minibus were killed and 12 others, including two children, were injured when a Russian drone struck the city of Nikopol in Ukraine’s southeastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Regional Governor Oleksandr Hanzha said the attack targeted Nikopol, a city on the banks of the Dnipro River that has been repeatedly shelled and attacked by Russian forces because of its proximity to the front line.

In the neighboring Zaporizhzhia Oblast, regional authorities reported that two more civilians were wounded in separate Russian strikes that also damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

Russia has intensified long-range drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent months, while both sides continue to exchange strikes far behind the front lines. Moscow says it targets military and energy infrastructure, while Ukraine says civilian areas have increasingly borne the brunt of the attacks.

The latest strikes come as Russia continues its summer offensive across eastern and southern Ukraine, with fighting remaining intense in several frontline regions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained that Moscow will continue military operations until its security demands are met, while Kyiv insists any settlement must preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Recent ceasefire efforts have failed to produce a breakthrough, leaving the conflict entering its fourth year with no immediate prospect of peace.

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Pakistan’s military said on Friday its security forces killed eight militants during two intelligence-based operations in the southwestern province of Balochistan, as authorities continue a nationwide campaign against insurgent groups.

In a statement, the military’s media wing said the operations were carried out over the past two days in the districts of Kharan and Mastung based on intelligence reports about militant activity.

According to the statement, the first operation took place on June 25 in Kharan, where security forces engaged armed militants, killing three and wounding several others. The military described the group as an India-backed proxy organization, an allegation New Delhi has repeatedly denied.

The second operation was launched on June 26 in Mastung to prevent what the military described as a planned suicide attack. Pakistani forces said five militants, including a suspected suicide bomber, were killed following an intense exchange of fire. Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices from the sites, while clearance operations remain ongoing.

Balochistan has experienced a sharp rise in militant violence in recent years, with separatist groups and Islamist militants frequently targeting security forces, government installations and infrastructure. Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting armed groups operating in the province, while India rejects the allegations and accuses Islamabad of attempting to divert attention from its internal security challenges.

Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban administration in Afghanistan have deteriorated over the past two years over border security, militant activity and cross-border attacks. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban of failing to prevent militants from using Afghanistan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan, an allegation the Taliban reject.

The tensions have periodically led to armed clashes along the two countries’ shared frontier and the temporary closure of major border crossings, including Torkham Border Crossing and Spin Boldak–Chaman border crossing. The closures have disrupted trade, stranded thousands of travelers and truck drivers, and affected humanitarian assistance and commercial supplies moving between the neighboring countries.

The operations were conducted under Pakistan’s new nationwide counterterrorism strategy, known as Azm-e-Istehkam, which was approved by the country’s top civil-military leadership to intensify intelligence-led operations and dismantle militant networks across the country. The plan follows a surge in attacks that Pakistani authorities say threatens national security and regional stability.

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The body of a senior Tajik regional official has been recovered from the Panj River more than a week after the vehicle carrying him and four others plunged into the river along the border with Afghanistan, Tajik media reported on Friday.

According to Tajik media, citing the country’s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan, the body of Alisher Mirzo Nabot, governor of Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, was found about 20 kilometers downstream from the crash site in the Panj River.

The official’s vehicle left the road and fell into the river on June 17 in the Darvoz district. His wife, young daughter, aide and driver were also inside the vehicle. Search operations remain underway for the four other occupants, officials said.

Tajik authorities said fast driving and the driver losing control of the vehicle were the preliminary causes of the crash. According to local reports, the vehicle struck border engineering structures and barbed wire before plunging into the river, where strong currents and high water levels have complicated recovery efforts.

The Panj River forms much of the natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Rescue operations along the river are often challenging because of steep terrain, swift currents and limited access to remote sections of the frontier.

Alisher Mirzo Nabot, 45, had served as governor of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region since November 2021. The mountainous region in eastern Tajikistan borders Afghanistan and has strategic importance because of its long frontier with Afghanistan and its location along key regional transport routes.

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U.S. authorities have seized nearly 400 internet domains accused of illegally streaming FIFA World Cup matches, expanding an international crackdown on digital piracy during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

According to the United States Department of Justice, the domains were used to distribute live FIFA World Cup broadcasts without authorization, allowing operators to profit from copyrighted content while bypassing licensed broadcasters, Reuters reported on Friday.

The Justice Department said the domains were identified through a joint investigation involving FIFA and media companies including NBCUniversal and Warner Bros, Discovery. Officials said the websites retransmitted live matches simultaneously with official broadcasts, violating copyright laws.

A senior official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said illegal streaming platforms not only infringe intellectual property rights but also expose users to cybersecurity threats, including malware and theft of personal or financial information.

Authorities said servers and domains linked to the operation were targeted in countries including Peru and Bulgaria, while enforcement actions were also coordinated in Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia.

The operation comes as global demand for online sports streaming has surged during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, increasing pressure on authorities and broadcasters to combat digital piracy. Rights holders estimate that illegal streaming costs the sports and media industries billions of dollars annually through lost subscription and advertising revenue.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, began on June 11 and runs through July 19 across 16 host cities. FIFA and broadcasting partners have intensified global enforcement efforts throughout the tournament to protect media rights and curb unauthorized online broadcasts.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a new framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon establishes a roadmap to restore Lebanese sovereignty, dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and improve security along the shared border.

In a statement issued after the agreement was signed in Washington on Friday, Rubio said the framework would create conditions for Israeli forces to withdraw to Israel’s border once threats against Israeli civilians had been removed.

The agreement also provides for the establishment of a U.S.-facilitated trilateral military coordination mechanism to oversee implementation, coordinate security measures and help reduce tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Rubio said the initiative is intended to strengthen the authority of the Lebanese state and establish a lasting mechanism for stability, though no timeline has been announced for Hezbollah’s disarmament or the implementation of other key provisions.

The announcement comes after months of heightened cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that raised fears of a broader regional conflict. Although recent diplomatic efforts have reduced large-scale hostilities, Israeli forces remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon, while Beirut has repeatedly called for a full withdrawal in accordance with international agreements.

The framework also emerges as Washington continues broader diplomatic efforts across the Middle East following the recent confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States. U.S. officials have argued that reducing the influence of Iranian-backed armed groups, including Hezbollah, is central to preserving the fragile regional ceasefire and creating conditions for renewed diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

Analysts say implementation of the agreement is likely to face significant political and security challenges, particularly over Hezbollah’s weapons and the future role of the Lebanese armed forces. They warn that the success of the framework will depend on sustained international support and the willingness of all parties to avoid renewed military escalation.

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Turkish authorities have detained at least 40 undocumented migrants, including citizens of Afghanistan, during two separate operations in the northwestern border province of Edirne, as Ankara continues its nationwide campaign against irregular migration.

Police said the migrants were transferred to the provincial removal center after administrative procedures, where they are expected to face deportation proceedings. Authorities also arrested two suspected human traffickers in connection with the operations and referred them to the judiciary.

The latest arrests come as Turkey intensifies enforcement against undocumented migrants, particularly Afghans, through expanded identity checks, detention operations and deportations. Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over reports of forced returns, warning that many Afghans face serious security risks and a worsening humanitarian situation if sent back to Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, neighboring countries have tightened migration controls and accelerated deportations of Afghan nationals. Pakistan and Iran have carried out large-scale deportation campaigns in recent months, while international agencies have warned that the growing influx of returnees is placing additional pressure on Afghanistan’s already fragile economy, limited public services and humanitarian response.

Despite stricter immigration enforcement, new figures released by Turkey’s Directorate General of Migration Management show that migrant arrivals increased by 25% in 2025 compared with the previous year, with approximately 394,000 people entering the country.

According to the official data, citizens of Turkmenistan accounted for the largest share of arrivals, followed by Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Egypt and Afghanistan. Afghan nationals represented 5.8% of all recorded arrivals during the year.

Turkish migration authorities also reported that police detained 16,436 Afghan migrants during the first five months of 2026 for lacking valid residence permits, highlighting the continued focus of enforcement measures on one of the country’s largest migrant communities.

International organizations have repeatedly called on governments to ensure that refugee returns are voluntary, safe and consistent with

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Health authorities across Europe remained on high alert on Friday as an unprecedented heatwave pushed temperatures to record levels, overwhelmed emergency services and disrupted transport across several countries.

Scientists said the current heatwave is among the most severe ever recorded in Europe, where temperatures are rising faster than the global average because of climate change.

In France, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist warned the extreme heat would “undoubtedly” lead to more deaths. Emergency physicians reported a sharp rise in medical calls, with officials in Paris saying 55 people receiving emergency care died within 24 hours.

The heatwave has forced authorities to cancel large public gatherings, impose restrictions in some areas and close cultural sites. In Germany, sections of highways buckled under the heat, while rail operators in Austria warned that tracks could deform. A freight train derailed in Sweden after rail infrastructure was affected, disrupting services between Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Temperatures reached record June highs in France and United Kingdom, while forecasts indicated parts of Italy and Netherlands could approach 40 degrees Celsius. British emergency services reported a 50 percent increase in calls for assistance, as hundreds of schools remained closed.

The World Meteorological Organization warned that prolonged high overnight temperatures pose one of the greatest health risks because the human body is unable to recover from daytime heat, increasing the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Climate researchers said such an intense heatwave would have been nearly impossible without human-driven climate change. Reuters’ climate analysis found temperatures in some regions rose as much as 18 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages, while unusually hot nights have become around 100 times more likely than they were two decades ago.

Europe has experienced increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves in recent years, with extreme temperatures causing thousands of excess deaths, widespread wildfires and severe pressure on health systems. Governments across the continent have expanded heat action plans, but experts warn that aging populations and limited access to air conditioning leave millions vulnerable during prolonged periods of extreme heat.

The heatwave has also renewed concerns over Europe’s preparedness for a warming climate. According to the International Energy Agency, only about one in five European households has air conditioning, making hospitals, schools and transport networks increasingly vulnerable as extreme weather events become more frequent.

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The U.S. military said it carried out strikes against Iranian military targets after Tehran allegedly launched a drone attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite recent diplomatic efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire.

The United States Central Command said late Friday its forces conducted what it described as a “strong response” after Iran targeted the Singapore-flagged cargo ship MV Our Lovely with a one-way attack drone while the vessel was leaving the Strait of Hormuz and sailing along the coast of Oman.

According to CENTCOM, U.S. aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar sites used to monitor maritime traffic. The command said the attack on the merchant vessel threatened freedom of navigation and violated the recently agreed ceasefire.

Donald Trump said Iran had launched at least four attack drones toward commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He said U.S. forces intercepted three of them, while one drone struck and damaged the cargo vessel. Trump described the incident as a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire and warned Tehran that Washington would respond.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rejected the U.S. account, claiming its naval and air defense forces had repelled the American attack and forced the attacking aircraft to withdraw. In a statement, the Guards warned that the U.S. strikes “will not go unanswered” and vowed a “swift and decisive” response at a time and place of Iran’s choosing.

Iranian state media reported explosions near the southern coastal town of Sirik, with officials saying several projectiles struck an area near Tahrouyi port on the Gulf coast.

The confrontation comes as Washington and Tehran continue attempting to preserve a ceasefire reached after weeks of direct military confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States. While diplomatic contacts have continued, both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement, raising concerns that renewed military exchanges could derail efforts to revive broader negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. Shipping companies and international governments have closely monitored security in the waterway, warning that attacks on commercial vessels could disrupt global energy supplies, increase freight costs and further destabilize regional security.

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Venezuela’s government said on Friday that the death toll from this week’s powerful earthquakes had risen to 920, while 3,360 people have been injured, as rescue teams continued searching collapsed buildings and fears grew that the number of victims could rise further.

Authorities said more than 50,000 missing-person reports had been submitted through an online registration platform, while the U.N.’s emergency relief office reported similar estimates, highlighting the scale of the disaster.

The latest figures follow two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude that struck western Venezuela within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction in Caracas and several coastal regions. Emergency crews remain engaged in search-and-rescue operations as thousands of residents remain displaced.

The United States Geological Survey has warned the disaster could ultimately claim more than 10,000 lives if large numbers of people remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings, potentially making it one of Latin America’s deadliest earthquakes in more than a century.

International assistance has continued to arrive, with rescue teams and humanitarian aid reaching Venezuela from the Dominican Republic, India, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia and Spain.

The United States said it had activated $150 million in humanitarian assistance and eased some sanctions to facilitate relief deliveries. U.S. officials also announced the deployment of two naval vessels and air support, including helicopters, to assist search-and-rescue efforts.

The International Organization for Migration said as many as seven million people may have been affected by the disaster and that emergency shelter, food and other relief supplies were being distributed to displaced families.

Humanitarian agencies warned that the growing number of displaced people and damage to hospitals, roads and essential infrastructure could complicate relief efforts in the coming days, as authorities race to provide medical care, temporary shelter and clean water to survivors.

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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its naval forces had carried out attacks on U.S. military positions in the region, describing the operation as a response to what it called American “aggression” and violations of previous understandings.

In a statement released on Friday, the Guards said the operation was conducted by the IRGC Navy but provided no details on the location, scale of the attack or any casualties. The claim could not be independently verified, and U.S. officials had not immediately commented on the statement.

The announcement came as U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged Tehran to resolve any disagreements over the implementation of recent understandings through diplomacy rather than military action.

“If the Iranian government has concerns about how an agreement is being implemented, it can pick up the phone and call,” Vance said, warning that any further violence by Iran would be met with force.

The exchange highlights the fragile state of relations following the recent conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States, which brought the region close to a wider war before a ceasefire reduced direct military confrontation. Despite ongoing diplomatic contacts, officials on both sides continue to exchange warnings as negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security remain unresolved.

Regional tensions have also kept international attention focused on U.S. military deployments across the Gulf and the security of key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. Governments and commercial operators continue to monitor the situation amid concerns that any renewed escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and maritime trade.

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The United Nations has called for the sustained reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under the principle of freedom of navigation, urging all parties to uphold their commitments and avoid actions that could further destabilize one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.

U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Froday, the organization hopes to see “a sustainable and continuous reopening” of the waterway, stressing that all sides should respect any agreements reached and prioritize regional and global stability.

“It is very important that all parties keep in mind the broader interests of regional stability, global stability, and the safety and security of seafarers,” Dujarric said. He added that thousands of sailors remain affected by the disruption, noting that global supply chains depend on their work to transport essential goods.

The comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to reduce tensions following the recent conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which disrupted commercial shipping and heightened concerns over the security of the Gulf. Although a ceasefire has eased immediate military tensions, governments and shipping companies remain cautious amid uncertainty over the durability of the truce and the future of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of concern for global energy markets. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow waterway, making any disruption to maritime traffic capable of driving up energy prices and affecting international trade. International aviation and maritime authorities have also continued issuing security advisories as they monitor the situation across the region.

The United Nations has repeatedly emphasized the importance of complying with international maritime law, including the principle of freedom of navigation, while encouraging diplomatic engagement among Iran, Gulf Arab states, the United States and other stakeholders to reduce the risk of further escalation.

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Direct commercial flights between Tehran and Dubai are set to resume from July 1, Iranian media reported, marking another step toward restoring regional air travel after weeks of disruption caused by conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

According to Iranian media, ticket sales for the route have resumed, with flights scheduled to operate between the international airports of Tehran and Dubai. The service had been suspended after regional airspace restrictions were imposed during recent military tensions.

The resumption comes as the United Arab Emirates continues restoring normal flight operations following the reopening of its airspace. Dubai Airports has previously said passenger traffic and airline operations were gradually returning to normal after restrictions were lifted.

Despite the reopening of the Tehran-Dubai route, regional aviation risks remain. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has advised airlines to avoid the airspace over Iran, Iraq and Lebanon until at least July 1, citing continued security concerns, including the possibility of renewed hostilities and risks linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

The reopening also comes amid renewed diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Abu Dhabi. Reuters reported on Friday that the UAE’s foreign minister held a rare telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions continue to affect global trade.

The recent conflict between Iran and Israel, which drew direct U.S. military involvement, disrupted commercial aviation across much of the Middle East, forcing airlines to suspend flights, reroute aircraft and temporarily close portions of regional airspace. The disruptions affected major aviation hubs, including Dubai, Doha and several Gulf airports.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil exports. While a ceasefire has reduced immediate military tensions, governments and aviation authorities continue to monitor the region closely amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran, the United States and regional partners to prevent further escalation.

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Pakistani authorities have arrested five people, including three Chinese nationals, after dismantling an alleged network accused of illegally processing and exporting human placental tissue from the capital, Islamabad, officials said on Friday.

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raided two properties in Islamabad where it uncovered facilities allegedly used to process and dry human placental tissue before exporting the products to Vietnam under the label “She Placenta,” Arab News reported on Friday. The operation led to the arrest of three Chinese nationals and two Pakistani citizens.

The agency said officers first searched a residence in Islamabad’s upscale F-7 sector, where they discovered what investigators described as a fully equipped illegal processing plant. A second raid in the nearby E-11 sector uncovered another facility allegedly linked to the same network.

Authorities recovered processing equipment and finished products during the operation and arrested three Chinese nationals along with two Pakistani citizens. The FIA said a criminal case has been registered under Pakistan’s Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation Act, 2010, and investigations are continuing.

Medical experts note that human placental tissue can be legally donated and processed under strict medical regulations for approved uses such as wound treatment, burn care and certain eye surgeries. Investigators allege the facilities uncovered in Islamabad operated outside Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework.

Pakistan has repeatedly faced challenges in combating illegal trafficking involving human organs and biological materials, with authorities periodically dismantling criminal networks exploiting vulnerable people for financial gain. Rights groups and medical experts have long called for stronger oversight of medical waste, tissue handling and transplant-related activities.

In recent years, Pakistani law enforcement agencies have uncovered several illegal organ trafficking operations, including unauthorized kidney transplant centers targeting poor laborers while serving wealthy domestic and foreign clients. Officials say the latest investigation highlights continuing efforts to crack down on organized medical trafficking networks operating in the country.

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