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ICE Agent Shoots Dead Colombian Man in Biddeford, Maine

USA

ICE Agent Shoots Dead Colombian Man in Biddeford, Maine

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot a Colombian national during an immigration enforcement operation in Biddeford, Maine, after a vehicle attempted to flee, the agency said.

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The incident comes about a week after ICE used deadly force in a separate case involving another migrant in a traffic stop in Texas.
Operation linked to final removal order
ICE said agents were surveilling an address in Biddeford for a person with a final order of removal at around 07:00 EDT (11:00 GMT) on Monday.
Agents attempted to stop a driver who was leaving the address. ICE said the vehicle tried to flee the scene, and that “fearing for public safety”, an officer discharged a weapon. ICE added that the driver was struck.
After the shooting, dozens of demonstrators gathered in Biddeford.
Prosecutor, lawmakers order investigation as officer placed on leave
Maine’s top prosecutor said the officer worked for ICE’s Enforcement Removal Operations and has been placed on leave while an investigation is carried out.
The state’s Attorney General, Aaron Frey, said initial information indicates the individual “attempted to flee in a vehicle in the direction of the officer and was fatally shot”.
Frey said the man’s name would not be released until he is formally identified and his family is notified.
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general office is taking over the investigation, Senator Susan Collins said, citing the agency overseeing ICE.
Collins and other Maine officials faced questions after reports that the circumstances of the operation changed. Fellow senator Angus King said he was first told by DHS chief Markwayne Mullin that the person shot was a target of an arrest warrant in an immigration operation. Hours later, King said Mullin told him the man was not the target of a warrant.
Governor Janet Mills said the death of someone the government was not seeking “makes this tragedy even more disturbing and infuriating”. She said it showed what she called the “reckless and haphazard manner” in which immigration enforcement operations are being conducted in Maine and across the country.
Embassy, rights groups confirm victim’s nationality; witnesses describe gunfire
Colombia’s embassy confirmed the deceased man was Colombian. The embassy said it has requested information and clarification from DHS about the circumstances and will follow the case as the investigation continues.
The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition said the man was a 26-year-old Colombian authorised to work in the United States, and said he was part of its community. The organisation did not identify him.
Protests also took place outside the office of Collins after she voted to fund ICE, with demonstrators calling for what King described as a “full and impartial investigation”.
Witness accounts to local and national media described the shooting and the response by federal agents. The Biddeford Gazette reported that around 07:20 local time, a resident saw flashing lights from an unmarked white SUV and at least two officers wearing green ICE vests. The witness said agents surrounded a white sedan and that at least four gunshots were heard.
Another witness speaking to the Associated Press said the victim lived nearby with his wife and daughter and described seeing his spouse fall to her knees and a child crying with a pink backpack.
King said Mullin told him the man was shot after attempting to drive his car at officers. King said that involved “weaponised” use of the vehicle, and that an ICE agent fired.
King also said officers did not wear body cameras and that officials would investigate whether deadly force was necessary.
The case has renewed attention on DHS and ICE operations. On 7 July, ICE officer Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old builder, was shot and killed in Houston while driving to a construction site. Federal officials later said he was not the intended target but that he tried to run over an ICE agent.
Mullin took over leadership of DHS in March, replacing Kristi Noem after she was fired by US President Donald Trump. Noem’s tenure followed fatal shootings by immigration officers of two protesters, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both American citizens, after immigration enforcement surges were announced in Minnesota and other states.
A similar operation in Maine, launched in January and dubbed Operation Catch of the Day, has also drawn legal challenges. Civil rights organisations filed a lawsuit alleging aggressive tactics by federal agents during enforcement surges.


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14 July 2026

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8 hours ago8 hr

Elderly Death Row Inmates Set for Florida Executions

USA

Elderly Death Row Inmates Set for Florida Executions

Florida is set to carry out executions of three prisoners scheduled to die by the end of the month, underscoring how the death row population has aged in the United States.

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The state last week executed Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, becoming Florida’s oldest prisoner put to death in modern times. Two more men, both in their late 70s and 80, are next in line, with their dates set closely together.
Elderly prisoners scheduled for death in Florida
On June 25, Spencer was executed after being convicted of fatally stabbing his wife in 1992. The US Supreme Court rejected his appeal, which argued that liver disease would make him especially vulnerable to severe pain during lethal injection.
Florida’s next scheduled execution is for Dennis Sochor, who was convicted of killing Patricia Gifford, 18, hours after meeting her at a New Year’s Eve party in 1982. Family members have said they plan to attend. Sochor is 79, and his attorneys had argued against execution based on his age and health, leaving him nearing his 80th birthday.
Dominick Anthony Occhicone, 80, is scheduled to die on July 28. He was sentenced in the murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents and has spent nearly four decades on Florida’s death row. If executed, he would be the second-oldest person known to be put to death in the US, behind Walter Moody Jr., who was 83 when he was executed in Alabama in 2018.
Florida has three inmates older than Occhicone on its death row.
Questions raised as appeals and sentencing run long
The coming executions are reviving debate over whether capital punishment can be carried out humanely when inmates are elderly and medically frail, and about whether long appeals processes, intended to protect constitutional rights and guard against wrongful executions, also contribute to delays.
Rev. Dustin Feddon, a Catholic priest who has ministered to Florida death row inmates since 2013, said the issue raises the question of whether the system is effectively waiting out a natural death. He added that executing those who are the most frail and elderly would be especially harsh.
Marilyn Gifford, whose sister was killed by Sochor, said she does not view the age factor as a reason to stop the process. She told reporters she is “happy it’s happening” during her lifetime.
Governor controls execution dates in Florida
It is not clear why Florida scheduled three executions in close succession. Legal advocates say the state’s system gives the governor broad authority over timing.
Maria DeLiberato, legal director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, said Florida’s governor largely determines when executions occur, while in many other states the courts play a bigger role in setting schedules.


Picture courtesy of Miami Herald

About half of Florida’s 242 death row inmates have exhausted their appeals and could receive death warrants at any time. The family of Michael Sheridan spent about a year calling and writing to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to request that he sign a death warrant before Sheridan’s killer was executed earlier this year. DeSantis’ office did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment.
DeSantis oversaw a record 19 executions in 2025, more than any other Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The state has carried out nine executions so far this year.
In a statement last year, DeSantis said his goal is to deliver justice for victims’ families who waited for decades, arguing that delays deny justice.
Age alone is not a bar under court precedent
The average age of inmates executed in the US has risen from the 30s to the 50s over the past half-century, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. In many cases, decades on death row can lead inmates to develop medical conditions that may complicate attempts to carry out lethal injections.
Occhicone’s attorneys said he has age-related ailments, including kidney and prostate problems, and requires assistance getting in and out of the shower.
Under Supreme Court precedent, people cannot be executed for crimes committed before age 18. But court officials and attorneys say advanced age alone does not provide a basis to stop an execution. Gerod Hooper, a lawyer with Florida’s Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, said a legal challenge would have to show that the inmate lacks execution capacity or that specific medical conditions would make the injection process unconstitutional because of undue pain.
Similar issues have arisen in other states. In cases involving inmates with dementia in Utah and Alabama, execution was avoided and the prisoners later died of apparent natural causes. In Idaho, an inmate received at least one stay connected to cancer and other health problems, though state officials continued to seek the death penalty.
Frank Frandel, who grew up near Sochor in Portland, Michigan, said he opposes leniency based on age, noting Sochor’s father is expected to turn 99 this year and arguing that Sochor could live for many years.

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14 July 2026

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9 hours ago9 hr

UK Home Office Asylum Hotel Closures Face Legal Action

UK-Asylum crisis

UK Home Office Asylum Hotel Closures Face Legal Action

Families staying at a London hotel have been moved to other accommodation after the Home Office closed asylum hotels, prompting legal challenges over whether the government assessed people’s individual needs before relocations.

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Staycity closure and relocation plan
Huda, 41, and her two children, aged 10 and 12, had lived in two rooms in a London hotel for six months before being told they would be moved with a few days’ notice. The engineering graduate from Tunisia said she fled death threats from extended family and is awaiting a decision while her asylum application is processed.
The Home Office said Staycity—the hotel where the family was staying—would close as part of a government pledge to move asylum seekers out of hotels and into military barracks or other shared housing. The shift followed protests by anti-migrant campaigners, who argued that hotels were too comfortable to host asylum seekers.
On 25 June, the Home Office announced the closure of 20 hotels, after an earlier announcement this year that shut 11 asylum hotels.
Under the plan, people affected by closures may be transferred to other hotels with vacancies, moved to military barracks, or granted asylum.
Court order questions assessment of accommodation adequacy
Legal challenges have been brought on behalf of some residents at the Staycity site. Claimants say the Home Office failed to evaluate individual vulnerabilities before people were relocated.
A court order issued by John Halford, sitting as a deputy high court judge, said it was “arguable” the home secretary did not consider the “adequacy” of accommodation asylum seekers were being moved to from Staycity.
Huda’s daughter uses a wheelchair and has epilepsy and a heart condition. Huda said her daughter’s medical supplies take up almost an entire room, leaving little space for other essentials.
Reported impact on healthcare and living conditions
Huda said the family spent much of the day waiting in the hotel reception for transport. She said they waited from 10am to 7pm before being taken to a new location.
She said the new accommodation was significantly worse. Huda claimed her daughter is sleeping on the floor because she is afraid of a bunk bed, and that the space is so cramped there is nowhere to cook for the children.
She also said the room in the new hotel is too small, adding that she has to change her daughter’s nappies in a corridor. Huda said her daughter’s medicine needs to be kept in a fridge but that no fridge was available in the new room. “I’m worried I won’t be able to keep her alive,” she said.
A solicitor, Ralitsa Peykova of Deighton Pierce Glynn, said the legal proceedings were necessary because clients were being moved from one hotel to another without what she described as an evaluative assessment of their needs. She said the closures created “complete chaos” and wasted taxpayers’ money.
Chloe White, executive director of Action for Refugees in Lewisham, supported families relocated from Staycity. She said that despite the Home Office’s assurances that increased hotel closures were going well, “the reality on the ground is very different” and families faced a high “human cost”.
Other cases cited, including moves before exams
Another asylum seeker at Staycity, Farhad, said he was given a Post-it note telling him he would be moved the next day, without an explanation. He said he was a victim of trafficking, torture and labour exploitation and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He also said he believes people’s suffering is not considered, including a claim that one resident receiving chemotherapy was moved away from the hospital where treatment was ongoing.
A separate legal challenge, the article says, involves a mother moving with her sons to Aberdeen, about 549 miles away, two days before one child’s A-level exams. Claimants say they are upset about disruption to the boys’ education.
Home Office response
A Home Office spokesperson said: “This government will close every asylum hotel, and work is well under way to move asylum seekers into more suitable accommodation.” The spokesperson added that the welfare of asylum seekers remains a priority and said the department would work with providers to meet additional needs and minimise disruption wherever possible.


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14 July 2026

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10 hours ago10 hr

US Refunds $81bn in Trump Tariff Money After Court Ruling

USA

US Refunds $81bn in Trump Tariff Money After Court Ruling

The US government has issued $81bn in refunds for tariff payments since the start of the current fiscal year, after the Supreme Court ruled that parts of Donald Trump’s tariff programme were unlawful, according to budget figures released on Monday.

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Tariffs are taxes applied to imported goods. The refunds relate to duties collected under new measures ordered by Trump after he returned to the White House last year.
In February, the Supreme Court blocked a significant portion of the additional tariffs, requiring the government to return money to companies that had already paid the challenged charges.
Refunds rise sharply after Supreme Court decision
Budget data show that the United States paid out $81bn in tariff refunds in the fiscal year that began in October 2025. That compares with $5bn refunded during the same period a year earlier.
A senior Treasury Department official told reporters that the year-on-year jump was “almost entirely” linked to the Supreme Court decision. The official said most refunds were made in May and June.
The court ruling effectively halted the continuation of the blocked tariff measures and opened the way for refund claims tied to duties collected under the unlawful orders.
Trump’s tariff plan and its budget impact
Trump has described tariffs as a broad tool to reshape the US economy. He has argued they would support domestic manufacturing, improve trade outcomes and help reduce federal budget deficits.
After the introduction of tariff income, the deficit had narrowed slightly last year. However, the government’s finances have since worsened, with new budget figures showing renewed growth in the deficit during the current fiscal year.
The deficit reached $1.367tn in the first nine months of the fiscal year, an increase of 2% compared with the same period previously.
Higher costs: debt interest and military spending
Alongside the deficit figure, the budget release also highlighted rising spending elsewhere. The US government spent more than $1tn on interest payments on its debt during the same nine-month period, up 14%.
Military spending also increased, rising 5% during the period covered by the figures. The budget documents attributed that rise to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Next tariff steps due to expire on 24 July
Trump’s current tariff policy includes a temporary 10% global duty. That measure is scheduled to expire on 24 July.
The White House is preparing new tariffs to replace or extend the outgoing one, according to the budget materials cited Monday. The administration said it is acting in response to what it describes as lax enforcement of anti-forced labour laws and excess industrial capacity in other countries.
The refunds underscore how court rulings can quickly change the financial picture for tariff policies. While tariff revenue had previously helped support the government’s deficit position, the repayments required after the Supreme Court decision have driven a major rise in outflows during the current fiscal year.

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14 July 2026

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14 hours ago14 hr

Burnham Clinches Labour Leadership With 349 MPs

UK-Politics

Burnham Clinches Labour Leadership With 349 MPs

Andy Burnham is set to take over as Labour leader and Britain’s next prime minister after winning the backing of 349 Labour MPs, including all eligible members of Keir Starmer’s current cabinet.

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The increase of 27 nominations on Monday has left no route for another contender to reach the threshold required to force a leadership contest. Only 54 MPs have not yet backed Burnham, and with several key figures unable to nominate, the contest cannot be triggered by any rival.
Burnham reaches 349 nominations
Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, entered the leadership battle with 322 nominations last week. By Monday, he had gained an additional 27, bringing his total to 349.
Under the party’s rules, 81 nominations are needed to stand for the leadership election. With 54 MPs still to back him—among them Starmer and Shabana Mahmood—no other candidate can now collect enough nominations to qualify.
Mahmood cannot nominate because of her role as chair of the Labour Party’s national executive committee (NEC). By convention, Starmer, as outgoing leader, does not take part in nominations, while Anna Turley and Mahmood also do not nominate in line with their positions as chairs of the NEC and the party, respectively.
Transition to start amid leadership push
Burnham is due to replace Starmer as Labour leader on Friday, before moving into Downing Street on Monday. On Monday night, he used an online “hustings” with the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) to urge MPs to unite behind his leadership.
He told the PLP that he would seek to build what he described as a “broad church” cabinet, reflecting the party’s traditional approach. Burnham said future appointments would be based on “contribution, experience and commitment”, and would aim to ensure Labour’s leadership reflects different parts of the movement.
He also set out a plan to reset the relationship between Downing Street and Labour MPs. Burnham said he wanted to establish a “team and culture where everyone is valued, seen and listened to”, and described an “accountable, visible and accessible” approach. He said he would create a feedback loop from the PLP into local communities and back to the leadership and cabinet ministers, which he said was necessary for effective policy-making and delivery.
Focus on growth, devolution and cost of living
Burnham said his government will prioritise delivering good growth in every part of the country, devolving more power to communities, and putting the cost of living at the centre of government.
His emphasis on devolution and on “the north” has prompted concern among some Labour MPs, who fear that benefits could be concentrated on allies with constituencies in northern England, or those aligned with what some describe as the “blue Labour movement”.
During his hustings session, Burnham began by paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe, saying Labour’s thoughts were with her family and friends, and urging politicians to give police “the resources and space they need” to investigate her death.
He also praised Starmer for delivering the Hillsborough law, saying the prime minister had kept a promise made to the families of the 1989 disaster. Burnham added that the country expects Labour to come together at a “significant moment” for Britain.
Starmer resignation delayed and planned meetings moved
Meanwhile, the Guardian reported that Starmer’s formal resignation at Buckingham Palace—previously scheduled for early on Monday—has been pushed back to later in the morning because of England’s World Cup campaign.
Starmer is expected to attend Sunday’s final in New Jersey if England win their semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday. He is then due to meet King Charles the following day, with the meeting now expected to take place more than two hours later than planned. The change, the report said, reflects transatlantic flight logistics that made the original slot impractical.
Additional MPs who nominated Burnham on Monday included junior ministers Chris Bryant and Mike Tapp, former minister Jess Phillips, and Richard Burgon, secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs.
The added nominations also included Steve Reed, the communities secretary and a key ally of Starmer. Reed was the only cabinet member not to nominate Burnham last week.

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14 July 2026

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15 hours ago15 hr

Soviet Nuclear Submarine Time Bomb Lies Beneath Sea

Report

Soviet Nuclear Submarine Time Bomb Lies Beneath Sea

The Soviet nuclear submarine Komsomolets, which sank off Norway in 1989, remains under scrutiny after Norwegian researchers reported continuing radioactive leaks from the wreck.

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Wreck Raises Long-Running Concerns
The submarine lies close to 1.7km, or about one mile, below the Norwegian Sea. Its sinking prompted alarm because two nuclear-tipped torpedoes were left on board, containing about 9lb (4kg) of plutonium.
In a 1993 BBC report, Russian Greenpeace activist Dimitri Litvinov warned that the wreck posed an urgent danger if nothing was done. At the time, environmentalists feared plutonium could enter rich fishing grounds, although an international scientific report that year concluded fisheries were unlikely to be contaminated.
Fire And Sinking
Komsomolets was built as an advanced Soviet attack submarine capable of operating at exceptional depths. Nato expected it could be the first of a larger class, but no sister vessels were completed. A 1994 BBC Horizon documentary described it as a submarine designed to cruise and launch nuclear weapons from 1,000m, far deeper than Western equivalents could operate.
A fire broke out on 7 April 1989. The crew brought the vessel to the surface, but it sank after five hours afloat. Forty-two of the 69 crew members died.
As the submarine went down, an escape pod carried five trapped sailors to the surface. Only one managed to get out before the pod filled with water.
When the wreck struck the seabed, an explosion tore open its titanium pressure hull and allowed seawater to reach the nuclear torpedoes. Russian oceanographers later found parts of the hull had shattered in the blast.
Scientists disagreed over the scale of the threat. Igor Spassky, from the Rubin Institute, which designed the submarine, told the BBC in 1993 that the situation was not catastrophic, but said he wanted the wreck raised. He also warned separately that saltwater corrosion could eventually release plutonium from the damaged torpedoes.
Attempts To Contain Material
Deep-sea engineering work in 1995 and 1996 sealed cracks in the hull and closed torpedo tubes to contain radioactive material. The operation ended in July 1996.
Norwegian government investigations have since found the submarine is still leaking. The sealant used in the 1990s was expected to last about 30 years.
A March 2026 report by the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, known as the DSA, said the torpedoes remain sealed but the reactor is deteriorating. Researchers found radioactive material escaping in occasional bursts, including a visible cloud from a ventilation duct, rather than as a constant leak.
Ingar Amundsen, acting director of the DSA's Department for International Nuclear Safety and Security, said current releases from the reactor had so far had little effect on the surrounding marine environment.
Calls For Further Checks
Experts say the risk could change as corrosion continues. Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, told the BBC that radiation levels could be affected by oxygen levels in seawater around and inside the wreck, as well as by the condition of the sealant.
He said shifting currents could influence how radioactive material moves from the wreck and whether it reaches bottom-feeding species and fish. He added that the earlier decision to seal the submarine showed authorities had recognised the risk.
Amundsen said more work was needed to understand the releases and corrosion, but the depth of the wreck made mitigation difficult and there were no known current plans for action. Kristensen said a new expedition should at least assess the submarine’s condition, noting that plutonium in warheads has a half-life of 24,000 years.


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14 July 2026

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21 hours ago21 hr

Counter-Terrorism Police Take Over Widdecombe Death Inquiry

UK

Counter-Terrorism Police Take Over Widdecombe Death Inquiry

Counter-terrorism police have taken charge of the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after officers said fresh information and evidence had emerged.

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A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who was first detained on Saturday on suspicion of murder, has been arrested again on suspicion of involvement in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts.

Terror Police Lead Inquiry
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons on Monday that the suspect had not been referred to Prevent, the government’s counter-extremism programme.
Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon with serious injuries.
Arrest In South Yorkshire
The suspect was arrested in Rotherham, about 270 miles from Widdecombe’s home, a journey of roughly four and a half hours by car.
On Sunday, at least two police vehicles were outside a Rotherham property believed to be linked to the case. The address was sealed off while officers and forensic teams carried out inquiries.
Neighbours told BBC News armed police entered the property and removed the suspect. Another resident said officers also took away a red car from the driveway.
Devon and Cornwall Police previously said there was no indication at that stage that the killing was politically motivated. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said detectives were keeping an open mind on motive and did not believe there was a wider risk to the public.
Police believe Widdecombe was attacked at about 12:30 on Wednesday. More than 120 pieces of information have been received since officers appealed to the public. A heightened police presence is expected to remain in the area in the coming weeks.
Security Concerns Raised
Mahmood paid tribute to Widdecombe in the Commons, describing her as direct, brave and serious about ideas while retaining a sense of humour.
She said the death had prompted wider questions about the safety of people in public life, and that police were expected to issue security guidance to MPs soon.
The home secretary also said she had asked former lord chancellor Sir Robert Buckland to examine lessons from the 2021 murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess, with a focus on parliamentary security.
Mahmood said the case would be of particular concern to Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage. She said she had offered Farage a meeting with the chair of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec, which oversees security arrangements for public figures.
Farage later said on X that he would take up the offer and discuss protection for Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs.
Tributes To Widdecombe
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice were among those who paid tribute in the Commons. Tice also addressed about 40 mourners who gathered in Haytor Vale on Sunday, where senior Reform figures were present.
Widdecombe was Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years and served as a minister under Sir John Major between 1994 and 1997. After leaving the Commons in 2010, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and later finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother.
She joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and represented South West England as an MEP until 2020.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Farage also paid tribute, with Farage visiting Dartmoor to pay his respects.


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14 July 2026

• Crime

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22 hours ago22 hr

Rubio Seeks Global Backing Against ICC

USA

Rubio Seeks Global Backing Against ICC

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that President Donald Trump’s administration would try to “dismantle” the International Criminal Court and called on other governments to support the effort.

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Rubio accused the court of pursuing the United States through what he described as “so-called international law”, rather than military force. His comments signalled a sharper phase in Washington’s long-running dispute with the Hague-based institution.
The Trump administration’s opposition to the ICC dates to the president’s first term, when the court sought to examine alleged war crimes by US forces in Afghanistan. In Trump’s second term, Washington has imposed several sanctions on ICC personnel over efforts to investigate the United States and Israel.
Aid Scrutiny Threatened
A State Department official said the new campaign, led by the department and involving the wider US government, is aimed at isolating the ICC diplomatically. The official said countries receiving US assistance could face closer examination if they do not reject the court’s authority.
Rubio wrote in the Wall Street Journal that Washington would use available government measures and work with allies to take the court apart “brick by brick, if necessary”. The State Department official said possible measures include travel bans, visa cancellations and additional sanctions.
The official said Washington is pressing countries that cooperate with US law enforcement, host American troops or rely on US security support to reject any ICC claim to prosecute US officials or service members. Senior US officials, including Rubio, the deputy secretary of state and US ambassadors, are contacting foreign governments as part of the effort.
Members Urged To Leave
According to the official, the administration wants ICC member states to withdraw from the court and end financial support. It is also asking countries outside the ICC, including the United States, to use their diplomatic ties to encourage similar steps.
CNN reported that it had sought comment from the ICC.
In his opinion article, Rubio accused the court of being supported by leftist non-governmental groups, “smug globalists” and governments hostile to the United States. He also rejected claims by outside organisations that US deportations to El Salvador and deadly boat strikes on alleged narco-terrorists breached international law.
DAWN Disputes Rubio
Rubio also dismissed a call from Democracy for the Arab World Now, known as DAWN, for the ICC to look into alleged US war crimes in Iran. He said such claims could expose US actions to court scrutiny.
Omar Shakir, DAWN’s executive director, told CNN that Rubio had misrepresented the group’s request to investigate possible war crimes committed during the war. He asked whether Rubio believed US personnel should face investigation over war crimes allegations in Iran.
Shakir said governments would be judged by whether they defended institutions created to uphold international law, and argued that Rubio’s campaign was weakening the rules-based order established after World War II.

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14 July 2026

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23 hours ago23 hr

Judge Faults Trump IRS Suit and $1.8B Fund Plan

Trump

Judge Faults Trump IRS Suit and $1.8B Fund Plan

A federal judge has found that President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS was brought in bad faith and was designed to manipulate the courts, issuing sanctions against lawyers involved in the case.

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Ruling Faults Settlement
US District Judge Kathleen Williams said in a 56-page opinion on Monday that the case helped support a settlement shielding Trump, his family and his businesses from past tax-related claims and creating a proposed $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. The fund, later abandoned, was for people who said they had been unfairly targeted by the Justice Department.
Williams said the lawsuit and the parties’ conduct showed an effort to use the court to legitimize benefits for people and entities linked to the president and to allocate taxpayer money for grievances not recognised in law.
Lawyers Face Referrals
The judge ordered her opinion sent to disciplinary authorities in New York and Washington, DC, where ethics complaints involving acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward are already under review.
She also referred one private lawyer who represented Trump to the Florida Bar for possible disciplinary action and barred another Trump lawyer from appearing in the Southern District of Florida for one year.
Williams said the government failed to defend US interests, departed from its positions in similar litigation and disregarded Justice Department policies. She said the settlement pursued goals that were not authorised or were prohibited by law.
The ruling followed a request from retired judges, made after Williams dismissed the lawsuit, asking her to examine the deal. Williams, an appointee of President Barack Obama, said they may be entitled to recover legal fees. Their lawyers called the ruling a victory for the rule of law.
Tax Leak Background
The dispute stemmed from a leak of tax records involving thousands of wealthy people, including Trump. Charles Littlejohn, a government contractor working with a consulting firm with IRS contracts, was charged in 2023 with leaking the information to media organisations. He pleaded guilty in 2024 and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Trump’s Justice Department announced in May that it had reached a settlement with him over the leaked records. The deal included the fund for people who believed they were victims of unfair Justice Department targeting.
After criticism from Republicans and Democrats, Blanche told lawmakers last month that the fund would not proceed. He has not provided a signed statement to a federal judge confirming that it has been terminated.
A spokesman for Trump’s private legal team accused the IRS of allowing a politically motivated employee to disclose confidential information about Trump, his family and the Trump Organization to news outlets, and said Trump would keep seeking accountability. The Justice Department was contacted for comment.
DOJ Officials Scrutinised
A separate memorandum signed by Blanche, and added to the Justice Department’s settlement announcement a day later, said the IRS could not investigate Trump, his family or his businesses over past tax matters, or other federal claims based on conduct before the deal.
The ruling could weaken any effort by Trump to use the settlement as a court defense if a later administration brings claims against him, his family or his businesses.
Williams said the order conflicted with federal law barring presidents and senior executive officials from influencing tax audits. She said complying would conflict with duties of Justice Department lawyers and IRS chief executive Frank Bisignano to enforce the law and protect the public interest, while raising constitutional concerns.
The judge said Blanche and Woodward should have considered recusal over their earlier private legal work. Blanche represented Trump in criminal cases; Woodward represented January 6 defendants and a Trump aide prosecuted with Trump in the classified documents case. Williams noted the fund was premised on claims tied to those matters.
Blanche is due before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for a confirmation hearing to become permanent head of the Justice Department. Williams said she was troubled by his May testimony that the court had no role in reviewing the agreement, calling it misleading or disingenuous.

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14 July 2026

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23 hours ago23 hr

Bison Knocks Grandfather Into Air At Yellowstone

USA

Bison Knocks Grandfather Into Air At Yellowstone

A bull bison said to weigh about 2,000lb (900kg) injured a 65-year-old man in Yellowstone National Park after charging at him and his grandson near a campground in Wyoming.

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Video Shows Sudden Charge
Viral video of the encounter shows the pair stopping to photograph the animal while it was lying in grass. Moments later, the bison rose and ran toward them, eventually striking the older man and throwing him into the air.
US media have identified the man as Carl Isom-McDaniel. He suffered multiple injuries and was taken to hospital, the New York Times reported. Witnesses said he appeared to be in significant pain after the impact.
The National Park Service has not issued details about the incident. The BBC reported that it had sought comment from the agency.
Attack Near Yellowstone Lake
The encounter happened on Friday evening at Bridge Bay Campground, close to Yellowstone Lake, during the last hour before sunset.
In the footage, Isom-McDaniel and his grandson appear to be some distance from the bison when they stop walking and lift their cameras. The animal rolls on its side several times before getting up.
A white truck then approaches slowly. The bison charges toward the vehicle, prompting the driver to leave quickly, before the animal continues after Isom-McDaniel and the boy, kicking up dust as it runs.
The pair attempt to get away by moving through a stand of trees, but the bison catches up with Isom-McDaniel.
Mike Macleod, who filmed the scene, told the Cowboy State Daily that the bison caught the man on the hip with its left horn and threw him upward. Macleod said Isom-McDaniel flipped and landed on his side. He added that the man had leg pain but remained conscious and was still joking afterward.
Park Warns Visitors
The NPS says bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal in the park, despite often seeming calm. The agency says they can run three times faster than people and urges visitors to keep well away.
Its guidance tells visitors to stay at least 25 yards (23 metres) from bison and not to approach them for photographs.
Summer is Yellowstone’s busiest period, with almost 60% of yearly visits taking place in June, July and August, according to the NPS.
Mating Season Risks
July also falls during the bison breeding season, when bull bison have higher testosterone levels, said Jennifer Barfield, scientific lead at Colorado’s Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd.
Barfield said that can make the animals more unpredictable than at other times of the year. She said her team avoids getting close to bison during the breeding period except when observing from inside a vehicle.
For visitors on foot, Barfield said the 25-yard rule should be treated as the minimum safe distance.


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14 July 2026

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23 hours ago23 hr

US to Resume Iran Port Blockade, Seek Hormuz Cargo Charge

Iranian Conflict

US to Resume Iran Port Blockade, Seek Hormuz Cargo Charge

President Donald Trump says the United States will restore a naval blockade on Iranian ports and seek a 20% payment on cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz, after a new round of strikes between Washington and Tehran.

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Trump said the measures would prevent Iranian vessels and their customers from using the major energy shipping route, while leaving it available to other countries. He said the blockade would take effect at 16:00 Eastern Time (20:00 GMT) on Tuesday.
Blockade to resume
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the strait would remain open “with or without Iran” and described the US as the “guardian” of the waterway. He said reimbursement would be sought for the cost of providing security, and that arrangements would begin immediately.
He earlier told Fox News that the US would “probably run” the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran had broken a deal with Washington.
Strikes deepen confrontation
The announcement followed military exchanges overnight and on Monday. The US said it hit Iranian military targets, including air defence systems, coastal radar installations and missile and drone facilities.
Iran said its response included attacks on US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, as well as radar sites in Oman.
US Central Command later said American forces would again block maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on 14 July. It said the US military would continue to support the movement of vessels in regional waters if they were not breaching the blockade.
Iran rejects US role
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on X by saying those securing safe passage for commercial ships through the strait should be compensated, but said Iran had always served as its guardian and would continue to do so. He added that 20% was too high and that Iran would be “fair”.
A spokesperson for the International Maritime Organization, the UN body overseeing global shipping, was quoted by Reuters as opposing charges for passage through straits used for international navigation. The spokesperson said there was no legal basis for imposing mandatory transit tolls on such routes.
Before Trump’s statement, Iran’s top military headquarters said it would not accept US involvement in managing the strait. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya, said in remarks carried by Iranian media that US actions had put regional security, trade and the movement of tankers and merchant ships at risk. He warned that cooperation with Washington would be treated as an act of war against Iranian sovereignty.
Legal and political questions
How the US plan would operate remains uncertain. Under UN rules, states may control territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles from their coast. At its narrowest point, the Strait of Hormuz and its shipping lanes fall within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.
The strait had previously carried about 25% of the world’s oil and 20% of global liquefied natural gas. Iran effectively closed it after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February. Tehran then fired missiles and drones at Israel and US bases in several Gulf countries, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps fired on commercial vessels trying to pass without approval and seized two ships. Traffic fell sharply and oil prices rose.
Washington first imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in April. By late May, the US military said it had redirected 100 commercial ships and disabled four. The blockade was lifted in June under a memorandum of understanding intended to end the conflict, but Trump told Congress last Friday that US military action in Iran had resumed on 7 July after renewed disputes over the strait.
The 20% charge may face resistance from US allies and criticism from opponents who note the strait was open before the conflict. The move could also create domestic pressure as oil prices rise ahead of midterm elections, in which Republicans other than Trump will face voters. Some lawmakers, including Republicans, had questioned what Washington gained from the ceasefire, its extension and further negotiations. The announcement could also be aimed at reviving talks and pressing other countries to engage, an approach Trump has used before.

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14 July 2026

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23 hours ago23 hr

Gibraltar to lift Spain border checks in Brexit deal

EU

Gibraltar to lift Spain border checks in Brexit deal

Gibraltar is preparing to remove its land border controls with Spain on 15 July, ending a frontier regime that has shaped daily life around the Rock for more than a century. The 1,400-foot Rock sits at the southern tip of mainland western Europe, nine miles from Morocco, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet.

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The British Overseas Territory, home to about 40,000 people, currently checks those entering and leaving. At peak times, queues can build as about 15,000 Spanish residents travel in to work from neighbouring areas including La Línea de la Concepción.
Border to open
For commuters such as human resources worker Shilpi Chotrani, who cycles from La Línea to Gibraltar on weekdays, the change will turn a short but formal international crossing into a far easier journey.
The move follows years of negotiations between the UK, the European Union and Spain after Brexit. Gibraltar, which shares a land border with the EU, was one of the most complicated issues left by Britain's departure from the bloc.
Economic hopes
The change is expected to carry significant economic weight on both sides. Gibraltar has one of the world's highest incomes per head, while La Línea and the surrounding area are among Spain's poorest, with unemployment close to 30%.
La Línea mayor Juan Franco said the town has depended heavily on Gibraltar for trade, with a typical local company receiving about a third of its income from Gibraltarian customers. He said the Brexit settlement could ultimately benefit the area after a decade of uncertainty.
Gibraltarians overwhelmingly opposed Brexit, with 96% voting to remain in the EU in 2016. Concerns included the possibility of renewed Spanish pressure over sovereignty, as well as disruption to Gibraltar's links with EU markets in online gaming, shipping and financial services.
New travel rules
Under the agreement, Gibraltar will be aligned with the European customs union and the Schengen free-travel area. People arriving from outside Schengen, including from the UK, will need to present passports to both Gibraltarian and Spanish officials at the territory's airport and port.
The arrangements are due to start provisionally, although approval by the UK and European parliaments is still pending. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has described the deal as a major shift, saying border restrictions have defined generations of Gibraltarians.
Picardo said easier movement of people and goods should increase visitor numbers and help businesses by removing uncertainty over queues at the frontier. Spain's foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, has also described the agreement as opening a new period for Gibraltar.
The territory's history includes military conflict and sovereignty disputes. Spain still contests UK sovereignty over Gibraltar. The issue has periodically strained relations, most notably when Spanish dictator Francisco Franco imposed a blockade in 1969. It was lifted in 1982.
Business adjustment
The deal also brings new obligations. Goods sold in Gibraltar will have to meet EU rules, and a new transaction tax will replace import duty because Gibraltar does not have VAT. The tax will begin at 15% this year and rise to 17%, with higher excise rates on some goods.
John Isola, managing director of Anglo Hispano Company, which operates restaurants and bars in Gibraltar, said many businesses were relieved that Brexit uncertainty had been resolved without a hard border. But he also said new paperwork, taxes and EU standards would affect importers and competitiveness, particularly for goods coming from the UK or other non-EU sources.
In recent weeks, machinery has been removing sections of the frontier fence at night ahead of the scheduled change. The fence has stood since 1908, and its dismantling marks a visible shift for a territory long shaped by disputes, trade and cross-border movement.

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13 July 2026

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Yesterday at 12:04 PM1 day

Iran Targets US Bases in Gulf as Regional Tensions Escalate

Iranian Conflict

Iran Targets US Bases in Gulf as Regional Tensions Escalate

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launched attacks on American military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, while also claiming to have destroyed radar systems in Oman and struck fuel tanks and ammunition depots at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan.

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The attacks were described by Tehran as retaliation for the latest US strikes and marked a significant escalation in the growing confrontation between the two countries.
Jordan said it intercepted and shot down four missiles fired from Iranian territory. Meanwhile, Kuwait's military said it had intercepted "hostile aerial targets" within the country's airspace.
Iran Expands Retaliatory Strikes
The latest exchange of attacks comes as Iran seeks to reinforce its position over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which it regards as its strongest source of leverage in negotiations with Washington.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran is attempting to establish a joint mechanism with Oman to manage the waterway. He accused the United States of hindering those efforts by pressuring Oman, although he did not explain how that pressure was being applied.
Oman Proposal Under Discussion
Talks held on Saturday aimed at easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz included a proposal from Oman to fully reopen both shipping lanes through the waterway, according to Axios, citing a diplomat briefed on the negotiations.
Under the reported proposal, the southern shipping route through Omani waters would reopen without requiring prior approval, restoring arrangements that existed before the conflict.
According to the diplomat, Iran's delegation was unable to approve the proposal during the talks and returned to Tehran to seek further guidance from its leadership.
US Seeks Public Commitment
The United States is demanding that Iran publicly commit to ending attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee that all shipping lanes remain open without tolls or other charges.
Iran has instead established a system directing vessels through northern lanes close to its coastline, where it has argued it can impose fees or tolls. Tehran has also insisted that ships use those routes or risk consequences.

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13 July 2026

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Yesterday at 09:31 AM1 day

Sam Neill, Jurassic Park, Peaky Blinders Star, Dies Aged 78

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Sam Neill, Jurassic Park, Peaky Blinders Star, Dies Aged 78

A career spanning five decades
Sir Sam Neill, the acclaimed New Zealand actor best known for his roles in Jurassic Park, The Piano and Peaky Blinders, has died aged 78. His family announced his death on Monday in a statement shared on his Instagram account. They said Neill died in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by family. No cause of death was disclosed.

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The statement described his passing as "sudden and unexpected" and said he had remained cancer-free after treatment for blood cancer. The family thanked staff at St Vincent's Private Hospital for their care and asked for privacy as they mourned.
Tributes from fellow actors, filmmakers and admirers quickly followed news of his death.
Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in 1947, he moved to New Zealand with his family in 1954. He later adopted the name Sam while at school, saying it suited him better than Nigel.
After abandoning a law degree, Neill turned to acting, joining Wellington's Downstage Theatre before moving into television and film.
His breakthrough came in 1977 with Sleeping Dogs, the first New Zealand film to receive a theatrical release in the United States. He went on to build an international career with roles in My Brilliant Career, Omen III, Possession, Evil Angels (A Cry in the Dark), The Hunt for Red October and Ivanhoe.
From New Zealand theatre to Hollywood
Neill achieved worldwide recognition in 1993 with two landmark performances: as Alisdair Stewart in Jane Campion's Oscar-winning The Piano and as palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster Jurassic Park. He later reprised the role in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion.
Over more than 50 years, Neill amassed more than 150 film and television credits, appearing in productions including Dead Calm, The Jungle Book, In the Mouth of Madness, Event Horizon, Bicentennial Man, The Dish, Peter Rabbit and Taika Waititi's Hunt for the Wilderpeople. He also made appearances in Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder.
On television, he was widely recognised for playing Major Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders, while also appearing in The Tudors, The Twelve, The Simpsons and Rick and Morty. He received a Golden Globe nomination for portraying Sidney Reilly in the 1983 miniseries Reilly, Ace of Spies.
Battle with cancer
In 2023, Neill revealed he had been diagnosed with stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in 2022. He chronicled his experience in his memoir, Did I Ever Tell You About This?, explaining that after chemotherapy his cancer had gone into remission, although he continued receiving monthly treatment.
Speaking to The Guardian that year, Neill said he was not afraid of death but hoped to have more time to enjoy life, particularly his family and his Central Otago farm and winery, Two Paddocks.
He also said he had no desire to retire, describing the opportunity to work on international productions after growing up in New Zealand as deeply rewarding.
Honours and family
Neill was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1991 for services to acting. He became a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 and accepted a knighthood in 2022 after changes to New Zealand's honours system restored titular honours.
Away from acting, Neill was known for his passion for winemaking and for sharing humorous updates about his farm animals, many of which were named after fellow actors.

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13 July 2026

• Entertainment

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Yesterday at 08:42 AM1 day

US Launches Second Night of Strikes on Iran

Iranian Conflict

US Launches Second Night of Strikes on Iran

The United States has carried out a second consecutive night of military strikes on Iran, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate following renewed clashes around the Strait of Hormuz.

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The latest operation lasted several hours, with the US military saying it struck dozens of Iranian military targets. Iranian state media reported that the country's armed forces were responding to the attacks.
A US military spokesperson said the latest strikes followed an incident in which Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired on another commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Deepen
The strategically vital waterway remains at the center of the confrontation, with Washington and Tehran issuing conflicting accounts over the safety of commercial shipping. The strait is a critical route for global energy supplies and is viewed as one of Iran's main sources of leverage in negotiations.
Iran Claims Strikes on US Bases
Iran said it had retaliated by targeting US military facilities in Gulf nations.
According to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, the IRGC said it struck US infrastructure at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, claiming it destroyed fuel storage tanks and Patriot air defense systems.
Ali Al Salem Air Base hosts US forces, according to US Central Command.
The IRGC also said it targeted the nearby Ahmad Al Jaber Air Base, claiming to have damaged an FPS radar system.
Kuwait's Armed Forces had not confirmed the reported attacks, and CNN said it had contacted US Central Command for comment.
Iran also claimed it launched strikes against US military facilities in Bahrain.
Fars reported that the IRGC said it had targeted helicopter maintenance and repair facilities, a hangar housing a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, and the drone command and control center at Sheikh Isa Air Base.
"The retaliatory operations will continue," the IRGC said in a statement carried by the agency.
Bahrain's interior ministry said air raid sirens had sounded and urged residents to seek shelter. There were no immediate reports of damage.
US Central Command had not publicly commented on the reported strikes.
Oil Prices Rise
The latest escalation has added to concerns over stability in the Gulf and the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude and US crude oil prices both rose more than 3% on Sunday following the weekend's military exchanges and growing fears of disruption to global energy supplies.

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13 July 2026

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Yesterday at 03:46 AM1 day

South Africa Deports Over 53,000 in Migration Crackdown

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South Africa Deports Over 53,000 in Migration Crackdown

South Africa says it has deported or repatriated more than 53,000 foreign nationals in the five weeks since launching a nationwide migration enforcement campaign, with officials indicating the total is expected to rise as operations continue.

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said on Sunday that 53,499 people had been processed for deportation or repatriation. She said most were from Malawi, followed by Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
The campaign is one of South Africa's largest efforts in recent years to remove undocumented migrants and comes after weeks of anti-immigration protests across parts of the country.
Government Reports Mass Deportations
Demonstrators have called for stricter border controls and the mass deportation of undocumented migrants, arguing they contribute to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
Some activist groups have threatened to continue holding weekly protests until the government meets their demands. There are concerns that further demonstrations could become violent after earlier protests were marked by intimidation, looting and attacks targeting migrants.
Protests Drive Pressure on Government
Protest organisers had also declared an unofficial deadline of 30 June for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. The climate of fear has prompted many foreign nationals to leave the country, while governments including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya have arranged flights to repatriate their citizens.
Government Stresses Human Rights
Speaking at a news conference in Pretoria, Kubayi said the government was seeking to maintain an orderly migration system while respecting the rights of everyone living in the country.
"We are striving to achieve an orderly and regular migration which is mindful and sensitive to the concerns raised by our people, while observing human rights and dignity of all people in our country, irrespective of their citizenship and immigration status," she said.
Kubayi added that the deportation process had also led to the arrest of individuals wanted by police for alleged criminal offences.
She said immigration laws would continue to be enforced but warned protesters against carrying out unauthorised searches of homes or businesses suspected of sheltering undocumented migrants.
UN Warns Against Scapegoating Migrants
The United Nations has cautioned against blaming migrants for South Africa's economic and social problems, warning that they should not be made scapegoats for the country's challenges.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns over immigration while condemning attacks on foreign nationals. He has urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
South Africa, the continent's largest economy by industrial output and one of its wealthiest nations, has long attracted migrants seeking better economic opportunities, with some entering the country illegally.

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13 July 2026

• 4 comments
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Yesterday at 03:27 AM1 day

US Says Hormuz Remains Open After Fresh Iran Strikes

Iranian Conflict

US Says Hormuz Remains Open After Fresh Iran Strikes

The United States has insisted the Strait of Hormuz remains open despite Iran declaring the strategic waterway closed following a new wave of military exchanges between the two countries.

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Fighting intensified over the weekend after the US said it had struck more than 140 targets across Iran. Washington said the operation was launched in response to an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of targeting the ship because it was using what Iran described as an unauthorised route.
US Vows to Keep Strait Open Amid Escalating Conflict
Iran announced early on Sunday that the strait was closed until further notice as it sought to tighten control over one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also launched attacks against US bases and regional allies, significantly widening the conflict.
The IRGC said it had struck a US military base in Jordan, while the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain all reported intercepting or responding to Iranian missiles and drones.
The BBC said it had contacted US Central Command (Centcom) for comment on the reported strike in Jordan.
Iran Expands Regional Attacks
Qatar, which has played a key role in ceasefire mediation, had not come under attack since April, while the UAE had avoided strikes since May.
Later on Sunday, Centcom announced another round of attacks on Iranian targets, saying operations had begun at 17:00 ET (22:00 BST). The US military said the strikes were intended to further reduce Iran's ability to target civilian vessels and commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's IRNA news agency also reported that missiles launched by what it described as the "enemy" had targeted Qeshm Island, home to a strategically important IRGC base in the Gulf.
Ceasefire Under Threat
The renewed fighting has cast serious doubt over an interim ceasefire agreement reached last month, which was intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lay the groundwork for a permanent end to the conflict.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire effectively over following Iranian attacks, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of violating the agreement.
Despite the escalation, Trump said diplomatic talks would continue as mediators sought to revive the peace process.
US media reported that Iranian officials had told their American counterparts that recent attacks on oil tankers were accidental and blamed a rogue internal faction.
Commercial Vessel Targeted
The latest escalation began after the IRGC said it had fired a naval cruise missile at a vessel sailing along what it described as an unauthorised route.
Centcom said Iranian forces had "blatantly attacked" the Cyprus-flagged MV GFS Galaxy, leaving the ship unable to continue after its engine room was damaged. It added that one crew member was missing.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said military authorities had informed it that the crew abandoned the vessel and escaped in a lifeboat.
Centcom said Iran had once again failed to honour previous commitments to protect commercial shipping after earlier attacks.
According to the US military, its retaliatory strikes hit 140 Iranian military targets, including missile and drone facilities, communications infrastructure and coastal surveillance sites.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth shared the announcement on social media, writing: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."
Iran confirmed that several coastal military bases and telecommunications towers had been targeted.
In response, Tehran said the first phase of its retaliation included strikes on Jordan's Prince Hassan Air Base, claiming it had destroyed the base's command centre and MQ-9 drone hangars.
Later on Sunday, Centcom reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remained open and said US forces were positioned to ensure commercial traffic could continue moving through the vital waterway.
Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X that the "era of one-sided deals is OVER", adding: "We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking."

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13 July 2026

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Yesterday at 03:19 AM1 day

Mitch McConnell Says Fall and Pneumonia Delay Return

USA

Mitch McConnell Says Fall and Pneumonia Delay Return

US Senator Mitch McConnell has said he will not return to the Senate "quite yet" after revealing he suffered a fall that left him briefly unconscious and was later diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia.

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The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican issued his first public statement since being admitted to hospital on 14 June, ending weeks of speculation about his health. His office also released a photograph showing McConnell with his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, holding what appeared to be Sunday's edition of The Washington Post.
Health Update After Weeks of Silence
McConnell said doctors had carried out extensive medical tests to determine what caused the fall.
"I was briefly unconscious," he said, adding that physicians had confirmed he had not suffered any broken bones, a concussion, a heart attack or a stroke. He also said doctors found no tumours or haemorrhages.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
McConnell said he was now recovering in a rehabilitation centre after also developing a mild case of pneumonia during his hospital stay.
Reflecting on his absence, he acknowledged that many people of his generation are reluctant to discuss the effects of ageing.
He also referred to the long-term impact of contracting polio at the age of two, which left part of his left leg paralysed. McConnell said the mobility challenges caused by the illness have become more difficult with age and contributed to the circumstances surrounding his fall.
Although frustrated by the pace of his recovery, McConnell said his doctors had advised him not to return to the Senate floor to vote until he had recovered further.
Pressure for Greater Transparency
Questions about McConnell's condition intensified as his hospital stay stretched close to a month with few public updates.
Earlier this week, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged the senator to provide more information about his health, calling for greater transparency amid concerns over his ability to continue serving in office.
McConnell's staff had previously confirmed only that he was admitted to hospital for treatment on 14 June. On 2 July, his office said he was receiving excellent care and continuing to improve, but few additional details were released.
The publication of the photograph alongside Sunday's statement also followed criticism directed at Elaine Chao after she travelled to China while McConnell remained in hospital. Chinese officials confirmed she met Vice-President Han Zheng in Beijing on 17 June, three days after McConnell's admission. A spokesperson for Chao previously said the senator's condition did not require her immediate return.
Retirement Plans Unchanged
McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in US history, has experienced several health setbacks in recent years, including injuries from a fall in 2024 and a hospital admission for influenza earlier this year.
He reiterated that he still intends to retire when his current Senate term ends in January but said he remains committed to completing his remaining work.
"Part of my decision to retire at the end of my term this coming January was being honest about the demands of Senate work," McConnell said.
"But I still have unfinished business to complete on your behalf, and I have every intention of finishing the job you elected me to do."

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13 July 2026

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Yesterday at 03:13 AM1 day

Thousands May Have Died in Record UK Heat Waves

UK

Thousands May Have Died in Record UK Heat Waves

More than 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes during the UK's exceptionally hot weather in May and June, according to estimates by researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

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Scientists Estimate Thousands Died During Record UK Heat
The estimate is based on modelling using previous death records and existing knowledge about the health impacts of extreme heat, rather than confirmed mortality data.
Researchers believe most of the deaths occurred during June, which became the warmest June on record in England. Temperatures reached 37.7C at Lingwood in Norfolk, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6C set in 1957.
A rare red heat alert was issued across parts of England and Wales during the June heatwave, warning that the extreme temperatures posed a significant risk to life, including for healthy people.
Record Temperatures Fuelled by Heat Dome
May also saw record-breaking temperatures, with the mercury reaching 35.1C at Kew Gardens on 26 May. That exceeded the previous May record of 32.8C, first set in 1922 and matched in 1944.
Scientists said both heatwaves were driven by a "heat dome" – a persistent area of high pressure that trapped hot air over the UK.
The researchers said human-caused climate change intensified the heat, with global warming of around 1.4C since pre-industrial times adding an estimated 3C to 4C to peak temperatures during the two heatwaves.
High overnight temperatures and humid conditions, particularly in June, also prevented many people from cooling down, increasing the health risks.
Extreme Heat Poses Serious Health Risks
Experts warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat places significant strain on the body, especially when dehydration occurs. The heart must work harder to regulate body temperature, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other potentially fatal medical emergencies.
Older people, babies and those with existing health conditions remain among the most vulnerable, although researchers stressed that dangerous heat can affect anyone, including otherwise healthy individuals.
Extreme heat is often described as a "silent killer" because early symptoms can be difficult to recognise before serious illness develops.
Many homes across the UK are also poorly designed to cope with sustained high temperatures, leaving residents more exposed during prolonged heatwaves.
More Frequent Heatwaves Expected
The researchers emphasised that their estimate is based on statistical modelling and may differ from the eventual official figures.
Dr Clair Barnes, an expert in extreme weather and climate change at Imperial College London, said the estimates were intended to raise awareness of the dangers posed by extreme heat. She said if greater public awareness leads people to better protect themselves during future heatwaves, even if the estimates prove too high, that would be a positive outcome.
Researchers noted that predicted heat-related deaths in 2025 ultimately proved to be about half of the expected 3,039 fatalities, with heat health alerts and action by the NHS and care system believed to have reduced the impact.
Scientists also warned that, without stronger action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve adaptation measures, heat-related deaths in parts of northern Europe could approach those caused by cold weather within the next few decades. They added that heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense as global temperatures continue to rise.

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13 July 2026

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Yesterday at 03:07 AM1 day

US Senator and Trump Ally Lindsey Graham Dies at 71

USA

US Senator and Trump Ally Lindsey Graham Dies at 71

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of US President Donald Trump's closest political allies and a leading voice on American foreign policy, has died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness."

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A statement released by Graham's office said he died on Saturday evening. His family requested privacy during "this incredibly difficult period."
The South Carolina senator had recently returned from Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. There had been no public indication of any health concerns before the trip.
Leading Republican Voice
Graham was first elected to the US Senate in 2002 and went on to become one of Washington's most influential Republican lawmakers, particularly on national security and foreign policy. He also served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
A long-time advocate for strong US support for Ukraine, Graham had been working on a new version of a Russia sanctions bill during his latest visit to Kyiv. He said the legislation would provide "tools to President Trump to end this war."
President Donald Trump paid tribute to his longtime ally in a social media post, describing Graham as a "true American Patriot."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was "deeply saddened" by the senator's death.
Writing on X, Zelensky said Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia's full-scale invasion began and had stood "with our people when it was most needed."
"America and the world have lost a determined leader," Zelensky added.
From Critic to Close Ally
Graham's relationship with Trump underwent a dramatic transformation over the past decade.
During the 2016 presidential campaign, he was one of Trump's harshest Republican critics. In a 2015 interview with CNN, Graham described Trump as "a race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot." He also warned on social media that nominating Trump would lead Republicans to defeat.
Following the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol, Graham appeared to distance himself from the president.
"Trump and I, we've had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way," he said in a speech on the Senate floor. "All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough."
Despite those remarks, Graham later became one of Trump's strongest supporters. He voted against convicting Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial and backed his successful 2024 presidential campaign.
In a 2023 interview with the BBC, Graham acknowledged what he called Trump's "dark side" but said he continued to support him because of his record on border security, the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani and the appointment of conservative judges.
Strong Foreign Policy Advocate
Throughout his Senate career, Graham was known for advocating a robust US role in global security.
He strongly opposed the 2021 withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, calling it "a sad and dangerous event for US national security" and warning that extremist groups would view it as a sign of American weakness.
Graham was also a staunch supporter of Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute on Sunday, saying Graham understood that "the security of Israel and America are inseparable."
"Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable," Netanyahu said, adding that Israel had lost "one of its greatest friends."


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12 July 2026

• 52 comments
• 671 views

webfact

Sunday at 11:22 AM2 days

US Launches New Iran Strikes After Strait of Hormuz Closure

Iranian Conflict

US Launches New Iran Strikes After Strait of Hormuz Closure

The United States has launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran after Tehran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and announced the closure of the strategic waterway.

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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strait had been closed until further notice and warned that any further US "aggression" would be met with a severe response.
US Central Command (Centcom) said it carried out its third round of strikes this week after the IRGC attacked the Cyprus-flagged MV GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Centcom, the vessel suffered significant engine room damage and was unable to continue its voyage. One civilian crew member was reported missing.
Fresh US strikes follow attack on commercial vessel
The UK's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said military authorities had informed it that the crew abandoned the ship and were in a lifeboat.
Centcom said the latest operation targeted 140 Iranian military sites, including missile and drone facilities, communications infrastructure and coastal surveillance positions.


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In a statement posted on X, Centcom said Iran had been given another opportunity to comply with earlier understandings following previous attacks on commercial shipping but had failed to do so. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared the statement, adding: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."
Iran retaliates across the region
Iran acknowledged that US strikes had hit several coastal bases and telecommunications towers along its southern coastline.
In response, the IRGC said it launched the first phase of retaliatory attacks, claiming to have struck the Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan and destroyed its command centre and MQ-9 drone hangars.
Iran also said it launched missiles and drones toward US allies in the Gulf, with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain responding to the attacks.
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian state media reported that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed after Iranian forces fired a naval cruise missile at a vessel travelling on what Tehran described as an unapproved route.
The IRGC said the ship ignored repeated warnings before being hit by warning fire and stopped. It also warned that any military response to the closure would result in further attacks on US bases across the region.
Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X that the "era of one-sided deals is OVER", adding: "We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking."
Tensions grow despite diplomatic efforts
The latest escalation follows attacks earlier this week on three commercial tankers travelling along a US-recommended route through Omani waters. Iran has maintained that the only safe passage is through routes under its control.
Those incidents prompted earlier US strikes that Iranian officials said killed 17 people and injured 115 others. Iran subsequently launched attacks on US allies in the Gulf.
US President Donald Trump said Iran's actions meant the ceasefire was over, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of violating the agreement.
Despite the fighting, Trump said diplomatic talks would continue as mediators worked to revive negotiations. US media reported that Iranian officials privately told American counterparts the tanker attacks had been a mistake caused by a rogue internal group.
US officials have said they want Iran to publicly declare that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping and commit to ending attacks on commercial vessels.
New supreme leader vows revenge
The confrontation comes days after Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first public statement since succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an air strike on 28 February during the opening day of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Speaking in a statement broadcast on state television following his father's funeral, Mojtaba Khamenei said revenge was the "will of the nation" and pledged to avenge those killed in the conflict.
During funeral ceremonies, many mourners carried placards calling for the killing of President Trump, who warned on Saturday that any attempt on his life would result in the US "decimat[ing] and destroy[ing] all areas" of Iran.
The Wall Street Journal and other US media reported that Israel had shared intelligence with Washington alleging Iran had recently developed a plan to assassinate Trump. However, the US president denied there had been any new plot or that Israel had provided the intelligence, saying he had been Iran's "No. 1 [on Iran's kill list] for a long time."


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12 July 2026

• 3 comments
• 521 views

webfact

Sunday at 06:40 AM2 days

US Congressman Says Armed Settlers Detained Him in West Bank

Middle East

US Congressman Says Armed Settlers Detained Him in West Bank

US Congressman Ro Khanna has said he was detained by armed Israeli settlers while visiting the occupied West Bank, describing the incident as a stark example of the conditions faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.

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The California Democrat told Reuters that the incident occurred on Wednesday during a visit to a Palestinian village in the southern West Bank that has experienced repeated attacks by Israeli settlers.
Khanna said his delegation had been inspecting a village where buildings, including a school, had been destroyed when settlers carrying US-made M4 rifles surrounded their vehicle and blocked the road.
Khanna Criticises Israeli Forces
According to Khanna, the settlers prevented the group from leaving before contacting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
"And these hoodlums ... detain us. They block off the road. And then they call the IDF and the IDF is on their side, not on the side of the Americans," Khanna told Reuters.
He said the settlers and Israeli soldiers showed little concern that US citizens, including a member of Congress, were being held.
Khanna said the experience highlighted what he described as "the arrogance of power" and a culture created by a lack of accountability.
His aide, Cameron Kasky, also said on X that he witnessed the incident, writing that Israeli forces "showed up to back up the settlers, not the US congressman."
Khanna later told The New York Times that the group remained detained for about 90 minutes before being able to continue after contacting the US Embassy and Israeli police. He said the experience left him feeling powerless and offered insight into what many Palestinians endure under occupation.
Israeli Military Response
The Israeli military said troops and police responded after receiving reports that settlers were obstructing vehicles near the Palestinian hamlet of Khirbet Zanuta.
The village's residents were forced to leave following violent settler attacks after the Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023.
More than 700,000 Israelis live in settlements across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The United Nations considers the settlements illegal under international law, although Israel disputes that position. Israel has also faced repeated international criticism over settler violence in the territory.
Political Remarks
Asked whether he plans to seek the US presidency, Khanna told Reuters he was "strongly considering it" and said the events during his trip had strengthened that resolve.
Khanna has been among the most outspoken Democratic critics of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank. He has also argued that US support for Israel's actions contributed to the Democratic Party's defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

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12 July 2026

• 16 comments
• 668 views

webfact

Saturday at 09:38 PM2 days

Iran's Supreme Leader Vows Revenge for Father's Death

Iranian Conflict

Iran's Supreme Leader Vows Revenge for Father's Death

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to avenge the death of his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, in his first public statement since taking over the country's leadership.

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The written message, read on Iranian state television, described revenge as the "will of the nation" and came as funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei continued. The former supreme leader was killed in a US-Israeli air strike on 28 February, the opening day of the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.
Ali Khamenei was buried on Friday in his hometown of Mashhad.
Vow of Retaliation
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since before the war, amid reports that he was injured and disfigured in the strike that killed his father.
In his statement, he pledged to continue the campaign for retaliation.
He added that the effort would continue regardless of who remained in office, saying its fulfilment did not depend on his personal leadership or that of other officials.
During funeral events across Iran, many mourners carried placards calling for the death of US President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Trump warned that any attempt to assassinate him would prompt the United States to "decimate and destroy all areas" of Iran.
Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts
US media, including The Wall Street Journal, reported this week that Israel had shared intelligence suggesting Iran had recently developed a plan to assassinate Trump. However, the US president denied both that Tehran had launched a new plot and that Israel had been the source of such intelligence. He told the New York Post that he had been Iran's "No. 1" target for a long time.
The conflict began on 28 February when US and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with attacks on Israel as well as US targets and allies in the Gulf.
Although the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in June to facilitate negotiations, tensions have risen again following attacks on three commercial tankers travelling through US-recommended shipping lanes in waters off Oman. Iran has maintained that the only safe route is through its own territorial waters.
Iranian officials said subsequent US strikes killed 17 people and injured 115. Tehran then launched retaliatory strikes against US allies in the Gulf.
The latest exchange led Trump to declare the ceasefire over, although he said negotiations would continue with the help of international mediators.
US officials have reportedly demanded through intermediaries that Iran publicly guarantee the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to international shipping and commit to ending attacks on commercial vessels.
According to US media reports, Iranian officials privately told their American counterparts that the tanker attacks were a mistake carried out by a rogue internal group.


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12 July 2026

• 14 comments
• 425 views

webfact

Saturday at 09:20 PM2 days

New York Times Reporters Subpoenaed Over Air Force One Report

USA

New York Times Reporters Subpoenaed Over Air Force One Report

Several New York Times journalists have been subpoenaed to testify under oath after reporting on alleged security concerns surrounding President Donald Trump's new Air Force One aircraft.

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According to the newspaper, federal agents delivered subpoenas to some reporters at their homes, ordering them to appear before a federal grand jury investigating a possible federal crime.
Journalists Ordered to Testify
The Justice Department confirmed it is investigating alleged illegal leaks of classified information but said the journalists themselves are not the focus of the inquiry.
Reports Raised Security Questions
The New York Times recently published reports citing unnamed sources who claimed the Boeing 747-8, donated by Qatar, lacked key security capabilities required for presidential travel.
One report said the Secret Service advised Trump to switch to an older Air Force One aircraft for his return journey after attending a Nato summit in Turkey. Another said officials were concerned the newer plane did not yet include advanced defensive systems, including anti-missile protection.
Other media outlets, including CBS News, also reported similar concerns. A former US government official told CBS there had not been enough time or funding to equip the aircraft with all the security features needed for Air Force One service.
Press Freedom Concerns
The subpoenas reportedly require the journalists to appear before a grand jury in Manhattan to provide testimony regarding an alleged violation of federal criminal law.
David McCraw, the New York Times' senior newsroom lawyer, condemned the move, describing it as a "brazen act" aimed at intimidating journalists and discouraging reporting on matters of public interest.
The newspaper noted that while leaking classified information can be a criminal offence, the US Constitution protects the press's right to publish information in the public interest.
The Justice Department said it recognises the importance of a free press but also has a responsibility to investigate the unauthorised disclosure of classified information.
Trump Dismisses Concerns
The reports emerged during a period of heightened tensions with Iran, as the United States carried out military strikes while diplomatic efforts over a ceasefire continued.
Asked about the reported security concerns, Trump dismissed them, saying: "I have a threat all the time. I'm No. 1 on their list."
Last month, Trump unveiled the Boeing 747-8 that Qatar donated to the United States as an "unconditional" gift. The aircraft, valued at about $400 million (£300 million), was modified for presidential transport.
The US Air Force said the jet received upgrades covering security, communications, logistics support and advanced technology, adding that any identified risks associated with using a previously owned aircraft had been addressed.


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12 July 2026

• 19 comments
• 762 views

webfact

Saturday at 09:09 PM2 days

Iran Admits Strait Attacks Were a Mistake, US Says

Iranian Conflict

Iran Admits Strait Attacks Were a Mistake, US Says

Iranian officials have privately told advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump that attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz were a mistake and were carried out by an "errant" group of hardliners seeking to derail ongoing negotiations, according to senior U.S. officials.

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The officials said Tehran has expressed a desire to continue talks with Washington, with negotiations scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday.
The White House is pressing Iran to publicly acknowledge what it describes as a violation of the ceasefire after the attacks on commercial shipping.
Trump Keeps Diplomatic Effort on Track
President Trump has instructed his negotiating team, led by Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to continue pursuing a diplomatic agreement.
U.S. officials said Washington remains prepared to use military and economic pressure if Iran carries out further hostile actions.
One senior official described Iran's message as an admission of error, saying Tehran had returned to negotiations after acknowledging it had "made a mistake" and wanted discussions to continue.
Dispute Over Shipping Attacks
According to U.S. officials, Iran has claimed the attacks on commercial vessels were initiated by a rogue faction within its system that was attempting to undermine the negotiations.
The Trump administration, however, disputes that explanation. Officials said the United States believes Iran reacted after being surprised by the volume of commercial traffic using the southern shipping lane along the Omani coast.
Washington had expected that route to remain open under an existing memorandum, but officials believe Iran reversed course after seeing how much oil and gas shipping continued through the passage.
Following Saturday's talks, the administration expects Iran to confirm that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open and managed as it was before the recent conflict. One official warned that if Tehran adopts a different position, the outcome would not be favourable for Iran.
Another official described the current situation as a "wait-and-see" moment.
Nuclear Issue Still Looms
U.S. officials said President Trump is allowing negotiators time to seek an agreement, although they stressed that patience is limited.
They also said Washington would prefer to recover what the president has referred to as the "nuclear dust" — the remaining elements of Iran's nuclear programme — through peaceful means. However, officials said other options remain available if Iran does not, in their words, behave like a "normal country."
Officials argued that if Iran cannot honour what Washington considers the simplest part of any agreement — keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to international trade — negotiations are unlikely to progress to the more difficult issue of Iran's nuclear programme.
The officials declined to comment on reports that Israeli intelligence uncovered alleged plots targeting President Trump, but said the president does not make decisions based on fear or threats.

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11 July 2026

• 24 comments
• 792 views

webfact

Saturday at 06:58 AM3 days