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Iran Conflict Hits US Consumer Confidence

Iranian Conflict

Iran Conflict Hits US Consumer Confidence

Americans’ confidence in the economy fell in July as gas prices resumed their rise following increased military activity between the United States and Iran, the Conference Board said.

The consumer confidence index dropped to 90.8 from 92.2 in June. The reading was still close to the lower levels seen since the start of the year, after being higher in late 2024 and early 2025.
Gas Prices Lift After June Dip
In June, attitudes had improved slightly as the national average for a gallon of petrol fell to about $3.70, after it had been above $4.50 in late April and early May.
But as conflict in the Middle East escalated, average gas prices moved higher again. On Tuesday, the average price stood at $4.10 a gallon, according to AAA.
The shift follows disruptions in oil supplies after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a passage that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil. The closure came after Iran was attacked by the United States and Israel in late February.
With fuel costs rising, inflation accelerated and Americans’ inflation-adjusted incomes declined, according to the Conference Board.
Inflation Fallout And Budget Strain
The report said consumer sentiment has remained weighed down by the impact of inflation over the past five years, a backdrop that could pose a challenge for President Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of midterm elections in less than 100 days.
Trump has continued to blame inflation on his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden. However, inflation has increased since Trump took office last year, rising to 3.5% from 3% in January 2025 before jumping again after the Iran war began on February 28, when inflation was reported at 2.4%.
In write-in responses, collected from July 1 to July 22, respondents remained pessimistic. The Conference Board said references to gas prices fell slightly but stayed elevated, while comments about food and grocery prices increased.
Government data cited by the Board shows that bringing food home has become 33% more expensive since the beginning of 2019. It said many Americans have responded by using coupons, comparing prices and cutting back on foods they buy most often, as they absorb the largest grocery price increase in half a century.
Beef was singled out as a symbol of rising grocery costs. The price of a pound of ground beef reached $6.82 in June, about 79% higher than at the start of 2019, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Jobs Views Soften As Hiring Slows
The Conference Board also reported a mixed picture in the labour market. Mentions of jobs and unemployment rose slightly compared with June, while views of the current job market declined.
Expectations for the labour market over the next six months improved modestly but remained in negative territory.
Separate government figures showed employers slowed hiring in June. They added 57,000 jobs, less than half the number added in the previous month. The unemployment rate fell to 4.2% from 4.3% in May, though the decline mostly reflected fewer people counted as unemployed because many out of work stopped looking.
While references to war and geopolitics decreased in this month’s survey, the Conference Board said it expects mentions could rise in the next set of responses as fighting between Iran and the United States has intensified.

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29 July 2026

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July 28Jul 28

US High School Shooter, 16, sentenced to Life Without Parole

USA

US High School Shooter, 16, sentenced to Life Without Parole

A Georgia judge sentenced Colt Gray, 16, to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Tuesday for the 2024 mass school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder.

Gray, who pleaded guilty on Friday to 55 counts including murder and assault, appeared impassive as Judge Nicholas Primm delivered the sentence at Barrow County Superior Court. Primm said Gray’s actions showed “permanent” incapability to be corrected and that he did not appear distressed by what he had done, describing instead a sense of enjoyment linked to shooters he had idolised.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing Choice
Primm had two options available under sentencing guidelines: life imprisonment with the possibility of parole or life without parole. He ordered the harsher sentence, leaving Gray to serve the rest of his life behind bars.
The judge’s remarks came after prosecutors argued in court hearings on Monday and Tuesday that Gray remained motivated by a desire for recognition drawn from other school attackers. Prosecutors also cited recordings of jailhouse calls made in the weeks after the shooting, in which Gray discussed reactions from online forums focused on true crime.
In one call played to the court, Gray laughed while telling his mother that he was “in the big leagues”, describing it as not being “in a bad way”.
What Happened on 4 September 2024
The shooting took place on 4 September 2024. At the time, Gray was 14 and a ninth-grade student at the school. Prosecutors said he brought an assault-style rifle into Apalachee High School hidden inside a roll of poster board, concealed before the attack began.
During the incident, Gray killed four people and injured nine others. Prosecutors said he was charged as an adult for the attack.
The victims named in court were students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both aged 14, and teachers Cristina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39.
Proceedings Involving Gray’s Father
Prosecutors also linked the attack to actions by Gray’s father. Colin Gray was convicted in March on 27 charges, including second-degree murder, after prosecutors said he gave his son the rifle despite warning signs, including what they described as a shrine to school shooters in the boy’s room.
It was reported in court that the weapon had been given to Colt Gray by his father as a Christmas present. Colin Gray is due to be sentenced on Thursday.
The prosecution of a parent in connection with a child’s mass shooting is described as rare in the United States.
Debate Over Rehabilitation
Prosecutors argued that Gray should not be offered a chance at parole because his conduct reflected an enduring intent rather than behaviour that could be corrected over time. In closing arguments on Tuesday, Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith said the shooting was not the end point of a wider plan, but one step towards achieving lasting fame.
Smith also rejected efforts by the defence to suggest Gray could be rehabilitated and safely return to society, comparing the teenager’s expected instincts to an animal with violent tendencies that cannot be escaped.
Gray’s defence attorney, Charlton Allen, argued that the teenager’s background, including what the defence described as a traumatic and unstable childhood, contributed to his embrace of an online community that elevated violent crime. Allen told the court that testimony from people close to Gray, including his grandmother, indicated that his parents had abused drugs and failed to meet his basic needs.
In closing, Allen said the shooting reflected behaviours from a community that, in the defence’s view, was prepared to accept Gray when his own parents would not.

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29 July 2026

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July 28Jul 28

Prisoners Sew Lips Shut In Hunger Strike As Iran Executes

Iran

Prisoners Sew Lips Shut In Hunger Strike As Iran Executes

Prisoners at Ghezel Hesar prison near Tehran have sewn their lips shut as hundreds of inmates joined a mass hunger strike, as Iran’s executions increase for drug-related offences and cases linked to anti-government protests.

The hunger strike, involving at least 1,500 death row prisoners, began two weeks ago, according to Iranian rights groups. They said the protest started after six men convicted on drug-related charges were moved to solitary confinement ahead of their possible execution.
Protest Spurs Prison-Wide Hunger Strike
The Iranian rights groups said the death row prisoners at Ghezel Hesar, Iran’s largest prison, launched the action after the six men were placed in isolation.
In videos shared by rights groups in exile, inmates are shown in prison corridors holding placards reading “No to Executions” and chanting “Be our voice”.
In one video, a prisoner is filmed telling the camera he began sewing his lips shut because, six days into the hunger strike, no prison official had responded. Another clip shows a prisoner using a needle and thread to stitch the man’s lips together. Other footage includes appeals for urgent medical attention as hunger continues, with one inmate saying guards were not opening doors to allow transfers to the prison infirmary.
Rights Groups Cite Execution Surge
The hunger strike is part of a prisoner-led campaign against executions that began in January 2024 and has spread across prisons in Iran as the death penalty has been used more frequently.
Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) said at least 424 people had been executed this year, with hundreds more believed to be on death row. It said most executions were carried out in drug-related cases.
On Tuesday, officials hanged two men convicted of “waging war on God” over the deaths of two police officers during anti-government protests. IHRNGO said 26 people linked to the January protests have been executed this year.
IHRNGO director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said prisoners sentenced to death for drug offences are among the least represented inmates on death row. He said last year at least 795 people were executed for drug-related charges, adding that such cases drew little international response.
“By staging this protest, the prisoners in Ghezel Hesar are taking an extraordinary risk,” Amiry-Moghaddam said. He said inmates were aware the authorities could execute them at any moment, but had chosen to raise their voices in the hope that international attention would increase pressure.
Trials Under “Revolutionary Courts” Criticised
Amnesty International said revolutionary courts, which handle national security and drug-related offences, lack independence and regularly impose harsh sentences, including death sentences, after trials Amnesty describes as grossly unfair.
In a message relayed to the Guardian, one death-row protester said: “We are prisoners who turned to such mistakes simply to afford the basic necessities of life, and deeply regret our actions. Where else in the world is a human life taken for a first mistake?”
A similar hunger strike was held at the prison in October 2025, when more than 1,500 prisoners staged an action lasting six days and prompted a rare visit by authorities. Activists said conditions had not improved since then.
Moein Khazaeli, a human rights lawyer at Dadban, a legal counselling centre for Iranian activists, said executions continued after what he described as unfair trials for drug-related offences. He said defendants often do not have access to lawyers or a meaningful right to defend themselves, and he cited cases where charges were fabricated against people from ethnic minority or poor backgrounds. He said death sentences issued by revolutionary courts violate human rights and Iran’s own laws.
Families Protest As Concern Grows
Rights groups and families of death row prisoners have raised alarm over a worsening human rights situation, with Amnesty and other monitors pointing to a wider increase in executions. They said the spike this year has coincided with Iran’s conflict with the US, and that executions have also risen among political prisoners and people arrested after nationwide protests in January.
Amiry-Moghaddam said many death sentences in protest-related cases are based on confessions extracted under torture. Families of those held at Ghezel Hesar have also protested outside the prison, and sources said authorities violently cracked down on their gathering.

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28 July 2026

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July 28Jul 28

US Walks Out as France Speaks at UN Meeting

Report

US Walks Out as France Speaks at UN Meeting

The US delegation walked out of a UN Security Council meeting on Monday as France’s ambassador spoke, after comments that compared Washington’s voting record on human-rights matters with that of authoritarian states.

The dispute stems from a disagreement over the reappointment of Volker Turk as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Last week, the US joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending Turk’s term.
Vote over Turk term fuels tensions
After the vote on Friday, France’s UN mission criticised the US and drew a parallel with North Korea and Russia, posting on X: “The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore.”
In response, US ambassador Mike Waltz accused France of supporting a human-rights chief who had been “lecturing” democratic countries while “cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors”, without giving further details.
Turk has criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s military conduct in Gaza.
The Security Council fight over Turk’s second term reflected wider strains between Washington and the UN. The reappointment was approved by 144 states in favour, with 10 against and 13 abstentions.
Walkout during emergency Ukraine meeting
The US walkout happened during an emergency Security Council meeting on Russia’s war in Ukraine, when France’s ambassador, Jérôme Bonnafont, was speaking.
US ambassador Dan Negrea said the US delegation would keep making similar protests until France “renounces their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric”.
A UN deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, declined to comment on the walkout, saying the UN expected all member states to respect the decision.
US warns of “consequences” for UN process
The tensions have also been tied to the Trump administration’s broader stance toward the UN system. The administration has cut funding for UN agencies and withdrew from dozens of UN entities.
On Friday, US ambassador Jeff Bartos criticised Turk’s reappointment and said “there will be consequences” for the assembly, adding that it “tolerates procedural overreach, backroom deals, and the misuse of UN posts”.
“The United States will immediately reassess our engagement, participation, and funding,” Bartos said.
In contrast, Bonnafont defended Turk during the Security Council meeting, describing him as “a voice of conscience” who had shown “rigor and impartiality” during his first term.


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28 July 2026

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July 28Jul 28

Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits South-West Japan

Japan

Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits South-West Japan

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck south-west Japan on Tuesday, causing widespread damage and leading to evacuations across parts of Kyushu, officials said.

Several people were reported trapped inside a shopping centre in Kumamoto after the quake, with local media reporting that an explosion occurred at the Aeon Mall. In Kashima, the fire department said a shopping complex’s second floor collapsed, trapping many people.
The shaking began at 16:27 local time (07:27 GMT), with the epicentre located inland on Kyushu. The government said more than 150,000 people were told to move to evacuation shelters. A brief tsunami warning was issued but was lifted within an hour.
Trapped shoppers and collapsed floors
Emergency services said many people were trapped inside the Aeon Mall in the Kumamoto region. Local reports also cited an explosion at the facility following the quake.
In Kashima, the fire department stated that the second floor of a shopping complex had collapsed. Rescue teams were sent to the affected areas as authorities assessed the extent of the damage and attempted to reach those who were trapped.


Picture courtesy of BBC
Aftershocks warning as damage reported
Japan’s meteorological agency warned of strong aftershocks, citing a shallow epicentre at a depth of 10km (six miles). Footage broadcast by NHK showed cracked roads and bridges, along with several buildings on fire.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government was still assessing injuries and property damage, but that she had been told several people had already been hurt. NHK reported that about 10 of the injured were in an elderly care home, and that at least 50 people were being treated in hospital.


Picture courtesy of BBC
Transport disruptions and emergency response
Train services were suspended and electricity supplies were cut for thousands of homes. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said first responders had been deployed, including Japan’s self-defence force, fire services and the coast guard.
He urged residents in areas where the shaking had been strongest to closely follow evacuation information issued by local authorities via radio, television and the internet, and to act calmly.
Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes, with authorities estimating around 1,500 tremors each year.
Nuclear plant unaffected, agency says
The International Atomic Energy Agency said the earthquake caused no damage or safety issues at the Sendai nuclear power plant, located around 100km (62 miles) from the epicentre, and that it remains in operation. The agency said it would continue to monitor the situation.



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28 July 2026

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July 28Jul 28

Fauci diary reveals clash with ‘rambling, crazy’ Trump

USA

Fauci diary reveals clash with ‘rambling, crazy’ Trump

Anthony Fauci’s private diary entries from the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic reveal his growing frustration with Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis, describing the former president as “rambling”, “crazy” and “incompetent”.

The journals, released by Republican Senator Rand Paul as part of his long-running criticism of Fauci’s role in the US pandemic response, show the former government science adviser documenting difficult interactions with Trump as the virus spread across the country.
Early warnings over virus response
Fauci wrote that he spoke with Trump during a late-night phone call on 27 February 2020, as concern over Covid-19 was increasing in the US.
According to the diary, Fauci urged the president not to minimise the seriousness of the outbreak, warning that downplaying the threat could harm Trump politically if the situation worsened.
Fauci wrote that he advised Trump that being transparent about the risks would earn public respect, even if the economy and stock market suffered.
However, he noted that Trump appeared to return to a more dismissive approach the following day.
Criticism grows during election year
By mid-March 2020, as lockdowns and public health restrictions were introduced, Fauci recorded frustration over Trump’s focus on media appearances.
He wrote that Trump wanted two daily press briefings, leaving officials with less time to work on the response.
In May 2020, Fauci wrote that Trump was becoming increasingly focused on reopening the country ahead of the presidential election, describing the push as driven by political concerns.
A true embarrassment
Months later, as infections rose before the election, Fauci criticised Trump’s campaign appearances and wrote that the president was “out of control” and a “true embarrassment”.
After Trump lost the election but attempted to challenge the result, Fauci compared the situation to historical examples of leaders refusing to accept defeat. By March 2021, he described Trump as “truly an obnoxious adolescent”.
The diary entries also show Fauci’s concerns about being viewed as a source for journalists. He recorded conversations with Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, who was writing a book about the US response to Covid-19.
Long-running dispute with Rand Paul
The publication of the diaries was arranged by Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky who has repeatedly criticised Fauci’s pandemic policies.
Paul has accused Fauci of supporting unnecessary restrictions and has questioned whether research funding linked to US institutions contributed to the origins of Covid-19. Fauci has rejected claims that the virus was created in a laboratory and has continued to support the theory that it emerged through animal-to-human transmission.
The two have clashed publicly, including during a 2022 Senate hearing when Fauci said Paul’s accusations had contributed to threats against him and his family.
Paul has said he plans to question Fauci again at an upcoming hearing, where the 85-year-old former adviser has been required to appear.
The diaries have also drawn attention to Fauci’s own comments about his public profile during the pandemic. In one 2020 entry, he noted widespread support from the public and described himself as being seen as a highly trusted scientific figure. His notes also recorded meetings and interactions with celebrities and media figures during his rise to international recognition.

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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Wildlife presenter and Goodies star Bill Oddie dies at 85

UK

Wildlife presenter and Goodies star Bill Oddie dies at 85

British comedian Bill Oddie, who became a household name through the BBC comedy series The Goodies before building a second career as a wildlife presenter and conservationist, has died aged 85.
Comedy fame with The Goodies
Oddie’s death was confirmed on Saturday by his agent, David Foster, who described him as a multi-talented entertainer whose work spanned comedy, broadcasting, writing, music and environmental campaigning.
He first rose to prominence as one of the members of The Goodies, a comedy trio alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. The group starred in the BBC series of the same name, which ran from 1970 to 1982 and became known for its unusual style of humour and inventive sketches.
The programme helped establish Oddie as one of Britain’s best-known comedy performers, but his interests extended well beyond entertainment.
From comedy to wildlife
Oddie later turned his lifelong passion for birds and nature into a successful broadcasting career. He presented several BBC wildlife programmes, including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild and Springwatch.
His agent said that despite his celebrity status, Oddie was more concerned with encouraging people to appreciate and protect the natural world.
“Bill was a multi-talented celebrity — wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist,” Foster said in a statement. “Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.”
Oddie also wrote several books about birds and wildlife, including Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book, Birdwatching with Bill Oddie and Follow That Bird.
Early career and legacy
Born in Rochdale, north-west England, in 1941, Oddie studied English literature at Pembroke College, Cambridge. During his time at university, he performed with the Cambridge Footlights, the renowned student comedy group that also featured future stars including John Cleese and Graham Chapman of Monty Python.
His performances with the Footlights led to opportunities in London’s West End and on Broadway, eventually convincing him to leave behind plans to become an English teacher or work at a bird observatory.
Oddie’s career later combined his two greatest passions: comedy and wildlife. He became a prominent voice for conservation and inspired generations of viewers to take an interest in nature.

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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Family Pays Tribute to Briton in Florida Murder Case

Crime

Family Pays Tribute to Briton in Florida Murder Case

The family of a British woman believed to have been murdered in the United States have paid tribute to her as a "truly beautiful" person, remembering her kindness, compassion and gentle nature.

Sonia Exelby, 32, disappeared from her home in Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 12 October. Her body was discovered five days later in Marion County, Florida.
A 53-year-old Florida man, Dwain Hall, has been arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on suspicion of first-degree murder and kidnapping. A trial is expected later this year. Hall was already being held on separate allegations of fraudulent use of credit cards and unlawful use of a two-way communication device in connection with the investigation.
Family remembers a compassionate woman
In a statement, Exelby's family described her as someone whose kindness shaped every aspect of her life.
They said she had "the gentlest soul", explaining that she became vegan because she could not bear the thought of animals suffering. They said she was compassionate, caring and quietly loving towards those around her.
The family also highlighted her musical talent, saying she played the piano with ease and had "the voice of an angel" when she sang. They described her presence as calming and said she made those around her feel accepted without judgement.
Exelby was the youngest of six children and grew up in the Hampshire village of Porchester. Her relatives said she was deeply loved by her siblings and had shared a devoted relationship with her partner for 15 years.
They added that she brought joy to her nieces and nephews and was treasured by friends, one of whom said they had "never known a soul with a bigger or purer heart".
Lasting sense of loss
The family said her death had left an irreplaceable void in their lives and that her absence would be felt for many years.
They also acknowledged that she had faced difficulties during her life but said they wanted her to be remembered for who she was rather than the challenges she experienced.
"You were deeply loved, and you will always be deeply loved," the statement concluded.
UK and US authorities continue investigation
Hampshire Constabulary said it received a missing person report on 12 October after Exelby disappeared from her Southsea home. Initial enquiries established that she had travelled outside the UK before she was reported missing.
The force said investigators in the United States were continuing their inquiry into her death, while officers in Hampshire were assisting the American authorities and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Police added that specially trained officers were continuing to support Exelby's family in the UK.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was providing assistance to the family of the British national and remained in contact with local authorities in Florida.


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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Burnham Reaffirms UK's Backing During Zelensky Visit

UK-Politics

Burnham Reaffirms UK's Backing During Zelensky Visit

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reaffirmed Britain's long-term commitment to Ukraine, telling President Volodymyr Zelensky that the UK would stand by Kyiv "for as long as it takes" during the Ukrainian leader's visit to Portsmouth.

Zelensky became Burnham's first international visitor since the prime minister entered Downing Street, with Burnham describing the meeting as a clear demonstration of Britain's unwavering support for Ukraine.
Speaking alongside the Ukrainian president at a naval base on Monday, Burnham said: "To put it simply, Volodymyr, I want you to know that we've got your back, you can count on me and you can count on us. You can count on the UK for as long as it takes."
UK pledges continued support
Addressing Zelensky directly, he added: "I am personally with you 100%, Mr President, and I will honour every commitment this country has made to Ukraine in full."
Zelensky described ties between the two countries as "stronger than ever", while Burnham said he planned to visit Ukraine soon following what he called a "very warm meeting".
Electronic warfare technology shared
During the visit, Burnham announced that the UK would share the intellectual property behind its new Stone Cloak electronic warfare system, allowing Ukraine to manufacture the technology on a larger scale.
He said the system would improve Ukraine's ability to strike targets while helping to protect Ukrainian lives.
The Stone Cloak jammers, roughly the size of a tablet computer, are designed to prevent drones from being detected. Thousands of the devices have already been supplied to Ukrainian forces by the Ministry of Defence to strengthen drone operations.
Downing Street also confirmed that, following its deployment in Ukraine, the technology will be incorporated into Britain's next generation of long-range weapons. This includes Project Brakestop, a government programme developing low-cost cruise missiles.
Military cooperation and ceasefire call
The two leaders also met more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel who had spent the previous three weeks in the UK taking part in Exercise Sea Breeze.
The training programme is intended to improve maritime combat skills and counter-mine operations in the Black Sea.
Burnham also reiterated Britain's support for securing a "full and unconditional ceasefire" in Ukraine.
He said the UK would continue pressing for a ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations, insisting that Ukraine must be directly involved in any talks and that Europe should also have a strong voice.
Long-term commitment
Britain has maintained its support for Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion four years ago, committing £25 billion to Ukraine's war effort.
Burnham had invited Zelensky to Britain during one of his first phone calls after becoming prime minister last week. Zelensky later said on X that he appreciated Britain's continued support for Ukraine and its people.
Asked whether political leadership changes in Britain and France concerned him, Zelensky acknowledged the uncertainty but stressed that lasting relations between countries mattered more than individual leaders.
"Of course I'm afraid of changes, of course we are afraid because we are in the war each day," he said.
"But again the priority is the relation between nations, not just between just people. I'm sure that these relations will not change, or we have to do our best not to lose such very good relations."
He added that he hoped Ukraine would never lose its close relationship with the UK during or after the war. Burnham replied: "You won't."


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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Bali Bans Dutch Expats Over Club Excluding Indonesians

Report

Bali Bans Dutch Expats Over Club Excluding Indonesians

Indonesia has barred two Dutch nationals from returning to the country after authorities accused them of organising an unauthorised running event in Bali that allegedly discriminated against Indonesian participants.

The two men, aged 35 and 37, left Bali for Singapore before the immigration ban was announced. Indonesian authorities said they would not be permitted to re-enter the country after violating immigration rules by organising the event without the required permits.
Backlash Over Run Club
The controversy centred on Entourage Bali, an expatriate-focused community that organises social activities for digital nomads. The group's planned running event sparked widespread criticism after claims emerged online that Indonesian applicants had been rejected while foreign applicants were accepted.
The allegations reignited debate over the growing presence of expatriate communities in Bali, where rising numbers of digital nomads have fuelled concerns among locals about exclusionary behaviour and foreign-run businesses operating outside the rules.
On Sunday, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said authorities would take "strict action" to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Club Denies Intentional Discrimination
In a statement released on Friday, Entourage Bali rejected claims that its activities were restricted to foreigners, saying its running clubs were "open for everyone, including non-digital nomads".
The group said Indonesians accounted for nearly 25% of ticket holders for its events and attributed the controversy to "errors in the automated approval process" used for its community chat groups. According to the organisers, the system mistakenly rejected some phone numbers registered in Indonesia.
Entourage Bali said its aim was to help digital nomads settle into life on the island and build social connections, stressing that membership was not determined by nationality.
"Being a digital nomad is not defined by nationality. Our community includes members from many countries, including Indonesia," the statement said.
The organisation also announced it was suspending all events while it reviewed its procedures, adding that it would make "real changes going forward".
Wider Scrutiny of Foreign Activities
Entourage Bali previously held a well-attended "disco run" in May, with social media images showing large groups of runners, many of them foreigners, taking part while wearing headphones.
However, criticism intensified after registration opened for another event scheduled for 22 July. One Indonesian woman said on social media that her application to join the community had been delayed because of her Indonesian name and phone number, while her husband, who had a Western name and phone number, was accepted immediately.
The incident comes as Indonesian authorities step up enforcement against foreigners accused of engaging in commercial activities without proper authorisation.
"There should not be a state within a state," Indonesia's immigration chief, Hendarsam Marantoko, told reporters last week, underscoring the government's commitment to enforcing immigration and business regulations on the island.

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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Wildfire Nears Bordeaux as France Battles Record Blaze

Fire

Wildfire Nears Bordeaux as France Battles Record Blaze

A major wildfire in south-west France has moved to within 15km (nine miles) of Bordeaux, prompting local authorities to prepare for possible further evacuations as firefighters battle one of the country's worst fire seasons on record.

Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave said the city was preparing for "all eventualities" and making plans to accommodate large numbers of evacuees if conditions deteriorate.
Fire advances toward Bordeaux
President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to the fire-hit Gironde region, described the blaze as a "completely unprecedented wildfire" and said it was the country's most severe since the Second World War.
More than 220,000 people have been evacuated across France, while neighbouring Spain has displaced over 100,000 residents as wildfires continue to burn unchecked west of Madrid. Forecasts of another intense heatwave on Tuesday are expected to complicate firefighting operations.
Firefighters remain on alert
Macron said a separate wildfire in the neighbouring Landes region had been brought under control, but crews remained engaged in Gironde.
Although firefighters had improved the situation compared with the previous day, he warned that rising temperatures and persistent winds meant the danger was far from over.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the blaze had effectively "taken on a life of its own", highlighting the unpredictable nature of the fire.
Jerome Steffe, mayor of the town of Cestas south of Bordeaux, described the disaster as potentially "the fire of the century". He said around 17,000 residents had been evacuated overnight after the fire rapidly expanded two days earlier.
According to Steffe, about 42,000 hectares (103,000 acres) have already burned in the area, destroying around 240 homes. He described the situation in his town as "catastrophic".
While the fire's advance has slowed, he cautioned that only limited progress had been made. Flying embers and sudden changes in wind direction continue to threaten nearby communities despite efforts to build protective firebreaks.
Record fire season
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said France was experiencing an unprecedented wildfire season. Since January, more than 116,000 hectares (286,000 acres) have burned and authorities have recorded 13,566 separate fire outbreaks.
In a post on X, Lecornu said nine out of 10 fires were caused by human activity, with most linked to carelessness such as discarded cigarette butts, barbecues and unsafe work practices.
He added that not all fires were accidental, saying some had been deliberately started. Since 6 July, police have made 162 arrests in connection with wildfire incidents.
Spain also battles major blazes
Spain entered its fifth day of a national wildfire emergency on Monday as large fires continued to burn west of Madrid.
Satellite imagery analysed by BBC Verify showed several separate fires in the Almorox, Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias areas merging into a single large blaze between 24 and 26 July. The wildfire has now affected more than 27,000 hectares, with satellite images showing the rapid expansion of the burned area.
Local officials have warned that the region is facing the worst wildfires in its history.
Scientists say climate change is increasing global temperatures, with Europe warming about twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Rising temperatures are contributing to more frequent heatwaves, greater pressure on water resources and increasingly intense wildfires across the continent.


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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Ukraine Rejects Iran Threats After Caspian Sea Strike

Report

Ukraine Rejects Iran Threats After Caspian Sea Strike

Ukraine has dismissed Iranian threats of retaliation after Kyiv targeted an Iranian cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea, an attack that appears to mark the first direct military link between the wars involving Ukraine and Iran.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha rejected Tehran's response on Monday, describing its accusations as "unjustified and groundless" in a post on X.
He accused Iran of being "a direct accomplice" to Russia's invasion of Ukraine by supplying weapons that have been used against Ukrainian civilians since the full-scale war began in 2022.
Kyiv Defends Strike on Iranian-Linked Vessel
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukrainian forces had achieved "very good results" during long-range operations in the Caspian Sea, including strikes against vessels transporting military-related cargo connected to Iran.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said its drones struck an oil platform in the northern Caspian Sea, a Russian missile boat and cargo vessels that it said were under international sanctions.
Iran Condemns Attack
Iran's ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, told Iran's state news agency that the cargo ship Anna was anchored about 5km from the mouth of the Volga River when it was hit.
Ukraine's ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, said the vessel had been transporting drone and missile components from Iran to Russia rather than civilian goods. Speaking to Israel's N12 television, he argued that Ukraine and Israel were confronting the same "axis of evil" on different fronts.
Iran and Russia have strengthened military ties since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tehran began supplying Shahed drones to Russia in 2022, and the aircraft have since been modified and used extensively in attacks on Ukrainian cities.
In an interview with Sky News published over the weekend, Zelensky also said Iran was preparing to supply Russia with ballistic missiles, following reports that short-range missiles had already been delivered as early as 2024.
Escalating Tensions
Ukraine has also dispatched military specialists to several Gulf states in recent months to help improve defences against Iranian drone attacks carried out in response to US and Israeli military action.
The Caspian Sea serves as a key transport corridor between Russia and Iran, making it strategically important for military logistics.
Kyiv has long accused Tehran of enabling Russian attacks through its drone supplies, but Saturday's operation appears to be the first time Ukrainian forces have directly targeted an Iranian vessel.
Iran said one sailor was killed and several others were wounded in the strike. Its foreign ministry insisted Tehran had "never intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine."
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack as "a blatant UN Charter violation" carried out at Israel's urging to draw Europe into its conflict with Iran. In a post on X, he warned that the incident "CANNOT GO UNANSWERED."
Sybiha responded by sharing Araghchi's statement on X with the words "Iranian lies" superimposed across it.
He also accused Tehran of attempting to divert attention from Russian attacks on grain shipments leaving Ukrainian ports, saying those strikes threaten global food security.
Analysts Warn of Risks
Alongside attacks on oil depots, Wildberries warehouses and Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, the Caspian Sea strike forms part of what Zelensky has described as Ukraine's "long-range sanctions campaign" aimed at weakening Russia's war economy.
Some analysts, however, questioned whether expanding operations against Iranian-linked targets serves Ukraine's long-term interests.
Former Ukrainian intelligence official Ivan Stupak said the objective was to disrupt supply routes and inflict economic damage on Russia, but warned against broadening the conflict.
"The main idea... is to disrupt trading routes and cause as much damage as possible," he told the BBC. "But it's not a good idea for Ukraine to have another battlefront with Iran. It's not good for us."
Olha Polishchuk of the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (Acled) said the strike was better understood as an effort to disrupt Russia's military supply chains rather than an attempt to open a new conflict with Iran.
"Targeting that route allows Kyiv to put further pressure on Russia's supply networks beyond the traditional battlefield," she said.


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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Iran War Fuels GOP Doubts Over Hegseth's Leadership

Iranian Conflict

Iran War Fuels GOP Doubts Over Hegseth's Leadership

Confidence in Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is weakening among Republican senators as the conflict with Iran continues with no clear end in sight, according to several GOP lawmakers.

Growing concerns over the war's cost, military strategy and leadership have prompted criticism from within President Donald Trump's own party.
Republican concerns grow over Pentagon leadership
Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he no longer has confidence in Hegseth, accusing him of lacking experience managing large organisations, micromanaging the Pentagon and forcing out respected military leaders. Tillis argued that these decisions had undermined the Department of Defense and suggested other Republican senators were close to voicing similar concerns.
Another Republican senator, speaking anonymously, said reports from inside the Pentagon pointed to a broader loss of confidence in Hegseth among senior military officials, concerns that had spread to Capitol Hill.
Strategy and costs under scrutiny
Some Republican lawmakers have questioned whether the administration underestimated Iran's response to the conflict. They cited the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has driven up global oil and gas prices since February, and Iran's willingness to strike neighbouring countries including Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The expansion of fighting into the Red Sea, where Iran-backed Houthi militants have targeted Saudi oil shipments, has also raised concerns that the Pentagon failed to anticipate the wider regional impact.
Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, criticised the recent departures of senior military officers during a hearing on emergency defence funding. She described the loss of experienced commanders as "deeply troubling" and said she wanted more information from the administration about its overall strategy and objectives for the war.
A second Republican senator said there were increasing "rumblings" about possible strategic miscalculations, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's ability to threaten neighbouring states.
Some Republicans back stronger military action
Despite the criticism, several Republican defence hawks continue to support the administration's approach and argue that stronger military action could still achieve US objectives.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker urged Trump to "finish the job" by increasing the intensity of military strikes. Sen. John Cornyn argued that the United States had the military capability to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without making major concessions to Tehran, saying a decisive outcome was needed to avoid a prolonged conflict.
However, frustration has grown as the war has continued for nearly five months, far longer than Trump's earlier prediction that it would last only four or five weeks.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said she believed the American public was becoming increasingly weary of the conflict.
Funding battle looms in Congress
Republican lawmakers have also expressed concern over the financial cost of the war. Hegseth recently told lawmakers the conflict had cost $37.5 billion, while independent estimates from Moody Analytics put the figure at more than $132 billion.
Sen. Joni Ernst said many members of Congress remained concerned about defence spending and wanted greater transparency from the Pentagon regarding the war's costs.
The administration is seeking approval for an additional $73 billion in military funding through the budget reconciliation process, but several Republican senators have warned there is currently insufficient GOP support to guarantee its passage. The effort is further complicated by the absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has not voted since June because of health issues.
Tillis also questioned whether the removal of senior military leaders had weakened strategic planning, arguing experienced commanders might have better anticipated Iran's ability to disrupt shipping through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait while mobilising Houthi forces in the Red Sea.

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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Trump Warns of Strong Military Action if Iran Talks Fail

Iranian Conflict

Trump Warns of Strong Military Action if Iran Talks Fail

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will return to "very strong military action" against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to produce a rapid breakthrough.
Trump Sets Deadline for Diplomacy
Speaking to Axios on Monday, Trump said Washington was engaged in intensive discussions with Tehran but stressed that negotiations had limited time to succeed. "We are in very deep talks with Iran. If they don't work out, we will go back to very strong military action," he said. Asked how long he would allow negotiations to continue, Trump replied: "Not much time. Either it goes fast or not at all."
He repeated the message to reporters aboard Air Force One, saying Iran had sought talks only because of sustained US military pressure. At a campaign rally in Michigan later the same day, Trump said negotiations were currently "very friendly" but warned the US would use force if necessary.
Tehran Rejects Claims of Direct Talks
Iran, however, denied that direct negotiations with the United States were taking place.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said mediators continued to pass messages between the two sides but insisted Tehran was not engaged in direct discussions with Washington over the conflict, which began in late February following a series of US-Israeli strikes.
The differing accounts came as Iran and Oman continued discussions on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz. Although the two countries reportedly moved closer to a broad understanding, they remain divided over Iran's proposal to charge transit fees for ships using the strategically important waterway.
Hormuz Negotiations Continue
Technical talks between Iranian and Omani officials took place in Tehran on Friday and Saturday. Diplomats believe progress in those discussions, supported by China, Qatar and Pakistan, contributed to Washington's decision to pause military operations after nearly two weeks of strikes.
According to reports, senior US officials also cautioned Trump about shrinking munitions supplies and the risks posed by Iranian retaliation against American bases in the region, including facilities in Kuwait and Jordan. The top US military commander in the Middle East, Adm Brad Cooper, reportedly advised ending the bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz after concluding it had reached the limits of its effectiveness.
Washington has said its military campaign responded to repeated Iranian violations of a memorandum of understanding signed in June, including attempts to restrict commercial shipping using a southern route protected by the United States. Iran rejects that interpretation, arguing the southern route breaches the ceasefire arrangement and that Tehran retains primary authority over reopening the strait.
Dispute Over Shipping Fees
Oman has been seeking to persuade Iran to adopt a voluntary contribution system similar to the one used in the Strait of Malacca, where users help fund environmental and navigational services. The proposal would require international backing, including from the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization.
Iran has instead developed a plan allowing it to collect fees from vessels based on factors such as ship type, cargo, navigation history and environmental impact. Iranian officials argue the heavy volume of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz justifies compensation for pollution and other costs.
Baqaei described the talks with Oman as constructive but said they were unrelated to US diplomacy. He said the discussions were intended to create mechanisms for safe navigation while protecting the rights and security interests of the two coastal states.
Meanwhile, the United States has continued encouraging commercial vessels to test the Iranian blockade. Iranian officials said six ships with disabled navigation systems attempted to use the southern route on Sunday. They said one vessel came under fire while the others turned back.
The United Nations Office for Project Services reported that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply, averaging about five vessels a day over the past week, compared with almost 130 daily before the conflict began.

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28 July 2026

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July 27Jul 27

Trump Tells Americans to Recall Event That Never Happened

Trump

Trump Tells Americans to Recall Event That Never Happened

President Donald Trump has again repeated a false claim about wind power, telling Americans to remember a nationwide television outage that never happened while criticising renewable energy during a speech at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington.
Trump repeats familiar wind power claim
Speaking on Thursday, Trump renewed his attacks on wind energy, which he has long criticised, and claimed people were unable to watch a presidential debate because "the wind wasn't blowing."
Referring to renewable energy policies, Trump said the country had been "scammed" by what he called the "Green New Scam." He then described a fictional scenario in which households could not watch a debate between himself and then-President Joe Biden because wind turbines had stopped generating electricity.
The anecdote has featured in Trump's speeches before, despite having no factual basis.
Electricity grids use a mix of power sources rather than relying solely on wind generation, allowing supply to continue even when wind speeds are low. Battery storage systems can also store surplus wind energy for use when production falls.
Debate attracted millions of viewers
Trump's story centred on his June 2024 debate with Biden. However, the debate was watched by tens of millions of Americans, with more than 51 million viewers tuning in on television alone, according to Nielsen estimates.
Many of those viewers were in Texas, the country's largest producer of wind-generated electricity. The Republican-led state remains the leading producer of wind power in the United States while also being the most populous state won by Trump in the 2024 election.
Although the Biden administration promoted renewable energy and set a goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035, the Green New Deal never became law. The proposal, introduced by progressive Democrats as a non-binding congressional resolution, called for a decade-long transition to clean, renewable and zero-emission energy sources.
Federal data shows wind energy accounted for about 10% of US net electricity generation in 2024.
Additional disputed claims
Trump also repeated other claims that have been challenged.
He said California experiences "brownouts and blackouts every weekend," despite there being no evidence to support that assertion. A spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom said the state has not experienced rolling blackouts for nearly six years and has not issued emergency Flex Alert conservation requests since 2022, citing investments in clean energy and battery storage.
The president also said the United States had attracted "$19.2 trillion" in investment during his first 12 months back in office and complained he received "no credit" for it.
However, no evidence has been provided to support that figure, and the total investment received during the current presidential term falls well short of the amount Trump cited.

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27 July 2026

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July 26Jul 26

Police Shoot Dead Berlin Pride Attack Suspect

Report

Police Shoot Dead Berlin Pride Attack Suspect

Police have shot dead the main suspect in the deadly attack near Berlin's Pride celebrations, German officials have said. Authorities said 21-year-old Abdul Ballout was killed during a police operation on Sunday at an allotment garden in Berlin's Spandau district. Police confirmed the death after a manhunt following Saturday night's attack.

One woman was killed and 29 other people were injured when a man allegedly drove a rented minivan into pedestrians before attacking people with what appeared to be a machete in Tiergarten park near the Brandenburg Gate. The incident occurred at about 10pm local time, close to one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ Pride events.
Related story: https://aseannow.com/worldnews/berlin-pride-cancelled-after-vehicle-hits-crowd-r1555/
The attack prompted organisers to end the celebrations early and came amid heightened concern in Germany following a series of fatal vehicle and knife attacks.
Authorities Detail Suspect's Background
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt identified the suspect as Abdul Ballout, saying he had a history of criminal offences, had become radicalised and had links to the Islamist scene.
Dobrindt said Ballout had previously received a juvenile sentence of one year and 10 months in prison, although it had been suspended.
German media reported that Ballout, a German citizen of Lebanese heritage, had supported Islamic State and travelled to the Middle East last year in an unsuccessful attempt to join the group. Bild and Der Spiegel reported that he was later convicted of preparing a serious act of subversive violence.


Abdul Ballout

Police had earlier warned the public not to approach Ballout, describing him as potentially armed and dangerous. Officers also searched an apartment in Berlin's Schöneberg district but found no one there.
Before the police operation, Der Spiegel interviewed Ballout's father, Tawfik, by telephone while he was in Lebanon. He described his son as "generous, emotional" and said the family, although Shia Muslims, did not support Islamic State. He said he believed his son had been "brainwashed" and that they had spoken normally on the day of the attack.
Leaders Condemn Attack
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany would not allow the attack to divide society and pledged to defend the country's freedoms. Earlier, he described the assault as an attack on society and vowed those responsible would be punished. Flags at the Bundestag were lowered to half-mast.
Police said the driver swerved the white minivan into pedestrians in Tiergarten before crashing into a tree. Witnesses reported that the suspect fled on foot, prompting a large-scale search involving helicopters and officers from several German states.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner described the violence as an attack on the city's free and open society.
The Pride parade, known in Germany as Christopher Street Day, attracted hundreds of thousands of people. The annual event commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York and has been held in Berlin since 1979.
International Support
Leaders across Europe expressed solidarity with Germany following the attack. Messages of support came from the leaders of Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, France and Italy, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Pride parade represented the EU's values of freedom, dignity and equality.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also expressed solidarity with Germany after speaking with his German counterpart.
Far-right political figures also responded, with Alternative für Deutschland co-leader Tino Chrupalla condemning religious extremism, while France's Jordan Bardella described Islamist extremism as a continuing threat across Europe.

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27 July 2026

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July 26Jul 26

Appeals Court Blocks Trump Mail Voting Restrictions

USA

Appeals Court Blocks Trump Mail Voting Restrictions

A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot enforce proposed restrictions on mail-in voting in 23 states that challenged the measures, leaving the changes on hold ahead of the US midterm elections.

The First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston issued a 2-1 decision on Saturday, upholding an earlier order that blocked the administration from implementing the restrictions in the states involved in the lawsuit.
Court backs state control of elections
The court said the Constitution gives state and local authorities responsibility for administering federal elections.
In their majority opinion, the judges said the executive order would introduce "unprecedented levels of involvement by federal officials in how states administer elections". They warned the measures could create confusion and risk disenfranchising eligible voters if introduced before the November midterm elections.
The ruling follows a separate decision last week by a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., which lifted a nationwide injunction against the executive order. As a result, it remains unclear whether the US Postal Service will seek to apply the proposed restrictions in the 27 states not covered by the Massachusetts-based injunction.
The White House did not immediately comment on the latest ruling.
Postal Service proposal
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2026 calling for greater federal oversight of mail-in voting.
In June, the US Postal Service proposed new regulations requiring states to provide approved voter lists and introducing stricter rules governing mail-in ballots.
Postmaster General David Steiner told Congress that, under the proposed regulations, the Postal Service would refuse to deliver ballots in states that did not comply with the new requirements.
During a Senate hearing, Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan asked whether ballots would still be delivered if a state refused to provide its absentee voter list to the federal government.
Steiner replied that, under the proposed regulation, the Postal Service would inform such states that it required the voter list before delivering ballots.
A Postal Service spokesperson declined to say last week whether the agency intended to implement the proposed restrictions, citing ongoing litigation. The Trump administration has indicated it may appeal the case to the US Supreme Court.
Debate over voter fraud
Trump has repeatedly claimed that mail-in voting is vulnerable to widespread fraud, although those allegations have not been supported by evidence.
A November 2025 analysis by the Brookings Institution found that fraud involving mail ballots was extremely uncommon. Examining the 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022 general elections, researchers estimated an average fraud rate of 0.000043%, equivalent to about four fraudulent mail votes for every 10 million cast.
Separately, the Heritage Foundation's election fraud database records 387 cases involving fraudulent absentee ballots across all US elections documented since 1982.
The latest ruling applies only to the 23 states that brought the legal challenge, potentially leaving different voting rules in place across the country while the legal battle continues.


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27 July 2026

• 19 comments
• 679 views

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July 26Jul 26

UK Won't Be Intimidated by Iran Threats, Wes Streeting Says

UK-Politics

UK Won't Be Intimidated by Iran Threats, Wes Streeting Says

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has said the UK will not be intimidated by Iran's recent threats, describing the country's rhetoric as "sabre-rattling" and insisting Britain is prepared to respond to any attack against itself or its allies.

Iran declared last week that the UK was a legitimate target because of its support for the US and Israel during the conflict with Tehran.
Iran warning dismissed
Speaking to the BBC, Streeting said Britain should not place "too much stock" in Iran's statements.
"We stand ready to respond to any attacks Iran wishes to wage against this country or our allies and we will continue to do that," he said.
UK limits role in military action
Streeting reiterated that Britain has not taken part in offensive US military operations against Iran and has no plans to do so.
The UK has, however, allowed the US to use British bases hosting American personnel and aircraft for what it describes as defensive operations.
Asked whether Iran had the capability to strike the UK, Streeting again played down the threat, saying the government would not be intimidated by the regime's recent remarks.
He also stressed that while London has differed from Washington over offensive military action, the two countries remain aligned on protecting maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Naval mission and Russia concerns
Streeting said he is due to meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in the coming week after discussing ideas to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. He added that he had already spoken to Hegseth by telephone.
The defence secretary also said Britain is prepared to lead a naval mission to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow.
He said maintaining secure shipping routes through the strategic waterway was important because disruption there affects global energy prices and the cost of living.
Separately, Streeting criticised a recent live-firing exercise by a Russian warship in the English Channel, describing it as "performative" and "irresponsible".
He said the incident highlighted what he called Russia's unsafe and unprofessional conduct, adding that Moscow continues to pose a threat to UK security.
Streeting also said the public was largely unaware of the extensive daily efforts undertaken to counter Russian aggression.

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27 July 2026

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July 26Jul 26

Israeli Settlers Accused of Burning West Bank Mosques

Israel

Israeli Settlers Accused of Burning West Bank Mosques

Israeli settlers allegedly set fire to two mosques, cars and agricultural land in the occupied West Bank overnight, according to Palestinian officials, amid rising tensions following a deadly clash earlier this week.

The attacks came two days after violence near the village of Tal left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead. Both sides blamed each other for triggering the confrontation.
Mosques and Property Targeted
Palestinian officials said settlers attacked two villages, damaging vehicles, stealing property and spray-painting hate graffiti on buildings.
In the village of Qusra, Mayor Abdul Azim Wadi said settlers set fire to a mosque that was under construction. He said the attackers also spray-painted the word "revenge" on the mosque's walls.
The Israeli military said troops were deployed to Qusra and that police would investigate the incident and collect evidence.
In a separate attack, Palestinian officials said settlers set fire to another mosque in the village of Kour and painted slogans on its walls.
Violence Escalates After Tal Clash
Palestinians say there have been multiple settler attacks on villages across the West Bank since Friday's deadly confrontation in Tal.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has meanwhile conducted raids and arrested dozens of Palestinians as part of what it described as a "counter-terrorism" operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the Tal incident by pledging "powerful action", including the possible demolition of the homes of two Palestinians alleged to have been involved.
Growing International Concern
Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has increased sharply in recent months, drawing international condemnation but showing little sign of easing.
The security situation had already worsened before the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Since the outbreak of the Gaza war that followed, settler violence in the West Bank has intensified further.
According to the United Nations, 1,114 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Gaza war began, with the vast majority of deaths attributed to the IDF. The UN says at least 35 of those deaths involved settler attacks.
The UN also says 41 Israelis, including civilians and security personnel, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations in the West Bank during the same period.
Israel has established hundreds of settlements housing around 700,000 Jews in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since capturing the territories in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek those areas, together with Gaza, for a future independent state. Around 3.3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank alongside the settlements, which are regarded as illegal under international law.

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27 July 2026

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July 26Jul 26

US Ambassador Says Trump Paused Iran Strikes for Talks

Iranian Conflict

US Ambassador Says Trump Paused Iran Strikes for Talks

President Donald Trump has suspended US military strikes on Iran for a second consecutive night to allow diplomatic efforts to continue, according to the US ambassador to the United Nations.

Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Ambassador Mike Waltz said the president was "giving talks some space" and allowing negotiations "a little bit of room" before deciding on any further action.
An Iranian army spokesperson also said on Sunday that Tehran had halted its "retaliatory" attacks in the region.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The pause comes after nearly two weeks of daily US airstrikes and reciprocal Iranian attacks, which effectively ended the ceasefire agreed in June.
Asked by NBC whether the suspension of strikes signalled a decision against further escalation, Waltz said: "I wouldn't go that far at all. The president is keeping all options on the table."
He also dismissed a New York Times report suggesting US officials had warned that an expanded conflict could significantly reduce the country's stockpile of air defence munitions.
"The US military... has everything that it needs to conduct this campaign as effectively as it needs to be," Waltz said.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman held several rounds of technical discussions in Tehran on Friday and Saturday on managing the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Sticking Point
Control of the Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran and remains a major obstacle to securing a lasting end to the conflict.
The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June to halt military operations, reopen the strategic waterway and work towards a broader agreement to end the war within 60 days.
However, the agreement collapsed after Iranian forces attacked tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on 13 July. In response, the US resumed airstrikes and reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran retaliated with attacks on US military facilities across the Middle East, killing four American soldiers. According to Iran's health ministry, subsequent US strikes have killed dozens of people.
International Concern Grows
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said he would meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth this week to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil, liquefied natural gas and other vital commodities.
"When it comes to securing maritime freedom and free commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, that's where we are absolutely aligned," Streeting told the BBC.
Oil prices earlier this week rose to $100 a barrel for the first time since May, reflecting growing concerns over global energy supplies as fighting continues.
As the conflict approaches its fifth month, public support in the United States remains limited. A new CBS/YouGov poll found that 57% of Americans are frustrated by the war, while only 19% said they were optimistic about the situation.
Official figures indicate that thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February, with most of the casualties reported in Iran and Lebanon.
President Trump is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday.


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27 July 2026

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July 26Jul 26

Burnham Says He Will Challenge Trump if UK Interests Demand

UK-Politics

Burnham Says He Will Challenge Trump if UK Interests Demand

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is prepared to challenge US President Donald Trump if doing so is necessary to protect Britain's national interests.
First talks with Trump
In his first major interview since becoming prime minister, Burnham told the BBC that while he had enjoyed a positive initial conversation with Trump, he would not hesitate to express a different view when he believed it was in Britain's best interests.
Burnham described his first exchange with the US president as "really warm" and said the two leaders had got off to a good start.
However, when asked twice whether he trusted Trump, the prime minister avoided giving a direct answer. Instead, he said: "It's a changing world, isn't it, and you just obviously have to call things as they develop."


Video screenshot
Putting Britain's interests first
Burnham said he could never promise to agree with the US president on every issue.
"I can't at any point say that I won't take a different opinion from him, that I will need to voice a different idea that is right for Britain," he said.
Asked whether he would publicly challenge Trump if necessary, Burnham replied: "Of course."
"You have to defend your own national interest before anything else. That's what you're required to do if you're to do this job properly," he added.
The prime minister also said he had been concerned about Trump's decision to begin the conflict with Iran and insisted he "wouldn't hold back from saying what I think is right".
Burnham added that remaining connected to the public would continue to shape his leadership.
"My strength is remaining close to people, close to the public. That will not change as prime minister," he said.
Defence spending and election plans
Burnham declined to commit to a timetable for raising UK defence spending to 3% of GDP.
His Chancellor, John Healey, resigned from the previous government after arguing that spending should reach that level by 2030 to ensure the country's security.
Burnham said he had appointed Healey knowing his views on defence funding and acknowledged the importance of the issue.
He said the government's immediate priority was to ensure its defence investment plan was fully funded before decisions were taken ahead of this year's Budget.
Pressed again on when defence spending would reach 3% of GDP, Burnham said: "We've got to work out the way of doing that."
The prime minister also ruled out calling an early general election before 2029.
"I'm going to rule it out... I don't think people want it," he said, adding that his priority was to focus on "getting the country back where it should be".

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26 July 2026

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July 26Jul 26

Russian Men Jailed in Angola Over Coup Plot Claims

Report

Russian Men Jailed in Angola Over Coup Plot Claims

Two Russian nationals have been sentenced to prison in Angola after being convicted of terrorism and espionage over an alleged plot to destabilise the country and influence its political future.

Lev Lakshtanov was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Igor Ratchin received an 11-year sentence after an Angolan court found them guilty of terrorism and spying. Both men denied the allegations, maintaining they had travelled to Angola for cultural and business purposes.
Alleged Coup Plot
Prosecutors accused the pair of planning activities aimed at influencing Angola's presidential election next year. They alleged the men intended to fund the country's main opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or force a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has governed the country since independence from Portugal in 1975.
The prosecution also alleged the two Russians helped organise demonstrations linked to a nationwide minibus taxi strike over fuel price increases between 28 and 30 July 2025. The protests escalated into widespread rioting and looting, leaving 22 people dead and resulting in more than 1,600 arrests, according to official figures.
Angola's security forces faced accusations of using excessive force during the unrest, including firing live ammunition at protesters. The government defended its actions, saying its use of force had been "progressive" and justified. Earlier in July 2025, Human Rights Watch said security forces had used excessive force, including rubber bullets and tear gas, to disperse a peaceful protest against rising fuel prices.
Alleged Russian Links
Angolan prosecutors further claimed Lakshtanov and Ratchin were connected to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group.
According to an investigation by media organisations including Forbidden Stories, the network came under the control of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) after Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in 2023. Wagner was subsequently rebranded as Africa Corps and incorporated into Russia's military structure.
Russia has expanded its presence across Africa in recent years. Wagner, followed by Africa Corps, has supported governments in countries including the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Russian troops have also been deployed to Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Sudan since 2023, according to a US Congress report.
Angola's Changing Foreign Relations
Angola has traditionally maintained close ties with Russia. During the country's 1975-2002 civil war, the Soviet Union and Cuba backed the MPLA, while the United States and apartheid-era South Africa supported rival groups, including UNITA.
Since taking office in 2017, President João Lourenço has sought to strengthen relations with the United States and Europe while maintaining Angola's important oil-exporting economy.
Elsewhere in Africa, Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina has strengthened relations with Russia since taking power in a coup in October 2025. Russians now serve in his presidential guard, and a weekly television programme on Madagascar-Russia relations was launched earlier this month.
Appeals Under Way
Two Angolan defendants were also tried in the case. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a suspended two-year prison sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA's youth wing, was acquitted.
Portuguese news agency Lusa reported that prosecutors have appealed both of those outcomes. Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also appealed against their convictions but will remain in custody while the appeal process continues.

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26 July 2026

• 5 comments
• 458 views

webfact

July 25Jul 25

Berlin Pride Cancelled After Vehicle Hits Crowd

BREAKING NEWS

Berlin Pride Cancelled After Vehicle Hits Crowd

Several people were injured at Berlin's annual Pride celebrations on Saturday after a vehicle reportedly drove into a crowd near Tiergarten park, according to police.
Vehicle Incident at Pride Event
Emergency services responded to the scene in the city centre, where the injured were being treated. Police said the exact number of casualties had not yet been confirmed.
Police Launch Manhunt
Authorities said an intensive manhunt was under way and urged people to avoid the area while the operation continued.
In a statement posted on social media, police said they believed a vehicle had entered Tiergarten park, struck several people and caused multiple injuries.
A large number of police officers and fire department rescue units were deployed to the scene as the emergency response continued.
Pride Event Cancelled
Organisers cancelled the remainder of the annual Christopher Street Day celebrations following the incident.
Images from the scene showed a heavy emergency services presence, with at least one injured person being taken away by ambulance on a stretcher.
Earlier in the day, large crowds had joined the Pride parade through central Berlin before gathering near Tiergarten park for evening events.
Police have not released further details about the vehicle or the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.


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26 July 2026

• Report

• 126 comments
• 748 views

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July 25Jul 25

UK Rejects Palestinian Woman’s Visa but Approves Husband’s

UK-Politics

UK Rejects Palestinian Woman’s Visa but Approves Husband’s

A Palestinian woman from East Jerusalem has been refused a UK visitor visa while her husband’s application was approved, forcing the couple to cancel plans to visit their son in London.

Karim Abdallah, who has lived and worked legally in the UK since 2019, had invited his parents, Therese Abdallah, 69, and her husband, Ghassan Abdallah, to spend several weeks with him. Therese is a retired English teacher, while Ghassan works as a psychologist.
Family Visit Cancelled
The couple had previously travelled to the UK on academic visits without encountering visa difficulties. However, the Home Office rejected Therese’s latest application, saying officials were not convinced she was a genuine visitor who would leave the UK at the end of her stay. Ghassan’s application, submitted through the same process, was approved.
Concerns Over Return Home
In its refusal letter, the Home Office said Therese’s ties to the UK outweighed her connections to her home country and concluded it was not satisfied, "on the balance of probabilities", that she intended to leave after her visit.
The decision came despite the couple applying together with the same invitation from Karim and his partner, who also provided evidence that they could financially support the visit.
Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem occupy a distinctive legal position. They are not Israeli citizens but hold Israeli and Jordanian travel documents. Because Therese needed separate visas for both the UK and a family wedding in Ireland, she submitted one application using her Israeli travel document and another using her Jordanian document.
Karim said his mother had previously been refused a UK visa in 2019 due to a technical issue involving a bank statement submitted in Hebrew.
The latest refusal also informed Therese that she had no right to appeal or request an administrative review.
Strong Family and Community Links
According to Karim, his mother has deep roots in East Jerusalem, where she was born and has lived all her life. Although he lives in the UK, his brother, an oncologist, remains in East Jerusalem with his wife, children and extended family.
Karim said his mother would have no reason to remain in Britain, noting that spending too long outside East Jerusalem could jeopardise her residency status.
He said he had lived lawfully in the UK for several years, worked, paid taxes and did not receive state benefits. He added that he had been looking forward to taking his parents to attractions including Kew Gardens and attending a family wedding in Ireland before the visa refusal disrupted their plans.
Home Office Response
A Home Office spokesperson declined to comment on the individual case but said all visa applications are assessed on their own merits and on the evidence submitted, including any previous visa refusals.

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25 July 2026

• 30 comments
• 532 views

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July 25Jul 25

ICC Members Vote to Remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan

Report

ICC Members Vote to Remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan

Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan following findings that he committed serious misconduct linked to sexual misconduct allegations.

Khan, who became the court's third chief prosecutor in 2021, was suspended last month. At a special session in New York, the Assembly of States Parties, representing the ICC's 125 member states, voted 82-0 in favour of dismissing him.
The court's oversight body concluded in June that Khan had committed a "serious breach of duty and serious misconduct" by engaging in an improper sexual relationship with a junior staff member and attempting to prevent her from pursuing her complaint.
ICC members back dismissal
Khan has consistently denied the allegations. His lawyer said he would challenge what he described as the "lawfulness and fairness" of the decision through all available legal means. It remains unclear what legal options are still available following his dismissal.
In a statement after the vote, the ICC acknowledged the decision of its member states and said it remained committed to maintaining "a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment for all personnel".
Long-running investigation
The allegations against Khan first surfaced in May 2024, when claims of sexual misconduct involving a female staff member were reported to the ICC by a third party.
The court's Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) initially opened an investigation but later closed the case after the alleged victim chose not to participate. Critics said the handling of the investigation damaged confidence in the oversight process, while investigators said there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations.
A second referral was made in October 2024, prompting the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to launch a wider investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority.
The inquiry, which ran from November 2024 until December 2025, examined more than 5,000 pages of evidence and witness testimony. Its findings were later reviewed by a panel of three judges, who advised on whether Khan's conduct amounted to serious misconduct.
Khan has been on voluntary leave since May 2025 while contesting the allegations. He also remains suspended from practising law in the UK after the Bar Standards Board imposed an interim ban during its own investigation.
Court faces wider political pressure
Khan was unable to attend the vote at United Nations headquarters because he is barred from entering the United States under sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.
Those sanctions followed Khan's decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes connected to the war in Gaza.
The case has unfolded during a period of mounting political pressure on the ICC, with supporters warning the controversy could weaken the world's only permanent international war crimes tribunal.
Earlier this month, the United States announced a wider campaign to dismantle the court "brick by brick", describing it as a threat to US sovereignty. The measures include visa restrictions, asset freezes and diplomatic pressure on allies to withdraw from the ICC or reject its jurisdiction over their nationals.
The United States, Russia and Israel are not members of the ICC. However, the court can exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed by their nationals on the territory of ICC member states.

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25 July 2026

• 8 comments
• 500 views

webfact

July 25Jul 25