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Burnham Promises Relentless Action On Small Boat Crossings

UK-Asylum crisis

Burnham Promises Relentless Action On Small Boat Crossings

Andy Burnham has pledged that his government will be “relentless” in efforts to reduce the number of people arriving in the UK on small boats.

Speaking in Dover, the prime minister said progress had been made and that the authorities were “changing the whole approach” to tackle people-smuggling networks. He said enforcement officers working against gangs had been doubled on both sides of the English Channel.
Burnham said many people wanted the issue addressed and argued that tackling smuggling had to go alongside providing “safe routes” for those who need protection. He added that offering lawful options would remove part of the appeal for people involved in the gangs.
Ceuta Pushes Migration Talks Back Into Focus
Burnham’s remarks came as political debate over the UK’s illegal migration policy resurfaced following the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants who swam into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta on Thursday.
He said that 98% of those who made the journey to the African territory had been returned to Morocco, which he said had dealt with the immediate situation. He added there was a wider issue involving the Schengen area and the UK’s relationship with it, and said he would want regular dialogue with the European Union on those matters.
Enforcement Effort Scales Up
The Home Office said that the number of National Crime Agency (NCA) officers targeting smuggling gangs facilitating small boat crossings had risen to almost 800 from 376 at the start of 2025. Burnham also said there had been a similar doubling of French enforcement officers.
When asked whether he wanted to change the tone of the debate on small boats, Burnham said he wanted to “deal with the issue rather than play politics with the issue”. He said the public did not want the border to appear uncontrolled, adding that control needed to be restored while support continued for those who genuinely need it.
The Home Office also said on Sunday that there had been nearly 300 arrests of smuggling gang members last year, alongside the seizure of more than 1,100 small boats and engines. It said equipment confiscated by the NCA could have been used to help 72,000 more people come illegally to the UK, although the BBC said it was unable to independently verify the claim.
“Clearly, progress is being made, but we’re not complacent,” Burnham said.
Crossings, Returns And Wider Migration Data
Since Burnham became prime minister a fortnight ago, the number of migrants arriving in the UK on small boats has surpassed 2,000. He pointed to a Saturday figure of 326 people crossing the Channel.
Authorities say more people attempt the crossing in summer when conditions improve. Home Office figures show that small boat crossings so far this year are down around 43% compared with the same period in 2025.
Small boat crossings have become the most common way for people to be detected entering the UK illegally since 2020, and the topic has increasingly shaped wider arguments over immigration. Home Office figures also show the number of crossings has been on a downward trend since it peaked in 2022.
In May, the Office for National Statistics reported that net migration to the UK fell to 171,000 last year. That was almost half the figure for 2024 and the lowest level since 2012, with the drop attributed to fewer people arriving from outside the EU for work and study.


Graphic courtesy of BBC

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3 August 2026

• 82 comments
• 323 views

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August 2Aug 2

Trump Approval Hits Second-Term Low Over Iran War

Trump

Trump Approval Hits Second-Term Low Over Iran War

President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level of his second term, according to political analyst Nate Silver, as the continuing war with Iran and rising fuel prices weigh on public opinion.

Silver said on Thursday that the timing of Trump's declining approval closely matched the recent increase in petrol prices and the resumption of hostilities with Iran.
"The timing lines up remarkably well with gas prices and the resumption of hostilities in Iran," he wrote on X.
Support declines as Iran war and fuel prices dominate concerns
The conflict, now approaching its sixth month, has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route that carries around 20% of the world's oil supply. The disruption has contributed to higher global energy costs, with the average price of a gallon of petrol in the United States reaching about $4.11 on Friday, up from roughly $3.15 a year earlier.
Polls Show Growing Disapproval
Two major polls released this week also indicate declining public support for Trump, particularly over his handling of the conflict in the Middle East.
A Quinnipiac University poll published on Tuesday found that 58% of registered voters disapproved of the president's job performance, while 32% approved. The survey marked Trump's lowest approval rating recorded by Quinnipiac across both of his terms in office.
An AP-NORC poll released on Wednesday similarly placed Trump's approval rating at 33%, down four percentage points from its previous survey. It was also the lowest level recorded by the polling organisation since Trump's return to the White House.
According to Decision Desk HQ's polling average on Friday, Trump's overall approval rating stood at 40.6%, while his average disapproval rating was 57.5%.
Economic Pressure Mounts
The prolonged conflict has also increased pressure on the US economy, with higher oil prices contributing to rising inflation and growing concerns over the cost of living ahead of the midterm elections.
Higher fuel costs have become a visible consequence of the fighting, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global oil markets.
Opposition to the War Increases
The Quinnipiac survey found that 60% of US voters opposed the war, the highest level of opposition since the conflict began on 28 February. Nearly three-quarters of respondents also said they did not support sending US troops to Iran.
The AP-NORC poll reached similar conclusions, with 64% of Americans saying the war had not been worthwhile. That view was shared by 87% of Democrats, 68% of independents and 37% of Republicans.

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2 August 2026

• 19 comments
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August 2Aug 2

Trump Says Iran Strikes Paused Pending Rapid Deal

Iranian Conflict

Trump Says Iran Strikes Paused Pending Rapid Deal

Donald Trump said he has cancelled planned strikes on Iran, saying the move depends on a deal being agreed “rapidly” with the country.

In a post on Truth Social, the US president said he had been asked by Iran and other Middle East states to “hold off” on any attack. He said the “perimeters” of a deal had already been worked out, adding that it would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran’s nuclear threat.
The comments followed US media reports that Washington may have been preparing new, intense strikes on Iran over the weekend.
US Warns Americans Across The Middle East
Earlier on Saturday, Tehran accused the United States of escalating tensions. It said any regional state that cooperates with Washington would be “engulfed by the flames of war”.
Meanwhile, the US government urged Americans in the region to remain alert and be ready to leave “should there be escalation”. A security alert issued on Saturday said Americans should exercise caution, maintain heightened vigilance, and be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and possible travel disruption.
Reports Of New Strike Planning
Multiple sources had told CBS News, the BBC’s US media partner, that the US and Israel were planning what would be among the harshest bombing campaigns to date against energy infrastructure targets in Iran. CBS reported that the plan was discussed during Trump’s cabinet meeting on Friday.
In his Truth Social post, Trump said the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran”, at “levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II”.
He added that cancelling the attack would be “for the future benefit of the world” and that it would also support “the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran”.
Iran has not yet responded to Trump’s announcement.
Trump’s comments also came amid reports of concern from regional partners. Axios said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke to Trump on Saturday and “expressed concern” about the prospect of strikes, while Reuters also reported the call.
Background: Escalation After Ceasefire Breakdown
During the Friday cabinet meeting, CBS News reported that Trump was heard saying while reporters were still in the room: “We’ll be hitting them [Iranians] very hard. At some point, they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.’”
Washington and Tehran have traded escalating strikes and counter-strikes since a ceasefire in April aimed at pausing the war fell apart in June.
Earlier this week, the US said it completed a “heavy wave” of strikes against Iran in retaliation for an attempted ballistic missile attack on American forces in the region. The US has blockaded Iranian ports and bombed Iranian sites. Iran has fired missiles and drones at US assets in countries across the Middle East and targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.
The US and Israel began launching strikes against Iran on 28 February. The campaign and ensuing fighting have driven significant fluctuations in oil prices.

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2 August 2026

• 23 comments
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August 2Aug 2

Moscow Restaurant Bomb Blast Kills Three, Injures 21

Russia

Moscow Restaurant Bomb Blast Kills Three, Injures 21

At least three people were killed and 21 others were injured after a homemade explosive device was detonated at an Italian restaurant in central Moscow, Russian state media reported, citing security officials.

The blast took place at about 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Kudrinskaya Square, near the city centre.
Attempted Entry And Detonation
The National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NAK) said a woman carrying explosives tried to enter the restaurant. It said a security guard stopped her, but the device then detonated.
The NAK said the explosion killed the woman, the guard and a visitor to the restaurant.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims or provided details of the injured.
Restaurant Private Event
The restaurant is in one of Moscow’s well-known Stalin-era skyscrapers and was hosting a private function, according to officials.
The authorities have not disclosed the guest list or said who they believed was the intended target of the attack.
Witnesses told Russian media they saw people being taken away covered in blood after the explosion. Initial reports suggested the blast happened inside the establishment’s kitchen, but the restaurant later said in a statement that “there was a problem outside”.
Police Response And Area Closures
Roads around the square were briefly closed following the blast. Dozens of cyclists had gathered nearby for an evening ride through the city, but the event was cancelled.
Video published by Russia’s RIA news agency showed heavily armed law enforcement officers at the scene. The area had been closed off to the public.
In recent years, several senior Russian military figures have been assassinated in and around Moscow. Moscow has blamed Kyiv for those attacks.


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2 August 2026

• Crime

• 19 comments
• 310 views

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August 2Aug 2

Burnham Calls for UK Written Constitution

UK-Politics

Burnham Calls for UK Written Constitution

Andy Burnham has said his programme of devolution strengthens the case for a written constitution for the UK, arguing that it would reshape how the state operates after centuries of unwritten political arrangements.

The prime minister said the UK’s political system needed a major overhaul to help ensure opportunity is shared more evenly across the country. He pointed to the fact that the UK is one of only a small number of major democracies without a written constitution, a document that sets out the fundamental rules by which a nation is governed.
Burnham Says Devolution Points To Codified Rules
Speaking this weekend, Burnham said his government’s decentralisation plans—carrying the intention of giving regional leaders greater control over finances—strengthened the argument for a codified constitutional settlement.
He said the approach would increase the case for a constitution as “Britain is changing” and as “England is certainly changing”. Burnham said the UK should develop a codified model of devolution that works across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the English regions.
He linked that model to what he described as an emphasis on equivalent living standards across the UK. Burnham also reiterated his pledge of “good growth in every postcode”, saying it was more than a political slogan.
“Rewiring” Decision-Making Outside Whitehall
Burnham described the next stage of devolution measures, announced on Friday, as the most radical shift from what he called an overcentralised political establishment. He said the “rewiring” of the UK had “gone to a new level of seriousness”, with decision-making moved outside Whitehall to mayors and local authorities through No 10 North.
The comments came alongside plans that aim to transfer more power and resources from the centre to regional leaders.
Limits, and Potential Consequences, for a Written Constitution
Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, said introducing a written constitution would be a major departure for the UK. He noted that, historically, many countries adopted such documents in the aftermath of revolution or war that removed or delegitimised a former regime.
Bale said it remained unclear how the UK government would pursue constitution-making alongside Burnham’s wider agenda, which includes work on devolution as well as social care and public control of utilities.
He added that a written constitution could place limits on the executive, because it would likely put the rules “beyond the power of parliament to change with a simple majority”. Bale said it could also help define responsibilities across levels of government, including local, regional and national authorities, although he said such a document would not be able to restrict scope to that alone.
In his 2024 book, Head North, Burnham—who wrote it with Steve Rotheram, the Liverpool city region mayor—argued that deep inequality had become entrenched in Britain partly because the country had not evolved from what he described as a “feudal state” in which power is largely concentrated in Westminster.
Burnham wrote that Britain’s failure to set out clear rules for governing the country was a key reason it had become one of the most unequal major nations. He also said the UK’s “unwritten and murky constitutional arrangements” had the effect of hoarding power in a small number of hands across Whitehall and Westminster and the wider networks surrounding them.
Germany’s Model and Income Tax Sharing Plans
Burnham has cited Germany’s postwar basic law, known as the Grundgesetz, as an inspiration. That constitutional framework includes a requirement for equivalent living standards across states, with redistribution from wealthier regions to ensure parity.
Under devolution plans announced last week, regional mayors across England are due, by early 2028, to be able to retain a share of income tax generated in their area. The government is expected to publish further proposals in late October, with an expectation that economic powerhouses such as London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands would pass some of their share to less prosperous regions including Hull and East Yorkshire.
Dr Hannah White, chief executive of the Institute for Government, said adopting a written constitution would represent a very significant constitutional shift and would be a major exercise. She said a fully codified constitution would need to go beyond devolution to cover all the rules that structure the UK state.

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2 August 2026

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August 2Aug 2

Crime Gangs Recruit Teens as Killers Across Europe

Crime

Crime Gangs Recruit Teens as Killers Across Europe

In a Stockholm suburb last February, an 18-year-old gunman dressed in black fired a handgun at a 20-year-old student, Murad Abdelkader, as he walked home from a shift at McDonald’s. The attacker shot repeatedly, finishing with a final bullet to the head.

Police later identified the killer as Atilla Azimov, who was sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting he had targeted the wrong man.
Investigators say the attack reflects a wider pattern across Europe in which organised crime groups recruit teenagers to carry out killings for payment, in a system authorities describe as “violence as a service”.
Teenagers Recruited for killings
Since 2022, the Foxtrot Network is believed to have been behind around 35 murders, along with other attacks and attempted attacks on Israeli targets in Europe. Authorities say two of the incidents involved explosives and hand grenades.
According to Europol’s Operational Taskforce (OTF) GRIMM, teenagers are recruited through social media and then given instructions in a “gamified” format, designed to imitate how computer games work.
Andy Kraag, head of Europol’s European Serious and Organised Crime Centre, described the approach as the calculated outsourcing of murder to vulnerable young people. OTF GRIMM is currently operating across 11 countries affected by the VaaS model: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.


Rawa Majid, leader of the Foxtrot network, is pictured with Ali Shehad Ahmed, who is believed to be a member of the criminal organisation. Picture courtesy of BBC

Europol and partner forces have linked the Foxtrot Network to Iranian connections. The gang’s leader, Rawa Majid, fled Sweden, later leaving a base in Turkey and relocating to Tehran. The UK government sanctioned Foxtrot and Majid in April 2025.
Police believe some VaaS attacks have been carried out for the Iranian regime, including a hand grenade attack on the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen, while others are linked to Foxtrot’s internal drug-related rivalries.
The Natland case shows how it worked
The recruitment model is illustrated by the case of Johannes Natland, a Norwegian teenager convicted by a jury at London’s Old Bailey on Wednesday of conspiracy to murder.
Swedish police said Natland had flown to carry out a Foxtrot hit near Huddersfield, in England, after being recruited online. Investigators said Natland met other teenagers in a children’s home in Stavanger, and a series of online contacts passed instructions and logistical support.
One account, “UnknownHustler”, initially asked Natland to carry out the killing in England for a price equivalent to about £21,000. Another user, “Generalen”, later recruited him, and Natland was then handed on to a Foxtrot member using the username “Agent 47”, drawn from the Hitman game series. Swedish police have accused Ali Shehad Ahmed, close to Majid, of being Agent 47.
Agent 47 booked Natland’s one-way travel to Manchester Airport and helped him obtain an emergency passport. Using the messaging app Signal, the contact guided Natland through his journey before handing him to a logistics figure described only by the username “1”.
Investigators say “1” sent maps and videos showing where guns were hidden in woodland near Huddersfield, along with instructions on where to find cash hidden near a foot tunnel. Natland was then arrested the next morning. Police said he had not been told in advance who he was meant to kill, and investigators are still determining whether the plot was purely criminal or carried out for political purposes tied to Iran.
Arrests, sanctions and an ongoing threat
Swedish investigative journalist Diamant Salihu, who has reported on Foxtrot and its Iranian links for three years, said the network is ordered to attack targets described as enemies of the regime. He said those can include dissidents, journalists and Israeli targets.
OTF GRIMM says arrests across the VaaS network have continued since it was set up 15 months ago, with more than 280 arrests made, including several key suspects.
One of the most important was Ahmed, whom authorities think acted as Agent 47. He was detained in the Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah in Iraq and is subject to an extradition request to Sweden.
In May, Mohamed “Moewgli” Mohdhi, described by Swedish police as a “central actor” in Foxtrot, was arrested in Tunisia. Majid himself remains at large in Iran.
Other groups are also reported to have adopted the model, including the Dalen Network, meaning the danger is still present even if some arrests have disrupted Foxtrot’s operations.

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2 August 2026

• Report

• 19 comments
• 355 views

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August 1Aug 1

EU Schedules Emergency Talks Over Ceuta Migrant Surge

EU

EU Schedules Emergency Talks Over Ceuta Migrant Surge

The European Union will hold emergency talks on Tuesday to discuss the migration crisis in Ceuta after exchanges between Spain and other EU member states.

Twenty-two countries signed a joint letter calling for co-ordinated action and stepped-up protection of the bloc’s external borders, following reports that about 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave from Morocco. Spain said it faced “selfish, polarising and unlawful” reactions after Italy suspended the EU’s border-free Schengen rules for Spain, a move supported by Finland and Denmark.
Joint Letter Calls for Stronger EU Border Action
Spanish officials said almost all people who reached Ceuta on 30 July had returned, while deaths linked to the surge had risen to at least 67.
The letter warned that “hybrid threats” could be used to create the impression that illegal entry into the European Union is possible. It said such a perception would encourage further attempts, weaken trust in the bloc’s common migration policy and have consequences for all member states.
The signatories include leaders of the Netherlands, Finland and Belgium. The letter was addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President Antonio Costa and Ireland’s Taoiseach Michael Martin, with Ireland currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Spain Says Border Control Restored
In a separate letter to Von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he had “serious concerns” about some European governments. He said Spain had restored border control and prevented any “unauthorised onward movement towards continental Europe” in under 48 hours.
Sánchez said most partners had shown support and solidarity. However, he accused other governments of attacking Spain, saying the criticism was driven by “prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest”. He also noted that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.
57 Dead After 60,000 Reach Spain's Ceuta Enclave
On Friday, Sánchez said migrant traffickers were benefiting from a ruling by Spain’s supreme court that limited the government’s ability to deport people arriving by sea immediately. Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spain’s interior minister, said on Saturday that the situation had largely returned to normal and that work was under way on an inflatable barrier to prevent further illegal entry by water. He said nearly all the migrants had left Ceuta and that businesses there had reopened.
Schengen Dispute and Calls for Options
Some member states’ responses have focused on Schengen, which removes routine border checks and covers more than 450 million people across 29 countries. In addition to Italy’s one-month suspension of Schengen co-operation with Spain, Finland, France and Portugal said they were assessing whether to introduce border checks. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged the EU to “consider all options, including a suspension of Schengen co-operation”.
Von der Leyen said images from Ceuta were “unacceptable” and wrote that people cannot enter the EU without following its rules. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Morocco should “take back illegal migrants immediately”. The UK prime minister, Andy Burnham, said he had spoken to Sánchez and that the UK was providing help.
Ceuta, together with Melilla, is the EU’s only land border with Africa. Migrants can reach the enclave by swimming several kilometres. Although the scale of this year’s surge is unusual, Ceuta has long been a focus for migrants trying to reach Europe, with summer attempts often coordinated via social media. In 2021, around 8,000 people entered Ceuta in days, heightening Spain’s diplomatic tensions with Morocco.
Morocco saw several anti-government protests led by Gen Z last year, with demonstrators calling for better opportunities and improvements to public services. Spain, which has tended to take a relatively welcoming approach to migration, approved in April plans to grant legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants so they can be integrated into the workforce.

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2 August 2026

• Spain

• 2 comments
• 313 views

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August 1Aug 1

Trump Rejects DOJ Finding On Reflecting Pool Renovation

USA

Trump Rejects DOJ Finding On Reflecting Pool Renovation

President Donald Trump has rejected the Justice Department’s conclusion that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was damaged as a result of a botched renovation, rather than vandalism.

In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said
DOJ Drops Case, Citing Flawed Renovation
Trump’s comments came a day after the Justice Department acknowledged in a court filing that the president’s $14 million renovation of the Reflecting Pool was “hasty and botched” and said it was dropping the criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian who had faced accusations of vandalising the landmark.
The filing marked a reversal for Pirro’s office and a sharp shift from the administration’s earlier stance, which blamed vandals for the deterioration of the pool lining, the appearance of algae and water turning green after the renovation was completed.
As part of the administration’s effort to link the pool’s condition to alleged vandalism, three other people were also charged. Each pleaded not guilty to lesser, misdemeanor counts, according to DC court records, and prosecutors later dropped charges against at least two of them, a lawyer for one defendant said.
Timeline Contradicts Trump’s Claims
In May, Trump ordered the renovation, including painting the pool’s bottom an intense blue, and set a target of completing the work by the Fourth of July. The renovation drew criticism from multiple quarters, with opponents pointing to the scale and the aesthetic changes requested by Trump across Washington this summer.
While Trump repeatedly blamed vandals without providing evidence, his statements were challenged by the chronology set out in Pirro’s prosecutors’ court filing. The filing indicated that large sections of the blue lining were already peeling before Hearn visited the site.
Prosecutors said that on June 11, a National Park Service engineer informed Interior Department colleagues about peeling around the pool’s perimeter, citing an email obtained recently by Pirro’s office. The same section of the liner was later referenced in the allegations against Hearn.
Hearn was arrested on June 19 and indicted on July 2. Weeks after the indictment, federal prosecutors said they received information from Interior documenting serious concerns about the contractor’s work, including claims that the installation process was flawed and the government was not fully informed early on.
Reflecting Pool Case Dropped as DOJ Blames Contractor
Pirro’s office wrote that Interior gave “less than fulsome information” at the outset, arguing that fuller disclosure would have prevented the case from proceeding to a grand jury indictment. Prosecutors also said they received “barebones” police reports from the US Park Police and that they could not fully assess the full extent of the damage until July 17, when the pool was drained again.
Burgum Rejects Revision, Hearn’s Lawyers Seek Apology
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum disputed the Justice Department’s conclusion in a post on Saturday afternoon, saying the evidence showed that vandals had repeatedly damaged the Reflecting Pool. He said Interior had provided the US attorney’s office expert and eyewitness testimony, along with evidence detailing damage areas within timelines it requested.
In court submissions Friday, Pirro’s office had described what it called failures during the renovation process and also pointed to other federal agencies, including the Interior Department. Pirro’s prosecutors said the work was rushed to accommodate events on the National Mall for the nation’s 250th birthday.
Hearn’s defence has argued that the case should never have been brought and that its dismissal does not address what they called misuse of government power in charging him. In a statement on Friday, his attorneys said the administration’s approach was “ready, fire, aim” and said the government should apologise. They also said the Interior Department provided additional documents only after the return of the indictment, including allegations that damage in June 2026 resulted from flawed installation by Atlantic Industrial Coatings and the rush to complete the project ahead of America 250 events around Independence Day 2026.


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2 August 2026

• 8 comments
• 308 views

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August 1Aug 1

Italy Suspends Schengen With Spain Over Ceuta Crisis

EU

Italy Suspends Schengen With Spain Over Ceuta Crisis

Italy has imposed temporary checks on flights and maritime travel between the country and Spain, suspending Spain’s Schengen border-free arrangements in response to a surge of migrants in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta.

The Italian government said on Friday that border controls would be introduced after tens of thousands of people arrived in the area this week. The measures affect air connections and sea transport routes and are set to remain in place throughout August, Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said.
Border Controls Between Italy And Spain
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the step is intended to protect Italy’s national security. She described it as an “extraordinary” measure and said it would be kept only for as long as necessary, with an emphasis on limiting disruption to summer tourist travel.
Meloni also said Italy is prepared to support European efforts to help Spanish authorities restore full control of the Union’s external borders and to respond to the crisis.
She added that defending borders involves countering irregular migration and targeting criminal networks involved in human trafficking.
Migrants Arrive After Spain’s Court Ruling
The migrant influx came after a ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court. It held that people who are stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or another Spanish enclave, Melilla, cannot be returned to Morocco.
57 Dead After 60,000 Reach Spain's Ceuta Enclave
Spanish officials said on Friday evening that more than 48,000 people had returned voluntarily to Morocco since the situation escalated.
The scale of the arrivals has raised concerns across Europe about how to manage routes used by smugglers, as migrants try to cross from the north-west African coast towards Spanish territory.
EU Response After Ceuta Crisis
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the situation in Ceuta was unacceptable. She said she had appointed two commissioners to oversee the Commission’s response and urged member states to act in line with EU rules.
Von der Leyen said the Union cannot allow people to enter without following its procedures, that dangerous crossings must stop immediately, that smuggling networks should be dismantled, and that returns should be carried out swiftly in line with existing rules.
EU commissioner Magnus Brunner, responsible for coordination, said Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, informed him that almost all migrants who entered Ceuta had returned and that no one had crossed to the EU mainland.
Brunner said he would remain in close contact with ministers across Europe.
In a separate statement, Albares said Schengen security was guaranteed and criticised what he described as attempts to create confusion around the issue.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also condemned Italy’s action, arguing that it undermines European unity at a time when Spain says it is maintaining control of events. He said solidarity and empathy were not optional, while compliance with European treaties was required, and called for continued efforts to keep the EU united.

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1 August 2026

• Italy

• 1 comment
• 390 views

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August 1Aug 1

FIFA Drops Plan To Sell Stakes In Future Tournaments

Sport

FIFA Drops Plan To Sell Stakes In Future Tournaments

FIFA has said it will not proceed with a controversial proposal that would have allowed private investors to take stakes in future competitions, ending a plan that triggered boycotts and resignations among senior figures.

In a statement on Friday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organisation would abandon the project after hearing concerns from stakeholders. He said the proposal had produced divisions that, regardless of support levels, were no longer aligned with FIFA’s original aims.
Decision After divisions Emerge
Infantino said FIFA’s purpose is to “unite and improve” and that, as a result, the proposal “will not proceed”. He added that the organisation plans to reconvene “all interested parties” in the coming days and weeks, with the goal of continuing to grow football worldwide, including in countries that require the most support.
UEFA And CONCACAF Reject the plan
The announcement follows strong opposition from football confederations. UEFA, which represents European football associations, said its 55 member bodies voted on Thursday to boycott the World Cup if FIFA continued with the sell-off plan. UEFA said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting.
CONCACAF, the governing body for North America, Central America and parts of South America, said its members would reject the proposal after meeting on Thursday afternoon.
UEFA said in a statement that the World Cup is “not for sale”. U.S. Soccer, a member of CONCACAF, said on X on Thursday that it was backing the confederation and its members against FIFA’s plan.
Adviser resigns as backlash grows
The move also came after FIFA senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned. In a statement posted earlier Friday on his official LinkedIn account, Cordeiro said he had not been involved in the proposal and that he opposed it “unequivocally”.
Cordeiro described the plan as a “bad deal” for FIFA’s member associations, for football, and for the long-term future of the game. He said FIFA already has access to “extraordinary final resources”, and argued that the proposal would “mortgage football’s future” without a “compelling justification”.
Cordeiro previously served as senior adviser to the White House task force for the 2026 World Cup.
Details Of FIFA’s original proposal
FIFA introduced the plan on 28 July, saying it would select investors using “clear long-term, governance, and strategic criteria”. It added that the investors would form a geographically diversified group reflecting the global nature of football.
FIFA said the commercial and event operations linked to the proposal would be handled through a new subsidiary, the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). At the time, Infantino said FIFA, as the global governing body, is responsible for ensuring the game reaches every part of the world and for channelling value back to federations and communities.
He said FIFA’s next stage of growth required a structure in which the commercial side of football is run as a dedicated business, with its value shared “more and better all around the world”.
On Friday, after the backlash and the resignation of Cordeiro, FIFA said the proposal would not move forward and announced plans to restart discussions with interested parties.

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1 August 2026

• 2 comments
• 396 views

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August 1Aug 1

Trump Pulls Back on Ukraine Patriot Missile Promise

Ukraine Conflict

Trump Pulls Back on Ukraine Patriot Missile Promise

Donald Trump has retreated from a pledge to allow Ukraine to manufacture its own Patriot air defence interceptors, telling reporters during a cabinet meeting at Camp David that the underlying technology was difficult to share.

Speaking after the White House had described the meeting as “something different” for ministers to experience together, the US president said he had not agreed to licensing Ukraine’s domestic production. He made the comments as he appeared to loosen a commitment he had raised with Volodymyr Zelenskyy days earlier.
Patriot Technology Not Yet Licensed
Asked if he was ready to grant Kyiv a licence to build Patriots, Trump said the matter was not settled.
“We have not agreed to that,” he said. “We’re talking about it, but it’s a hard thing to give away that kind of technology.”
Trump also argued that transferring such technology could create security risks. “People that you give that technology, they can some day turn on you,” he said, adding that this was “possible”.
He said the interceptor’s speed underlined the sensitivity of the system, describing it as travelling at “8,600 miles an hour”. He added: “If you go 60, it gets to be a little fast.”
Trump further recalled what he characterised as an episode in which five missiles were fired “at Jordan” and shot down in sequence. He described the process using the sounds “bing bing bing bing”, and said he believed “nobody else has that capacity”.
Trump said the US would be “building many plants” to produce Patriots and Tomahawk missiles domestically, while indicating that this would not be happening in Ukraine “for now”.
Kyiv’s Search For Production Options
The reversal is likely to unsettle Ukraine, which has spent the past year pressing for more Patriot interceptors and the ability to produce them domestically, citing a global shortage.
That shortage has been worsened by the number of Patriot and Tomahawk munitions expended by Washington during its confrontation with Iran.
An expert analysis of the Pentagon’s own stocks, cited by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said two-thirds of the department’s Patriot interceptors have been used. The analysis suggested that it may have contributed to a $58.6bn army contract with Lockheed Martin to rebuild supplies, as well as a recent White House request to Congress for tens of billions of dollars in emergency funding.
Camp David Also Focused On Gaza
The Camp David meeting came a day after Trump announced what he called a “historic” agreement involving Hamas disarming and Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza. Israel has not confirmed the announcement.
When asked about the sequencing of the proposed arrangement—whether disarmament or withdrawal would come first, a point that has stalled negotiations for months—Trump declined to specify. He said Washington had “an understanding” with Israel and that the Israelis were “very happy about it”.
Pressed on whether the agreement would hold, Trump again offered limited detail. He said: “The people are very complex and difficult. In many cases wonderful, in many cases not so wonderful.”
The diplomatic context includes an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, as well as an International Court of Justice (ICJ) case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. It also follows arms restrictions announced by several governments on how the war has been conducted, and a governing coalition in Israel that has repeatedly rejected any outcome short of Hamas’s total disarmament before any withdrawal.
An Israeli official has said that no withdrawal from the so-called Yellow Line would occur before Hamas fully disarms. Members of Netanyahu’s coalition have also expressed opposition to the plan, according to reporting, which Trump did not address.
Comments On Iran And US Military Effort
Trump also spoke about the conflict with Iran. He said the US would be “hitting them very hard” if talks broke down and described Iran’s military as hollowed out, complaining it had “no navy” and “no anti-aircraft”.
He compared what he called the controversial five-month campaign with US wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Korea, arguing those wars lasted “many years”, while his administration had achieved more “in less time”. His stated goals for the campaign have shifted repeatedly.


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1 August 2026

• USA

• 9 comments
• 414 views

webfact

August 1Aug 1

Reflecting Pool Case Dropped as DOJ Blames Contractor

USA

Reflecting Pool Case Dropped as DOJ Blames Contractor

The US Department of Justice has asked a judge to dismiss the criminal case against Olympian David Hearn over alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, after it concluded the harm stemmed from problems in the renovation installation work.

The department said the damage “was the result of flawed installation by the contractor”, in a court filing seeking to drop the charge. Hearn had earlier pleaded not guilty to a felony destruction of property allegation.
Charges Against Hearn
Hearn entered his plea earlier this month after the US attorney’s office for the District of Columbia, led by Jeanine Pirro, accused him of allegedly forcefully and violently ripping up parts of the pool floor.
In a Friday filing asking for the case to be dismissed, Pirro’s office said it became aware of evidence suggesting a rushed and flawed installation process only after Hearn had been indicted by a grand jury.
Pirro’s office said it had visited the Reflecting Pool on July 17, after the water had been fully drained. It stated she found significant damage across the pool area, prompting the DOJ to request further information from the US Interior Department.
Contractor Report Cited
Documents provided to the prosecutor’s office, according to the filing, indicated installation flaws by Atlantic Industrial Coatings. The filing said the contractor experienced repeated failures of the lining during installation and that extensive peeling of the lining was visible throughout the Reflecting Pool.
It also said the work had been rushed to complete the renovation project ahead of the America 250 celebration on July 4.
The filing added that the newly produced materials “significantly undermine the evidentiary basis for the indictment initially supplied” by the DOI and the US Park Police. The USAO-DC therefore moved to dismiss the indictment without prejudice, a legal step that can allow prosecutors to bring the case again.
A judge had not yet set a date for a decision on the motion, and the US attorney’s office declined to comment.
Defence Response And Renovation Background
Attorneys for Hearn said the case should never have been brought. In a statement on Friday, Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann and Steve Levin said the dismissal “does not erase the abuse of government power” in arresting and charging “a patriotic American who did nothing wrong”, adding that the government had taken a “ready, fire, aim” approach. They said the administration owed Hearn an apology.
The Reflecting Pool renovation had been billed as a signature project to beautify Washington, DC, under President Donald Trump. The pool had been plagued with algae and peeling paint since the $16 million renovation was completed.
Federal contracting records show Atlantic Industrial Coatings was paid more than $14.6 million to resurface the pool. The company was awarded the work after a no-bid process, in part to help the project finish in time for July 4.
Last month, Atlantic Industrial Coatings acknowledged that some areas in the Reflecting Pool required repairs. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the DOJ’s conclusions regarding the damage.


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1 August 2026

• 11 comments
• 448 views

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August 1Aug 1

Israel: No Gaza Withdrawal Without Genuine Hamas Disarmament

Gaza

Israel: No Gaza Withdrawal Without Genuine Hamas Disarmament

Senior Israeli officials have said troops will not pull back from their current positions in Gaza unless Hamas carries out “genuine disarmament” in the territory.

Hamas, however, said any handover of heavy weapons would depend on Israel ending all forms of aggression and withdrawing its forces from Gaza.
US Proposal And Israeli Response
The latest developments follow remarks by Donald Trump, who said the Board of Peace had reached an agreement for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
On Friday, Trump said Israel was “very happy” with the proposal, calling it a “big step for the Middle East”. Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir rejected the draft, saying it was “not acceptable”.
The issue is linked to the second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The full proposal, unveiled last September, outlined a 20-point framework including the creation of the Board of Peace to oversee implementation, phased disarmament by Hamas, withdrawal of Israeli troops and reconstruction in Gaza.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, Trump said he had an “understanding” with Israel over the newest disarmament proposal agreed with Hamas, adding that “Israel’s very happy about it”. He said Hamas weapons would be transferred to the Board of Peace, but he did not directly answer a question about whether disarmament would happen before Israeli withdrawals or vice versa, saying Gaza remained “a very complex situation”.
“Yellow Line” And Disarmament Demand
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had not commented publicly on the latest proposal by the time of reporting.
A senior Israeli official said Israel’s position remained that there would be “no IDF withdrawal from the current Yellow Line” without Hamas’s genuine disarmament.
The “Yellow Line” is the demarcation point within Gaza that Israel said it would withdraw to after a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last year. The arrangement was intended to leave Israel with temporary control behind the line, equivalent to about 53% of Gaza’s territory. However, Netanyahu has since said the IDF controls more than 60% of Gaza, and in May he said his “directive” was to move to 70%.
Related article: https://aseannow.com/worldnews/hamas-agrees-to-disarmament-after-trump-peace-plan-r1605/
In a statement, Hamas said Israel’s commitment to ending its attack on Gaza was a “fundamental prerequisite” for moving forward. It also described a right to “self-determination” and “establishing an independent Palestinian state”.
Hamas said it had negotiated “responsibly and positively” with what it called national consensus among Palestinian factions. Palestinian officials involved in the talks said the decision by Hamas’s new leadership—described by them as the most consequential in the group’s history—was influenced by the humanitarian conditions facing more than 2 million people in Gaza.
Earlier on Friday, the Board of Peace published what it called a roadmap for Gaza, reiterating a phased approach to disarmament, a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.
Reactions In Gaza, Israel And Abroad
The BBC heard from people in Gaza and Israel about the proposed agreement. Tala, 18, who said she has been living in a tent after her home was destroyed in air strikes, said ceasefire promises raise hopes but broken commitments create fear. She said daily life remained “very challenging” and emphasised the need to stop fighting and protect civilians.
Jonny, in Israel, said he “prays” the ceasefire can work, adding that he does not see an end to the cycle of violence but hopes it will.
The Israeli UN ambassador, Danny Danon, told CNN that Israel was “looking forward to implementing” the deal while saying it would need to verify actions rather than statements from Hamas.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the proposed agreement was “the only good news in recent days”. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the priority must be implementation of the full 20-point plan, including withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza and respect for the ceasefire by all parties. He said conditions in Gaza were still appalling and said Israel must “immediately end the unacceptable restrictions on aid”, which Israel denies.
The war began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. Israel then launched a military campaign in Gaza, during which the territory’s health ministry said more than 73,290 people have died; the UN considers the figures reliable.

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1 August 2026

• Israel

• 28 comments
• 453 views

webfact

July 31Jul 31

British Funeral Director Jailed 20 Years Over Body Scandal

UK

British Funeral Director Jailed 20 Years Over Body Scandal

A funeral director who admitted failing to bury or cremate people properly and who gave bereaved families the remains of strangers has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Robert Bush, 48, appeared at Hull Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to offences connected to the handling of bodies and ashes by his business, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors. The court heard that police found 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes during a raid on the premises in March 2024.
Bush admitted 67 offences over nearly 12 years, including denying 30 people a decent and proper burial, stealing from 12 charities, and fraudulent trading.
Ashes Given To Relatives Included The Wrong Remains
Judge Mr Justice Hilliard said Bush had caused “anguish and pain on a scale beyond comprehension”. He told the court that families who had used Legacy’s cremation services could not be certain the ashes they received were those of their loved ones, unless the remains recovered by police in 2024 were properly identified.
The judge said relatives of 46 people cremated between 2017 and 2024 were given the wrong ashes, while loved ones of 11 others never received any ashes at all. He added that some families were left with nothing, and in other cases with an empty plastic bag or only a teaspoonful of ash, which police were later able to recover.
Prosecutors said Bush defrauded nearly 200 families out of £562,117. They said his actions were driven by “financial greed”.
Hilliard described the wrongdoing as exceptionally widespread, warning that the case was among the most serious for offences affecting so many people and as he put it, as deeply.
Court Hears Of Chaotic Conditions And Misconduct
The five-day hearing, which began on Monday, heard accounts from victims who said they had been left devastated by what they read in court statements and by what the investigation revealed.
The court was also told about the conditions found inside Legacy. Prosecutors described “chaotic conditions”, including remains of a stillborn baby kept in a bag on the floor. Bodies were said to have been left to decompose, with unidentified ashes stored in mouldy boxes. The court heard that the premises had excrement and bodily fluids on the floor, along with rubbish and family photographs.
Bush’s crimes were discovered after a tip-off from two funeral directors at a different firm. Police said the offences were uncovered by chance while Bush was on holiday, and he was arrested shortly afterwards when he arrived at Heathrow Airport. Officers heard that he told them he had debts of around £90,000 and a cash flow problem.
But the court was told that between March 2017 and April 2024, more than £3m was paid into Bush’s personal accounts and into Legacy’s bank accounts.
Judge Hilliard said the issue was not cash flow but “the direction it was flowing”, adding that money that should have been used to support the business and care for the deceased was spent instead on holidays, home improvements and motorcycle racing.
He said Bush stole at least £5,540, and possibly more, from 12 charities that did not receive donations collected at the end of funeral services.
Police Say Investigation Was The Biggest In Force History
Following sentencing, a senior officer said it was “just impossible” to quantify how many people had been affected, adding that the distress and heartbreak for families was “simply unimaginable”.
Det Sup Al Curtis said the investigation was the biggest and most complex in Humberside Police’s history, involving about 300 affected victims and the seizure of 3,000 exhibits and 12,000 items of disclosure.
Outside court, relatives said they felt let down by the sentence length. Joanne Moody said Bush would be released after 10 years and questioned whether that was justified. Michaela Baldwin said she believed he should have received at least 30 years.
Government Pledges Tougher Regulation
The case prompted renewed calls for regulation of the funeral sector. The industry in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is currently self-regulating, relying on voluntary codes and inspections by trade associations.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wanted to ensure “the highest standards” apply and that there must be a proper regulatory response to stop families experiencing similar harm. The Department of Health and Social Care said it would develop proposals for formal regulation to better protect bereaved families, and that the Law Commission would review criminal law relating to the deceased and consider gaps in legal protections.
In a statement, the National Association of Funeral Directors said Legacy had been a member for several years but resigned in 2021. It said it inspected a former premises operated by Bush in 2018 and that he met the requirements then, adding that it had not inspected Legacy at later premises and had not known he moved the business without telling the association.
Bush’s offences date back to 2012, two years after he set up Legacy. Before that, he worked for other funeral businesses in the city and oversaw 2,000 funerals.

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1 August 2026

• Crime

• 0 comments
• 926 views

webfact

July 31Jul 31

UK High Court Refuses Bid To Block Chinese Mega Embassy

UK-Politics

UK High Court Refuses Bid To Block Chinese Mega Embassy

A challenge brought to the High Court against plans for a large Chinese embassy in London has been dismissed, with judges upholding planning permission for the project at a former Royal Mint site near the Tower of London.

The ruling ends a legal effort by campaigners from the Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association (RMCRA), which represents families and businesses in about 100 properties in the area.
Planning Permission Upheld
The court decision confirmed that permission granted for the embassy’s construction should stand. The RMCRA said it was concerned the development could pose an espionage risk and could be used to help enforce what it described as “draconian” Chinese laws in the UK, as well as to target dissidents.
In defending the application, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets said they had “conscientiously and carefully had regard” to the residents’ concerns during the planning process.
Fire Risk And Diplomatic Immunity Concerns
The residents’ association also argued that the Chinese government could create a fire safety risk by failing to meet obligations, and said those requirements would not be enforceable due to diplomatic immunity.
A representative for the Chinese embassy welcomed the judgement, telling the BBC that supporting and facilitating the construction of diplomatic premises is an international obligation of the host country.
The embassy spokesperson also said the proposed premises were “high-quality”, and that the planning and design process followed international practices and complied with local regulations and procedures.
No Unfairness Over Blast Assessment
The High Court hearing took place earlier this month. Two judges have now dismissed the RMCRA’s challenge: Mrs Justice Lieven, sitting with Lord Justice Dingemans.
The judge said there was “no doubt” that the government had taken into account that the Chinese government was the applicant for planning permission.
Mrs Justice Lieven also addressed a complaint that the residents were not provided with a copy of a “blast assessment” at the time the decision was made. The assessment sets out the potential impact of a possible terrorist explosion.
The judge said: “There was no unfairness to the claimant by reason of these documents not having been disclosed.”
Appeal Planned After High Court Ruling
Outside Parliament, Luke de Pulford of the Interparliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), who has supported the RMCRA, said solicitors had been instructed to appeal. He said the appeal would be funded by donations from the public.
RMCRA spokesman Mark Nygate said residents viewed the High Court outcome as the start of a longer campaign. He said they intended to pursue the case “as far as the Supreme Court”.
A further speaker, Chloe Cheung, told the BBC she is a Hongkonger and described herself as a democracy campaigner. She said she had received information about a “bounty of $HK1 million” from the Chinese Communist Party for help leading to her capture abroad. The 21-year-old said she fled Hong Kong for the UK in 2021 after being accused of breaching a national security law introduced by Beijing following the 2019 pro-democracy protests in the former British colony.
Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith, also an IPAC member and described as sanctioned by the Chinese government, said the Chinese government posed a “major threat” to the UK. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deny permission for the embassy, arguing that the decision could compromise national security.

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1 August 2026

• China

• 20 comments
• 781 views

webfact

July 31Jul 31

Trump Gets Conflicting Messages on Iran War Exit

Iranian Conflict

Trump Gets Conflicting Messages on Iran War Exit

President Donald Trump has received back-to-back messages from Saudi Arabia and Israel as he weighs how to step back from a widening conflict with Iran, US and regional officials said, with diplomacy stalled and military options still on the table.
Saudi Arabia Warns Against Prolonging The Conflict
On Wednesday just after 10am, a delegation from Saudi Arabia arrived at the White House carrying a warning to Trump and Vice President JD Vance, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The visit, led by Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman—on an unannounced trip to Washington—conveyed a message from his brother, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urging de-escalation. The Saudi assessment was that continuing the war would carry major risks, the sources said.
Diplomatic pressure on Trump comes as internal and electoral concerns grow among Republicans. US officials said direct talks with Iran do not appear imminent, and while Trump has argued Iran is eager for an arrangement, others in the administration believe Tehran’s leadership is more focused on maintaining leverage over the Strait of Hormuz and sustaining strikes against American forces.
Israel Seeks Pressure, Not Diplomacy
The Saudi message followed an earlier meeting at the White House, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed Iran with Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday.
Israeli officials said Netanyahu voiced scepticism that diplomacy would succeed, and instead focused on ways to pressure Iran. That discussion included possible escalatory steps, including renewing a wider war effort.
The meetings were scheduled independently, officials said, but the close timing highlighted competing currents facing Trump as he looks for an exit from a conflict that has passed the point he had set.
The administration has also signalled frustration with Tehran’s position. US officials said Trump has grown angry at what he sees as reluctance from Iran to meet his demands, leading to tense internal conversations and sharp calls with allies.
Strait Of Hormuz Deal Seen As The Nearest Path
While regional intermediaries, including Qatar and Pakistan, have worked to revive talks, officials said there has been little sign of active negotiation. Instead, attention has shifted to a short-term arrangement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a focus of contention after the US and Iran gave different interpretations of an agreement reached last month.
Republican lawmakers have increasingly pressed for progress that could translate into political and economic relief ahead of midterm elections. Some party figures have privately stressed the importance of restoring the shipping route, amid concerns that higher gas prices could hurt their prospects.
The White House said Iran will continue to “pay” until it returns to talks in a way Trump considers meaningful. In a statement, Trump’s press secretary said the US had entered a memorandum of understanding with Iran that Tehran broke, adding that Iran attacked commercial ships and killed American soldiers.
Escalation Plans Face Limits
US officials said military assets have continued to flow to the region while Trump weighs options. One planning concept discussed within Central Command would involve heavy bombardment over one or two weeks to target Iran’s missile capabilities.
At a hearing on Capitol Hill last week, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, said air strikes alone have limitations. US officials also said Trump has held back, after concerns from military leadership about shrinking stocks of air defence interceptors and risks of civilian casualties if infrastructure sites—such as bridges or water desalination facilities—were targeted.
Trump has previously argued that he does not want to harm non-combatants, and he has altered aspects of his own travel plans amid perceived threats, including changing aircraft on his return from Turkey earlier this month.
Fear Iran’s Decision-Making Is Controlled Internally
Officials said fears are growing that Iran’s decision-making may be driven less by political leaders and more by the powerful Revolutionary Guards, with regional negotiations therefore less effective than expected. Within the IRGC, senior commanders are competing for control, a dynamic US officials and partners say could prolong the conflict.
Trump has also suggested that strikes against US positions may not have come from the same group his team is trying to engage, pointing to earlier messages and alleged apologies. However, his aides Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have said they believe a deal remains possible.
During Netanyahu’s visit, Israeli officials said the prime minister attempted to reinforce that Trump remains the ultimate decision-maker, while discussing ways to increase pressure on Iran. Netanyahu told Trump the US president would have final authority, according to one official familiar with the meeting.
The Saudi minister’s message likewise reflected Riyadh’s view of the conflict. Saudi Arabia has continued joint operations with the US against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, the sources said, while still calling for de-escalation and warning that attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure would not go unanswered. Saudi officials said they believe Iran is seeking leverage through escalation and by using proxies in Iraq and Yemen.
What Trump takes from the competing briefings was not clear. Hours after Wednesday’s meeting, he said the broader conflict would eventually be “straightened out”, while also signalling that the US would continue retaliatory strikes as talks develop.

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1 August 2026

• 58 comments
• 1,246 views

webfact

July 31Jul 31

57 Dead After 60,000 Reach Spain's Ceuta Enclave

Spain

57 Dead After 60,000 Reach Spain's Ceuta Enclave

Guardia Civil and Maritime Rescue said autopsies will be carried out on the bodies to establish the cause of death.

Authorities did not provide further medical details, but said the investigations are part of efforts to determine what happened during the mass arrival.
Border Crossings And Current Situation
Footage of the border crossings has circulated online, with many of those who entered Ceuta described by authorities as swimming.
A similar surge of arrivals occurred in 2021, according to the information provided alongside Friday’s figures.
Morocco is located across the Strait of Gibraltar. Authorities said at least 48,000 people have already crossed back into Morocco, although they added that the border is still not under control.
In Ceuta, stores remained closed and about 80,000 residents were confined to their homes, as officials worked to manage the situation.
Statements From Ceuta And Spain
Juan Jesús Vivas, president of Ceuta, told Spanish media that the government had reacted too late.
The Spanish government said diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco remain “excellent”.
Related article: https://aseannow.com/worldnews/almost-50000-migrants-flood-spanish-enclave-of-ceuta-r1607/
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said late Thursday that the government was “fully committed to providing an immediate response to the situation in Ceuta”. In a post on X, he said Spain was mobilising “all necessary resources”, working with Moroccan and international authorities, and preparing measures to restore normality as soon as possible.
Sánchez added that “now is the time to build solutions, with responsibility and cooperation”.
Situation In Melilla
On the same day, authorities in Melilla, Spain’s other enclave bordering Morocco, reported that between 300 and 400 people crossed or attempted to cross the border by land or sea on Thursday.


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1 August 2026

• Morocco

• 1 comment
• 464 views

webfact

July 31Jul 31

Iran Hits Tankers as Trump Cabinet Discusses War

Iranian Conflict

Iran Hits Tankers as Trump Cabinet Discusses War

Iran said it struck two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz while travelling under US military escort, as President Donald Trump met his cabinet to discuss the war and the economic impact of renewed fighting.

In a statement on Friday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the “non-compliant oil tankers … were struck and brought to a halt”. It said four other oil tankers changed course quickly and returned to their previous positions. The Guards said the ships tried to pass through the strait via an “undeclared route” and under US aerial escort.
Iran and the United States have issued competing accounts of how shipping should move through the narrow waterway. Iran has said it will strike vessels that take a southern route close to the coast of Oman. The US has said it will target ships that it considers to have breached its blockade of Iranian ships and ports.
Hormuz Traffic Disrupted By Renewed Fighting
The Strait of Hormuz has been almost closed to traffic since Iran and the US resumed fighting about two weeks ago, a disruption that has pushed energy prices higher.
On Thursday, crude oil rose above $90 a barrel after the US carried out a strike against Iran in retaliation for attacks Iran said it carried out against US bases in Jordan.
Further incidents were reported on Friday. Kuwait’s defence ministry said it shot down Iranian drones aimed at “vital and military facilities”, adding that there were no casualties.
Regional Conflict Continues In Lebanon
Elsewhere in the region, the Israeli military carried out a large detonation overnight near the ancient Beaufort Castle in Lebanon, according to the Israeli armed forces. It said it was targeting Hezbollah tunnels and related infrastructure.
The blast was heard across south Lebanon, where photos showed damage in the affected area. Lebanese officials accused Israel of violating a ceasefire by carrying out the operation.
The Israeli military said the action was intended to ensure the security of residents in northern Israel.
US Strikes, Rising Prices And Cabinet Meeting
Trump has tried to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, but the impact of US strikes on Iran has been limited. The conflict has left prices for gas and groceries elevated in the US, a development that could affect Republicans as midterm elections approach in November.
On Friday, Trump convened his cabinet at the Camp David retreat in Maryland to seek a path forward for the war. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing last week that the meeting would be “a lot of fun and something different for the cabinet to experience together”.
Top of the agenda was the Iran war. Trump had previously promised it would last only a few weeks, but it has now continued for five months. A Reuters-Ipsos poll published this week found that one in three Americans supports the war, the lowest level since the conflict began.
Support in Congress has also weakened. The US Senate narrowly rejected a symbolic vote to express disapproval of the war, and a war powers resolution asking the president to stop the conflict failed 49-50.
With inflation linked to the fighting, Democrats are seeking to gain control of the House from the Republicans in the midterms. Energy companies have reported record profits during the disruption, including ExxonMobil, which has seen profits double, and Chevron, which said profits were more than five times those reported in the same period last year.

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1 August 2026

• 10 comments
• 675 views

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July 31Jul 31

Italy's Meloni Calls for Spain Suspension From Schengen

EU

Italy's Meloni Calls for Spain Suspension From Schengen

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged Spain to be suspended from the EU’s passport-free Schengen travel zone after thousands of migrants entered the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco.

Speaking hours after Italy’s foreign minister made a similar request, Meloni said the Italian government was coordinating with relevant authorities and could move towards “exceptional measures”, including suspending Spain from Schengen.
Meloni cited footage and accounts from Ceuta, where migrants, including children, swam to reach the enclave. The prime minister said the images were “shocking” and added that Italy would not “stand idly by”.
According to Spain’s delegation in Ceuta, at least nine people died during the sea crossing. Meloni said the scale of the attempt raised serious concerns for Italy.
Tajani Pushes suspension Over Irregular Migration
Before Meloni’s comments, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had also called for Spain to be excluded from Schengen. He argued that irregular and uncontrolled migration created risks to national security.
Tajani criticised Madrid’s decision to grant Spanish citizenship to more than 500,000 irregular immigrants, saying the move encouraged human trafficking. He said images from Ceuta showed why, in his view, the Spanish government’s approach was wrong and fuelled exploitation of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
The foreign minister’s remarks followed Spain’s handling of the situation at Ceuta, where people arrived after crossing from neighbouring Morocco.
Spain Rejects The Criticism
Spain rejected the allegations and dismissed the call for punitive measures. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Luis Albares accused Tajani of using migration issues for political purposes, and said his comments were improper for a partner and “friendly country” that should offer European solidarity rather than “partisan demagoguery”.
The Spanish government’s response came as Italy stepped up pressure inside EU discussions over migration and border policy.
Schengen Rules And Italy’s Broader Position
The Schengen Area is Europe’s passport-free travel system. It allows people to travel across the internal borders of 29 participating countries without routine border checks.
While Meloni and Tajani focused on suspending Spain specifically, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini went further, calling for the suspension of the entire Schengen system.
The dispute reflects wider disagreement within the EU on how to manage irregular migration, shared border responsibilities and the conditions for operating passport-free travel between member states.



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31 July 2026

• Italy

• 59 comments
• 947 views

webfact

July 31Jul 31

BP Puts 60-Year North Sea Oil Business Up for Sale

Report

BP Puts 60-Year North Sea Oil Business Up for Sale

BP has said it is putting its North Sea business up for sale, a move it says would bring an end to 60 years of oil and gas production in the region.

The decision follows a review of the group’s operations as BP looks to slim down its wider portfolio. The North Sea business includes five production hubs—two in the central North Sea and three west of Shetland—and employs about 1,100 people.
Sale Linked To BP’s Portfolio Review
BP said the sale is part of efforts to refocus capital and direct investment towards what it calls its highest-value opportunities. The company did not name potential buyers, but it said it expects the assets to be better positioned under new ownership.
BP chief executive Meg O’Neill, who became CEO in April, said earlier this year that the North Sea still had “untapped potential”. Announcing the sale on Friday, she said BP believes the operation’s assets and workforce could attract an owner willing to support the next phase of the business.
BP said it is seeking an outcome that recognises what it called the value of the North Sea operation, describing it as having world-class staff, resilient assets and a long heritage.
Jobs And Safety During The Sale Process
BP said it will continue to run the North Sea operations safely and reliably throughout the sale process. The company said it remains committed to maintaining production and operational standards while the transaction is progressed.
The North Sea business produced 117,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025. That output is a small share of BP’s total production, which the company reported at 2.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
The sale could potentially generate £2bn for BP. The Financial Times reported last month that BP had been in talks with Ithaca Energy about selling its North Sea assets for about that amount, but the discussions ended without a deal.
Political Backdrop In The UK And US
The move comes as political debate continues over the pace of North Sea drilling. Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he had told US President Donald Trump he would take a “pragmatic approach” on North Sea oil and gas.
Trump, some trade unions, industry figures and some Labour MPs have backed plans for increased drilling in the region.
BP said the UK has been part of its business for more than 100 years and will continue to play a significant role in its future. The company also said it is proud of the jobs it supports and its contribution to the UK economy.
BP employs about 13,960 people in the UK.

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31 July 2026

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July 31Jul 31

Almost 50,000 Migrants Flood Spanish Enclave of Ceuta

Spain

Almost 50,000 Migrants Flood Spanish Enclave of Ceuta

More than 49,000 migrants have entered Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in the past 24 hours, Spanish officials said, with arrivals coming both by land and by sea.

Local videos and images showed thousands of people swimming into the city on Thursday, while local media reported that crossings continued overnight.
Deaths Reported during Recent Crossings
Officials said at least 18 people have died in recent days while trying to reach the territory.
The influx comes after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that migrants stopped at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla, another Spanish enclave, cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.
Chaotic Scenes at Borders
Spanish local officials had asked Madrid for support following a rise in attempted crossings. On Thursday, chaotic scenes were reported as border controls appeared to break down.
Spain later deployed its armed forces to strengthen security in Ceuta and at its sister city of Melilla. Officials said between 300 and 400 crossings were also reported overnight in Melilla.
Spanish officials said the estimated number entering Ceuta could amount to more than half of the enclave’s population. Ceuta’s population is put at around 83,600 in the latest local figures.
Officials also said that at least 7,000 of those who entered illegally into Ceuta during the last 24 hours were minors.
Spain Says It Is Working With Morocco
Spain’s interior ministry said it was working with Morocco to ensure the return of all people who crossed illegally into Spanish territory “as soon as possible”.
Related article: https://aseannow.com/worldnews/1500-migrants-swim-from-morocco-to-spains-ceuta-in-days-r1597/
If the current figures are accurate, the number entering Ceuta in the past day or so would be the largest since May 2021, when more than 10,000 people crossed into the city.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is due to visit Ceuta later on Friday, as authorities assess the scale of the arrivals and the operational response at the border.


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31 July 2026

• Morocco

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July 31Jul 31

US Map Mislabels Every African Country at AIDS Event

Report

US Map Mislabels Every African Country at AIDS Event

A US government map of Africa that labelled every country incorrectly appeared during a State Department presentation at the AIDS 2026 conference in Rio de Janeiro, prompting screenshots to be shared widely online.

Reuters reviewed a video of the session showing the erroneous map being displayed partway through a talk about the State Department’s new health agreements. Conference attendees circulated images of the slide after spotting the mistakes.
State Department Says Full Responsibility Was Taken
In a statement, the State Department said it took “full responsibility” for the confusion and misrepresentation caused for attendees, including its African partners.
The department said the map had been produced by a team member who made last-minute changes to the slide deck before the event.
The mislabelled map placed Nigeria, where the United States has several hundred troops deployed, as landlocked in the Sahara desert. Mozambique, in south-eastern Africa, was shown in the Horn of Africa. Côte d’Ivoire was also placed on the wrong side of the continent.
Reuters said screenshots of the image first appeared in a Substack post by AIDS expert Emily Bass and were subsequently shared on LinkedIn. One post attracted about 40,000 views.


Picture courtesy of Reuters
Map Included AI Watermark, OpenAI Says It Is Checking
Reuters found that the version of the map shown in the presentation included an artificial intelligence watermark indicating it had been generated using OpenAI tools. OpenAI said it was investigating the report.
The conference speaker was Jeff Graham, the top US health envoy who oversees the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, known as PEPFAR. Graham did not respond to requests for comment.
In an online post, Matt Petit, who covers AI and geopolitics for the Atlantic Council, said the slide that was used and approved did not reflect correct knowledge of where African countries are located.
US Aid Discussion Continues, Department Says
Despite the map, the State Department said discussions at the conference were substantive and constructive, and that it remained focused on tackling HIV and Aids with what it described as real results.
The Trump administration paused funding last year pending a review, disrupting aid programmes worldwide. PEPFAR’s core work, including supplying life-saving drugs, has largely resumed, the State Department said. It added that the US is scaling back other areas of spending, including prevention and surveillance, and plans to fully phase out the programme in South Africa.
The episode drew attention to an apparent failure in the preparation of conference materials, after attendees shared the incorrect map and its displayed country placements.

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31 July 2026

• 10 comments
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July 31Jul 31

Hamas Agrees To Disarmament After Trump Peace Plan

Middle East

Hamas Agrees To Disarmament After Trump Peace Plan

US President Donald Trump said a new “Board of Peace” framework has agreed terms for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
A senior Hamas official told the BBC that the group had accepted the Board of Peace’s plan to carry out disarmament across Gaza, adding that an official statement would follow soon. Israel has not yet commented on the claim.
Trump Links Disarmament to Gaza Withdrawal
Trump said Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza “as disarmament is completed”. He also described the agreement as a key step towards Gaza being administered by a new Palestinian government.
The US president said the second phase of a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan includes disarmament by Hamas. He said the same phase also covers reconstruction in Gaza.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the agreement would be implemented in “carefully structured phases”. He added that, as disarmament progresses, the International Stabilization Force would work with a new Palestinian police force to help ensure Gaza remains safe for residents and for neighbouring communities.
Trump thanked mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for their role in the process.
Mediation Meeting in Cairo Planned
Agence France-Presse, citing Egyptian state media, reported that Cairo is expected to host a meeting of Gaza mediators to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire plan.
Earlier on the day of Trump’s announcement, Reuters reported that talks between mediators and Hamas leaders in Cairo on implementing the US-brokered plan had made rare progress. It also said an Israeli official told Reuters that the proposed terms were not satisfactory.
After Trump’s comments, The Times of Israel, citing an unnamed source, reported that an agreement had been signed by Hamas negotiators, the Board of Peace and the mediating countries.
However, it said “an Israeli office” issued a statement saying the disarmament proposal did not meet Jerusalem’s demands. Earlier, Israeli media reported that Israel opposed a deal being discussed with Hamas.
Hamas Leadership Change and Past Rejection
In April, a senior Palestinian official told the BBC that Hamas had rejected a disarmament plan put forward by a leading figure in Trump’s Gaza peace efforts.
Earlier this month, Hamas elected a new leader, Khalil al-Hayya, replacing Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in Gaza in October 2024. As Hamas’s chief negotiator, Hayya led the group’s delegations at indirect ceasefire talks and met mediators in Egypt and Qatar.
The BBC reported earlier this year that the Board of Peace was initially seen as a mechanism to help end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and oversee reconstruction. It said the board’s proposed charter does not mention Palestinian territory and appeared to be intended to replace functions carried out by the United Nations.
War Background
Hamas carried out an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with a major military campaign in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 73,290 people have been killed in the fighting, including 21,280 children.

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31 July 2026

• 46 comments
• 639 views

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July 31Jul 31

US Hiker Impaled by Trekking Pole Walks 10 Miles

Accident

US Hiker Impaled by Trekking Pole Walks 10 Miles

David Cifaldi and two hiking companions were crossing Montana’s Froze-to-Death Plateau as they approached the summit area of the state’s highest peak when Cifaldi slipped and was impaled by his trekking pole, according to rescue officials and Cifaldi.

The pole, with a steel tip about 44 inches long, passed through flesh beneath his left arm, missed vital organs, and protruded from his back. Cifaldi, 32, said he quickly assessed his condition with the support of his companions.
Deciding on Self-Rescue
Cifaldi, a nurse who works in wound care at a hospital in Billings, Montana, checked whether he was in immediate danger. He reported being alert, with limited pain and little blood, and that the pole was not moving.
To coordinate next steps without immediately involving a helicopter, the group used a satellite communication device, a Garmin inReach, to contact local authorities and explain they would attempt to reach help on foot.
They began descending from the plateau along an unmarked route, picking their way through boulders and snowfields before bushwhacking to an established trail. Over more than six hours, they travelled about 10 miles and dropped roughly 5,000 feet before reaching a trailhead.
Cifaldi’s friend Jesse Ross had parked a vehicle there. Ross later said Cifaldi’s judgement made the plan possible, adding that the others were there to provide support once the decision had been made.
Granite Peak’s Risks
Cifaldi had long planned to climb Granite Peak, which rises to 12,800 feet. Authorities note that the mountain can bring sudden weather changes, including lightning storms and extreme cold.
Many climbers attempt the rocky summit each year, with many turning back before reaching the top. In 2019, authorities said a 65-year-old man from Minnesota, described as an experienced climber, died after falling about 150 feet near the summit while he was with his son.
Search And Rescue Monitors Calls
As the group started its descent with the pole still protruding, Stillwater County Search and Rescue commander Ty Williams monitored their progress through a dispatcher who fielded calls from the hikers.
Williams said the first call came at 9:44 a.m. on July 20, shortly after the impalement. By 1:30 p.m., the trio told rescuers they were nearing the trailhead and asked that the nearest hospital be informed of their expected arrival, Williams said.
Williams said rescuers did not interfere with Cifaldi’s plan because he did not want assistance and there was no danger to others. By around 3:30 p.m., the hikers were in Ross’ vehicle heading to a nearby clinic, Cifaldi said.
At the clinic, staff told them Cifaldi needed more advanced treatment in Billings. The group then drove to St. Vincent Regional Hospital, where doctors removed the trekking pole, treated the wound and bandaged him. Cifaldi returned to work this week, he said.
Speaking from Ross’ home in Billings, Cifaldi said he would make the same choice in most circumstances, noting that while search and rescue is free, helicopter transport is not. He also said having experienced friends with him and the ability to contact search and rescue if the situation worsened helped him decide.


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31 July 2026

• 9 comments
• 964 views

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July 30Jul 30

French Teen Fined in Singapore Over Straw Lick Video

Report

French Teen Fined in Singapore Over Straw Lick Video

A Singapore court fined a French student S$600 ($465/£348) after he licked a straw from an orange juice vending machine and put it back into the dispenser.

Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, 19, pleaded guilty to one count of public nuisance. The case drew attention online after a video of the incident circulated on social media.
Guilty Plea Over Vending Machine Incident
Maximilien, who is studying in Singapore, uploaded the video to Instagram. In the post, he captioned the clip “city is not safe”.
He admitted to the offence after the action was recorded at a vending machine in Goldhill Centre on 12 March, in one of the city-state’s more affluent neighbourhoods, Channel News Asia reported. The report said he had licked the straw after a boxing workout.
Online Backlash And Video Sharing
After the video was posted, many social media users reacted with disgust. The clip was later reposted on a community page and picked up by local news outlets, prompting further scrutiny of the incident.
Both the prosecution and the defence sought a fine for Maximilien during the court proceedings, according to the report.
Company Said It Replaced Straws
iJooz, the company that owns the vending machine, said it replaced all 500 straws in the machine’s dispenser after the stunt.
A defence lawyer was quoted by The Straits Times as saying Maximilien was “truly sorry for having caused all this trouble and he realises that what appeared to him at that time as something perhaps playful has turned out to be something very consequential”.
iJooz vending machines sell freshly squeezed orange juice for S$2 per cup. The machines are commonly found in shopping districts, train stations and housing blocks across Singapore.
Sentencing Range for Public Nuisance
In Singapore, public nuisance offenders can face up to a S$2,000 fine, three months in jail, or both. The court’s decision therefore imposed a lower end of the potential penalty range, using a fine as the punishment.

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31 July 2026

• 1 comment
• 521 views

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July 30Jul 30