Firefighters battle wildfires in France and England
Firefighters in France and central England battled multiple wildfires as record heat and drought gripped Europe. In Luglon, southwest France, more than 500 residents evacuated as a new blaze moved through the Landes region.
US backs Japan over Putin visit
The U.S. said it recognises Japan's sovereignty over the Northern Territories after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu, one of the disputed Kuril islands. U.S. ambassador George Glass and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi both said actions that undermine peace and stability should be opposed.
Ukraine strikes Russian port and refineries
Taiwan pair upset top-ranked Koreans
Iraq seeks ties and militia control
Russian regions face fuel shortages
Russia’s Orenburg region introduced fuel rationing after a Ukrainian drone strike on the Orsk refinery, which lies about 1,500 kilometers southeast of Moscow. Officials said repairs could take as long as six months as fuel shortages spread across several Russian regions.
US trains Ukrainian F-16 pilots
The United States continues to train Ukrainian troops, including F-16 pilots, according to a Pentagon, State Department and USAID inspectors general report sent to Congress. The report covers April 1 to June 30 and says about 575 Ukrainian students completed US-provided training at sites in Germany, Kosovo, Poland, Romania, Spain, Ukraine and the United States.
Court fines photojournalist over Ukraine trip
Israel warned U.S. of Trump threats
Court fines photojournalist for Ukraine trip
US threatens Iran with economic isolation
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened new measures against Iran on Thursday, saying economic isolation like the world has never seen before is coming next week. He tied the pressure campaign to the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and the closure of Iranian ports, after oil prices edged higher in Friday trading.
Trump imposes tariffs on drone imports
The United States is moving to impose tariffs of up to 100% on some imported drones and components, targeting large or security-sensitive models. Smaller drones face a 25% duty, while products from the European Union, Japan, Switzerland, Taiwan and the UK are assigned lower rates.
Kushner may visit Israel for Gaza talks
North Korea criticizes U.S. nuclear strategy
Trump announces tariffs on foreign drones
UK records hottest day of year
The U.K. recorded its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday, with 38.1 C in west London, as a dry heatwave triggered fires and pushed Britain into its fifth heat wave of the year. The temperature narrowly topped the previous annual high set on June 28 and matched the country’s second 38 C day of the year.
NTSB links Ryanair incident to bird strike
The NTSB says bird strike may have caused a July 10 incident on Ryanair Flight 1879, a Boeing 737 from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany. The No. 2 engine failed shortly after takeoff, debris hit the fuselage, a window in row 11 broke, and a passenger was partially sucked outside and seriously injured.
Kushner to visit Israel and Egypt
US threatens indefinite Iran blockade
US rejects Israel military plan
Russian official accuses Ukraine of blocking swaps
Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratova says Ukraine is blocking certain prisoner exchanges and misrepresenting Moscow’s position. She cited a list of 224 Ukrainian citizens Russia says it is ready to trade, and later added 273 more names.
Gaza doctors report rising cancer deaths
Gaza doctors say cancer patients are dying at two to three times the prewar rate after Israel destroyed the enclave’s only specialized cancer hospital. About 17,000 patients are left without local advanced care, while travel restrictions limit access to treatment outside Gaza.
Iran reports no progress on US deal
Iran says no progress has been made in efforts to revive an interim peace deal with the United States. A senior Iranian source says Tehran and Washington remain divided over how to implement commitments, with no agreement on a timeline and no talk of extending the arrangement.
Spain Witnesses Total Solar Eclipse
The Hindu video covers a total solar eclipse that darkened Spain and drew skywatchers across Europe. The event was visible across parts of mainland Spain and nearby regions, with crowds gathering to watch the sky turn dark during the rare celestial display.
Pentagon reviews Yemen strike deaths
Delaware declares India Day
South Korea weighs lethal aid to Ukraine
Taiwan conducts anti-blockade naval drill
Taiwan’s navy and coast guard carried out an anti-blockade drill during the Han Kuang war games on Wednesday, escorting a simulated merchant ship to port on the east coast. The 10-day exercise comes as China increases maritime pressure, including patrols off Taiwan’s east coast that began in June.
U.S. urges China over Taiwan pressure
Washington on Wednesday urged Beijing to stop military pressure on Taiwan after China said it held naval exercises with an Indonesian warship in waters east of Taiwan. The diplomatic warning followed China's Aug. 11 claim of a joint drill, drawing a response from Taiwan's foreign ministry in Taipei.
Erdogan Accuses Israel of Erasing Issue
Japan and US plan deep-sea mine
Ukraine escalates drone strikes on Russia
Zhu Rongji dies after illness
Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji died in Beijing after an illness, according to state media. He was 97 and is remembered for driving economic reforms, reshaping state-owned enterprises, and helping China join the World Trade Organization.
Ukraine drone attack halts Russian grain exports
Three of Russia’s largest grain terminals in Novorossiysk, on the Black Sea, were forced to stop operating after a large overnight Ukrainian drone attack damaged terminal infrastructure. United Grain Co., Demetra and the KSK terminal were among the facilities hit, disrupting grain shipments.
Putin warns Europe over ship seizures
Pacific leaders condemn China missile test
Crowds watch total solar eclipse in Europe
Millions witness rare solar eclipse
Millions across the UK and Europe watched a rare solar eclipse, with more than 90% of the Sun covered in parts of Britain. Totality was visible in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain as the shadow path stretched from Siberia to the Atlantic.
Nations shortlisted to monitor Hezbollah disarmament
Reuters reported that Israel and Lebanon negotiators have shortlisted Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia for a monitoring role over Hezbollah's disarmament in southern Lebanon. The proposed international mechanism would verify the process, according to diplomatic sources.
Trump Signals Iran Deal Progress
Bill Gates ranks 44th among landowners
Europe braces for another heatwave
Solar eclipse crosses northern Spain
A rare total solar eclipse crosses northern Spain, Greenland, Iceland and northeastern Portugal, with mainland Europe seeing its first total eclipse since 2006. In Spain, totality lasts under two minutes, while northern cities such as Burgos are plunged into darkness for 1 minute 48 seconds.
Europe sees rare total eclipse
Europe’s rare total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will sweep over Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and the northeast corner of Portugal. Spain will offer some of the best views, while most of the rest of Europe will see only a partial eclipse.
Storm-1175 deploys StormEncryptor ransomware
Russia frees Robert Gilman
Pakistan, China expand CPEC business ties
Duduzane Zuma rises in MK party
The Citizen reports that Duduzane Zuma, son of former president Jacob Zuma, has been elevated to the uMkhonto weSizwe party’s first deputy president. Analysts say the move, along with a media push, suggests a succession plan and the rise of a political dynasty.
Witkoff Meets Released American Gilman
Steve Witkoff said in Washington that he is meeting Robert Gilman, the American convicted in Russia and later released on health grounds. The report from TASS was published from Washington on August 12.
Aoun says Israel-Lebanon talks progress
Taiwan condemns China naval drill plan
South Africa learns from China
Russia kills civilians in Ukraine
At least 10 civilians were killed in Russian missile, drone and glide-bomb attacks across Ukraine, including seven workers at a steel plant in Zaporizhzhia and three people in Dnipropetrovsk. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of using North Korean ballistic missiles and said North Korea may send more troops to Russia.
Ukraine blames Russia for deadly strike
Ukraine says Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia killed 7 people, including workers at the Zaporizhstal steel plant, amid claims that Moscow used North Korean missiles and other weapons in the overnight assault. The attack also left 24 wounded, while Ukrainian officials linked the barrage to widening air defense gaps and escalating battlefield cooperation between Russia and Pyongyang.
JD.com directly imports Korean goods
India warns border incidents affect China ties
JAL and ANA cut fuel surcharges
US official hails Israel-Lebanon talks
US official hails constructive Israel-Lebanon talks as tense border diplomacy continues, with discussions touching on security arrangements and regional stability. The report centers on the ongoing contact between the two countries and the American role in supporting the process.
Trump and Modi to resolve tariff dispute
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will resolve the dispute over U.S. tariffs tied to India’s purchases of Russian oil. He said the issue has already been resolved and pointed to the leaders’ working relationship.
CBS News previews solar eclipse visibility
Seoul shares rise on tech gains
States schedule same-day executions
Russia and Ukraine trade deadly strikes
Russian and Ukrainian strikes killed 13 people in total, including six in Zaporizhzhia and six more in Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk. A drone strike in Russia’s Voronezh region killed one person, injured two, and set a Wildberries warehouse on fire.
China adds AI and robot firms
China registered 55,000 new generative AI companies and 116,000 humanoid robot firms in the first half of 2026. Official data also showed 561,000 new enterprises across strategic emerging and future industries, reflecting rapid growth in frontier technology sectors.
Russian attacks kill civilians across Ukraine
Russia kills six in Zaporizhzhia
Typhoon Dolphin batters central China
US Armenia Azerbaijan hail progress
The United States, Armenia and Azerbaijan marked the first anniversary of the Aug. 8, 2025 White House summit by citing border stability, expanding trade and work on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. They also said 60,000 tons of goods moved through Azerbaijan to and from Armenia over the past year.
Erdoğan urges EU on customs union
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pressed the European Union to move forward on modernizing the customs union with Türkiye and advancing visa liberalization talks after meeting Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Ankara on Aug. 10.
Polish speaker warns Ukraine on EU bid
Colombia earthquake kills more than 100
NOAA reports hottest U.S. month
Chinese users mourn AI companions
Chinese users are grieving the loss of AI boyfriends and girlfriends after major platforms pulled companion features to comply with Beijing’s July 15 rules. One 24-year-old said she had exchanged about 700,000 words with her virtual partner before the shutdown.
Iran rejects new US sanctions
Iran condemned new US sanctions, saying they damage prospects for Middle East diplomacy and worsen tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Trump and Putin hold Alaska summit
IAEA plans Syrian nuclear material removal
Iran conditions Hormuz reopening
Geoff Keighley announces Game Awards date
Geoff Keighley has set The Game Awards 2026 for Thursday, December 10, at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The announcement was made through the show’s official channels, with ticket details and more information promised later in the fall.
Experts Press China on COVID Accountability
National security groups said China should face accountability for COVID-19 after a Senate committee voted to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt. Polaris National Security argued scrutiny of Fauci should not overshadow questions about the Chinese Communist Party’s role in the pandemic.
Papua New Guinea seeks dialogue
Russian strike kills five in Zaporizhzhia
Western Europe records hottest June
U.S. revokes Chilean officials' visas
Washington revoked the visas of Chilean Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz, Telecommunications Undersecretary Claudio Araya, and Araya’s chief of staff over the Chile-China Express, a proposed $500 million submarine fiber-optic cable from Valparaíso to Hong Kong. The outgoing Boric government rejected the accusations as false, while U.S. officials warned of broader security consequences.
South Korea, US schedule UFS drills
South Korea and the United States will launch the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise on Aug. 17 and run it through Aug. 27. About 18,000 South Korean troops are expected to take part, with the drills focused on drones, GPS disruption, cyberattacks, and other evolving threats from North Korea.
Scientists warn drought raises West Nile risk
Tropical Storm Dolphin floods eastern China
South Korea, US begin summertime exercise
Copernicus reports record Western Europe heat
Copernicus said July 2026 tied July 2024 as the second-warmest July on record globally, behind only July 2023. Western Europe had its hottest June-July period on record, with an average of 21.6C, and four heatwaves since May. Europe as a whole averaged 20.5C for July, while the global surface air temperature reached 16.9C.
Zelensky Warns of North Korean Troop Deployment
Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia plans to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Korean soldiers to support its war against Ukraine. He warned that North Korea’s combat experience could threaten South Korea and urged air-defense and drone cooperation.
China criticizes India’s Arunachal naming move
Western Europe sets temperature record
Taylor Farms recalls jalapeño products
Lebanese report rules out talks resumption
A Lebanese diplomatic source told Al Mayadeen that direct Israel-Lebanon negotiations are unlikely to restart in September, with any possible new rounds pushed off until after the summer.
Typhoon Dolphin Forces Mass Evacuations
More than a million people were evacuated across eastern China, including Shanghai, as Typhoon Dolphin made landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province and later Wenzhou, bringing 150 kph winds and forcing 1,400 flight cancellations in Shanghai.
Western Europe Records Hottest June-July
Russia Rejects Ukraine Conflict Freeze
Study finds women receding from public roles
Iran appoints Mohsen Rezaei top security chief
Iran named former Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei, 71, as head of the Supreme National Security Council after Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr resigned. The change comes as Tehran continues talks over the Strait of Hormuz and reshapes its security leadership after wartime losses.
Envoy condemns French wildfire accusations
Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s permanent representative in Vienna, criticized French officials over accusations linking Russia to wildfires in Europe. The remarks were reported from Vienna on August 10.
Zelensky Hails Serbia Visit
Ukraine denies targeting Bulgaria
Budapest Danube reveals Wehrmacht remains
China orders evacuations for Typhoon Dolphin
China’s eastern coast prepared for Typhoon Dolphin as authorities reported more than 1,000 flight cancellations, school and tourist-site closures, and evacuations. Nearly 1,400 flights were cancelled at Shanghai’s two main airports, 270 at Hangzhou, and about 99,000 people were moved in Fujian.
Activists Clash With Foreign Ministry Over Ukraine Trip
Rights activists say South Korea's Foreign Ministry demanded a recommendation from the unification minister for an exceptional passport-use request tied to a May trip to Ukraine. Police are investigating the group over an unauthorized visit involving two North Korean POWs.
Cyprus plans gas supply to Europe
Iran sets conditions for Hormuz reopening
Shanghai cancels flights for Typhoon Dolphin
Iran sets demands for Hormuz reopening
Iran set new conditions on August 8 for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, linking any deal to compensation for war damage, an end to sanctions and the US naval blockade, and the release of frozen assets. Abbas Araghchi said talks with Oman were nearing the final stage, while Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr demanded an end to war against Iran and its regional allies.
Iran releases video of Mojtaba Khamenei
Iran’s semi-official Mehr News agency released an undated video of Mojtaba Khamenei after Israeli media reported he was in critical condition and hospitalized. The footage was intended to push back against speculation about his health and whereabouts.
Iran and US clash over Hormuz reopening
Beijing model meets Brussels effect
Rogoff warns of AI market excess
China rebrands discipline centers for adults
A Times of India report says some Chinese institutions now charge about 26,800 yuan, or roughly $4,000, for six months in programs meant to "fix" adults. The facilities have shifted from military-style discipline to family education labels, while targeting issues like relationships, gaming, unemployment, and sleep habits.
Iran conditions Hormuz reopening on wider demands
Iran said it is close to a shipping deal with Oman for the Strait of Hormuz, but the waterway may still stay closed unless wider demands are met. Officials also said the arrangement depends on conditions such as U.S. compensation, sanctions relief, and an end to threats and aggression.
Zelensky discusses Patriot production timeline
Türkiye keeps customs advantage in EU trade
Iran Uses Visual Propaganda
US Cuts Shake Somalia Mission
The United States told the African Union on 1 July 2026 it would stop funding UNSOS after 31 December, putting the AU’s Somalia mission under strain. The AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia faces a $196 million budget need for 2025, but pledges stand at only $48.6 million, raising doubts about the transition to Somali forces and the mission’s future beyond 2026.
Russia kills civilians near Kyiv
Russia’s overnight strikes near Kyiv killed three people, including a child, in Brovary and injured seven others, according to local authorities. Another child was among the wounded as attacks hit sites in the Kyiv region.
Iran welcomes Saudi-Pak-Turkey pact
India marks Arunachal Pradesh locations
Putin May Test NATO Resolve
Typhoon Dolphin hits Okinawa
Typhoon Dolphin struck Okinawa Prefecture, injuring five elderly people and knocking out power to 14,000 buildings. China also shut ports and ferry routes as the storm approached its east coast, while ANA and Japan Airlines canceled flights to the region.
Iranian leaders see advantage in war
Iranian leaders think the conflict is turning in their favor, with U.S. pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, missile strikes, and stalled diplomacy shaping the battle. The AP report centers on Tehran, Washington, and the waterway that carries global energy supplies.
Eastern China braces for Typhoon Dolphin
Reports question Mojtaba Khamenei’s whereabouts
Top US General Seeks Iran Off-Ramp
Russian strikes kill three near Kyiv
Russian strikes killed three people, including a child, in Brovary district northeast of Kyiv, according to a regional military official. Kyiv also warned of incoming ballistic missiles as the attack unfolded.
US Senate approves Russia sanctions bill
The U.S. Senate approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86-11 vote, opening the door to possible 100% tariffs on India, China, Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovakia. The measure also extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to 2031 and now heads to the House when it returns on August 31.
Italy places all major cities on red alert
US Senate advances Russia sanctions bill
Spain imposes border checks on Italy
New Zealand targets Russia supporters
New Zealand has imposed another round of sanctions against Russia-supporting individuals and groups, targeting 33 people and entities. The package focuses on cyber actors, the forced relocation and re-education of Ukrainian children, Russia’s military-industrial complex, political figures, and supporters from North Korea and Iran.
Iran seeks control over Hormuz shipping
Iran is reported to be advancing a deal with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz that would let Tehran bar US and Israeli ships and seek compensation from hostile countries. The draft also mentions cargo restrictions linked to Israel and a fee structure for services such as insurance and environmental costs.
Musk blocks Ukraine Starlink strikes
India China review border talks
Italy places major cities under red alert
Zelensky pushes missile production
Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine wants concrete results on anti-ballistic missile production by the end of 2026. He said Ukraine can build its own missile and launcher, while partners supply radars, sensors, and other critical components.
Europe struggles for influence
Europe is under pressure from wars in Iran and Ukraine, irregular migration and extreme weather, yet its bigger problem is limited influence over events that affect it. Divisions among governments, weak common defense and foreign policy, and reliance on Washington leave the continent reacting to crises.
Houthi rebels kill Yemen troops
At least 30 troops from Yemen’s internationally recognised government were killed and about 50 were wounded in coordinated Houthi attacks on military camps in Marib and Hadramout. The assault marks one of the deadliest escalations since the 2022 truce, amid rising tensions linked to Strait of Hormuz talks.
Board of Peace plans Moroccan troop outpost
A small military outpost for Moroccan troops is slated to be the first project under Donald Trump's Board of Peace in Gaza. The base would sit about a mile from the Israeli border inside the 60% of Gaza under Israeli control and is designed for roughly 150 personnel, far smaller than an earlier 5,000-person plan.
Seoul shares turn lower on tensions
Lawmaker says West uses Ukraine
South Korean activists booked over Ukraine trip
Carney calls trade talks nasty
OTTAWA — Mark Carney said trade talks with the United States are "nasty" after Donald Trump used the same word about Canadians. His comments came as proposed 50% tariffs loom and he stressed the issue is about Canadian jobs and businesses.
Europe battles extreme heatwave
Italy, France and Germany are grappling with an intense heatwave that pushed temperatures above 40°C in several countries. Austria recorded a national temperature record, France faced wildfires, and transport, power and tourism were disrupted across Europe.
China Retaliates With Tariffs
Peters urges Pacific missile condemnation
Girl Dies in China Gene-Editing Trial
Iran warns Gulf states over Trump strikes
Iran has warned Gulf states that their oil, power, and water facilities could be targeted unless they persuade President Donald Trump to stop US strikes on Iran. Abbas Araghchi spoke with officials in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan as Tehran sought to avoid further escalation.
Doctor sentenced for historic building damage
The Chiba District Court sentenced 63-year-old Masahide Kanayama to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years, for damaging historic buildings at Katori Jingu in Katori and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita on March 25, 2015. Judge Yoko Sugiyama cited the sites’ cultural value and the difficulty of repairing the damage.
Iran seeks to bar U.S. ships
Iran is proposing a deal with Oman that could bar U.S. and Israeli ships from the Strait of Hormuz and add fees for hostile countries, including charges for insurance and environmental costs. The plan, now under review in Iran’s parliament, follows weeks of shipping tensions in the waterway.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Sign Defence Pact
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are set to sign a joint defence agreement in Saudi Arabia, according to regional sources. The move follows months of discussions and comes as security tensions in the Middle East deepen.