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The United States military has launched strikes against Iran, targeting IRGC and port facilities, with US Central Command citing Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US service members as justification. Iran has pledged retaliation, with Tehran vowing severe punishment against the US and reporting strikes on Gulf neighbours and Jordan. The conflict has prompted broader geopolitical reactions, including a pledge of support for Iran from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and has driven oil prices to a two-month high amid global market turbulence.

The United States military has conducted multiple rounds of strikes against targets in Iran, with Central Command citing Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and on U.S. service members as justification. Iran has responded by launching drones and missiles at Gulf countries and Jordan, with sirens sounding in Kuwait City, while Iranian officials report that U.S. strikes hit a wedding party in the city of Sirik, killing five people and wounding at least 63 others. The conflict has triggered broader economic consequences, including rising global bond yields, higher oil prices, and a decline in U.S. oil reserves to a 44-year low.

The United States and Iran have continued exchanging military strikes, with Iran launching missiles at Jordan and drones at Kuwait and Bahrain, the latter of which said it intercepted an aerial attack. The US conducted strikes on Iran, including on the city of Sirik, where Iranian officials reported at least five deaths and 63 wounded, with claims the strike hit a wedding party. The US military also deployed Lockheed Martin's Precision Strike Missile, which conflict monitor Airwars says caused destruction in an Iranian city raising concerns about its use near populated areas.

The United States conducted airstrikes on Iran, prompting Iranian retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting Gulf states including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Bahrain confirmed it intercepted at least one Iranian aerial attack. Iranian officials allege a US strike killed five people and wounded 68 at a wedding party in the town of Sirik.

Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 3,000 deaths from over 6,100 confirmed cases, according to the latest government data. The outbreak shows no signs of slowing, making it one of the deadliest Ebola crises on record. These figures come from official Congolese government reporting.

A new UN report has warned that the world is on track to breach the 1.5C warming target set under the Paris Agreement. The warning came as pre-COP talks were held in Fiji, convened by Australia. World leaders were largely absent from the Fiji discussions, according to reports.

Flooding across Nepal and the Tibet region has killed over 1,000 people, with approximately 3,916 people reported missing throughout Nepal. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, though some areas remain inaccessible to rescue teams according to the UN. Displaced families are living in makeshift shelters, and authorities continue to recover victims along riverbanks downstream from the worst-affected areas.

Floods along the Nepal-Tibet border have killed more than 1,100 people across Nepal and China, with hundreds of workers feared trapped in tunnels at hydropower projects and at least 900 workers reported missing. Rescue crews are actively searching for survivors, while the Nepali government has signalled a shift in focus toward rehabilitation. Some tourists previously reported missing, including a number of Australians, have made contact with authorities.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 3,000 people. The World Health Organization's chief has issued a warning that the response to the outbreak must be significantly scaled up. A funding gap has been identified as a key obstacle to an adequate response effort.

Russia has intensified aerial attacks on Ukraine, wounding at least eight civilians in the Kyiv and Odesa regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued statements interpreted as veiled threats toward the United Kingdom. Separately, German intelligence has concluded that an explosive-laden drone was linked to Russia, with German officials promising consequences.

Russia has been accused of conducting a failed drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany, with Berlin placing blame directly on Moscow. The incident has prompted responses from both NATO and the EU, who have vowed to increase pressure on Russia. The episode is being characterised by Western officials as part of a broader pattern of escalating Russian activity targeting Western nations.

The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded that Syria was constructing a nuclear reactor at Deir el-Zour under former President Bashar al-Assad, according to a confidential report seen by the Associated Press. IAEA inspectors visited multiple sites in Syria in August to carry out verification work related to the finding. The report represents the UN watchdog's formal assessment of the undeclared nuclear activity at the Syrian site.

Global bond yields rose to their highest levels in decades on Tuesday amid an escalation in Middle East conflict. Rising oil prices have intensified inflation fears, with concerns that the Federal Reserve and other central banks may raise interest rates. Bond market investors are reacting nervously to the renewed fighting in the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Egypt this week, marking his first trip to the country in approximately a decade. The visit is aimed at deepening China's diplomatic and economic ties in the Middle East region. The trip comes amid a broader context of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the area.

Floods in Nepal have killed over 1,100 people, with rescue crews actively searching for hundreds of workers feared trapped in tunnels at hydropower project sites, where approximately 500 are believed to be inside. Some tourists previously reported missing have made contact with authorities, including five Australians confirmed safe, though dozens of other Australians remain unaccounted for. The disaster is part of a broader pattern of accelerating climate-related catastrophes in the Himalayan region, with glacial melt increasingly contributing to flood risk.

Chevron has announced plans to expand its operations in Venezuela, including acquiring extra acreage with the goal of doubling oil output. The company has outlined a $7 billion investment as part of this expansion. Chevron is currently the only major U.S. oil company with a significant operational presence in Venezuela.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly called on the Trump administration to cease provocative rhetoric and focus on substantive trade negotiations. Carney's remarks came in response to what he described as a fresh wave of attacks from Washington directed at Canada. U.S.-Canada trade talks are ongoing amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Egypt this week, his first trip to the country in approximately a decade. The visit is part of China's broader diplomatic engagement in the Middle East region. The trip comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the area.

Andy Burnham has become UK Prime Minister, facing his first Prime Minister's Questions in parliament. The UK's long-term borrowing costs have risen to their highest level since 1998, adding fiscal pressure ahead of his first Budget. Burnham's first parliamentary day as PM coincided with the UK recording its hottest summer ever, both of which featured in Wednesday's newspaper coverage.

A drone carrying an explosive device was discovered at Leipzig Airport on August 4, near Ukrainian cargo planes. Germany has officially accused Russia of being responsible for the attack. The incident is reported to be part of a broader campaign targeting European support for Ukraine.

German authorities have linked a drone attack on August 4 at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia, concluding that an explosive-laden drone was found near Ukrainian cargo aircraft. German intelligence services reached this conclusion and officials have announced countermeasures in response. As part of those countermeasures, Germany closed Russia's Bonn consulate.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has formally stated that Syria constructed a secret nuclear reactor in Deir Az Zor under the rule of Bashar al-Assad. The UN nuclear watchdog concluded that Syria failed to report nuclear material, facilities, and activities as required under international obligations. The finding relates to a facility that has been a subject of international scrutiny, reportedly destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in 2007.

The United States and Venezuela have reached an oil deal involving 65 billion barrels of crude. Venezuela's National Assembly has voted to support the arrangement, though specific details have not been made publicly available. A US energy secretary is scheduled to travel to Venezuela to formally unveil the deal.

Tropical Storm Edouard is approaching the Texas-Louisiana coast, prompting the issuance of a hurricane watch ahead of an expected Tuesday landfall. CNN reports the storm poses a direct threat to the Gulf Coast region. Separately, a dangerous heat wave is intensifying across much of the central and eastern United States into the Fourth of July weekend.

The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge to bans on AR-15 style semi-automatic rifles. The case continues a series of Second Amendment cases the Court has taken up in recent years. The outcome could have significant implications for existing state-level restrictions on certain semi-automatic firearms.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp has identified Ukraine as a key target market for the company's defense technology. The company intends to leverage battlefield lessons learned by Ukrainians during their war with Russia and convert them into commercial technology products. These products would be made available both within Ukraine and to other countries.

Physicists operating the world's most sensitive dark matter detector have recorded a single flash of energy that may represent hints of dark matter. The signal has generated scientific excitement due to the detector's unprecedented sensitivity. Dark matter is a theorised substance believed to permeate the universe but has not yet been directly detected.

Uber has laid off approximately 3,300 employees in what the company describes as its largest round of cuts since the pandemic. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated the layoffs are intended to streamline management layers and simplify team structures. The scale of the cuts marks a significant workforce reduction for the ride-sharing giant.

The Trump administration has proposed new mail ballot rules ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, but election officials across the country say it is too late for them to comply with the proposed changes. The administration is also navigating political dynamics within the Republican Party as it prepares its midterm strategy, including a reported $400 million war chest for campaign advertising. Some Republican lawmakers in competitive districts are keeping distance from Trump-affiliated events while hoping to benefit from the party's financial resources.

Tropical Depression Edouard has brought significant rainfall to eastern Texas, with recorded accumulations exceeding 20 inches. The system is moving slowly inland, contributing to ongoing and potentially worsening flood conditions in the region. A flood emergency has been declared in response to the storm's impact.

The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill designed to prevent a government shutdown. The measure would fund the government through December 11, providing a temporary extension rather than a long-term budget resolution. The bill now moves to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.

The U.S. Justice Department has seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas. In addition to the cryptocurrency seizure, the department also took control of website domains and communications infrastructure associated with the operation. The action targeted funding directed at Hamas's military wing.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a 'comprehensive reset' of British policy on Israel on Tuesday. Israel has warned it will retaliate if the UK proceeds with imposing sanctions. The announcement signals a significant shift in the UK's diplomatic stance toward Israel.

Andy Burnham has become UK Prime Minister and addressed MPs for the first time in that role, pledging greater devolution and public control of essential services. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised his agenda as representing more government control, higher taxes, and more politicians. Burnham is facing economic pressure ahead of his first Budget, with UK long-term borrowing costs rising to their highest level since 1998.

Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as a Member of Parliament. The former prime minister stated he intends to focus on international affairs following his departure. The announcement was reported by BBC News.

Massachusetts is holding Democratic primary elections in which several incumbents face generational challenges from younger candidates. The most prominent contest is the U.S. Senate race between 80-year-old incumbent Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton, a moderate congressman arguing the party needs generational change. Additional contested primaries include the U.S. House District 8 race, where incumbent Stephen Lynch faces challenger Patrick Roath, and a Republican gubernatorial primary to determine who will face incumbent Governor Maura Healey in November.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced his resignation, with his last full day in the role being Wednesday after approximately 18 months in the position. President Trump accepted the resignation on Monday. Trump has nominated Hung Cao to serve as Navy Secretary.

King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Andy Burnham attended the opening of a Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum. The Bayeux Tapestry, a historic artefact depicting the Norman Conquest of England, is the centrepiece of the event. The exhibition marks a significant moment of cultural collaboration between the United Kingdom and France.

A shooting occurred at a gay bar in Tucson, Arizona, resulting in three deaths total. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Two victims were killed in the parking lot of the bar, and the shooter subsequently died from injuries sustained at the scene.

Tiger Woods has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge following his arrest for driving under the influence after a rollover crash in March. As part of the plea deal, Woods' driver's license will be suspended for five years. The agreement resolves the legal case stemming from the incident.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down from his position, the White House has confirmed. His departure comes after approximately 18 months in the role. Reports indicate there was friction between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth preceding the resignation.

Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership summit, where his remarks were met with applause from the group's leaders. During the event, Vance was asked a question about conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, which left some audience members disappointed with his response. The summit highlighted ongoing dynamics between the administration and pro-Israel Republicans within the party.

NHS emergency departments in the UK are recording rising numbers of children presenting in mental health crisis. Cases include self-harm, eating disorders, and emotional distress among young people. The trend is contributing to record levels of A&E visits related to children's mental health.

A shooting occurred at a gay bar in Tucson, Arizona, resulting in three deaths. Local police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. The story is being reported by ABC News among other outlets.

Andy Burnham made his debut at Prime Minister's Questions, where he faced scrutiny over the economy amid rising UK borrowing costs, claiming he had already cut taxes including VAT on energy bills and hospitality business rates. His exchanges with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch involved adversarial back-and-forth consistent with typical PMQs dynamics. Separately, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told the BBC that his party faces opposition from what he described as a 'complainants' society' and a 'whole ecosystem' resistant to new political forces.

The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial entered its fifth day of deliberations after previously telling the judge it was deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Clancy, a former labor and delivery nurse, does not dispute that she strangled her three children in their Massachusetts home in 2023, but her defense argues postpartum psychosis diminished her responsibility. A separate development saw a woman named Dawn Light charged with juror intimidation after allegedly photographing jurors outside the Plymouth courthouse.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has arrived at Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand, following an extended deployment in the Middle East. The deployment lasted approximately 250 days, making it one of the longest on record for a U.S. carrier. Crew members are receiving rest and recuperation leave in Pattaya, a seaside resort city roughly 60 miles from Bangkok.

Tropical Storm Edouard is approaching the Texas-Louisiana coast, prompting the issuance of a hurricane watch for the region. The storm is expected to make landfall on Tuesday. Authorities have put coastal areas on alert in anticipation of the storm's arrival.

The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. The temporary measure extends government funding and gives Congress additional time to pass a full federal budget. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process ahead of the midterm elections.

Severe flooding in Nepal has devastated communities, leaving families separated and searching for missing relatives. Residents have been stranded in their homes as floodwaters tore through towns, particularly in areas close to riverbanks. The disaster has displaced and affected numerous families across the country, with some survivors still unaccounted for.

Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership summit, delivering a closed-door speech that was met with applause from the group's leaders. Vance's appearance was aimed at courting pro-Israel Republicans within the party. His response to a question about conservative pundit Tucker Carlson left some audience members disappointed.

Tropical Storm Edouard is approaching the Texas-Louisiana coast, prompting the issuance of a hurricane watch. The storm is expected to make landfall on Tuesday. Only limited details are available from the single source provided.

Apple has relabeled Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' for U.S.-based users of its Maps application, following a similar move by Google. The change comes after President Donald Trump issued an order to rename the body of water. The renaming is occurring in the context of an ongoing trade dispute between the United States and Canada.

Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and six other charges in connection with the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. A judge has cleared the case to proceed to trial, where Robinson could face the death penalty, as aggravated murder is a capital offence in Utah. The hearing took place in a Provo, Utah courtroom, with both Kirk's widow and Robinson's mother present.

U.S. stock markets rose on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 203 points, and the Nasdaq composite rising 0.3%. The gains came as oil prices and bond yields stabilized, relieving pressure on markets. The broader context includes a recent period of global bond market turbulence.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting more than 740,000 vehicles. The recall is related to an issue with the transmission park pawl component. USA Today has reported on the affected models included in the recall.

The House voted 413-2 to censure Republican Representative Chuck Edwards following a House Ethics Committee investigation. The investigation concluded that Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers in his office. The censure was bipartisan, with both Republicans and Democrats voting in favor of the measure.

A flash flood at the Grand Canyon resulted in at least two deaths and one person reported missing. Rescue operations were launched in response to the flooding, with 82 people rescued from the canyon. Most of the rescues were carried out by helicopter, according to authorities.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting more than 740,000 vehicles due to a defect involving the transmission park pawl. The recall covers multiple vehicle models, which Ford has identified and listed for consumers. The transmission park pawl issue represents a safety concern that prompted the company to take corrective action.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has arrived at Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand, following a lengthy deployment in the Middle East. The ship's crew of sailors and Marines are conducting a rest and recuperation stop near Pattaya, a seaside resort city approximately 60 miles from Bangkok. The vessel had been at sea for approximately 250 days during its Middle East deployment.

Apple Maps has renamed Lake Ontario to 'Lake America', following Google in complying with a directive from US President Donald Trump. The change was ordered after trade talks between the US and Canada broke down in August. Both major US-based mapping platforms have now implemented the renaming.

Massachusetts held primary elections deciding key races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and Governor. Democratic incumbent Senator Ed Markey faced a primary challenge from Seth Moulton, while House incumbent Stephen Lynch faced Patrick Roath in District 8. On the Republican side, Michael Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve competed for the chance to face incumbent Democratic Governor Maura Healey in November.

The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial reported a deadlock after four days of deliberations on Tuesday. Clancy has pleaded not guilty to three murder charges. The jury went home without reaching a verdict after informing the judge of the standstill.

An Australian man named Antonio Rotondo has been sentenced to two years in jail after being found guilty of creating and distributing deepfake images of women and children in Brisbane. The case marks a notable legal proceeding involving the criminal use of deepfake technology to produce harmful content. The images were described in court as 'profoundly violating' and 'degrading' to the victims.

Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership summit on Monday in a closed-door address. The speech was met with applause from the group's leaders. However, Vance's response to a question about conservative commentator Tucker Carlson left some attendees disappointed.

Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly being used by students in educational settings to assist with homework and assignments. Research or reporting suggests that while AI can speed up the completion of homework tasks, it may be associated with poorer performance on formal examinations. The impact of AI on student learning outcomes appears to be linked to how students engage with the technology rather than the technology itself.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting more than 740,000 vehicles. The recall is related to an issue with the transmission park pawl component. USA Today has reported on the affected models included in the recall.

U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts has won the Democratic Senate primary, securing his party's nomination for a third term. He defeated U.S. Representative Seth Moulton, 47, who had campaigned on a platform of generational change. Markey's victory means he will advance as the Democratic candidate in the general Senate election.

The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial remained deadlocked after five days of deliberations, with jurors unable to reach a verdict. The jury informed the judge of their deadlock but was instructed to continue deliberating. Deliberations are ongoing as of the fifth day.

The U.S. House of Representatives has censured Republican Representative Chuck Edwards following an Ethics Committee investigation. The investigation concluded that Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers in his office. The censure motion passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 413 to 2.

Ariana Grande concluded her 41-date Eternal Sunshine Tour with a final performance at London's O2 Arena. During the farewell show, Grande thanked fans in an emotional address and has stated she plans to step back from public appearances following the tour. The tour spanned dates across the US, Canada, and the UK.

A Texas Senate race between Democratic state Representative James Talarico and Republican nominee Ken Paxton is attracting significant national attention from both parties. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged former President Trump to intervene in support of the Republican effort, while Paxton allies have launched a $15 million advertising campaign attacking Talarico on issues including China policy. Polling data shows a plurality of Americans (37%) believe Democrats better represent working-class interests compared to 30% who say Republicans, reflecting a broader national battle over working-class voters that is playing out in the race.

President Donald Trump has nominated Hung Cao, the current acting Navy Secretary, to serve in the role permanently. Cao has been filling the position since John Phelan unexpectedly left the job in April. Cao brings a military background of 25 years in the Navy as a special operations officer before entering public service.

Antonio Rotondo, an Australian man, has been sentenced to jail after being found guilty of creating and distributing deepfake images of Brisbane high school students. The images were described in court as 'profoundly violating' and 'degrading.' The case involves both women and children among the victims.

The Kennedy Center began removing Joel Shapiro's outdoor sculpture 'Blue' on Wednesday morning. The work, a towering stick-figure-like piece, had been installed on the campus in 2019. The removal is taking place amid broader changes to the performing arts institution under President Donald Trump.

Ariana Grande concluded her 41-date Eternal Sunshine Tour with a final performance at London's O2 Arena. During the show, she thanked fans in an emotional farewell. Grande has stated she plans to step back from public appearances following the conclusion of the tour.

King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK leaders including Andy Burnham are attending a preview of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum. The historic tapestry, which depicts the Norman Conquest of England, is being displayed at the institution. The event brings together senior British and French political figures for the occasion.

Arte Moreno has agreed to sell the Los Angeles Angels to Stan Kroenke's company, ending his 23-year ownership of the MLB franchise. The deal concludes Moreno's tenure, during which he was the first Mexican-American majority owner of a major professional sports team in the United States. The sale marks a significant transition for the organization.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting more than 740,000 vehicles. The recall is related to an issue with the transmission park pawl component. USA Today has reported on the affected models included in the recall.

Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a hearing to change his plea related to a DUI charge in Florida. He was previously arrested and charged with driving under the influence. The hearing represents a procedural step in the legal process following his arrest.

Saad al-Hilli, his wife, and his mother-in-law were shot dead while holidaying in eastern France in September 2012. The case has remained unsolved and is now considered a cold case. Investigators have received a new lead following the discovery of a Luger firearm in a lake in the Alps region.

Argentina international Enzo Fernandez has transferred from Chelsea to Manchester City in a deal worth £125 million ($169 million). The fee represents a joint British record transfer. Fernandez is an Argentina international.

Ariana Grande has ended her tour, which she described as her 'last hurrah.' The star made an emotional farewell as she wrapped up the run of shows. Grande has indicated she is stepping back from public life following the tour's conclusion.