A US-Israeli war strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, Iran, killed 156 people, including 120 children, in what became the conflict's deadliest single incident for civilians. Teachers and rescue workers recount the devastation, while US media reports suggest US forces unintentionally hit the school, mistaking it for a military site.
Three Saudi crude oil tankers bound for China and India reversed course in the Red Sea, heading for the Suez Canal after Yemen's Houthi militia warned against using Saudi ports, signaling disruptions to global energy supplies and trade.
Norway's state oil company Equinor reported nearly doubled profits of $11.5bn in Q2, exceeding predictions, driven by increased oil and gas production and soaring prices due to the war against Iran and a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate, revealing the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5bn and requesting $88bn in supplemental funding. Lawmakers expressed fury over rising costs, 17 American deaths, and the conflict's spiraling nature, questioning the administration's strategy and constitutional authority.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the official cost of the US-Israel war on Iran at $37.5bn during a Senate hearing. This figure, higher than previous estimates, comes amidst ongoing conflict, US strikes, and threats against Iran, raising concerns about the US defense budget and energy prices.
A $96 million US Department of Defense deal with Australian firm Lynas for rare earth elements, crucial for modern tech and weapons, faces Malaysian pushback. Locals and NGOs urge the government to block the deal or ensure materials aren't used in weapons, citing US support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict.
UK fuel prices are increasing again after peace talks to end the US-Israel war with Iran collapsed. Prices surged at the conflict's start, fell after a framework deal in June, but are now rising due to resurfacing tensions, with analysts predicting further hikes. The government postponed a fuel duty increase.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed revenge for his father's death in an air strike, calling it the "will of the nation." US President Donald Trump warned of severe retaliation against Iran if any plots against him are discovered.
Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from his father Ali Khamenei's funeral ceremonies has raised questions about his health, fears of assassination, and his potential new role as supreme leader.
Iranians gathered in Mashhad for the burial of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli strike in late February. Mourners lined the route to the shrine of Imam Reza, chanting and lighting candles, as a helicopter transported his coffin.
Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was buried at the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in his home city of Meshhed. President Ebrahim Raisi, who died two years ago, is also buried at the same mausoleum. The funeral procession faced route changes due to dense crowds, requiring a helicopter for transport.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's coffin was flown back to Iran from Iraq, escorted by a fighter jet, for burial in Mashhad. His death in a US-Israel operation has escalated regional tensions, with ongoing missile and drone exchanges across the Middle East.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's coffin returned to Iran from Iraq on Thursday, escorted by a fighter jet, for burial in his hometown of Mashhad. Khamenei, Iran's second supreme leader, died on Feb 28 during a US-Israeli operation, escalating regional tensions.
US President Trump expressed anger at NATO, threatening to cut ties with Spain over trade and military base issues, while reiterating his desire to acquire Greenland. NATO leaders met in Ankara to address these tensions and defense spending.
The US-Israel war on Iran is creating economic instability in Africa, affecting oil markets, shipping, and financial confidence. African nations are reassessing energy security, defense, and investment strategies, facing new risks but also accelerating efforts to boost domestic energy capacity and reduce reliance on external powers.
Rahm Emanuel, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, will deliver a speech in Israel criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies and stating the U.S.-Israel relationship is "at a crossroads." He calls Israel's military response "reckless" and proposes sanctions against Israelis attacking Palestinians.
The conflict has caused significant disruption to merchant shipping, comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. While immediate impacts include attacks, delays, and increased costs, analysts suggest the long-term legacy may be minimal due to shipping's essential role and the availability of alternative routes for container vessels.
Israeli PM Netanyahu affirmed strong ties with US President Trump despite reports of rifts over the Iran ceasefire and Lebanon attacks. He praised the US, confirmed an upcoming visit, and stated he would lobby against F-35 jet transfers to Turkiye, citing regional power balance concerns.
US Senator Tom Cotton and allies are pushing legislation to permanently embed US-Israel security cooperation within the Pentagon, bypassing traditional foreign aid processes. This effort comes as US public opinion shifts against unconditional aid to Israel, aiming to make future policy changes more difficult despite evolving strategic interests and constitutional implications.
Tensions between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are escalating, with reports of Trump berating Netanyahu over the conflict in Lebanon. This friction, coupled with growing US public and MAGA movement skepticism towards Israel, suggests a potential re-evaluation of the long-standing US-Israel alliance.
Ukraine is pursuing significant defense agreements with at least seven NATO nations by the end of the year, aiming to become a provider of military hardware and expertise. Having already signed "drone deals" with six countries, including Middle Eastern states, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania, Kyiv is leveraging its experience in drone warfare and air defense.
Israeli PM Netanyahu claims some Christian villages in southern Lebanon have requested annexation to Israel for protection from Hezbollah. The mayor of Rmeish, a Christian village, denied this claim.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu stated that some Christian villages in southern Lebanon have requested annexation by Israel for protection against Hezbollah. The mayor of Rmeish, a Christian village, denied this claim.
UN debates peacekeeping options in Lebanon. US House committee removes amendment to end aid to Israel amid shifting public opinion. Washington imposes new sanctions on Cuba, threatening regime change. EU seeks deeper ties with South Caucasus nations. Russian oil refining shows signs of recovery after a June slump.
