UK divers prepare for mine-clearing operations in Strait of Hormuz
Preparatory step comes on second day of London-hosted talks on reopening the strait.

Preparatory step comes on second day of London-hosted talks on reopening the strait.

North Korea plans to enhance its nuclear capabilities and intelligence agency. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un emphasized military strength for peace, while plans include modernizing naval bases and combat systems. This follows a recent border crossing incident.

In 2025, nearly one million people worldwide joined the ranks of US dollar millionaires, with the US leading in absolute numbers. Eastern European countries, particularly Lithuania, saw the fastest percentage growth in new millionaires.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, was buried in Mashhad after six days of funeral ceremonies. His burial coincided with escalating tit-for-tat attacks between the US and Iran, raising fears of all-out war. The successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent from public view.

France advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarterfinals. Kylian Mbappé scored the opener in the 60th minute, and Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead six minutes later. Despite a missed penalty by Mbappé earlier, France dominated possession and chances.

Andy Burnham is poised to become the next Labour leader and PM, facing the challenge of uniting over 400 MPs. Tips from MPs include listening to backbenchers, accepting disagreement while maintaining discipline, respecting Keir Starmer, and considering a snap election.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is promoting a "Reformkanzler" image to counter economic pessimism and the rise of the far-right AfD. Despite coalition agreements on pension, tax, and health reforms, voter satisfaction is at a historic low, with many deeming the measures incremental and insufficient.