- Iran and US seek an exit from a stalled war.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian defended a memorandum of understanding with Washington as the most practical route to ending the conflict. The arrangement is intended to support negotiations over a permanent end to military operations, but both sides continue to issue threats and warnings. - Pakistan’s army chief to visit Tehran.
General Asim Munir is expected in Tehran on Monday for discussions linked to regional peace and security. Pakistan has previously attempted to keep communication channels open between Iran and the United States, making the visit potentially important for ceasefire diplomacy. - Washington prepares new sanctions on Iran.
The United States has threatened what officials describe as an exceptionally large financial offensive against Iran and its trading partners. The proposed measures could affect countries and companies that continue dealing with Iranian oil and other strategic exports. - Tehran warns Gulf countries against assisting US pressure.
Iran’s security leadership has warned neighbouring Gulf states that participation in the American sanctions campaign could make them targets for retaliation. The warning increases the risk that the confrontation could spread beyond Iran and the United States. - Strait of Hormuz shipping remains reduced.
No confirmed attacks were reported in the previous 48 hours, according to a multinational maritime coalition overseen by the US Navy. Nevertheless, shipping companies continue to operate cautiously because of the possibility of mines, missile attacks or seizures. - Iranian Parliament advances Hormuz service-fee plan.
Iranian lawmakers have moved forward with a proposal requiring ships allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to pay for services provided by Iran. The plan could create another dispute over navigation rights and international maritime law. - Oil prices remain highly sensitive to the Iran crisis.
Brent crude fell about 1% to approximately $93.45 a barrel, while WTI declined to about $86.14. The fall was linked partly to profit-taking, but markets remain vulnerable to any interruption of Gulf shipping or Iranian exports. - Gaza violence continues despite wider diplomatic activity.
Palestinian health officials said Israeli airstrikes killed at least two people, including a four-year-old boy, and wounded seven others. Israel said it would intensify strikes after reporting the launch of balloons, drones and kites from Gaza. - Israel–Syria tensions rise after reported strike near Damascus.
Syria accused Israel of carrying out a drone strike against a civilian vehicle on the outskirts of Damascus. Israel said it had targeted a person it described as a terrorist. The competing claims could further complicate regional de-escalation efforts. - Ukraine rejects wartime election proposal.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said holding elections while active fighting with Russia continues could divide the country and damage its unity. The issue is likely to remain politically sensitive as Kyiv faces continuing military pressure. - Britain to support Ukraine’s long-range missile production.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to visit Ukraine and announce British support for strengthening Kyiv’s domestic production of long-range missiles. The move would deepen London’s military partnership with Ukraine. - Norway plans further major support for Ukraine.
Norway intends to provide about 85 billion Norwegian crowns, approximately $9.2 billion, in financial support to Ukraine during the 2027 fiscal year. The planned amount is broadly in line with its 2026 assistance. - Russian and Ukrainian drone attacks cause deaths.
Russian officials said Ukrainian drones killed at least 10 people in attacks on locations in Russia and Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. The reports included damage to an Ozon warehouse and an industrial facility, though battlefield claims remain subject to independent verification. - China’s property crisis remains unresolved.
The sentencing of Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan to life in prison has become a symbol of China’s property-market collapse. The crisis continues to weigh on household confidence, construction activity and local-government finances. - UK productivity shows signs of improvement.
Output per hour reportedly grew by an average of 1.1% annually during the two years to June 2026, compared with a 0.7% annual decline in the previous two-year period. Economists described the figures as an indication of sustained improvement, although broader economic challenges remain. - Germany’s AfD seeks breakthrough in state election.
The far-right Alternative for Germany is targeting a major advance in the forthcoming Saxony-Anhalt election. Party leaders see a state-level victory as a platform for building national momentum. - French centre-left politician launches presidential bid.
Raphaël Glucksmann has announced his candidacy for the French presidency. His campaign seeks to challenge the hard-left leadership of Jean-Luc Mélenchon while positioning itself against the growing influence of the far right. - Guinea landfill disaster kills at least 30.
A landslide at a landfill in the capital, Conakry, killed about 30 people after heavy rain caused a large waste mound to collapse over tents and informal homes. Rescue and recovery operations were continuing. - Wildfire expands near Reno, Nevada.
A fast-moving brush fire in northern Nevada had grown to more than 10,500 acres by Saturday evening. Emergency authorities declared a state of emergency as firefighters worked to protect nearby communities. - Serbia battles fires in protected natural area.
Firefighters continued efforts to contain large wildfires in Serbia’s Deliblato Sands nature reserve. The blaze threatened a valuable ecological zone and raised fresh concerns over extreme summer fire conditions.
