David Lammy to ask US about case of woman strangled by US fighter in UK

• The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to pause hostilities and strikes in West Asia to prevent further escalation. • U.S. envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with mediators in Doha, Qatar, though Qatari officials clarified that no direct talks between the U.S. and Iran are currently taking place.

• The United States is reportedly accelerating its withdrawal from European security commitments following a diplomatic rift regarding support for the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran. • An upcoming NATO summit in Turkey is expected to serve as a pivotal transition point for the alliance's structure and strategic direction.

• Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler stated that NATO is adapting to a changing security environment rather than facing a crisis. • Guler dismissed concerns regarding a U.S. exit from the alliance, asserting that Washington is seeking better burden-sharing from European allies rather than withdrawal.

• Internal power struggles within the Iranian regime have intensified as rival factions clash over the direction of the country's nuclear talks. • The conflict has escalated beyond foreign policy disagreements, evolving into a bitter battle for political influence at the highest levels of government.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a renewed global commitment to combat terrorism by addressing its root causes rather than relying solely on security measures. • Guterres warned that terrorist threats are evolving, emphasizing that a rights-based approach is essential to prevent radicalization and ensure long-term stability.

• The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) convened for a two-day session on June 30, 2026, to discuss critical governance and human rights issues. • The session focused on the obligation of governments to guarantee children's rights to survival, development, and protection from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.

• Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold diplomatic talks in Doha, Qatar, on June 29, 2026. • The primary objective of the meeting is to discuss the specific implementation details of a previously established US-Iran memorandum of understanding.

• The European Union is implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), shifting the focus of global energy competition from physical resources to regulatory frameworks. • While traditional energy diplomacy centered on securing oil fields, gas reserves, and pipelines, CBAM introduces environmental regulations as a tool for geopolitical influence.

Preliminary analysis of satellite data suggests magnitude of natural disaster could dwarf official estimatesMore than 58,000 buildings may have been damaged and destroyed by the twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela last week, according to a preliminary analysis of satellite data that suggests the scale of the destruction could dwarf official estimates.Last Wednesday’s back-to-back quakes – which measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 – killed at least 1,943 people, injured more than 10,571, and left tens of thousands missing amid the rubble. The UN migration agency has said that up to 6.8 million people could be affected by the disasters, and would require shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare and essential relief items. Continue reading...

‘That’s one way to spend a layover,’ says gambling company after lucky traveler wins big on $10 stakeGenerally people want whatever happens in Vegas to stay there – but this might be an exception!A lucky traveler transiting through Las Vegas’s Harry Reid international airport on Sunday won more than $3.3m from a slot machine there, prompting facility officials to write on X on Tuesday: “Now that’s one way to spend a layover. Continue reading...

Tournament’s serving machine can deliver balls in the style of anyone from John McEnroe to Elina SvitolinaCould you return Emma Raducanu’s 110mph serve, or receive a 145mph stroke from Andy Murray? What about Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s 153mph torpedo, which broke Wimbledon records last year?This year’s tournament attendees have had the opportunity to try their luck on the court, facing off against a robotic serving machine rather than their tennis heroes. Continue reading...

Justices to consider whether bans on AR-15s and similar semi-automatic firearms violate second amendmentThe US supreme court will consider whether bans on semi-automatic rifles, often called assault weapons, violate the second amendment.The justices said Tuesday they will hear appeals challenging bans on the AR-15 and similar semi-automatic firearms in Connecticut and the Chicago area. Continue reading...