Fears for New Zealand’s native species as first bird flu case emerges

• The United States launched a series of rare daytime air strikes against Iran as part of an ongoing cycle of tit-for-tat military escalations. • In response, Iranian leadership accused Washington of attempting to overthrow the Islamic Republic, asserting that while Tehran does not seek war, it must remain prepared to fight.

• Ukraine has escalated its military strategy by launching long-range drone and missile strikes directly into Russian territory. • These operations aim to shift the balance of the conflict by targeting Russian infrastructure and logistics to disrupt their war effort.

• Former President Donald Trump is reportedly being influenced by Arab leaders who claim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an obstacle to regional peace. • Internal turmoil is growing within the Likud party, with a Member of Knesset leaving the party after claiming it has been "hijacked" following the passage of controversial legislation.

• The article highlights a critical "governance gap" where collective international action on food security, water scarcity, and climate finance lags behind scientific consensus. • It identifies four primary governance deficits—lack of cooperation, inequitable financing, poor technology transfer, and ineffective implementation—that are further exacerbated by rising geopolitical tensions.

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern on Wednesday regarding the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East. • The crisis involves continuing strikes between the United States and Iran as both nations vie for control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

• Senate Democrats defeated a motion to proceed to a $1.15 trillion annual defense authorization bill on July 14, 2026. • The motion failed in a 50-46 vote, with senators voting strictly along party lines.

• The article examines how the network of energy pipelines has reshaped modern geopolitics in the Caucasus, specifically impacting Armenia. • It argues that for smaller nations like Armenia, geopolitical interests of more powerful states often outweigh moral principles and human rights.

• Gulf states have prioritized diplomacy and regional stability over military conflict as the US-Iran tension enters its fifth month. • While Washington struggled to find a clear path forward, Gulf nations focused on de-escalation and securing the critical shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz.

• The U.S. military has disabled a ship allegedly attempting to sail to Kharg Island, marking the first such action since President Trump reinstated a blockade on Iranian ports. • This escalation occurs amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and a broader feud between the United States and Iran.

• Sudan's civil war has entered its third year as two warring factions remain locked in a deadly power struggle for control of the country. • The United Nations is urgently calling for more support to aid over 33 million Sudanese people currently facing the "world's largest hunger crisis."

Internal safety review at Australian National University found encampment had ‘high’ psychosocial risk ratingFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian National University’s acting provost has denied the university “lost control” of its campus to a pro-Palestine encampment, revealing an internal safety review found the encampment had a “high” psychosocial risk rating.Prof Joan Leach appeared before the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion on Thursday, which is examining the lived experiences of Jewish students and academics, including the response of universities. Continue reading...

US disables unladen oil tanker using Hellfire missiles in strait of Hormuz amid concerns strikes could spiral into open conflictThe US has fired on an oil tanker attempting to reach Kharg Island in the strait of Hormuz as part of its blockade on Iranian ports, as Tehran came under attack for the first time in this latest round of strikes.The US said on Thursday morning it had disabled an unladen oil tanker, during a fifth day of strikes, firing Hellfire missiles into the ship’s smokestack after it ignored multiple warnings. Continue reading...