First Thing: Second day of US strikes on Iran as Trump says Tehran ‘behaving very badly’

• Author Manjari Singh of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) argues that the United Nations is being weaponized by great powers to influence conflicts in West Asia. • The piece highlights a recurring pattern where multilateral institutions and powerful nations unilaterally determine the outcomes of regional disputes.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that global conflicts can only be resolved through diplomatic engagement and constructive negotiations rather than aggression. • The statement comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran.

• German scholars argue that a commitment to international law is a strategic necessity for "middle powers" with limited global influence to maintain a stable international order. • The authors highlight a contradictory application of legal standards, noting the failure to enforce law during the Ukraine war and the prioritization of Israel's protection over humanitarian law in Gaza.

• Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire with Iran is "over" following a series of new attacks. • Despite the termination of the ceasefire, Trump indicated that diplomatic negotiations may still continue.

• India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged all parties in West Asia to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions following a surge in regional conflict. • The statement follows warnings from US President Donald Trump regarding potential strikes on Iran after he declared a ceasefire over due to Iranian attacks.

• Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education in regions affected by crises, conflicts, and natural disasters. • Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan announced the continued support for the "Education Cannot Wait" global fund during a video message at the Global Citizen Festival in New York.

• India has expressed deep concern regarding escalating tensions in West Asia, specifically citing recent attacks on commercial shipping as a threat to regional peace. • The Indian government is urging all involved parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts.

• The U.S. military launched new strikes against Iran on Wednesday to ensure the critical Strait of Hormuz remains open to maritime traffic. • These military actions occurred shortly after President Donald Trump announced that an interim agreement intended to end the war with Iran had officially ended.

• President Trump declared the ceasefire "over" following a series of exchange attacks between the United States and Iran. • The conflict centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime waterway that previously handled 20% of global oil shipments.

• This academic article analyzes the evolving security narratives of the European Union and NATO, focusing on the shift toward "resilience" and "total defence." • The research examines how these frameworks aim to strengthen societal resilience to protect critical infrastructure and democratic stability against hybrid threats.

Relatives describe ‘unimaginable loss’ as police seek father who is suspected of killing them before fleeing to ZimbabweTributes have been paid to three members of the same family who were found dead in their home in Bedfordshire on Monday. Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were described as much-loved members of their community who brought joy to those around them.An international manhunt is under way for their husband and father, 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who is suspected of killing them before leaving the UK for Zimbabwe. Continue reading...

Exclusive: ‘The preferred policy is, of course, a carbon price,’ Dr Huw McKay says, amid slowdown in BHP action on emissionsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA former chief economist at mining company BHP says stronger climate policy by governments is needed to “move the needle” and incentivise tough decarbonisation decisions at major resource companies.Internal documents, leaked to Guardian Australia and the ABC earlier this year, showed BHP had delayed vast renewables projects in the Pilbara, scrapped a project that would have delivered significant cuts to global emissions, and war-gamed options to push the electrification of its polluting diesel truck and train fleets into the next two decades. Continue reading...