NSW to ban new coalmines – but will allow existing ones to get even bigger

• The potential resolution of the conflict between the US and Iran through negotiation and economic compromise suggests a global shift toward pragmatism over ideological absolutism. • Current state behavior indicates that national security and economic prosperity are now prioritized over shared ideological alignment.

• The U.S. and Israel have concluded a targeted military attack against Iran, marking the end of a specific escalation cycle. • The operation reflects the ongoing volatility of the Middle East, where strategic strikes are used to deter Iranian aggression and protect regional allies.

• A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is facing a critical test following new attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. • The instability occurs shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio and ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon announced a "framework deal" between those nations.

• Israel launched strikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least one death according to state media. • The attacks occurred just one day after Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement intended to stabilize the region.

• India is engaging in strategic missile diplomacy amidst a volatile 2026 war in the Persian Gulf that has seen the UAE targeted by over 2,800 Iranian missiles and drones. • The conflict has caused severe global instability by shuttering the Strait of Hormuz and triggering a widespread energy crisis.

• Reports indicate that Vladimir Putin is losing control over Crimea, as residents are either desperately searching for fuel or fleeing the peninsula. • The instability is highlighted by images showing critical resource shortages and a growing exodus of the local population.

• Iranian forces launched two attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz this week, including a June 25 strike on the Singapore-flagged container ship M/V Ever Lovely. • The M/V Ever Lovely is operated by Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine, highlighting the risk to international shipping lanes in one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.

• The chairman of the Doha International Center for Interdialogue (DICID) emphasized that dialogue is a strategic necessity for enhancing social cohesion and reducing divisions rooted in religion, identity, and culture. • Speaking in Nicosia, the chairman highlighted how these initiatives promote shared citizenship and peaceful coexistence by framing diversity as a source of human development and cultural enrichment.

• A devastating earthquake in Venezuela has resulted in at least 1,430 deaths, sparking widespread public outcry. • Frustration is mounting among survivors and families as they criticize the government's slow and inadequate emergency response.

Analysts and western leaders believe Iran will increase support of militia groups despite deal between US and IranAs Marco Rubio ended his brief visit to the Middle East on Friday, he sought to cast in the best possible light his discussions with leaders of the Gulf states. Those leaders are deeply anxious that the deal agreed earlier this month between Iran and the US fails to address their worries about continued Iranian efforts to project power and influence throughout the region.“They’ve shared with us some very concrete concerns,” the US secretary of state admitted, and insisted that any definitive agreement will require Tehran to not only restrict its nuclear programme but also halt its support of Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, militia in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Concerns in-person vote system is giving bigger say to organised fringe activists who can attend conferenceSenior Greens are examining ways to revamp the party’s structures to make it more effective and representative now its membership has more than tripled since Zack Polanski became leader.Under the party’s direct-democracy model, policy is voted on only by members who attend one of its two annual conferences, a system some Greens believe risks empowering organised fringe activists who make the effort to travel to the events. Continue reading...

Reports claim replacement being lined up for co-founder amid concern over high pay and company’s struggling share priceThe boss of Ocado has collected nearly £100m since the online grocery company floated on the stock market in 2010, despite its share price now languishing below its flotation level, analysis has shown.Tim Steiner, a former Goldman Sachs trader who co-founded the British technology company in 2000, is thought to be in discussions over his future after it emerged Ocado had approached at least one potential replacement. Continue reading...