Full text of Lebanon-Israel framework agreement
Below is the full text of the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement brokered by the Trump administration as published by Axios journalist Barak Ravid: TRILATERAL FRAMEWORK BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE STATE OF ISRAEL, AND THE REPUBLIC OF LEBANON The Government of Israel and the Government»»»
Venezuelans search for missing as earthquake death toll climbs
The death toll from the twin earthquakes in Venezuela continued to rise on Friday, with at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing, as distress grew among Venezuelans. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck late Wednesday left a landscape of devastation, with countless collapsed buildings»»»
Trump threatens 100% tariffs for nations with digital service taxes - UPI.com
President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 100% tariff against any country that levies digital services taxes, which he considers to be an attack on U.S. companies. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo June 26 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on»»»
CDC increases response level to Ebola outbreak - UPI.com
June 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday increased its response level to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. In an update to reporters, Satish Pillai, the Ebola response incidence manager at the CDC, said public health officia»»»
Middle East war: Lebanon, Israel and US sign framework agreement in Washington
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon following talks held in Washington. Nada Hamadeh, ambassador of Lebanon to the United States described the framework as "a first step on the road of restoring Lebanese sovereignty and terri»»»
Syria hosts Geneva roundtable on recovery and sustainable development
Geneva, June 26 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, in partnership with R-SEAT and the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva, hosted a high-level roundtable on Syria’s recovery on Friday on the sidelines of the first Syria Mine Action Partners Confere»»»
More than a month into DR Congo Ebola outbreak, doctors warn 'this epidemic will last'
While France confirmed its first case of Ebola, reports of people successfully treated for the condition are also emerging from Mongbwalu, the epicentre of the epidemic in the eastern part of the DRC. Although successful treatments are sparking hope among teams on the ground, health professionals r»»»
US strikes Iran after attack on commercial ship
The US military has conducted strikes against Iran in response to an attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command has said. CENTCOM said US forces carried out the strikes on June 26, describing them as a “powerful response” to what it called Iran’s attack the previous»»»
Europe on high alert as deadly heat set to move east and south
The unprecedented heatwave that has been hitting Europe since the beginning of the week is spreading east and south across the continent, leading to the cancellation of events as temperatures exceed 35C and hospitals are becoming overwhelmed with demand. Health authorities across Europe were on hig»»»
Humanitarian disaster looms in Sudan as Rapid Support Forces encircle El-Obeid, UN warns
NEW YORK CITY: The escalating conflict in Sudan’s North Kordofan state risks triggering a humanitarian catastrophe on the scale of last year’s siege of El-Fasher. The warning from UN officials to the Security Council on Friday came as drone strikes intensified around the city of El-Obeid, putting a»»»
Massive Saharan dust clouds to approach Florida, Gulf this weekend - UPI.com
Dust in the Caribbean on visible satellite Friday morning. (NOAA/CIRA) It's Saharan dust season in the Atlantic, the time of year when massive clouds of dust from Africa's Sahara Desert are carried westward by winds, sometimes traveling thousands of miles to the United States. Where is the dust now»»»
Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Jordanian, Omani counterparts
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate telephone calls with his Jordanian and Omani counterparts on Friday to discuss the latest developments in the region and ongoing diplomatic coordination. During a call with Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign A»»»
Official who claimed to have teleported to Waffle House fired at FEMA - UPI.com
June 26 (UPI) -- A Federal Emergency Management Agency official who claims he was once teleported to a Waffle House has been ousted from the agency, unnamed sources familiar with the situation told media outlets Friday. Gregg Phillips, who was appointed to lead the Office of Response and Recovery i»»»
UAE allocates $10 million for Venezuela earthquake relief under President's directives
Abu Dhabi: Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has announced an urgent humanitarian response through the UAE Aid Agency to support those affected by the two earthquakes that struck off the northern coast near the city of Moron in Venezuela. The»»»
Gargash: Diplomacy must go hand in hand with sovereignty and international law
Abu Dhabi: Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said the country's position on regional developments was reflected "clearly and transparently" during Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan's telephone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reaffirming the UAE's suppo»»»
TSA expects to screen nearly 19M people during week of July 4 - UPI.com
The TSA said on Friday that it expects roughly 18.7 million people to be screened at U.S. airports during the July 4 holiday week, with more than 3 million people expected to travel on July 2 alone. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 26 (UPI) -- The Transportation Security Administr»»»
Saudi Arabia bets on ‘red gold’ for agricultural growth
MAKKAH: As Saudi Arabia expands saffron cultivation across regions including AlUla, Tabuk and Al-Baha, scientists are exploring ways to improve the productivity and quality of one of the world’s most valuable crops. Prof. Salim Al-Babili, associate vice president for research for plant science at K»»»
Ebola epidemic deaths exceed 300 in DR Congo
KINSHASA: The Ebola epidemic has claimed more than 300 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a little over one month after it was declared, health authorities said on Friday. The deadly viral disease, which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, can cause severe bleeding and organ »»»
Hezbollah claims hits on Israel’s Iron Dome but videos show strikes on decoys
As the on-again, off-again fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia has revealed its deadly FPV drone fleet: small quadcopters equipped with light explosives. Analysis of videos of the attacks suggests the Israeli army has turned to a Second World War-era trick to»»»
Civil Protection urges vigilance to prevent fires during periods of intense heat
Tunis, June 26 (TAP) - The National Civil Protection Office urged citizens on Friday to follow simple prevention guidelines to avoid starting fires along motorways, amid rising temperatures.The Office specifically recommends refraining from throwing...»»»
Italy and France oppose EU travel ban for Russian servicemen
France and Italy have pushed back against an EU proposal to ban Russian servicemen and veterans from entering the bloc, warning that the measure is legally unclear and difficult to enforce, Bloomberg has reported, citing diplomatic sources. Moscow has denounced the proposal as “paranoid,” while cri»»»
Trump accuses Iran of breaking cease-fire with attack on ships - UPI.com
People enjoy the beach at the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Sea off Muscat, Oman, in May. President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the cease-fire Friday. File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI | License Photo June 26 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has attacked ships in th»»»
Hezbollah leader says Israel must leave ‘humiliated,’ calls Iran ‘path to salvation’ - UPI.com
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem seen in June 19, 2024. He spoke in a televised speech Friday, marking Ashura, the culmination of a 10-day mourning period observed by Shiite Muslims. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/UPI BEIRUT, June 26 (UPI) -- Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said »»»
What the Khorfakkan Mango Festival offers to local farmers and families
Sharjah: In Khorfakkan, a mango is never just a mango. It is the result of months of care, irrigation, patience, and planning. It is also a competition entry, a source of income, a family project, and, for many growers, a livelihood rooted in the land. From today, June 26, that story has unfolded p»»»
Syria’s Agriculture Minister, Egyptian businessman Sawiris discuss investment scopes
Damascus, June 26 (SANA) Syrian Agriculture Minister Basel al-Suwaidan met on Friday with Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris to discuss investment opportunities in Syria’s agricultural sector and the incentives available to investors under the new investment law, the ministry said. Al-Suwaidan str»»»
Brussels separates Ukraine and Moldova on EU accession track as merit-based approach takes hold
The EU has effectively separated the accession trajectories of Ukraine and Moldova, with each country now expected to advance towards membership at its own pace after the opening of the first negotiating cluster, reported European Pravda. The shift reflects a more explicitly “merit-based” approach »»»
Venezuela earthquake death toll jumps to 589 as 50,000 remain missing
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela: More than 50,000 people were missing Friday after twin earthquakes in Venezuela, the United Nations' aid chief told AFP as international rescue teams and sniffer dogs arrived to join a desperate search for survivors. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez said the death toll was no»»»
Trump threatens 100 per cent tariff on EU countries over digital services tax
US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to slap a 100 percent tariff on European countries that impose a digital services tax, adding that existing trade deals would be scrapped. "Any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the »»»
Syria Won't Wage Israel's War Against Hezbollah - Political Analyst
No matter how hard Trump may pressure it, saying that Syria can take care of Lebanon is "a big fantasy that has nothing to do with reality," veteran war correspondent and political analyst Elijah J. Magnier tells Sputnik. Syria's military lacks the means to wage war against Hezbollah, as Syrian ars»»»
Palisades Fire: Judge declares mistrial in Jonathan Rinderknect case - UPI.com
Jonathan Rinderknecht pleaded not guilty to three charges related to the setting of the Palisades Fire in 2025. File Photo courtesy of Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli | License Photo June 26 (UPI) -- A federal judge declared a mistrial Friday after a jury said it couldn't reach a verdict»»»
Tripartite Council to Discuss 2026 Draft Budgets on Monday, Trade Unions Call Protest Rally
The National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTC) will hold an extraordinary sitting at the Council of Ministers building on Monday to discuss the draft 2026 State Budget Act, the draft 2026 Public Social Insurance Budget Act and the draft 2026 National Health Insurance Fund Budget Act, the Ca»»»
Small plane crashes into Beijing's tallest building - UPI.com
China's Citic tower stands in Beijing in May. A small plane crashed into the tower on Friday. File Pool Photo by Maxim Shemetov/EPA June 26 (UPI) -- A small plane crashed into the tallest building in Beijing Friday, social media video and eyewitness reports have shown. The Chinese government hasn't»»»
Red Sea Global celebrates latest graduates of vocational training program
JEDDAH: The graduation ceremony of the fourth cohort of Red Sea Global’s Vocational Training Program was held on Thursday, with Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, governor of Jeddah, in attendance, along with Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Red Sea Glob»»»
Mongolia's risky fuel strategy gamble
In Brief Mongolia’s dependence on Russian fuel gives it short-term supply stability but leaves it structurally exposed. Russia’s temporary petrol export ban spared Mongolia through bilateral arrangements, underscoring the strength of the relationship while revealing the risks of relying on Moscow. »»»
Amnesty: Four Months after Horrific Minab School Airstrike by USA, Accountability Delayed
Nearly four months after the U.S. airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, which killed more than 150 people, including 120 children, Amnesty International USA’s National Director for Government Relations & Advocacy, Amanda Klasing, said: “It’s been four months since the»»»
Velayati Highlights Iran’s Role in Strait of Hormuz Stability
Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser on international affairs to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, lashed out at the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council for its recent joint statement with the US against Iran, emphasizing Tehran’s key role in regional maritime stability.In a post on his X account »»»
Trump foe John Bolton pleads guilty to retaining classified information
GREENBELT, United States: Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to illegally retaining classified information, sealing a deal with federal prosecutors that could allow him to avoid a prison term. Bolton, who became an outspoken critic of Presiden»»»
Former Trump national security adviser Bolton pleads guilty in classified files case
John Bolton, a former national security adviser to US President Donald Trump who has since become one of his most vocal critics, pleaded guilty Friday to withholding classified documents related to national defence. Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on»»»
UN demands probes into US ICE custody deaths
GENEVA: The United Nations on Friday demanded independent investigations into dozens of deaths in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since last year — and swift action to prevent more people from dying. At least 52 deaths have been reported in ICE holding facilities since the star»»»
Doves and hawks vie for Putin's attention to end the Ukraine war, but the “wait-and-see” camp remains in charge
Tensions in the Kremlin are rising as the economy tanks and trust in the president is starting to wane. There is a growing consensus it’s high time to end the war in Ukraine. Two factions have appeared and are vying for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attention: the doves that want to freeze the»»»
UAE says technical malfunction in early warning system resolved
Doha, Qatar: The United Arab Emirates' National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has clarified that a technical malfunction in the country's early warning system on Friday evening, June 26, resulted in the accidental sending of incorrect warning messages. The Authority con»»»
CEU may return degree programmes to Budapest in major turnaround after years in Vienna!
The Central European University (CEU) could once again offer degree programmes in Budapest, nearly eight years after relocating its US-accredited courses to Vienna. University representatives say CEU is preparing to become a dual-campus institution, with accredited programmes operating in both Aust»»»
Qatar sends six aircraft in support of those affected by earthquakes in Venezuela
Doha, Qatar: In implementation of the directives of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has responded urgently, in collaboration with the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group affiliated with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the Qatar R»»»
NGOs demand international action to avert ‘atrocities’ in Sudan’s Obeid
GENEVA: Dozens of NGOs, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, called Friday for international action to avert looming “atrocities” in the Sudanese city of El-Obeid. In an open letter addressed to member and observer states to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the 38 NGOs ur»»»
Venezuela: 'An earthquake of this magnitude would have put in difficulty any country on this planet'
William Hilderbrandt is pleased to welcome Paolo Cravero, Senior Officer for Communications and Media Relations at the IFRC. The devastating earthquake in Venezuela has exposed not only the immense human cost of a natural disaster, but also the complex interplay between humanitarian response, »»»
Spotlight - 'A very different Afghanistan: Violence now linked to socioeconomic pressures'
François Picard is pleased to welcome Silvia Boccardi, a freelance journalist based in Rome. Nearly five years after the Taliban's return to power, Afghanistan occupies an uneasy position in international politics. As European governments increasingly seek practical engagement with the authorities »»»
Romania Detains Bulgarian Suspect in Major Gambling Bribery InvestigationOpinions
A Bulgarian national has been detained in Romania in connection with a wide-ranging corruption investigation involving the country’s gambling regulator, the National Gambling Office (ONJN). The case is being handled by Romania’s National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), which says the probe conce»»»
Beyond the terminal: A calling from ‘Inevitable India’
There is an experience every NRI knows by heart. You land in India after years, clear the terminal faster than you expected and step into a country that is somehow not quite the one you left. The airport is more tech-enabled, the billboards flashing past are increasingly aspirational. By the time y»»»
Mongolia's risky fuel strategy gamble
In Brief Mongolia’s dependence on Russian fuel gives it short-term supply stability but leaves it structurally exposed. Russia’s temporary petrol export ban spared Mongolia through bilateral arrangements, underscoring the strength of the relationship while revealing the risks of relying on Moscow. »»»
Crimea declares State of Emergency amid Ukrainian attacks on Russia - UPI.com
A woman walks past a patriotic mural in the Black Sea resort Yalta, Crimea, on July 24, 2023. Russian authorities declared a State of Emergency in Crimea on Friday as Ukraine launched a wave of drone strikes on the region. File Photo by Stringer/EPA-EFE June 26 (UPI) -- Russian authorities declared»»»