Iran again strikes Kuwait's power and desalination plants
Kuwait said Tuesday that Iran had again attacked power and desalination plants critical to the tiny desert nation. The statement from Kuwait’s Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Ministry said that Tehran had struck the plants for a fourth day in a row on Monday night. It said the attacks spark»»»
Aoun-Trump meeting: Hezbollah's disarmament and Israeli withdrawal
President Joseph Aoun is set to meet with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, as pressure builds for Beirut to disarm Hezbollah, Israel's key condition before withdrawing from south Lebanon. It comes a day after the United States, which has sponsored negotiations between Leb»»»
Seoul says cooperation with NATO aimed at global peace, seeks stable relations with Russia - UPI.com
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (2-L) participates in a panel at the NATO Defense Industry Forum in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7. File Photo by Yonhap South Korea's proposed cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is aimed at enhancing their own respective contributions to »»»
Saudi Islamic banks hold 76% of sector’s assets, led by Vision 2030: S&P
RIYADH: Islamic banks account for about 76 percent of the sector’s assets in Saudi Arabia, with Vision 2030 driving growth in corporate finance, infrastructure and small-business funding, a new analysis showed. In its latest report, S&P Global Ratings said the Kingdom has one of the world’s largest»»»
Information of all S. Korean diplomats presumed to be leaked: officials - UPI.com
The personal information of all South Korean diplomats is believed to have been leaked due to a data breach at the Korean National Diplomatic Academy, officials said Tuesday. The academy, in southern Seoul, is seen here Tuesday. Photo by Yonhap Personal information of all South Korean diplomats was»»»
Lebanon's Aoun to press Trump for Israeli troop withdrawal as pressure builds to disarm Hezbollah
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is expected to present a plan to his US counterpart Donald Trump Tuesday on how to disarm Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which Israel has made a key condition of its withdrawal from the lands that its troops occupy in the country's south. Lebanese President Jos»»»
India's Cockroach party leads thousands of youth in protest to parliament
Demonstrators in the Indian capital have marched to parliament as they demand the sacking of the country's education minister. The youth-led Cockroach movement, started as a satirical&»»»
MP: If US Planes Return to Bulgaria, Greece Should Deploy Patriot Systems
Representatives of "Democratic Bulgaria" said their parliamentary group will decide whether to support the deployment of US tanker aircraft at Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base only after receiving detailed information from the government and the country's security institutions. Speaking to reporters, Iva»»»
Healthcare: UNICEF/WHO report: Romania's vaccination coverage below recommended levels in 2025
Vaccination coverage in Romania remained below recommended levels in 2025, shows a report published on Wednesday by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the released data, tens of thousands of children were not immunised against serious diseases such as measles, diphtheria, »»»
Real Estate: Bucharest among Europe’s most cost-competitive logistics markets
Romania’s logistics and industrial market remains one of the most competitive in Europe in terms of occupancy costs. With an average prime industrial rent of €4.8/ sq. m/ month, Bucharest ranks as the fourth most affordable market among the European locations analyzed, at a time when companies worl»»»
Serbia to launch Chinese-backed humanoid robot production in August
Serbia will begin producing Chinese-backed humanoid robots next month, President Aleksandar Vucic said on July 13, as Belgrade seeks to position itself as a regional hub for advanced technology, Beta reported. Vucic said that production at a plant in the western town of Šabac would start by the end»»»
Erdogan's revolver diplomacy left Nato leaders with a loaded problem
Most Nato summits end with a communiqué. This one ended with customs problems. As leaders prepared to leave Ankara this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented each visiting head of state with an engraved Turkish-made revolver complete with ammunition and cleaning kit — prompting a f»»»
'Labour thinks it has responsibility to prevent the rise of Reform UK', historian says
Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, Martin Farr, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary British History at Newcastle University, explains that "the Labour Party members and its MPs think that it's their responsibility to prevent" the rise to power of right-wing populist party Reform UK, and that has»»»
Lebanese army deploys to three southern pilot zones under US-backed security framework
The Lebanese army began assuming security responsibilities in three southern villages on Monday under a US-backed pilot initiative, the State Department said. Operations in Froun, Srifa and Zawtar al-Gharbiya mark the first implementation of a framework aimed at enabling a phased Israeli withdrawal»»»
Expanded 2026 North American World Cup: Spain's 'diligent' performance to Messi's enduring legacy
Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Robbie Knock, Lead Commentator and sports journalist. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered not only for Spain's triumph on the pitch but also for the way football became enmeshed in politics, entertainment, institutional scrutiny, and the closing chapter of on»»»
Who is Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s new leader?
Hamas on Monday named Khalil al-Hayya, one of the founding members of the Palestinian militant group, as its new leader. Hayya is seen as a respected and pragmatic Hamas veteran “who doesn’t get carried away easily”. Last year, he survived an Israeli attack in Doha targeting the Hamas leadership wh»»»
Graham's "hellish" Russian sanctions bill moving forward
A US sanctions bill originally promoted by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal has moved close to passage after being stalled in Congress for more than a year. The latest compromise has the support of the White House, Republicans and a significant number of Democrats, Th»»»
Scoop - The Trump administration subpoenas journalists over Air Force One reporting
This week FRANCE 24's media show "Scoop" looks at US President Donald Trump's latest attempt to intimidate the press. The New York Times broke the story that the Qatari-donated Air Force One plane had security concerns: the US President was flying on a plane that more vulnerable than another that w»»»
At least six dead after earthquake hits Peru's Andes
In the Andes, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake has hit Peru. At least six people died in the quake and more than 30 have been injured, according to local authorities. Damage was compounded by the area's rustic constructions - adding to that that the earthquake's epicenter was close to the surface.»»»
US strikes Iran for ninth consecutive day as more ships targeted in Strait of Hormuz
The United States carried out a new wave of strikes in Iran on Monday as US deaths in the renewed fighting climbed to three and more ships came under attack in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting US military assets in Bahrain, the home of the US Navy's 5th Fleet, a»»»
How state actors are exploiting climate crises to spread disinformation
The number of extreme weather events is on the rise, and some states are taking advantage of these climate crises to spread disinformation. A report by France's Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS) says that climate disinformation has become a “tool for destabilisation”. »»»
Government Seeks Parliament's Approval for US Aircraft Deployment at Bezmer Air Base, Parties Take Positions
The Council of Ministers on Monday proposed that Parliament authorize the deployment of up to eight US KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft, up to 250 US military personnel and related equipment at Bezmer Air Base between July 24 and October 1 to support US operations in the Middle East, prompting mix»»»
Opposition MPs Disrupt Parliament Session, Blocking Speaker’s Podium
Parliament was thrown into disruption on Monday after opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Party (PD) blocked the speaker’s podium, preventing the normal proceedings of a plenary session. The lawmakers refused to allow the scheduled presentation by Ombudsperson Endrit Shabani, arguing that his »»»
Modernizing Armed Forces Remains Defence Ministry's Top Priority
Ensuring national security through the development of modern, effective and interoperable armed forces remains a leading priority for the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Defence Minister Lyubomir Monov said during his address to the annual conference of Bulgaria's ambassadors and permanent representati»»»
Average gas price hits $4 again in U.S. as Iran war intensifies - UPI.com
The average price of a gallon of regular grade gasoline in the United States has again reached $4 on Monday with renewed fighting in Iran. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo July 20 (UPI) -- The average price of a gallon of regular grade gasoline in the United States has again reached $4»»»
Vazrazhdane Will Not Support Bulgaria's Involvement in Iran Conflict, MP Ganev Says over US Refuelling Aircraft Proposal
Vazrazhdane is the only political force that will not support Bulgaria's involvement in the conflict with Iran, the party's deputy leader and Deputy Parliament Chair, Tsoncho Ganev, told reporters on Monday. He was commenting on Prime Minister Rumen Radev's statement that the government would ask P»»»
Bulgaria Ranks Third in EU for Clean Bathing Waters, Ahead of Spain and ItalyOpinions
Bulgaria has ranked among the European Union's top performers for bathing water quality, placing third in the latest annual assessment by the European Environment Agency for the 2025 season. According to the report, 96.9% of the country's monitored bathing sites achieved the highest possible classi»»»
Continue the Change Awaits PM's Recommendations on Bezmer Tanker Aircraft
Continue the Change said it expects Prime Minister Rumen Radev's recommendations to Parliament regarding the deployment of US tanker aircraft at Bezmer Air Base, according to a position published on the party's Facebook page on Monday. The statement came after Radev said the government would propos»»»
Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,741
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Monday, gaining 25.17 points, or 0.23 percent, to close at 10,741.99. The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR3.95 billion ($1.05 billion), with 78 listed stocks advancing and 179 declining. The MSCI Tadawul Index also increased»»»
Andy Burnham wants to lead the UK 'differently': how different can he be?
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and new leader of the Labour Party, is taking the final steps to become prime minister and succeed to Keir Starmer. While he has vowed to do things dif»»»
Radev: Bulgaria Must Become One of the EU’s Top Investment DestinationsOpinions
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Bulgaria should position itself as one of the European Union’s most attractive destinations for investment, emphasizing that the country has the necessary conditions to develop modern industries and strengthen its role in regional connectivity. Addressing Bulgaria’s »»»
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis announce maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday announced a maritime embargo of their foe Saudi Arabia, after the pair traded fire last week for the first time in years. The rebels "declare a maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy, based on the equation of 'an eye for an eye,' effective imme»»»
Russian disinformation campaign fails to fan flames of Ukrainian Defence Minister Fedorov sacking
Russian state media and pro-Kremlin Telegram channels failed to turn Ukrainian public opinion against the sacked former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov before his dismissal, according to an analysis of almost 7,000 publications that tracked the competing narratives surrounding his removal. The st»»»
War enters brutal tit-for-tat phase as Ukraine strikes civilian targets destroying Wildberries warehouse
The Ukraine war enters brutal tit-for-tat phase with escalating strikes on civilian targets, Wildberries warehouse destroyed The Ukraine war has entered a new brutal tit-for-tat phase where both sides are increasingly targeting civilian infrastructure in an effort to make life unliveable for the p»»»
Russian gains increase pressure on Ukraine's Donbas strongholds
Russian forces are steadily increasing pressure on Ukraine's remaining strongholds in the Donbas, with incremental battlefield gains raising the prospect that Moscow could soon bring its offensive to the doorstep of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, the two largest Ukrainian-controlled cities in the region»»»
Aoun to reportedly discuss with Trump a proposal for addressing Hezbollah's arms
Talks between President Joseph Aoun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio covered several topics, most notably the implementation of the framework agreement with Israel, providing full support to the Lebanese Army, and addressing the Lebanese government's program regarding investments, reconstruc»»»
Hamas says Khalil al-Hayya elected as group's new chief
Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas announced Monday that it had elected Khalil al-Hayya, the group's lead negotiator in indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, as the new head of its political bureau. "The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announces the election of brother mujahid Khalil al-Hayya »»»
Indian police baton-charge 'Cockroach Party' protesters marching to parliament
Armoured riot police charged demonstrators taking part in a banned march on parliament in India's capital New Delhi on Monday linked to growing anger over irregularities in major university examinations. Saurav Das, a spokesperson for the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, said that two me»»»
UK prepares to get its seventh prime minister in a decade
After UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes his farewell speech outside 10 Downing Street on July 20 and formally tenders his resignation to King Charles, Andy Burnham will be received in Buckingham Palace to be made the country's seventh prime minister in a decad»»»
Hungary PM Magyar proposes chess grandmaster Judit Polgar for president
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar will meet with former chess champion Judit Polgar on Monday to ask her if she will serve as the country's next president. Hungarian lawmakers last week passed an amendment removing the current president from office after Magyar accused him of being a "puppet" o»»»
Andy Burnham expected to focus on UK's cost-of-living in first speech
Britain's incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, has signalled that he will be focusing on cost-of-living and other domestic issues. He will outline the detail of the direction his premiership will take on July 20 during his first speech at 10 Downing Street. FRANCE 24's Rochelle Ferguson-Bouyahi t»»»
As UK's Keir Starmer says farewell, his successor faces a 'colossal task'
UK PM Keir Starmer is resigning on July 20, with new Labour leader Andy Burnham set to take on UK premiership. But where will Burnham take the country once he is in power? While he has signaled he would focus on social issues, he has faced criticism regarding the clarity of his programme. FRANCE 24»»»
Bulgaria: GERB Supports US Planes at Bezmer, Questions Radev Over Visa Promise
Opposition party GERB said it would support the deployment of US tanker aircraft at Bulgaria’s Bezmer Air Base but criticized Prime Minister Rumen Radev over what the party described as contradictory messages regarding the presence of American military aircraft in the country. Speaking at a party b»»»
Progressive Bulgaria MP Praises Foreign Minister Petrova for Defending National Interests
Slavi Vassilev, deputy chairman of the parliamentary group of Progressive Bulgaria, defended Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova against criticism over her foreign policy positions, saying she was the first Bulgarian foreign minister in recent decades to stand up so strongly for the country’s intere»»»
Saudi lenders Bank Albilad, Arab National Bank report higher Q2 earnings
RIYADH: Saudi lenders Bank Albilad and Arab National Bank reported higher second-quarter profits as stronger financing income and operating revenue boosted earnings, latest bourse filings showed. Bank Albilad posted a 3.4 percent year-on-year increase in second-quarter net profit attributable to sh»»»
Top diplomats of S. Korea, U.S., Japan to meet in Manila this week - UPI.com
This file photo shows South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (C), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7. File Photo courtesy of South Korea Foreign Ministry The top diplomats of South Korea, th»»»
Seoul stocks dip over 4 pct on extended chip rout, Mideast tensions - UPI.com
This photo, taken Monday, shows the trading room of Hana Bank in Seoul as South Korean stocks fell by more than four percent on AI concerns amid Middle East tensions. Photo by Yonhap South Korean stocks closed more than 4 percent lower Monday, as artificial intelligence (AI) woes resurfaced amid es»»»
EIB approves EUR 800 million loan for Cernavodă Unit 1 refurbishment
S.N. Nuclearelectrica S.A. announced that the European Investment Bank’s Board of Directors approved an EUR 800 million loan for the refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant on 15 July 2026, describing it as landmark financing for Romania and the nuclear energy industry. In line»»»
'Last chance': Labour's Andy Burnham set to take over as new British PM
Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is set to become the new UK prime minister Monday after being asked by King Charles III to form a government. Burnham is expected to announce his senior cabinet appointments later in the day. Andy Burnham will on Monday become Britain's seventh prime min»»»
'Absolute joy spilling out' for Spain's 'new golden generation' of football
By winning the World Cup final against Argentina, Spain has become the first country to hold the men's and the women's title at the same time. The men's team is now at 38 consecutive successful games, a record. Now, Madrid is preparing for the celebrations that will mark the return of La Roja to it»»»