US-Iran war reignites: What you need to know this morning (July 9, 2026)
A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appeared to collapse Thursday after Washington launched its largest military operation since the truce, striking about 90 military and strategic targets across Iran while Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. interests»»»
An Italian region defies US pressure to end a Cuban doctors program
POLISTENA: Italy’s southern Calabria region is the rare place in Europe where Cuba sends medical professionals under a long-running program that the United States wants to stamp out. Cuba’s doctors for decades have worked in developing nations such as Gambia and Venezuela, skilled in providing care»»»
US launches new strikes on Iran, Trump says they could get 'much worse'
The US military launched a new round of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, following President Donald Trump's assertion that the fragile ceasefire between the two countries was over. Trump warned that the attacks could get "much worse" if Iran perpetrated further attacks on ships in the Strait of H»»»
Philippines speeds up rooftop solar rollout with simpler rules, faster approvals — no need for Barangay permit — how it may work for you
Manila: The Philippine government has rolled out sweeping reforms aimed at making rooftop solar installations faster, cheaper and easier for households. The move forms part of the government's drive to ramp up renewable energy adoption and reduce electricity costs for consumers. And there's no need»»»
Iran will reopen Hormuz only under its own terms: Ghalibaf
Iran's chief negotiator Bagher Ghalibaf has said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen only under what he described as "Iranian arrangements," signaling that Tehran intends to retain significant control over commercial shipping despite mounting international pressure. The remarks by Ghalibaf, who is als»»»
Wall Street still bets big on SpaceX, but IPO investors aren’t so sure anymore
Dubai: SpaceX has surrendered nearly all the gains made after one of the biggest stock market debuts in recent years, raising a fundamental question for investors: has the recent sell-off created a buying opportunity, or is the market beginning to question whether even one of the world’s most ambit»»»
Greek shipowners earnt $4bn from Russian oil trade sanctions busting - FT
Greek shipping companies have earned at least $3.8bn transporting Russian crude oil since mid-2023, as a leading member of Russia’s shadow fleet, the Financial Times reported on July 7. Analysis by the FT found that Greek-owned tankers have remained among the largest carriers of Russian crude under»»»
Missile alerts sound in Bahrain and Qatar after US launches new round of airstrikes against Iran
DUBAI: Kuwait sounded its missile alert sirens early Thursday morning after Bahrain and Qatar, warning of an Iranian attack after the United States launched a new round of airstrikes targeting Iran. There was no immediate word of damage in the three Gulf Arab countries. Kuwait’s military said it wa»»»
Time for Lebanon’s Old Guard to Step Aside – Ya Libnan
Share: Illustration : Lebanon parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and former PSP leader Walid Jumblatt . Time to bid farewell and let go Leadership is measured not by how long one holds power, but by knowing when it is time to pass the torch. By: The Editorial Board, Opinion Many Lebanese believed that »»»
Saudi Arabia touts human capital investment as engine of industrialization at high-level UN forum
NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday told the United Nations that investment in human capital and the localization of knowledge are the foundation of sustainable industrialization, as the Kingdom presented its progress under Vision 2030 during a session on Sustainable Development Goal 9 — a global f»»»
Three ships, one funeral, and the collapse of command: What Iran's attacks may reveal
As millions of Iranians lined the streets to mourn their slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's political leadership projected an image of solemn unity. The elaborate funeral procession, broadcast across state television, was meant to reassure both domestic and international au»»»
Trump praises allies in press conference at end of NATO summit - UPI.com
1 of 4 | President Donald Trump, center, is greeted Wednesday by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he arrives for the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Trump held a press conference after the summit closed, saying it was a "great meeting" despite re»»»
Price shock: Crude oil jumps as US expands Iran strikes, raising fears of wider supply disruptions
Oil prices jumped sharply in early Asian trading Thursday after the United States launched military strikes on Iran's strategic port of Chabahar, escalating tensions days after the collapse of an April ceasefire and renewing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies. As of 7:49 a.m. Tokyo»»»
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem Honors Imam Khamenei’s Legacy, Warns Lebanon’s Framework Agreement Will Not Advance - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem Honors Imam Khamenei’s Legacy, Warns Lebanon’s Framework Agreement Will Not Advance 09-07-2026 01:39 AM Hezbollah»»»
Cases of cyclosporiasis, 'explosive' diarrhea illness, spike throughout United States - UPI.com
Cyclosporiasis, an infection that causes “explosive” diarrhea, is on the rise more than usual in regions throughout the United States, health officials said Wednesday. July 8 (UPI) -- Cases of cyclosporiasis, an infection that causes "explosive" diarrhea, are on the rise in regions throughout the U»»»
More than hosts: North America's World Cup coming of age
DOHA: When FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to Canada, Mexico and the United States, many expected the topic of discussion to center around logistics, sold-out stadiums, and successful engagement. Few expected all three hosts to build their own story and legacy into the tournament. From Mexico's dis»»»
FBI said to be investigating Argentine soccer federation finances - UPI.com
Argentina players celebrate after defeating Egypt 3-2 in a Round of 16 FIFA World Cup match at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Tuesday. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI | License Photo July 8 (UPI) -- As Argentina advances in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, prosecutors with the U.S. Departme»»»
Analysis: Why does North African football outperform the Middle East on the world stage?
DUBAI: Four years ago, Morocco smashed the glass ceiling for Arab teams at the World Cup. A sensational run to the semifinal, where they lost 2-0 to France, goes beyond the wildest dreams of even European and South American nations, never mind those from the region. Arab teams from North Africa hav»»»
QNB Group delivers net profit of QR8.7bn for H1, up 3%
Doha QNB Group, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa region, announced its results for the six months ended 30 June 2026. The net profit for the six months (H1) ended 30 June 2026 reached QR8.7bn, an increase of 3% compared to same period last year, demonstrating the stable»»»
Outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite grows to more than 1,000 cases
NEW YORK: Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, making it the largest such outbreak in state history and one of the nation’s largest in years. No deaths have been reported and the source of the cyclospora infections h»»»
Justin Bieber added to 11-minute World Cup final halftime show
New York: Justin Bieber has been added to the star-packed lineup of the first-ever World Cup final halftime show as organizers confirmed Wednesday that the entire musical performance will last 11 minutes. Canadian megastar Bieber joins Madonna, Shakira and K-pop sensation BTS for the Super Bowl-sty»»»
IMF cuts 2026 world growth forecast, flags risks from new Mideast fighting
WASHINGTON, United States — The IMF cut its 2026 global growth projection again Wednesday, flagging "uncertainty and risks" to the economic outlook as fighting reignited in the Middle East.Global economic growth is estimated at 3.0 per cent this year, said the International Monetary Fund, down from»»»
France's far-right leader Le Pen hits campaign trail after conviction in EU embezzlement case
France's far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen launched her fourth presidential campaign in the small town of La Flèche in the country's Loire Valley Wednesday after an appeals court cleared her to run for office – despite upholding her conviction for misusing millions of euros in public funds. French»»»
UN launches urgent inquiry into Sudan’s El-Obeid after finding ‘hallmarks of genocide’ by RSF in El-Fasher
NEW YORK CITY: Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces committed mass killings, systematic abductions of women and girls and mass gang rape in El-Fasher, the UN Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan said in a new report on Wednesday. The findings add further weight to evidence that atrocities committed by the warrin»»»
Israeli strikes, gunfire kill 4 Palestinian children in 6 days
LONDON: At least four Palestinian children in Gaza and the occupied West Bank have been killed by Israeli attacks in the past six days, according to news reports. Palestinian medics said on Wednesday that an Israeli strike hit a tent in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, in the south of the Gaza St»»»
Ukraine’s Black Sea Energy Terrorism Threatens Its Own NATO ‘Partners’
The timing of the Ukrainian drone attack on the Krasnodarskaya compressor station of the Turkiye-bound Blue Stream gas pipeline on July 7, the same day Zelensky arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit, is “very intriguing,” prolific global energy expert Dr. Mamdouh Salameh told Sputnik. Salameh could»»»
Israeli court filing on detained Gaza doctor Hussam Abu Safiya draws criticism from rights group
LONDON: An Israeli rights group said on Tuesday that a state court filing on 14 detained Gaza doctors failed to answer “serious concerns” about the condition of Palestinian physician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been held by Israel since late 2024 reportedly without charge. Physicians for Human R»»»
Breaking: Tesco could leave Hungary after more than 30 years
Tesco is reportedly considering selling its Central European operations, a move that could see the retail giant withdraw from Hungary after more than 30 years in the market. According to the Financial Times, the UK’s largest supermarket chain is working with investment bankers to evaluate strategic»»»
Champions League restarts with World Cup star Lopes of Cape Verde missing for Shamrock Rovers
GENEVA: Far from the World Cup spotlight, the Champions League has restarted with Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes unable to play because of his memorable tournament run with Cape Verde. In 10 games played Tuesday in the Champions League first qualifying round, the first goal of the se»»»
Oil prices surge on US-Iran escalation after OFAC revokes Iran oil license
Oil prices have surged as tensions between the US and Iran flared again, raising fresh concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East after Washington reinstated pressure on Tehran and resumed military strikes. The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Tuesday revoked a two-»»»
World Cup quarterfinals feature soccer powerhouses from Argentina and Spain to France and England
WASHINGTON: Eight teams are left in the World Cup, and the quarterfinals feature the top four countries in FIFA’s pretournament men’s world rankings plus two others in the top 10. France look like a juggernaut and are the betting favorite at just under 2-1, followed by Spain and defending champion »»»
Kingdom showcases Vision 2030 progress at UN’s High-Level Political Forum
NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia is participating in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development running from July 7-15 in New York, where the Kingdom will present its Voluntary National Review report detailing national progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals under the »»»
Macut hosts lunch for ambassadors of non-recognisers of so-called "Kosovo"
BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut on Wednesday hosted lunch for ambassadors of countries that do not recognise the so-called "Kosovo". Macut thanked each ambassador for the joint struggle to preserve Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and for respecting international law. "Our joint str»»»
Bulgargaz Reports 267 Million Loss in 2025 as Botas Contract Drives Financial Pressure on BulgariaOpinions
State-owned gas supplier Bulgargaz ended 2025 with a net loss of BGN 267.2 million, with the company’s annual financial report highlighting the costly impact of unused capacity under its long-term agreement with Turkish state company Botas. According to the company’s figures, payments related to ca»»»
BMG forum backs Saudi investment push as regional tensions weigh on markets
LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s investment momentum across energy, healthcare and culture continues to grow, even as renewed tensions in Iran and the Arabian Gulf continue to cloud the regional outlook. That was the message from business leaders and investors at the 18th edition of the BMG Economic Forum he»»»
Why the Damascus blasts during Macron’s visit are a blow to al-Sharaa
The twin blasts that rocked Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria this week underscore the fragility of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s authority and the security challenges he faces. They also undermine the message of stability that Damascus is striving to convey to the int»»»
Tisza MP apologises after alleged offensive remark in Parliament directed at Fidesz MP
A heated debate in Hungary’s Parliament has birthed political controversy after Krisztián Kulcsár, an MP for the governing Tisza Party, apologised for making an offensive remark during a speech by Anna Lezsák of the Fidesz-KDNP alliance. Although the alleged comment could not be heard on the offici»»»
US Could Seize Kharg Island, Reinstate Iran Naval Blockade - Trump
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States might end up taking over Iran's Kharg Island, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday amid renewed hostilities and the end of the ceasefire. "We attacked Kharg Island last night. We knocked out a piece, I said: "Don't touch the oil, because maybe we'll take»»»
What France’s repatriation of Syrian artifacts means after years of rupture
LONDON: France has returned 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts that had been in Paris since before the outbreak of the civil war in Syria, handing them back during President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Damascus. The move has been welcomed as a sign of renewed ties and respect for Syria’s cult»»»
Trump says US to give Ukraine the right to make Patriot missiles
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Washington would give Kyiv the "the right to make" Patriot air-defence missiles as he met Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky at NATO's summit. "So one of the things we're going to be talking about is we're going to give a licence to you to make Patriots. That»»»
Brazilian police search former President Bolsonaro’s home for weapons, lawyer says
SAO PAULO: Brazil’s federal police searched the home of former President Jair Bolsonaro for weapons and ammunition on Wednesday, but did not find anything, one of Bolsonaro’s lawyers said in a post on X. “The defense had already previously informed the whereabouts of all the weapons. Result: Noth»»»
Huge crowds flood Iraq’s holy cities for Khamenei funeral procession
The funeral procession of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continued to draw massive crowds as it made its way through the holy cities of Iraq, home to some of the Shia faith's most sacred shrines. The six-day funeral ceremony will conclude on Thursday when Khamenei's body is retur»»»
IMF raises Saudi Arabia’s 2027 growth forecast to 5.5% on resilience outlook
RIYADH: The International Monetary Fund has raised Saudi Arabia’s economic growth forecast for 2027 to 5.5 percent, up from the 4.5 percent it projected in April, as the Kingdom is expected to be less affected by regional disruptions due to its diversified export routes. The revised forecast, publi»»»
Bayeux Tapestry to make secret overnight journey to London for landmark exhibition
The 11th century Bayeux Tapestry will arrive in London in the coming days in a discreet overnight operation under police protection ahead of its first-ever exhibition in Britain, the UK envoy overseeing the transfer said. The 68-metre-long masterpiece, which depicts the 1066 Norman conquest of Engl»»»
Le Pen hits campaign trail morning after announcing run
LA FLECHE, France: France’s far-right supremo Marine Le Pen hit the campaign trail on Wednesday fresh off her announcement she would run for president despite an embezzlement conviction. Surrounded by crowds and journalists in the western town of La Fleche, that was won by her National Rally (RN) p»»»
Bulgaria Leads EU in Services Sector Growth with 9.3% Annual IncreaseOpinions
Bulgaria recorded the fastest annual growth in services production among European Union member states in April 2026, according to the latest preliminary figures released by Eurostat. Output in the country's services sector climbed 9.3% compared with April 2025, placing Bulgaria at the top of the EU»»»
INTERVIEW: Uzbekistan's largest lender bets on retail banking as reforms transform financial sector
The National Bank of Uzbekistan, the country’s largest commercial bank, is betting that the next phase of the country's economic transformation will be driven not by state-backed megaprojects but by households and small businesses. After a decade of reforms since Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev »»»
'Want our normal lives back': Bahrain, Kuwait residents distressed by Iran attacks
People in Bahrain and Kuwait awoke on Wednesday to the now familiar sound of warning sirens and explosions in the distance, as Iranian strikes again dashed hopes of a return to normalcy. The latest round of strikes pushed U.S. President Donald Trump to declare the ceasefire was "over", raising fear»»»
Interior Ministry Ready to Provide Evidence to OFAC on Magnitsky Sanctions Enforcement
Bulgaria's Interior Ministry has contacted the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury to say it is ready to provide evidence regarding the enforcement of sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, the Ministry said on Wednesday The Bulgarian authorities are prep»»»
Global Sport at Crossroads as Politics Takes the Field
FIFA's decision to revoke USA striker Folarin Balogun's one-match World Cup suspension has sparked a global debate over the independence of international sporting bodies. FIFA’s disciplinary committee replaced a one-match suspension for USA striker Folarin Balogun with a conditional penalty in the »»»