Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:06am on 25 Aug 2026,Tuesday International
Iran has said it is fully prepared to counter sweeping new US sanctions aimed at further isolating Tehran from the global economy. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said the country had plans in place to manage the measures and predicted another failure for Washington. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new sanctions would target Iran’s financial links, including sectors such as technology, gold, aviation and shipping. China opposed the unilateral measures, while analysts questioned their effectiveness, noting that China continues to buy most of Iran’s oil despite previous US sanctions. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:23am on 25 Aug 2026,Tuesday International
Iranian state television aired a video titled “Where to Kill Barron Trump” that allegedly tracked the movements of US President Donald Trump’s son and announced a $10 million bounty. The report said the video was produced by IRGC-affiliated media and broadcast on Channel 3. It also made claims about Barron Trump’s communications and security arrangements. The broadcast follows an earlier video targeting First Lady Melania Trump. Barron and Melania receive round-the-clock protection from the US Secret Service. The development comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and renewed US economic pressure on Iran. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:22pm on 24 Aug 2026,Monday International
The United States has announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, targeting sectors including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and maritime transport. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that countries and entities helping Iran move or launder money could face secondary sanctions and possible exclusion from the US dollar-based financial system. The measures are part of Washington’s wider effort to cut Iran’s access to global trade and financial networks. The latest sanctions target dozens of individuals, companies and vessels. The move increases pressure on Tehran and raises concerns for countries and businesses that maintain financial or commercial ties with Iran. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:15pm on 24 Aug 2026,Monday International
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran tried to kill one of his sons, amid continuing tensions between Israel and Tehran. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu did not identify which of his two sons was allegedly targeted. He made the claim while discussing security arrangements for former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is contesting the October 27 election. Netanyahu said round-the-clock protection was necessary against Iranian threats. The claim comes as the US-Israeli war with Iran nears six months, with diplomatic efforts stalled and the Strait of Hormuz remaining blocked, keeping global energy prices under pressure. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:06pm on 24 Aug 2026,Monday International
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed that the UK will continue supporting Ukraine despite what he called Russia's "outrageous threats". During his first official visit to Kyiv, Burnham met President Volodymyr Zelensky and chaired a Coalition of the Willing meeting. Britain will share blueprints for components used in the Scalp missile, helping Ukraine develop domestic production. Russia warned it could target future missile facilities. Burnham said allies would strengthen Ukraine's air defences and increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. The coalition also pledged to curb Russia's war funding and support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:02pm on 24 Aug 2026,Monday International
The number of U.S. military personnel killed or wounded since the start of the Iran war has risen to 774, according to the latest Pentagon data. The Defence Casualty Analysis System reported that 18 service members have been killed, while 756 have been wounded in action. The updated figures highlight the growing human cost of the conflict as Washington continues its military operations in the region. The casualties include troops injured during combat and related operations. The Pentagon regularly updates its casualty data as new information becomes available, with the latest figures marking a significant rise in U.S. military losses. (PC: Washington Post)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:49pm on 24 Aug 2026,Monday International
Singapore has announced a major family support package offering nearly S$70,000, or over $55,000, in direct assistance for every Singaporean child up to age 17. The move comes as the country’s fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.87. The package includes child credits, grants, childcare subsidies, parental leave and housing support, along with a S$10,000 baby gift. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government wants to make it easier for Singaporeans to start and raise families. The government is expected to spend nearly S$7 billion on family and parenthood initiatives this financial year. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:45pm on 24 Aug 2026,Monday International
The United States has announced fresh sanctions on Iran, stepping up economic pressure on Tehran as talks over a wider peace deal remain unresolved. The new measures are aimed at cutting off Iran’s revenue sources and increasing financial pressure on the country. US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was “collapsing”, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the move as a major financial offensive against an adversary. The sanctions come as separate negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz continue. Washington and Tehran remain locked in tensions, with no broader agreement yet reached to ease the ongoing conflict. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:43pm on 24 Aug 2026,Monday International
US President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel to 50% from January 1, 2027, escalating the trade dispute between the two countries. The announcement followed the collapse of trade talks between Washington and Ottawa. Trump accused Canada of imposing unfair tariffs on US farmers and said Canada had taken advantage of the United States for years. Canada has already indicated it could retaliate against US tariffs on a range of American goods. Trump said manufacturers could avoid the higher duties by producing vehicles and automotive parts in the United States. The proposed increase would further intensify trade tensions between the two closely linked North American economies.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:01pm on 24 Aug 2026,Monday International
The Trump administration on August 24 released a proposed regulation to codify a fee of more than $100,000 on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. President Donald Trump had first imposed the fee through a temporary proclamation last year, but courts blocked it. The proposed fee would significantly increase the cost of H-1B visas, which are widely used by the technology, education and research sectors. The move is facing legal challenges, with lawsuits arguing that the administration’s power to restrict entry does not allow it to override the law establishing the H-1B visa programme. The proposal could therefore face further legal scrutiny as the administration seeks to formalise the unprecedented charge. (PC: Getty Images)