Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:29pm on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
US President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer would resign, accusing him of mishandling immigration and energy policies. Trump also called for increased North Sea oil production. The comments came amid growing pressure on Starmer within the Labour Party after recent political setbacks, with some MPs reportedly questioning his leadership. Despite speculation, Downing Street insists Starmer plans to remain in office and confront any leadership challenge. Senior ministers have acknowledged that the Prime Minister is assessing the political landscape, while uncertainty over his future continues to dominate British politics. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:11pm on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
Indonesia's first-ever giant panda cub, Satrio Wiratama, affectionately known as "Rio," has made his public debut at Taman Safari Indonesia in Bogor. Born on November 27, 2025, to giant pandas Hu Chun and Cai Tao, Rio is the only giant panda cub born outside China in the last three years. At around six months old, the healthy cub weighs over 11 kilograms and has begun walking independently and eating bamboo shoots. His birth is considered a milestone for wildlife conservation and symbolizes the strong friendship between Indonesia and China, attracting enthusiastic visitors from across the country. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:29pm on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
Iran has declared that it will not proceed with final negotiations with the United States unless fighting in Lebanon ends and Israeli forces withdraw from occupied areas. The stance comes amid renewed clashes involving Israel and Hezbollah, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts in Switzerland. Tehran insists that a lasting peace agreement must include guarantees for Lebanon and protection of regional allies. The impasse has added uncertainty to broader talks covering sanctions relief, nuclear issues and maritime security. Analysts warn that continued violence in Lebanon could derail the fragile diplomatic process and further intensify tensions across the Middle East. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:16pm on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
Bodycam footage released by the Los Angeles Police Department shows officers fatally shooting a dog belonging to a New York Knicks fan after responding to a 911 call. In the video, an officer can be heard exclaiming, “F**k, it’s big,” moments before opening fire on the animal. The incident has triggered widespread criticism and renewed debate over police handling of pets during emergency responses. Animal rights advocates and social media users have demanded accountability and better de-escalation training. Authorities are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting as public scrutiny intensifies over the controversial encounter.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:38am on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing renewed pressure after reports suggested he could announce plans to step down. However, Business Secretary Peter Kyle said there was “nothing” to indicate the reports were true. Speaking to Sky News, Kyle said Starmer was spending the weekend reflecting on the “political realities, challenges and opportunities” facing him. He added that the prime minister remained focused on governing and putting the country first. The comments come as more Labour MPs call for Starmer to resign following recent political setbacks and growing speculation about his future as party leader.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:16am on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
The United States and Iran began high-level talks in Switzerland on Sunday as efforts continue to end months of conflict. The discussions focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and maintaining stability in the Middle East. US Vice President JD Vance said Washington hopes to make progress on both the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. The talks follow a preliminary agreement signed earlier this week by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Meanwhile, fresh Israeli attacks in Lebanon have raised concerns about regional tensions. Pakistan is also taking part in the diplomatic discussions. (PC: AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:34am on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
The United States and Iran are set to begin the first round of peace talks in Switzerland on Sunday. Reports said Washington wants Iran to allow UN inspectors to visit its nuclear sites. In return, the US may release part of Iran’s frozen funds, starting with a $6 billion account in Qatar. US Vice President JD Vance said the goal is to create an “actual structure” for future negotiations. The talks come under a 60-day interim peace deal signed last week. Issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme and regional tensions are expected to dominate discussions. (PC:;AFP, AP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:51am on 21 Jun 2026,Sunday International
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure over his leadership. A report by The Observer said Starmer could announce plans to step down as early as Monday. The report claimed he was discussing his future with family and senior Labour figures. However, a government source denied the claim and said Starmer remains focused on running the country. Starmer said on Friday that he would fight any challenge to his leadership. Pressure increased after rival Andy Burnham won a parliamentary seat, making him eligible to launch a leadership challenge. Burnham is seen by many as a possible successor. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:54pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday International
Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing continued Israeli military strikes in Lebanon despite a renewed ceasefire agreement. Tehran described the move as a response to what it called violations of commitments linked to the US-brokered deal aimed at ending the regional conflict. The strategic waterway, crucial for global oil and gas shipments, had only recently reopened under the preliminary agreement between Iran and the United States. The latest closure comes as Iranian and US negotiators head to Switzerland for talks on implementing the deal. Meanwhile, fresh clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have raised fears of renewed instability across the Middle East. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:47pm on 20 Jun 2026,Saturday International
US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz if a final agreement with Iran is not completed within 60 days. The warning comes as American and Iranian officials prepare for talks in Switzerland aimed at turning a temporary peace deal into a long-term agreement. The negotiations follow a ceasefire and the reopening of the vital oil shipping route. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region, with Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killing several people despite a renewed ceasefire. Qatar and Switzerland are playing key roles in facilitating the diplomatic efforts. (PC: HT)