Ukraine and nine European countries have agreed to build a shared ballistic missile defence system to improve regional security. The announcement was made at a meeting in Paris attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. The coalition aims to protect Europe from growing missile threats and will use Ukraine's experience from the war with Russia. Other countries can join the initiative in the future. Zelenskyy also called for stronger air defences for Ukraine before winter. Russia criticised the plan, calling it a hostile move. The new alliance shows Europe's continued support for Ukraine during the war.

US judge has cancelled a legal settlement between President Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. The agreement had protected Trump from future tax audits and included plans for a $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund. Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the lawsuit was filed for an improper purpose. She also referred one of Trump's lawyers for a possible ethics investigation. The ruling prevents those involved from using the settlement in future legal cases. It also allows the IRS to carry out future tax audits if needed. Trump's legal team said the case was about protecting private tax information. (PC: Getty Images)

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to charge a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran has always protected the waterway and should be recognised for keeping it safe. However, he called the proposed 20% fee too high and said Iran would be fair. Trump said the US would act as the guardian of the strait and collect the fee to cover security costs. The exchange comes as tensions remain high over shipping and regional security in the Gulf.

US President Donald Trump announced the reimposition of what he called an "Iranian blockade", saying Washington would assume responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz and seek a 20 per cent reimbursement fee on all cargo transiting the strategic waterway. The announcement followed Trump's earlier statement that the United States would "take control" of the Strait and become its "Guardian". The move marks a sharp escalation in US rhetoric amid intensifying military tensions with Iran following days of exchanges in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, carrying a significant share of global energy shipments through the region daily.

Iran has suspended implementation of its memorandum of understanding with the United States, accusing Washington of violating a ceasefire agreement and ruling out a second round of talks in Islamabad. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said bilateral relations had entered a period of uncertainty, blaming the US for failing to honour its commitments. Tehran defended its recent military actions as self-defence and criticised US operations in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging they had worsened regional insecurity. While insisting it remains committed to ensuring safe maritime navigation, Iran accused Washington of escalating tensions through its military presence. The dispute follows renewed hostilities after attacks on commercial vessels near the Hormuz. (PC: X)

At least 28 people were killed and 71 were injured after a fire broke out at a bar in Bangkok late on Sunday. Officials said 25 people are in critical condition. The fire started near the stage and spread quickly, filling the building with thick smoke. Many victims were found in a bathroom where they had tried to escape the flames. Early reports suggest an electrical fault in an air conditioner may have caused the fire, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have promised a full inquiry. The tragedy has raised fresh concerns about fire safety in Thailand.

A large wildfire continues to burn in the Fontainebleau forest, about 60 km south-east of Paris. The fire has destroyed around 800 hectares of land and forced the partial closure of a major highway. Firefighters are working for a second day to control the flames. Planes and helicopters have been sent to help. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the fire may have been started on purpose after officials found several ignition points. France is facing its third heatwave this year. Hot weather and dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires across the country.

The United Kingdom has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and another Iran-linked group as terrorist organisations following a series of alleged antisemitic attacks on British soil. The move gives authorities stronger legal powers to disrupt activities, freeze assets and prosecute those linked to the groups. The UK government said the decision is aimed at protecting national security and tackling threats linked to foreign-backed extremism. Iran has rejected similar accusations in the past. The designation marks a significant escalation in tensions between London and Tehran amid growing concerns over Iran-linked activities in Britain. (PC: India Today)

Iranian hardline officials have warned that the country could emerge as the dominant power in the Middle East if the United States fails to remove Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei from power. According to the report, Tehran believes it has strengthened its regional position despite months of conflict with the US and Israel. Iranian leaders are also focused on securing long-term control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The report suggests Iran sees its current position as an opportunity to expand its influence while challenging US dominance and reshaping the regional balance of power. (PC: HT)

More than 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes during the record-breaking May and June heatwaves in England and Wales, according to estimates by researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The study suggests around 550 deaths occurred during the May heatwave and nearly 2,200 during June's extreme temperatures, when England recorded its hottest June on record. Scientists said climate change intensified the heat, increasing health risks for vulnerable people. Researchers urged governments and the public to take extreme heat more seriously as such events become more frequent. (PC: BBC)