Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:19pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday International
Iran has suspended all ceasefire-related commitments under its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States after US President Donald Trump declared the agreement "over." The MoU, signed last month, aimed to reduce tensions, protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way for talks on sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme. Both countries have accused each other of violating the deal. The announcement comes as the US carries out a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran warns of a stronger military response, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:21pm on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday International
The United States carried out its seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting military surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage and maritime facilities, according to US Central Command. Iran responded with attacks targeting US allies, including Kuwait, while Jordan and Bahrain said they intercepted Iranian missiles. Explosions were reported near Bandar Abbas and other locations in southern Iran, with damage to infrastructure disrupting electricity, water and communications. The renewed fighting follows the collapse of a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Tensions have also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over global energy supplies. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:31am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday International
The US military has carried out another wave of airstrikes on Iranian military targets, including facilities in Bandar Abbas, Iran's largest port and a key naval base on the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, the operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance sites to weaken Iran's military capacity. The strikes mark the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran. Iranian authorities have condemned the attacks, while regional tensions continue to rise amid concerns over maritime security and the potential impact on global energy supplies.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:41am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday International
Israel's Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has reclassified Nile crocodiles as a “tended” wild animal, removing a legal obstacle to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s proposal to surround prisons holding Palestinian security detainees with crocodiles. The move has sparked criticism from environmental officials and legal advisers, who argue the minister lacks authority and that the plan conflicts with wildlife protection laws. The Israel Prison Service is reportedly examining the proposal's feasibility, while opponents have raised concerns over animal welfare, public safety, and the legality of using crocodiles as a prison security measure. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:29pm on 17 Jul 2026,Friday International
The United States has carried out airstrikes on key bridges near Iran’s strategic port of Bandar Abbas, targeting infrastructure believed to support Iranian military logistics. According to U.S. officials, the strikes were intended to disrupt the movement of military equipment and personnel without directly targeting civilian areas. The operation comes amid escalating regional tensions involving Iran and U.S. forces, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. The strikes have heightened fears of further escalation, with regional observers warning of potential impacts on security, maritime trade, and broader stability across the Middle East.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:09pm on 17 Jul 2026,Friday International
Pakistan is facing fresh protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan following reports that the government plans to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as the country's fifth province. The proposed move has triggered strong opposition from local groups, who fear it will undermine the region's disputed status and further erode their political rights. Demonstrators have accused Islamabad of ignoring public opinion and demanded greater autonomy and constitutional protections. India has consistently maintained that Gilgit-Baltistan and the entire region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are integral parts of India, rejecting any unilateral changes to their status by Pakistan. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:04pm on 17 Jul 2026,Friday International
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as the leading contender to replace Keir Starmer as leader of the UK Labour Party, according to political developments reported by Reuters. Burnham has gained strong backing from Labour members, trade unions and grassroots supporters, positioning him as the favourite to lead the party into the next general election. If elected Labour leader, he would become the party's candidate for Prime Minister. His campaign focuses on public services, economic reform and regional development. The leadership contest is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Britain's political future and Labour's direction. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:56pm on 17 Jul 2026,Friday International
The United States has intensified its military operations against Iran, with US Marines boarding a vessel in the Gulf of Oman as part of enhanced maritime security efforts. The move follows expanded US airstrikes targeting Iranian military and infrastructure sites, escalating tensions across the Middle East. Iran has vowed retaliation, while regional security remains on high alert amid fears of further attacks on shipping routes and strategic waterways. The developments have heightened concerns over global energy supplies and the possibility of a broader regional war, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis continue to face significant challenges. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:55pm on 17 Jul 2026,Friday International
The UK government has warned that supporting or promoting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could lead to up to 14 years in prison under strengthened counterterrorism measures. The warning comes as the conflict between Iran and its adversaries continues to escalate. Meanwhile, an airstrike on the Iranian port city of Bandar Khamir reportedly killed seven people, according to Iranian media. The developments have heightened regional tensions, with military exchanges intensifying and diplomatic efforts struggling to contain the crisis. Governments worldwide remain concerned about the growing risk of a wider Middle East conflict. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:16am on 17 Jul 2026,Friday International
China has rejected US President Donald Trump’s allegations that it interfered in the 2020 US presidential election, insisting it “has never and will never interfere” in America’s internal affairs. Responding to Trump’s claim that China acquired 220 million US voter files during the 2020 election cycle, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said the outcome of US elections is determined solely by American voters. The statement reiterated Beijing’s long-standing policy of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. Trump, meanwhile, maintained that voter data across 18 states had been compromised and announced plans to declassify intelligence that he said would reveal major vulnerabilities in US election infrastructure. (PC: AP)