US President Donald Trump accused China of orchestrating what he called the "largest compromise of election data in history" during the 2020 election, alleging that 220 million US voter files were bought, stolen or hacked. Trump claimed voter data across 18 states was compromised and announced the immediate declassification of intelligence that he said would expose vulnerabilities in America's election infrastructure. He further alleged China began efforts to influence US elections and business leaders from 2018 onward. However, a 2021 US intelligence assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence found no evidence that foreign actors compromised the technical aspects of the 2020 election infrastructure or vote counting.  

Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key Red Sea shipping route, if the United States launches attacks on Iran's power infrastructure, according to sources cited by Reuters. The move could significantly disrupt global trade and energy shipments passing through one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints. The report comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent cyber and military threats. Neither Iran nor the Houthis have officially confirmed the directive, while U.S. officials have not publicly responded to the reported contingency plan. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has reportedly asked Yemen’s Houthi movement to prepare to block the Red Sea oil route if US-led strikes expand to target Iranian power plants, according to Reuters. The proposal was first discussed within Iran’s leadership before being conveyed to the Houthis, Tehran’s regional ally. The reported move comes as Iran remains blocked in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating hostilities with the United States. If implemented, Houthi involvement could significantly widen the conflict and further destabilise global energy supply routes by threatening another critical maritime chokepoint. The development adds to growing concerns over the expanding regional fallout from the nearly five-month-long US-Iran conflict in the Gulf. (PC: X)

The United Nations has expressed grave concern after two boats carrying refugees were reportedly lost off Myanmar's coast, with hundreds feared dead. The vessels, believed to be transporting Rohingya refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, are suspected to have capsized during dangerous sea crossings. Rescue efforts remain challenging, and the exact number of casualties is still being verified. The UN urged regional governments to strengthen search-and-rescue operations and provide greater protection for vulnerable refugees undertaking perilous journeys. The suspected tragedy highlights the continuing humanitarian crisis facing the Rohingya and the risks many endure while seeking safety and a better future. (PC: AFP)

A giant billboard depicting US President Donald Trump lying in an open coffin has been installed in Tehran's Enghelab Square, carrying the message "We Will Kill Trump" in both Persian and English. The display reflects heightened tensions following the assassination of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and growing calls from Iranian hardliners for revenge. References to the deadly Minab school strike also appear on the billboard, linking it to broader anti-US sentiment. The provocative installation has intensified international concern over escalating rhetoric and the deteriorating relationship between Iran and the United States. (PC: X)

A new Pew Research Center survey has found that more countries now view China more favourably than the United States for the first time since the study began in 2002. Conducted across 36 countries with over 42,000 respondents, the survey showed China enjoyed higher favourability in 25 countries. Respondents also said China interferes less in other nations' affairs than the US. While confidence in both Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump remained low, Xi received higher ratings overall. India, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Israel and the Philippines remained among the countries favouring the US. (PC: BBC)

More than 500 people are feared dead after 2 boats carrying mainly Rohingya refugees reportedly capsized off Myanmar's coast, according to the United Nations. The vessels are believed to have left Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June, with some passengers travelling from refugee camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar. One boat carrying about 250 people lost contact soon after departure, while another with around 280 people reportedly sank near Ayeyarwady on July 8. UNHCR and IOM called for urgent search and rescue operations, stronger action against human trafficking networks, and greater international support for displaced Rohingya communities. (PC: The Guardian)

Iran launched fresh attacks on US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain as the United States carried out a six-hour wave of strikes on military targets across Iran, escalating tensions in the Gulf. US Central Command said the operation targeted command centres, air defence systems and coastal surveillance sites to reduce Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it also targeted US communication systems and fuel facilities in Jordan. The renewed exchange came as negotiations remained stalled, with President Donald Trump warning Tehran of further military action if it refuses to return to talks. (PC: HT)

A satirical art group, The Secret Handshake, installed a 10-foot “participation trophy” on Washington’s National Mall mocking US President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict. The gold trophy labelled Trump the “#1 participant” praised him for “participating regardless of the final score,” while a nearby plaque invited visitors to add their own trophies. The installation drew public attention as US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate. Responding to the artwork, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed the creators as “untalented” and defended Operation Epic Fury, insisting the US military had achieved all its objectives despite criticism surrounding the president’s foreign policy.

Metropolitan Police escorted a lone Argentina supporter to safety after he was surrounded by England fans in central London following England’s 2-1 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat. Footage circulating on social media showed officers guiding the fan, who was wearing an Argentina shirt, into a police van on Regent Street near Piccadilly Circus as onlookers jeered. Police later cleared a path for the vehicle to leave safely. Authorities routinely separate rival football supporters as a precaution, and there was no suggestion of wrongdoing by either the Argentina fan or the surrounding England supporters. Argentina advanced to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain after their dramatic comeback victory.