Israel’s third-largest city, port hub and tech–academic center
Iran has imposed tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, violating international maritime law and escalating tensions in the region. Despite a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, Iran controls passage through the strait via a permissions-based system, charging up to $2 million per vessel. The closure has disrupted global oil and fertilizer supplies, with hundreds of ships stranded and trade volumes down over 90%.
President Trump announced the successful rescue of a US Air Force colonel after his F-15 was shot down over Iran. The operation involved deep-in-country special forces and was completed without US casualties. Iran reported destruction of US aircraft and casualties during the rescue. Tensions escalate as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
Iran fired multiple ballistic missiles at Israel, targeting Haifa and other areas, causing building collapses and injuries. Rescue efforts are ongoing for missing persons. The attacks follow Iran's retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets since late February.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has claimed responsibility for launching missiles at Israel, targeting Haifa and other locations. The strikes have caused casualties and damage, with rescue operations ongoing. The conflict has escalated since late February, with Israel responding to Iranian missile fire from Lebanon and Gaza.
Ukraine has accused Israel of accepting stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territory. Israeli officials have denied the allegations, stating no evidence has been provided. Kyiv warns that allowing the vessel Panormitis to dock in Haifa will trigger diplomatic and legal responses. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over Ukrainian grain exports and Israel's diplomatic stance.
Ukraine has accused a vessel, Panormitis, of carrying grain taken from Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions and has asked Israel to seize the ship and cargo. Israel has said Kyiv had not provided evidence before public accusations, is examining a formal legal request submitted by Ukraine, and is opening investigations while diplomatic tension is rising.
A Hamburg court has indicted two men—Ali S. (Danish) and Tawab M. (Afghan)—on charges including espionage, murder and arson, accusing them of planning attacks in Berlin linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and its Quds Force. The case follows a spate of Iranian activity in Europe amid the broader Iran war.
Archaeology near Stonehenge reveals two timber poles 120 meters apart aligned with solstices, dating to about 5000 years ago. The find, led by Phil Harding of Wessex Archaeology, suggests sun-worship rituals predated Stonehenge by around 500 years and may reshape beliefs about the monument’s origins.
The United States has carried out strikes on Iranian targets after a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache has gone down near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has said Iran shot the helicopter; U.S. officials and CENTCOM are investigating. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases across the Gulf and has reported civilian infrastructure damage.
The United States, Iran, and Pakistan have brokered a memorandum of understanding to pause hostilities across fronts, including Lebanon. Iran is expected to boost funds to Hezbollah if assets remain unfrozen, while Hezbollah and Lebanon's government confront ongoing violence and displacement amid a fragile ceasefire.
Budapest Pride is returning with a peaceful march as Hungary shifts after 16 years of right‑wing rule. Organisers say the event is a test of visibility and resilience for LGBTQ+ people who still face stigma and legislative barriers, despite a new government.