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World News / International

Trump announces new Strait of Hormuz security policy

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Trump announces

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said that the United States would assume responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz and seek compensation by imposing a 20% transit fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway, while reinstating restrictions targeting Iranian shipping.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the United States would become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that countries benefiting from the route should help pay for its protection.

Trump accused Iran of violating a previous agreement and said Washington would restore what he described as an Iranian shipping blockade.

Under the proposed policy, he said, only Iranian vessels and their customers would be barred from using the strait, while ships from all other countries would continue to enjoy free passage.

In a subsequent post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open “with or without Iran” and reiterated that the United States would protect the vital maritime corridor. He also said all cargo transiting the waterway would be subject to a 20% fee to help cover the costs of providing maritime security.

Trump further claimed that Iran’s naval, air and missile capabilities had been severely degraded in recent hostilities, warning that Tehran would face serious consequences for violating agreements.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil exports. Any changes to access or security arrangements could have major implications for international energy markets and global trade.

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

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South Africa

JOHANNESBURG: South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25, South African officials confirmed on Saturday.

Adams featured for South Africa during the FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the country’s football community.

South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed deep sorrow over Adams’ death, describing him as one of the country’s brightest young football talents.

“South African football has lost one of its finest young talents,” McKenzie said, extending condolences to Adams’ family, teammates and supporters who had watched him rise from academy football to the national team.

Police said Adams’ body was found at his home. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, and the cause of death has not yet been determined. No further official details have been released.

Iran’s Supreme Leader vows revenge for Ali Khamenei and war martyrs

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Iran’s Supreme Leader

TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to avenge the killing of his predecessor and father, Ali Khamenei, as well as those killed in the recent conflict, saying the pledge reflects the will of the Iranian nation.

In a written statement carried by Iranian media, Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran would remain steadfast on the path of the late supreme leader and ensure that “the blood of the martyrs” is avenged.

He said those responsible for the killings had already been identified and warned that they would never find peace, adding that they would “carry their unfulfilled wish of a peaceful death to their graves.”

“We will fulfill this promise whether we are here or not,” Khamenei said, adding that people he described as “free individuals around the world” would eventually contribute to what he called the mission.

The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following the recent conflict involving Iran, with Tehran continuing to issue strong warnings against those it holds responsible for the deaths of its senior leadership and other casualties.

Russian model’s resemblance to Erling Haaland sparks viral fame

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Russian model

MOSCOW: A Russian model has gone viral on social media after users noticed her striking resemblance to Norway football star Erling Haaland, a likeness that she says has transformed her career.

Twenty-four-year-old Anastasia Kostromitina said the comparison was first pointed out by a friend before family members and others began making the same observation.

As Haaland’s popularity grew, videos featuring people who resemble the Manchester City striker also gained traction online.

Capitalizing on the trend, Anastasia began creating videos mimicking Haaland’s facial expressions, mannerisms and signature goal celebrations.

The content quickly attracted millions of views and led to collaboration offers from several brands, she said.

Social media users have dubbed her “Female Erling Haaland,” “Haaland’s twin,” and even his “long-lost sibling” because of the uncanny resemblance.

Anastasia said she is supporting Norway at the FIFA World Cup and hopes to one day meet Haaland for a selfie. She added that she also hopes the football star will eventually notice her viral content and get in touch.

North Korea says nuclear disarmament should begin with US allies

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North Korea

SEOUL: North Korea has condemned the recent NATO summit, saying any effort toward global nuclear disarmament should begin with US allies participating in the alliance’s nuclear-sharing arrangements rather than with Pyongyang.

In a statement carried by the country’s state news agency, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry accused the United States and its allies of accelerating military buildups and expanding their weapons stockpiles. It said the NATO summit demonstrated that the alliance is designed for confrontation and war.

The ministry said Western attempts to pressure North Korea into abandoning its nuclear weapons program had “completely failed,” arguing that any genuine disarmament initiative should first target NATO member states involved in nuclear-sharing agreements.

The remarks came a day after North Korean state media reported that Pyongyang had decided to further strengthen its nuclear capabilities, while leader Kim Jong Un called for continued modernization of the country’s armed forces.

The Foreign Ministry said North Korea would continue to exercise what it described as its sovereign rights responsibly to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and regional peace.

Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 3,889 as recovery efforts continue

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Venezuela earthquake

CARACAS: The death toll from the powerful twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela two weeks ago has risen to 3,889, while nearly 17,000 people have been injured and about 18,000 displaced, according to the latest official figures.

The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which struck on June 24, caused widespread destruction across several regions.

The coastal state of La Guaira was among the hardest hit, with more than 800 buildings damaged and 190 completely destroyed, authorities said.

Search-and-rescue operations have largely transitioned into recovery efforts after two weeks, although many families continue searching for missing loved ones amid the devastation.

The United Nations is seeking $300 million in humanitarian assistance to support Venezuela’s recovery, while the Venezuelan government is also pursuing access to frozen overseas assets and international financial support to help fund reconstruction efforts

Mbappe sets World Cup record with fastest 20 goals

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Mbappe


PARIS: France forward Kylian Mbappe added another milestone to his remarkable career by becoming the fastest player in FIFA World Cup history to score 20 goals after finding the net in his side’s quarterfinal victory over Morocco at the 2026 tournament.

The 27-year-old struck in the 60th minute to reach the 20-goal mark in just 20 World Cup appearances, surpassing Lionel Messi, who reached the milestone in 30 matches.
Mbappe achieved the feat across three World Cup editions 2018, 2022 and 2026 and also became the youngest player to score 20 World Cup goals at 27 years and 201 days. He has scored four goals in 2018, eight in 2022 and eight so far in the 2026 tournament.
The goal also made Mbappe the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, with 12 goals in the tournament’s elimination rounds.
In another landmark achievement, Mbappe became the first France international to be directly involved in 100 international goals, having recorded 64 goals and 36 assists for his country.
With eight goals and three assists at the 2026 World Cup, Mbappe is also the first player since 1966 to register more than 10 goal contributions in two separate World Cup editions.
His 14 knockout-stage goal contributions have also drawn level with Lionel Messi for the joint-highest total over the past six decades.

Egypt’s world cup team receives hero’s welcome in Cairo

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Egypt's world

CAIRO: Egypt’s national football team received a rousing welcome on its return home after competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with thousands of fans gathering to celebrate the players’ arrival.

Government officials and airport authorities welcomed the squad upon its arrival, while large crowds of supporters waited outside the airport to greet the players with cheers, applause and requests for photographs.

The team later traveled through the city on a bus, where fans lined the streets waving Egyptian flags and chanting in support of the national side. Many gathered along the route for a glimpse of the players following their World Cup campaign.

Players acknowledged the enthusiastic reception by waving to supporters from the team bus as crowds continued to celebrate the team’s return.

Netanyahu’s son reportedly changes surname in official records

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Netanyahu's son

JERUSALEM: Yair Netanyahu, the son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has reportedly changed his legal name in official records, adopting the name Yonatan Han, according to Israeli media reports.

The reported change was identified through Israeli tax authority records, which show the same identification number under the new name.

Reports indicate the surname “Han” is derived from the original family name of Yair Netanyahu’s maternal grandfather, while “Yonatan” honors his late uncle, Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed during the 1976 Entebbe rescue operation.

Israeli media noted that Yair’s brother, Avner, has also previously used a different surname in official documents.

The reports have prompted speculation over the reasons behind the name change, but neither Yair Netanyahu nor the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has publicly commented on the matter. No official explanation has been provided.

12 killed, 23 missing as wildfire sweeps southern Spain

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12 killed

MADRID: At least 12 people have been killed and 23 remain missing after a fast-moving wildfire tore through forested areas in southern Spain, authorities said.

The blaze erupted near the town of Los Gallardos, prompting a major emergency response involving hundreds of firefighters, military personnel and law enforcement officers working to contain the fire and assist affected communities.

Spanish officials said one of the victims was a Spanish national, while the others appeared to be foreign nationals who reportedly did not follow evacuation orders directing residents and visitors to move to designated safe areas.

Authorities continued search and rescue operations as crews battled the wildfire, with concerns that the death toll could rise.

According to officials, the disaster is being described as one of the deadliest wildfires in Spain’s history.