live U.S. launches seventh night of Iran strikes as Hormuz tensions deepen
The United States launched a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran as Tehran targeted U.S. allies in the Gulf, while tensions remain high in th...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 1st July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Trump to host Netanyahu at The White House on 7 July
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit The White House next week for talks with President Donald Trump, a U.S. official said on 30 June.
The 7 July visit – Mr Netanyahu’s third since Mr Trump returned to power in January.
A Trump administration official confirmed the visit to AFP on condition of anonymity.
2. IMF approves $500 million for Ukraine, warns of 'exceptionally high' risks
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday approved the disbursement of an additional $500 million to Ukraine, following the completion of its eighth review under the country’s $15.5 billion Extended Fund Facility.
The move brings total IMF disbursements to Ukraine under the four-year programme to $10.6 billion.
The IMF Board's approval comes amid ongoing war-related challenges, with the Fund reiterating its warning that Ukraine continues to face "exceptionally high" risks to its economic outlook due to Russia's ongoing invasion.
3. At least 12 dead in pharmaceutical factory blast in India
At least 12 people have been killed and dozens more injured following an explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana, officials said on Monday.
The blast occurred at a Sigachi Industries facility in Sangareddy district, around 60 kilometres from Hyderabad. Local media showed black smoke rising from the ruins of the factory, which was reduced to rubble.
4. Saudi Arabia may raise August oil prices to Asia to 4-month high
Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, may raise its August crude oil prices for buyers in Asia to the highest in four months, after spot prices surged during the Iran-Israel conflict and on robust summer fuel demand, trade sources said.
The August official selling price (OSP) for flagship Arab Light crude may increase by 50-80 cents to between $1.70 and $2 a barrel from the previous month, five sources from four refineries said in a Reuters survey.
5. China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project launched
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction has officially begun in Kyrgyzstan, a major step in regional infrastructure development. The project was announced by the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, according to Trend.
Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev convened a meeting with key stakeholders to review the project's progress.
The half-time interval during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is expected to be extended to around 30 minutes to accommodate the tournament’s first-ever major half-time concert.
The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
Nineteen years ago, at Barcelona's Camp Nou, Lionel Messi posed for a charity photo shoot with a five-month-old baby he had never met. On Sunday, that baby, Lamine Yamal, will face Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as Spain take on Argentina. A full-circle football story.
The U.S. military said it completed a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iran late on Thursday, targeting logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities. Iran responded by launching strikes at U.S. bases in neighbouring countries.
SpaceX's Starship rocket aborted its 13th flight test just seconds before liftoff in Texas on Thursday after some of its 33 engines failed to start. CEO Elon Musk said the company is likely to make another launch attempt early next week.
Israel killed at least eight Palestinians in an airstrike that hit mourners attending a funeral in central Gaza on Friday, according to local health officials, in one of the deadliest attacks reported in the strip since a ceasefire took effect last October.
More than 10.7 million women and girls in Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance in 2026 as funding cuts, restrictions and shortages of female health workers place maternal services under growing pressure, the United Nations says.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday as Türkiye stepped up efforts to revive stalled peace negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Andy Burnham has been elected leader of Britain's governing Labour Party, clearing the way to become the country's next prime minister on Monday. The 56-year-old pledged to spread power beyond Westminster, revive neglected communities and counter the rise of Reform UK.
Japan's parliament has approved changes to the Imperial House Law aimed at addressing the shrinking size of the imperial family while preserving the country's centuries-old male-only succession system.
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