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Trump White House requests $87 . 6bn in spending , including for Iran war

The Trump White House formally requested an additional $87.6 billion in spending from Congress, with approximately $67 billion earmarked for the Department of Defense to address war-related needs, including military personnel, readiness, and rebuilding stocks. This request follows Congress's recent vote to rein in presidential war powers and faces opposition from Democrats who argue the funds should be part of the annual appropriations process, while some Republicans question the war's objectives and duration.

Trump slams NATO over lax participation in Iran war in talk with Mark Rutte

U.S. President Donald Trump met with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House, criticizing European allies for their lack of participation in the U.S.-led war on Iran. Rutte stressed support for the U.S. actions and highlighted increased NATO defense spending, while Trump expressed disappointment with the alliance's perceived inaction.

UN nuclear chief says Iran inspections will happen , Tehran says after deal

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that Iran inspections "are going to happen" following an MoU with the US, while Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi insists access is contingent on a final agreement and US sanctions relief. The ongoing US-Iran talks, aimed at addressing Tehran's nuclear program, are set to continue with technical discussions in Switzerland.

Buildings collapse in Venezuelan capital after powerful earthquakes hit

Venezuela struck by back-to-back earthquakes, many casualties feared

Two powerful earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck near San Felipe and Yumare, Venezuela, on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse and prompting fears of mass casualties. The US Geological Survey stated that high casualties and extensive damage were probable following the back-to-back seismic events.

Trump slams NATO over lax participation in Iran war in talk with Mark Rutte

U.S. President Donald Trump met with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House, criticizing European allies for their lack of participation in the recent war against Iran. Rutte stressed support for the U.S. actions and highlighted increased NATO defense spending, while Trump expressed disappointment with the alliance's perceived inaction.

Trump White House requests $87.6bn in spending, including for Iran war

The Trump White House formally requested Congress approve an additional $87.6 billion in spending, with approximately $67 billion earmarked for the Department of Defense to address war-related needs, including military personnel and operational costs. This request follows Congress's recent vote to limit presidential war powers against Iran and faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans concerned about the war's duration and cost.

Top European leaders vow ‘strong’ support for Ukraine ahead of NATO summit

Leaders from Britain, France, Italy, Poland, and Germany met in Berlin to signal strong support for Ukraine ahead of the July NATO summit. The European Group of Five (E5) pledged continued substantial support, including sanctions and economic pressure, to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

Rubio: US ‘completely aligned’ with Gulf allies on Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington will be “completely aligned” with Gulf allies in Iran peace talks.

UN nuclear chief says Iran inspections will happen, Tehran says after deal

The UN nuclear chief, Rafael Grossi, stated that IAEA inspections of Iran's atomic sites are scheduled to occur, as stipulated in a recent MoU with the US. However, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi insisted that such inspections are contingent on the finalization of a US agreement and the termination of sanctions.

Our life stops’: West Bank childhood shattered by Israeli military raids

In the first nine months of 2025, Israeli forces conducted nearly 7,500 raids across the occupied West Bank, leading to Palestinian children in refugee camps like Dheisheh experiencing fear, detention, and violence. A UN report states that Israel's treatment of Palestinian children, including at least 20,179 child deaths and widespread attacks on schools, has destroyed the essence of childhood and created a state of constant terror.

Palestinian boy amongst dead in Israeli strike on displaced tent in Gaza

An Israeli drone strike on a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis killed two people, including a child, and wounded several others. Palestinian officials claim over 1,005 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire took effect.

The children Gaza lost

What does a new UN report documenting the killing and suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza reveal?.

Has the worst of the Hormuz crisis passed?

Shipping has resumed in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran and the United States signed an interim deal to end the US-Israel war on Iran. However, full recovery awaits a final pact, mine clearance, and infrastructure repairs, with economic effects like food price inflation expected to persist for months.

Israeli attacks on Gaza and occupied West Bank kill two, including child

Israeli forces killed a 12-year-old child in al-Mawasi, Gaza, and a 29-year-old man in al-Yamoun, West Bank, on Wednesday. These killings occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire and follow a UN report alleging Israel deliberately targets children as part of its genocide against Palestinians.

Rubio tries to reassure Gulf allies on US-Iran deal details

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the UAE on Wednesday to reassure allies about security concerns regarding a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the Iran-US war. Rubio met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the MOU, efforts to secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and regional stability, following Iran's extensive attacks on Gulf nations during the conflict.

US Senate approves Iran war powers resolution: What that means for Trump

The US Senate passed a war powers resolution on Tuesday, directing President Trump to halt military actions against Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress, with four Republicans joining Democrats in a 50-48 vote. This marks the first time both chambers have passed such a resolution, reflecting congressional unease with the conflict, though its immediate impact remains uncertain as past administrations have found ways to circumvent such directives.

Ukraine attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea trigger power cuts in Sevastopol

Ukrainian attacks on energy facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea on Wednesday triggered widespread power outages in Sevastopol, the peninsula's largest city, according to local officials. The strikes, which also affected parts of the Kherson region, are part of Ukraine's intensified efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and isolate the peninsula.

Four Gaza aid flotilla activists released from Libya detention

Four pro-Palestinian activists from Tunisia, Uruguay, and Italy, detained in Libya for approximately one month, were released on Wednesday and have arrived in Tunis. Six other activists remain in detention and are expected to be released within 24 hours, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla group.

Iran war day 117: Nuclear inspections dispute as US Senate curbs war powers

Iran and the US offered conflicting accounts on nuclear inspections and the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran's Foreign Ministry denying planned IAEA inspections and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating Iran would not be allowed to charge tolls in the Strait. An analyst suggested a final deal is unlikely within the cited 60-day window, while Iran's Army stated a shift to an 'offensive doctrine' including preemptive operations.