Iran and Oman are working on a possible agreement related to the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping. A CBS News expert provided analysis on the situation, and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz suggested that the United States should supply weapons to some groups in Iran.
Key Facts
Iran and Oman are in talks about a deal involving the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is important because much of the world's oil passes through it.
The potential deal has not yet been finalized.
CBS News analyst Aaron MacLean gave his views about the possible agreement.
Senator Ted Cruz said the U.S. should arm Iranians, referring to certain groups within Iran.
The situation involves international security and U.S. foreign policy concerns.
Details about the terms or impact of the deal are not fully clear.
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The University of Cambridge is reviewing its hiring process for senior academics after controversy over Jason Arday’s appointment. Arday resigned amid doubts about his claims, and some Cambridge academics want an independent investigation into the situation, including the university’s response and media coverage.
Key Facts
Jason Arday was appointed Cambridge’s youngest black professor but resigned after questions about his personal and professional claims.
The university announced a review of how it hires senior academic staff and will investigate Arday’s appointment and research conduct.
Some Cambridge academics have rejected this response and want a full, independent investigation.
They are concerned about racist and false media commentary linked to the controversy.
The letter to Cambridge’s vice-chancellor asks for an independent group to examine the case and share findings publicly.
The university denies trying to stop journalists from reporting on Arday or funding legal actions on his behalf.
Jesus College, where Arday was a fellow, will not conduct a separate investigation after his resignation ended his fellowship.
The controversy has raised worries about its impact on Black academics and efforts to promote diversity at Cambridge.
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Hun Manet became Cambodia’s prime minister in 2023 after his father, Hun Sen, stepped down. Instead of changing the government’s harsh rules, Hun Manet has kept the system of strict control, using new tools like legal pressure and digital monitoring to quiet opposition and independent voices.
Key Facts
Hun Manet took over as Cambodia’s prime minister in August 2023 from his father, Hun Sen.
Many hoped Hun Manet would bring political openness, but the government remains authoritarian.
The ruling Cambodian People’s Party keeps power through control, patronage (favoritism), and stopping political rivals.
Hun Manet’s government uses legal repression, digital surveillance, and tight control of communication.
Environmental activists exposing corruption and illegal activities have been jailed on false charges.
Political opposition parties face legal harassment, arrests, and blocked participation in elections.
Independent journalists report under threat, with some harmed or arrested for investigating corruption.
The government’s control has become less violent but more sophisticated and harder to see.
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A mother in England discovered her 11-year-old autistic son has a hidden talent for art after he brought home a detailed painting from school. Though he rarely draws at home and faces challenges from autism and global developmental delay, he has since developed his creativity through various art projects.
Key Facts
Michael is an 11-year-old boy with high-functioning autism and global developmental delay (GDD).
High-functioning autism means he has average or above-average intelligence but struggles with social skills and sensory issues.
GDD causes delays in at least two areas like speech, learning, or movement.
Michael’s mother, Katie Morris, discovered his artistic talent when he brought home a painting of a whale from school.
Arts and crafts can help children with autism improve communication, social skills, and emotional development.
After the discovery, Michael has created more art, including sculptures and fridge magnets.
The mother shared the story on TikTok, where many people praised Michael's talent and advised encouraging his art without pressure.
Katie hopes Michael’s story shows that children with autism can achieve like others.
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Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan have agreed to a defense pact in Mecca. The pact says that if any of the three countries is attacked, it will be treated as an attack on all of them.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan signed a three-way defense agreement.
The pact was signed in the city of Mecca.
The main goal is to prevent attacks or aggression against any of the three countries.
If one country is attacked, the others will consider it an attack on themselves.
This agreement aims to strengthen security and mutual support among the three nations.
The pact may affect regional security dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.
The deal was reported by Al Jazeera journalist Mohammad Saleh.
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The Pentagon has released new declassified files and videos showing unusual flying objects, called Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), seen in different parts of the world. These files include footage of orbs and spheres moving in unusual ways over places like the Middle East and the Pacific Ocean, along with documents dating back to 1953.
Key Facts
The Pentagon published 41 new files, including videos, images, and documents about UAPs.
UAP stands for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, which includes objects seen in the air, on land, or underwater.
Videos show a dark orb moving over the Gulf of Oman in 2021 and a sphere traveling over a residential area in the Middle East in 2025.
A 2019 video captured a black sphere that disappears and reappears over the Pacific Ocean.
A former military pilot reported seeing unusual lights in the sky during a flight in 2023.
One document from 1953 describes objects whose brightness and size changed in ways unlike natural phenomena.
Some released images are artistic drawings based on eyewitness reports from military personnel.
The Pentagon has released these files after President Donald Trump ordered the release earlier this year, continuing a series of declassification drops.
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have formed a new defence agreement. Experts say this shows changes in regional security and suggests these countries are less confident in the United States as a protector.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have signed a defence pact.
The agreement is seen as a shift in security arrangements in their region.
The pact aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter threats.
Analysts believe it reflects doubts about the US being a dependable security partner.
The pact involves military cooperation between the three countries.
This development may alter the influence of the US in the region.
The defence agreement focuses on regional stability and protection.
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Seven Moroccan taxi drivers were sentenced to up to six months in prison and fined for helping people cross the border illegally into the Spanish city of Ceuta. This is the first court decision after more than 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta recently, causing a crisis in the area.
Key Facts
The taxi drivers were found guilty of helping people cross the border illegally and transporting passengers without proper licenses.
The court case took place in Tetouan, northern Morocco, with drivers appearing without lawyers due to a nationwide strike.
Each driver was fined about $1,070, and one vehicle was confiscated.
Over 100 people are in pretrial detention in Morocco related to the Ceuta migrant surge, facing charges like rebellion and assault on officials.
The Moroccan taxi union and 25 other labor unions called the sentences harsh since no official rules had banned passenger transport.
Around 70,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta recently, motivated by false rumors and economic problems.
More than 80 people died trying to cross the border, and most survivors were sent back or left voluntarily.
The EU police agency Europol supported a police operation that broke up a criminal network trafficking migrants, drugs, and weapons in the Western Mediterranean region.
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Music fans are talking about which song will be the biggest hit of the summer in 2026. Jem Aswad, a music editor from Variety, explained what usually makes a summer song very popular.
Key Facts
People are discussing the top songs for summer 2026.
Jem Aswad works as an executive music editor for Variety.
Aswad shared his ideas about what makes a summer song successful.
The discussion was featured on CBS News.
Viewers can watch the related story using the CBS News app or online.
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A shooting at a school in Bangkok, Thailand, resulted in at least seven deaths. A student is reported to have killed teachers while other students ran away to escape the violence.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a school in Bangkok, Thailand.
At least seven people died during the incident.
The attacker was a student at the school.
Teachers were among those killed.
Pupils fled the scene to avoid harm during the shooting.
The event was covered by international news sources like CBS News and BBC News.
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Spanish police arrested 78 people in Spain and Algeria who were part of a large smuggling network. The group moved drugs, weapons, and migrants using fast boats between Spain, Portugal, and Algeria.
Key Facts
The network smuggled synthetic drugs like MDMA from Spain and Portugal to Algeria.
On return trips, they moved migrants and weapons to Spain, including the island of Ibiza.
Authorities seized 18 high-speed boats worth around €5 million, guns, cash, and 15,000 MDMA pills.
Migrants were charged up to €12,000 each and often traveled in overcrowded, unsafe boats.
The group was involved in other crimes like robberies, extortion, illegal detentions, and money laundering.
Suspects were mainly Algerian and had links to criminal groups in several European countries.
Investigators found satellite phones, GPS devices, and encrypted communication tools used by the network.
The operation included searches in 17 locations across Spain, such as Alicante, Almería, Cartagena, and Murcia.
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Italy has decided to keep temporary border checks with Spain until at least August 15, following a large number of migrants entering the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Spain threatened to respond with its own measures if Italy did not stop the checks by August 9, but Italy rejected this demand. Meanwhile, Spain faces a humanitarian crisis as thousands of migrants, including many unaccompanied children, remain in Ceuta.
Key Facts
Italy reintroduced temporary border checks with Spain starting August 1, citing national security concerns.
Spain gave Italy a deadline until August 9 to end these checks, threatening retaliatory actions if ignored.
About 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco last week, causing a humanitarian crisis.
At least 100 migrants died during the border crossing rush into Ceuta.
Around 1,342 children who remain in Ceuta are undocumented migrants; hundreds are unaccompanied minors.
Ceuta has limited capacity to house migrants, with only 90 available places for accommodation.
Spain’s government approved €25 million to support unaccompanied migrant children.
Spanish police broke up a human-smuggling ring tied to bringing 2,000 migrants into Spain by sea in recent days.
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A 65-year-old man from New Zealand named Niall Deehan lost nearly 90 pounds with the help of his 23-year-old son, Kian, an online fitness coach. After years of health problems and poor habits, Niall changed his lifestyle, exercises regularly, and now feels much healthier and happier.
Key Facts
Niall Deehan weighed 288 pounds and had mobility problems from osteoarthritis and excess weight.
He was prediabetic and took daily medication before starting his transformation.
A 2012 biking accident and a 2023 hip replacement affected his fitness journey.
His son Kian, a fitness coach, helped him start exercising and improving his diet.
They began training together weekly, then increased sessions to 5-6 times per week.
Niall reduced his weight to 200 pounds and no longer needs his previous medication.
The diet change focused on whole, healthy foods without tracking calories or junk food.
Niall feels 20 years younger and has gained confidence and happiness from his lifestyle change.
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Spain threatened to take action against Italy if Italy does not remove border controls set after thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta. Italy partially suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain to stop migrants from traveling onward, which Spain called unfair and demanded to be reversed.
Key Facts
About 78,000 migrants from Morocco arrived in Ceuta in a short time last week.
Around 100 people died during the crossings.
Italy closed sea and air entry points from Spain and tightened land borders to prevent migrants from moving further to Italy.
Spain called Italy’s actions unjustified and warned of counter-measures if Italy did not reverse them by August 9.
Italy does not share a land border with Spain but suspended part of the EU’s border-free Schengen rules with Spain.
Spain said most migrants have already returned to Morocco and disputed Italy’s claim that migrants could reach other Schengen countries.
The migrant crossings worsened tensions between Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italy’s leader Giorgia Meloni.
The EU Migration Commissioner blamed false information spread by criminal groups for encouraging the mass crossing.
Nearly 1,400 children remain in Ceuta after the crossing, with Spanish authorities focusing on their care.
Morocco criticized Spain’s Supreme Court ruling that stopped summary returns of migrants to Morocco as a cause of the crisis.
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Serbia is fighting multiple wildfires caused by a severe heat wave and drought affecting the Balkans. Firefighters and the Serbian army are working to control fires near forests and villages, and no injuries or house damage have been reported.
Key Facts
A large wildfire has burned at least 700 hectares in the Deliblato Sands natural reserve near Belgrade.
Firefighters are using helicopters to drop water on the fires in northeast Serbia.
Villagers near the Deliblatska Pescara fires were asked to evacuate as a precaution.
The heat wave has caused temperatures above 40°C (104°F) in Serbia and other European countries.
Nine wildfires are currently burning across Serbia, but officials say the situation is not critical.
The Serbian army and state companies are helping emergency responders fight the fires.
Neighboring Montenegro is also dealing with wildfires due to the heat wave.
The heat wave has broken temperature records in Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary.
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The UK weather is expected to be mostly dry and hot during the first half of August, especially in England and Wales. After mid-August, the weather may become wetter and less warm, with some chances of thunderstorms, while temperatures could rise again by late August and early September.
Key Facts
Scotland and Northern Ireland will have wet and windy weather early in August, with heavy rain in western Scotland.
Southern and eastern England may have dry and warm days reaching above 30°C in early August.
A high pressure system will bring mostly dry and warm weather to much of the UK in the first half of August.
After mid-August, Atlantic low pressure systems may bring more rain, showers, and thunderstorms across the UK.
Temperatures will generally remain above average but may moderate, especially in northern regions.
By late August to early September, high pressure may return, leading to warmer and drier conditions again.
There is some uncertainty about whether low pressure systems might cause cooler and wetter weather in early September.
Weather forecasts will be updated to clarify the expected conditions for early September.
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Mexico and Peru have agreed to restore diplomatic relations after a dispute caused by Mexico granting asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez. This agreement was made soon after a new president took office in Peru and includes respect for international law.
Key Facts
Betssy Chávez, former Prime Minister of Peru, was granted asylum by Mexico in November 2025.
Peru accused Chávez of involvement in a failed coup attempt in 2022 and later sentenced her to over 11 years in prison.
Peru cut diplomatic ties with Mexico after Chávez sought asylum in the Mexican embassy.
Mexico supports ousted Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, who was arrested for attempting to dissolve congress in 2022.
Chávez was released on bail in September 2025, denied the charges, but was later sentenced alongside Castillo.
Peru’s Foreign Ministry stated Chávez had safe passage and left Peru, but Peru may still seek her extradition.
The restoration of relations followed the inauguration of Peru’s new president, Keiko Fujimori.
Both countries emphasized respect for international law and the United Nations Charter in their joint statement.
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The National Mascot Hall of Fame has announced the new group of inductees for 2026. Fans from over 100 countries voted to choose the mascots who will be honored.
Key Facts
The 2026 inductees for the National Mascot Hall of Fame were recently announced.
Sam Champion from ABC News revealed the results.
Fans worldwide, from more than 100 countries, participated by voting.
The National Mascot Hall of Fame honors popular sports mascots.
The announcement was made on August 7, 2026.
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Spanish authorities are watching social media for signs that migrants may try to cross again into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta from Morocco on August 15. Last week, over 72,000 people crossed illegally, but most have been sent back. Officials say social media and false information helped encourage the large crossing.
Key Facts
Over 72,000 migrants crossed illegally into Ceuta last week; about 70,000 have been returned to Morocco.
Authorities are concerned about a possible new mass crossing planned for August 15.
Posts on Facebook groups with more than 74,000 members call for a gathering at the Ceuta border.
Spanish police and the Civil Guard are monitoring social media to assess the situation.
Human trafficking networks and misinformation on social media contributed to last week's crossing.
A Spanish law enforcement report reviewed social media platforms with hundreds of thousands of members discussing plans for August 15.
Moroccan officials say an online misinformation campaign triggered the first wave of crossings.
False claims circulated after a Spanish court ruling made it harder to return migrants arriving by sea, wrongly suggesting they would automatically be allowed to stay.
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Lumo, a train company, is running long train trips between London and Stirling without working toilets on board. To help passengers, some trains stop longer at stations so people can use the platform toilets while the company works on fixing the issue.
Key Facts
Lumo operates trains on the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Stirling, a 417-mile route.
The trains have been running without working toilets for over five and a half hours.
Passengers can use toilets at stations during longer stops, for example at Preston.
Lumo uses refurbished Class 222 Meridian trains, the same type used by East Midlands Railway.
The company is working with the train refurbisher Alstom to resolve the toilet problems.
Lumo is an open access operator that sets its own prices and does not receive government subsidies.
Trains affected have experienced delays, including one that terminated early at Motherwell.
UK train operators are not legally required to provide onboard toilets.
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