South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung said his country will not send troops to the Middle East in a way that might involve them in a war with Iran, rejecting pressure from President Trump. However, South Korea is considering ways to help protect shipping in the region and is working on an investment deal with the US.
Key Facts
South Korea will not deploy military forces that could lead to involvement in a war with Iran.
President Lee said South Korea might increase efforts to protect shipping routes, like its current anti-piracy mission near Somalia.
President Trump criticized South Korea for not supporting the US more strongly against Iran.
The US and South Korea have reduced some of their joint military drills this summer.
South Korea is reviewing a possible military role in the Strait of Hormuz, but the idea is unpopular within the country.
South Korea has promised to invest $350 billion in US manufacturing in exchange for lower US tariffs on Korean imports.
Talks between South Korea and the US on this investment deal are near an agreement but face some difficulties.
President Lee mentioned the possibility of a future meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to continue peace talks.
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The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is investigating whether a former Labor councillor and others were involved in dishonest actions and improper conduct related to political matters and property development in New South Wales. The inquiry involves messages about damaging a Liberal minister’s reputation and possible illegal political donations linked to a property developer.
Key Facts
A former Labor councillor, Sharangan Maheswaran, testified before Icac about messages involving plans to harm the reputation of NSW Liberal minister David Elliott.
Maheswaran denied that these messages related to his work for property developer Jean Nassif.
Icac is investigating alleged misconduct by Maheswaran and another Labor councillor, Karen Pensabene, including possible blackmail and breaches of public trust.
The inquiry also looks into whether Liberal figures expected to receive illegal donations from Nassif for political favors, including harming David Elliott’s career.
Maheswaran worked as a lawyer and executive for Nassif’s company, Toplace, but denies wrongdoing.
Evidence includes a message from lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood saying “We have something that will kill Elliott.”
Maheswaran said he shared common political interests with Greenwood but rejected claims that their messages involved work for Beckington, Greenwood’s company.
Maheswaran subcontracted legal work through a company he owned, Anwalt Pty Ltd, and confirmed he was its only employee and shareholder.
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Russia held a three-day parliamentary election starting in the Far East, the first since it began a full-scale war in Ukraine. The ruling party, United Russia, aligned with President Vladimir Putin, is expected to keep control, while the only party opposing the war was removed from the ballot.
Key Facts
Russia’s parliamentary election began with voting in the Far East and will last three days.
This is the first election since Russia started its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
United Russia, President Putin’s main party, is expected to maintain a strong majority.
The only party that spoke against the war was excluded from the election.
Some anti-war politicians have been jailed or fled Russia.
The election includes votes from four Ukrainian regions that Russia annexed, which Ukraine calls illegal.
The war and repeated drone strikes have hurt Russia’s economy and public mood.
President Putin said the election is a way to show support and unity for the war effort.
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Russians are voting in a three-day election to choose members of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, amid ongoing war in Ukraine and economic difficulties. The ruling United Russia party, which supports President Putin and the war, is expected to keep its majority, while genuine opposition parties have limited or no participation.
Key Facts
The election runs from Friday through Sunday and includes voting for local governors and regional legislatures.
Over 111 million Russians are eligible to vote, including people in territories Russia occupies in Ukraine.
Half of the 450 State Duma seats are decided by party lists, the other half by individual races.
United Russia, the pro-Putin party, has controlled parliament since 2001 and won two-thirds of seats in 2021.
United Russia’s top candidates include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Opposition party Yabloko, which opposes the war, was removed from the main ballot by the Supreme Court.
The Communist Party supports the war and is competing to gain second place in the election.
Other “systemic opposition” parties generally agree with the government on key issues.
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A United Nations team investigating events in Iran found that Iranian forces committed serious crimes against humanity during protests. The harshest violence happened in January, supporting witness reports of extreme repression.
Key Facts
A UN fact-finding mission investigated protests in Iran.
The mission concluded Iranian forces committed crimes against humanity.
The worst violence was in January during the crackdown.
Witnesses reported unusually severe violence against protesters.
The report confirms these witness claims with evidence.
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The mangelwurzel, a root vegetable once mostly grown for animal food, is becoming popular again in Somerset, England. A new festival called The Great Polden Hills Mangelwurzel Day celebrates the vegetable with contests, music, and food made from it.
Key Facts
Mangelwurzel is a root vegetable related to beetroot, sugar beet, and chard.
It was traditionally grown for people and livestock and used during food shortages.
Over 100 people in seven Somerset villages are now growing mangelwurzels.
The festival includes contests like biggest size, best shape, and a humorous category looking "Most like Donald Trump."
The first festival attracted hundreds of locals and features music, vegetable hurling, and food made with mangelwurzel.
The event raises money for a village hall and a mental health charity using gardening therapy.
Mangelwurzel has cultural ties to Somerset, including traditional celebrations and folk music.
Interest in mangelwurzel has spread beyond Somerset, appearing at the Chelsea Flower Show and in a 2025 ad with actor Timothée Chalamet.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said President Donald Trump wants to have talks with North Korea and that South Korea will not send troops to get involved in the Iran conflict. South Korea is helping to prepare for possible talks between the US and North Korea, while also boosting ties with Central Asian countries.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to have dialogue with North Korea and plans to meet its leader Kim Jong Un later this year.
South Korea is working behind the scenes to help restart talks between the US and North Korea.
North Korea is believed to have around 80-120 nuclear weapons, according to South Korea, while Trump says they have 57.
A South Korean court ordered North Korea to pay $32.5 million for destroying the Inter-Korean Liaison Office in 2020.
South Korea held its first summit with five Central Asian countries to improve economic relationships.
Despite US pressure, South Korea will not send troops to the Strait of Hormuz or take part in the Iran conflict.
South Korea plans to take only minimum actions to protect its merchant ships and oil routes.
Recent protests in South Korea opposed sending military forces to the Strait of Hormuz.
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A Russian strike hit a shopping centre in Zaporizhzhia, a city in southeastern Ukraine, causing a large fire. Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are currently not progressing, despite efforts by the United States to help pause the fighting.
Key Facts
A Russian missile or bomb struck a shopping centre in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
The attack caused a significant fire at the shopping centre.
Zaporizhzhia is located in southeastern Ukraine.
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have stopped or are not moving forward.
The United States has worked to arrange a temporary pause in the fighting.
The ceasefire efforts have not yet led to renewed peace discussions.
The incident highlights continuing conflict in the region.
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Australia will start detaining people who stay in the country after their visas expire as part of a new immigration enforcement plan. The government is adding officers and detention space to manage about 77,000 visa overstayers and is introducing stricter rules to stop people from extending their stay by switching visas.
Key Facts
Australia plans to detain visa overstayers to enforce immigration laws.
About 77,000 people in Australia currently do not have valid visas.
The Australian Border Force will add 100 new officers to support this effort.
The government will create 250 new detention beds, possibly using a former quarantine facility in Melbourne.
A new rule called “No Further Stay” will stop tourists from applying for new visas while in Australia.
International students will need to upgrade their qualifications to get new study visas, preventing easy switching between courses.
The government said new laws will target false asylum claims to reduce people staying illegally.
Some rights groups warn the policy could discourage undocumented workers from reporting problems.
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The House of Lords in the UK has changed its dress code to no longer require men to wear ties, allowing them to wear "business attire" instead. This change reflects a broader trend of relaxed dress codes, influenced by modern fashion and more people working from home.
Key Facts
The House of Lords now allows men to attend without wearing ties.
The new rule suggests men wear general “business attire” instead of requiring ties.
Some people see ties as uncomfortable or unnecessary, while others view them as a classic fashion item.
Fashion experts have mixed opinions: some believe the change modernizes the Lords, others worry it will reduce the chamber’s traditional style.
Savile Row tailors note fewer people wear ties since COVID-19 and more dress codes are casual due to remote work.
Younger generations show renewed interest in quality and sustainable clothing, which might bring ties back into style.
People who wear ties say they can improve a professional look and make someone appear more polished.
The change in dress code aims to make the House of Lords reflect current social and fashion trends better.
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Tom Tugendhat, the UK Conservative shadow foreign secretary, told President Donald Trump to "not be silly" after Trump made comments about the UK's control of the Falkland Islands and Irish reunification. Tugendhat said Trump's remarks are aimed at US voters ahead of elections and do not reflect UK policy.
Key Facts
President Trump questioned the UK's claim to the Falkland Islands and said he would "love" to see a united Ireland.
The Falkland Islands have long been disputed between the UK and Argentina, with a war fought in 1982.
Argentina’s president recently promised economic sanctions on companies that exploit oil near the islands.
UK officials, including Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, strongly support the Falkland Islands staying British.
Tugendhat said Trump’s comments are for US domestic politics and don’t help the UK.
Tugendhat noted that the UK has a stronger military presence in the Falklands now compared to 1982.
Trump’s statement on Irish reunification was called “electioneering” by Tugendhat, with no real action expected.
Tugendhat also commented on unrelated issues, including ongoing Chinese sanctions against him and UK foreign policy.
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UK members of parliament will investigate why the UK has done poorly in recent Eurovision Song Contests. They plan to question the BBC and music experts about how the country's acts and songs are chosen and why the results have been low.
Key Facts
The UK has finished near the bottom or last in several recent Eurovision contests, including last place in 2026 and 2021.
The BBC, sometimes working with record labels, chooses the UK’s Eurovision acts.
MPs from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee want to understand the selection process and reasons for poor results.
Sam Ryder’s second-place finish in 2022 was a rare strong result for the UK in many years.
The UK has not won Eurovision since 1997, when Katrina and the Waves won with "Love Shine A Light."
Some countries choose Eurovision acts through public voting, but the UK last did this in 2019.
The committee will hold hearings with evidence from the BBC and industry experts before possibly giving recommendations.
Eurovision remains a popular event in the UK with millions watching the final contest.
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Scientists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia’s cloud forests, the first new living feline species named in over 100 years. The small cat, called tilcayo by locals and Leopardus tilcayo scientifically, is part of the tiger cat group found in South America.
Key Facts
The tilcayo lives in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests, a humid, mountainous area.
It is about 46 cm (18 inches) long and weighs around 1.4 kg (3 pounds), smaller than the average house cat.
Its light brown fur has irregular rosettes (spot patterns).
Researchers studied DNA from 38 tiger cats across South America and identified five distinct species.
The tilcayo has been genetically separate from other tiger cats for about 1.4 million years.
The cat appears more active at night and may eat small rodents.
A new tiger cat subspecies was also identified in Peru’s Yungas region and named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo.
The discovery was published in the scientific journal Current Biology.
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Paul Keating, a former Australian prime minister, said the Aukus military deal ties Australia to the US in a potential war against China, which he believes the US would lose. US officials have stated Australia could be a target in such a conflict, but argue that closer military ties will help protect Australia.
Key Facts
Aukus is a military partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US, involving nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.
US Congressman Michael McCaul said Australia is already a target for enemies of the US and will be more involved in conflicts against China, especially over Taiwan.
McCaul expects US nuclear submarines rotating through Australia could carry nuclear weapons after 2032.
Paul Keating warned that if the US loses a war with China, Australia would be vulnerable to Chinese retaliation.
Over half of Australian military bases are used or controlled by the US, including important intelligence sites like Pine Gap.
Greens senator David Shoebridge said Aukus makes Australia a "beachhead" or front line for US military action against China, which could put Australians at risk.
The first Australian nuclear-powered submarine is planned to be delivered starting in 2032.
US approval is required before Australia can receive any submarines, to ensure it does not reduce US naval strength.
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Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, a retired Italian ship called ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, now renamed KRI Gajah Mada. The government says the ship will improve the country’s naval security and help in disaster response, but the cost and need for the carrier have caused debate in Indonesia.
Key Facts
The carrier is 41 years old and was retired by Italy in 2024 before being given to Indonesia.
Indonesia is only the second Southeast Asian country with an aircraft carrier, after Thailand.
The carrier can launch short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft and carry helicopters.
It will be officially added to the Indonesian Navy next week and named after a famous 14th-century military leader.
Indonesia’s defense minister views the carrier as a support base for helicopters, drones, and maritime operations, not for long-range fighter jets.
The government approved $450 million for the carrier program in 2025, but total costs, including upgrades, could be much higher.
Some politicians and experts question if the carrier is necessary and worry about high expenses amid Indonesia’s financial challenges.
The ship is also planned to assist with fighting forest fires and responding quickly to natural disasters in Indonesia.
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The article discusses concerns about President Donald Trump’s strong interest in artificial intelligence (AI). It explores the possible global risks and challenges connected to AI development and use.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has shown a strong focus on AI technology.
AI means machines or software that can perform tasks usually done by humans, like learning or decision-making.
There are worries that AI could cause serious problems worldwide if not managed carefully.
Experts and political commentators are debating how AI could affect global security and stability.
The discussion about AI is part of a podcast featured on the Politics Weekly YouTube channel.
The article mentions input from journalist Jonathan Freedland.
The concerns include how AI could disrupt jobs, economies, and international relations.
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At least five people, including three children, were injured in Russian drone strikes in the Kyiv region of Ukraine. The attacks occurred as Russia held its first parliamentary elections since the start of its war with Ukraine.
Key Facts
Five people were wounded in Russian drone strikes near Kyiv, Ukraine.
Three of the injured are children, according to local officials.
The drone attacks coincided with the opening of Russia’s parliamentary elections.
Italy will send warships to protect its commercial ships passing through the Bab al-Mandeb strait without waiting for a decision from the European Union. The strait is a key waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is important for global shipping, especially for oil and gas.
Key Facts
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced warship deployment to secure shipping through Bab al-Mandeb.
Italy will act independently without waiting for the European Union’s joint decision.
Bab al-Mandeb is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, connecting Europe and Asia.
Around 12-15% of global trade uses this narrow passage between Yemen and parts of Africa.
The importance of Bab al-Mandeb rose after Iran took control of the nearby Strait of Hormuz.
The Bab al-Mandeb strait is vital for Gulf oil exports, especially for Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels recently captured Yemen’s entire western Red Sea coast, gaining control over the strait.
The Houthis have a history of attacking ships linked to the US or its allies, making the area risky for international shipping.
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Drone attacks by armed groups in Colombia increased by 146% in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. These attacks have caused deaths and injuries, including to civilians and children, and have created fear and disruption in affected communities.
Key Facts
There were 21 deaths and 145 injuries from drone attacks between January and May 2026.
Nearly one-third of the victims were civilians, including children.
Drones are used by armed groups to attack rivals, government forces, and to monitor illegal coca fields.
The attacks also damage homes, schools, gas stations, and other infrastructure.
Fear of drone attacks causes people to move away, limits their ability to travel, work, and access health care.
The Colombian government started a $1.68 billion project in January 2026 to build a system to block drones.
Both armed groups and Colombian troops use drones, sometimes equipped with weapons like grenades.
Children are reportedly being trained to operate drones, with armed groups recruiting them through social media.
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A British woman kidnapped in Malawi last week was rescued during a police operation that resulted in the deaths of four suspected kidnappers and injuries to a senior police officer. The woman, Nusrat Osman, was found near the city of Blantyre and taken to the hospital for care.
Key Facts
Nusrat Osman, 47, was kidnapped on September 11 in Blantyre, Malawi.
She was forced into another car by four men armed with guns.
Police launched a rescue operation and exchanged gunfire with the kidnappers.
Four suspected kidnappers were killed and a top police officer was wounded.
Osman was safely freed and treated at a hospital for physical and mental health.
Police have not yet identified the kidnappers or explained how they found Osman.
There was no known ransom demand or contact from the kidnappers after the abduction.
Osman is originally from the UK, has lived in Malawi for years, and works at an auditing firm.
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