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Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with U.S. Vice President Vance to discuss recent joint strikes against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. Despite these military actions, Saudi Arabia favors reducing tension with Iran and is managing regional conflicts, including talks with Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia and the U.S. conducted joint military strikes against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq after attacks on Saudi targets.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met Vice President Vance at the White House to discuss the situation.
The strikes are a response to more than 30 recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia by militias linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Saudi Arabia wants to defend itself but prefers to de-escalate tensions with Iran rather than escalate conflict.
Prince Khalid said Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu favors escalation with Iran, but Saudi Arabia sees de-escalation as better.
Saudi Arabia is handling its conflict with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on its own and is in negotiations with them.
The meeting aimed to share a message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the war with Iran and regional stability.
The Saudi defense minister delayed his Washington visit due to the recent Iraq strikes but resumed it to clarify Saudi positions.
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A survey shows that young people in Africa are becoming more practical in how they see the influence of global powers. In other news, the constitutional court in the Democratic Republic of Congo approved a law that may allow President Felix Tshisekedi to run for a third term. There are also concerns about droughts and floods linked to the El Niño weather pattern affecting millions across Africa.
Key Facts
A survey indicates African youth are increasingly realistic about global powers.
The DRC’s constitutional court approved a referendum law related to presidential term limits.
The law could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.
The El Niño weather pattern may cause worse droughts and floods in Africa.
Millions of people across Africa could be affected by these changing weather conditions.
The news comes from a program called "Eye on Africa."
Other stories mentioned include protests in Iran, wildfires in France, and upcoming sports events in Africa.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he asked President Donald Trump for 300 Patriot missile interceptors to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian attacks this winter. Although President Trump recently allowed Ukraine to produce its own interceptors, Zelensky believes it will take too long to complete.
Key Facts
President Zelensky requested 300 Patriot missile interceptors from President Trump.
The request is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense during the winter.
Patriot interceptors are missiles designed to shoot down incoming threats.
President Trump approved Ukraine's ability to manufacture its own interceptors earlier in the month.
Zelensky believes making interceptors in Ukraine will take more time than needed.
The request relates to Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.
Ukraine is seeking urgent military support to protect itself from Kremlin attacks.
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An election in Pakistan-administered Kashmir aimed to improve democracy faced serious problems as violence broke out during voting. Protests by a banned group demanding election changes led to clashes with security forces, resulting in many deaths. The government says any election reforms need a change to the constitution.
Key Facts
The election was intended to strengthen democracy in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Violence occurred during voting, with dozens killed in clashes between protesters and security forces.
The protesters belong to a banned group seeking changes to the election process.
The government in Islamabad requires a constitutional amendment to allow any election reforms.
This unrest is one of the biggest political crises in the Kashmir region in nearly 80 years.
Weeks of demonstrations preceded the violence.
The situation raises questions about the future political stability of the region.
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A study suggests that eating little sugar before the age of two might lower the risk of dementia later in life. Researchers studied people born before and after sugar rationing ended in the UK and found those who were toddlers during rationing had a lower chance of dementia.
Key Facts
The UK ended sugar rationing in September 1953, doubling average sugar intake from about 41g to 80g per day.
The study analyzed nearly 65,000 people from the UK Biobank project.
Toddlers who ate less sugar during rationing had a 23% lower risk of developing dementia.
The diagnosis of dementia in this group was delayed by about two and a half years.
The study cannot prove that sugar causes dementia; it only shows a link.
Experts warn that many factors affect brain health, so more research is needed.
The findings may not fully apply to children today because nutrition and weaning practices have changed.
Eating a healthy diet at any age supports brain health according to Alzheimer's Research UK.
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The United States is using a large amount of missiles and interceptors in its conflict with Iran, causing its supply of these weapons to lower significantly. Experts warn this could become a problem not just in the Middle East but also for possible future conflicts in other parts of the world.
Key Facts
The U.S. has launched many expensive missile interceptors like Patriot and THAAD to protect bases against Iranian attacks.
Patriot interceptors cost about $4 million each, and THAAD interceptors cost about $12 million each.
Iranian missiles and drones are much cheaper, with drones costing as little as $7,000 to $50,000.
The U.S. has dropped its reserve of Patriot interceptors from roughly 2,500 units to about 1,000.
THAAD interceptor stocks have fallen from around 360 to between 70 and 170.
The U.S. faces political challenges since public support for the conflict with Iran is low, limiting the administration’s options.
Experts say enough weapons remain for the ongoing conflict, but supplies could be inadequate for future wars with countries like China, North Korea, or Russia.
Allies like NATO have expressed concern about the depleted U.S. munitions inventory.
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A Palestinian man named Awdah Hathaleen was shot and killed by an Israeli settler, Yinon Levi, in the West Bank in July 2025. A detailed investigation found evidence linking Levi to the shooting, but he has not faced serious legal consequences and remains free.
Key Facts
Awdah Hathaleen was filming when settler Yinon Levi shot him in the chest, killing him.
The bullet that killed Hathaleen matched the nine-millimetre handgun Levi carried.
Levi claimed self-defense, but evidence shows Hathaleen posed no threat and no Palestinians there were armed.
Levi and other settlers were carrying out unauthorized land work on private Palestinian land.
Police and soldiers did not arrest Levi at the scene and released him under house arrest for only three days after international pressure.
Ambulances were blocked from reaching Hathaleen, and his body was withheld from his family for 10 days.
Levi is known to harass Palestinians and operates an illegal settlement outpost supported by an Israeli volunteer group.
The report argues there is a system protecting settlers from law enforcement in this region.
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A study by the University of Basel found little proof that simply owning a pet improves overall physical or mental health. Instead, how much time people spend with their pets and the emotional support they feel from them may affect their well-being more.
Key Facts
The study surveyed 2,328 adults in Switzerland about their pet ownership and health.
Researchers looked at pet ownership, contact with animals, emotional attachment, and perceived support from pets.
Pet ownership alone was not linked to better physical health, mental well-being, lower loneliness, or higher life satisfaction.
Women, dog owners, and those spending more time with pets reported stronger emotional bonds and more support.
Surprisingly, pet owners reported slightly worse health and smoked a bit more than non-owners.
People with greater emotional support from pets sometimes had lower psychological well-being and more loneliness, possibly because those struggling may rely more on pets.
The study was observational, so it cannot prove that pets cause any health effects.
Spending more time with animals was linked to better psychological well-being, showing that different parts of the pet relationship matter.
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A group of Palestinian students in Gaza started an ice cream shop called Flora to help pay for their university fees and support their families. The cafe also provides them with a break from the difficult conditions caused by ongoing conflict in the region.
Key Facts
The ice cream shop is named Flora.
It was opened by Palestinian students living in Gaza.
The shop helps students pay for their university education.
The business also supports the students' families financially.
Working at Flora gives the students some relief from the challenges of living in a war-affected area.
Gaza is currently experiencing ongoing conflict and difficult living conditions.
The students work long shifts to run the cafe successfully.
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A study in Brazil found that fathers who eat many ultra-processed foods before conception may affect their newborns' growth, leading to higher birth weight and more body fat in some areas. Researchers suggest that both mothers and fathers should follow healthy diets before trying to have children.
Key Facts
The study looked at 43 sets of fathers, mothers, and newborns in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Ultra-processed foods include items like processed meats, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.
Fathers' intake of ultra-processed foods averaged 30% of their calories.
Higher consumption of these foods by fathers was linked to heavier babies with more body fat in certain places.
Mothers' diets showed different effects, like babies with lower birth weight and smaller size when mothers ate more ultra-processed foods early in pregnancy.
Researchers say fathers' diet may affect babies through epigenetic changes, which can turn genes on or off without changing DNA.
The study recommends both parents avoid ultra-processed foods before conception.
The research was small and based on self-reported food intake, so results need cautious interpretation.
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A new study shows that over half of the historic sites in the U.S. face some risk from wildfires, with thousands facing severe danger. Wildfires have already destroyed important cultural landmarks, causing permanent loss to heritage that is hard or impossible to rebuild.
Key Facts
Researchers studied 100,117 historic sites listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
3,446 of these sites face a severe risk of wildfire damage.
About 36% of the endangered sites are nationally significant landmarks.
Recent wildfires destroyed the Will Rogers Ranch House, Andrew McNally House, and Grand Canyon Lodge.
Historic buildings are especially vulnerable because they cannot be moved and often have features like old wood or open gaps that catch fire easily.
High-risk historic sites are mainly in the western U.S., but threats are increasing in the southeast and south-central states.
Preventing damage requires efforts like reducing nearby flammable plants, strengthening buildings, and improving firefighting resources.
The study warns that destruction of these historic sites leads to permanent loss of cultural heritage and community identity.
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Two people who attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan reported inappropriate sexual behavior by Jeffrey Epstein, a former donor to the school. An investigation also found many allegations of sexual abuse by nearly 50 staff members going back decades at the school.
Key Facts
Interlochen Center for the Arts runs a performing arts school and summer camp with students from around the world.
The school hired a law firm in 2024 to investigate sexual abuse reports by faculty and staff.
The investigation expanded to include allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, who donated over $400,000 to Interlochen between 1990 and 2003.
Epstein attended the school as a camper in 1967 and had a lodge named after him, later renamed and demolished.
Two women said Epstein behaved sexually inappropriately toward them during their time connected to the school.
The investigation collected 70 accounts from alumni alleging sexual misconduct by 47 faculty or staff members from the 1950s to 2010s.
Interlochen gave the names of accused individuals to local authorities for review; none currently work at the school.
School leaders apologized and said they have since changed policies to improve safety for students.
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A new U.S. study shows that serious mold infections may be more common and dangerous than previously known. Researchers found about 450 cases in hospitals near Atlanta over five years, with about one-third of those patients dying in the hospital.
Key Facts
The study was done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Invasive mold infections can be life-threatening, especially for older people and those with weak immune systems.
Researchers looked at hospital data from 2020 to 2024 in the Atlanta area.
They found about 450 confirmed cases out of nearly 1,000 possible ones initially identified.
Hospitals can expect 3 to 5 mold infection cases per 100 inpatient beds each year.
Mold infections often affect people weakened by conditions like COVID-19 or cancer.
Mold exposure risks may increase due to climate change and natural disasters like floods and hurricanes.
The study results provide a new estimate but may not apply the same way in other parts of the country.
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Five Kenyan security officers were killed near the Somalia border in Mandera county during an ambush by the armed group al-Shabab. The attack included gunfire on a patrol and a roadside bomb targeting reinforcements, highlighting ongoing violence in the region linked to al-Shabab’s efforts to pressure Kenya.
Key Facts
Five Kenyan security personnel died in an ambush near the Somalia border in Mandera county.
The attack involved gunfire on a Special Operations Group patrol and a roadside bomb on reinforcements.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack through its media outlet.
The group has carried out multiple recent attacks in northeastern Kenya, especially around Mandera.
Al-Shabab is linked to al-Qaeda and controls parts of southern and central Somalia.
Kenyan forces have been fighting al-Shabab since entering Somalia in 2011.
A recent report showed Mandera county had 38 terror-related incidents in one year, the highest in the northeast region.
The U.S. recently announced cuts to funding for the African Union mission supporting Somalia’s army against al-Shabab.
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Militants attacked a police post in the Hangu district of northwestern Pakistan, killing five police officers and injuring about 24 others. Police killed four attackers during the fight, and no group has claimed responsibility, though the Pakistani Taliban is suspected.
Key Facts
The attack happened on Wednesday in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near Afghanistan.
Five police officers were killed and around 24 were wounded, some seriously.
Police killed four of the militants during the ongoing gunbattle.
No group claimed the attack, but the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is suspected.
Pakistan’s military reported killing 32 militants in recent operations across northwest and southwest Pakistan.
The TTP has increased attacks on Pakistani security forces recently.
The TTP is allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, which returned to power in 2021.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering TTP militants, but Afghanistan denies this.
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Hundreds of migrants are swimming from Morocco to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, creating overcrowded conditions at reception centers. Spanish authorities and rescue services are working to manage the situation, but the number of arrivals has been unusually high in recent days.
Key Facts
More than 1,500 migrants, including adults and children, recently reached Ceuta by swimming from Morocco.
The reception centers in Ceuta are full and overcrowded.
Some migrants have died attempting the crossing, with about 60 bodies seen at sea in the last year.
Spanish authorities including the Civil Guard and Red Cross use boats to rescue swimmers and bring them to Ceuta.
Most migrants are Moroccans, with some Algerians who lived in Morocco.
A recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling protects migrants arriving by sea from immediate pushbacks without legal process.
The cause of the recent surge is unclear, though some link it to diplomatic tensions between Spain, Morocco, and Algeria.
Ceuta is a small Spanish city located at the northern tip of Morocco and serves as a key border crossing point.
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Tens of thousands of Hindu worshippers gathered in northern India to bathe in the Ganga and Saryu rivers during the religious festival of Guru Purnima. They came to pray, honor their spiritual teachers, and ask for blessings.
Key Facts
The event took place in India’s northern holy cities.
Devotees bathed in the Ganga and Saryu rivers as part of the ritual.
The festival celebrated is called Guru Purnima.
The festival honors spiritual teachers and leaders.
Bathing in the rivers is believed to bring spiritual purification and blessings.
Large crowds participated in this traditional religious practice.
Guru Purnima is an important sacred day for Hindus.
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Firefighters in France are working to control a large wildfire west of Bordeaux during extremely hot and windy weather. The fire has burned 42,000 hectares and caused 220,000 people to evacuate their homes.
Key Facts
A wildfire is burning west of Bordeaux in France.
The fire has spread over 42,000 hectares (about 103,000 acres).
Around 220,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas.
Hot temperatures and strong winds are making the fire harder to control.
Both firefighters and local residents are fighting the remaining fire spots.
The situation remains serious due to weather conditions.
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Saudi Arabia has tried to avoid involvement in the war between the US and Iran but has recently joined US-led strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The country faces attacks from different groups allied with Iran and must decide whether to continue military actions or seek ways to reduce tensions.
Key Facts
The US and Israel started a war against Iran on February 28.
Saudi Arabia has so far mostly stayed out of the conflict.
Saudi Arabia and the US recently launched joint strikes on Iranian proxy militias in Iraq.
Iranian-backed groups include the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Houthis in Yemen, and Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq.
These groups have launched dozens of drone attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is trying to diversify the economy through Vision 2030 to reduce reliance on oil.
Past attacks, such as the 2019 drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities, showed Saudi Arabia’s vulnerability.
Iran’s forces have also targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and carried out attacks on nearby Gulf countries.
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