Iran and Oman are working on an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route in the Persian Gulf. The deal would allow ships to pass safely, with Iran managing entry and Oman managing exit, possibly helping reduce tensions in the Middle East.
Key Facts
Iran and Oman are negotiating a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe ship navigation.
The proposed plan involves Iran controlling the entry route and Oman controlling the exit route.
Ships could be charged fees for security and environmental protection services.
The deal depends on lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which about 20% of the world’s traded oil and gas passed before the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed ordering new strikes against Iran due to advice from Gulf allies.
U.S. officials acknowledge progress in talks but say no final agreement has been reached.
Iran says it is not negotiating with the U.S. directly, but working with Oman on this issue.
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The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) reports that child malnutrition in Afghanistan has reached dangerous levels in many provinces and is expected to get worse. Cuts in funding and other problems, like conflict and border closures, have reduced food aid and nutrition services, causing health centers to close and many children to lose access to treatment.
Key Facts
One-third of Afghanistan’s provinces face critical child malnutrition levels.
Over 142 health centers closed in 2025 due to reduced aid.
More than 13,000 children lost access to nutrition treatment last year.
Nearly 3.7 million Afghan children and 1.2 million pregnant or breastfeeding women are affected by acute malnutrition this year.
Conflict, unemployment, rising food prices, diseases, poor water, and less humanitarian funding worsen the situation.
Conflict in the Middle East and a nine-month Pakistan border closure disrupted nutrition deliveries.
Food aid to prevent famine will be suspended during August–October because of lack of money.
WFP urgently needs $540 million in funding over the next six months to help people at risk.
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The U.S. military, led by CENTCOM, is seeking new and creative ideas to pressure and punish Iran as conflict with Tehran continues. Officials are exploring different tactics, inspired by Ukraine's use of drones, but have not confirmed specific plans or strategies.
Key Facts
CENTCOM oversees all U.S. troops in the Middle East.
The U.S. military is asking for innovative suggestions to counter Iran.
The request was reportedly sent on July 29, but details and sources are not independently verified.
Some officials want new tactics similar to Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian targets.
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, despite U.S. efforts.
President Donald Trump paused a large planned attack on Iran to allow for talks.
Iranian officials deny negotiating with the U.S. and are engaging with Oman instead.
The U.S. military often seeks new ideas through contests and challenges involving personnel and civilians.
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Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted strongly, causing authorities to issue a high emergency alert and evacuate nearby villages. The volcano produced large ash clouds and lava flows, which put local communities at risk.
Key Facts
Guatemala raised its emergency alert to the second-highest level after Fuego volcano erupted.
The eruption sent ash plumes about 6 kilometers (4 miles) into the sky.
Lava flows and hot volcanic debris are moving down the volcano’s slopes.
Two villages near the volcano, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Guatemala City, were evacuated.
The volcano could become more explosive, according to the country’s Institute of Volcanology.
Fuego is Central America’s most active volcano and is located in a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Previous eruptions in 2023 and last year forced hundreds to flee their homes.
In 2018, a deadly eruption killed 215 people and caused many others to go missing.
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Sudan is facing a very large humanitarian crisis where about 35 million people need help due to ongoing conflict. The country’s social services and economy have broken down, causing many people to be displaced and suffer from illness beyond the battlefield areas.
Key Facts
About 35 million Sudanese people need humanitarian aid.
The crisis is not just about battles but the overall collapse of Sudan’s society and institutions.
The conflict has damaged public services and displaced many communities.
Disease rates have increased due to the worsening conditions.
Sudan’s problems go beyond the war zones and affect the entire country.
The crisis is described as one of the biggest but least noticed in the 21st century.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is involved, with a special envoy speaking on the issue.
Sudan is experiencing a combined social, economic, and institutional breakdown.
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President Donald Trump said Iran has one final opportunity to reach an agreement. Iran is not rushing to make this deal and is instead discussing how to divide shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz with Oman.
Key Facts
President Trump gave Iran one last chance to make a deal.
Iran is not in a hurry to accept this offer.
Iran is focusing on talks with Oman about shipping routes.
The talks involve the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is important for global oil transportation.
The situation involves tensions between the United States and Iran.
Al Jazeera reporter Marah Rayan provided the latest updates.
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A video shared by Ukraine’s President Zelensky shows a Russian drone chasing and attacking a street vendor in the Kherson region of Ukraine. The drone exploded near the man, injuring him, in what Ukrainian officials call a deliberate attack on civilians.
Key Facts
The drone targeted a 52-year-old vegetable vendor named Yuriy in Kherson, Ukraine.
Yuriy was setting up his vegetable stand when the drone appeared and followed him.
The drone exploded near him, causing concussion, trauma, and shrapnel wounds.
Ukrainian officials describe these attacks as "human safari" designed to terrorize civilians.
The attack was recorded and shared on social media by President Zelensky to show evidence of Russian war crimes.
Kherson is close to the frontline between Ukrainian and Russian forces.
A UN report from 2025 says Russian forces use drones repeatedly to injure and kill civilians there.
Videos of these attacks are often posted online, which the UN says violates the personal dignity of victims.
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The European Union’s migration chief said the EU successfully managed a sudden arrival of over 70,000 migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa. EU countries faced tensions but resolved them after a special meeting that helped ease disagreements.
Key Facts
Over 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta within 24 hours last week.
Ceuta is a Spanish enclave located in North Africa.
The large migrant arrival put pressure on EU border security and tested how well the EU could respond.
The EU migration commissioner described the event as a “test” that the EU passed.
Some EU member countries experienced tensions because of the crisis.
An extraordinary meeting of EU officials helped reduce the tension between members.
The crisis highlighted challenges related to immigration within the EU.
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A wildfire started on Llanwonno mountain near Ferndale in Wales is believed to have been set deliberately. Fire crews have been working since Saturday to control the fire, which remains a major incident due to difficult weather and terrain.
Key Facts
The fire began on Saturday afternoon on Llanwonno mountain in the Rhondda Valley.
Firefighters have been on site continuously to contain the blaze.
Reports indicate some fires were started on purpose during the night on Monday.
Poor weather, including low cloud, mist, and rain, is making firefighting harder.
No evacuations have been ordered, but a rest centre is open for people affected by smoke.
Fire crews are creating fire breaks and working to protect homes nearby.
A firefighting helicopter is available but cannot be used because of bad weather.
Authorities ask anyone with information about the deliberate fires to contact the police.
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Guatemala has raised its emergency alert to the second-highest level after the Fuego volcano erupted strongly. Authorities evacuated two villages and warned that the volcano might erupt more explosively soon.
Key Facts
Guatemala declared an orange "danger" alert nationwide due to the Fuego volcano eruption.
Two villages near the volcano were evacuated as a safety measure.
Fuego is Central America’s most active volcano and is about 40 kilometers from Guatemala City.
The eruption sent ash about six kilometers into the air and lava down the volcano’s slopes.
The country’s disaster agency advises people to evacuate if ordered or if their lives are at risk.
Guatemala is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area with frequent volcanic and earthquake activity.
Previous eruptions of Fuego have caused mass evacuations, injuries, and deaths, including a deadly 2018 eruption.
The volcano showed increased activity last year, leading to school closures and sheltering of over 500 people.
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A worker at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco is using a cat named Little Dude to help senior dogs get adopted. Little Dude checks if dogs can get along with cats before they find new homes.
Key Facts
The shelter is called Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.
It is located in San Francisco.
Little Dude is a cat working with the shelter.
Little Dude helps by giving "cat scans" to dogs.
"Cat scans" test whether dogs can socialize with cats.
This process helps senior dogs find suitable forever homes.
The story was reported by CBS News.
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A man in Greece is set to appear in court accused of killing a 38-year-old Scottish woman whose body was found in a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens. The suspect was arrested after police collected evidence, including fingerprints and surveillance footage, and he faces charges of murder and stealing money from the victim’s bank accounts.
Key Facts
The victim is Elisabeth Jane Ross, a 38-year-old woman from Scotland.
Her body was found in a suitcase on July 18 in Athens, Greece.
Police recovered usable fingerprints from the body despite its advanced decomposition.
The suspect is a 26-year-old foreign national granted asylum in Greece, reportedly from Afghanistan.
Authorities identified the suspect after reviewing security camera video near the crime scene.
The suspect was first detained for carrying illegal weapons and now faces murder charges and theft accusations.
Police say the suspect admitted moving the body but denies killing the woman.
Tissue tests are ongoing to confirm whether the cause of death was suffocation, as initially suggested.
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A large wildfire broke out in Ben Shemen Forest in central Israel, causing authorities to close Highway 6 for safety. Firefighters are using both ground teams and aircraft to stop the fire from spreading, but the fire is not yet fully controlled.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred in Ben Shemen Forest, located in central Israel.
Highway 6 was closed due to the fire to protect drivers and nearby areas.
Fire officials are using 21 teams on the ground to fight the fire.
Four firefighting aircraft are also working to control the blaze.
The fire is being actively fought to prevent it from spreading to other areas.
Efforts to completely put out the fire are still ongoing.
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Hundreds of migrants from African countries are stranded on a beach in Ceuta, a small Spanish territory in North Africa, living with limited food, water, and hygiene. Many were part of a recent large group trying to enter Spain from Morocco, with most returned under agreements between the two countries, while others remain hoping to seek asylum or work.
Key Facts
Ceuta is a Spanish enclave located in North Africa, near Morocco.
Tens of thousands of migrants recently tried to cross from Morocco into Ceuta.
Most of these migrants were sent back to Morocco through special arrangements.
Some migrants from countries like Sudan, Somalia, Senegal, Mali, and Egypt remain in Ceuta.
These remaining migrants cannot be returned by normal procedures and do not wish to leave voluntarily.
The migrants have various reasons for coming, including escaping war and poverty or seeking work.
Spain’s government plans to allow up to one million undocumented migrants to regularize their status to help labor shortages.
Some EU governments criticized Spain’s migration policies, while populist groups blame immigration for problems.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said talks with Iran might lead to an agreement soon about the Strait of Hormuz. This key waterway is important for global shipping, and people want it to go back to normal after recent conflicts.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke about ongoing negotiations with Iran.
A deal about the Strait of Hormuz could happen "today or tomorrow."
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global shipping.
Recent conflicts have affected the status of the Strait.
The goal is to return the waterway to pre-war, normal conditions.
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A woman in Italy accidentally threw away a €1 million winning lottery ticket. Refuse collectors helped find the ticket after searching through rubbish on a garbage truck, allowing her to claim the prize.
Key Facts
A woman in southern Italy won €1 million with an instant lottery ticket.
The ticket was mistakenly thrown out after a local store could not pay large prizes.
The waste company, SANB, helped by tracking down the correct garbage truck.
Workers searched over a day in a controlled facility to find the ticket.
The ticket was recovered intact, allowing the woman to claim her winnings.
The waste company required the woman to cover the extra costs of the search.
The woman’s regular numbers were linked to a loved one.
The event happened in Puglia, Italy, near the city of Bari.
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The European Union praised Spain for quickly handling the sudden arrival of about 72,000 migrants crossing into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco. Several EU countries expressed concern, leading to political tensions, but the EU offered financial support to Spain to help manage the situation.
Key Facts
Around 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta over two days at the end of July.
About 70,000 migrants have been returned to Morocco since the crossing.
At least 75 people died on the Spanish side, and 11 died in Morocco during the incident.
Some EU countries, including Italy, criticized Spain and temporarily suspended parts of the Schengen free travel agreement with Spain.
Spain’s Prime Minister said Ceuta is not part of the Schengen zone and called some EU criticism unfair.
The EU interior ministers met and agreed on a united response, praising Spain’s quick action and offering financial help to protect borders.
The migrant surge may have been influenced by criminal groups and false information spread on social media.
The incident followed a Spanish court ruling that stopped immediate returns of migrants intercepted at sea near Ceuta and Melilla.
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Qatar is facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran. The discussions aim to reduce regional tensions, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and improve diplomatic relations.
Key Facts
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman is Dr. Majed al-Ansari.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran are happening indirectly, meaning they are not meeting face-to-face.
The goal is to prevent further conflicts in the region.
Another key goal is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for global trade.
The talks also seek to revive diplomacy between the two countries.
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A federal appeals court in New York has denied Sam Bankman-Fried's request to overturn his fraud and conspiracy conviction related to the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange, FTX. He was sentenced in 2024 to 25 years in prison for using customer funds for unauthorized purposes, including personal gain.
Key Facts
Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud and conspiracy after FTX, his crypto exchange, collapsed.
In 2024, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for orchestrating a major financial fraud.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled he was the main person behind the fraud.
Bankman-Fried promised customers their funds would be safe and only used for crypto transactions on FTX.
Instead, he moved customer money to a hedge fund he controlled, called Alameda, and used it without authorization.
The court said it did not matter if Bankman-Fried intended to cause losses; tricking customers was enough to prove fraud.
His request to introduce evidence about his investments being sound and possibly repaying investors was rejected.
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Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted on August 4, 2026, sending lava and ash high into the air. Authorities issued an orange alert and began evacuating nearby villages due to the dangerous volcanic activity and risk of ashfall.
Key Facts
Fuego volcano is located 22 miles from Guatemala City and stands 12,346 feet tall.
The eruption started Monday morning and grew stronger by night, producing lava flows and ash clouds nearly 4 miles high.
Guatemala's disaster agency CONRED issued an orange alert, the second highest level before the most serious red alert.
Officials evacuated two villages close to the volcano to protect residents from lava, ash, and volcanic debris flows.
The volcano’s activity is increasing and may become more explosive, according to the country’s Institute of Volcanology.
Communities on the volcano’s western and southern slopes face the highest risk.
Fuego is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes and has caused deadly eruptions and evacuations in recent years.
The 2018 eruption killed 215 people and left many missing due to lava flows destroying nearby villages.
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