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The funeral procession for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has started in Tehran following his death in an air strike. Large crowds are attending the events, with plans for ceremonies in several cities before his burial in Mashhad.
Key Facts
Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, was killed in an air strike on February 28.
His body lay in state for two days at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex.
The funeral procession began on Monday with many mourners in Tehran.
Authorities expect large crowds similar to those at the 1989 funeral of Khamenei’s predecessor, Ruhollah Khomeini.
Khomeini’s funeral saw over 10 million attendees and caused deadly crowd surges.
Additional funeral events are planned in Qom (Tuesday), Najaf and Karbala in Iraq (Wednesday).
Khamenei will be buried in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday.
Four family members also died with Khamenei in the air strike.
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Large crowds gathered in Tehran as the funeral procession for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, moved through the city. The funeral events come after Khamenei was reportedly killed in air attacks by the US and Israel in February.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the Supreme Leader of Iran.
He died following air attacks that Iran says were carried out by the US and Israel.
The funeral procession took place in Tehran, Iran’s capital.
Thousands of people attended the procession, filling the streets.
A week of ceremonies is planned to honor Khamenei.
The funeral procession was slow-moving through Tehran.
The article mentions the attacks happened in February.
Khamenei’s death is a significant event for Iran and the region.
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China test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific. The launch, which carried a dummy warhead and was part of routine training, drew protests from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan because it occurred in a nuclear-free zone.
Key Facts
The missile launch took place on a Monday at 12:01 p.m. from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine.
The missile carried a dummy warhead, meaning it was not armed with a real weapon.
China said the test was routine, followed international law, and was not aimed at any country.
The launch occurred in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, established by the Treaty of Rarotonga, which bans nuclear weapons testing in the region.
China ratified rules in 1987 promising not to test nuclear weapons or threaten countries in that zone.
New Zealand was informed only hours before the test and expressed concern about the timing.
Australia and Fiji signed a new defense treaty the same day, aimed at balancing China’s influence in the Pacific.
Japan urged China to reconsider such tests to avoid threats to its security, especially missile flights near its airspace.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese caused controversy after playing a "shag, marry, date" game during a podcast interview with a comedian. The incident highlighted challenges politicians face when trying to engage voters through informal social media platforms.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese participated in a "shag, marry, date" game during an interview with comedian Nikki Osborne, who performs as "Bush Barbie."
Albanese initially gave a careful answer but later named Kylie Minogue for all three categories, causing backlash.
The game is seen as inappropriate for political leaders by some members of the public and politicians.
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce advised Albanese to be more careful and called the incident a "trap" for a prime minister.
Albanese previously faced criticism for calling Grace Tame "difficult" before clarifying his meaning.
Politicians often use social media and informal interviews to connect with voters who dislike traditional political messaging.
This episode shows the risks politicians take when engaging in casual social media content to appear relatable.
The incident reflects broader challenges of maintaining political decorum while reaching out to a new generation of voters.
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A large missile and drone attack by Russia on Kyiv, Ukraine, killed at least 11 people and injured dozens more. This is the second major strike on Kyiv in less than a week, occurring just before a NATO summit where Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Russia fired 68 missiles and 351 drones at Ukraine overnight, hitting Kyiv and surrounding areas.
The attack killed at least 11 people and injured at least 56 across Kyiv and nearby districts.
More than a dozen residential buildings in Kyiv, including four historic ones, were damaged.
Air raid sirens sounded and thousands of residents took shelter underground during the attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned another Russian attack might happen before the NATO summit in Turkiye.
President Zelenskyy plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit starting Tuesday.
Russia and Ukraine have increased the use of long-range weapons like missiles and drones in their ongoing conflict.
A Ukrainian strike damaged electricity supplies near Sevastopol, a Russian-controlled port in Crimea.
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The funeral procession for Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began in Tehran with large crowds attending. The event is being used by Iranian authorities to show national strength after weeks of conflict with the United States and Israel. Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, who succeeded him, has not yet appeared in public.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 in Israeli air strikes based on U.S. intelligence.
The funeral procession started in Tehran and is expected to have massive attendance, potentially rivaling the 1989 funeral of Khamenei’s predecessor.
Authorities are taking precautions to prevent crowd chaos like the deadly stampedes in the 1989 funeral.
Mourning events will continue in Iranian cities and holy sites in Iraq, with burial scheduled in Mashhad.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader and son of Ali Khamenei, has not appeared publicly since taking power and is reportedly injured.
Mourners in Tehran displayed anti-U.S. sentiments, including hanging an effigy of President Donald Trump.
The funeral is seen as a show of resilience amid ongoing tensions and war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Officials and political figures praised the nation’s unity and tribute to Khamenei.
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Anissa Helou, a well-known cook and food writer from the Middle East, has published a new book about Lebanese food. Her book highlights traditional recipes, especially from southern Lebanese villages damaged by recent wars.
Key Facts
Anissa Helou is 74 years old and has published many books about Middle Eastern food since the 1990s.
She won Britain’s Guild of Food Writers Lifetime Achievement Award last month.
Helou was born to a Lebanese mother and Syrian father and grew up learning cooking from her family.
Her new book is called “Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of My Homeland.”
The book includes recipes from southern Lebanese villages damaged by wars between Israel and Hezbollah.
Southern Lebanese cuisine features unique variations such as using bulgur instead of rice in a lentil dish called mujadara.
Helou visited these villages multiple times, meeting people affected by the conflict and learning their food traditions.
The book was officially launched at Lebanon’s Tourism Ministry in Beirut in June 2026.
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Maternity hospitals in Sudan’s capital area have reopened after being closed due to war. Mothers now have access to safer childbirth services despite high costs, shortages of medicine, and difficult travel conditions. Health officials report that risks for mothers and babies are decreasing as services improve.
Key Facts
The Al-Dayat maternity hospital in Omdurman has resumed operations after a long closure caused by war.
Many women faced unsafe home births and long travel during the closure, increasing health risks.
The Khartoum State Ministry of Health reopened 15 maternity wards in the capital region.
About 7,000 babies are being born each month in the capital’s hospitals, with 60 births daily at Al-Dayat hospital alone.
Costs for childbirth range from $216 for natural births at government hospitals to over $1,300 for C-sections in private hospitals.
Mothers from distant regions face high transport and accommodation costs to reach hospitals.
Hospitals face shortages of basic medicines and have limited staff due to the war-driven loss of doctors and nurses.
The Neonatal Department at Omdurman Hospital has around 140 incubators, making it the largest in Sudan.
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A cruise ship carrying 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers and performer Patti LuPone was blocked from entering Turkey because authorities said the group’s behavior did not fit the country’s moral values. The ship had planned to stop in the Turkish port of Kuşadası, but will now go to Cairo and Crete instead.
Key Facts
The ship, Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, started its cruise from Athens on July 5.
The cruise was organized by Atlantis, a US company specializing in LGBTQ+ trips.
Turkish authorities in Aydin province canceled the ship’s stop in Kuşadası citing public concern and moral reasons.
Patti LuPone is performing on the cruise and expressed anger at the ban.
Atlantis Events said this is the first time in 36 years they were told not to dock because of their passengers’ identity.
The company has tried, without success, to change Turkey’s decision even with help from the US embassy.
Homosexuality is legal in Turkey, but LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination and hostility, including from top government leaders.
The ship will make alternative stops in Cairo, Egypt, and Crete, Greece.
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A Chinese submarine launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean during a planned military exercise. The test missile had a dummy warhead and hit a targeted area as part of routine training.
Key Facts
The missile was launched on a Monday at 12:01 p.m. Beijing time.
The missile carried a dummy warhead, meaning it was not armed with a real nuclear weapon.
The missile accurately landed in a pre-set sea area in the Pacific Ocean.
This was China’s second similar missile test in the Pacific since September 2024.
China notified Australia and New Zealand about the upcoming missile test beforehand.
The Chinese government said the test is annual military training and follows international laws.
Chinese officials stated the test is not aimed at any specific country or target.
The missile test was conducted by a Chinese navy submarine.
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Millions of people took part in the funeral procession for Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack. The large public gathering showed national unity, despite recent protests and violence in the country. Iranian leaders and officials highlighted the event as a sign of strength and resistance against external pressure.
Key Facts
The funeral procession took place in Tehran, moving from Revolution Square to Azadi Square.
Ali Khamenei was killed in a bombing attributed to Israel in February.
Mourners wore black and carried Iranian flags and pictures of Khamenei.
The event lasted 10-12 hours and involved a huge crowd using public transport like the metro.
Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, was named the new supreme leader but did not attend the funeral publicly due to safety concerns.
Iran’s president praised the crowd’s peaceful behavior during the funeral.
More than 300 foreign journalists were given visas to cover the event.
Iranian officials rejected claims by President Trump that the public grief was fake, saying the mourning was genuine.
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China tested a long-range missile in the Pacific Ocean, landing it in designated waters, as part of its annual military training. Australia said it was informed shortly before the test and called the action destabilizing for the region.
Key Facts
China launched a sea-based long-range missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific.
The test was described by China as routine military training with prior notice to relevant countries.
Australia received notification of the test only on the day it happened.
Australian officials expressed concern that the test threatens peace and stability in the Pacific.
Australia and Fiji signed a defense alliance earlier the same day, pledging mutual support if attacked.
Chinese satellite-tracking ships are positioned in the Pacific, likely to monitor missile tests.
The Pacific Islands Forum wants the region to remain peaceful, calling such tests inconsistent with that goal.
China has increased its missile testing in 2024, showing growing military capability.
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At least seven people died and 24 were wounded in a series of missile and drone attacks on Kyiv by Russia. The attacks targeted residential areas and happened just before a NATO summit in Turkey, with President Zelenskyy warning of continued large-scale strikes.
Key Facts
The attacks on Kyiv used ballistic and cruise missiles, plus drones.
At least seven people were killed and 24 injured.
Residential buildings in Podilskyi and Darnytsia districts were damaged, with some partially collapsing.
People were trapped under rubble in some of the damaged buildings.
The attack occurred hours after President Zelenskyy warned of a large-scale strike.
The recent Russian attack followed another big strike that killed at least 31 people.
President Zelenskyy called on Western countries to supply more air defense systems, especially Patriot missiles.
The attacks happened one day before a NATO summit in Turkey.
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Residents of Crimea report a very serious situation after Ukraine attacked oil refineries, power plants, and military sites on the peninsula. These attacks have increased recently to cut off support for Russian troops fighting in southern Ukraine.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones have struck multiple targets in Crimea, including oil refineries and power plants.
Crimea is a peninsula that Russia took control of, but Ukraine is now targeting it.
The attacks aim to disrupt Russian supply lines to forces in southern Ukraine.
Local people in Crimea describe the situation as "catastrophic."
The increase in attacks is part of Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Russia’s military actions.
Crimea is important to Russian President Vladimir Putin for personal and strategic reasons.
The situation remains tense as fighting continues in the region.
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Tensions have grown between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and the US bid for a peace deal with Iran. Reports suggest President Trump is frustrated with Netanyahu’s refusal to stop attacks, while some in the US, including parts of Trump’s political base, are increasingly critical of support for Israel.
Key Facts
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have a strained relationship due to disagreements over Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.
The US is negotiating a peace deal with Iran, which includes demands to end Israel’s war in southern Lebanon.
A leaked phone call revealed Trump called Netanyahu “crazy” and blamed him for worsening Israel’s reputation.
Some US political figures, including former TV host Tucker Carlson, criticize Israel and question US support for it.
Parts of Trump’s right-wing populist movement show skepticism about backing Israel.
Netanyahu faces political challenges, including corruption charges and an upcoming election.
Experts believe President Trump has flexibility in US-Israel relations and can maintain support from most Republicans despite tensions.
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China's military test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific. The missile carried a practice warhead, and New Zealand was informed of the test just hours before it happened.
Key Facts
China launched a ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine.
The launch took place in the South Pacific at 12:01 p.m.
The missile carried a dummy (practice) warhead, not a real weapon.
The official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported the launch.
New Zealand’s government was informed only a few hours before the test.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed the late notice.
China conducted the test despite New Zealand’s previous concerns about such activity.
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Women along East Africa’s coast are creating new jobs by combining fishing with tourism and environmental projects. They are restoring habitats like mangroves and coral reefs to protect the ocean while finding alternative ways to earn money. These efforts help communities cope with challenges like climate change, overfishing, and industrial competition.
Key Facts
In Malindi, Kenya, women are building a beachside restaurant to generate income beyond fishing.
Fisherfolk in East Africa are shifting towards tourism, ecosystem restoration, and conservation businesses.
Restored mangrove forests in Kenya support beekeeping and ecotourism efforts by women.
In Zanzibar, communities protect coral reefs through managed fishing closures to boost ocean health.
Mozambique is restoring sea grass to revive marine life and create new jobs.
Women, often in leadership roles, are key in leading conservation efforts and building resilient livelihoods.
Industrial fishing, including operations by Chinese-owned companies, makes it harder for small-scale fisherwomen to compete.
Support from projects like ReSea, backed by the Canadian government, helps women adapt to changing conditions and diversify income.
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A French court is deciding if Marine Le Pen can run for president in 2027. If she is not allowed, her party’s president, Jordan Bardella, will likely run instead. Bardella is similar to Le Pen in many political views but tries to present a different style to attract more voters.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen may be prevented by a court from running for president in 2027.
Jordan Bardella, age 30, is the current leader of the National Rally party and Le Pen’s chosen replacement.
Le Pen has run for president three times before and nearly won.
Bardella focuses on anti-immigration policies, especially concerning African immigration.
Bardella uses a more business-friendly approach aimed at entrepreneurs and wealthy conservatives.
Le Pen made changes to the party to make it less extreme and removed her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who founded the party.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, cannot run in 2027 due to term limits.
The National Rally party was formerly called the National Front.
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Mexico’s national soccer team played well in the World Cup, reaching the last 16 before losing 3-2 to England. For Mexican and Latino communities in Southern California, the team’s success brought joy and a chance to celebrate their culture, especially after a difficult year marked by immigration raids and fear.
Key Facts
Mexico lost to England 3-2 in the World Cup Round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium.
Mexican fans in Santa Ana, California, cheered their team despite the loss.
The World Cup gave the local Mexican-American community a reason to celebrate after a tough year.
A year ago, many Latino neighborhoods faced intense immigration raids that caused fear and emptied businesses.
The tournament helped unite supporters and allowed them to express pride in their identity openly.
Mexican fans wore team shirts, waved flags, and sang the national anthem in public places during the tournament.
Southern California has one of the largest Mexican communities outside Mexico.
The return of public celebrations marked a big change from the previous year's atmosphere of uncertainty and silence.
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A Philippine senator, Rodante Marcoleta, was arrested on charges of large-scale plunder, meaning serious corruption involving a lot of money. This is the latest arrest of a senator in the Philippines in a case of suspected corruption linked to undeclared campaign funds. A related protest by his religious group caused big traffic problems in Manila.
Key Facts
Senator Rodante Marcoleta was arrested in Quezon City for alleged plunder, a serious crime that does not allow bail.
The charge involves not declaring 75 million pesos (about $1.2 million) in supposed campaign contributions.
Marcoleta denies the charges and went to court with his lawyers before the arrest was made.
His religious group, Iglesia ni Cristo, held a large three-day protest in Manila against his arrest, causing heavy traffic jams.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. canceled two official events due to concerns about the protest.
Another senator, Jinggoy Estrada, was also arrested recently on similar plunder charges involving a flood-control project.
Both Marcoleta and Estrada supported former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Senate was set to start the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on the same day.
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