A crowd of millions participated in the funeral procession for Iran's assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei, moving through Tehran from Revolution Square to Azadi Square. The event, characterized by mourners wearing black and chanting slogans such as "we will rise," lasted an estimated 10 to 12 hours and was attended by prominent Iranian officials, with significant security measures resulting in no reported deaths during the procession. Over 300 foreign journalists were granted access to cover the event, which served as a demonstration of national unity following a period of protests and violence in the country.
China conducted a long-range missile test in the Pacific, which Australia condemned as "destabilising to the region," with the Australian government being informed only hours before the test took place. The missile, described as a "routine arrangement" for China’s military training, was fired from a strategic nuclear submarine and landed in designated waters, though specific coordinates were not disclosed. This test occurred on the same day Australia and Fiji signed a defense alliance, and it was reported that three Chinese satellite-tracking vessels were in the Pacific, likely to monitor the missile launch.
President Donald Trump succeeded in convincing NATO members to commit to increasing their defense spending to 5% of their annual GDP over the next decade, a mandate he will seek to enforce during an upcoming summit in Turkey. This meeting, characterized as the "first report card" on the commitments made at last year's summit, reflects Trump’s influence on the alliance despite ongoing tensions regarding various international issues. In addition to the defense discussions, Trump is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the summit, while also continuing to express dissatisfaction with U.S. defense spending compared to other nations.
Residents in Crimea are reporting a "catastrophic" situation following a surge in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting oil refineries, power plants, and military sites on the peninsula. These attacks have intensified recently in an effort to disrupt supply lines to Russian forces operating in southern Ukraine. The strikes are significant as they hold strategic importance for both Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Analysis by the National Housing Federation indicates that over half of all affordable homes in rural England could be at risk if the government proceeds with plans to relax section 106 agreements, which require affordable housing quotas for developments of 10 to 49 houses. The proposed changes could lead to a loss of 32,000 affordable homes over the next decade, exacerbating the ongoing rural housing crisis. Section 106 agreements currently account for 36% of all affordable homes delivered in the UK in the 2024-25 period, but ministers are considering allowing developers to make cash payments to councils instead of building affordable homes on site.
Many in Israel anticipate that US President Donald Trump will reassess the longstanding US-Israel alliance, particularly as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces political peril due to corruption charges and a challenging election season. Relations between the US and Israel have soured, exacerbated by Trump's reported frustration with Netanyahu's military actions in Lebanon, indicating a potential shift in support for Israel among Trump's right-wing base, with notable critics emerging within the MAGA movement. Recent polls reflect growing skepticism towards US support for Israel, signalling a transformation in the political landscape that could impact future military and diplomatic actions.
Mexico's World Cup run ended in the round of 16 with a 3-2 loss to England at Estadio Azteca, despite having a home-field advantage and a passionate crowd of 80,824 fans backing them. Coach Javier Aguirre expressed disappointment after the defeat, noting that Mexico had not conceded any goals in their first four World Cup matches but struggled defensively against Jude Bellingham, who scored twice in rapid succession. This loss marks Mexico's eighth elimination in the round of 16 since 1986, when they last reached the quarterfinals, and Aguirre will be replaced by his assistant, Rafael Marquez, following the tournament.
Norway's Erling Haaland scored two late goals against Brazil, leading his team into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in history. With this victory, Haaland has now scored 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway, maintaining an impressive average of 1.15 goals per game, and his scoring streak for the national team has reached 27 goals in just 14 matches. Haaland's performance has put him on par with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, all tied for the Golden Boot with seven goals each in the tournament.
The Australian Space Agency has identified six mysterious "space balls" found on Queensland beaches as likely debris from a foreign rocket body that recently re-entered the atmosphere; the objects were discovered washed ashore in Forrest Beach over a weekend. Authorities set up 50-metre exclusion zones around the items, which are believed to be pressurised fuel vessels made of titanium alloy, and warned the public not to touch or move them. The agency is working with international authorities to confirm the origin of the debris, noting that the launching state retains ownership of the materials under the 1967 United Nations Outer Space Treaty.
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, the second measuring a magnitude of 7.5, leaving significant destruction in La Guaira state and trapping dozens, including 12-year-old Fabiana Blanco under her collapsed building. Fabiana endured 32 hours trapped in the rubble, managing to find food and record a desperate video plea for help before rescuers located her. Her mother, Karina, experienced intense fear and despair, alternating between hope and hopelessness as she searched for her daughter amidst the debris, until finally learning that Fabiana was alive.
Thousands of soldiers from pre-partition India who served in World War One are receiving recognition as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission updates its casualty records for the first time in over 80 years, adding 9,909 names. Researchers uncovered these names in historical registers from Punjab, where officials recorded 320,000 servicemen following the war. Of the newly recognized, about 25% were Sikhs, 25% Hindus, and approximately 40% Muslims, contributing to ongoing efforts to address the Euro-centric narrative of the war's history.
Allison Kirkby, BT’s first female CEO, has successfully led the company to an 80% rise in share price over two years, resulting in a pay package of £5.6 million last year, the highest in over a decade. Despite her achievements, challenges persist, including a 3% revenue decline last year and competition from Vodafone, while BT plans to cut its workforce by 40% to about 75,000 and has raised its savings target from £3 billion to £3.7 billion. Kirkby's leadership follows the groundwork laid by her predecessor, Philip Jansen, and the recent decision to rebrand BT as its flagship consumer identity has sparked confusion in the market.
Rescuers in Kyiv are urgently searching for individuals trapped under debris after Russian strikes killed at least nine people and injured 46, including five children. This was part of Russia's second wave of attacks in a week, which previously left 30 dead and prompted tens of thousands of residents to evacuate to metro stations. Ukrainian President Zelensky has warned that delays in receiving long-range missiles from allies could lead to more civilian casualties and has urged the US for licenses to manufacture Patriot missiles for defense.
As the FIFA World Cup enters its fourth week, fewer than half of the 48 participating teams remain, with Morocco, France, Norway, and England already securing spots in the quarterfinals. Upcoming round-of-16 matches include Portugal vs Spain and USA vs Belgium on July 6, followed by Switzerland vs Colombia and Argentina vs Egypt on July 7. The quarterfinal match schedule features France vs Morocco on July 9, the winner of USA/Belgium facing Portugal/Spain on July 10, Norway vs England on July 11, and Argentina/Egypt facing Switzerland/Colombia on July 12.
Ukraine aims to secure "drone deals" with at least seven NATO countries by the end of the year, having already signed agreements with six nations, including Latvia and Lithuania, and three Middle Eastern states: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The initiative promises to provide not only drones but also critical components like radar systems and ground stations, emphasizing Ukraine's transition from a military hardware recipient to a security provider. Ukraine's drone diplomacy, which began during escalating tensions related to Iran, seeks to strengthen partnerships and position Kyiv as a leader in drone defense technology amid increasing threats from Russian drone attacks.
The New South Wales opposition is calling for an independent review of the Department of Communities and Justice after a four-year-old boy was allegedly murdered, with police investigating the potential involvement of cannibalism. A 32-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the discovery of the child's body, which had significant arm injuries, at their home in Wyong. The department confirmed it had previous contact with the family, raising serious concerns over the effectiveness of the child protection system, which has been criticized for failing tens of thousands of vulnerable children.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession and Harry Kane added a penalty as 10-man England defeated Mexico 3-2 at Estadio Azteca, advancing to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. This victory marked just Mexico's third loss in 90 matches at the Azteca, and with over 80,000 fans in attendance, England's triumph helped exorcise memories of their 1986 quarter-final defeat to Argentina. Kane's goal was his sixth of the tournament, positioning him just one behind Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
On Monday, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, resulting in at least eight deaths, including seven in the capital and one in the Bucha district, with at least 34 others wounded. The assault, which involved strikes on apartment blocks and buildings, is the second major attack on the city in less than a week, coinciding with increased long-range attacks from both Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine has targeted energy facilities in Russian-controlled territories, Kyiv continues to defend strategic positions such as the eastern town of Kostyantynivka amid ongoing fighting.
OPEC+ announced plans to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day starting in August, marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase as markets tentatively recover from the US-Israel war's impact on Iran. The seven member countries involved in this decision include Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, and they will reconvene on August 2 to assess conditions. OPEC+ production fell from 42.77 million barrels per day in February to 33.13 million barrels per day in May due to the Iran conflict, while Brent crude futures were at $72 as of July 6, 2026.
Melbourne footballer Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, is receiving "end-of-life" care in hospital after sustaining severe head injuries during a tackle in an Australian rules football game on Saturday in Lalor. Fitzgerald collided heads with another player before hitting his head on a harder section of the field, where a cricket pitch runs, leading to his deteriorating condition. Following the incident, there are calls for investigations into the safety of playing on fields with cricket pitches due to the associated risks highlighted by Fitzgerald's club president, Luke De Vincentis.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years old, is participating in a record sixth World Cup and has refused to confirm whether it will be his last, emphasizing he will retire on his own terms. He has scored three goals in the tournament so far and is set to make his 233rd appearance for Portugal when they face Spain in the knockout stage, despite having only four goals in his history against them. Ronaldo expressed confidence in his team's preparation and believes they can compete effectively against Spain, who he acknowledges as favorites due to their historical success.
The United States has imposed sanctions on Rwandan businessmen and companies involved in financing the M23 rebellion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through the illicit trade of conflict minerals, targeting individuals such as Jean Malic Kalima and Bosco Kayobotsi, as well as companies like Gasabo Gold Refinery Ltd and Bugambira Mines Ltd. The US Treasury emphasized that the M23 is exploiting the DRC's mineral wealth to fund armed conflict, which has led to a serious humanitarian crisis, and highlighted the need to curb illicit mineral flows to foster legitimate business opportunities. Rwandan officials have rejected the allegations as biased, with reports from the UN and Global Witness indicating that a small number of companies control the export of conflict minerals from the DRC to international markets.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an "unequivocal" apology for comments he made about popstar Kylie Minogue during a podcast interview, where he was asked to categorize her alongside Nicole Kidman and Rhonda Burchmore. His initial reluctance was followed by an inappropriate remark, leading to backlash from MPs who deemed his comments "disrespectful to women" and degrading to the office of Prime Minister. In response to the criticism, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the government's commitment to gender equality, noting it is the first in history to have equal representation of men and women in cabinet.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding reportedly had about 1,000 guests, featuring many major celebrities from various fields, but details and photos from the event remain largely under wraps. Guests like Jessica Alba and Greg James confirmed their attendance through social media, with Alba sharing her outfit and a heartfelt message. Other attendees posted cryptic hints, outfit photos, and reflections on the event, with expressions of joy about the celebration and details like the stunning experience described by Niecy Nash.
Neymar announced his retirement from Brazil's national team following their 2-1 loss to Norway in the World Cup round of 16, stating, “It is now over.” The 34-year-old is Brazil's all-time top scorer, and despite scoring a penalty in the last match, he played only two of the team's five games in the tournament due to a calf injury. Brazil’s captain Marquinhos called for patience and support for the new generation as the team enters a transitional phase.
Belgium's football federation (RBFA) is in disbelief over FIFA's decision to suspend a one-match red card ban imposed on USA striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium despite originally receiving a red card for stepping on a defender's foot in a previous match. This unprecedented ruling means Balogun can participate in the World Cup clash, as he is the tournament's top scorer for the USA with three goals, which has elevated expectations for the team's performance. The RBFA is exploring all options to uphold the integrity of the competition, with Belgian coach Rudi Garcia expressing disbelief at the ruling, while USA officials and players have celebrated the news as a positive turn of events.
Super typhoon Bavi has made landfall in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with winds nearing 290 km/h (180 mph) and gusts up to 350 km/h, prompting warnings of "catastrophic" damage and waves potentially reaching 11 meters (35 feet). The storm is forecasted to maintain typhoon force winds until early Monday afternoon, with reports of major damages already surfacing in the Northern Mariana Islands, as residents evacuate to shelters, which have a maximum capacity of around 1,700 people. Bavi is noted as the 11th category four or five tropical cyclone to impact US territory in the last decade, highlighting an increasing trend linked to climate change and warmer sea temperatures.
Bangladesh's new government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is actively seeking increased Chinese investments and partnerships to address its economic challenges while attempting to improve relations with India, following the political upheaval that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Rahman’s recent visits to Malaysia and China, particularly the latter, highlight Bangladesh's shift in foreign policy as it aims to negotiate bilateral agreements, including assistance with managing the Teesta River and establishing a special economic zone at Mongla port. While diplomatic tensions between Bangladesh and India have eased since Rahman's February election, issues such as anti-India sentiment and allegations of illegal immigration continue to complicate relations, despite a bilateral trade volume of approximately £13 billion last year.
Fishing communities on Sherbo Island, Sierra Leone, are experiencing a significant decline in catches, with average catches down approximately 40% due to illegal fishing by foreign trawlers, predominantly from China. Fisherman Musa Gassimo reports that these trawlers are cutting local fishing nets, costing fishermen around $250 each time, while an estimated $10 billion in annual revenue is lost to illegal fishing in West Africa. Despite allegations of corruption and ineffective oversight, government officials claim that measures are in place to curb illegal fishing activities, including tracking systems for international vessels.
Ministers are set to enforce stricter regulations on political donations, including a £100,000 cap on donations from individuals who have moved to the UK from abroad, in response to controversies surrounding Nigel Farage's financial dealings. Among the scrutiny is a £5 million donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and undisclosed benefits from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, which included support for Farage's social media team and travel expenses. The new rules will mandate disclosure of any political donations over £2,230 for candidates and implement checks on the legitimacy of companies making political donations, aiming to curb foreign influence in British elections.