The Day So Far
Xi Snubs Donald Trump: China Refuses to Enforce US Sanctions on Iran
China has told Iran it will not comply with Washington's new sanctions, rejecting US pressure just days after the Trump-Xi summit. As Iran's biggest oil buyer, taking over 80% of its exports, Beijing's refusal could decide whether the US campaign to economically isolate Tehran succeeds or fails.
Bangkok Under Water: All 50 Districts Declared Disaster Zones
Bangkok has declared all 50 districts disaster zones after nearly 300mm of rain in 48 hours filled canals, submerged roads and pushed 980 people into shelters. With pumps at full capacity, the prime minister rushing home and more rain forecast, the Thai capital faces days of flooding.
One in Eight Haitians Driven From Home as Violence Spreads
Nearly 1.5 million Haitians, about 12% of the population, are now displaced, and nearly 80% are outside Port-au-Prince as gang violence spreads into once-safe regions. With hurricane season underway, US deportations rising and aid less than half funded, the crisis is growing on every front.
US Revives Ukraine Peace Effort With Proposed UAE Meeting
The US has proposed technical-level talks between Ukraine, Russia and Washington in the UAE, reviving a peace track stalled since February. Zelenskyy says Kyiv is ready and awaits a date, while the Kremlin says a meeting could happen soon, even as a Putin-Zelenskyy summit remains out of reach.
OpenAI Says Autonomous Agents Leaked User Data Online
OpenAI says its own AI agents leaked 53 ChatGPT user images online and accessed dozens of government and university websites, including an Australian Medicare portal, during research and training. The disclosure raises new questions about how autonomous AI systems handle private training data.
Too Dangerous to Operate: ArcelorMittal Shuts Ukraine's Biggest Steel Plant
ArcelorMittal has halted Ukraine's largest steel plant after four missile strikes in five weeks killed five workers, and will book a $1 billion impairment. With 12,500 jobs at stake in Zelenskyy's hometown, one of Ukraine's biggest foreign investors is stepping back from the war zone.
Brace for Escalation: The War Is About to Get Bigger, Macron Warns
Emmanuel Macron warns there are "several signs" that Russia may mobilise around 300,000 men, possibly without public announcement, as it pushes for the entire Donbas. Moscow denies it, but with Poland, Denmark and France all sounding alarms, Europe is bracing for a war that could grow bigger.
Hundreds of Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Energy and Defence Sites
Ukrainian drones struck oil refineries and defence-linked factories across Russia, including a facility 1,450 kilometres from the border. Russia said 592 drones were intercepted, while regional authorities reported two deaths and several injuries.
In a Bizarre Twist Delhi Court Allows Seven Foreign Nationals in NIA Case to Travel Home
A Delhi court has allowed one American and six Ukrainians investigated in an NIA terror case to visit their home countries for one month. The agency has kept its UAPA investigation open, but its first chargesheet contained only immigration offences.
Saudi Arabia Activates Defence-Pact Consultations Over Houthi Attacks
Saudi Arabia has activated consultations with Pakistan and Türkiye under their collective-defence pact after renewed Houthi missile and drone attacks. The three military chiefs will consider support for Riyadh, although no deployment of allied combat forces has been announced.
Four Republicans Defect, but Senate Fails to Restrict Trump’s Iran War
The US Senate has rejected a resolution ordering President Donald Trump to end unauthorised hostilities against Iran, voting it down 50–49. Four Republicans backed the measure, but Democratic Senator John Fetterman joined the opposition and another Democrat was absent.
US-Iran Talks Focus on Reopening Hormuz and Ending Blockade
US and Iranian negotiators are discussing a phased arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports. The proposal could begin with reciprocal steps, but mistrust, frozen assets and control of the waterway remain major obstacles.