US President Donald Trump said some American allies in the Middle East adopted a “semi-neutral” position in the armed conflict between the United States and Iran. He said Iranian missiles unexpectedly struck countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain after the conflict began. Iranian authorities have repeatedly said Tehran targeted only US military bases, not regional countries.

US-Iran conflictMiddle EastDonald Trumpmissile strikes

The United States urged its allies and China on Thursday to participate in efforts to isolate Iran’s economy. President Donald Trump is seeking to intensify pressure on Tehran amid a wartime stalemate and mounting criticism at home.

United StatesIraneconomic pressure

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington will impose “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, with the economic pressure likely to prevent a kinetic restart on the battlefield. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the strategy a doubling down on failed policies. Brent crude climbed sharply, closing at $93.78 a barrel.

United StatesIraneconomic sanctionsoil prices

US Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged that Washington cannot predict how long its economic pressure on Iran will last. He said Iran is facing intense pressure and that the US goal is to prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump previously announced the “most crushing economic operation” against Iran and warned entities supporting Tehran of serious consequences.

USIraneconomic pressureDonald Trump

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the United States’ tighter sanctions amounted to “economic terrorism” and a crime against humanity, warning that those who devised or enforced them would face appropriate punishment. It called the measures a continuation of failed US policy and said they would not weaken Iran’s resolve to defend its independence and sovereignty.

IranUS sanctionseconomic pressure

As college sports become increasingly commercialized, a growing number of universities are creating nonprofits, limited liability companies and other associated entities to bring in more revenue and remain competitive.

college sportsnonprofitssports commercialization

U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent said the United States would impose what he called “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, suggesting the move could reduce the need for new major military operations.

United StatesIransanctions

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Washington will impose its “toughest sanctions in history” to “collapse” Iran’s government, warning that countries maintaining economic ties with Tehran will face consequences.

IranUS sanctionseconomic pressureChina

Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said the United States, rather than Iran, should be blamed for the latest escalation in the Middle East. He attributed the conflict to what he called Washington’s reckless and unprovoked aggression against Iran, and said Iran was not the party that withdrew from mediated US-Iran agreements.

Middle EastUnited StatesIranRussia

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Washington will impose its “toughest sanctions in history” on Iran alongside a blockade, claiming the measures will collapse the government. He warned countries trading with Tehran could face penalties, while declining to say whether China would be targeted.

US sanctionsIraneconomic isolationStrait of Hormuz

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged allies to choose whether they support Washington’s effort to “squash” Iran’s economy, warning that countries doing business with Tehran could face US sanctions. He described the planned measures as the world’s largest coordinated economic isolation campaign, with more details due on 24 August.

United StatesIraneconomic sanctionsScott Bessent

A Hong Kong court convicted former Hong Kong Alliance leaders Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung of incitement to subversion for organising candlelit vigils commemorating Beijing’s 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. They could receive up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for a later date.

Hong Kongnational security lawTiananmen vigils

Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance, were convicted of “incitement to subversion” over organising annual vigils for those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. Tried under Hong Kong’s 2020 national security law, they face up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for a later date.

Hong KongTiananmen vigilsnational security lawfreedom of expression

Two former organizers of Hong Kong’s decades-old vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown have been found guilty in a national security case.

Hong Kongnational securityTiananmen vigil

A Hong Kong court convicted pro-democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung of inciting subversion under Beijing’s national security law. The pair had organized candlelight vigils marking the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. They face up to 10 years in prison and will be sentenced later. Critics say the high-profile case highlights deteriorating freedom of expression.

Hong Kongnational security lawTiananmen commemorationsfreedom of expression

Hong Kong activists Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who organised annual vigils for those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, were convicted of inciting others to subvert state power under the city’s national security law. Former lawmaker Albert Ho, the third defendant, pleaded guilty earlier. Lee and Chow face up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing to follow.

Hong Kongnational security lawTiananmen vigilslegal case

Hong Kong’s High Court found the dissolved Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China and its three leaders—Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho Chun-yan—guilty of inciting others to subvert state power under the national security law. Sentencing was deferred; the charge carries up to 10 years in prison.

Hong KongHong Kong Alliancenational security lawcourt ruling

US President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the country’s space transportation ranges to support more than 1,000 launches and reentries annually by 2030, up from over 200 at present. It also calls for exploring commercial robotic access to Mars and commercial plans to send humans there and bring them back to Earth.

space launchesMars explorationDonald Trump

The Trump administration has sent about 2,284 Mexican nationals to Guatemala this year despite Mexico’s objections. Guatemala says the deportees are transferred back to Mexico within 24 hours, while critics describe third-country removals as an intimidation tactic designed to deter migrants from returning to the US.

US deportationsMexicoGuatemalaimmigration policy

Imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been taken to a private hospital for medical treatment.

PakistanImran Khanmedical treatment

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf says former Prime Minister Imran Khan was transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad under a Supreme Court order. Supporters say his health has worsened after more than three years in prison, while his lawyers report major vision loss in his right eye.

PakistanImran Khanprison transfer

Pakistan’s former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan was reportedly escorted by police and security from Adiala jail in Rawalpindi to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad. The transfer followed a Supreme Court order; a medical board including his personal physician is to examine him. He is expected to remain hospitalised until at least his September 16 hearing.

Imran KhanPakistanhospital transfer

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been transferred from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad under heavy security after complaining of poor health. The move followed a Supreme Court order requiring him to be examined within 48 hours, including by an eye specialist. Khan’s lawyers say he has several health problems, allegations disputed by the government.

Imran KhanPakistanhospital treatmentSupreme Court

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan is being taken from jail to a hospital, local outlets ARY News and Geo News reported on Friday. The move follows a Supreme Court decision allowing him to receive treatment there.

Imran KhanPakistanhospital treatment

The article argues that the US-Iran strategic confrontation is becoming increasingly protracted. After nearly half a year of conflict, Washington has recognized that military force alone may not compel Tehran to make concessions on issues including the nuclear dispute and the Strait of Hormuz. The US is therefore pursuing sustained pressure through a maritime blockade, naval deployments and expanded sanctions, though the effectiveness of that approach remains uncertain.

US-Iran conflicteconomic sanctionsStrait of Hormuz

The Duchess of Sussex could return to acting after moving back to the UK, reports say. Sources close to Harry and Meghan have not denied claims that she has been offered a role in an upcoming British project, although no details have been confirmed. The couple plan to relocate from the US to a private home outside London with their children.

Meghan MarklePrince HarryUK relocationacting

Prince Harry plans to return to Britain with Meghan and their children for an extended stay. They left royal duties and moved to the United States six years ago, a decision that caused a rift with King Charles III and Prince William.

Prince HarryMeghanBritish royal family

Prince Harry is returning to Britain with Meghan and their children for an extended stay, six years after they stepped back from royal duties and moved to the United States. Their departure created a rift with King Charles III and Prince William.

Prince HarryMeghanBritish royal family

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children plan to relocate from the US to the UK later this month. Harry and Meghan left Britain and stepped back from royal duties in 2020, and family relations have remained strained. King Charles III welcomes their return but, according to the BBC, was only told on Sunday; the Prince of Wales has made no official comment.

Prince HarryPrince WilliamBritish royal family

A year after announcing their withdrawal from royal duties, Prince Harry said the move was partly prompted by the actions of a “toxic” British press that was damaging his mental health.

Prince HarryMeghanBritish press

The United States has imposed sanctions on nine Cuban state-owned mining, metal and construction companies, along with three leaders of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the targets of supporting Cuba’s repressive apparatus. The measures add to shortages and blackouts that UN officials warn could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

US sanctionsCubaeconomic pressurehumanitarian crisis

The United States imposed new Cuba-related sanctions on Thursday, designating nine entities and three individuals over alleged malign activities directed at the United States.

United StatesCubasanctions

The first 20 people in a planned group of up to 1,200 US deportees have arrived in Monrovia, Liberia. The transfer is part of the Trump administration’s expanding use of third-country deportations. Critics fear smaller countries are being used as a “dumping ground”, while the administration describes the policy as necessary and deterrent.

US deportationsLiberiaimmigration policyTrump administration

Twenty people deported by the United States have arrived in Liberia under a new agreement covering 1,200 migrants, including nationals from Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean. Advocates and immigration lawyers say third-country deportations can leave people facing safety risks and function as a legal loophole to push asylum-seekers back toward countries they fled.

US deportationsLiberiaimmigration policyTrump administration

The United States has sent 20 deportees to Liberia. They arrived Thursday as part of a new agreement under which the African country will receive 1,200 migrants.

United StatesLiberiadeportationmigration deal

Brazil’s government said Thursday it will invest about 2.3 billion reais ($444.2 million) to strengthen the country’s artificial intelligence ecosystem. The projects will be divided between U.S. and Chinese companies, highlighting Brazil’s effort to manage relations with both powers.

Brazilartificial intelligencesupercomputersUS-China technology