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SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, has achieved orbit for the first time, a milestone in the vehicle's development program. The flight marks a major step toward SpaceX's goals of deep-space missions and NASA's plans to use a Starship variant for lunar landings under the Artemis program.
- 2Iran says fully prepared for war to resume if Trump orders strikes▼Iran ‘fully prepared’ for war to resume if Trump authorizes strikes after midterms
Iran says it is fully prepared for hostilities to resume if US President Donald Trump authorizes new military strikes, with Iranian officials suggesting action could come after the US midterm elections. The statement signals rising tension between Tehran and Washington, with both sides weighing the risk of a renewed conflict in the region.
- 3Iran's foreign minister warns of 'doomsday' war with US▼Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran ready for ‘doomsday’ war with U.S., but leaves diplomacy on the table
Iran's foreign minister says Tehran is prepared for a 'doomsday' war with the United States, while simultaneously keeping the door open to diplomatic negotiations. The remarks pair stark military rhetoric with an explicit signal that diplomacy remains an option, underscoring the tension in Iran's posture toward Washington amid ongoing regional and nuclear-related disputes.
- 4Israeli minister Smotrich calls for war in West Bank▼Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for war in occupied West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for war in the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera. The remarks by a senior member of Israel's government are likely to draw international criticism and sharpen concerns over escalating violence and military operations in the Palestinian territory, where tensions have already been running high.
- 5China and U.S. agree to establish AI safety channel▼China and U.S. agree to establish AI safety channel and continue trade and military talks
China and the United States have agreed to establish a dedicated channel on artificial intelligence safety, while committing to continue ongoing talks on trade and military matters. The agreement extends a series of dialogue efforts between the two powers, aiming to reduce risks in emerging technology and keep diplomatic engagement moving despite persistent tensions over commerce and security.
- 6Russia Says It Struck Military Infrastructure and Vessel in Ukraine▼Russia Says It Struck Military Infrastructure, Vessel in Ukraine
Russia says it carried out strikes on military infrastructure and a vessel in Ukraine, according to a report by Asharq Al-Awsat. The claim comes amid the ongoing war between the two countries, with Russia regularly announcing attacks on Ukrainian military targets. Ukrainian officials have frequently disputed or downplayed such claims, and no independent confirmation of the strikes or damage was included in the report.
- 7Iran says ready for diplomacy or war as Trump rejects ceasefire plan▼Iran ready for diplomacy, war as Trump rejects seven-day ceasefire proposal
Iran says it is prepared for both diplomacy and war after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposed seven-day ceasefire. The statement signals Tehran is keeping its options open amid rising tensions, while Trump's refusal of the truce proposal has drawn attention to the risk of further escalation between the two countries.
- 8Report: Egypt warned Netanyahu three times before October 7▼Netanyahu received three warnings from Egypt about Gaza including in days before October 7 - report
A new report says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received three warnings from Egyptian intelligence about an imminent attack from Gaza, including in the days just before October 7, 2023. The claim fuels ongoing political controversy in Israel over whether the government ignored advance notice of Hamas's assault and who bears responsibility for the security failure.
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Russian strikes killed four people in Ukraine, according to France 24 reporting. The attacks add to the ongoing toll of Russia's war on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Details on the location of the strikes and the victims have not been provided in the initial report, but the deaths underscore the continued intensity of Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory.
- 10Fed's Barr Says More Rate Hikes Likely Needed▼Fed’s Barr Says More Rate Hikes Likely Needed to Return Inflation to Target
Federal Reserve official Michael Barr said further interest rate increases are likely needed to bring inflation back to the central bank's target. The comments signal that policymakers remain cautious about declaring victory over price pressures, and markets and analysts are weighing what a longer tightening path would mean for borrowing costs and the economy.
- 11Sudan demands end to foreign interference and RSF disarmament●Sudan says ‘foreign interference must end,’ RSF must be disarmed
Sudan's government has called for foreign interference in the country to end and for the Rapid Support Forces to be disarmed, according to a report by Middle East Monitor. The demand comes as Sudan's civil war between the army and the RSF continues to displace millions, with Khartoum repeatedly accusing outside powers of arming and backing the paramilitary group.
- 12Qatar's Al Thani accuses Netanyahu government of sabotaging Gaza talks▼Qatar's Al Thani claims Netanyahu's 'far-right government' sabotaging Gaza talks
Qatar's Sheikh Al Thani has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government of deliberately undermining negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. The charge, reported by The Jerusalem Post, escalates tensions between Qatar, a key mediator alongside Egypt and the United States, and Israel, and highlights deepening frustration over stalled talks.
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Israeli gunfire has killed a child in Gaza, according to reporting by Middle East Eye. No further details about the incident, the child's identity, or the circumstances of the shooting are available. The death adds to the toll of child casualties in the territory amid the ongoing conflict and continued military operations there.
- 14Analysts weigh substance versus spectacle at Trump-Xi summit▼Diplomacy or ‘diplotainment’? Key takeaways from the Trump-Xi summit in Washington
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in Washington for a summit that has drawn criticism over whether it produced real diplomatic results or served mainly as political theatre. Commentators have dubbed the spectacle 'diplotainment', questioning whether headline-grabbing moments masked a lack of concrete agreements. Observers are parsing the outcomes for signals on trade, technology and broader US-China relations.
- 15Fresh fighting in Tigray raises fears of new Ethiopian war▼Is Ethiopia on the verge of another civil war as fighting erupts in Tigray?
Fighting has erupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region, prompting warnings that the country could slide back into civil war barely two years after the devastating conflict there ended with a 2022 peace deal. Observers are asking whether renewed clashes between forces in the region and federal authorities could unravel that agreement and reignite large-scale war.
- 16EU pledges €61 million in humanitarian aid for Ethiopia▼EU provides €61 million in humanitarian aid amidst rapidly deteriorating situation in Ethiopia
The European Union has announced €61 million in new humanitarian funding for Ethiopia, citing a rapidly deteriorating situation on the ground. The aid, announced by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, is intended to help address growing needs among civilians affected by conflict, drought and displacement in the country.
- 17Report: Netanyahu told forces to limit Gaza escalation days before Oct 7▼Days before Oct 7, PM ordered security forces to ‘minimize escalation’ in Gaza – report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered security forces to 'minimize escalation' in Gaza just days before Hamas launched the October 7 attacks. The report has reignited debate over whether political considerations shaped Israel's security posture ahead of the assault, fueling ongoing controversy over failures leading up to the deadliest day in the country's history.
- 18Ben-Gvir joins hundreds of Israelis at Al-Aqsa compound▼Ben-Gvir joins hundreds of Israelis to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined hundreds of Israelis entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, according to Al Jazeera. The compound, a site sacred to both Muslims and Jews, has repeatedly been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and visits by far-right Israeli politicians have drawn condemnation and fears of renewed tensions in the region.
- 19Germany urges Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza▼Germany urges Israel to ensure delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza
Germany has called on Israel to guarantee the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, adding to international pressure over the worsening humanitarian situation in the territory. The appeal from Berlin underscores growing concern among European governments about access for food, medicine and other essential supplies for civilians caught in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- 20Iran Says It Is Ready for Diplomacy and War▼Iran Says It Is Ready For Diplomacy And War Amid Deadlock
Iran says it is prepared for both diplomacy and war as talks with world powers remain deadlocked, according to a report by Telesur English. The statement signals Tehran's hardening position amid stalled negotiations, with Iranian officials insisting the country will not concede under pressure while keeping the door open to a negotiated settlement.
- 21Russia strikes Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences●Russia strikes Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences, full of workers
Russia carried out a strike on Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv, hitting a building that was full of workers at the time, according to CBS News reporting. The attack on a civilian scientific institution has drawn attention as part of the ongoing wave of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Casualty details and the full extent of the damage were not immediately available.
- 22Iran pushes diplomacy after Trump rejects peace plan▼Iran insists on diplomatic solution after Trump rejects peace plan
Iran says it remains committed to a diplomatic solution after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The rejection, reported widely by international outlets including Reuters and Al-Monitor, has drawn attention to the future of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials maintain they still favour talks, while the US stance leaves the path to an agreement uncertain.
- 23Gaza media office says 262 Palestinian journalists killed since war began▼262 Palestinian journalists killed by Israel since Gaza war: Media office
Gaza's media office says 262 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023, according to a report carried by Anadolu Agency. The figure underscores the toll on media workers covering the conflict, and press freedom groups have repeatedly raised concerns about reporter safety in the territory.
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Health authorities are reporting that the death toll from an ongoing measles outbreak is approaching 1,100. The figures underscore the severity of the current outbreak, which has drawn international attention amid concerns about vaccination coverage and the spread of the highly contagious disease across affected regions.
- 25Possible Terror Plot at U.K. Air Base Used by U.S.●Possible Terror Plot at U.K. Air Base Used by U.S. Raises Security Concerns
New York Times reports a possible terror plot targeting a U.K. air base used by U.S. forces, raising fresh security concerns. Details of the alleged plot and who may be behind it have not been disclosed. The report has prompted questions about security arrangements at American military facilities in Britain.
- 26US and Iran to Hold Indirect Talks Through Mediators▼US and Iran Set for Indirect Talks Through Mediators as Diplomacy Resumes
The United States and Iran are preparing to resume diplomacy through indirect talks conducted via mediators, according to a report by Modern Diplomacy. The arrangement would see messages exchanged through intermediary countries rather than direct negotiation, a format both sides have used in past rounds over Iran's nuclear programme and regional tensions.
- 27Zelensky accuses Moscow of fake diplomacy to buy war time▼Zelensky accuses Moscow of buying time for war with fake diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of engaging in what he calls fake diplomacy, arguing that Moscow is using peace talks as a stalling tactic to buy time to continue its war. The accusation reflects Kyiv's growing distrust of negotiations with the Kremlin and raises questions about whether diplomatic channels can produce a genuine ceasefire or settlement.
- 28Iran Says Draft US Deal Includes Sanctions Waiver and Nuclear Limits▼Iran Says Draft US Deal Includes Oil Sanctions Waiver, Nuclear Limits and Asset Release
Iran says a draft agreement under negotiation with the United States would include a waiver on oil sanctions, limits on its nuclear programme and the release of frozen assets. The claims, reported by Iran's side, offer a first outline of what a potential deal could contain. Details remain unconfirmed by Washington, and observers are watching closely for any official US response.
- 29Google Earth updates show scale of devastation in Gaza▼Google Earth exposes devastation in Gaza with new updated images
Google Earth has released updated satellite imagery of Gaza, revealing the widespread destruction caused by months of conflict. The new images allow users to compare before-and-after views of neighbourhoods, infrastructure and residential areas across the territory. Outlets including The Independent have highlighted the imagery, which offers one of the clearest public visualisations yet of the scale of damage in the enclave.
- 30North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine face transfer to South Korea▼Explainer: What comes next for North Korea soldiers transferred from Ukraine to South Korea?
North Korean soldiers captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine are being transferred to South Korea, raising questions about what happens to them next. Reuters explains the process, including possible defection procedures, interrogation, and the soldiers' uncertain legal and personal status after the war's unexpected battlefield captures.
- 31Gaza death toll climbs to 74,022, ministry says●Gaza death toll rises to 74,022, Palestinian Health Ministry says
The Palestinian Health Ministry says the death toll in Gaza has risen to 74,022, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency. The updated figure reflects the continued counting of casualties in the territory. No further details about the circumstances of the newly recorded deaths were provided in the report.
- 32Sudan's war: besieged civilians face chemical attacks and denied safe passage▼SUDAN’s War & besieged civilians: From chemical attacks to denial of safe passage
Reports from Sudan's ongoing war describe besieged civilians being subjected to alleged chemical attacks while being denied safe passage out of conflict zones. The situation highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis, with trapped populations facing indiscriminate violence and blocked escape routes. Observers are calling for international attention to the plight of civilians caught between warring parties.
- 33Congo Ebola outbreak passes 8,000 cases●Congo's Ebola outbreak tops 8,000 cases as disease remains out of control
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 8,000 cases, with health authorities still unable to bring the disease under control. The milestone underscores the difficulty of containing the epidemic amid conflict, community mistrust and stretched response efforts in the affected region. Observers warn the outbreak remains one of the most serious public health emergencies in Africa.
- 34Russia and Ukraine trade claims of strikes on military targets▼Russia claims strikes on military targets as Ukraine says it hit drone launch site
Russia says its forces carried out strikes on Ukrainian military targets, while Ukraine reports hitting a Russian drone launch site. The duelling claims come as the war continues with both sides targeting infrastructure and military assets deep behind the front lines. Neither claim could be independently verified, and the fuller operational impact of the reported strikes remains unclear.
- 35Zelenskiy says North Korea preparing 10,000 more troops for Russia●Ukraine's Zelenskiy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says North Korea is preparing to deploy another 10,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russia. If confirmed, the deployment would significantly expand Pyongyang's involvement in the war, after earlier reports of North Korean troops aiding Russian forces. The claim has drawn attention as Ukraine presses allies for continued military support while Moscow's offensive pressures Ukrainian defences.
- 36SpaceX launches Starship on first orbital flight test●SpaceX successfully launches Starship's 1st orbital flight test
SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket on its first orbital flight test from Starbase in Texas, a milestone for the company's next-generation launch system. The flight marks the first combined test of the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage, a vehicle central to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the Moon and to Elon Musk's long-term goal of missions to Mars.
- 37Poles told to shelter as Russian strike hits 2km from border●‘Find a safe place’: Poles told to shelter as Russia strikes Ukraine just 2km from border
Polish authorities issued an alert telling residents near the Ukrainian border to find a safe place after a Russian strike landed just 2km from Polish territory. The attack, reported by Polish public media, prompted warnings of falling debris and raised concerns about spillover. The incident is renewing debate over NATO airspace readiness and border-zone safety.
- 38Report: Netanyahu told forces to ease Gaza tensions days before Oct. 7▼Days before Oct. 7, PM ordered security forces to ‘minimize escalation’ in Gaza – report
A report says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered security forces to 'minimize escalation' in Gaza just days before Hamas's October 7 attack. The claim has drawn attention amid ongoing debate over whether Israeli leadership underestimated threats from Gaza and whether earlier signals of an attack were ignored ahead of the assault.
- 39Israeli drone strike kills Palestinian woman in Gaza▼Israeli drone strike kills Palestinian woman in Gaza amid ceasefire violations
An Israeli drone strike has killed a Palestinian woman in Gaza, in what is being described as another violation of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The incident adds to a series of reported breaches since the truce took effect, fueling concern that the agreement is eroding. Observers warn that continued strikes on civilians could derail ongoing mediation efforts to stabilize the territory.
- 40World Leaders Address United Nations General Assembly on Day Six▼World Leaders Address United Nations General Assembly, Day 6
World leaders continued addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the sixth day of the annual high-level debate. The sessions, broadcast live, feature speeches from heads of state and government on topics ranging from conflict and security to climate and development, drawing international attention to the diplomatic calendar's most prominent gathering.
- 41Zelenskyy: Russia launched over 2,200 drones at Ukraine in a week▼Zelenskyy says Russia launched over 2,200 drones at Ukraine in a week
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia fired more than 2,200 drones at Ukraine over the past week, underlining the scale of Moscow's escalating aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The claim highlights growing pressure on Ukraine's air defenses and renewed international concern over the pace of Russian drone attacks in the war.
- 42Iran says ready to renew war with US but open to diplomacy▼Iran says it's ready to restart war with U.S., but diplomacy an option
Iranian officials say the country is prepared to resume hostilities with the United States if necessary, while leaving the door open to renewed diplomatic negotiations. The statement underscores Tehran's dual-track posture following this year's confrontation, pairing military warnings with signals that talks remain possible. Observers are watching whether Washington and Tehran will re-engage in negotiations or drift back toward escalation.
- 43Poles told to shelter as Russian strike hits near border●‘Find a safe place’: Poles told to shelter as Russia strikes Ukraine ‘just 2km’ from border
Polish authorities issued shelter warnings to residents near the border after a Russian strike hit Ukrainian territory roughly 2km from Poland. Alerts urged people to find a safe place as air-defence responses and the risk of spillover put border communities on edge, highlighting how closely the war continues to press against NATO territory.
- 44Russia Restored Perimeter Nuclear Retaliation System, Report Says▼Russia Has Restored the Perimeter Retaliatory Nuclear Strike System, The Sunday Times Says
Russia has restored its Cold War-era 'Perimeter' system, designed to launch a nuclear retaliatory strike automatically if leadership is decapitated, according to The Sunday Times. The dead-hand-style system would ensure retaliation even if Russian command structures were destroyed in a first strike. The claim has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions over nuclear rhetoric tied to the war in Ukraine.
- 45Iran puts diplomacy-or-war choice in Trump's hands▼Iran says it is up to Trump to choose between diplomacy or war
Iranian officials have publicly stated that US President Donald Trump must decide whether the standoff between Washington and Tehran proceeds through diplomacy or heads toward war. The declaration frames the US administration as the party responsible for escalation or de-escalation, with talks reportedly stalled and regional tensions running high over Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions pressure.
- 46OpenAI Cancels New AI Model Release Over Safety Concerns●Exclusive | OpenAI Scraps Release of New AI Model Over Safety Concerns
OpenAI has scrapped plans to release a new AI model, citing safety concerns, according to a Wall Street Journal exclusive. The decision marks a notable step for a company usually racing to ship new capabilities, and is likely to fuel debate about how leading AI labs weigh safety reviews against competitive pressure.
- 47Poland's border residents brace for possible Russian hybrid attack▼Residents brace for a possible Russian hybrid attack on Poland's border with Ukraine
Communities along Poland's border with Ukraine are preparing for a possible Russian hybrid attack, according to reports carried by ABC News and U.S. News & World Report. Residents are reportedly taking precautions amid ongoing tensions and warnings about destabilisation tactics such as sabotage, disinformation or cyber operations near the frontier.
- 48Iran warns of 'doomsday war' but keeps diplomacy open▼Iran ready for ‘doomsday war’ if US resumes attacks, but open to diplomacy: Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is prepared for a 'doomsday war' if the United States resumes military attacks, while stressing that Tehran remains open to diplomatic negotiations. The statement underscores Iran's dual posture of military deterrence and willingness to talk as tensions with Washington persist.
- 49Israeli forces kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani▼WATCH: Israeli forces kill global jihadist terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on October 7
Israeli forces have killed a global jihadist terrorist involved in the kidnapping of Noa Argamani during the October 7 attacks, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. Argamani became one of the most recognisable hostages of the Hamas-led assault before being rescued in June 2024. The killing of the abductor is drawing attention as Israel continues operations against those responsible for the attacks.
- 50Congo Ebola outbreak passes 8,000 confirmed cases●More than 8,000 confirmed cases in Congo's Ebola outbreak
Health authorities report that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 8,000 confirmed cases, making it one of the largest ever recorded. The milestone underscores the difficulty of containing the virus in affected regions, where conflict and limited access to healthcare have hampered response efforts. International health organisations continue vaccination and containment work.