Year: 2026

What’s going on?
The US has confirmed plans to strike Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal in response to perceived threats. President Trump indicated that the military action may be taken “just for fun” and warned of possible escalations ahead.

In contrast, CNBC reported, “Trump weighing options to strike Iran’s critical oil hub, UN Ambassador Waltz says,” while The Guardian stated, “Trump news at a glance: president says Iran’s Kharg Island ‘demolished’ and threatens more strikes ‘just for fun’.” CNBC’s focus on the decision-making process emphasizes the diplomatic considerations, while The Guardian highlights the consequences of the potential strikes, suggesting urgent military implications.

Coverage analysed: The Guardian | CNBC | Reuters | AP News

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was reportedly evacuated to Russia for urgent leg surgery after a US airstrike left him severely injured. Following the operation at a presidential palace in Moscow, he is expected to continue asserting his leadership.

The US confirms the deaths of six crew members in the refuelling plane crash over Iraq, including Major Klinner and Captain Savino.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

This morning, President Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s readiness for trilateral peace talks regarding Russia’s invasion, pending confirmation from Washington and Moscow. Overnight, Russia launched 97 drones, with Ukrainian forces intercepting 90.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

A pregnant woman discovered her husband’s affair with her male doctor this morning. She forgave both men, insisting her husband’s partner assist during the birth, leading to a cooperative co-parenting arrangement.

Vladimir Putin has established a 1.2-square-mile security zone around his Bocharov Ruchey residence in Sochi, amid concerns for his safety following a reported Ukrainian drone threat. New regulations will restrict activities in the area, effective during his visits.

Timothee Chalamet mastered table tennis under experts Diego Schaaf and Wei Wang for his role in Marty Supreme.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Polling stations have opened this morning across France for local elections, with 48.7 million eligible voters. Voter turnout will be scrutinised as results are expected later today after polls close at 8:00 pm local time.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

The M1 motorway is closed in both directions in Derbyshire this morning due to an ongoing police incident near Staveley. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid congestion.

Six US service members died in a KC-135 refuelling plane crash in Iraq during operations in the Middle East. The Department of Defence has identified them as Captain Ariana G. Savino, Major John ‘Alex’ Klinner, and Captain Seth R. Koval, among others. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation.