Timur Demidenko, 30, has been detained in St Petersburg for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, suspecting her of being a British spy. Police discovered her body in his apartment, and he confesses remorse. He will undergo psychiatric checks amid a murder investigation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced strong military operations in Iran and Lebanon, as ongoing conflicts escalate. The Israel Defence Forces have targeted key Iranian intelligence officials and critical facilities. Follow Home Front Command orders for safety.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

European Union foreign ministers meet today in Brussels to discuss extending the Aspides naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz. Pressure from the US rises as the region’s oil supply faces escalating risks.

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.

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.

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.