- No hazardous substances detected near Israeli embassy following drone threat | News UK
- US warns of new sanctions on countries engaging with Iran amid ongoing blockade
- Far-right leaders propose remigration plan at Milan summit
- Melbourne police investigate fatal pedestrian collision at Supanova event
- Spanish PM hosts progressive conference in Barcelona against MAGA politics
- Gunman kills six in Kyiv supermarket shooting being investigated as terrorism
- EU chemical producers file complaint against Chinese firm LB Group
- Trump convenes Iran meeting amid renewed crisis in Strait of Hormuz
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No hazardous substances detected near Israeli embassy following drone threat | News UK
Get you up to speed: No hazardous substances detected near Israeli embassy following drone threat | News UK
Counter Terrorism Policing London is investigating suspicious items near the Israeli embassy in Kensington Gardens, which were assessed as non-hazardous.
Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London confirmed ongoing inquiries following the discovery of non-hazardous items near the Israeli embassy, assuring public safety.
Counter Terrorism Policing London is continuing inquiries related to suspicious items near the Israeli embassy while maintaining security cooperation with the embassy’s team.
What we know so far
Suspicious items found near the Israeli embassy in central London have been assessed as non-hazardous. The investigation into the discarded items prompted a significant police presence in Kensington Gardens, which was cordoned off since Friday morning.
Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said, “We recognise this incident and consequent police activity may have caused concern among local residents and the wider public. We are grateful to them for their understanding while our work was undertaken.” The park reopened on Saturday.
While no attack occurred, police continue to collaborate with the embassy’s security team to ensure safety. Various emergency services, including a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team, responded to the scene as a precaution.
This incident follows claims by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia of responsibility for other attacks in the area. However, police are not linking this investigation with an attempted arson at a synagogue in Finchley earlier this week.
Read in full
No hazardous materials found near Israeli embassy after drone attack threat | News UK
Suspicious items found near the Israeli embassy in central London have been assessed as non-hazardous.
The park reopened on Saturday.
Commander Helen Flanagan, of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: ‘We recognise this incident and consequent police activity may have caused concern among local residents and the wider public. We are grateful to them for their understanding while our work was undertaken.
‘This work is being carried out by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London and our inquiries remain ongoing.
‘While the Embassy of Israel was not attacked, we continue to work closely with the Embassy and its security team to keep the site safe and secure.’
A van belonging to the WTXpolitan Police’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team was near the bandstand in Kensington Gardens on Friday, around 500m away from the embassy.
A fire investigation unit from London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service’s hazardous area response team were also present at the scene, as were divers from the Met’s underwater and confined space search team.
It comes after Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia – which is suspected of being Iran-backed – also claimed responsibility for other arson attacks in north London.
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To get the latest news from the capital, visit WTX’s London news hub.
Hostile states including Iran have used criminal proxies to carry out acts in the UK before.
A teenage boy and two men were arrested after the latest attack at the offices of a Persian media organisation in Wembley.
Police are not linking the attack to an attempted arson at a synagogue in Finchley earlier this week, or the torching of Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green last month.
Counter-terror police are also investigating a suspected arson attack at a building said to be formerly used by the Jewish community in Hendon on Friday night.
Kensington Palace, where the Prince and Princess of Wales used to have their main home, is located on the western edge of Kensington Gardens.
Staff from the royal couple’s household based at the historic site are still at work there.
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US warns of new sanctions on countries engaging with Iran amid ongoing blockade
Get you up to speed: US warns of new sanctions on countries engaging with Iran amid ongoing blockade
An Iranian minion blocked the Strait with a button, representing Iran’s control over the waterway. World leaders, including those from Qatar, the UAE, Britain, France, and Japan, began cheering on another floating piece of wood.
Dr Ian Garner highlighted the role of social media in modern propaganda, stating, “we’re now living in an era of truly global propaganda,” with Iran actively using it to disseminate its message. Meanwhile, the White House announced that any further negotiations between the United States and Iran would likely occur in Islamabad, pending a decision regarding their resumption.
Hopes have risen for a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, with discussions likely to take place in Islamabad, as Pakistan’s army chief met with Iran’s foreign minister. Additionally, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports has continued for a third day, and warnings of new economic sanctions on countries engaging in business with Iran have been issued by the Trump administration.
Trump is turned into a Minion in new video after Iran doubles down in AI meme war | News World
Showing a minion version of Trump floating on a piece of wood with an American flag, the cartoon says: ‘I’m going to count to three. When I open my eyes, the Strait must be open.’
Nothing happens, but on another floating piece of wood, minions meant to represent leaders from Qatar, the UAE, Britain, France and Japan begin cheering.
That is, until an Iranian minion pushes a red button and laughs as ‘caution’ tape drops over the Strait, representing the control Iran exerts over the waterway.
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World leaders on the other side of the Strait expressed frustration (Picture: Iranian Embassy)

An Iranian minion blocked the Strait with a button (Picture: Iranian Embassy)
AI has become a major part of the war in Iran – with both Iran and the President of the United States sharing bizarre images.
Propaganda expert and historian Dr Ian Garner told WTX: ‘These are interesting because we’re now living in an era of truly global propaganda, where a country like Iran can use social media and cheap technology available everywhere to flood our spaces and push propaganda to a wide audience—ultimately reaching the minds of viewers around the world.
‘The content, however, is equally interesting because it imitates the “slop propaganda” style associated with the Trump government. In a sense, Iran is not just engaging in a kinetic war with America; it is also engaging in a war of image and ideas.’
Dr Garner said at the same time, the ‘sloppiness’ of the cartoons undermines the severity of the war, turning it into a ‘dark joke’.
‘It makes the situation seem so absurd that the reality—people dying, bombs being dropped, the global economy being shaken—feels less significant,’ he said.
‘We move beyond arguments about politics into essentially unwinnable arguments. Who wins in a fight between a “real” Jesus and an AI-generated Donald Trump? Who wins in a fight involving minions from a Hollywood movie? It doesn’t matter. It’s just silliness,’ he added.
‘The act of spreading and discussing the propaganda becomes as important as any concrete reality that comes out of it.’

Trump shared a photo of Jesus Christ embracing him (Picture: Truth Social)
Trump hit back at his haters for portraying himself as Jesus – or as he claimed, a doctor – with yet another sacrilegious AI image.
The US President just couldn’t resist posting another AI slop photo despite the almighty furore over his last one.
His latest Truth Social post shows Jesus holding Trump from behind in a tender embrace as a star-spangled banner flaps in the wind.
Trump captioned the image: ‘The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!! President DJT.’
The original post suffered a huge backlash with Truth Social followers calling him ‘the AntiChrist’ and accusing him of blasphemy.
One replied to the now deleted image: ‘The book of Revelations speaks of this, are you literally depicting yourself as a saviour or messiah? Just asking, as the Book of Revelations tells us the Antichrist will claim he is.’
Trump has been under fire from Christians for the image, as well as his battle with Pope Leo, after he said he ‘wasn’t doing a good job’.
Elsewhere, hopes have risen a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran after almost seven weeks of war as Pakistan’s army chief met in Tehran with Iran’s foreign minister.
The White House said any further talks would likely take place in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, though no decision had been made on whether to resume negotiations.
The US naval blockade of Iranian ports continued for a third day. The Trump administration warned of new economic sanctions on countries doing business with Iran, saying the Islamic Republic would feel the ‘financial equivalent’ of a bombing campaign.
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Far-right leaders propose remigration plan at Milan summit
Far-right leaders propose remigration plan at Milan summit
Far-right leaders convened in Milan to discuss a remigration plan for Europe, with League chief Salvini proposing a points-based residence permit.
Far-right leaders in Milan are advocating for a remigration plan, which suggests a significant shift in European immigration policy discussions.
“We must unite our efforts for a remigration plan that prioritises our national interests,” stated League chief Salvini during the conference in Milan.
Key developments
Far-right leaders convened in Milan to discuss proposals for a remigration plan in Europe. League chief Matteo Salvini emphasised the importance of creating a points-based residence permit system.
During the meeting, Salvini also criticised the European Union‘s handling of the energy crisis, advocating for renewed engagement with Russian oil imports as a strategic response.
Europe's Patriots rally in Milan against immigration while Salvini backs Russian oil

Far-right leaders met in Milan calling for a plan to introduce remigration in Europe. League chief Salvini proposes a points-based residence permit and attacks the EU over its energy-crisis response, backing a reopening to Russian oil.
Melbourne police investigate fatal pedestrian collision at Supanova event
Get you up to speed: Melbourne police investigate fatal pedestrian collision at Supanova event
A grey Toyota struck two pedestrians outside the Supanova Comic Con at Melbourne Showgrounds, resulting in one death and one person suffering life-threatening injuries. Melbourne Police have arrested a man in connection with the incident, and the Major Collision Investigation Unit is conducting an investigation.
Melbourne Police stated that the Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Ascot Vale, adding that a man has been arrested and will be interviewed as the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. According to a witness named Tom, the driver allegedly mounted the kerb at an erratic speed before hitting two pedestrians.
Melbourne Police are investigating the fatal collision that occurred at the Supanova Comic Con, with a man arrested and set to be interviewed. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain unclear as the investigation continues.
One dead and another person fighting for life after car ‘rams onto pavement’ | News World

Two pedestrians were hit, with one declared dead at the scene and the other suffering life-threatening injuries (Picture: Nine News)
One person has died and another is fighting for their life after a car swerved in Comic Con fans in Melbourne.
Fans standing outside the Supanova Comic Con at Melbourne Showgrounds were hit by a grey Toyota after it mounted the pavement at 5pm.
Two pedestrians were hit, with one declared dead at the scene and the other suffering life-threatening injuries.
A witness, Tom, told The Age: ‘I heard a screech and a guy (allegedly) mounted the kerb at an erratic speed, hit a couple people.’
The car reportedly did a U-turn and drove back down the street, stalled and a group of witnesses tried to apprehend them.
Tom said: ‘He was erratic. ‘I said, “you’re not going anywhere mate”.’
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The scene where a car struck two pedestrians, killing one and injuring another during the Supanova expo (Picture: AAPIMAGE)
Tom’s wife is a paramedic who worked on one of the victims for 20 minutes before ambulances arrived.
Melbourne Police said: ‘Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Ascot Vale this afternoon.
‘Police have arrested a man who will be interviewed by police. The circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established and the investigation remains ongoing.’
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Spanish PM hosts progressive conference in Barcelona against MAGA politics
Spanish PM hosts progressive conference in Barcelona against MAGA politics
Spanish PM hosted a conference in Barcelona, uniting global leaders against MAGA politics, during which Brazil’s Lula condemned warlords and tech billionaires.
The conference in Barcelona united numerous world leaders, marking a significant collective stance against perceived threats to democracy from MAGA politics and corporate influence.
“They’re destroying democracy, workers and nature,” said Brazil’s Lula, addressing world leaders at the progressive conference in Barcelona.
Key developments
During a progressive conference in Barcelona, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez underscored global unity against MAGA politics, gathering influential leaders to discuss alternative governance.
Brazil’s President Lula condemned “warlords and tech billionaires,” stating their actions threaten democracy, workers’ rights, and the environment, highlighting ongoing concerns around socio-political stability.
Spain's Sánchez builds anti-Trump coalition looking for political lifeline at home

Spanish PM led progressive conference in Barcelona bringing together world leaders opposing MAGA politics, as Brazil’s Lula lashed at warlords and tech billionaires. “They’re destroying democracy, workers and nature.”
Gunman kills six in Kyiv supermarket shooting being investigated as terrorism
Get you up to speed: Gunman kills six in Kyiv supermarket shooting being investigated as terrorism
At least six people have been killed in a mass shooting in Kyiv, where a 58-year-old Moscow-born gunman took hostages and barricaded himself in a supermarket before being shot and killed by police. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that the shooter had killed four bystanders on the street before entering the supermarket and killing a fifth person.
Ukraine’s Security Service is investigating the mass shooting in Kyiv as a terrorist act, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirming that the gunman, Dmitry Vasylchenkov, was “liquidated” during the arrest attempt after taking hostages. President Zelensky stated that the shooter had lived in Donetsk for an extended period and had set fire to his apartment before the attack.
Ukraine’s Security Service is investigating the shooting in Kyiv as a terrorist act. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that the shooter was killed during the arrest attempt and stated that the investigation will determine which medical institution issued the medical certificate for the assailant’s weapon.
Russian gunman kills at least six people in Kyiv ‘terror attack’ | News World

The Moscow-born gunman, 58, also took hostages and barricaded himself in a supermarket where he was later shot and killed by police (Picture: Reuters/east2west)
At least six people have been killed in a mass shooting in Kyiv earlier today.
The Moscow-born gunman, 58, also took hostages and barricaded himself in a supermarket where he was later shot and killed by police.
Ukraine’s Security Service said the shooting was being investigated as a terrorist act.
‘He took hostages and unfortunately, one of them was killed,’ Zelensky said.
‘Four people died simply on the street. One woman died in hospital after being seriously wounded.’
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Shootings of this nature are extremely rare in Ukraine.
It is unclear whether there may be any link with the ongoing war with Russia.

A Rapid Operational Response Unit member stands by an armoured vehicle outisde a supermarket (Picture: Reuters)

The gunman was ‘liquidated’ at the scene (Picture: Kyiv Operativny/e2w)

The automatic weapon discarded at the scene (Picture: east2west news)
Video from the scene showed emergency crews loading at least one body into an ambulance.
Unofficial Telegram channels quoted witnesses saying the gunman had moved down a street shooting people at point-blank range without warning before entering the supermarket.
Special tactical units stormed the store after efforts to engage with a negotiator failed.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed in a Telegram update: ‘The shooter in Kyiv was liquidated during the arrest.
‘Special forces of the…national police stormed the store where the attacker was.
‘He took people hostage and shot at a policeman during his detention. Before that, negotiators tried to contact him.’

A policeman walks past a hole made from a bullet in a window of the supermarket (Picture: AFP via Getty)
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Klymenko said that the gunman had killed four bystanders while on the street, before entering the supermarket and killing a fifth person.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that a sixth victim, a young woman, died from her injuries in the hospital.
Zelensky later wrote on social media that the shooter was born in Russia and had lived in Ukraine’s eastern city of Donetsk for a ‘long time’.
He also said that the attacker had set fire to his apartment before going out into the street armed.
Klymenko said the man was carrying a carbine. The short-barrel assault rifle was legally registered, he added.
Last December, the assailant ‘approached the licensing authorities to have the weapon test-fired as the permit was expiring’, he said, adding: ‘He provided a medical certificate. He had also submitted an application to renew his permit for the weapon. That is all we can say for now.’
He added that the investigation will determine which medical institution issued the certificate.
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