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- UAE reports drone attack on Fujairah oil port as oil prices surge again
- Austria expels three Russian diplomats over espionage claims in Vienna
- Unheard Diana Recordings to Expose Secrets of Charles’s Marriage and Camilla
- US announces withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany amid NATO tensions
- Spain denies claims of monthly €2,800 payments for regularised migrants
- American heir of ‘Downton Shabby’ mansion pledges to challenge locked out council
- Millionaire businessman dies from heart attack after brutal assault case
- Europe explores new fertiliser technologies to reduce gas dependency
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UAE reports drone attack on Fujairah oil port as oil prices surge again
6:00 pm
Get you up to speed: UAE reports drone attack on Fujairah oil port as oil prices surge again
A large fire broke out at Fujairah oil port in the United Arab Emirates after a drone attack from Iran. Authorities reported that three Indian nationals were taken to hospital for treatment following the strike on the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone.
A large fire erupted at Fujairah oil port in the United Arab Emirates following a drone attack from Iran, with three Indian nationals requiring hospital treatment, according to local authorities. The UAE has labelled the strikes from Iran as ‘treacherous’ and stated it reserves the right to respond to these attacks.
Oil prices have increased to $115 a barrel following a drone attack at Fujairah oil port in the United Arab Emirates, while the UAE has stated it reserves the right to respond to Iranian attacks. This incident marks the first targeting of the UAE since the ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. took effect nearly four weeks ago.
Oil prices soar after ‘treacherous’ Iran strikes UAE for first time since ceasefire | News World
A large fire broke out at Fujairah oil port in the United Arab Emirates after a drone attack (Picture: @WarScopeGlobal/X)
Oil prices have soared again after Iran struck the United Arab Emirates in the first attack since the ceasefire.
The Gulf state said its air defences intercepted three missiles launched from Iran, while a fourth fell into the sea.
A large fire broke out at the key UAE oil port after a drone attack from Iran, officials said.
Authorities said that three people – all Indian nationals – were taken to hospital for treatment after the strike on the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone.
The news sent Brent crude oil prices spiking to $115 a barrel – its highest level of the day.
Fujairah lies on the east coast of the UAE, beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
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Oil prices had hit $114 earlier today after reports that Iran’s military had struck an American destroyer, but fell when the US confirmed its ships had not been hit.
The UAE said it reserves the right to respond to Iranian attacks, labelling the strikes ‘treacherous’.
The attack is the first the UAE has been targeted since the shaky ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. took hold almost four weeks ago.
Iran handed over its latest proposal for negotiations with the U.S. to mediators in Pakistan, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported Friday.
Trump subsequently said he’s “not satisfied” with it, but did not elaborate on the proposal’s apparent shortcomings.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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Austria expels three Russian diplomats over espionage claims in Vienna
5:00 pm
Austria expels three Russian diplomats over espionage claims in Vienna
Diplomatic Expulsions
Austrians expelled three Russian Embassy employees suspected of espionage, who utilised antennas on diplomatic buildings to intercept satellite data from international organisations in Vienna.
Austrians expelled three Russian Embassy employees suspected of espionage, who utilised antennas on diplomatic buildings to intercept satellite data from international organisations in Vienna.
Espionage Impact
Austria’s expulsion of three diplomats underscores a significant shift in its stance on national security regarding foreign espionage amid rising tensions with Russia.
Austria’s expulsion of three diplomats underscores a significant shift in its stance on national security regarding foreign espionage amid rising tensions with Russia.
Official Statement
“Espionage is a security problem for Austria… it is unacceptable for diplomatic immunity to be used to engage in espionage,” stated Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.
“Espionage is a security problem for Austria… it is unacceptable for diplomatic immunity to be used to engage in espionage,” stated Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.
Key developments
Austria expelled three Russian Embassy employees suspected of espionage involving antennas on the diplomatic buildings, confirmed by the Foreign Ministry on Monday.
The Russian ambassador was summoned in April regarding these activities, but Moscow refused to lift the diplomats’ immunity, prompting their expulsion.
Austria is currently revising its espionage laws to extend protections to international organisations, amidst rising tensions with Russia.
Austria expels three Russian Embassy staff over suspected antenna spying in Vienna
Published on
Austria expelled three Russian Embassy employees who were suspected of espionage by using antennas on Russian diplomatic buildings, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
The ministry confirmed a report aired on Sunday by the Austrian public broadcaster ORF, which said authorities suspected the three diplomats of engaging in spying activities using antennas on the roofs of the Russian Embassy in Vienna and a diplomatic compound in the Donaustadt district.
The installations allowed Russia to intercept data transmitted by international organisations based in Vienna via satellite internet, ORF reported.
Austria hosts several UN agencies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
“Espionage is a security problem for Austria. In this government, we have changed course and are taking decisive action against it,” Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said in a statement.
“We have made this unequivocally clear to the Russian side, also with regard to the array of antennas at the Russian embassy. One thing is clear: it is unacceptable for diplomatic immunity to be used to engage in espionage.”
Western European nations and Russia have expelled each others’ diplomats on several occasions since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Austria, a European Union member with a policy of military neutrality, was initially hesitant to take such action but has recently expelled more Russian diplomats.
According to ORF, the Russian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in April over the diplomats’ activities. The Russian side was asked to lift their immunity in order to allow prosecutors to pursue an investigation, but it refused, leading to the expulsions, ORF reported. They have already left Austria, it said.
In her statement, the foreign minister said that Austria was currently tightening the espionage law to prevent such cases.
The legislation now in place punishes espionage by foreign services only if it targets Austrian interests. According to the Austria Press Agency, changes proposed by the government would call for the similar protections when it comes to international organisations.
The Russian Embassy said in a statement on Monday that it had taken note of Austria’s “outrageous” decision concerning its employees.
Moscow will respond strongly, the statement said, adding, “Vienna bears full responsibility for the further deterioration of bilateral relations, which are already at a historical low.”
Additional sources • AP
Unheard Diana Recordings to Expose Secrets of Charles’s Marriage and Camilla
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Unheard Diana Recordings to Expose Secrets of Charles’s Marriage and Camilla
TV SERIES RELEASE
Unearthed recordings made by Princess Diana in 1991 will feature in the upcoming TV series “Diana: The Unheard Truth,” airing in August 2027.
Unearthed recordings made by Princess Diana in 1991 will feature in the upcoming TV series “Diana: The Unheard Truth,” airing in August 2027.
NEW TV SHOW
Love Monday TV is set to release “Diana: The Unheard Truth” in August 2027, featuring previously unreleased recordings made by Princess Diana in 1991.
Love Monday TV is set to release “Diana: The Unheard Truth” in August 2027, featuring previously unreleased recordings made by Princess Diana in 1991.
TV DOCUMENTARY
Love Monday TV is preparing for the release of “Diana: The Unheard Truth,” featuring nearly five hours of secret recordings, set to premiere in August 2027.
Love Monday TV is preparing for the release of “Diana: The Unheard Truth,” featuring nearly five hours of secret recordings, set to premiere in August 2027.
What we know so far
An upcoming TV series will feature secret voice recordings made by Princess Diana in 1991, offering a unique glimpse into her life within the royal family. Titled Diana: The Unheard Truth, the series is set to premiere in August 2027, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of her death in Paris in 1997.
The recordings, totalling five hours, capture Diana discussing her former husband, King Charles, their marital issues, and his affection for Camilla. Additionally, she addresses her sons, Princes William and Harry, as well as her struggles with mental health and bulimia nervosa.
Produced by Love Monday TV, the series aims to illuminate Diana’s character, showcasing her humour and resilience. It promises not just to recount her life, but to present her perspective on navigating intense public scrutiny. The series is anticipated to provide a fuller portrait of Diana, highlighting her legacy of agency, courage, and love.
Viewers will encounter Diana’s dreams of independence, as she reflects on the possibility of carving out a personal path away from royal constraints. This release comes in the context of recent remarks by her son Prince Harry, who suggested that the pressures of royal life contributed to his mother’s struggles.
Read in full
Unheard Princess Diana recordings to reveal secrets of Charles marriage and his ‘love for Camilla’ | News UK
An upcoming TV series will reveal secret voice recordings made by Princess Diana in 1991 as she gives a never-before-heard insight into her life and experience in the royal family.
Diana: The Unheard Truth is scheduled to land on screens in August 2027, marking 30 years since she died in Paris in 1997.
All in, there are five hours worth of secret recordings, where Diana opened up about her former husband, King Charles, their marriage breakdown, and his ‘love for a woman called Camilla.’
Diana also reportedly spoke about her children, Princes William and Harry, Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson, the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, her mental health and her battles with an eating disorder, bulimia nervosa.
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The tapes were made by her friend Dr James Colthurst, who smuggled them out of Kensington Palace and delivered them to writer Andrew Morton.
They would later make up Morton’s bestselling 1992 biography about the princess, titled Diana: Her True Story. At the time, the book provided new insights into the life and times of Diana, and was deeply personal, candid and at times, shocking.
Currently, not even an hour of Diana’s recordings have seen the light of day — the new docuseries is set to change this.
It is being produced by Love Monday TV, which partnered with Morton and Colthurst (who also appear in the show to discuss the risks the trio took for the biography’s publication) to secure access to the tapes.
They are said to not only show Diana’s ‘infectious humour and twinkling laughter,’ but also spotlight her as a ‘resilient, perceptive, and relatable young woman.’
The show hints the recordings tell the story of a woman ‘finding herself in the brightest of global spotlights and navigating the challenges with grace, self-awareness, and determination.’
But, ‘most importantly,’ The Times reports that viewers will hear Diana’s ‘dreams for a future that could have been; a new chapter in which Charles goes off into the sunset with Camilla, leaving her free to carve her own path.’
The recordings also give the world a ‘rare opportunity to hear Diana’s perspective’ — many know that she had a complex, love-hate relationship with the press throughout her life.
While Diana frequently expressed frustration with the paparazzi and the constant scrutiny under the spotlight, she was able to leverage it to gain public support and highlight humanitarian causes.
Ultimately, the show says it will provide an opportunity for people to ‘recognise her legacy as one of agency, courage, and love.’
The producers added: ‘The raw words of Diana present a fuller portrait: a woman navigating pressure, redefining her role, and moving forward with conviction. It invites the public to encounter Diana not only through what happened to her, but through how she chose to respond.’
The news of these recordings comes shortly after Diana’s youngest son, Prince Harry, claimed that the royal life ‘killed’ his mother.
While making a keynote speech at the $1,000-a-head InterEdge Summit in Melbourne Park as part of his and Meghan’s recent tour of Australia, Harry said that he felt ‘lost, betrayed, or completely powerless’ in his youth.
He told the audience that he had his ‘head in the sand for years and years’ until he and Meghan stepped down from royal duties in 2020.
Harry suggested that his decision to leave the royal family was also something his mother would have wanted for him.
‘After my mum died just before my 13th birthday I was like “I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role. Wherever this is headed, I don’t like it”.
‘It killed my mum, and I was very much against it, and I stuck my head in the sand for years and years.
‘Eventually, I realised well, hang on, if there was somebody else in this position, how would they be making the most of this platform and this ability and the resources that come with it to make a difference in the world?
‘And also, what would my mum want me to do? And that really changed my own perspective.’
US announces withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany amid NATO tensions
2:00 pm
Get you up to speed: US announces withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany amid NATO tensions
The Pentagon announced the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany. Donald Trump stated he plans to “cut a lot further” in the future.
The Pentagon announced on May 1, 2026, that it plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, a move that has prompted European leaders to call for enhanced regional security, according to Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief. Keir Giles, a Russian expert at Chatham House, warned that if the US were to withdraw military support, Europe would be “severely lacking” in defensive capabilities.
The Pentagon announced the withdrawal of about 5,000 troops from Germany within the next year, with President Donald Trump stating he intends to ‘cut a lot further.’ NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart indicated that officials at the 32-nation military alliance are ‘working with the US to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany.’
Trump’s troop withdrawal is a sobering reminder that Europe must fend for itself | News World
US soldiers are being withdrawn from Germany after repeated warnings that Europe is not prepared to fill a security vacuum (Picture: Getty)
European leaders have said Donald Trump’s snap decision to pull thousands of US troops out of Germany is a fresh sign that Europe must take care of its own security.
The Pentagon announced last week that it would pull 5,000 troops out of Germany, and Trump told reporters he plans to ‘cut a lot further’.
He offered no reason for the move, which blindsided NATO, but it appears to be linked to his anger over European allies’ reluctance to get involved in the conflict in the Middle East.
The move comes after years of warnings from experts that Europe needs to beef up its own security and stop relying on the United States for help.
Keir Giles, a Russian expert at Chatham House, previously told WTX that if the US were to suddenly withdraw military support, Europe would be ‘severely lacking’ in defensive capabilities, leaving it open to attack.
‘Europe is not in a position to replace the United States in terms of defence, and it will take some time to do so, even if it were to start applying effort in a way we haven’t seen so far,’ he said.
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Trump is doubling down on his threats to NATO (Picture: AP)
The main worry experts have about US security leaving isn’t threats from the Middle East, however – it’s from Russia.
He adds: ‘To preserve European security, Europe simply needs to be more powerful than Russia in key areas that would deter Moscow. The entirety of Europe is a frontline area as far as Russia is concerned.’
Russian-born UK citizen and former BBC journalist Sergei Cristo told WTX there are hard military components NATO needs to improve, but pointed out that Europe is not doing enough to battle Russian hybrid warfare.
‘Russian military strategy is currently based on the Gerasimov Doctrine, which basically says that “concealed means of war”- which include political interference, taking control of hostile countries through intelligence operations, and interference in elections – are more important than military action,’ Cristo said.
‘Personally, I don’t think NATO is ready,’ he added.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said this week: ‘There has been talk about withdrawal of US troops for a long time from Europe. But of course, the timing of this announcement comes as a surprise.
‘I think it shows that we have to really strengthen the European pillar in NATO.’
Experts previously told WTX Europe is lacking in security if the US withdraws (Picture: AFP)
Over the weekend, Nato spokeswoman Allison Hart said officials at the 32-nation military alliance ‘are working with the US to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany’.
European allies and Canada have known since just after he came to office again last year that Trump would pull troops out of Europe, but US officials had pledged to coordinate any moves with their Nato allies to avoid creating a security vacuum.
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte played down the move, saying ‘there has been at this point disappointment on the US side’ about European support for the war on Iran.
France, Spain and the UK have declined to give US forces free rein to use bases on their territory to attack Iran. Spain has denied them the use of its airspace and bases there for the war.
In another sign of friction, Trump has accused the EU of not complying with its US trade deal and announced plans to increase tariffs next week on cars and trucks produced in the bloc to 25%, a move that would be particularly damaging to Germany.
Without mentioning Trump or the US, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen listed recent trade deals that the bloc has sealed with Australia and India, and is now working on with Mexico.
‘With like-minded friends, you have stable, reliable supply chains and Europe has the biggest network of free trade agreements,’ she said.
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Spain denies claims of monthly €2,800 payments for regularised migrants
1:44 pm
Spain denies claims of monthly €2,800 payments for regularised migrants
Regularisation Plan
Spain’s government has initiated a regularisation programme, allowing an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants to apply for a renewable one-year residence permit if they have resided in Spain for at least five months.
Spain’s government has initiated a regularisation programme, allowing an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants to apply for a renewable one-year residence permit if they have resided in Spain for at least five months.
Scale of Impact
Spain’s regularisation plan may affect approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants, showcasing a significant shift in immigration policy and addressing substantial social challenges.
Spain’s regularisation plan may affect approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants, showcasing a significant shift in immigration policy and addressing substantial social challenges.
Official denial
Madrid has categorically denied that migrants will receive €2,800 per month, emphasising that beneficiaries can reside and work legally in Spain instead.
Madrid has categorically denied that migrants will receive €2,800 per month, emphasising that beneficiaries can reside and work legally in Spain instead.
Key developments
An article falsely claiming that Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will provide newly regularised migrants with €2,800 per month has circulated online. This report is fabricated as the purported source, El Diario de España, does not exist.
The Spanish government announced a regularisation plan in January 2026, which became effective in April. To qualify, migrants must prove five months of residency and apply for a renewable one-year permit.
Madrid officials have clarified that the programme will not grant monthly payments, emphasising legal residency and employment opportunities instead. Applicants must have a clean criminal record and apply by 30 June.
No, Spain isn’t handing out thousands of euros to newly regularised migrants
Published on •Updated
An image of a newspaper front page is circulating widely online, claiming that Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will give the country’s newly regularised migrants €2,800 per month per family for two years until they find a job.
The article supposedly belongs to a news outlet called “El Diario de España”, and refers to Madrid’s recent measure to grant an estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants legal status by allowing them to apply for a renewable one-year residence permit.
This is provided that they can prove that they have lived in Spain for at least five months.
However, the front page and its claims are false. Simply put, the news outlet, El Diario de España, doesn’t even exist, with no trace of it having a website.
The supposed date of publication of the article is 24 May 2024, but that doesn’t correspond with the real timeline: the Spanish government only announced its regularisation plan in January 2026, and it came into force in April.
The fake article features a picture of Sánchez standing behind a lectern, which says “Inclusion and Social Cohesion Plan 2024-2026”, but an online search yields no evidence of this initiative existing either.
The text of the Royal Decree establishing the regularisation programme does not refer to migrants receiving €2,800 per month.
Madrid has denied that it will be handing out such a sum, reiterating that those benefiting from the measure will be able to reside and work in Spain legally.
They must have a clean criminal record and have until 30 June to apply for a renewable working visa.
The regularisation plan has been the subject of much controversy and misinformation ever since it was first announced.
The Cube has already debunked instances of French politicians claiming that migrants regularised in Spain will be able to settle in France, alongside others falsely alleging that they’ll be automatically granted the right to vote.
Officials at the European Commission have expressed hesitancy at the measure, over fears that it could undermine the open borders of the Schengen Area and conflict with the EU’s desire to tighten immigration controls.
Nevertheless, Spain’s migration minister, Elma Saiz, recently told EU News in an interview that it is a “model for Europe”, which will allow migrants already living and working in the country to gain the appropriate rights and obligations to the state.
American heir of ‘Downton Shabby’ mansion pledges to challenge locked out council
12:00 pm
Get you up to speed: American heir of ‘Downton Shabby’ mansion pledges to challenge locked out council
HIGH COURT DISPUTE
Hopwood DePree is set for a two-day trial on September 29 and 30 against Rochdale Borough Council over access to Hopwood Hall, a Grade II-listed mansion.
Hopwood DePree is set for a two-day trial on September 29 and 30 against Rochdale Borough Council over access to Hopwood Hall, a Grade II-listed mansion.
HIGH COURT DISPUTE
Rochdale Borough Council has rejected Hopwood DePree’s claims of meeting the terms for restoring Hopwood Hall, citing a lack of a commercially viable business plan.
Rochdale Borough Council has rejected Hopwood DePree’s claims of meeting the terms for restoring Hopwood Hall, citing a lack of a commercially viable business plan.
HIGH COURT BATTLE
Hopwood DePree’s case against Rochdale Borough Council is set for trial on September 29 and 30, determining the future of Hopwood Hall.
Hopwood DePree’s case against Rochdale Borough Council is set for trial on September 29 and 30, determining the future of Hopwood Hall.
What we know so far
A Hollywood filmmaker is set to battle Rochdale Borough Council in the High Court over his family’s crumbling ancestral estate, known locally as ‘Downton Shabby’. Hopwood DePree, 56, was locked out of the 600-year-old Hopwood Hall in Middleton, Greater Manchester, despite years of restoration work.
The court will hear the case on September 29 and 30, determining whether Mr DePree met the conditions of his agreement with the council. He claims the authority has failed to recognise his efforts in restoring the Grade II-listed building, which included investing around £750,000 of his own money.
Relations soured between Mr DePree and the council following a disagreement over the terms of their partnership. In 2024, the council opted not to renew their deal, leading to the closure of the hall, a decision Mr DePree described as a shock to the community. He insists he has substantial evidence to support his claims that he adhered to the agreed conditions.
In response, Rochdale Borough Council has stated it has invested significant public funds in the estate and must consider alternative options to fulfil its obligations. The upcoming trial will bring clarity to the dispute, a situation Mr DePree hopes will honour both his family legacy and the community.
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American who inherited ‘Downton Shabby’ mansion vows to fight council who locked him out | News UK
A Hollywood filmmaker is fighting to get let back into his family’s crumbling ancestral estate dubbed ‘Downton Shabby’ by locals.
Hopwood DePree, 56, says he was left stunned after being locked out of the 600-year-old mansion in Middleton, Greater Manchester, despite putting in years of work restoring the property.
A two-day trial has now been set for September 29 and 30, where judges will decide the future of the Grade II-listed Hopwood Hall – and whether Mr DePree met the terms of an agreement with Rochdale Borough Council.
Speaking about the upcoming hearing, he said: ‘I’m looking forward to this coming out in public.
‘I feel I have to stand up and fight for what’s right.’
Mr Hopwood first discovered the long-lost family home in 2013 while researching his ancestry – having grown up hearing stories about a mysterious ‘Hopwood Castle’.
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He says he travelled to the UK in 2013 to see it for himself and found the once-grand mansion in a derelict state, with broken windows, collapsing ceilings and water running down the walls.
After working with Rochdale Borough Council, he says he struck a deal in 2017 giving him the chance to take ownership of the site for just £1 if he could secure planning permission and bring it back into use.
Mr DePree relocated to the UK, set up the Hopwood Foundation and began restoring the hall with the help of volunteers and heritage experts.
Planning permission to transform it into an events and hospitality venue was granted in 2022.
He says he invested around £750,000 of his own money into the restoration project – later documenting the journey in a book about the efforts.
But relations with the council broke down, with the authority claiming he had failed to meet the terms of the agreement – including producing a commercially viable business plan.
In November 2024, the council chose not to renew the deal and the building was shut, leaving Mr DePree and his team locked out of the historic site.
He said: ‘They attempted to pull the plug on the project and locked us out. That was a complete shock to the community.
‘I couldn’t believe a public body would behave in this way.’
Mr DePree insists he met the conditions of the agreement and disputes the council’s claims – including suggestions he failed to present a business plan.
He said: ‘They just went directly to the media and fed a story that we had not made enough progress and I hadn’t presented a business plan, which is 100 per cent false.’
The council, meanwhile, says it has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into the building and must protect public money, adding that it has a responsibility to explore alternative options.
The dispute is now set to be decided in court, with both sides preparing to argue their case.
Mr DePree said he has submitted around 1,500 pages of evidence and believes the hearing will bring the full picture into the open.
Currently based in Michigan but born and raised in Los Angeles, he said the project has taken its toll – but remains deeply personal.
He said the restoration would be a tribute not just to the community, but to his late grandfather.
He added: ‘It would be an incredible day to see Hopwood Hall restored, not only for myself after everything we’ve gone through, but also for my grandfather who has passed away.’
Rochdale Council was approached for comment.
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