Iran slams the GCC and the US for ‘interventionist’ statement - Al Jazeera

Iran has condemned a joint US-Gulf Cooperation Council statement as “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative”, accusing Washington and its Gulf allies of using diplomacy to impose pressure on Tehran after the recent United States-Israeli war on Iran.

Hospitals overwhelmed as Europe heatwave shifts east

A deadly European heatwave that has seen temperatures soar to record highs was expected to shift east.

Ecuador advances to knockout rounds at World Cup, beating Germany 2-1

Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in the final Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the United States.

Russia closes Romania's Consulate General in St. Petersburg

Russia has decided to close the Romanian Consulate General in St. Petersburg and declare the Romanian consul general persona non grata, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Russia to respond legally if oil from tanker seized by Britain is sold

 Russia is currently examining its legal avenues in response to Britain's plans to sell over 100,000 tons of oil from the Smyrtos tanker, which was seized in the English Channel while en route from Ust-Luga. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that if legal options are available, they will be thoroughly explored and pursued to the fullest extent.

Venezuela earthquakes of 7.5, 7.2 collapse Caracas buildings

Two very strong earthquakes in central Venezuela happened 21km (13 miles) away from Moron, and they were felt very strongly in different areas across the country, including in the states of Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda and La Guaira.

The lower house of the Romanian Parliament approved the initiative for the unification with Moldova

The document obliges the government to immediately begin negotiations with Chișinău to "complete the merger process." The bill was not discussed by the deputies but is considered automatically adopted after the review period expires.

Deaths and thousands without power in European heatwave

Western Europe is ⁠in the grip of a deadly, record-setting heatwave that has killed dozens of people, closed schools, slowed trains, knocked out electricity and forced farmers to harvest grain at night.