President Donald Trump said on July 21, 2026, that the United States is not finished with Iran and may soon target an underground nuclear site called Pickaxe Mountain. This statement comes amid ongoing conflict and military actions between the US and Iran in the Middle East.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a possible US attack on Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear complex.
Pickaxe Mountain is an underground facility related to Iran’s nuclear program.
The announcement was made on July 21, 2026.
The US and Iran have exchanged military strikes recently.
Three US soldiers have been killed in the conflict since the last ceasefire ended.
The situation has increased tensions in the Middle East, affecting countries like Lebanon and Israel.
President Trump continues to support allies in the region, including Lebanon.
This conflict involves concerns over nuclear weapons and regional security.
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired General Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces after protests demanded his removal. Zelenskyy appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new army chief and offered former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov a government role focused on unifying Ukraine’s technology sector.
Key Facts
General Oleksandr Syrskyi was removed as commander-in-chief following mass protests in Kyiv and other cities.
Protesters wanted Syrskyi gone, accusing him of representing an old Soviet-style military leadership.
Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new head of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his military achievements, including defending Kyiv and operations in Kharkiv and Kursk.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, supported by protesters, publicly criticized Syrskyi and pushed for reforms.
Zelenskyy offered Fedorov a government position to coordinate Ukraine’s technology sector.
Drapatyi pledged to serve responsibly and to respect the soldiers defending Ukraine.
It is uncertain if these changes will satisfy protesters or calm public unrest.
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Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has replaced the country’s military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapati and plans to bring back the defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov after protests. Drapati will lead a reorganisation of the army and continue precision attacks on Russia, while Fedorov’s exact role remains unclear.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy fired commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Mykhailo Drapati, a respected general, is appointed as the new head of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Drapati is known for fighting Russia since 2014 and pushing military reforms.
Zelenskyy will reinstate defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov after nationwide protests demanded his return.
Protesters threatened ongoing demonstrations until Fedorov was restored.
Drapati and Fedorov are allies focused on modernizing Ukraine’s military technology and strategy.
Zelenskyy thanked Syrskyi for his leadership during major battles and counter-invasion operations.
Drapati’s job includes reforming Ukraine’s defense strategy, army structure, and overseeing mobilization efforts.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the replacement of the top military general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, after protests against the earlier removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The new general, Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy, is seen as more aligned with reform efforts and closer to Fedorov.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy removed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week, citing a conflict between Fedorov and the military commander Syrskyi.
The decision to fire Fedorov caused protests across Ukraine, with many people demanding his return and Syrskyi's dismissal.
Fedorov was popular among younger Ukrainians for promoting technological reforms and fighting corruption in the military.
Some top defense officials resigned in protest, including the deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Zelenskyy listened to public and political concerns and delayed final decisions before replacing Syrskyi.
Major General Mykhailo Drapatiy, who commands forces in the Kharkiv region, was appointed commander-in-chief.
Drapatiy is considered reform-minded and close to the removed Defense Minister Fedorov.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity and victory in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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Boris Nadezhdin, a critic of President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, was convicted of displaying “extremist symbols,” which prevents him from running for parliament this year. The conviction is connected to a 2023 video where he showed a picture of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison earlier this year.
Key Facts
Boris Nadezhdin criticized Russia’s military action in Ukraine and wanted to challenge President Putin in the 2024 election.
He was found guilty of showing “extremist symbols” in a video where he briefly showed a photo of Alexei Navalny.
Navalny was a jailed opposition leader who died in an Arctic prison in February 2024.
Nadezhdin’s conviction bars him from running in September’s parliamentary election.
He was fined 1,000 rubles (about $13) by a court in Dolgoprudny, near Moscow.
Authorities rejected over 9,000 signatures from Nadezhdin’s presidential campaign, disqualifying him from the March 2024 election.
The ruling party, United Russia, aims to keep control of the parliament amid growing public frustration over fuel shortages and economic problems linked to the Ukraine conflict.
Nadezhdin was a government adviser in the 1990s and has served as a lawmaker.
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Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces by President Zelenskyy after protests called for the previous general’s removal. Drapatyi is known for his experience fighting Russia since 2014 and has led important military operations during Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Drapatyi became Ukraine’s commander-in-chief of the armed forces in July 2026.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Drapatyi following protests demanding the previous commander’s removal.
Drapatyi has fought against Russia since 2014 and has spent most of his military career in combat roles.
In 2014, Drapatyi led a bold rescue mission in Mariupol by breaking through barricades with an armored vehicle.
He also led a nighttime breakout of hundreds of soldiers and vehicles from a Russian-encircled area near the border.
Drapatyi commanded units that stopped Russian advances and helped regain territory in 2024, including near Zelenskyy’s hometown.
Before becoming commander-in-chief, he served as deputy commander of Ukrainian Joint Forces.
Drapatyi is respected for his discipline, combat skills, and leadership during difficult battles.
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A large wildfire in central Spain has burned more than 30,000 hectares of forest. The fire caused many people to leave their homes across 34 towns during a long heatwave with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. A drone captured images showing the damage to the forest.
Key Facts
The wildfire happened in central Spain.
Over 30,000 hectares of forest were burned. (A hectare is about the size of a soccer field.)
People were evacuated from 34 different towns.
The fire occurred during a long heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).
A drone was used to take pictures of the scorched forest.
The heatwave made the wildfire worse by creating dry and hot conditions.
Firefighters have been working to control the wildfire.
The exact cause of the fire was not mentioned.
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Australia’s foreign affairs minister Penny Wong met with China’s foreign minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Manila. They discussed concerns about China’s recent test of a nuclear-capable submarine missile and talked about peace, stability, and other issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Facts
Penny Wong met Wang Yi at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila.
This was their 12th meeting.
Wong expressed Australia’s worries about China’s recent nuclear-capable submarine missile test.
Many Pacific island countries are also concerned about the missile test.
They discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific area.
Wong raised consular issues, including a case involving Dr. Yang Jun.
Australia emphasized respect for its laws, sovereignty (control over its own affairs), freedom of expression, safe maritime conduct, and human rights.
The meeting took place alongside ongoing regional diplomatic talks during the ASEAN event.
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Iran held funerals for 32 children who died in a US strike on a school in Minab on February 28. The attack killed at least 170 people, and search teams are still finding more victims’ remains.
Key Facts
A US strike hit a school in Minab, Iran, on February 28.
The strike killed at least 170 people.
Among the dead were at least 32 children.
Iran has held funerals for these children.
Search and excavation efforts continue to recover more bodies.
The incident took place in Iran’s city of Minab.
The US carried out the strike that caused the casualties.
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Khalil al-Hayya has been chosen as the new leader of Hamas, a Palestinian group he helped start about 40 years ago. He has faced Israeli attacks and imprisonment before, and recently led talks to try to stop the fighting between Israel and Gaza.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya was part of a small group that led Hamas for nearly two years.
He joined Hamas when it began approximately four decades ago.
He has survived several attempts by Israel to kill him.
Al-Hayya has been arrested multiple times by Israeli authorities.
He led Palestinian groups in negotiations aiming to end the war in Gaza.
Over two million Palestinians continue to face frequent Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire.
Hamas is under pressure to give up some power.
Experts discuss how al-Hayya might handle the ongoing challenges faced by Hamas.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. would soon attack Pickaxe Mountain, an Iranian nuclear site being built underground near Natanz, Iran. The site reportedly holds centrifuges that Iran may use to enrich uranium, which is needed for nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
Pickaxe Mountain is a nuclear facility under construction about miles from Natanz in Iran.
It is located about 100 meters underground within a mountain called Kūh-e Kolang or Mount Kolang.
Israeli intelligence reported that Iran moved uranium-enriching centrifuges to Pickaxe Mountain last fall.
President Trump warned the U.S. will target this site "pretty soon" and with heavy force.
Iran's nuclear program was damaged by U.S. strikes in 2025 but Pickaxe Mountain was not hit then.
The U.S. and Israeli strikes previously focused on other nuclear sites near Natanz.
International inspectors have been blocked from entering Iran, limiting access to verify nuclear activities there.
Experts say construction at Pickaxe Mountain is ongoing, but it is unclear when it will be operational.
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A 65-year-old man named Carl Isom-McDaniel was attacked by a bison in Yellowstone Park. The bison charged and threw him into the air, breaking his hip in several places. The attack happened during the bison’s mating season when they can be more aggressive.
Key Facts
Carl Isom-McDaniel was attacked by a bison on July 10 in Yellowstone Park.
The bison weighed about 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms).
The bison launched him into the air and caused multiple fractures in his hip.
The injury was mostly caused by the way he landed after being thrown.
The National Park Service warns visitors to stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from bison.
Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal.
The attack likely happened during bison mating season, which increases their aggression.
Isom-McDaniel was treated at Bozeman Health hospital in Montana.
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Guyana’s ferry accident death toll has risen to at least 41 people after the MV Barima capsized on Saturday night. Rescue teams have saved 77 people and continue searching for others who are missing.
Key Facts
The ferry MV Barima overturned off the coast of Guyana on Saturday night.
At least 41 people have died so far; 14 bodies were recovered recently, adding to 27 previously found.
A total of 77 passengers have been rescued.
The ferry was carrying 179 people, but the official passenger list showed only 133.
Authorities say the captain and one crew member tested positive for marijuana and have been arrested.
The ferry was built in 1939.
Rescue operations involve 16 vessels and divers from Guyana and France.
The boat traveled from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, located deep in Guyana's rainforest.
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President Donald Trump has put a 50% tax on many goods coming from Canada. This move is to respond to what he says is unfair treatment of U.S. cars, dairy, and alcohol in Canada. Canadians are worried about how this will affect their economy.
Key Facts
The U.S. tariff is set at 50% on a wide range of Canadian imports.
President Trump says the tariffs are a response to Canada's rules on U.S. cars, dairy products, and alcohol.
The tariffs are meant as retaliation, or a kind of punishment, for what the U.S. sees as unfair trade practices.
Canadians from different parts of the country, including Montreal, have expressed frustration about the tariffs.
The tariffs could impact trade between Canada and the U.S., affecting businesses and consumers.
This trade dispute is part of a broader issue involving U.S.-Canada economic relations.
The BBC reported these reactions shortly after the new tariffs were announced.
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A Russian guided bomb hit a residential building in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. The attack killed at least three people and injured 13 others, according to local officials.
Key Facts
The attack used a guided aerial bomb.
It targeted a nine-story residential building.
The strike occurred in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
At least three people were killed.
Thirteen people were injured.
Local authorities reported the incident.
The attack happened during the daytime.
The military administration said residential areas were targeted.
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France’s parliament has approved a law that stops children under 15 from using social media and bans mobile phones in schools. The law will start by blocking new accounts from September 2024 and close existing accounts for this age group by January 2027, pending a constitutional review.
Key Facts
The law bans social media use for children under the age of 15 in France.
Mobile phone use in schools is also banned under this law.
France will be the first EU country with a broad social media ban for young children.
President Emmanuel Macron supports the law and wants it to start by September 2024.
A law review by the French Constitutional Council could delay the law’s start.
New accounts for under-15s will be blocked from September 1, 2024.
Existing accounts for under-15s will be closed by January 2027.
The law does not affect online encyclopedias or educational websites.
Some lawmakers worry about the law’s legality and enforcement.
Families have sued social media companies in France, citing harm to teens’ mental health.
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The United States reduced funding for a major HIV treatment program called PEPFAR, causing many clinics worldwide to close and services to be cut. This has negatively affected HIV prevention and treatment in dozens of countries, especially impacting vulnerable groups and children.
Key Facts
The US government under President Donald Trump cut funding for PEPFAR, a program that helps fight HIV and AIDS globally.
A report by HIV charity amfAR found that over 1,700 clinics closed and 16,000 jobs were lost due to these cuts.
About 75% of organizations stopped serving high-risk groups like sex workers, transgender people, gay men, and drug users.
Around 77,000 fewer children received HIV treatment in 2025, a decrease of 14%.
The US Department of State disagreed with the report and said PEPFAR became stronger under clearer management.
UNAIDS warned that if funding cuts continue, there could be millions more HIV infections and AIDS deaths by 2029.
Other countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, have also reduced aid for AIDS programs.
Africa, with the highest HIV rates, is urged to improve its health systems to cope with these changes.
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The U.S. passport has dropped from being the most powerful passport to the 10th position over the past 20 years. In 2026, Singapore holds the top spot, allowing visa-free access to 192 places worldwide.
Key Facts
The ranking comes from Henley & Partners, a firm focused on residence and citizenship planning.
The U.S. passport was the most powerful about 20 years ago but is now ranked 10th.
Singapore’s passport is currently the strongest, offering visa-free travel to 192 jurisdictions.
A passport’s “power” is measured by the number of countries it allows travelers to enter without a visa.
The ranking helps show how easy or hard it is for citizens to travel internationally.
The shift reflects changes in global visa policies and international relations over time.
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President Donald Trump announced that American airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon after more than 40 years. This decision came after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who visited Washington to discuss peace and stability in Lebanon amid regional conflicts.
Key Facts
Direct US-Lebanon flights were stopped in 1985 after a plane hijacking.
President Trump said US airlines can now fly directly to Lebanon again.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the White House, his first visit since 2009.
The meeting focused on promoting peace following recent conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah.
Trump promised to help Lebanon but gave no specific details.
Lebanon wants Israeli troops to leave parts of southern Lebanon and seek more military support.
Trump said Israel is working on redeploying its forces from Lebanon.
The US is also concerned about Iran’s role in regional conflicts but is not currently seeking talks with Iranian leaders.
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The Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen has introduced a naval blockade targeting Saudi ships in response to Saudi Arabia's restrictions on Yemen. They warned Saudi Arabia of more severe strikes if Riyadh acts against them, amid rising conflict linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Key Facts
The Houthi group, also known as Ansar Allah, declared a naval blockade on Saudi shipping through the Bab el-Mandel Strait.
This action responds to Saudi Arabia's long-standing blockade and restrictions on Yemen.
The group aims to target Saudi ships and policies but is not directly involved in the broader U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Houthis previously disrupted shipping through the Red Sea, forcing ships to take longer routes around Africa.
In May 2025, President Donald Trump ordered military strikes on the Houthis, leading to a ceasefire.
Since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran resumed, Houthis have escalated strikes on Israel and issued warnings of broader intervention.
Recently, Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of attacking Sanaa airport, prompting their first direct attacks on Saudi territory in years.
Disruption of shipping routes in strategic waterways like the Bab el-Mandel Strait could increase global economic costs.
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