Russia vows retaliation after Ukrainian drone ignites alleged munitions warehouse.
Moscow has vowed to respond to Ukrainian attacks after a drone set fire to an alleged munitions warehouse, prompting an emergency in Voronezh region. The attack targeted the Podgorensky district. Voronezh governor Gusev confirmed several UAVs were destroyed, but wreckage caused a fire and detonation of explosives at the warehouse supplying Russian troops.
High turnout as France votes in crucial snap parliamentary election.
Voters in France are turning out in high numbers for the second round of a snap election called by President Macron, risking his centrist allies in parliament. By 5 p.m., 59.71% had voted, the highest since 1981 and a 20-point increase from 2022. The far-right National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, is closer to power.
Israel says its operation in Rafah is ‘limited’. Fighting there has left parts of it unrecognizable
Dirt and sand clouds engulf Rafah as our Humvee convoy arrives, the first international media presence since Israel’s ground assault two months ago. Amid settling dust, the devastation is stark, reminiscent of other parts of Gaza. Despite Israeli claims of a “limited” operation, southern Rafah’s destruction mirrors scenes from across Gaza, witnessed during controlled visits with the Israeli military.
Iranian Navy warship Sahand capsizes in port accident, two sailors confirmed dead.
Two Iranian naval personnel died on Sunday when the 2,500-tonne Sahand warship capsized during repairs in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. Originally called a destroyer, dramatic images showed the 315-foot vessel overturned in the bay after taking on water. Iranian news agency Tasnim News reported the ship lost balance due to water ingress but reassured efforts were underway to stabilize it.
Masoud Pezeshkian to be sworn in as Iran’s president in early August.
Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist Iranian politician, is set to be sworn in as Iran’s ninth president in early August, according to AFP citing Iranian state media. The ceremony is scheduled for August 4 or 5, with Pezeshkian having 15 days to propose his ministers for parliamentary approval. He won the presidential runoff against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili, succeeding Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash in May.
