Massive explosion and fire strike Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas
Videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke rising from the site as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Middle East
US
Ex-Taliban commander pleads guilty to kidnapping US journalist, attacking troops
Najibullah was initially charged in 2020 and faces a potential sentence of life in prison.
Asia
Strong earthquake shakes Istanbul; no immediate reports of casualties
There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
Europe
Greek coast guard recovers two bodies, rescues 39 migrants near Farmakonisi
The rescued migrants have been transferred to the nearby island of Leros for further assistance and processing.
US
Iran and U.S. conclude high-level talks in Oman, agree to resume next week, Tehran says
The dialogue, aimed at curbing Tehran’s expanding nuclear program, comes amid renewed threats of military action by President Donald Trump.
Immigration, US
Afghan migrants with parole given 7 days to leave US, advocacy group warns
Shawn VanDiver, the head of AfghanEvac, said that a growing number of Afghan nationals—particularly those who arrived via the CBP.
Asia
Iran says upcoming talks with US will be indirect
Iran’s foreign minister confirmed that senior representatives from both countries are scheduled to meet on Saturday in Oman.
Europe
US has no plans for sudden withdrawal from Europe, NATO chief says
“There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe,” Rutte said.
Afghanistan, US
Thousands of Afghans face job losses as US aid cuts take effect, report finds
The report highlights that many of those affected have spent years—sometimes decades—working in the aid sector, supporting extended families with.
Human Rights, US
Taliban to ‘shortly’ release American citizen, Khalilzad says
“According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, an American, Faye Dai Hall, who was in custody, will be freed shortly,” Khalilzad.