The US has launched a new wave of attacks on military targets in Iran. The US Regional Command said the aim was to weaken Tehran's ability to attack merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with counter-attacks on US bases in the Gulf region. Commentators discuss strategies and risks.
Petrol and diesel are in short supply across Russia. Filling stations are either closed or dispensing limited quantities, and prices have soared. The shortages are the result of relentless attacks by Ukrainian drones on refineries across the country and in places as remote as Siberia. The Kremlin has responded with export bans and is now trying to import fuel. Commentators are divided over whether the crisis could destabilise the Putin regime.
Ann Widdecombe, who served as a minister for the Conservatives in the 1990s, was found dead at her home on 9 July with serious blunt force trauma to her head. The police say they do not believe her murder was politically motivated. Widdecombe had recently become active in the right-wing populist Reform UK party and attracted attention with extreme statements, for example when she likened Brexit to slaves rising up against their masters.
Water supplies in the coastal region around Almada in Portugal have been repeatedly disrupted for over a week – in the middle of the high season. The shortages are the result of rising resident and tourist numbers and an ageing infrastructure in which around a third of the water volume is lost through leaks. Portuguese media call for action.
The US and Iran have resumed fighting. Washington confirmed strikes on targets in Iran, Tehran has attacked US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Shortly beforehand, merchant ships had come under fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has since said that the agreed ceasefire is over. Europe's press tries to gauge the risk of further escalation.
Nato members made a show of unity at the end of the summit in Ankara. The final declaration states that Europe and Canada will shoulder a greater share of the defence burden in future. Plans were drawn up for massive investment in the defence industry and the modernisation of member states' armed forces. Military aid totalling 140 billion euros over two years was also pledged to Ukraine. The media takes stock.
An appeal court has upheld the conviction of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzlement of EU funds. However, the ban on holding public office has been reduced, which allows her to run for president in the 2027 election. Two years of her three-year prison sentence have been suspended. For the remaining year, she will be required to wear an electronic ankle tag. Le Pen plans to appeal the decision and has said she will run for president "without a tag".
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled on Tuesday that Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in the Olympic Games and the qualifying competitions once more. Whether the athletes will be permitted to compete under the Russian flag at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles has yet to be decided. Commentators say the decision sends a disastrous signal nevertheless.
Turkey is pulling out all the stops as host of the Nato summit in Ankara. The reception for Donald Trump was particularly lavish. The US President had previously hinted that he was attending the summit solely because of his 'friend' Erdoğan. The media take it as a cue to assess the role Turkey plays for both the US and Europe.
The British far-right populist Nigel Farage has announced his resignation as MP in the House of Commons after coming under pressure for not disclosing millions of pounds worth of gifts. Farage, however, does not see the move as an admission of guilt – announcing that he will be standing again in his constituency's by-election.