Middle East live: US military launches fresh 'wave of strikes' on Iran

FRANCE24 July 15, 2026
Middle East live: US military launches fresh 'wave of strikes' on Iran
Middle East live: US military launches fresh 'wave of strikes' on Iran
The US military on Wednesday launched a fresh "wave of strikes" on Iran, CENTCOM announced. News of the strikes came after an Iranian government spokesperson said more than 30 civilians were killed in US air strikes targeting the country’s southern region in “recent days”. Tehran was quick to retaliate with Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain all reporting attacks. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.

France 24

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Middle East live: US military launches fresh 'wave of strikes' on Iran
Middle East live: US military launches fresh 'wave of strikes' on Iran

The US military on Wednesday launched a fresh "wave of strikes" on Iran, CENTCOM announced. News of the strikes came after an Iranian government spokesperson said more than 30 civilians were killed in US air strikes targeting the country’s southern region in “recent days”. Tehran was quick to retaliate with Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain all reporting attacks. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.

FRANCE24 July 15, 2026
#ICE suspends traffic stop operations after second fatal #shooting
#ICE suspends traffic stop operations after second fatal #shooting

It's the second shooting involving #ICE agents in just a few days. A 26-year-old Colombian delivery driver was shot dead after #US #immigration officers after he was mistaken for another male subject of an arrest warrant. Both incidents are fuelling criticism of #Trump's agressive immigration crackdown.

FRANCE24 July 15, 2026
Haiti trapped by violence: Humanitarian aid deliveries struggle to reach local population
Haiti trapped by violence: Humanitarian aid deliveries struggle to reach local population

In this edition, our reporters look at Haiti, which is still in the grips of a long-running battle against armed gangs in the capital and some provinces. A new international security force is being deployed but has yet to make widespread progress. Against this backdrop, the humanitarian crisis in the country is continuing to spiral. 1.5 million people are now internally displaced in Haiti and malnutrition is widespread.

Catherine NORRIS TRENT July 15, 2026
Golden era ends for Deschamps’ France as Midas touch deserts Les Bleus
Golden era ends for Deschamps’ France as Midas touch deserts Les Bleus

France’s crushing semi-final defeat at the hands of their nemesis Spain adds a bitter endnote to Didier Deschamps’ record-setting tenure with Les Bleus. But the coach with the Midas touch will be remembered above all as the manager who led France to their second world title in 2018, two decades after captaining them to their first on home soil.

Cassandre TOUSSAINT July 15, 2026
Amid democratic backsliding, Will NATO 'raise concerns' over Turkey's crackdown on opposition?
Amid democratic backsliding, Will NATO 'raise concerns' over Turkey's crackdown on opposition?

For Spotlight, François Picard is pleased to welcome Barış Altıntaş, co-founder and co-director of the Media and Law Studies Association, providing pro-bono legal support to writers and journalists in Turkey. She warns of systemic democratic erosion across Turkey rooted in sustained institutional pressure. Rather than portraying recent arrests, prosecutions, and restrictions as exceptional responses to a particular political moment, the guest argues that they form part of a long-running and adaptable pattern in which different segments of society become targets according to changing political priorities.

François PICARD July 15, 2026
Kenya's 'Soccer Grannies' take to the pitch amid World Cup fever
Kenya's 'Soccer Grannies' take to the pitch amid World Cup fever

Although no African teams remain in the World Cup, football fever continues to grip the continent, including among a group of grandmothers in rural Kenya. Across Africa, a growing number of older women are taking up the sport, finding a new path to fitness while challenging stereotypes about aging in the process.

FRANCE24 July 15, 2026
Firefighters continue to battle 'contained' Fontainebleau fire near Paris
Firefighters continue to battle 'contained' Fontainebleau fire near Paris

Hundreds of French firefighters on Tuesday managed to contain two fires that have burned over 2,000 hectares of the historic Fontainebleau forest near Paris over the last two days. But the local prefect warned that the fires were not extinguished and firefighters will need to remain on the scene for days, if not weeks.

FRANCE24 July 15, 2026
Popular post
NTR's 'God of War' Buzz Grows After Official Project Announcement

Tollywood has received one of its biggest announcements of the year as  NTR and acclaimed filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas officially reunite for a grand mythological action epic. The prestigious project will be produced under the Haarika & Hassine Creations banner by S. Radha Krishna (Chinababu) and Suryadevara Naga Vamsi. The makers unveiled the project's official announcement along with a striking concept poster carrying the powerful tagline, "The Son of Shiva. The Pride of Parvathi. The Eternal Commander." The poster has gone viral across social media, fueling speculation about the film's storyline and  NTR's character. According to industry reports, NTR is expected to portray a powerful divine warrior inspired by Lord Kumaraswamy (Kartikeya/Skanda), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, and the commander of the celestial army. The film is said to blend mythology with high-octane action, rich storytelling, and modern commercial elements, making it one of the most ambitious projects in Trivikram's career. Reports also suggest that the makers are considering the title "God of War" for the film, although an official confirmation is still awaited. At present,  NTR is busy shooting for his upcoming film Dragon, directed by Prashanth Neel. Once that project is completed, this mythological spectacle is expected to go on floors. The production house is likely to reveal more details, including the first glimpse, cast, and technical crew, in the coming weeks.  

TG EAPCET 2026 Qualified Students Can Apply for FCRI Forestry Course

Hyderabad: The Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI), Mulugu, Siddipet district, has started the application process for admissions into the B.Sc (Hons) Forestry programme for the 2026–27 academic year. College Dean Praveen announced that applications will be accepted from July 1 to July 25. Students who have qualified in TG EAPCET 2026 and passed Intermediate or its equivalent with BiPC, MBiPC, or MPC streams are eligible to apply for the four-year undergraduate programme. The B.Sc (Hons) Forestry course offers comprehensive academic and practical training in areas such as forest conservation, biodiversity, wildlife management, environmental protection, agroforestry, and natural resource conservation. Students will also receive extensive field training and hands-on practical exposure as part of the curriculum. The Dean stated that graduates of the programme will have promising career opportunities in forest departments, environmental organizations, research institutions, government agencies, and private sector companies. Eligible candidates are advised to submit their applications on or before July 25. For detailed admission guidelines and the application process, students can visit the official FCRI website. They may also contact the institute at 63038 271100, 08454-211939, or 08454-211930 for further information. Also Read: AP EAPCET 2026 Results to Be Released on July 2 Instead of Scheduled Date  

US lifts blockade of Iran and Iranian supreme leader endorses direct talks with American officials

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said “the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s point of view.” WASHINGTON : The US on Thursday (Jun 18) lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel, as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance announced that he may postpone a trip to Switzerland that had been planned for Friday and included a ceremonial signing of the deal. The visit might have helped start talks on the next, potentially even more critical, round of negotiations between the two sides.

Diaz shines as Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1

Colombia next face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara after Uzbekistan play Portugal in Houston. MEXICO CITY: Colombia winger Luis Diaz dazzled at a raucous Azteca Stadium as his side marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 Group K win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday (Jun 17).  Colombia, who missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.

BJP's New Strategy: Win Hyderabad First, Then Target the Assembly

Hyderabad: With the aim of strengthening its presence in Telangana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its organizational efforts under the guidance of the central leadership. The party is treating the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections as a crucial political battle, believing that establishing a strong base in Hyderabad will pave the way for success in the next Telangana Assembly elections. As part of this strategy, BJP National President Nitin Nabin is scheduled to visit Telangana for a three-day tour. During his visit, Nitin Nabin will hold a special meeting with GHMC booth-level committee leaders this evening. He is expected to provide guidance on key aspects of election management, booth-level organization, campaign strategy, and candidate selection. Party leaders will also review the shortcomings observed in recent local elections and discuss measures to strengthen the BJP's grassroots network ahead of the upcoming polls. The BJP's immediate objective is to secure victories in the three municipal corporations. The party has already decided to contest the elections independently, without entering into any alliance. Nitin Nabin is expected to advise state leaders to establish a dedicated selection committee to identify strong candidates and ensure that the party fields capable contenders in every division. In addition, the BJP leadership is likely to emphasize the importance of voter list verification, new voter enrollment, booth-level management, and continuous engagement with voters. The party believes that a strong performance in the GHMC elections will significantly enhance its political influence in Telangana and strengthen its prospects of achieving success in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

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