Strait of Hormuz 'back to square one' as US-Iran flare-up brings uncertainty

FRANCE24 July 13, 2026
Strait of Hormuz 'back to square one' as US-Iran flare-up brings uncertainty
Strait of Hormuz 'back to square one' as US-Iran flare-up brings uncertainty
The renewed hostilities in the Middle East followed a renewed exchange of fire. It comes as negotiators struggle to reach a lasting peace deal to keep the crucial Strait of Hormuz open. Although the Strait is not being completely shut down, Iran has been striking ships adopting a US-defined route through it. FRANCE 24's Kethevane Gorjestani explains.

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Ex-Spanish PM's racist remarks on French football team spark outrage
Ex-Spanish PM's racist remarks on French football team spark outrage

In Spain, former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is being criticised after saying France's national football squad had "no French players". Among the criticisms was one from the current Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. And there has been criticism too across the Spanish border in France.

FRANCE24 July 13, 2026
Watch live: Macron addresses French military on eve of Bastille Day
Watch live: Macron addresses French military on eve of Bastille Day

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday makes his annual speech to the military services on the eve of the French July 14 national holiday.

FRANCE 24 July 13, 2026
Ten people missing amid Spanish wildfires
Ten people missing amid Spanish wildfires

A wildfire that spread in southern Spain in the area of Almeria has killed at least 13 people, while another ten are missing. The fire has stabilised, allowing hundreds of evacuees to return to their homes, but has burned through around 7,000 hectares. FRANCE 24's Sarah Morris tells us more from Madrid.

FRANCE24 July 13, 2026
'Coalition of the willing' meets in Paris to bolster war support to Ukraine
'Coalition of the willing' meets in Paris to bolster war support to Ukraine

Ukrainian drone strikes killed four people and wounded seven in Russia on July 13, most in the Moscow region, as Kyiv upped its strikes in response to Kremlin's barrages. This comes as the 'coalition of the willing', a coalition of Ukraine's allies, gather in Paris. FRANCE 24's Gulliver Cragg tells us more.

FRANCE24 July 13, 2026
'We have to stay grounded': France prepare for Spain showdown
'We have to stay grounded': France prepare for Spain showdown

France are preparing for a highly anticipated semi-final against Span following their qualification thanks to a win against Morocco. The Spanish team is expected to be France's toughest challenge yet, as La Roja have only let in one goal so far. FRANCE 24's James Vasina tells us more.

FRANCE24 July 13, 2026
How heatwaves are changing France's real-estate market
How heatwaves are changing France's real-estate market

Crude oil prices surge as renewed US-Iran strikes fuel market fears. In France, real-estate agents say property buyers are changing priorities as heatwaves become more frequent. And Cuba suffers another nationwide blackout amid the impact of US sanctions.

Bryan QUINN July 13, 2026
Blaze burns through 'lungs of greater Paris' Fontainebleau forest
Blaze burns through 'lungs of greater Paris' Fontainebleau forest

Around 400 firefighters descended on Fontainebleau on Sunday as a fire broke out in the Ile de France forest. It comes just ahead of the July 14 national holiday and on the first major weekend for departures for the summer holiday season, leaving train networks disrupted and forcing highways to close in the Paris region.

FRANCE24 July 13, 2026
Strait of Hormuz 'back to square one' as US-Iran flare-up brings uncertainty
Strait of Hormuz 'back to square one' as US-Iran flare-up brings uncertainty

The renewed hostilities in the Middle East followed a renewed exchange of fire. It comes as negotiators struggle to reach a lasting peace deal to keep the crucial Strait of Hormuz open. Although the Strait is not being completely shut down, Iran has been striking ships adopting a US-defined route through it. FRANCE 24's Kethevane Gorjestani explains.

FRANCE24 July 13, 2026
At least 27 people killed in fire at Bangkok pub
At least 27 people killed in fire at Bangkok pub

At least 27 people have died and dozens more were hospitalized following a blaze in a Bangkok pub early on July 13. The fire started while a musician was performing - he reported seeing smoke coming out of a circuit breaker before hearing an explosion.

FRANCE24 July 13, 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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