Middle East

Trump threatens Iranian infrastructure over Strait of Hormuz attacks

FRANCE 24 July 23, 2026
Trump threatens Iranian infrastructure over Strait of Hormuz attacks
Trump threatens Iranian infrastructure over Strait of Hormuz attacks
US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that the US would destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant every time Tehran attacked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The threat came as Washington and Iran exchanged fresh strikes, regional missile alerts sounded and diplomatic efforts remained stalled.

France 24

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Ukrainians welcome new army chief but seek return of fired defence minister
Ukrainians welcome new army chief but seek return of fired defence minister

Ukraine's soldiers and civilians welcomed the appointment of Mykhailo Drapaty as the new army chief on Wednesday, but many said they still wanted former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov restored after his surprise removal sparked the largest war-related protests since Russia's 2022 invasion.

FRANCE 24 July 23, 2026
Trump threatens Iranian infrastructure over Strait of Hormuz attacks
Trump threatens Iranian infrastructure over Strait of Hormuz attacks

US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that the US would destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant every time Tehran attacked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The threat came as Washington and Iran exchanged fresh strikes, regional missile alerts sounded and diplomatic efforts remained stalled.

FRANCE 24 July 23, 2026
France recorded 5,700 more deaths than usual during its historic June heat wave
France recorded 5,700 more deaths than usual during its historic June heat wave

France recorded at least 5,700 more deaths than usual during a historic heatwave last month, the public health agency said Wednesday, sharply increasing its estimates of the feared toll from record-shattering temperatures. FRANCE 24's James Vasina reports.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
US announces nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia
US announces nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia

The United States on Wednesday announced that it had reached a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright signing the pact and a separate bilateral safeguards deal alongside Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. FRANCE 24's Fraser Jackson reports from Washington.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed over 1,000 people
Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed over 1,000 people

In tonight's edition, the Ebola outbreak in the DRC has crossed a devastating threshold, with more than 1,000 lives lost. Also, in Kenya, human rights groups warn that political “goons” are increasingly being used to disrupt rallies ahead of elections next year. And in Senegal, four years after devastating floods threatened the famous Pink Lake’s unique ecosystem, the lake is slowly regaining its iconic colour.

Clarisse FORTUNÉ July 23, 2026
'Mykhailo Fedorov was fired for his successes in fighting corruption in the defense sector'
'Mykhailo Fedorov was fired for his successes in fighting corruption in the defense sector'

François Picard is pleased to welcome Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director of the Anti-corruption Action Centre. Ukraine's wartime challenge is no longer only military, but institutional. Ms. Kaleniuk contends that battlefield success and democratic resilience are inseparable from deep reform of the defence establishment. While welcoming President Zelensky's replacement of the commander-in-chief with a younger, reform-oriented military leader, she argues that this represents only "half" of the necessary changes. The more consequential battle, in her view, concerns governance.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
Sex trafficking in fashion: 'Outrageous that French legal system hasn't done anything by now'
Sex trafficking in fashion: 'Outrageous that French legal system hasn't done anything by now'

François Picard is pleased to welcome Dana Thomas, Paris-based journalist, specialising in fashion and culture, and author of "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster". For decades, allegations of sexual exploitation in the fashion industry, spanning the globe, have resurfaced, often surrounding powerful figures whose deaths have complicated any semblance of accountability. In the wake of Daniel Siad's sudden death, Thomas offers a scathing indictment of the systemic failures within French law enforcement, the modelling industry, and the highest echelons of power. 

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
Exclusive: In Syria's Kurdish-majority city Kobane, postwar integration efforts get under way
Exclusive: In Syria's Kurdish-majority city Kobane, postwar integration efforts get under way

Northern Syria’s Kobane, or Ayn al-Arab, was a flashpoint city during the Kurdish fight against the Islamic State (IS) group nearly a decade ago. Today, it’s at the heart of the Syrian government’s bid to integrate the northern Kurdish majority region and their fighters. FRANCE 24’s Wassim Nasr had a rare opportunity to witness the integration process.

Wassim NASR July 23, 2026
French modelling scout linked to Epstein found dead
French modelling scout linked to Epstein found dead

Daniel Siad, ⁠a modelling scout with ​ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been ​found dead at his home outside Paris, prosecutors said on Wednesday. Siad's body was discovered on Monday evening. An autopsy will be carried out ​to ‌determine the cause of death, the Nanterre prosecutor's ⁠office said. Siad's name appeared nearly 2,000 times in the Epstein files released by the ‌U.S. Department of Justice. FRANCE 24's Emerald Maxwell reports.

FRANCE24 July 22, 2026
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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  

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.  

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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