US strikes Iran, Tehran hits Gulf states, says Strait of Hormuz closed

FRANCE24 July 12, 2026
US strikes Iran, Tehran hits Gulf states, says Strait of Hormuz closed
US strikes Iran, Tehran hits Gulf states, says Strait of Hormuz closed
US and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults with Tehran targeting US facilities in states across the Gulf on Sunday and saying it had again closed the vital Strait of Hormuz.

France 24

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The week in pictures: Le Pen's comeback, Khamenei's funeral and Mbappé's wondergoal
The week in pictures: Le Pen's comeback, Khamenei's funeral and Mbappé's wondergoal

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was cleared to run in next year's presidential election, despite having her embezzlement conviction confirmed, in a week that saw Iran hold days-long funeral ceremonies for slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and football stars Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi deliver moments of magic to carry their teams into the World Cup semi-finals. FRANCE 24 looks back at some of the week's most striking images. 

FRANCE 24 July 12, 2026
US rapper Pitbull sets bald cap world record at London show
US rapper Pitbull sets bald cap world record at London show

US rapper Pitbull has set the first Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps.

FRANCE24 July 12, 2026
Eiffel Tower to close early as heatwave hits France: operator
Eiffel Tower to close early as heatwave hits France: operator

The operator of the Eiffel Tower said the latticed-steel Paris monument would "exceptionally close" early over the weekend at 4 pm (1400 GMT), as France was gripped by a third heatwave since May.

FRANCE24 July 12, 2026
England, Argentina set up World Cup showdown after quarter-final wins
England, Argentina set up World Cup showdown after quarter-final wins

England and Argentina set up a blockbuster World Cup semi-final showdown on Saturday after battling past Norway and Switzerland to book their passage to the last four. France 24's Selina Sykes tells us more.

FRANCE24 July 12, 2026
Lindsey Graham, pivotal US Republican senator, dies suddenly at 71
Lindsey Graham, pivotal US Republican senator, dies suddenly at 71

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a key Republican who went from a vocal critic of Donald Trump to one of his most loyal allies on Capitol Hill after Trump became president, has died at age 71. Our correspondent Fraser Jackson tells us more.

FRANCE24 July 12, 2026
US strikes Iran, Tehran hits Gulf states, says Strait of Hormuz closed
US strikes Iran, Tehran hits Gulf states, says Strait of Hormuz closed

US and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults with Tehran targeting US facilities in states across the Gulf on Sunday and saying it had again closed the vital Strait of Hormuz.

FRANCE24 July 12, 2026
Russian strikes kill eight in Ukraine, officials say
Russian strikes kill eight in Ukraine, officials say

Russia struck Ukraine with missiles, drones and guided bombs on Saturday, killing eight people and wounding dozens of others, officials said.

FRANCE24 July 12, 2026
Firefighters gain upper hand on deadly Spain wildfire
Firefighters gain upper hand on deadly Spain wildfire

Firefighters battling a wildfire in southern Spain that killed 12 people started to contain the blaze on Saturday as the hardest-hit village remained deserted, with charred vegetation and blackened homes a grim reminder of the inferno that sent terrified people fleeing from their homes.

FRANCE24 July 12, 2026
US senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham dies after 'brief and sudden illness'
US senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham dies after 'brief and sudden illness'

Prominent US Senator Lindsey Graham, a leading Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday aged 71 after a "brief and sudden illness" his office said in a statement.

FRANCE 24 July 12, 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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