Israel strikes southern Lebanon towns despite US-mediated truce

The Israeli military launched fresh airstrikes and artillery attacks on several towns in southern Lebanon on Friday morning, violating a US-mediated ceasefire that was extended until early July amid reports that Washington and Tehran are nearing a deal to end the wider conflict.

NATO says US military cuts will strengthen alliance long-term

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed Friday that Washington plans to scale back aircraft and naval assets allocated to European operations, arguing the reductions will reduce over-dependence on a single ally and create a more sustainable balance of responsibilities.

Kyrgyz president says Georgian PM visit marks 'new stage'

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said on Friday that Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Bishkek marks the beginning of a "new stage" in bilateral relations, with the two leaders discussing expanded trade and transport cooperation including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.

Hamburg Airport resumes operations after security breach

Hamburg Airport spokesperson Katja Bromm said operations gradually resumed Friday afternoon after a traveler accidentally pressed an emergency door button in Terminal 2, triggering a full terminal evacuation that forced passengers to disembark and caused delays of up to three hours.

India summons US diplomat again over Oman vessel attacks

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Friday summoned US charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in a week to protest deadly attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman that killed three Indian nationals, according to official sources.

Early Islamic inscriptions, including Quranic verses, unearthed in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Authority has documented 1,774 archaeological finds in the Medina region, including rock inscriptions containing Quranic verses and references to Caliph Omar ibn al‑Khattab. The discoveries shed light on the early Islamic period, particularly the pre‑Uthman era.

US, Iran close to signing Hormuz memorandum in Geneva

The US and Iran are close to signing a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, possibly as early as Sunday in Geneva, according to Bloomberg. The deal would extend the truce by 60 days and end the US blockade of Iranian ports, but awaits approval from Iran’s supreme leader.

Suicide bombing outside Pakistan mosque kills one, injures seven

A suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a mosque in northwestern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during Friday prayers, killing at least one civilian and wounding seven others. The attacker failed to enter the mosque before blowing himself up.

Türkiye deploys 70,000 personnel for NATO summit security

A total of 70,000 personnel, including 55,000 police and gendarmerie forces, will be deployed for the July 7‑8 NATO summit in Ankara. Security measures will be raised to the highest level, with counterterrorism, cyber, CBRN, and special operations units involved.

EU migration pact enters into force with tighter border rules

The European Commission announced on Friday that the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum has officially entered into force, introducing mandatory registration and fast-track border procedures for irregular migrants as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the bloc's framework.