Matt Spivey

Donald Trump reportedly threatened to bomb Oman if it obstructed US policy on Iran, while claiming that Washington maintained an unofficial communication channel with Iran's Revolutionary Guard; the Guard denied this. Iran said it had reached an understanding with Oman over the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, though negotiations reportedly involve compensation and a possible fee on cargo. A separate dispute emerged after Iran accused Qatar of shooting down two Iranian fighter jets and detaining three pilots. Qatar rejected the allegation, said the aircraft had violated its airspace, and stated that it had coordinated with Iran over the return of one pilot's body.

Iran has asked for the release of three pilots it says Qatar captured after Iranian fighter jets were hit during a 2 March 2026 operation against a Qatari military base. Iran also said a fourth pilot was killed and his remains returned. Qatar categorically denied holding the three men, saying they violated its airspace and that its forces acted lawfully while searching for the pilots and coordinating the return of one set of remains. Qatar says it invited an Iranian fact-finding team to review its findings, but Tehran has not responded.

The US launched new strikes on southern Iran, with explosions reported in several port cities along the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump said the action was retaliation for Iran’s alleged bombing of ships, warning of further escalation. Iranian state media reported multiple missile impacts and activation of air defence systems, as well as power outages and a fire at an IRGC site. The exchanges mark the most intense since a June memorandum of understanding intended to establish a 60‑day ceasefire period, which Trump has declared void. Both sides had previously agreed to stand down after earlier strikes, but retaliatory attacks resumed this week amid rising tensions over commercial shipping security in the region.

Wreckage of a K2 Airways Boeing 737 cargo plane missing off Pakistan’s coast was found after a 12‑hour air and sea search, but the five crew members remain unaccounted for. The aircraft departed Karachi for Sharjah before reporting navigation issues, rapidly descending and losing contact. Debris was located 53 nautical miles south of Ormara. The report recalls Pakistan’s last major aviation disaster in 2020 involving Pakistan International Airlines.

Two girls were seriously injured in an attack at a secondary school in Schongau, Upper Bavaria, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old suspect believed to have acted alone. Police have not confirmed the weapon used and are clarifying whether others were involved. A support point for relatives has been established as investigations continue.

King Charles congratulates the United States on its 250th anniversary, praising the long‑standing US‑UK alliance as a unique and productive partnership spanning defence, security, trade, culture and science. He highlights shared values and the importance of cooperation in protecting the natural world. The message follows his state visit to Washington DC earlier in the year, where he met President Donald Trump and addressed Congress, urging support for Ukraine and Nato. Celebrations across the US include major events in Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia, with Trump set to attend festivities and deliver remarks.

Fifa reversed its plan to move England’s World Cup match against Mexico six hours earlier, restoring the 01:00 BST kick-off and triggering widespread operational adjustments. UK pubs received permission to stay open until 05:00, prompting mixed reactions and logistical challenges for hospitality staff and police. Thousands of travelling England fans avoided last‑minute schedule disruptions, while UK schools and workplaces prepared for delayed starts on Monday. Authorities advised caution around late‑night travel and alcohol consumption as transport services maintained normal schedules.

Fifa reversed a plan to move England’s World Cup match against Mexico six hours earlier, keeping the kick-off at 01:00 BST. The late match time has led pubs to extend hours, police to adjust staffing, and schools and workplaces to offer flexibility on Monday morning. Fans in Mexico City, who planned travel long in advance, avoid disruption, while hospitality groups and authorities prepare for increased late-night activity and related safety concerns.