Jul 30, 2026, 09:00 AM UTC

The United States executed new overnight airstrikes against targets in Iran, marking a resumption of direct military action. US Central Command described the operations as a "powerful response" to an attempted surprise attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which launched multiple ballistic missiles toward US positions in Jordan.

US and Jordanian forces intercepted all incoming projectiles, with officials in Amman confirming five missiles were destroyed. Local Iranian media subsequently reported explosions in the southern part of the country.

US President Donald Trump promised severe retaliation, stating that "we will hit Iran hard" while highlighting American military stockpiles. Despite the escalation, Asian crude oil prices fell over five percent on hopes for eventual diplomatic negotiations.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, El Mundo, La Stampa, NOS, ORF

Wildfires across southwestern France and Spain continue to advance, forcing mass evacuations as firefighters battle severe weather conditions. In France's Gironde department, over 42,000 hectares have burned, prompting 220,000 residents to evacuate as flames reach the outskirts of Bordeaux. Evacuation estimates across both nations range between 250,000 and 325,000 people.

French President Emmanuel Macron called an emergency crisis meeting, while local authorities in the Var department launched arson investigations after three simultaneous fire outbreaks. Tragic fatalities include two firefighters killed during containment efforts.

The blazes have disrupted regional infrastructure, causing the closure of the Bordeaux-Biarritz railway line and forcing alterations to the Tour de France route. French officials report that 115,000 hectares have burned nationwide this year.

Sources: BBC News, Der Standard, France24, Helsingin Sanomat, Le Figaro.

Japanese authorities have reported a rising death toll following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck the southwestern island of Kyushu. Japan's central government confirmed at least 28 people have died, according to public broadcaster NHK, updating earlier estimates from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that placed the initial confirmed count at 13. Local authorities in Kumamoto Prefecture had previously reported 17 fatalities.

Rescue operations remain active across affected municipalities, where structural failures, ruined roads, and destroyed bridges continue to impede emergency personnel. Thousands of residents remain in temporary shelters as officials work to determine the full scope of the destruction.

Sources: Der Standard, FAZ, ORF.

South Korean technology giant Samsung reported a massive surge in second-quarter operating profit, driven by strong global demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence applications. The company's operating profit jumped by 1,813 percent compared to the same period last year, exceeding market expectations.

The stronger-than-expected earnings result helped ease pressure on South Korea's financial markets. Samsung and rival semiconductor maker SK Hynix account for approximately 60 percent of the benchmark Kospi index. Following days of market volatility and falling stock prices, the Kospi stabilized after the announcement as Samsung's stock traded higher. The results underscore how global investment in AI hardware continues to drive growth for leading memory chip manufacturers.

Sources: ORF, Sweden Herald.

Scotland’s integrated health and social care system is failing individuals seeking mental health services, according to a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland.

The professional body described the existing framework as "poorly co-ordinated" and warned that current arrangements have compromised patient safety, eroded clinical leadership, and diminished financial transparency. In response to these systemic issues, the organisation is urging the Scottish Parliament to launch an official inquiry to evaluate the impact of integrated care structures on patient outcomes and service delivery across the nation.

Sources: STV News