Jul 31, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC

The United States military has executed fresh overnight airstrikes against targets in southern Iran following the interception of several Iranian ballistic missiles directed at American forces in the Middle East. US Central Command described the operation as a "powerful response" to a failed surprise attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The military action coincides with Iranian warnings issued to Bulgaria and Cyprus regarding the potential hosting of US military aircraft, including KC-46 refueling tankers. Meanwhile, crude oil prices dropped over five percent in Asian trading on expectations of potential diplomatic progress. The escalation has highlighted contrasting views on US strategic capacity, with reports pointing to pressure on American munitions stockpiles, while US leadership asserted that inventory levels remain robust "well beyond our needs."

Sources: Bloomberg, Corriere della Sera, El Mundo, FAZ, ORF

US President Donald Trump announced that the Board of Peace reached an agreement securing the "complete disarmament" of Hamas and other Gaza armed groups, promising an eventual Israeli military withdrawal. Anonymous Hamas sources reportedly told AFP that an accord was finalized, but neither Israel nor Hamas has publicly confirmed participation or terms.

Simultaneously, Egyptian-mediated negotiations showed slight progress, though an Israeli official dismissed the current conditions as insufficient, noting disarmament remains a central hurdle. Meanwhile, Israeli overnight strikes killed at least four Palestinians in Gaza, including two children, with the military stating it targeted Hamas infrastructure.

Sources: BBC News, NU, Sweden Herald, TV 2 Nyheter.

Spain has deployed 60 military personnel to its North African enclave of Ceuta after an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco, primarily by swimming around coastal barriers. The troops were sent to support Civil Guard and police units after local security forces became overwhelmed.

Reports suggest the sudden influx follows a Spanish Supreme Court ruling interpreted as prohibiting the immediate return of migrants who reach Spanish territory by swimming. Casualty estimates differ across sources: official figures confirm at least nine or ten drownings, while media reports state up to 18 people may have died during the attempt.

Sources: FAZ, Point, Sweden Herald, Tagesschau, TV 2 Nyheter

North, Central American, and Caribbean football governing body CONCACAF has unanimously rejected FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The decision follows an emergency resolution by UEFA's 55 member associations threatening a complete boycott of all FIFA competitions if the initiative proceeds.

Infantino's proposed commercial restructuring involves transferring tournament marketing rights to a private entity, with reports indicating tight deadlines were placed on national associations to grant approval. The expanding opposition from both European and American confederations marks a severe challenge to global leadership at FIFA. European football officials previously characterized the move as an attack on traditional governance structures. FIFA has not yet issued a formal comment regarding the widening opposition from regional confederations.

Sources: Der Spiegel, FAZ, Tagesschau

New regulations on the right to repair have entered into force, introducing stricter obligations for manufacturers and retailers of electronic devices. Under the rules, manufacturers are required to design products that are easier to fix and ensure the availability of spare parts. Additionally, when consumers return defective items within the statutory warranty period, retailers must inform them of their right to request a repair rather than an automatic replacement.

However, the new standards do not cover all categories of electrical appliances. The legislation aims to reduce electronic waste and extend product lifespans across the market, though coverage remains limited to specific device groups.

Sources: Tagesschau.