A pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, killing at least 188 people and injuring over 1,500 in what seismologists call a rare 'earthquake doublet.' The first quake, magnitude 7.3, hit near La Guaira, followed minutes later by a 7.0 tremor nearer Caracas. Rescuers are still searching through collapsed buildings as the death toll is expected to rise. Venezuelan authorities have declared a state of emergency and international aid teams are arriving to assist.
A severe 'omega' heatwave gripping Europe has killed dozens as France recorded its hottest day since measurements began in 1947. At least 48 people drowned in France while attempting to cool off, and two young children died from heat exposure in a car. Power outages hit thousands of homes as the grid struggled under record demand. The heatwave, which has pushed temperatures above 40°C across multiple countries, is expected to spread northward toward the UK in coming days, with authorities issuing extreme heat warnings.
France placed half its territory under red heat alert Monday as a record-breaking heatwave pushed temperatures above 40°C across western Europe. Authorities banned alcohol at street music festivals, canceled outdoor sports events, and urged vulnerable populations to take shelter. Italy and Spain also issued red alerts as the heatwave is expected to intensify further, with forecasters warning of historic temperature highs. The crisis has prompted emergency government meetings in Paris and Rome.
An explosion at Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG terminal killed at least 13 people and injured 66 others on Sunday night as workers tried to restart operations after Iranian strikes damaged the facility earlier this year. The blast at the Barzan local gas supply facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City was caused by a technical accident during start-up procedures, according to Qatar's Energy Ministry. The incident threatens further disruption to global energy markets as Qatar is one of the world's top LNG producers, with Ras Laffan capable of producing 77 million metric tons annually via 14 processing trains. Eighteen workers remain missing.
Iran announced plans to close the Strait of Hormuz over Israeli strikes in Lebanon, threatening global oil shipments. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland for peace talks as the US disputed Iranian claims about the blockade. Trump threatened to resume attacks if Iran does not restrain Hezbollah allies, while a no-fly zone for the talks disrupted flights at Zurich airport.
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to renew their ceasefire, officials confirmed Saturday, as US envoy-led negotiations with Iran over a broader regional peace deal remain uncertain. The renewal comes after weeks of tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border and offers a fragile pause in hostilities. Meanwhile, Vice President Vance's push to restart US-Iran nuclear talks hit early bumps, with Iran announcing plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, alleging violations of international maritime law. The developments mark the latest twists in a complex Middle Eastern diplomatic landscape under the Trump administration.
Israel and Hezbollah agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after renewed fighting in southern Lebanon threatened to derail US-brokered peace talks with Iran. The renewal comes as diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the Iran conflict face growing pressure. Israeli officials confirmed the ceasefire extension will hold for an additional period, allowing displaced residents on both sides of the border to assess damage and begin recovery. The development marks the latest chapter in months of volatile negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
President Donald Trump signed a tentative agreement with Iran to end months of war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and sending oil prices to three-month lows. The deal includes diluting Iran's uranium stockpile, lifting the US naval blockade, and ensuring toll-free passage through the strategic waterway. A signing ceremony is set for Friday in Switzerland. Iran's supreme leader endorsed the deal, calling it a move made 'out of desperation' by the US. Global markets soared on the announcement, though analysts question whether oil prices will stay low given supply uncertainties.
Senior US officials dictated a memorandum with Iran that includes standards for diluting Tehran's uranium stockpile and guarantees toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to AP reports from the G7 summit. President Trump said the deal 'could be signed tomorrow,' sending oil prices sliding and global stocks jumping. The agreement would end months of conflict that disrupted energy markets and sent inflation climbing worldwide.
The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement aimed at ending their months-long war, with details expected to be released Friday. President Donald Trump announced the deal during the G7 summit in the French Alps, where world leaders discussed the Iran conflict and the war in Ukraine. Iran said the deal requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. Vice President Vance confirmed nuclear inspectors will return to Iran under the terms. Oil prices dropped sharply on the news, while stock markets rallied.