Trump Announces 20% Tariff on Cargo Ships Using Strait of Hormuz

A wildfire raged in a forest south of Paris on Monday, burning about 1,200 hectares. Firefighters and aircraft worked throughout the day to bring the flames under control. Stefan Doerr, director of the Centre for Wildfire Research at Swansea University, told FRANCE 24 that while efforts can reduce fire risk, complete elimination is impossible. "We need to prepare the environment more to reduce the risk of fire but we will never eliminate it completely," Doerr said. The fire highlights the persistent threat of wildfires, even near major cities. Doerr emphasized the importance of long-term environmental management, such as clearing dry vegetation and creating firebreaks, to lower the chances of ignition and spread. However, he noted that factors like weather conditions and human activity make it impossible to remove all risk. The fire south of Paris is one of several wildfires that have occurred in France this summer, drawing attention to the need for better prevention strategies. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation.

The United States military launched a fresh wave of attacks on Iran on Monday, marking the third consecutive night of strikes. The operations come amid growing uncertainty over efforts to negotiate a ceasefire or peace agreement between the two nations. According to officials, the latest attacks targeted multiple locations within Iran, though specific details of the targets were not immediately disclosed. The strikes follow two previous nights of similar military action, escalating the conflict further. The news of the ongoing attacks broke as diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities appeared to falter, with no immediate signs of progress towards a deal. The United States has not publicly stated the strategic goals of the sustained bombardment, but analysts suggest it may be intended to pressure Iran into concessions. The conflict has drawn international concern, with many nations calling for restraint and a return to negotiations. The repeated air raids risk deepening the crisis and destabilizing the region further. As of Monday evening, there was no official response from Iran regarding the latest strikes. The situation remains fluid, with both sides showing no clear path to de-escalation. The international community watches closely as the cycle of attacks continues, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough before further violence erupts.

The United Nations has accused Hamas of interfering with the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza. According to the UN, armed personnel from the group raided a facility operated by the World Food Program (WFP), forcing the agency to suspend its operations in the area. The incident occurred in one part of the Gaza Strip, though specific details were not provided. The WFP is a key provider of food assistance in Gaza, where years of conflict and a blockade have left much of the population dependent on aid. The UN statement said the raid disrupted efforts to deliver essential supplies to civilians in need. Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, denied the accusations. In a statement, it claimed that the WFP had not coordinated with local authorities and that the suspension was unnecessary. Hamas said it remains committed to facilitating aid delivery. The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges of getting humanitarian assistance to Gazans amid the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. International organizations have repeatedly called for unhindered access to the territory. The UN has urged all parties to ensure aid workers can operate safely.

United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday the reimposition of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. He also threatened to charge heavy fees for ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments. The move escalates tensions between the two countries, which have been at odds over Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage between Iran and Oman. About 20% of the world's oil passes through it. Trump's plan would allow the US Navy to stop and inspect vessels heading to or from Iran. He said the fees would help pay for US military operations in the region. Iran responded with sarcasm. Iranian officials joked that they would charge a much lower fee for ships using the strait. They said the US has no right to control the waterway. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait if its oil exports are blocked. The blockade and fees are part of Trump's 'maximum pressure' policy on Iran. The US wants to force Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal. Critics warn the move could lead to conflict and disrupt global oil supplies. The announcement came after Iran's recent missile tests and support for armed groups in the Middle East. The US has also sent more warships to the region to enforce the blockade. International shipping companies are worried about higher costs and delays.

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen announced on Tuesday that it intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels toward the southern region of Saudi Arabia. No casualties or damage were reported from the intercepted missiles. In response, a senior Houthi official, Mohammad al-Bukhaiti, said the group would target Saudi Arabia's "vital infrastructure" as retaliation for a recent attack on Sanaa's airport. The Houthis control large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, and have been fighting the Saudi-backed Yemeni government since 2014. The Saudi-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes against the Houthis since March 2015. The conflict has caused a major humanitarian crisis, with millions facing hunger and disease. The Houthis have frequently launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia, which the coalition usually intercepts. This latest threat raises tensions in the region as the war continues.

New photographs reveal an illegal gold mine operating deep within a high-altitude wetland in Colombia, endangering the water supply for more than two million people. The mine is located in the Paramo de Santurban, a unique alpine ecosystem situated above 3,000 meters near the city of Bucaramanga. Paramos are critical for water regulation, capturing moisture from clouds and slowly releasing it into rivers. The illegal excavation has already carved into a mountain spanning about 300 hectares. Authorities are concerned that the mining activity, which uses toxic chemicals like mercury to extract gold, could contaminate the soil and water sources that feed the region's reservoirs. The Santurban paramo is a vital water tower for surrounding communities, including Bucaramanga. This incident highlights the persistent challenge of illegal mining in Colombia, where criminal groups often operate in remote, protected areas. Environmentalists are calling for stronger enforcement and restoration efforts. The mine's discovery comes amid growing global awareness of the environmental and health impacts of informal gold mining in South America.