(AFP) – Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, says that Tehran will charge ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz after a 60-day fee-free period stipulated in a memorandum of understanding with the US. “We have responsibility and sovereignty over there. Naturally, [there are] services there and in return, [there is] a fee for this work,” Ghalibaf says in an interview aired on state television.
Charikar (Afghanistan) (AFP) – Under the shade of recently planted poplars in northeastern Afghanistan, Char Bagh’s villagers are rediscovering the value of trees after years of wartime deforestation. Forest cover has increased 35 percent nationwide since 2011, according to the National Statistics and Information Authority, though just 2.5 percent of Afghanistan was forested in 2025 and cover is still shrinking in some areas.
Chiang Rai (Thailand) (AFP) – Thai fisherman Somdet Singthong steered his metal skiff across the brown waters of the Mekong river, resigned to the pollution that has put his health and lifelong source of livelihood at risk. Doctors have found elevated levels of toxic arsenic in his fingernails and urine, with the heavy metal also detected in the river which millions of people in Southeast Asia depend on. Testing suggests the contamination, which experts and campaigners trace back to illegal mining in Myanmar, is now spreading downstream.
Khan Yunis (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Dressmakers from the southern Gazan city of Khan Yunis work through power shortages and soaring costs as they collect burnt fabrics to design and make new dresses, mainly for children. “When I go to Gaza [City] to get the fabric, I take it from a place that’s been destroyed, from old fabric that’s available, which was probably damaged by shrapnel or burnt,” says tailor Amir al-Rantisi.
Jakarta (AFP) – Flushed, sweating, and beaming with joy, burnt-out professionals are deeply engrossed in a traditional Indonesian children’s games in Jakarta. The ‘Playing Community’, a group of about 500 members that gathers every Friday after work to cavort their cares away, began in 2024, when founder Akihiko Akira was battling work pressure and personal problems. “Inside every person, there’s a childlike part, and playing is a kind of necessity for all of us,” says psychologist Ratih Ibrahim.
Tehran (AFP) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says that ending the war in Lebanon is the “most important issue” in the peace deal with the United States announced the day before. “The important point I want to emphasise here is that in our view, there are two parties to this memorandum — one side is America and Israel, and the other side is Iran and Hezbollah,” said Araghchi during a briefing with foreign diplomats in Tehran broadcast on state television.
New York (AFP) – France supporters gather in New York’s Times Square ahead of their opening match against Senegal, with Sports Minister Marina Ferrari taking part in the celebration. “I think we’ll make it to at least the semifinals,” says supporter Antoine Vassaux.
Cape Verde (AFP) – Cape Verde fans erupt as they hold European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their first ever World Cup game. “The best feeling of my life, today is such a special day that I even cried,” says supporter Joana Brito.
Tehran (AFP) – People in Tehran, Jerusalem and Lebanon react as the United States and Iran say they have reached a deal to end the Middle East war on all fronts and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, despite offering little indication on the thorny question of Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Evian (France) (AFP) – “We are anchoring Ukraine in Europe,” says European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc moves onto the next stage after a long delay. “This is a huge step forward,” says von der Leyen, speaking at a press conference in Evian ahead of the G7 summit. Ukraine’s progress was stuck for some two years as Hungary’s nationalist leader Viktor Orban vetoed all progress, but his election defeat by rival Peter Magyar in April has opened up the way.
Ierapetra (Greece) (AFP) – With massive teeth and a voracious appetite, pufferfish are ruining Greek fishermens’ nets and wreaking havoc on local fish stocks, with warming seas allowing the invasive species to spread through the eastern Mediterranean. “There’s no sign of improvement, no light on the horizon,” says fisherman Kostis Zevelekakis.
London (AFP) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces an upcoming ban on social media for all children under the age of 16, saying the platforms are “making children unhappy.” Starmer has said the upcoming ban was influenced by the experience of Australia, which in December became the first nation to ban people under 16 from social media.
