US war in Iran costs $25bn as blockade talks intensify

The United States’ war with Iran has cost about $25bn so far, according to a senior Pentagon official, marking the first official estimate of the conflict’s financial toll.

Speaking before lawmakers, the official said most of the spending has gone on munitions, though no detailed breakdown was provided. Questions remain over whether the figure includes long term costs such as repairing damaged military infrastructure across the Middle East.

The disclosure comes as political pressure builds in Washington ahead of midterm elections, with Democrats linking the war to rising living costs.

At the same time, Donald Trump, the US president, has been holding talks with oil executives on how to sustain a prolonged naval blockade of Iran’s ports while limiting the impact on global markets. The White House said discussions focused on maintaining pressure on Tehran for “months if needed” as efforts to reach a deal remain stalled.

Families sue OpenAI over role in Canada school shooting

Families affected by a deadly school shooting in Canada have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging the company failed to alert authorities to alarming interactions between the attacker and its chatbot.

The cases stem from a February attack in British Columbia that left five children and a school staff member dead, with dozens more injured. Lawyers say the legal action represents an entire community seeking accountability.

The lawsuits argue that warning signs in the suspect’s chatbot conversations should have triggered intervention. The case is likely to test the legal responsibilities of artificial intelligence firms in preventing harm linked to their platforms.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill rescuers as ‘double tap’ tactic condemned

Lebanese officials say Israeli air strikes in the south of the country killed nine people, including three emergency responders, in what has been described as a “double tap” attack.

The rescuers were hit by a second strike after responding to an initial bombing, a tactic that has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who say it may constitute a war crime.

Israel said it was targeting a Hezbollah commander and that the incident is under review. The escalation comes amid continuing hostilities between Israel and the Iran backed group, with more than 2,500 people reported killed in Lebanon since March.

Italy recovers 337 looted artefacts from united states

Italy has secured the return of 337 looted antiquities from the United States in one of the largest recent repatriations of stolen cultural property.

The items, which include Roman, Greek and Egyptian artefacts, were recovered following investigations involving US authorities, particularly prosecutors in New York.

Officials say the return reflects growing cooperation between the two countries in tackling the illicit trade in cultural heritage, an issue Italy has spent decades trying to combat.

AFRICA

Russian paramilitary launches strikes as mali conflict escalates

A Kremlin linked paramilitary force has carried out air strikes in Mali as rebel groups push closer to the capital, marking a sharp escalation in the country’s long running conflict.

Video footage verified by the BBC shows helicopters and air strikes targeting rebel positions near Bamako. The offensive follows coordinated attacks by jihadist and separatist groups that killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara.

Despite the show of force, the Russian backed fighters have withdrawn from the northern town of Kidal, where rebels have since taken control. Analysts say the scale and spread of the attacks signal a dangerous new phase in the conflict.

South Africa to deport Mugabe’s son after firearms case

A court in Johannesburg has ordered the deportation of Bellarmine Mugabe, son of former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, after he pleaded guilty to immigration and firearms related offences.

Mugabe was fined or faces a prison sentence after admitting to pointing a toy gun in a way that made it appear real, as well as being in the country illegally.

The case also involved a separate shooting incident linked to his cousin, who received a prison sentence after pleading guilty to attempted murder.

Madagascar detains French national over alleged plot

Authorities in Madagascar have detained a former French serviceman accused of involvement in a plot to destabilise the country.

Prosecutors say the alleged plan included sabotage of infrastructure and attempts to incite unrest. A French diplomat has also been expelled over suspected links to the case, which Paris has strongly denied.

The arrests come amid rising tensions between Madagascar and France, with officials in Antananarivo warning of efforts to undermine national stability.

Uganda canoe accident leaves dozens missing

A canoe carrying up to 40 passengers has capsized in western Uganda, leaving dozens missing and triggering a major search and rescue operation.

Police say only one survivor has been confirmed so far, with fears the death toll could rise. Investigators are examining possible causes, including overloading and poor vessel conditions.

Water transport accidents are common in the region, often linked to weak safety enforcement and overcrowding.

Mali leader vows response after deadly rebel attacks

Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta has pledged to “neutralise” insurgents following a wave of coordinated attacks across the country.

In his first public appearance since the violence, Goïta said the government would respond decisively after militants struck key military sites and advanced in several regions.

The attacks, which killed senior officials and displaced troops, have raised concerns about the stability of the junta and the growing strength of armed groups operating across the Sahel.