Trump denies report that he has approved US attack plans against Iran

Japan’s government wants to offer more money to towns near nuclear power plants—expanding payouts from a 10km to a 30km radius. Officials say it’s about supporting communities, but environmental groups aren’t buying it. They’re calling the move a thinly veiled "bribe" to win over struggling rural areas that might otherwise oppose nuclear energy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about cash—it’s a high-stakes debate over Japan’s energy future. After Fukushima, trust in nuclear power is shaky, and critics see this as the government trying to smooth over opposition with money. Whether it’s genuine support or political maneuvering, it could shape how communities weigh risks versus benefits when nuclear plants are in their backyard.

Israel’s ongoing military operations against Iran are burning through hundreds of millions of dollars daily, according to reports. The staggering cost could force tough decisions about how long the country can sustain this level of conflict without straining its economy or military resources.

Editor’s Note: Wars aren’t just fought on the battlefield—they’re fought with budgets, too. This story highlights the hidden pressure of wartime finances, showing how even a well-prepared military might struggle if costs spiral out of control. For Israel, balancing security needs with economic reality could become a defining challenge.

Australia is temporarily shutting down its embassy in Tehran and pulling officials out of Iran due to unspecified security concerns. Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the ambassador will stay in the region, with consular support shifting to Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the opposition is pushing the PM to attend an upcoming NATO summit, likely to reinforce Australia’s stance on global security issues.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic shuffling—it signals rising tensions, possibly linked to Iran’s regional instability or strained bilateral relations. Moving consular operations to Azerbaijan suggests Australia’s hedging risks while keeping a foothold nearby. The NATO pressure hints at broader geopolitical positioning, especially with global alliances tightening over conflicts like Ukraine. Worth watching how this plays out behind the scenes.

Maternity units in Leeds have been rated "inadequate" after surprise inspections sparked by worried parents. Health officials are now demanding urgent improvements to address the failings.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—real families raised alarms about care standards, and inspectors found serious gaps. Maternity services are critical, and when they’re flagged as failing, it shakes trust in the system. The pressure’s now on to fix things fast.

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in hot water after a private phone call with Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen was leaked. In the conversation, she referred to him as "uncle" while discussing a sensitive border dispute—a move critics say undermines Thailand's stance. The leak has sparked a political firestorm, with opposition parties seizing on it as evidence of mismanagement, potentially destabilizing her government.

Editor’s Note: Diplomatic slip-ups can have serious consequences, especially in Southeast Asia where historical tensions run deep. The leaked call isn’t just about etiquette—it’s fuel for Thailand’s already volatile political scene, where every misstep can become a crisis. For ordinary Thais, this adds to the uncertainty about whether their government can hold it together.