France warns of ‘worst-case scenario’ on Iran

At a crowded EU summit in Brussels, Sweden’s EU Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz didn’t mince words about Hungary’s ban on a Pride march this weekend. She called it a "serious breach" of EU values and hinted that the bloc should flex its legal muscle to uphold the rule of law. The comments came amid broader tensions over Hungary and Slovakia resisting new sanctions against Russia.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a parade—it’s a flashpoint in the EU’s struggle to hold member states accountable for democratic backsliding. Hungary’s ban on the Pride march is part of a larger pattern of clashing with EU norms, and Sweden’s sharp criticism signals growing frustration. With Russia sanctions already dividing the bloc, this adds another layer of tension to an already messy political moment.

A month after aid deliveries resumed in Gaza, the situation on the ground remains dire. BBC Verify analyzed multiple videos showing scenes of chaos, gunfire, and deadly violence as desperate civilians try to access food and supplies. Instead of orderly distribution, the process has become a dangerous free-for-all, with reports of repeated killings.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about aid shortages—it’s about a system failing catastrophically. When people risk their lives just to get food, it underscores how deep the crisis in Gaza has become. The violence around aid distribution makes an already desperate situation even worse, raising urgent questions about how to protect civilians in a war zone.

Iranian authorities claim to have busted a massive "Israeli spy network," arresting over 700 people in the wake of an alleged Israeli attack in mid-June. But here’s the catch—state media hasn’t shown any evidence of weapons or concrete ties to Israel, raising eyebrows about whether this is a legitimate crackdown or a political stunt.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about arrests—it’s a high-stakes narrative battle. Iran’s government often uses alleged foreign plots to justify crackdowns and rally domestic support, especially amid rising tensions with Israel. But without hard proof, skeptics (and international observers) may see this as another attempt to tighten control under the guise of national security. The lack of visible evidence makes the whole thing feel shaky, and that uncertainty could fuel even more distrust in an already volatile region.

Police in Edinburgh have made their 50th arrest in an ongoing crackdown on a violent gang feud between rival east and west factions. The latest suspect, a teenager, faces serious charges—including attempted murder and deliberately setting fires at three properties.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another arrest—it’s a milestone in a long-running, dangerous conflict that’s put neighborhoods at risk. The fact that a teen is involved highlights how deep this feud runs, drawing in younger people and escalating violence. For locals, it’s a reminder that the problem isn’t going away, even as police ramp up efforts to stop it.

The US Supreme Court just greenlit a Texas law forcing porn sites to check visitors' ages, siding with conservatives who argue it protects kids without trampling free speech. PornHub famously blocked Texas users in protest, but the court says the law stands—adding fuel to the global fight over how to police adult content online.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Texas—it’s a test case for how far governments can go in controlling online content under the guise of child safety. Free speech advocates worry it sets a slippery precedent, while supporters see it as basic protection. Either way, more legal battles (and possibly more "geoblocking") are likely coming.