Iran has just finished losing a war and is not in a position to dictate terms, analyst says

The UK House of Commons is gearing up for a pivotal vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which could legalize assisted dying for terminally ill patients. If passed, the bill moves to the House of Lords; if rejected, it’s dead in the water. Meanwhile, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy downplayed rumors of a major rebellion over the government’s welfare reforms, insisting dissent isn’t as widespread as some suggest.

Pro-Palestinian activists from the group Palestine Action stormed RAF Brize Norton, a key UK military base, and spray-painted military planes in a protest against British support for Israel. Labour leader Keir Starmer condemned the act as "disgraceful vandalism," reflecting the government's sharp disapproval. The activists claim the base is used to supply arms to Israel, though officials haven't confirmed this.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another protest—it’s a direct, high-stakes confrontation at a sensitive military site. The boldness of targeting an RAF base escalates tensions around UK involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict, while also raising questions about security at critical defense installations. Starmer’s strong reaction signals how politically charged the issue has become, especially with an election looming. Expect debates over protest tactics, national security, and Britain’s role in the conflict to heat up.

European foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany are set to meet with Iran’s Abbas Araqchi amid escalating tensions, while the US—specifically the Trump administration—remains undecided on whether to join Israel’s conflict with Iran. The White House has given itself a two-week deadline to make that call, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts.

Chester Zoo just welcomed four adorable maccoa ducklings—the first of their kind ever hatched there. These little fluffballs are part of a bigger effort to protect this rare African duck species, which has dwindled to just about 5,000 in the wild. It’s a small but hopeful win for conservation.

Editor’s Note: Maccoa ducks are struggling in the wild, so every new hatchling is a tiny lifeline for the species. Zoos aren’t just for show—they’re playing a real role in keeping vulnerable animals from disappearing. Plus, who doesn’t love baby ducks? This story’s a nice reminder that conservation wins, even small ones, are worth celebrating.

Norway has thrown its weight behind NATO’s proposed 5% defense spending target, with PM Jonas Gahr Støre endorsing the idea—even as Spain dismissed it as "unreasonable." Meanwhile, Poland’s EU minister Adam Szłapka is stepping into a new role as chief government spokesperson amid broader political shifts following the ruling coalition’s recent election loss.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the growing divide within NATO over how much member states should spend on defense, with Norway backing a more aggressive target while others push back. It’s a sign of the tricky balancing act facing the alliance as geopolitical tensions rise—some countries are all in, while others worry about the economic strain. The Polish reshuffle, meanwhile, shows how election setbacks can trigger political domino effects.