Sean's Daily Digest

US-Iran war at six months: 18 Americans killed, gas up 50%, and Trump's approval at a record low

Ongoing · day 10

Senior U.S. military leaders have warned Defense Secretary Hegseth in a recent classified assessment that prolonged large-scale operations in the Middle East risk weakening U.S. military capabilities elsewhere, signaling growing internal resistance to an extended Iran war. Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei sent written messages directly to Gulf rulers urging Muslim unity, mutual defense cooperation, and calling on them to confront what he described as the 'real enemy' — a rare direct diplomatic outreach to Gulf states amid the ongoing conflict. Republicans are increasingly viewing Trump's unceasing Iran war as a threat to midterm prospects, with continuing hostilities reported to have demoralized Republican voters.

Iran's Supreme Leader calls on Gulf rulers to unite against their 'real enemy'

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written message for Islamic Unity Week urging Muslim-majority countries, particularly Gulf monarchies, to identify and confront what he called their 'real enemy', warning that divisions serve Islam's adversaries. Khamenei has not appeared in public since being injured in US-Israeli airstrikes six months ago.

Israeli settlers attack West Bank village of Qusra again; Netanyahu issues rare condemnation

Dozens of masked settlers surrounded and stoned a Palestinian home in Qusra in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, injuring several residents, while Israeli forces detained Palestinians inside but did not arrest the settlers. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the attack as 'criminal acts of violence' by 'a handful of rioters' — his first public statement on Qusra following weeks of US pressure.

Haakon VIII delivers first speech as Norway's king, pledging to 'risk everything' for the country

Ongoing · day 3

King Haakon VIII delivered his first public speech as Norway's monarch, paying an emotional tribute to his late father Harald V and outlining his vision for his reign. Haakon VIII described Harald V as a loving parent and dedicated monarch in his address to the Norwegian people. The new king nearly broke down in tears when addressing Queen Sonja directly, coinciding with the couple's 58th wedding anniversary.

Niger junta retakes key airbase with Russian help after soldiers mutiny

Ongoing · day 2

Mutinying soldiers in Niger attacked the presidential palace and a key military airbase in the capital Niamey on Saturday, triggering hours of heavy gunfire and explosions that alarmed residents. Niger's ruling junta announced it had regained control of the key military airbase adjacent to Niamey's airport after the mutiny, with Russian Africa Corps forces and the presidential guard playing a central role in retaking it. According to a diplomatic source cited by AFP, several people were killed during the operation to recapture the base.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un removes defence minister and reshuffles top military command

North Korea's Kim Jong Un has dismissed the country's defence minister and restructured supreme military command positions, according to reports.

Putin and Xi meet in Bishkek for SCO summit; Power of Siberia 2 pipeline and Iran war on agenda

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are to meet Monday in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on the sidelines of the 25th anniversary Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, which also brings together the leaders of Iran, India and Pakistan. Putin and Xi are expected to discuss the long-stalled Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.

Finland's president disputes German assessment that Russia could attack NATO by 2029

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said in an interview with Germany's Bild newspaper that he sees 'neither evidence nor facts' to support the view that Russia would attack a NATO country, calling it senseless to test 'the world's most powerful military alliance'. He said Russia was losing 30,000–35,000 troops per month in Ukraine while recruiting only around 27,000, making a two-front war implausible.

Gunman kills woman at Swiss rave and injures five; manhunt under way near Zurich

A 22-year-old woman was shot dead and five others — four men and one woman aged between 24 and 27 — were injured at an annual techno rave in Aarau, roughly 46 kilometres west of Zurich, in the early hours of Sunday. Swiss police launched a large-scale manhunt; the perpetrator's identity and motive remained unknown.

Zambian opposition leader charged with treason two days before president's inauguration

Ongoing · day 2

Zambian opposition leader Mundubile has been charged with treason, according to his lawyer. Mundubile had previously gone into hiding at a United Nations building in Zambia's capital before the charge was filed.

Germany braces as far-right AfD poised to win a state election next week; Rwanda confirms EU return-hub talks

State and federal leaders in Germany are trying to prevent sharing sensitive intelligence with the Alternative for Germany party should it win power in a state election due next week, according to reports. Separately, Rwanda confirmed it is in talks with Germany and other EU states about establishing deportation return hubs on its territory.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan convene inaugural meeting under new joint defence pact

Foreign and defence ministers along with military chiefs of staff from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are to meet in Istanbul on August 31 for the first committee session under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed this month, which treats an armed attack on any signatory as an attack on all.