Donald Trump vows to hit Iran hard for delaying peace deal 

The US president warns Iran that it will be ‘hit hard again’ after the two sides exchanged fresh strikes. Then: how effective will Europe’s new Russia sanctions be? And: are tourists being ripped off this holiday season?

World Cup embarrassment before kick-off

World Cup embarrassment before kick-off with visas blocked, a referee barred and tickets unsold with prices unaffordable for many. Then: are French workers really away from their desks as much as we think? And: we look at Prada’s new undergarments for Nasa astronauts.

Iran and Israel agree to halt strikes after exchanging fire for first time since April 

Iran and Israel agree to halt strikes after exchanging fire for the first time since April. Then: we look at what Armenia’s parliamentary election tells us about its ties to Russia. Plus: will a lawsuit disrupt Trump’s birthday party? And: why are Kanye West’s concerts still so popular?  

World Cup fever builds with Canada hoping for a tourism legacy

With just days until kick-off, we look at how Canada is hoping to build a World Cup tourism legacy. Then: we speak to the Ukrainian NGO Superhumans, which helps injured soldiers and civilians. And: our weekly quiz with Rob Bound.

Hezbollah rejects new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as US House seeks to stop war in Iran

Hezbollah rejects a new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as the US House seeks to stop the Iran war in a vote called ‘unpatriotic’ by Donald Trump. Plus: Albanians take to the streets in anger at plans for a new luxury resort. And: what strange items do Uber customers leave in its vehicles?

Ukraine bombs St Petersburg as Russia prepares to host Putin’s ‘Davos’

Ukraine targets St Petersburg ahead of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s key economic forum. Then: UK police apologise for handcuffing a dying teenager as PM Keir Starmer condemns angry rioters. Plus: what do the US primaries tell us about what to expect in the mid-terms?

Are strikes against civilians ‘the new paradigm’ in the Ukraine war?

Massive Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities stoke fears that civilian targets will be the new normal. Then: AI fates diverge as some giants plan blockbuster IPOs and others battle lawsuits. Plus: is creativity coming back to Hollywood with ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’?

Netanyahu orders fresh strikes in southern Beirut as Washington tables a new Israel-Lebanon peace plan

As civilians in southern Beirut prepare to leave, we consider the potential effects of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Then: is Europe getting tougher on Russia’s shadow fleet? Plus: why are French and British football fans celebrating by rioting? And: would you fall for a holiday gim…

Israel ramps up strikes on Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefire agreements

Benjamin Netanyahu announces that he intends to take 70 per cent of Gaza as the IDF increases strikes on Lebanon. Plus: the Black Sea Security Forum in Odesa, Colombia’s Sunday elections and AI enters Tribeca Festival.   

How close is the US to invading Cuba? 

We discuss how successful a US invasion of Cuba might be. Then: can Tony Blair save the UK Labour Party? Plus: should tap water be free in Italy and what makes a designer eligible for the Monocle Design Awards?