President Trump plans to decide on the US’s reference to the “Persian Gulf” during his Middle East visit. The name is contentious, with Iran favoring “Persian Gulf” based on historical evidence, while Arab nations prefer “Arabian Gulf.” Trump aims to avoid offending any party. Reports suggest he might announce a name change during his trip. Iran’s Foreign Minister condemned the potential change, warning it could provoke widespread anger among Iranians. The issue has previously caused diplomatic tensions, including Iran’s protest over Iraq’s use of “Arabian Gulf Cup” for a football tournament. Ava Sinclair 08/05/2025 5:30 am
President Donald Trump praised the Houthis for their “bravery” despite their attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea, which have disrupted global markets. The Trump administration intensified attacks on the Houthis, initially started by President Joe Biden, leading to an agreement to leave U.S. shipping interests alone. This campaign cost the U.S. approximately $750 million. Trump expressed confidence in the Houthis’ promise to cease attacks, despite concerns from human rights activists about civilian casualties. Ava Sinclair 08/05/2025 5:30 am
A blast was reported in Lahore, Pakistan, following Indian strikes on alleged terrorist sites in Pakistan, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. India accused Pakistan of involvement in a deadly attack in Indian Kashmir, which Pakistan denied, vowing retaliation. Cross-border shelling resulted in civilian casualties on both sides. Despite heightened tensions, Pakistan expressed readiness to de-escalate, while global powers, including the U.S., urged calm. India conducted blackout drills near the border, and Pakistan maintained high alert in Punjab, though normalcy returned in most cities. Noah Prescott 08/05/2025 5:30 am
The Trump administration plans to rename the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or Gulf of Arabia, aligning with Arab Gulf leaders but likely angering Iran. This change, reported by The Associated Press, is expected to coincide with Trump’s Middle East visit in May. The naming of this strategic waterway, historically called the Persian Gulf, has been contentious, with Arab states advocating for the Arabian Gulf name. U.S. Central Command uses Gulf of Arabia, while the State Department and CIA use Persian Gulf. Iran has previously threatened legal action over map naming. Penelope Kingsley 08/05/2025 2:00 am
Thick black smoke from the Sistine Chapel indicates the cardinals have not elected a new pope in their first vote. Tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square to witness the event. Cardinals from around 70 countries are in Rome following Pope Francis’s death. They will continue voting until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The conclave’s start was streamed live, and the crowd reacted to the smoke. Al Jazeera’s Hoda Abdel-Hamid noted that a first-day election is rare, as initial votes gauge cardinal opinions. Ava Sinclair 08/05/2025 2:00 am
India launched a strike on a residential Islamic seminary in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, in response to the killing of Indian tourists in Kashmir. The seminary had been evacuated, but Masood Azhar’s family, founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed, remained. Ten of Azhar’s relatives were among 13 killed, including women and children. Thousands attended their funerals. India also targeted a complex in Muridke, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, demolishing a mosque and administration building. The attack is part of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Penelope Kingsley 08/05/2025 2:00 am
Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9 will proceed amid heightened tensions following Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow. The event, celebrating the Soviet victory in WWII, is crucial for Putin’s propaganda against Ukraine. Despite Russia’s unilateral “humanitarian” truce, Ukraine hasn’t agreed to it. Zelensky warns foreign officials of potential risks. At least 29 world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, are expected to attend, highlighting the parade’s international significance. Ava Sinclair 08/05/2025 2:00 am
Hundreds of flights in Russia were canceled or delayed due to drone threats, causing major airport shutdowns in Moscow and other cities. Sheremetyevo Airport halted operations twice overnight following reports of Ukrainian drone attacks. Aeroflot canceled at least 106 flights, with over 140 delayed. Other Moscow airports, including Domodedovo and Vnukovo, also faced closures, rerouting flights to cities like St. Petersburg. Passengers at Sheremetyevo experienced significant disruptions, with many seeking rebookings or refunds and some sleeping at the airport. Penelope Kingsley 07/05/2025 10:30 pm
World leaders reacted to India’s strikes with calls for restraint and peace. President Trump expressed hope for a quick resolution, while Secretary of State Rubio echoed this sentiment. China urged calm and restraint, and Israel supported India’s right to self-defense. The UN called for maximum military restraint, warning against escalation. Following the strikes, both India and Pakistan accused each other of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, with casualties reported on both sides. Tensions have been high since an April attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. Ava Sinclair 07/05/2025 10:30 pm
The USS Harry S. Truman lost a third F/A-18 Super Hornet due to a landing incident involving arresting equipment failure, with both aviators ejecting safely. This follows a previous incident where another jet and tow tractor fell overboard. Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels fired at the carrier despite a ceasefire, though it’s unclear if this affected the jet’s loss. The sailors involved sustained minor injuries. Ava Sinclair 07/05/2025 10:30 pm
