International

An Italian firefighting aircraft has joined efforts to contain two major wildfires in Tunisia’s western Kef province, as authorities continue a large-scale operation to prevent the flames from spreading through forested and mountainous areas. The Italian Embassy in Tunis announced on Friday that Italy had sent a Canadair firefighting aircraft to assist Tunisian emergency teams. The aircraft collected water from the Mellegue Dam and repeatedly dropped it over areas affected by the fires, according to footage broadcast by Tunisia’s national radio. Khalil Mechri, head of operations and monitoring at Tunisia’s Civil Protection Directorate, said firefighting teams continued their work throughout Friday evening to bring both blazes under control. He said the fires began several days earlier in Jebel Touila and Jebel Takrouna, two mountainous areas in the Kef province. The wildfires have already scorched hundreds of hectares of forests and vegetation, Mechri told Tunisia’s state news agency TAP. Around 22 fire engines and large numbers of civil protection personnel remain engaged in the operation, while several government ministries and local authorities have provided additional equipment and logistical support. Tunisia’s Defense Ministry has also contributed to the response by deploying military aircraft to provide aerial assistance in the firefighting operation. The latest fires come amid a sharp rise in wildfire damage across Tunisia this summer. According to figures released by Tunisian authorities, wildfires have destroyed around 4,400 hectares (10,873 acres) of land since the beginning of May. Mohamed Noufel Ben Haha, director general of forests at the Agriculture Ministry, said fires recorded between May 1 and July 23 had burned approximately 4,400 hectares. The figure represents a significant increase from the 2,705 hectares affected by wildfires during the same period in 2025, marking a rise of nearly 63 percent. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as firefighters work to contain the remaining flames and protect nearby forests and communities from further damage.

Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Christian community, has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violent actions and the increasing loss of civilian lives in the Middle East, particularly in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. He called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflicts to immediately halt attacks and work towards restoring peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and a fair political resolution. In his weekly prayer address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the devastating impact of continued violence on innocent civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. He expressed sorrow over the loss of human lives and emphasized that every effort must be made to protect civilians, reduce suffering, and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region. The Pope urged all sides involved in the conflict to reopen channels of communication and negotiations, stressing that lasting peace cannot be achieved through violence or military action alone. According to him, a sustainable solution requires political dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to justice for all communities affected by the conflict. Pope Leo XIV also condemned military operations that violate the dignity and sanctity of religious and historical sites. He emphasized that places considered sacred by different faiths must be respected and protected during times of conflict. He called for an end to actions that threaten the security and spiritual importance of these locations. The Catholic leader stressed the importance of finding a political solution that guarantees equal rights, security, and respect for all people living in the region. He stated that peace should be based on justice and recognition of the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or identity. The Pope’s statement comes amid growing international concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The continued violence has resulted in significant civilian casualties, displacement, and worsening living conditions for many people. International organizations and humanitarian groups have repeatedly called for measures to protect civilians and ensure access to essential aid. Pope Leo XIV’s appeal reflects the Vatican’s long-standing position that conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means rather than armed confrontation. The Catholic Church has consistently called for dialogue between opposing sides and encouraged efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. During his address, the Pope also encouraged the international community to support diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian efforts designed to reduce suffering and create conditions for peace. He emphasized that the protection of human life and respect for human rights should remain the priority of all governments and organizations involved. The Pope’s remarks serve as a renewed call for an immediate reduction in violence and the beginning of meaningful negotiations. He urged world leaders and regional actors to work together to find a solution that allows all communities to live with security, equality, and dignity. As tensions continue in Gaza and the West Bank, Pope Leo XIV’s message highlights the urgent need for peaceful engagement, humanitarian responsibility, and political efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. His appeal aims to encourage reconciliation and hope for a future where justice and peace can prevail across the region.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it destroyed 11 fighter aircraft at US military bases and killed 200 American personnel within 15 days during what it described as “Operation Nasr II.” The claims were made by IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebi during an interview, in which he discussed Iran’s reported military operations against American targets. According to the IRGC spokesperson, the US defense system had become significantly weakened, allowing Iranian drones and missiles to reach their intended targets without facing major obstacles. He claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had successfully challenged American defense mechanisms and demonstrated the effectiveness of its missile and drone technology. Brigadier General Mohebi stated that Iran targeted eight military deployment centers during attacks on US positions. He further claimed that, at one location, 20 shelters were destroyed as part of the operations. However, the details and figures presented by the IRGC have not been independently verified. The IRGC spokesperson also issued warnings to Israel, stating that if it became involved in the conflict again, it should be prepared to face serious consequences. He said that any renewed Israeli participation in military operations would result in a strong response from Iran. In his remarks, Mohebi also addressed the United Kingdom, warning that a bomber aircraft had recently taken off from a British air base. He stated that if Britain cooperated with the United States in military actions against Iran, British interests could become legitimate targets from Iran’s perspective. The IRGC official called on the US government to allow journalists to visit the damaged military facilities in order to assess the actual scale of destruction and casualties. He argued that allowing independent media access would reveal the real impact of Iran’s reported attacks. The statements come amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and their regional allies. Military confrontations and threats between these countries have repeatedly increased concerns about the possibility of wider conflict in the Middle East. Iran has frequently emphasized its missile and drone capabilities as a key part of its defense strategy. Iranian officials have often stated that their military strength enables them to respond to threats and protect national interests. Meanwhile, the United States and its allies have continued to monitor Iran’s military activities and have expressed concerns about regional security. The claims made by the IRGC spokesperson represent Iran’s official account of the reported military operation. At the same time, independent confirmation of the number of aircraft destroyed, casualties reported, and damage caused has not been provided. International observers have warned that continued military exchanges and aggressive statements from involved parties could increase instability in the region. Diplomatic efforts have repeatedly been encouraged as a way to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. The situation remains closely watched by governments and security analysts around the world, as any direct confrontation involving major military powers could have significant regional and international consequences. Further developments are expected to determine the accuracy of the claims and the future direction of relations between Iran, the United States, and their allies.

Dubai has recorded the fastest growth in millionaire residents among the world’s leading wealth centers over the past decade . The report reveals that the emirate’s millionaire population increased by an impressive 102 percent between 2014 and 2024, making Dubai the fastest-rising city in the global rankings. The study shows that Dubai is now home to approximately 81,200 millionaires, reflecting its growing appeal as a destination for global wealth. Among these wealthy residents are 237 centimillionaires, individuals with investable assets exceeding $100 million, as well as 20 billionaires, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a major international financial hub. As a result of this remarkable growth, Dubai climbed from 21st to 18th place in the list of the world’s 50 wealthiest cities. The improvement highlights the emirate’s increasing importance in global finance and its success in attracting high-net-worth individuals from across the world. Several factors have contributed to Dubai’s rapid rise as a preferred destination for wealthy individuals. One of the biggest attractions is the emirate’s tax-friendly environment, which includes zero percent personal income tax and no capital gains tax. These financial advantages make Dubai particularly appealing to entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners looking to preserve and grow their wealth. The report also points to the United Arab Emirates’ long-term residency programs as another major reason behind Dubai’s popularity. These visa initiatives allow investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs to establish long-term residency, providing greater stability for individuals and families who wish to relocate permanently. In addition to its favorable tax policies, Dubai has invested heavily in modern infrastructure, world-class transportation, luxury real estate, healthcare, education, and digital innovation. These developments have transformed the city into more than just a tourist destination, making it an attractive place to live, work, and conduct business. The emirate’s strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa has also played an important role in its economic success. As a global business gateway, Dubai offers easy access to international markets while maintaining a business-friendly regulatory environment that encourages foreign investment and entrepreneurship. When compared with traditional wealth centers around the world, Dubai’s growth stands out. While many major cities have experienced slower growth or even declines in their wealthy populations over the past decade, Dubai has continued to attract affluent individuals at a remarkable pace. The report notes that New York City remains the world’s wealthiest city, with approximately 384,500 millionaires, maintaining its position at the top of the global rankings. However, Dubai continues to narrow the gap by consistently attracting new high-net-worth residents each year. The report also highlights that only a small number of major cities have experienced positive growth in their millionaire populations over the last ten years. Meanwhile, some established financial centers have seen declines. For example, London is among the few global cities that recorded a decrease in its millionaire population during the same period, reflecting shifting global investment patterns. Looking ahead, Henley & Partners expects Dubai’s momentum to continue. The firm forecasts that during 2026, the emirate could welcome more than 7,000 additional millionaires while attracting approximately AED 70 billion in new private wealth. As global investors increasingly seek stable economies, business-friendly regulations, and attractive lifestyle opportunities, Dubai appears well-positioned to strengthen its status as one of the world’s leading financial and wealth destinations. With continued investment in infrastructure, innovation, and economic diversification, the emirate is expected to remain a preferred destination for wealthy individuals seeking long-term opportunities and financial security.