**Summary:** Tens of thousands of Iranians have gathered at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran to pay their final respects to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the initial stages of the conflict with the United States and Israel.

**Key points:**
- The funeral proceedings are scheduled to last a week, with the body eventually being moved to Qom and Iraq before burial in Mashhad.
- The public gathering serves as a significant test of domestic support for the Iranian government following the recent war.
- U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy by suggesting that the gathering of Iranian leaders for the funeral presented a tactical opportunity for a strike, though he stated the U.S. would not act on it.
- Mourners carried images of the late leader and his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, while chanting slogans against the United States.

**Why it matters:** The funeral of the Supreme Leader is a critical political event for Iran, serving as a test of national unity and regime stability in the immediate aftermath of a major war.

hespress.com - حشود إيرانية تودع علي خامنئي

yjc.ir - حضور مردم برای برگزاری نماز وداع در مصلای تهران

isna.ir - وداعی به وسعت یک ملت/ اقامه آخرین نماز صبح در کنار رهبر شهید

isna.ir - از «آخرین دیدار» تا «آخرین بدرقه»؛ روایت پیوند دانشجویان و رهبر شهید

khabaronline.ir - ببینید | واکنش احساسی مردم به پخش صدای رهبر شهید انقلاب در مصلی امام خمینی (ره)

yjc.ir - نمایی از مصلای تهران ساعاتی پیش از اقامه نماز بر پیکر رهبر شهید + فیلم

Iranians Gather in Tehran to Mourn Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

**Summary:** China marked the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China with a commemorative event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address.

**Key points:**
- President Xi Jinping emphasized the party's historical achievements and outlined five requirements for future development.
- The event highlighted China's progress in poverty alleviation and its transition toward the second centenary goal of building a modern socialist country.
- Commemorative activities included a musical performance titled 'People First' and exhibitions at the Museum of the Communist Party of China.
- The celebration underscored the party's role in achieving economic growth and social stability over the past 105 years.

**Why it matters:** The anniversary serves as a significant political milestone for China, reinforcing the party's leadership and strategic direction for the nation's future development and modernization goals.

水母网 - 建党百年 ： 全面建成小康社会 ， 向第二个百年奋斗目标迈进

新华网 - 伟大征程｜建党百年 ： 全面建成小康社会 ， 向第二个百年奋斗目标迈进

中国教育新闻网 - 接续奋斗 ， 向着更加伟大的胜利和荣光

China Celebrates 105th Anniversary of the Communist Party

**Summary:** The United States celebrated its 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026, with nationwide events ranging from large-scale public ceremonies in Washington, D.C., to community-led festivities across the country.

**Key points:**
- Thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for celebrations amid high temperatures and a heavy security presence.
- A naturalization ceremony at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate welcomed 150 new citizens from 50 countries.
- Public sentiment reflected a mix of patriotism and unease regarding the nation's current political climate and future direction.
- Local events, including parades and civics competitions, took place in various states to mark the milestone.

**Why it matters:** The 250th anniversary serves as a significant historical milestone for the United States, highlighting both the nation's democratic legacy and contemporary social and political divisions.

wfyi.org - Reflections on America 250th birthday

manilatimes.net - On America's big birthday, mixed emotions over legacy and future

mynorthwest.com - People from 50 countries become US citizens on George Washington lawn on America 250th birthday

clickorlando.com - 150 people from 50 countries become US citizens at Mount Vernon on America 250th birthday

United States Marks 250th Anniversary of Independence

**Summary:** The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 2,954, with 16,592 people reported injured. The state of La Guaira remains the most severely affected area, with significant infrastructure damage reported.

**Key points:**
- Over 16,000 people have lost their homes, and 856 buildings have sustained damage, including 190 that have collapsed.
- More than 3,300 international rescue personnel are currently assisting local teams in search and rescue operations.
- The government reports that nearly 900 aftershocks have occurred since the initial seismic events.
- Authorities have distributed over 9,480 tons of food to assist the affected population.

**Why it matters:** The disaster has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, necessitating large-scale international aid and leaving thousands of citizens displaced.

almomento.net - VENEZUEL: Aumentan a casi 3.000 muertos por terremotos

reforma.com - Sube a 2 mil 954 el nmero de muertos en Venezuela

elcomercio.pe - Terremotos en Venezuela: Sube a 2.954 el balance de muertos y a 16.592 los heridos

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 2,954

**Summary:** The Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange-level alert for a heatwave expected to last until Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Temperatures are forecast to reach between 43°C and 46°C across numerous provinces.

**Key points:**
- High temperatures ranging from 43°C to 46°C are expected in regions including Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Errachidia.
- Coastal and northern provinces will experience milder temperatures between 33°C and 38°C.
- Strong winds reaching speeds of 75 to 85 km/h are forecasted for Tangier-Asilah and Fahs-Anjra.

**Why it matters:** The prolonged extreme heat poses significant health risks and increases the danger of wildfires, prompting official warnings to ensure public safety and monitor infrastructure.

yabiladi.com - Maroc : Jusqu'à 46°C et fortes rafales de vent de samedi à mercredi

hespress.com - موجة حر إلى الأربعاء القادم بالمغرب

Morocco Issues Orange Alert for Heatwave and High Winds

**Summary:** The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the El Niño climate phenomenon is developing rapidly and is expected to reach a strong intensity between July and September 2026.

**Key points:**
- The WMO projects that sea-surface temperature anomalies in key Pacific monitoring regions will exceed 2 degrees Celsius.
- The phenomenon is expected to increase the global probability of heat waves, droughts, and heavy rainfall through the Northern Hemisphere autumn.
- Peruvian authorities have declared a state of emergency in nearly 800 municipalities to prepare for potential flooding and landslides.
- The WMO emphasizes that while climate change does not necessarily increase El Niño's frequency, it can amplify its associated impacts.

**Why it matters:** The strengthening of El Niño poses significant risks to global food security, public health, and infrastructure, necessitating urgent preparedness and early warning measures.

tagesschau.de - UN-Wetterorganisation: El Niño macht Extremwetter jetzt wahrscheinlicher

manilatimes.net - ​UN: El Niño to be strong

diariocorreo.pe - El Niño: Gobernadores y alcaldes deben priorizar trabajos para reducir sus efectos

elfinancierocr.com - Alerta global de la ONU: El Niño se encamina rápidamente hacia un nivel crítico de intensidad

eltiempo.com - Agencia científica de la ONU confirma que se está formando un fuerte episodio de El Niño; se prevén temperaturas superiores al promedio

WMO Warns of Rapidly Strengthening El Niño and Increased Risk of Extreme Weather

**Summary:** Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange alert for a severe heatwave affecting the country until Sunday, driven by hot, dry air masses from the Sahara known as the 'Chergui' wind.

**Key points:**
- Temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C, reaching peaks of 46°C in some regions.
- The heatwave is attributed to the expansion of a Saharan thermal low and the 'Foehn' effect as air masses cross the Atlas Mountains.
- The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has activated a national health system to mitigate heat-related risks for vulnerable populations.
- Authorities advise avoiding direct sun exposure, staying hydrated, and refraining from strenuous physical activity during peak hours.

**Why it matters:** The extreme weather conditions pose significant health risks to the population, particularly children, the elderly, and outdoor workers, prompting a coordinated national health response.

yabiladi.com - Vague de chaleur au Maroc : les explications de la Météorologie nationale

hespress.com - "الشرگي" و"الفوهن" يلهبان أجواء المغرب.. والأرصاد تنبه إلى مخاطر صحية

Morocco Issues Heatwave Alert as Temperatures Reach 46°C

**Summary:** Authorities have identified 39-year-old Ukrainian national Anastasiia Berezovska as the primary suspect in a parcel bombing in Monaco that injured a wealthy businessman and his family.

**Key points:**
- The suspect, who resides in Germany, is wanted for attempted murder and criminal conspiracy after allegedly detonating an explosive device via remote control.
- The attack targeted Vadym Yermolaiev, a sanctioned businessman, along with his partner and son, who were injured in the blast.
- Two men were detained by police, though investigators have not yet confirmed their active participation in the crime.
- The suspect was captured on CCTV footage wearing a disguise before fleeing toward the French commune of Beausoleil.

**Why it matters:** The targeted attack on a high-profile, sanctioned businessman in a secure location like Monaco has triggered an international manhunt involving multiple European law enforcement agencies.

bbc.co.uk - Ukrainian woman named by Interpol as main suspect in Monaco bomb attack

huffingtonpost.fr - Ce que l’on sait de la femme ukrainienne suspectée de l’attaque survenue lundi à Monaco

lemonde.fr - Tentative d’assassinat à Monaco : une femme ukrainienne recherchée par Interpol ; les faits « semblent indiquer » que la suspecte « n’a pas agi seule », selon le parquet

Interpol Issues Red Notice for Suspect in Monaco Parcel Bombing