Iran was plunged into a near-total internet blackout as nationwide protests over soaring prices and economic hardship spread across all 31 provinces. Authorities have not officially explained the shutdown, but Iran has repeatedly cut internet access during periods of unrest in the past. Rights groups report that dozens of protesters, including children, have been killed since demonstrations began, as security forces intensified crackdowns in multiple cities.  

The US Senate has delivered a stunning political shock, advancing a resolution that would restrict Donald Trump from launching further military action against Venezuela without explicit congressional approval. In a rare bipartisan move, five Republican senators joined Democrats, signaling deep cracks inside Trump’s own party after the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.