Globe at a glance: From Macron's Syria visit to Ronaldo in tears
Your window to world news: Macron makes a landmark Syria visit as the West re-engages with Damascus; a wildfire rages near Camp Pendleton, a tanker is hit near Hormuz, the US warns on China's nuclear expansion, and Spain end Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream. Here are today's top updates.
Macron makes landmark Syria visit: Emmanuel Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad's ouster, meeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss reconstruction, regional security and stronger diplomatic ties as Syria seeks international reintegration.
Wildfire erupts near Camp Pendleton: A fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Pipeline Fire, broke out near Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, spreading beyond 150 acres. Evacuation warnings were issued as smoke blanketed parts of San Diego, while firefighters battled the blaze amid moderate fire conditions.
Oil tanker hit near Strait of Hormuz: An oil tanker travelling off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an "unknown projectile", sparking a fire on its port side, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said. No casualties or environmental damage have been reported, and the vessel continued its voyage.
More from WorldUS flags China’s nuclear expansion: The US voiced concern over China's "rapid and opaque" nuclear weapons buildup after Beijing test-fired a submarine-launched missile into the Pacific Ocean. The State Department said China’s actions undermine global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.
Balogun starts after FIFA reprieve: Folarin Balogun started for the US against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-match ban following a review requested by President Donald Trump. Belgium's appeal was dismissed, while FIFA insisted its disciplinary decision was made independently of Trump's intervention.
Spain knock out Ronaldo's Portugal: Substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner as Spain national football team edged Portugal national football team 1-0 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The defeat ended Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign, with the 41-year-old leaving the pitch in tears after Portugal's Round of 16 exit.
The big number: Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs, including 3,200 in its Xbox division, as part of a major restructuring. The company will also spin off four gaming studios to streamline operations and improve profitability, while saying the layoffs are not directly driven by AI.
Quote of the day: "Walmart will be lowering prices, by a lot, at my Administration's request... My Administration is lowering prices that Joe Biden incompetently raised."
- US President Donald Trump
This day in history: On this day in 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the Supreme Court of the United States
US set to sign Saudi nuclear deal; Rubio says pact won't fuel proliferation
India-US trade deal 'almost complete', says US after Jaishankar-Rubio talks in Manila
Marco Rubio says he 'would expect India to be concerned' over Trump's pharma tariffs
Trump renews China election interference claims, but files point to Russia's larger role
'See me after class!': UK education secretary Lucy Powell mocked by Tories over grammar gaffe