US-Iran trade intense fire; Hormuz shipping grinds to ‘near halt’ as Middle East caught in spiral again: Key points

For the first time in months, US strikes appeared to focus not only on military installations but also on transport infrastructure. The Middle East edged closer to a renewed regional conflict on Thursday after the United States launched a fresh wave of strikes across Iran, targeting around 90 military and infrastructure sites, including railway bridges…

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World Cup: England’s hunt for positivity more fruitful than an attacking spark against resolute Ghana defence

Declan Rice preached positivity. Alan Shearer called it a “reality check”. Micah Richards said England simply “weren’t brave enough” in a laboured 0-0 draw against a defensively minded Ghana in Boston. The truth is that England failed to break down a stubborn Black Stars side that, despite displaying a disappointing lack of ambition, were absolutely…

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Venezuela earthquakes live blog: Buildings collapse as quakes rock capital Caracas, ‘high casualties’ likely

A series of strong earthquakes have struck west of Venezuela’s capital Caracas, bringing down buildings and causing scientists to estimate “high casualties and extensive damage”. A magnitude-7.2 quake struck about 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, according to Reuters, while a magnitude-7.5 tremor hit less than a minute later. Follow our live blog…

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