Daily News – 2026-08-12

The Guardian reported that several sailors on the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln attempted to jump into the sea during its long mission. The carrier has been at sea for over 250 consecutive days, and families are concerned about the crew's mental health. The mission was redirected to the Middle East after the start of the war between the US and Israel with the Islamic Republic.

Donald Trump confirmed changing planes during his return from Turkey. He said this decision was made on the recommendation of the US Secret Service. This was mentioned in an interview with Maryam Rahmati.

Donald Trump said control of the Strait of Hormuz is in the hands of the United States. He described the leadership situation in Iran as "uncertain at best" and said Tehran cannot even pay its remaining forces. A senior Islamic Republic source told Reuters that "absolutely no progress" has been made in talks with the US.

Shaho Zirak, a 40-year-old welder, was arrested in Mashhad on the evening of Wednesday, August 12. The IRGC intelligence forces arrested him violently and transferred him to an unknown location. The arrest was due to his posts supporting the National Revolution and Prince Reza Pahlavi on social media.

31 countries and the EU representative issued a joint statement condemning the execution of protesters in Iran. They called for an immediate end to the death penalty and the release of arbitrarily detained individuals. They also emphasized respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The director of Mocha port announced that the port's operations have been completely halted due to repeated attacks by the Houthis. In recent days, the port has been targeted multiple times by missile and drone attacks. Various parts of the port, including the dock and port equipment, have been damaged.

Two Democratic senators in the US have requested access to communications between immigration detention centers and Iranian diplomats. This request follows complaints from Iranian asylum seekers. The asylum seekers claim that the Department of Homeland Security shared their confidential information with Iran.

Amirhossein Roshanak announced that the Tehran derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis will likely be held on the 2nd or 3rd of September. The venue for the match is not yet determined, with several stadiums under consideration. Final scheduling will be done after the Asian competitions draw for Iranian representatives.

31 countries and the EU High Representative issued a joint statement condemning the execution of protesters and the use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic. They called for an immediate end to executions and the release of arbitrarily detained individuals. They also urged the Islamic Republic to listen to the voices of the Iranian people and uphold human rights.

Mohammad Reza Naqdi stated that the number of missiles produced by Iran exceeds those launched. He said that victory in the Iran war belongs to Iran and that Iran would be more dangerous without missiles. Naqdi also said that the Islamic Republic can control maritime routes considered threatening.

Independent oversight is part of the minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners and must be independent from detention authorities. This oversight should be conducted unannounced and in all places of deprivation of liberty. Announced administrative visits cannot accurately reflect the real conditions of prisons.

People in various provinces of Iran complain about livelihood and service problems. In Bandar Abbas, electricity and water have been cut off, and in Tehran, traffic fines have increased. Additionally, issues such as poor school quality and internet disruptions have been reported.

As the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death approaches, pressure to impose hijab and restrict social freedoms in Iran has increased. Asieh Amini, a social analyst, said the Islamic Republic, after reducing external threats, has intensified pressure on people's dress and lifestyle.

Boeing and Rheinmetall are cooperating to develop the MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat drone. This drone is designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and is planned to be operational by 2029. Rheinmetall will integrate the system in Germany to retain the technology within the country's defense industry.

The war in the Middle East and the El Niño phenomenon have increased pressure on the Panama Canal. These conditions have raised the cost of ship passage and caused queues of ships. Ships are willing to pay higher fees to pass faster.

Oman's Environment Authority announced that an oil spill caused by a ship accident has reached the southeast coasts of the country. The pollution may affect up to 40 kilometers of the Ras Madrakah coastline. Specialized teams are tracking and controlling the spill.

Sara Khanmohammadi, sister of Mohammadmahdi Khanmohammadi, distributed food among the poor and decorated the place where he was shot in his memory. Mohammadmahdi was a 19-year-old from Karaj who was killed on January 8, 2026, while helping the wounded by a direct shot from behind.

Amid the deadlock in Tehran-Washington talks, Mohammad Reza Naghdi said Mojtaba Khamenei has tasked the IRGC to prepare for operations on US and Israeli soil. Ghalibaf's advisor also warned that Trump and Netanyahu are secretly preparing for an insurgency in Iran alongside war.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to the death of Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father, by wishing him strength and endurance on Instagram. Lionel Messi posted a picture of his father, expressing the difficulty of the loss and doubt about continuing football.

The US Secret Service carried out a deceptive operation last month to evacuate Donald Trump from Turkey. This operation was conducted after receiving a warning about a threat from the Islamic Republic against Trump. Details of the operation remained secret for weeks.

Flights at Catania airport in Italy were suspended on Wednesday, August 12, due to renewed ash emissions from Mount Etna. Aviation authorities extended airspace restrictions over eastern Sicily. Ash spread to the south also caused cancellations and delays of flights in Malta.

A video shows several Basij members mocking and harassing a young woman in the Sabzeh Meydan underpass in Isfahan due to her type of clothing. The woman was targeted after a warning about mandatory hijab. Baharan Azadi speaks about the government's violent behavior towards women with optional dress.

The Canadian immigration ministry announced that letters have been sent to residency applicants with a history of service in the IRGC. These letters provide an opportunity to submit documents and defend their cases. The IRGC has been listed as a terrorist organization in Canada since 2018.

Mohammadreza Mastaneh Saljouqi, a 66-year-old war veteran, has been detained since December 12, 2025, and remains in prison without access to a lawyer or judicial resolution. Due to chemical injuries and psychological issues, he is in a difficult condition and is restrained on a bed instead of receiving medical treatment when his condition worsens. This information was reported by Iran International.

Masoud Pezeshkian met with Hossein Taeb, the new head of the Basij Organization, at a meeting of the Basij Medical Society's Think Tank. Pezeshkian described the current war as more complex than before and said the enemy seeks internal collapse of the country. Hossein Taeb has been appointed as the head of the Basij Organization.

The Gaza peace delegation denied reports of an agreement to pay 0 million of Hamas's debts. Nikolay Mladenov stated that Hamas will have no role in Gaza's administration or access to financial resources. He also called on Israel to approve the Gaza disarmament roadmap.

Al Hadath network reported that the Houthis affiliated with the Islamic Republic have buried 84 of their killed members over the past six days. Among them, 28 were commanders. This report was published on Wednesday, 21 Mordad.

A survey by Iran International of 100,000 users shows that 83% are willing to migrate from Iran if conditions allow. Economic pressures and inability to meet basic needs are the main reasons for this desire. These results were reported by Seba Heidarkhani.

Mohammad Reza Naqdi stated that Iran's production capacity for ballistic missiles and drones exceeds their launch rate. The Islamic Republic has 950 industrial towns and hundreds of industrial complexes for producing these devices. He also said motivated forces can target US interests worldwide.

Images of expanding oil stains and residues on the shores of Qeshm have been published. Social media users have expressed concern about the environmental impact and effects on species such as green turtles and seabirds. Ayah Dris, a member of the Iran International editorial team, has commented on these reactions.

As the 60-day ceasefire deadline approaches, regional mediators are trying to continue negotiations between Iran and the US. A senior Iranian official said no talks have taken place to extend the ceasefire. Donald Trump claimed that the US has full control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Hossein Khajeh Amiri, the famous Iranian singer known as Iraj, passed away at the age of 94. His death revived memories of the golden era of music and cinema before the 1979 revolution. His voice is recognized as a standard in the history of Iranian singing.

The Iranian Minister of Health said that India, in response to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, did not send any raw materials for drug production to Iran even during the war. India made the shipment of pharmaceutical materials conditional on the passage of Indian-related ships through the Strait of Hormuz. These statements were made by Mohammadreza Zafarghandi.

The Chinese passenger aircraft Comac C-919 will make its first international commercial flight on Wednesday, 21 Mordad. The flight will operate daily round trips from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar. This aircraft is China's first attempt to enter the large passenger aviation industry.

Homa Teymouri and Yaser Azadeh, a couple arrested during the National Iranian Revolution, were each sentenced to five years in prison. Homa Teymouri was sentenced to five years in prison, two years of travel ban, and two years of social media ban for charges of gathering and colluding against national security. Her mobile phone will also be confiscated.

Oil pollution observed on the southern coasts of Qeshm Island has spread to the mangrove forests in the village of Naqasheh. Monitoring and cleanup operations have begun to prevent further spread of the pollution. The exact source of the pollution is still under investigation.

Since the beginning of 2026, at least 916 executions have been carried out in Iran, with 15 occurring in August. The actual number is likely higher as the government hides the statistics. Many protesters face serious charges and the risk of execution, with the sentencing process described as unfair and rushed.

The six-month financial report of Esteghlal Club shows it has over 4500 billion tomans in debt and nearly zero independent revenue. Ninety-seven percent of the club's budget and operating income depend on the Khalij Fars Holding. The club's operational cash flow was negative about 883 billion tomans during this period.

Iraj Khajeh Amiri, a veteran Iranian singer, passed away at the age of 93. He performed over two thousand songs and melodies in various programs. His career began in the 1950s with the program "Golha" and extended to film music.

Armed agents raided Mirabbas Khorshidvand's home on Tuesday, August 11, and arrested him. The arrest was reportedly due to his posts supporting his niece. His current detention location is unknown.

Amirhossein Bagheri Alavijeh, a master's student at Arak University and resident of Isfahan, remains in detention after 73 days. No indictment has been issued in his case so far. He is currently in a state of uncertainty.

Ata Hosseinian, an economic journalist, stated that the gasoline shortage and long queues at fuel stations are due to the naval blockade and the Islamic Republic's inability to import gasoline. He emphasized that this issue is not a consequence of war.

Ali Akbar Javidan, the commander of the border police, called the claims about a possible ground attack on Iran delusional. He emphasized that Iran's borders are secure and enemy movements cannot undermine the country's security. He also referred to the armed forces' resilience during the war and mentioned that succession planning has been done.

Omid Sedighi, director of the Marine Pollution Office of the Environmental Protection Organization, announced that the coasts of Suza, Shibderaz, Naqasheh, and parts of Hengam Island have been affected by oil pollution. Cleanup operations are underway in these areas. The cause of the pollution is still unknown, and the cleanup is expected to be completed by the end of Wednesday.

Tanker Trackers reported that the oil spill in the Strait of Hormuz is likely due to the August 3 attack by the Islamic Republic on the ship Minuan Pioneer. The oil slick reached the Iranian shores after passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Environmental Protection Organization also reported oil pollution on the coasts of Suza, Sheib Deraz, Naqasheh, and parts of Hengam Island.

Reuters reported an attack by four drones on three camps of Iranian Kurdish parties near Erbil. No casualties or injuries have been reported in this attack. The report was prepared by Troska Sadeghi from Iran International.

The International Energy Agency announced that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb have increased the global oil supply deficit to 1.8 million barrels per day. Meanwhile, reports from tanker tracking companies indicate that Iran's oil exports have dropped to around 500,000 barrels per day this month.

Mahmoud Ghanbari-rad, a political prisoner in Tehran's central prison, was sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. He was charged with "assembly and collusion against national security." The sentence was issued by Judge Mohammad Mehdi Shahmirzadi.

A severe heatwave continues to affect large parts of Europe. In Italy, temperatures have reached 40 degrees in many cities. The Italian Ministry of Health has issued a red alert for 19 cities, including Rome and Naples.

The Libyan electricity company announced that an attack on the power station south of Zawiya caused a fire and widespread power outage. General Electric has halted its operations at the Zawiya power plant and withdrawn its technical teams. This attack occurred after drone attacks on fuel storage tanks near Zawiya.

A video shows cars lining up before the entrance of the Nargil fuel station in Bandar Abbas. The video was received by Iran International. The fuel station situation in this city has attracted attention.

The Ministry of Education's appellate board issued new rulings against three active teachers' union members in Kurdistan province. Majid Karimi and Ghiyas Nemati were sentenced to retirement. Jahangir Bahmani was sentenced to six months suspension from service.

A citizen criticized the rising prices of eggs and other food items in a video sent to Iran International. He attributed the difficulty in covering living expenses to the low wages of many people. The citizen expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation.

A group of Iranians living in Israel, along with Israeli citizens, has started a project to help the people of Iran in a crisis. The project focuses on economic support and access to free internet. The group consists of intellectuals, economists, and social activists from both countries and operates under the Cyrus Foundation and the Aftab Project.

The mayor of Tehran announced that on the ninth of Esfand, a missile struck Mojtaba Khamenei's house. In this attack, Mojtaba Khamenei was injured and his wife was killed. This has raised doubts about the health of the new leader of the Islamic Republic.

A new three-part Netflix documentary about José Mourinho has been released, but Pep Guardiola, Roman Abramovich, and Arsène Wenger are absent. Guardiola had a condition that Mourinho personally contact him, which did not happen. The filmmakers did not interview Abramovich and did not approach Wenger.

A video has been released on social media showing the method of cleaning oil spill traces in Qeshm. This method uses sheet absorbent pads. The video has attracted attention.

The head of the ideological-political organization of the police announced that if soldiers memorize a part of the Quran or learn some religious rulings, their extra mandatory military service will be forgiven. This action creates discrimination against non-Muslim citizens or those who do not believe in these criteria. Amnesty criteria should be based on justice and regardless of individuals' religious beliefs.

The economic situation in Iran is very poor and salaries do not meet living expenses. Issues such as drug shortages, internet, water, and electricity outages have been reported in various regions. People face long queues for gasoline and daily livelihood challenges.

Shaker Behrouz, a political prisoner, was released from Urmia prison on Wednesday, August 12. He had been held in this prison before. This news was reported by Harana News Agency.

Alireza Zakani stated that in the attack on 9 Esfand 1404, a missile hit the floor where Mojtaba Khamenei was present. Mojtaba Khamenei's wife was killed and he was injured in the attack. Zakani said the attack aimed to kill Mojtaba Khamenei.

A banner was installed on a pedestrian bridge in Tehran asking Pezeshkian if Mojtaba Khamenei is not involved and only Ahmad Vahidi gives him orders. The video was published by Iran International. The banner's message refers to a political question.

Reza Rahmani, the governor of West Azerbaijan, reported a widespread shortage of educational space in the province. He stated that to reach the national average, the province needs to build 972 schools and 9,000 classrooms.

A citizen reported that at 11 PM in the Sabzeh Meydan underpass in Isfahan, Basij forces in plain clothes stopped a young woman and subjected her to mockery and harassment.

The director general of environmental protection in Semnan province reported a severe shortage of environmental guards. The Turan Biosphere in Shahroud, covering 1500 hectares, is monitored by only 12 guards. Additionally, 62% of the environmental department's positions are vacant, and two environmental posts in Khosh-Yeylaq Shahroud have been completely closed.

Messages received by Iran International report continuous water and electricity outages in various cities and villages in Iran. Citizens stated that these outages have disrupted their daily lives. In some areas, drinking water is supplied by tanker.

Alireza Zakani provided a new account of the attack on March 28 at Mojtaba Khamenei's residence. He said Zahra Haddad Adel was killed in the attack, while Mojtaba Khamenei sustained only minor injuries. This account differs from previous reports about the location of Zahra Haddad Adel's death.

The public prosecutor of Qaenat announced the closure of a business unit due to customers and staff not observing the hijab. This action is part of a new wave of confrontations with businesses and public places in Iran. Harana had previously reported on this new wave.

A video shows a protester writing the slogans "Long live the Shah" and "Hail Trump" on a wall in the city of Sadra, Fars province. This video was received by Iran International.

152,723 people with disabilities have applied for nursing allowance and are waiting to receive this service. The delay in payment is due to a lack of funding, which must be provided by the Planning and Budget Organization. According to Article 7 of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, nursing allowance is granted to those with severe and very severe disabilities.

The electricity manager of Asaluyeh was assaulted during an operation to collect unauthorized cryptocurrency mining devices and was hospitalized. The operation was coordinated with the judiciary to regulate illegal connections. The attacker caused serious injury to the electricity manager.

Esteghlal club announced that their match against Mes Shahrbabak in the first week of the Premier League will be held with spectators at Ghal'eh Hasan Khan Stadium. This is the first time Esteghlal fans will attend a home game after 229 days. The last home game with spectators was on January 7 of last year.

North Korea has launched ballistic missiles for the second time in six days. South Korea and Japan have condemned the action, and Seoul has called for an immediate halt to the launches. These launches occurred days before a joint South Korea-US military exercise.

A citizen sent a video showing the gasoline queue in Bushehr on the early morning of August 12. Fuel distribution in Bushehr province is limited and only done with a card. No official has responded regarding this restriction.

The cafe "Yin Yang" in Khomein and the women's clothing store "Shabnam Boutique" in Kerman were closed due to non-compliance with hijab rules. This action is part of a wave of closures of business units across the country. Harana had previously reported on this wave of crackdowns on businesses and public places.

A citizen sent a video showing a long gasoline queue in Bandar Abbas on the early morning of August 12. This comes despite officials previously announcing that the gasoline problem in the city had been resolved. The queue situation continues.

Ali Khamenei issued the 20-year vision document of the Islamic Republic 22 years ago. This document became a symbol of the failure of his policies. Now, the timeline of this document has ended and Ali Khamenei has died.

According to initial reports, some oil slicks have entered the mangrove forests in Hormozgan. The Hormozgan Natural Resources Department emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent the spread of pollution. The exact cause and source will be announced after expert investigations.

The total solar eclipse of 2026 will be visible on Wednesday, August 12, in parts of Europe. This phenomenon extends from northern Russia to Spain. Millions of people will witness daytime darkness along the path of the total eclipse.

Hadith Yazdi, a blogger from Mashhad, is under security pressure due to posts supporting the December protests. Her phone SIM card has been blocked, and security agents have raided her home several times. She has been told to await a court summons.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez got married on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in a private civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal. The event was attended only by their five children, with no guests invited. The couple shared a photo of their hands with wedding rings, and the ceremony was held quietly and peacefully.

Robe Bualehri from Iran International said that delays in wage payments have increased economic pressure on workers. He added that protests and strikes among workers have expanded in recent years. According to him, the government will face broader protests.

Pegah Bani Hashemi, a legal researcher, stated that the rapid issuance and execution of death sentences and denial of defendants' access to lawyers and fair trials are observed in Iran. She sees this process as a sign of the judiciary's acceleration in suppressing protesters. These remarks were made at the University of Chicago.

In British Columbia, Canada, over 21,000 people have been ordered to evacuate immediately, and 11,000 others are on alert. Severe air pollution and the risk of dry lightning pose threats of new wildfires. Military forces and Mexican firefighters have been deployed to control the crisis.

Shahram Khaledi said Trump's statements about controlling the Strait of Hormuz mean the continuation of Iran's naval blockade. He added that Gulf Arab countries have reduced their dependence on the Strait by developing alternative oil export routes. Therefore, this waterway is no longer the pressure lever it once was for Iran.

Mike Pompeo said that the Islamic Republic is not close to accepting a long-term peace agreement with the US. He added that Iran is motivated to obstruct negotiations ahead of the US midterm elections. Pompeo also described the Islamic Republic as terrorists and thugs aiming to destroy Israel and the United States.

Alireza Salimi, a member of the parliament's presidium, spoke about the importance of proper use of the Strait of Hormuz. He said the Strait of Hormuz is a divine blessing and more valuable than a nuclear bomb. Salimi emphasized that this strait can be used to resolve issues related to sanctions and compensation.

Israel had provided information about a threat to the US presidential aircraft to the Trump administration. The information included the possible use of shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles to target Air Force One. Some senior officials remained on board, and Secret Service agents took extraordinary measures.

Morgan Ortagus said the Iranian government fears its own people more than anything else. She warned that with continued economic pressure and sanctions, Tehran's options are becoming more limited. She also emphasized that sanctions are being enforced and military options remain on the table.

The US Navy has started testing the unmanned submarine Hadalou. This submarine is designed for long-term underwater missions and has a range of over two thousand nautical miles. Hadalou can operate independently at sea for weeks or months.

North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward the East Sea early Wednesday. This action was taken ahead of the joint South Korea-US military exercise and is seen as Pyongyang's protest. South Korea, the US, and Japan have increased their security coordination.

Donald Trump announced that the United States has full control of the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran is no longer the dominant power in the Middle East. He also said he does not trust Iran and warned that if Iran takes action, it will be destroyed.

Donald Trump said the Secret Service was the main decision-maker in his secret transfer to another plane. According to Fox News, this was done due to a threat from the Islamic Republic to assassinate him. Trump added that he follows the decisions of the Secret Service and the military on his security matters.

The Economist magazine, citing YouGov polls, reported that Donald Trump's net approval rating has dropped to -27, the lowest recorded level. The magazine suggested that the resumption of US attacks on Iran last month may have contributed to this decline. Additionally, 61% of Americans worry about Trump's ability to handle international crises, and his net approval on inflation has fallen to -44.

A citizen reported power outages in some areas of Shiraz in a video to Iran International. He said people are living in darkness. This issue has caused dissatisfaction among residents.

The coasts of several Iranian islands, including Qeshm, have faced extensive oil pollution following explosions of several oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Images show layers of oil on the water surface and coastal areas. This pollution has been reported as a result of oil leakage from the damaged tankers.

Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's Interior Minister, met with Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed a message from Pakistan's Prime Minister and Army Commander. Iranian media did not disclose the content of the message, and Naqvi gave no explanation. The meeting took place on Tuesday evening Tehran time.

Iranians residing in Spain gathered on Tuesday, August 11, in front of the Russian embassy in Madrid. They protested against the submission of the bill to annex Iran to the Caspian Sea legal convention to the Iranian parliament. The protesters called this bill the "disgraceful Caspian contract" and held placards demanding Russia's withdrawal from Iranian territory.

Norman Roule referred to the Houthi attack on a cargo ship in Bab al-Mandab and said that violence against international waterways is a tool used by the Islamic Republic. He criticized the lack of media attention and international pressure to hold the perpetrators accountable. Roule also pointed to the consequences of the policy of engagement with Tehran and its proxy forces.

Chris Wright, the US Secretary of Energy, announced that with the cooperation of the US military and its allies in the Persian Gulf, the seven-day average oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz have reached nearly 9 million barrels per day. This announcement was made on X network. More details were provided by Amir Giti.

In the program with Kambiz Hosseini, eight calls from eight cities agreed that if compensation is paid, it will not reach the people. Two women from two cities simultaneously said the phrase "We only have one life," which represents the voice of the community. The question remains what people can do without risking their lives.

Delays in paying wages and benefits to workers have increased after the 40-day war and have spread to government units as well. Many workers have not received at least one or two months of wages and insurance, increasing financial pressure on their families. This issue has intensified especially in the oil and gas projects in the south, particularly in Mahshahr.

Morad Veisi, senior analyst at Iran International, stated that the Islamic Republic's foreign policy is moving towards more confrontation and conflict with the United States. He also said that domestically, the government remains focused on repression and shows no sign of accepting the people's demands.

Morad Veisi, a senior analyst at Iran International, said that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's position has weakened compared to five months ago. Ghalibaf had been seeking an agreement with the US and to strengthen his position. Now, the confrontational approach within the Islamic Republic has strengthened.

The Abdolrahman Boroumand Foundation reported that the Islamic Republic has executed at least 916 death sentences since the beginning of 2026. The human rights organization emphasized that the actual number of executions is likely higher and that the statistics are concealed. Additionally, many protesters face heavy charges and the risk of execution, with the sentencing process being unfair and rushed.

Akbar Ghorbani stated that delays in government payments have caused financial problems for the Social Security Organization in paying pensions and medical centers. The organization has had to take high-interest bank loans to cover liquidity shortages. The government's debt should be calculated and updated based on inflation rates.

Mohammad Reza Naqdi, senior advisor to the commander of the IRGC, stated that the IRGC must develop the capability to conduct operations on enemy soil. He said the IRGC is tasked with acquiring this capability to use it when appropriate. These remarks were made on national television.

A citizen criticized the high price of baby formula in a video sent to Iran International. He addressed officials, saying they should first care about the people. This criticism was made in the context of encouraging childbirth.

The death toll from Ebola in Congo has surpassed two thousand. This outbreak has become the fastest recorded Ebola epidemic and the second largest in history. Security and infrastructure challenges have complicated efforts to control the disease.

The New York Post reported that Rama Dwaji, the Syrian-American wife of the New York mayor, plans to travel to Syria and Lebanon from late September to visit her family, despite the US State Department's 'Do Not Travel' warning. The mayor's office initially said her security team would accompany her, but the NYPD later denied this. A source said the trip is not related to official duties.