News

Olympics off to a winning start for Japan

Published

4 years ago

July 21, 2021

Tokyo’s divisive Olympic Games don’t officially begin until Friday, but the sporting action has already started.

The Tokyo Games have got off to a winning start for the host nation, with Japan crushing Australia 8-1 in a spectator-less softball clash in Fukushima.

This was the first softball game played at the Olympics in over a decade, after the sport was dropped from the program after the 2008 Games.

Two other softball games, as well as the first of the women’s football matches, are also being played today ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday.

It comes amid widespread domestic opposition to the Games taking place

A majority of Japanese people also don’t believe the Olympics will be “safe and secure”, despite that being promised by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

68% of respondents to a poll published by the Asahi newspaper this week don’t believe organisers can keep the Games safe.

The first COVID-19 cases amongst competitors staying in the Athletes Village were recorded on the weekend. Games organisers have so far reported 79 infections that are linked to the Olympics.

“Solidarity and determination”

The chief of the World Health Organisation has addressed International Olympic Committee members in Tokyo, telling them “it is my sincere hope the Tokyo Games succeed“.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says “the mark of success…is not zero risk” but “is making sure that any cases are identified, isolated, traced and cared for as quickly as possible and onward transmission is interrupted.”

“It’s my sincerest hope that they succeed not only for the sake of the games themselves and the safety of the athletes, trainers and officials, but as a demonstration of what’s possible with the right plans and the right measures.”
Dr. Tedros

Doctor Tedros says he hopes these games will “be the moment that unites the world, and ignites the solidarity and determination we need to end the pandemic together”.

News

Trump: No ceasefire with Iran, just surrender

Trump rejects ceasefire with Iran, demands total conflict end, warns of military action and nuclear threats.

Published

13 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump rejects ceasefire with Iran, demands total conflict end, warns of military action and nuclear threats.

Trump: No Ceasefire With Iran, Just Surrender — President Donald Trump has escalated his stance on Iran, rejecting the idea of a ceasefire and stating he wants a complete end to the conflict.

He warned Iran against developing nuclear weapons and hinted at potential military action, including the use of “bunker buster” bombs. Trump’s remarks, including a threatening post on Truth Social, have reignited fears of a broader confrontation in the Middle East.

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#Trump #IranCrisis #MiddleEastTensions #NuclearThreat #TruthSocial #G7Summit #USMilitary #Geopolitics

News

Markets drop as Trump threatens Iran strike

“Markets slide as Trump’s threats against Iran and abrupt G7 exit heighten investor fears, boosting oil prices amid rising inflation concerns.”

Published

13 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

“Markets slide as Trump’s threats against Iran and abrupt G7 exit heighten investor fears, boosting oil prices amid rising inflation concerns.”

Markets Drop As Trump Threatens Iran Strike — President Trump’s hardline stance on Iran and his early G7 departure spooked investors.

Stock markets slumped while oil and energy surged, raising concerns over inflation and global trade instability. With Middle East tensions flaring, Wall Street braces for more volatility.

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#Markets #IranTensions #WallStreet #OilPrices #TradeWar #TrumpNews #EconomicOutlook #StockMarket

News

Israel targets Iran’s Fordow facility amid tensions

Israel seeks to damage Iran’s Fordow facility before halting operations; Trump suggests US knows Khamenei’s location, avoids assassination.

Published

15 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Israel seeks to damage Iran’s Fordow facility before halting operations; Trump suggests US knows Khamenei’s location, avoids assassination.

In Short:
Israel aims to damage Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility and is seeking US assistance, despite uncertainty about American military involvement. Tensions rise as President Trump holds national security meetings, contemplating military options against Iran.

Israel plans to continue its operations against Iran until the Fordow nuclear facility is significantly damaged. The facility, located underground near Qom, is crucial for uranium enrichment.

Israel acknowledges that its own military capabilities cannot reach the depths of Fordow, but it is relying on the United States for support.

Israel’s National Security Advisor, Tzachi Hanegbi, indicated ongoing discussions with US officials but expressed uncertainty regarding US involvement in military actions.

Iran’s nuclear weapon

Many in Israel and the West suspect that Fordow is part of Iran’s nuclear weapon development, a claim that Iran denies.

President Donald Trump left the G7 summit early due to this ongoing conflict and convened a national security meeting at the White House.

The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, included key security figures such as CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Reports suggest that Trump is considering the use of a “bunker buster” bomb against Fordow.