Iceland has opted out of commercial whaling.
For the first time in 17 years, Hvalur HF, the company certified to hunt whales in the country, failed to renew its license in time.
This means there will be no hunting of the endangered fin whale or the common minke whale for the remainder of the year
A shrinking appetite for whale meat was cited as the reason for foregoing the hunt.
Iran rejects Trump's talk of negotiation as Israel and Iran launch airstrikes
Israel and Iran have exchanged airstrikes on Wednesday, as Iran again rejected President Donald Trump's claim that the US was in negotiations to end the war, which has roiled energy and financial markets, saying the US is negotiating with itself.
Cyprus has opened discussion with UK over its bases, president says
Cyprus has initiated a discussion with London on the future of British bases on the island, its president said on Wednesday, after a drone strike on a military facility this month triggered fears their presence could expose it to the wider Iran conflict.
Netanyahu seeks to avoid snap vote as Iran war gives no boost in polls
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is racing to pass a state budget and stave off early elections he would likely lose, with the war in Iran so far doing little to improve his standing in the polls.
Luxury Paris hotel near Elysee reopens after fire forces brief closure
A five-star hotel near the Elysee presidential palace in Paris reopened on Wednesday after a blaze earlier forced around 400 people to evacuate the building, the French capital's firefighters and the hotel said.
Germany renews push for sugar tax and energy drinks ban for children
A German push to tax sugary drinks and ban energy drinks for under-16s will be voted on by the country's assembly of regional states on Friday as public and cross-party support emerges for tougher action on obesity and related illness.
A driver has managed to escape "without any injuries" before his car was swept away by flash floods in the wadis of Fujairah's Al-Halah area of Daba.
Dubai Police’s Ramadan initiatives recorded strong community participation, with 1,220 volunteers from various nationalities and age groups contributing their time and effort throughout the holy month.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has urged residents in areas affected by adverse weather conditions to prioritise public safety and perform Friday prayers at home.
