Iran dismisses Trump report that U.S. Navy downed ‘provocative’ drone
Iran on Friday denied President Donald Trump’s assertion that the U.S. Navy has destroyed one of its drones, saying all of its unmanned planes were accounted for, amid growing international concern that both sides could blunder into a war in the Gulf.
Japan arson suspect a convicted robber treated for mental illness: NHK
The man suspected of torching an animation studio and killing 33 people in Japan’s worst mass killing in two decades had been convicted for robbery and treated for mental illness, public broadcaster NHK said.
South Africa’s Zuma to cooperate with graft inquiry after threat to pull out
Former South African president Jacob Zuma agreed to continue giving evidence at a public inquiry into state corruption on Friday after earlier complaining of “relentless cross-examination” and saying he would pull out.
South Africa’s graft watchdog finds Ramaphosa deliberately misled parliament
South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog said on Friday that President Cyril Ramaphosa had “deliberately misled” parliament about a 500,000 rand ($35,900) donation he received for his 2017 election campaign for the leadership of the ruling ANC.
Germany’s Merkel, planning to serve full term, backs under-fire protegee
Germany’s Angela Merkel threw her weight behind her embattled new defense minister and heir-apparent on Friday, while insisting she herself was fit to carry on serving as chancellor through to the end of her term in 2021.
South Africa’s Zuma agrees to continue giving evidence at corruption inquiry
Former South African president Jacob Zuma agreed to continue giving evidence at a corruption inquiry on Friday, withdrawing an earlier refusal to do so after his lawyers reached an agreement with lawyers for the inquiry.
World leaders, Apple CEO offer tributes to Japanese studio after attack
Tributes to the Japanese animation studio ravaged in a suspected arson attack lit up social media on Friday, with world leaders and Apple Inc’s chief executive offering condolences to the families of the 33 people who were killed.
Britain and Sweden agree to co-operate on fighter plans
Britain and Sweden agreed on Friday to study air combat co-operation over the next decade and opened the door to other potential partners in a move that could see the Scandinavian country join a planned next-generation UK fighter project.
Gibraltar extends detention of Iranian tanker to August 15
Gibraltar’s supreme court has granted a 30-day extension to allow authorities there to continue to detain the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 until Aug. 15.
Italy’s Salvini says he will meet coalition partner Di Maio: statement
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Friday he would see coalition partner and leader of the 5-Star Movement Luigi Di Maio amid speculation that the government might collapse.
