ASSELBORN ON IRAN – During an interview on RTL yesterday, Luxembourg’s former foreign minister Jean Asselborn said that he had not witnessed such a dangerous escalation in the Middle East in his almost 20 years as a the country’s top diplomat. He said that Israel has attacked Iran’s nuclear programme in the past, but that this time Israel would be looking for regime change in Iran.
PARIS AIR SHOW – The International Aeronautics and Space Show is currently in full swing in Paris, with Defence Minister Yuriko Backes as well as Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel yesterday unveiling Luxembourg’s strengthened push into defence. Luxembourg has committed within NATO to investing in air defence systems as well as a mobile military hospital.
MARCH TO GAZA – The five Luxembourg volunteers who took part in the Global March to Gaza are returning home after being prevented from reaching the Rafah border crossing, following violent interactions with Egyptian security forces. The initiative brought together an estimated 4,000 international civilians in an attempt to demand the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
GRAND DUKE EXPENSES – The annual report on the Grand Duke’s 2024 expenses was released yesterday, showing that the Grand Ducal family spent €19.3 million last year, coming in under their provisional budget. The largest share of spending went to staff costs.
MAYBE NOT BOB’S – The beloved Luxembourg restaurant Maybe Not Bob’s, a staple of the capital’s dining scene for the past three decades, is officially for sale. Located in the Rives de Clausen, the restaurant announced on social media that it is seeking a new owner. If no buyer is found, the doors will close for good at the end of August.
ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT – Israel and Iran have attacked each other for a fifth straight day, and Donald Trump has urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran. The US president is also cutting short his G7 visit because of the Middle East situation. French President Macron said Trump had made an offer for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US, along with the European Union, are meeting in the resort area of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies.
Meanwhile, The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has called an extraordinary meeting of the foreign ministers of the 27 EU member states today to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
MATTHEW PERRY DEATH – The doctor accused of supplying ketamine to Friends-star Matthew Perry before his fatal overdose has agreed to plead guilty to drug distribution charges. Salvador Plasencia, the main doctor charged, could face a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.
SWEDISH ‘TRASH QUEEN’ – A court in Sweden will rule in the country’s biggest environmental crime trial today, where a self-proclaimed “Queen of Trash” and four others stand accused of illegally dumping toxic waste. Prosecutors have called for six-year prison sentences against the five, who have denied the charges.
FOOTBALL – Chelsea have started their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory against Los Angeles in a largely empty stadium as Brazilian giants Flamengo also won 2-0 against Esperance of Tunisia in their opening game. Today’s action begins with Borussia Dortmund taking on Fluminense of Brazil in New York in Group F, while Inter Milan face Monterrey of Mexico in Pasadena in Group E.
HYROX – Luxembourg’s Josh van Zeeland has finished third at the HYROX World Championships. The sport, which consists of a combination of running and strength exercises, has over 600,000 participating athletes worldwide, with van Zeeland now among some of the fittest people on the planet.
RUGBY – Former England captain Owen Farrell is returning to Saracens after a single season in France with Racing 92. The 33-year-old fly-half, who has signed a two-year deal, previously had a 16-year spell at the London club, making his professional debut at the age of 17.
Today’s weather forecast is looking to be a day full of sunshine with a few clouds. Get ready for a warm afternoon with dry conditions. Morning temperatures range from 13–15°C, with the highest temperature in the afternoon reaching 27°C .
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