Iran’s foreign minister has warned an “eye for an eye” if Donald Trump continues with his threat to bomb a bridge or power plant for every ship targeted in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, Abbas Araghchi said: “Our defence doctrine is clear: eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.”

An Iranian military source, cited by the Tasnim state news agency, has said Iran will retaliate with strikes on regional infrastructure linked to the US – including bridges and energy sites – if Washington does carry out its attacks first.

Both sides continue to wrestle for control of the vital waterway, with the US president warning a bridge or power plant would be bombed if further attacks on ships occurred.

Trump took to social media to express his outrage after an 11th night of strikes, following a breakdown in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

“From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP” he wrote.

Houthi Red Sea threat would challenge a stretched US military

A Houthi threat to impose a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea could significantly widen the Iran war and strain a U.S. military already focused on stopping Tehran’s attacks across the region, current and former U.S. officials said. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said on Monday they would not allow ships to load or unload at Saudi ports, potentially blocking Saudi oil exports ⁠and choking off an additional 7 per cent of global oil supply.

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Saudi Arabia, which hosts US forces, has not yet requested military assistance from Washington. But Trump suggested on Tuesday that a move by the group to obstruct shipping in the Red Sea — a vital corridor for global trade — could draw the United States in.

“If something like that happens, we’ll take care of it. We’ve done that with the Houthis before,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday.

For the US military, it may not be so simple. The Houthis have earned a reputation as hardened, nimble fighters who have successfully resisted earlier Saudi and US bombing campaigns. ⁠Taking them on would mean stretching American resources already focused on fighting Iran and maintaining the United ​States’ own ⁠blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf.

“You’re bifurcating your admittedly fairly robust resources in the region between two active fronts,” said Jason Campbell, a former senior Pentagon official.

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Holly Evans22 July 2026 21:37

MAGA support for Trump’s Iran war plummets, poll finds: ‘Maximum level of frustration’

MAGA support for President Donald Trump’s war against Iran has cratered over the past two months – with just 37 percent of his crumbling base now saying the conflict should continue even if it increases inflation, according to a new poll.

That’s down from 50 percent since May, Politico said in a Wednesday report that came a day after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparred with Democrats during a fiery Senate hearing over the cost of the war.

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A person close to the White House told Politico that it’s “at a maximum level of frustration right now,” with Trump “fully aware that the only way to the victory that he wants is completely politically impossible.”

Read the full article here:

Holly Evans22 July 2026 20:55

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Iran strikes on CIA facilities prompt questions about possible Russian role

Iranian drone attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf have prompted US intelligence analysts to investigate whether Russia assisted by providing targeting information or advanced drone technology, four people familiar with US intelligence told Reuters.

These people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss national security matters, said US intelligence officials have not yet reached firm conclusions about the possible ⁠Russian involvement in the attacks on CIA facilities.

But they cited the strikes’ effectiveness and apparent precision, as well as Russia’s broader technical support for Iran, as possible evidence.

Reuters and other media have reported — and US officials have acknowledged — that Russia has provided targeting and other support for Iran in its strikes on US targets in the Gulf region generally, but the intelligence community’s investigation of possible Russian involvement in supporting the CIA facility attacks has not been previously disclosed.

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Holly Evans22 July 2026 20:30

Iran warns their defence strategy is ‘eye for an eye’

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran will issue a “powerful and decisive response” if strikes target their infrastructure.

He wrote on X: “Our defence doctrine is clear: eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.

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“Those who contribute to such aggression, whatever the kind of support, will also be considered as legitimate targets.”

Holly Evans22 July 2026 20:10

Watch: Trump attends dignified transfer for four US soldiers killed in Iran war

Holly Evans22 July 2026 19:40

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Israel’s spy chief held talks on Iran war in Washington, Axios reports

The head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence ⁠agency traveled to Washington two weeks ⁠ago ​to discuss ⁠the Iran war, ⁠in his ​first ⁠visit to ‌the US capital since taking ‌office, Axios reported ‌on Wednesday, citing ⁠two unidentified sources with knowledge of the situation.

He met with CIA Director ‌John Ratcliffe ​and ‌White House officials, ⁠the report ⁠said.

Holly Evans22 July 2026 19:14

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Trump salutes killed soldiers during solemn ceremony

Donald Trump attended a ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware ⁠for four US service members who returned to American soil in flag-draped caskets on Wednesday after being killed in Iranian attacks in the Middle East.

The ceremony, known as a “dignified transfer” of the bodies, comes amid growing frustration with the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Both Republican and ⁠Democratic lawmakers have raised questions about the war, which has boosted ​global ⁠oil prices and shows no signs of ending.

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Trump, wearing a blue suit and red tie, stood at attention near the flight line ⁠and saluted as teams of seven service members solemnly carried each transfer case from the aircraft during the ceremony.

Family ​members, who ⁠arrived in a convoy of vans, watched from ‌a short distance as the flag-draped transfer cases were carried off the aircraft one by one and placed in one of two vans.

Asked what he would tell the families of the fallen, Mr Trump said: “All I’m going to say is, we love you. We love your child, and that’s what they are to them. They’re their children. There’s no games, no nothing.”

US presidents, vice presidents and dignitaries regularly attend the solemn transfer ceremonies at ⁠Dover — home of the largest US military mortuary — during times of war or conflict.

The three U.S. service members killed when an Iranian missile hit their sleeping barracks at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on Friday were First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, 28, and Private Isabella Gonzales, 19. All three were assigned to U.S. Army air defence brigades.

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The fourth death, of Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, occurred on Sunday in a separate incident in Erbil, Iraq, during a controlled detonation of an attack drone.

Holly Evans22 July 2026 18:12

DP World to build two new terminals on UAE’s eastern coast, reducing Hormuz reliance

DP World will develop two new container terminals ​in Fujairah on the United Arab Emirates’ eastern coast, the global ports operator said on Wednesday as the Gulf state works to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war.

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“The development ⁠will expand DP World’s UAE capacity and gateway network, giving customers greater choice, flexibility, and connectivity across regional and global trade routes,” the Dubai-based firm said in a statement.

Once operational, the development will boost DP World’s total container handling capacity in the UAE ⁠to almost 22 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from ​the current ⁠19.4 million TEUs, while significantly expanding general cargo and Ro-Ro (Roll-on-Roll-off) capability.

The US-Iran conflict, which started on February 28, has killed thousands of people ⁠and Iran’s restrictions on energy shipments from Gulf states have contributed to ​inflation worldwide.

Vessel ⁠crossings via the Strait of Hormuz ‌dropped further on Tuesday, shipping data showed, as Tehran’s near-total blockade of the key waterway continued and security concerns lingered amid ongoing attacks by the United ‌States and Iran.

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Holly Evans22 July 2026 17:48

ICYMI: Hegseth heckled by protestors during Iran war funding hearing

James Reynolds22 July 2026 17:28

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British couple in grave condition as they ramp up hunger strike in Iran jail

The family of a British couple on hunger strike in an Iran jail say they are “sick with worry” as the pair ramp up their hunger strike after 10 weeks without food.

Lindsay Foreman, who has not eaten in 66 days, has reportedly vowed to continue her strike until death to expose their treatment inside Tehran’s notorious Evin prison.

She and her husband Craig Foreman were arrested on a once-in-a-lifetime world motorbike tour 18 months ago, and were later sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges, which they completely deny.

James Reynolds22 July 2026 17:00

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City of York Council has agreed the sale of 22, The Avenue, in Clifton, for an undisclosed sum after plans for its conversion were first lodged in November.

A council report on the decision stated the building had stood vacant since the unit closed in 2019 due to it no longer being suitable for operational use.

The latest plans for the conversion stated the conversion was an opportunity to return the building to its original use as a home.

The council’s decision to sell the property comes after initial plans to change its use to a flexible residential dwelling were approved in January.

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Detailed plans setting out how the building will be converted, subject to further council approval, were lodged in June.

The building was originally constructed as a home in around 1920.

Plans stated the outside of the building was currently suffering from a number of poor quality repairs and piecemeal alterations made during its previous use.

They added alterations including a concrete ramp, poor quality pebbledash render, and the blocking up of doors had detracted from the character of the building and would be removed.

Renovations proposed in the plans include creating a new front entrance with a bigger porch.

An impression showing how a former mental health unit in The Avenue, Clifton, York, could look following its conversion (Image: Brown and Company)

A dropped kerb would also be added to create access for vehicles which would be subject to a separate planning application.

A ground floor extension would also house a new dining room and study linked by a glazed corridor.

Works at the back of the building include the creation of a new contemporary dormer, a skylight and new openings connecting to the garden.

Plans stated the design of the building had been informed by buildings in the surrounding area.

They stated: “The proposed development presents an opportunity to reverse a number of unsympathetic modern alterations to the building, significantly enhance its visual appearance on this attractive historic street, and restore both its historic architectural character and its use as a residential dwelling.

“Carefully considered modern interventions have been incorporated as part of these proposals detailed within this report, to bring the building up to contemporary standards and make it suitable for family occupation.”

The Fleadh Cheoil countdown is well and truly on and no one is more excited than Belfast Gaeilgeoir Tura Arutura

The countdown is well and truly on to the first Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast next month and no one is more excited than local Gaeilgeoir Tura Arutura.

But when the dad-of-three first moved from Zimbabwe to Belfast way back in 1993, he was shocked that most people here didn’t speak the Irish language.

“I’ve been living in Northern Ireland, the north of Ireland, the Emerald Isle, Eireann for 33 years. I’m married to a local girl who was born in Africa, and I am part and parcel of this community – both sides of the community,” he told Belfast Live.

“I have very close connections and family links throughout the whole island and my grown-up children have been brought up and raised in this country. As far as they’re concerned, they’re Irish.

“My passion is community and connection, and for that reason, my grandmother said to me when I was coming here: ‘Now you’re going to a different country with different people. Make sure you respect those people, but most importantly, learn their language’.

“So I started to learn Irish and in the last few years I’ve become a fluent Irish speaker. I began to understand this place in a way that I could never have understood it. I can honestly say my life has been totally transformed by speaking Irish.”

As well as the language, Tura, 52, who lives in Ballygowan, Co Down, has also embraced Irish dance.

He has always believed in the similarities between the dance of his native Zimbabwe and sean nós dancing. He says the energy and core values are the same as well as some of the moves.

“Dancing is something that I’m passionate about. My passion is also community and connection. I’m an African dancer. I do hip hop, body popping, street dancing, and African dance, but the icing on the cake was sean nós dance,” Tura explained.

“In the last 15 years, I’ve learned to do sean nós, the oldest percussive dance on the island of Ireland. Over the years I’ve mastered sean nós dance and made it part of my life. I travel all around Ireland and the world performing and teaching people this old custom.

“Sean nós has opened up my understanding of the movement of Irish people, it’s the mommy and daddy of all Irish dancers. I call it talking feet, and this is the dance that drives me.

“It’s a dance that I also find has a thread that even connects with my own African heritage and allows me to express myself in new ways that I would never have imagined.”

And Tura will be embarcing all things Irish language, music and dance when Belfast hosts the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

The music festival is expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors to the capital between August 2-9, where it will be held for the first time.

“I am so excited. I’ve been to several Fleadhs and people in Belfast have no idea what they’re in for. The buzz, the energy, the entertainment, the craic, the stories, the music, the dance,” he said.

“People who you haven’t seen for such a long time, bumping into them and just rubbing shoulders with people who are just in it for the craic. It’s like something you’ve never experienced before and all in the name of joy, culture and connection.”

And just in time for the Fleadh, Tura is officially launching his ecosystem titled The Leap/An Léim – bridging two distinct ancestral traditions—blending traditional Irish sean-nós dance and the Irish language with African rhythm, storytelling, and Ubuntu philosophy.

It’s essentially a massive formalization of his 30+ years of cross-cultural movement and social practice in Ireland and he’s using Belfast as the launching pad for a global education model.

He explained: “I come from a family of dancers. Dance is my life. Ever since I was a child, no age, I danced. Now I’ve created an AI powered dance app that is a safe space for people to learn and share dance and connect with the rest of the world.

“It’s a cultural enterprise that brings elements of arts and culture that have made me who I am today. It’s a place where everybody can thrive, everybody can be in it without being judged or feeling threatened.

“This is the first in the world, a platform that people can learn and get feedback from dance teachers and dancers can share their dance steps in a safe space, but powered by AI.

“This new chapter for me is rooted in passion, shaped by purpose, and carried by the people who believe in what is possible when art, language, technology and community move together.”

The iStéip website and app will be launching ahead of the 2026 Fleadh. Keep an eye on Tura’s social media channels for more details.

Video: Justin Kernoghan

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

A teacher accused of having sex with a 10-year-old pupil ‘countless’ times was found under the covers with him by his sister, a court heard.

Deborah Franklin, 65, allegedly blindfolded and strapped the boy to her marital bed for hours so she could sexually tickle him with a feather during a years-long campaign of abuse.

She faces eight allegations of gross indecency against a boy under 14, between 1991 and 1995 – when she was a teacher at a preparatory school in Hertfordshire.

Franklin is said to have met the alleged victim, now in his 40s, when he was nine and joined her class.

He claims they had ‘countless’ sexual encounters, and said he was led to believe that he was in a relationship with Franklin – who was around 30 when the alleged abuse began.

The man said in a recorded interview: ‘I remember her clothes were off and she was teaching me how to touch a woman, and I remember saying: “It smells funny”… I remember her just telling me what to do and I would just do it.’

The complainant’s siblings gave evidence to St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, and recalled the teacher spending a lot of time at their house.

His older sister told jurors that on one occasion she found Franklin ‘under the covers reading a book to [the complainant]’.

Describing her impression of Franklin back then, she said: ‘She was fun, she was charismatic. I thought she was cool, I liked her. She was very likeable.

‘She was in the house often. She became a family friend. She came on Saturday afternoons. I saw her quite a lot.’

Asked if she had suspicions of anything untoward, she said: ‘I knew something had happened, he told my dad.’

She said that her brother had reported Franklin to the police after finding out she was still working at the same school in 2024.

A former school friend remembers Franklin and the complainant having a ‘very close’ and ‘flirtatious’ relationship, such that they would hold hands on school trips.

Another friend said the pair would sit ‘very close’ to each other when watching television.

They said: ‘He would sit very much in Mrs Franklin’s arms, as you would see a boyfriend and a girlfriend sitting together, and at moments tickling his arm.

‘There was a lot of laughing, talking, whispering. I felt very much outside of it. I felt left out, that was my best friend.’

Describing their gradual realisation of Franklin’s alleged abuse, the friend said: ‘The first detail I got is that Mrs Franklin got naked in front of him.

Franklin denies all of the charges brought against her

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‘He said that they had kissed, that he had touched her, that she had performed some sexual activity on him but not saying what. I would say that that was the extent of the detail.’

The complainant’s older brother giving evidence in court also remembered Franklin as ‘always pleasant, with energy, very cool’, and ‘someone you would be happy to hang out with’.

He recalled that Franklin used to watch TV with his brother, and spend time in his bedroom, and that his brother went to the teacher’s house on at least one occasion.

The brother said Franklin once invited him to accompany her to a heavy metal gig, and that she made a comment about anal sex.

He told the court: ‘She turned back to look at me. She made a comment about anal sex. I asked if her husband likes it.

‘She told me pillows are very important, because it allows you to go deeper if you have sex with pillows.’ 

Gavin Pottinger, prosecuting, asked him: ‘Did [your brother] ever tell you that anything had happened between him and Debbie?’

He replied: ‘It came up a lot that something had happened. He never told me the details, and I never asked for them. It came up over a lifetime. It came up consistently in different contexts.’

Describing the first alleged incident in his garage, the complainant said: ‘She kissed me on the lips and we started to touch.’ 

On the progression of the alleged incidents, he continued: ‘There was a ton of manipulation obviously, but at the time it did not present like that. At the time it was like: I am in a relationship. I’m your girlfriend. We have to be cautious.

‘I remember her clothes were off and she was teaching me how to touch a woman and I remember saying ‘It smells funny’ and she was getting all defensive saying ‘That’s how women smell’. I remember her just telling me what to do and I would just do it.

‘I remember her distinctly calling out her husband’s name. It took me by surprise. I never saw their relationship. I thought I had the relationship. I remember thinking I had a competitor.’

He described ‘countless’ sexual encounters in which married Franklin would tie him to her marital bed, blindfold him, tickle him with a feather and have sex with him.

He said: ‘At the time, I don’t think I was terrified. I wasn’t. I don’t remember being scared. 

‘But it began to bother me when I was around 14… I was tied to the posts, blindfolded and she was tickling me naked and I remember her being surprised I didn’t enjoy it. Her kind of quizzing me why I didn’t enjoy it, what I didn’t like.

‘I was there for some hours,’ he said.

‘I remember us coming back to it later and having sex on her bed.’ 

Questioned in her police interview Franklin said: ‘It’s a lot of rubbish, I’m sorry, but it’s not true, and I don’t understand why someone would say such dreadful things. I’m stunned, shocked.’

She said of the complainant: ‘I don’t remember much about him. He moved onto the next school like any other child.’

Franklin, of Radlett, Herts denies eight counts of gross indecency with a boy under 14

The trial continues.

By RAVEN SAUNT, US LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Updated: 21:35 BST, 22 July 2026

Beauty influencer Adriana Garcia has died aged 30.

The content creator, from Culiacan, Mexico, had reportedly been undergoing cosmetic surgery on Tuesday morning when she suffered complications.

She is survived by a six-year-old daughter.

Garcia had built up a legion of loyal fans across both TikTok and Instagram but also worked closely with Drop Shop – a store selling limited-edition sneakers, caps and luxury watches.

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The company confirmed her death in a statement that read: ‘Today we say goodbye to a member of the Drop Shop family, remembering with affection her human quality, her dedication and the moments we shared by her side.

‘Her memory will always remain with us.

‘We express our most sincere condolences to her family, daughter and friends, wishing them strength and peace in these difficult moments.

‘Rest in peace, Adriana, you will always be part of the Drop Shop family.’

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Beauty influencer Adriana Garcia, from Culiacan, Mexico, has died aged 30

The exact cause of death remains unconfirmed by officials. The case is still under review by local health and justice bodies.

Her followers have since flooded the comments of her last social media posts to share their condolences.

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‘Rest in peace, beautiful,’ one wrote.

‘Fly high Adriana, you’re already with your dad that you missed so much,’ added another.

And a third simply said: ‘I’m in shock.’  

In April, Adriana celebrated her 30th birthday amid losing both her father and grandfather. 

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She wrote on social media: ‘I always looked forward to April with great excitement.

‘It was a month that meant joy to me: my birthday, vacations, and happy moments. 

The content creator had reportedly been undergoing cosmetic surgery on Tuesday morning

‘But this year, April was completely different. 

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‘In that same month, I experienced one of the greatest sorrows of my life: saying goodbye to my father and my grandfather. 

‘Two people who profoundly marked my life and my heart.’

Further information about her death is expected in the coming days. 

The Beach Boys have canceled a slew of summer concerts, including multiple planned state fair appearances, according to local reports.

The band is in the midst of the “Endless Summer Gold” tour, with shows scheduled through November. However, performances between July 23 and September 3 have now reportedly been canceled.

“We’ve been having a blast out there, and to keep the good vibrations going strong, we’ll be taking a short break,” the band said in a statement, as reported by Wisconsin’s ABC affiliate WISN.

Multiple state fairs have been impacted by the cancelations, including Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon, Alaska and Colorado.

The Independent has contacted representatives for the band for comment.

Some of the canceled dates have already been rescheduled; others remain listed as TBA on ticket sites.

More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent

The bar will be open for the duration of the Fleadh

Work is well underway on a new bar which is set to open in the heart of Belfast City Centre.

The bar on Donegall Street will be open for the duration of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at the beginning of August. The new venue will be aptly named The Donegal Belfast.

The bar will have live music all day and feature three fully stocked bars throughout.

One of the main features will be the “huge” beer garden, which will rival many others across the city. There will also be a food truck to keep the punters well fed.

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According to a TikTok page for the bar, “whether you’re here for the music, the pints or the craic, The Donegal is the place to be this Fleadh.”

They added, “whether you’re here for the trad sessions or just soaking up the festival vibes, we’ve got you covered.”

In addition to other entertainment, such as live music, they plan to have Irish dancers at the venue throughout the Fleadh.

We got a look at the progress so far and have all the details in the TikTok below:

A seven-day annual outdoor entertainments licence was granted for “The Donegal” at 11-17 Donegall Street, a prominent, long-term vacant former warehouse building in Belfast city centre. The site was previously associated with Eason and Son, the historic book and stationery retailer, and is currently being developed to include outdoor entertainment spaces.

The venue will continue as an entertainment space after the Fleadh. The day and hours that outdoor musical entertainment is proposed to be provided are Monday to Saturday 12noon to 11pm and Sunday 12.30 pm to 10:30pm.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here

The 26-year-old attracted interest from across the globe after scoring three goals at this summer’s World Cup

Swansea City have announced the signing of New Zealand winger Elijah Just from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

The 26-year-old recently returned from the World Cup, where he scored three goals in as many games to become his country’s all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament. His impressive performances attracted the attention of clubs around the world, with Celtic amongst those interested, but he has now committed his future to Vitor Matos’ side.

He becomes the Swans’ third signing of the summer after Stephen Welsh – who played alongside Just at Motherwell last season – and Moussa Yeo.

Putting pen to paper on a three-year deal, with the option of another year, the attacker also joins international team-mate Marko Stamenić at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The fee for Just has not been disclosed by the Championship club. However, our colleagues at the Daily Record report that Motherwell agreed a club-record fee with Swansea for Just.

They report the “multi-million deal” said to eclipse the sale of Scotland international Lennon Miller to Udinese last summer, which was said to eventually be worth £5 million.

After putting pen to paper on his Swans deal, Just said: “I’m over the moon, to be here now is pretty cool.

“I’m lucky to have Marko [Stamenic] here, we’ve obviously spoken on the phone a lot and he’s told me a lot about the club, and the playing style.

“Welshy [Stephen Welsh] is here too. As soon as Swansea showed interest, I researched as much as I could and it’s an incredible club. I spoke to him, and he is enjoying his time here very much.”

On his recent showing at the World Cup, he added: “It was a long journey, to make it to a World Cup with all the boys was so special.

“The stadiums and the fans were incredible. We were a little disappointed not to make it out of the group, but we had a great time.

“Scoring was an unbelievable feeling. In a World Cup, you know games are going to be tough. I never thought I would score, let alone three goals. New Zealand doesn’t have that much history at the World Cup, so hopefully there’s many to come.”

With the new Championship season getting under way next month, Just continued: “I can’t wait, it’s something I’ve wanted to do in my whole career. I’ve watched a lot of Championship games, and it’s a tough league.

“I’m looking forward to playing many games, I think it’ll suit me well. I’m looking forward to being out there with the boys, contributing and hopefully, we can do something special.”

*Follow all of our social channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Swans news. Sign up to our daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here. Our Swansea City correspondent Tom Coleman is also on social media. He can be found on his X account here, on Instagram, on TikTok and on Facebook.

Fire crews were called to the scene of the fire at a Welsh primary school early on Wednesday morning

Children had to be evacuated from a playgroup after a fire broke out at a Welsh school during the summer holidays. Huge flames and billows of thick smoke were seen coming from windows of Awel Y Mor Primary School in Port Talbot on Wednesday morning.

Multiple fire crews rushed to the scene shortly after 10am. Before they arrived, staff at a Flying Start group being held at the school jumped into action to evacuate children who were at the Lots of Tots holiday club, which was being held in a separate part of the school.

The group will be cancelled for the rest of the week as a result of the fire.

A post from the group said thanked staff “for their calm and professional evacuation of the children”.

A video shows flames billowing from a window of the primary school, where scaffolding is currently erected. Stay informed on everything Neath Port Talbot by signing up to our newsletter here

Firefighters from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations worked to bring the blaze under control, before leaving the scene at around 12.45pm.

A spokeswoman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 10.10am on Wednesday, July 22, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Port Talbot, Neath Swansea Central, Morriston and Swansea West Fire Stations were called to an incident at Awel Y Mor Primary School, Port Talbot.

“Crews responded to a fire within Sandwich Panels of the school. Crews utilised four breathing apparatus sets and two hose reel jets, turntable ladder and water bowser to extinguish the fire.

“Crews left the scene at 12.43pm.”

A post from the Lots of Tots group read: “Following the fire in the main school building, we’ll remain closed for the rest of this week. We’ll assess the damage and plan for the safe return of children and staff to the undamaged playgroup. A reopening date or decision can’t be made until a full assessment is complete.

“Finally, a massive thank you to the staff for their calm and professional evacuation of the children and ensuring everyone’s safety.”

Neath Port Talbot Council has been approached for comment.

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