Blue Origin’s ambitious New Glenn program has suffered a major setback after the company’s rocket exploded during a hotfire test on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The powerful blast sent flames and smoke high into the sky, with nearby residents reporting shaking homes and a bright orange glow briefly lighting up the area. Blue Origin later confirmed a “test anomaly” during the New Glenn hotfire operation and said all personnel were accounted for and safe, with no injuries reported. The explosion marks another difficult moment for Jeff Bezos’ space company, which has been working to bring the heavy-lift New Glenn rocket into full operation. Earlier technical challenges, including thermal engine concerns, had already impacted the program’s progress. WATCH

Tensions in the West Asia have sharply escalated after fresh US military strikes were reported in southern Iran, with explosions heard across Bandar Abbas following President Donald Trump’s latest warning to “finish the job” if diplomatic efforts collapse. According to US military officials, American forces targeted a ground control facility in Bandar Abbas after confirming they had intercepted and shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones. Trump’s remarks on Iran and the future of peace negotiations have triggered global attention, with his “finish the job” warning now being widely seen as a direct signal of possible further action if a peace agreement fails to materialize. The comments have intensified scrutiny around US military strategy in the region. WATCH