THE REGISTER
La estrategia del empresario Julio Martínez — —
Julio Martínez, el empresario y amigo de Zapatero que puede derrumbar su defensa - EL PAÍS
Today's stories
More from today's coverage, told in the same calm voice.
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Zapatero's legal fate tied to business associate
The judicial position of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero may depend on the legal strategy chosen by businessman Julio Martínez, described as a close associate. The case centres on alleged financial dealings linked to Dubai and the airline Plus Ultra. Martínez's cooperation or silence with investigators is expected to shape how far the inquiry reaches Zapatero directly.
"The strategy of businessman Julio Martínez will determine the judicial future of Zapatero."
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US indicts Raúl Castro over 1996 aircraft shootdown
A US federal indictment has charged former Cuban president Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft operated by the Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue, which killed four people. The Trump administration authorised the charges, drawing criticism from China and Russia, who called on Washington to halt what they described as threats against Cuba. The Cuban government has not indicated any intention to cooperate with US legal proceedings.
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Trump Issues Iran Nuclear Deadline Amid Regional Tension
President Trump has set an ultimatum to Iran over its nuclear programme, threatening renewed US military action if negotiations fail. The warning comes as Russia conducts its largest-ever strategic nuclear exercises, including drills in Belarus involving tactical and strategic nuclear weapons under Putin's direct oversight. Gulf states and Iran face the prospect of escalating pressure from both Washington and a more assertive Russian nuclear posture in the region's broader security environment.
"Putin presides over the first exercises in Belarus involving tactical and strategic nuclear weapons."
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Russia and Ukraine await US-mediated contact resumption
Both Russia and Ukraine have expressed hope that US-mediated talks could resume, according to reporting from La Vanguardia. Washington holds a mediator role between Kyiv and Moscow, though no formal sessions have been confirmed. The war continues, with Ukraine claiming roughly 100 Russian military casualties in the latest reported period.
"Russia and Ukraine maintain hope of resuming contacts with US mediation."
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Trump signals openness to call Taiwan president
President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he is open to speaking with Taiwan's president, a move that departs from longstanding diplomatic convention and draws a direct contrast with Beijing's position. China considers any official contact between US and Taiwanese leaders a violation of the one-China policy. The signal adds uncertainty to US-China relations ahead of Trump's return to the White House.
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Zapatero daughters face money laundering investigation in Spain
Spain's Audiencia Nacional is investigating the daughters of former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on suspicion of money laundering. The case centres on alleged oil dealings arranged through what prosecutors describe as a presidential office, involving Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez and the Chinese Communist Party. Zapatero has not been charged, but his name appears in documents reviewed by the court.
"Zapatero allegedly arranged oil operations from his 'president's office' with Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez and the Chinese Communist Party."
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IRS Permanently Barred From Auditing Trump Family
A reported agreement would permanently prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from auditing Donald Trump or members of his family over past tax matters. The arrangement would place the sitting president and his relatives outside the reach of routine tax enforcement that applies to ordinary citizens. Critics say the exemption undermines the principle that tax law applies equally to everyone.
"The agreement prohibits the IRS 'forever' from investigating Trump or his family over past tax issues."
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Ben Gvir Video Deepens Israel Flotilla Detainee Row
Footage showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir mocking detained flotilla activists has drawn criticism from governments and human rights groups. The activists were held after Israeli forces intercepted a vessel attempting to reach Gaza. The incident has prompted calls for an independent review of detention conditions and has added pressure on Israel's government both domestically and abroad.
"The video opened a crisis inside and outside Israel."
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Putin and Xi reaffirm ties, gas pipeline stalls
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping met to declare their partnership unshaken, but the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline — a proposed route to carry Russian gas through Mongolia into China — remains unsigned. China has shown little urgency to commit to terms that would give Russia a replacement market for lost European gas revenue. The summit produced warm language but no binding energy deal.
"Russia and China are consolidating their strategic alliance against what they describe as the 'law of the jungle' unleashed by Trump."
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French court convicts Airbus and Air France over AF447
A French criminal tribunal has found Airbus and Air France guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2009 crash of Flight AF447, which killed all 228 people on board. The Air France Rio de Janeiro to Paris service went down over the Atlantic in June 2009 after the aircraft's speed sensors iced over and the crew lost control. The verdict, delivered in 2026, closes a legal process that families of the victims pursued for nearly 17 years.
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