Middle East & Iran-US Tensions
Trump casts doubt on Iran peace deal, says Tehran hasn’t ‘paid a big enough price’ Donald Trump said he is reviewing Tehran’s latest peace proposal but signalled scepticism, claiming Iran had not yet “paid a big enough price” for its past wrongs. The remarks come amid fears of renewed US strikes aimed at forcing concessions on Iran’s nuclear programme. Source: The Guardian
What’s Iran’s 14-point proposal to end the war? Trump is reviewing Iran’s latest 14-point proposal to end the conflict, but deep mistrust between the two sides remains a major obstacle to any breakthrough. Source: Al Jazeera
Strait of Hormuz blockade and other major naval sieges in modern times Al Jazeera examines the Strait of Hormuz blockade in the context of historical naval sieges, noting that naval blockades remain among the oldest weapons of war. Source: Al Jazeera
Israel-Palestine
Gaza aid flotilla activists appear in Israeli court after interception Activists from Spain and Brazil, part of a flotilla of more than 50 vessels that set sail from France, Spain and Italy to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, appeared before an Israeli court. The court extended their detention by two days for further interrogation. A rights group alleges torture in custody. Sources: Al Jazeera · The Guardian
Ben-Gvir celebrates birthday with cake decorated with death penalty noose Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated his 50th birthday with a cake referencing the newly passed death penalty for Palestinian detainees. Source: Al Jazeera
Anti-Christian aggressions on the rise in Jerusalem Religious groups have documented a rise in harassment and violence against Christians in parts of Israel, with Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem as one of the main flashpoints. Source: France 24
Hospitals in Lebanon overwhelmed with patients injured by Israeli attacks Hospitals across Lebanon are struggling to cope with the volume of patients injured by Israeli military strikes. Source: Al Jazeera
Ukraine-Russia
Ukraine drone attack hits Russian Baltic port Ukrainian forces struck a Russian Baltic port, according to the regional governor. President Zelenskyy also announced strikes on two shadow fleet tankers near the port of Novorossiysk. Source: Al Jazeera
Ukraine demonstrates deeper drone reach targeting Russia’s refineries Ukraine has been hitting key Russian oil sites with drone attacks this week, causing significant destruction. Zelenskyy announced “a new stage in the use of Ukrainian weapons to limit the potential of Russia’s war.” The massive Tuapse complex on Russia’s Black Sea coast was among the targets. Source: ZeroHedge
United States
US ‘drowning in misinformation’ under RFK Jr, autism advocates say A new report accuses top Trump administration health officials of fueling a “crisis of public trust” over autism and vaccines, calling for Congressional oversight hearings and possible impeachment of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Source: The Guardian
Arizona secretary of state fights Trump’s plot to amass ‘master list’ of voters Arizona’s top election official Adrian Fontes warns the Trump administration is forcibly extracting voter files from 30 states as part of a plan to gather personal details of all Americans and control who can vote. Source: The Guardian
Voters will judge Trump on the economy — how is it doing? The BBC examines Donald Trump’s economic record, noting that how much he can accomplish in his remaining time as president depends massively on the cost of living. Source: BBC
UK & Europe
Two people dead after explosion at house in Bristol Avon and Somerset police declared a major incident after a “suspicious” explosion at a house in Bristol at approximately 6:30am. Two people died and the cause is being treated as suspicious. Source: The Guardian
Two women die on migrant boat attempting to reach the UK from France A boat carrying 82 people ran aground on a beach in northern France after its engine failed. Two young women died and 16 were injured, including three with serious burns. Sources: France 24 · SCMP
Marco Rubio to visit Rome to ‘thaw’ US-Italy relations US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading to Rome on Thursday and Friday, reportedly to mend frosty relations with the Italian government and the Vatican. The visit coincides with the one-year anniversary of Pope Leo’s papacy. Source: The Guardian
UK Greens leader warns against banning pro-Palestine march chant Green party leader Zack Polanski said he would discourage use of the “globalise the intifada” chant but warned that specifically outlawing the phrase would restrict freedom of speech. Source: The Guardian
Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years Reporters Without Borders released its annual index ahead of World Press Freedom Day, warning that press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter century. Source: France 24
Africa & Americas
Nigeria summons South African envoy over attacks on its nationals Nigeria summoned the South African ambassador amid a wave of anti-migrant protests in South Africa, some of which have turned violent. Source: BBC
US indictment of Mexican governor sparks corruption scandal A US indictment of a Mexican governor has spotlighted cartel corruption, strained cross-border relations, and handed President Claudia Sheinbaum a thorny political choice. Source: NYT
Cuba’s economy collapses, prices soar Cuba is facing a deep economic and energy emergency, with many saying conditions are worse than the 1990s Special Period. The island imports up to 80% of its food, making essential goods increasingly hard to find. Source: France 24
Criminal threats intensify in Amazon as global demand for rare earth minerals surges Demand for critical minerals used in drones and electric cars is fueling a new wave of illegal mining and criminality in the Amazon rainforest. Source: NYT
Asia-Pacific
India state election results due Monday after 154 million voters participate Vote counting begins Monday after over 154 million people participated in elections for state legislatures including West Bengal. The results could tilt the national balance of power. Source: NYT
Hong Kong police hunt for man over damage to US consulate sign Hong Kong police are searching for a man suspected of causing criminal damage to the sign outside the US consulate in Central, after the first “S” in “States” was found partially dislodged. Source: SCMP
Energy & Markets
OPEC+ announces 188,000 bpd output increase in first meeting without UAE OPEC+ agreed to increase production by 188,000 barrels per day, with concerns around output amplified further by the UAE’s shock departure from the group. Source: CNBC
OpenAI reportedly missed revenue and user targets The leading AI lab is reportedly feeling pressure from competition after missing its revenue and user growth targets. Source: Motley Fool