Middle East
US-Iran Exchange Strikes in Major Escalation
The US and Iran exchanged a series of strikes overnight in the most significant military escalation since the fragile ceasefire. The US military shot down four Iranian drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz and struck coastal surveillance radar sites in response. Iran then targeted American bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, triggering air raid alerts in both Gulf states. The Financial Times reports this as a direct threat to the shaky ceasefire framework. — Guardian · Al Jazeera · FT
Iran Football Team Granted US Visas for World Cup
After months of uncertainty, Iran’s players have received US visas just days before the World Cup begins. The White House confirmed the visas were issued, though many staff members were denied entry. Iran’s opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles is June 15. The decision came amid active military hostilities between the two nations. — NYT · Al Jazeera
Gaza Fishermen Build Boats from Rubble
Fishermen in Gaza are using dinghies made of reclaimed fiberglass, wood, and doorframes salvaged from destroyed buildings to continue working at sea. — Al Jazeera
Africa
Mali Conflict Escalates as Rebels Seize Key Cities
Jihadist groups in Mali have nearly tripled their attacks on urban areas, with a rebel alliance seizing key cities. Analysts warn an extended standoff could lead to a significant increase in civilian deaths. — NYT
Senegal’s Leaders Turn on Each Other
The president and prime minister who swept to power together by defeating Senegal’s political old guard are now in open conflict with each other. — NYT
Ghana Free Speech Alarm
Fourteen arrests in 16 months linked to “false news” charges have raised serious concerns about free speech under President Mahama’s government. — Al Jazeera
Ebola Response Hampered by Misinformation
Efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak are being complicated by mistrust and rumors. Kenya has established a US-supported quarantine facility as part of regional preparedness. — France24
Asia
Delhi Heat Forces Workers into Impossible Choices
Severe heat waves hitting India since April are forcing essential workers to choose between their health and their wages. Many outdoor laborers face dangerous conditions with little recourse. — NYT
Sherpa Found Alive After Six Days Alone on Everest
Dawa Sherpa, 57, was found alive nearly a week after he was last seen on Mount Everest. His family says more could have been done to find him sooner and accuses the expedition of abandoning him. — NYT
Indonesian Rupiah Hits All-Time Lows
Indonesia’s finance and central bank officials pledged to step up efforts to stabilize the rupiah and attract inflows after the country’s stocks tumbled at the fastest pace worldwide and the currency sank to record lows. — Bloomberg
Europe & Russia-Ukraine
Putin Promotes New World Economic Order
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum — dubbed “Russian Davos” — Putin ruled out meeting with Zelenskyy and promoted a new global economic order. — NPR
Zelenskyy: Putin Choosing War
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Putin has turned down an offer for in-person talks, accusing him of “choosing war” over diplomacy. — Al Jazeera
ISS Air Leak Triggers Safe Haven Procedure
Five astronauts onboard the ISS sheltered during a Russian attempt to repair a persistent air leak in the station’s tunnel area. They have since returned to normal operations. — BBC
United States
Xavier Becerra Advances in California Governor’s Race
Xavier Becerra has advanced to the November general election after a come-from-behind primary victory. Officials are still counting ballots to determine whether he will face fellow Democrat Tom Steyer. The DOJ sent a federal prosecutor to observe ballot processing in LA amid baseless claims of rigging from Trump. — Guardian
Trump Pitches to Tariff-Hit Farmers in Wisconsin
Trump sought to shore up support among rural voters hit hard by tariffs and the economic fallout from the Iran conflict, making his case at a Wisconsin event. — Al Jazeera
Screwworm Outbreak Response
The US is deploying sterile flies and detection dogs to fight a flesh-eating screwworm outbreak — the first on American soil since 1966. — BBC
Sports
Ronaldo Prepares for Sixth World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Portugal training ahead of what will be his sixth World Cup appearance. — Al Jazeera
French Open Semifinal Set
Tenth seed Flavio Cobolli will face Alexander Zverev in the French Open final after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to illness. — Al Jazeera
Markets & Crypto
Cardano Falls Below 20 Cents
ADA dropped under $0.20 to four-year lows despite a surge in social activity around the Cardano ecosystem. — CoinDesk
Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, Bloomberg, CoinDesk, Financial Times, France24, NPR, New York Times, The Guardian