US predicts quick end to Iran war as Tehran vows prolonged fight

Officials in the administration of Donald Trump say the war between the United States, Israel and Iran could end within weeks despite Tehran signalling it is prepared for a longer conflict.

Trump has threatened further strikes on Iran’s key oil export hub at Kharg Island while also proposing a multinational naval coalition to escort ships through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Abbas Araqchi,  Iran’s foreign minister rejected claims that Tehran is seeking negotiations, saying the country is prepared to defend itself “for as long as it takes”. Oil prices have climbed close to $100 per barrel amid the disruption to global shipping.

Starmer discusses re-opening Strait of Hormuz with Trump

Keir Starmer, British prime minister has spoken with Trump about the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore stability to global shipping routes.

Downing Street said the two leaders discussed the economic consequences of the blockade, which normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. The conflict has already triggered attacks on commercial vessels navigating the narrow channel.

The British government is exploring possible options with allies, including naval cooperation, to secure the waterway and stabilise global energy markets.

Zelensky accuses EU allies of ‘blackmail’ over Russian oil pipeline

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European partners of attempting to pressure Kyiv into restoring Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline.

The pipeline, which supplies oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has been shut since January after damage from Russian air strikes.

Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister has blocked new European Union sanctions on Moscow until the route is reopened.

Zelensky said allowing Russian oil transit would undermine sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

Lebanon displacement crisis deepens as death toll rises

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon continues to worsen as Israeli air strikes push the death toll to around 850 people, according to health authorities.

More than 850,000 residents have been displaced, including roughly 130,000 sheltering in government facilities. Large parts of southern Beirut and southern Lebanon have been emptied as daily evacuation warnings continue.

Israel says the attacks target infrastructure used by Hezbollah, though many residential buildings and businesses have also been destroyed.

Iran arrests 500 accused of aiding foreign enemies

Iranian authorities say they have arrested around 500 people accused of providing intelligence to hostile countries during the ongoing conflict.

Police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said some suspects were accused of sending information about military targets or filming strike locations.

Iranian media reported additional arrests in several provinces, with some individuals accused of sharing information with Israel about military and economic infrastructure.

AFRICA

Madagascar anti-corruption chief appointed prime minister

Michael Randrianirina, the president of Madagascar, has appointed anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as the country’s new prime minister.

The appointment follows the dismissal of the previous prime minister and the entire cabinet. Randrianirina said the new government would focus on integrity and restoring public trust as part of his reform agenda.

Flooding death toll rises to 66 in Kenya

Severe flooding caused by heavy rains has killed at least 66 people across Kenya in the past week.

Authorities say rivers bursting their banks have flooded homes, damaged infrastructure and forced road closures, particularly in Nairobi. Emergency responders have rescued several residents trapped by rising waters.

Officials warn that continued rainfall could worsen the flooding risk in several regions.

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine leaves country after hiding

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine says he has left the country after spending two months in hiding following the disputed January election.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, claims the vote was rigged in favour of long-time president Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986.

In a video message posted online, Wine said he would seek international support and push for targeted sanctions against the Ugandan government.

Congo election expected to extend Sassou’s decades-long rule

Voters in the Republic of the Congo are casting ballots in a presidential election expected to extend the rule of Denis Sassou Nguesso.

The 82-year-old leader, who first seized power in 1979, is widely expected to win another term, potentially extending his rule to nearly five decades.

Analysts say the election lacks a strong opposition challenge and turnout is expected to fall below the previous vote.

Rwanda warns it could withdraw troops from Mozambique mission

Rwanda has warned it may withdraw its troops from northern Mozambique unless international funding for the mission continues.

Rwandan forces were deployed in 2021 to help combat an insurgency linked to extremist groups in Cabo Delgado province.

The deployment helped stabilise parts of the gas-rich region previously seized by militants.

Officials say the sustainability of the mission depends on reliable international financial support.