Iran responds to US proposal as Strait of Hormuz tensions persist

Iran says it has formally responded to a United States proposal aimed at ending the war that erupted after US-Israeli strikes earlier this year, with mediation efforts led by Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Prime Minister confirmed receiving Tehran’s response but declined to disclose details or say whether it had been passed to Washington.

According to reports, the US proposal includes a suspension of Iranian uranium enrichment, phased sanctions relief and measures to restore maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s response reportedly focuses on ending hostilities and guaranteeing Gulf shipping security.

Despite a ceasefire largely holding since April, Iran has continued restricting movement through Hormuz, while the US maintains pressure through a blockade of Iranian ports. President Donald Trump warned Tehran against “playing games”, while Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, insisted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure must still be dismantled.

Israeli strikes kill 39 in Lebanon as ceasefire strains deepen

Lebanon’s health ministry says at least 39 people were killed in a fresh wave of Israeli air strikes, underscoring mounting pressure on a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

One strike in the southern town of Saksakiyeh reportedly killed seven people, including a child, while another attack in Nabatieh targeted a Syrian man and his 12-year-old daughter.

The Israeli military said it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and fighters, adding that precautions had been taken to minimise civilian casualties.

Cross-border hostilities have continued despite a ceasefire announced in April, with Hezbollah also launching drone attacks into northern Israel that reportedly wounded three Israeli soldiers.

Eleven injured in Miami boat explosion

Authorities in Florida are investigating a suspected boat explosion near Miami’s Haulover Sandbar that injured 11 people.

Emergency officials said several victims suffered severe burns and traumatic injuries after what witnesses described as a high-octane fuel explosion aboard the vessel.

Eyewitnesses said multiple passengers were thrown into the water by the blast, while videos from the scene showed helicopters and rescue crews transporting injured victims to nearby hospitals.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Putin says Ukraine war may be nearing end

Vladimir Putin, Russian president, has suggested the war in Ukraine could be “coming to an end” while defending Moscow’s military campaign and criticising Western support for Kyiv.

Speaking after Russia’s Victory Day commemorations in Moscow, Putin said the conflict remained serious but hinted at possible closure after more than four years of fighting.

His remarks came amid renewed accusations between Russia and Ukraine over violations of a temporary ceasefire brokered around the anniversary events.

The Kremlin also used the occasion to portray the war as a broader confrontation with NATO, while Kyiv accused Moscow of exploiting ceasefire rhetoric for political messaging.

Two Singaporeans confirmed dead after Indonesia volcano eruption

Indonesian rescue officials have confirmed the deaths of two Singaporean nationals following the eruption of Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island.

Rescuers discovered the victims’ bodies beneath volcanic debris near the crater after difficult recovery operations complicated by harsh terrain and heavy rainfall.

Authorities said the bodies were transferred to a local hospital for autopsy as monitoring of volcanic activity continues.

Countries evacuate passengers after deadly cruise ship virus outbreak

Several countries have begun evacuating citizens from a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak after passengers and crew were flown from Tenerife for isolation and medical observation.

Flights carrying Spanish and French nationals arrived in Europe on Sunday, while evacuation operations for passengers from Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland and the United States continued.

Health officials said one French passenger developed symptoms during repatriation, raising further concerns over the spread of the virus aboard the vessel.

Authorities said passengers would undergo testing and quarantine under national health protocols upon arrival.

AFRICA

Ramaphosa faces renewed pressure after South Africa court ruling

Cyril Ramaphosa, South African president, is facing renewed political pressure after the Constitutional Court ruled parliament acted unlawfully in blocking impeachment proceedings against him in 2022.

Opposition leader Julius Malema called on Ramaphosa to resign following the judgement, which stemmed from allegations linked to stolen cash hidden at the president’s rural farm.

Ramaphosa has consistently denied wrongdoing and said he respects the court’s ruling, reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law.

The decision could reopen political and legal scrutiny around one of the biggest controversies of Ramaphosa’s presidency.

Fitch upgrades Ghana’s credit rating on fiscal reforms

Ratings agency Fitch has upgraded Ghana’s sovereign credit rating, citing stronger fiscal consolidation, improving growth and progress on debt restructuring.

The agency highlighted easing inflation and rising international reserves as key factors supporting the country’s economic recovery after years of financial distress.

The upgrade follows similar positive actions by Moody’s and S&P, signalling renewed investor confidence in Ghana’s reform programme.

However, analysts warn that global shocks and rising food and fuel costs could still threaten inflation stability.

Former Botswana president Festus Mogae dies at 86

Former Botswana president Festus Mogae has died at the age of 86, President Duma Boko announced.

Mogae, who led Botswana between 1998 and 2008, was widely respected for strengthening economic governance during a period of rapid growth fuelled by diamond revenues.

Boko described him as a principled statesman committed to discipline, prudent governance and national development.
Botswana has declared three days of national mourning in his honour.

At least 69 killed in militia attack in DR Congo

At least 69 people have reportedly been killed in a militia attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local and security sources.

The assault is among the deadliest recent incidents in a region plagued by armed group violence and instability.

Authorities have yet to provide full details, but the killings are expected to intensify concerns over worsening insecurity in eastern Congo, where multiple militias continue to operate despite military offensives and regional mediation efforts.