Trump says Xi pledged no arms support for Iran amid war tensions

Donald Trump, the United States President  has said Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him Beijing would not supply weapons to Iran during the ongoing Middle East conflict, following Trump’s visit to China last week.

Trump said Xi also supported keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, as Washington seeks Chinese influence to help sustain the fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel and the US. The remarks came as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China, underscoring Beijing’s close ties with Moscow and Tehran.

Car bomb near Syria defence ministry kills one, injures more than 20

At least one soldier was killed and more than 20 people wounded after a car bomb exploded near Syria’s Defence Ministry building in Damascus. Syrian authorities said security forces had discovered an improvised explosive device before a second explosion ripped through the Bab Sharqi district of the capital. Videos shared online showed smoke rising above the scene as emergency crews battled the blaze. No group immediately claimed responsibility.

Thailand cuts visa-free stay period over security concerns

Thailand will reduce visa-free stays for travellers from more than 90 countries, including the United Kingdom, under a revised immigration policy aimed at tightening security and simplifying entry rules. The government said tourists who previously enjoyed 60-day visa-free stays would now generally be limited to 30 days unless covered by separate bilateral agreements. Officials cited concerns over crime, trafficking and misuse of the current system.

Trump-backed Gaza reconstruction body warns of funding shortfall

A body established by United States President Donald Trump to oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza has warned of a major funding gap, despite pledges totalling $17bn. Reports submitted to the United Nations Security Council said much of the promised money had yet to be disbursed, raising concerns over delays to rebuilding efforts in the devastated enclave. Critics have questioned the structure of the initiative, which bypasses several traditional international aid organisations.

Israeli strikes kill 22 in Lebanon despite ceasefire extension

Lebanon’s Health Ministry says at least 22 people were killed in Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours, despite the extension of a 45-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The latest strikes hit areas including Nabatieh and Harouf in southern Lebanon, with drone and air attacks destroying homes and vehicles. The death toll since fighting resumed in March has now exceeded 3,040, according to Lebanese authorities.

AFRICA

Kenya suspends transport strike after fuel protests turn deadly

Kenya’s transport operators have suspended a nationwide strike that paralysed Nairobi and other cities after talks with the government over soaring fuel prices. The strike, triggered by sharp increases in petroleum costs linked to disruptions in Middle East supply routes, left commuters stranded and businesses shut. Authorities said at least four people were killed, 30 injured and more than 700 arrested during protests. Operators warned they could resume industrial action within a week if negotiations fail.

WHO to convene emergency meeting as DR Congo Ebola deaths rise

The World Health Organization will hold an emergency committee meeting as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo worsens, with deaths rising to 131 from more than 500 suspected cases. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the outbreak, which has already spread into neighbouring Uganda. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has been declared an international public health emergency.

South Africa raises steel import duties to shield struggling industry

South Africa has increased import tariffs on a range of steel products to protect domestic manufacturers from rising imports and weak demand. New duties ranging from 10% to 30% will apply to products including steel bars, pipes and flat-rolled iron. Officials said the measures were intended to give local producers breathing space to restructure and invest amid mounting pressure from cheaper Chinese imports.

Somaliland, Israel move to establish embassies

Somaliland says it will open an embassy in Jerusalem while Israel plans to establish diplomatic representation in Hargeisa, marking a significant deepening of ties after Israel formally recognised Somaliland’s independence last year. The move has drawn criticism from the African Union, the United Nations and other international bodies, which continue to recognise Somaliland as part of Somalia despite its self-declared independence since 1991.