Trump says US ready to strike Iran if talks fail

Donald Trump, the United States President, has said Washington is prepared to launch further military action against Iran if negotiations over a peace deal collapse, though he indicated the US could wait “a few days” to secure what he called the “right answers”. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, Trump warned the situation could escalate rapidly if diplomacy fails. Iran responded by warning that any renewed aggression would trigger a wider regional conflict, while also unveiling a new authority to oversee traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

UK signs £3.7bn trade deal with Gulf states

The United Kingdom has agreed a major trade pact with the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, a deal the British government says will add £3.7bn to the economy and remove hundreds of millions of pounds in tariffs on exports. The agreement with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is the first between the GCC and a G7 nation. British officials said the deal would boost trade and investment opportunities, although rights groups criticised the absence of clear labour and human rights safeguards.

US surveillance flights intensify near Cuba amid rising tensions

The United States military has increased surveillance operations near Cuba, with aircraft and drones publicly broadcasting their locations as tensions between Washington and Havana deepen. Data analysed from flight-tracking platforms showed several US Navy surveillance planes and MQ-4C Triton drones operating close to Cuban airspace in recent weeks. The deployments come amid reports of a US fuel blockade on Cuba and accusations that Havana is developing drone capabilities capable of targeting the US mainland.
US charges Raúl Castro with murder in major escalation against Cuba
The United States has filed murder and conspiracy charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 shooting down of planes operated by Cuban exiles. The indictment marks a sharp escalation in President Donald Trump’s campaign against Cuba’s communist government. Castro, now 94, faces multiple charges, though there is no indication he will be extradited from Cuba.

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt Russian oil refining capacity

Russian oil refining operations have been severely disrupted after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks forced several major refineries in central Russia to halt or reduce production. Industry data and sources said affected facilities account for roughly a quarter of Russia’s total refining capacity and more than 30 percent of gasoline output. Moscow had already imposed a temporary gasoline export ban amid mounting pressure on domestic fuel supplies.

AFRICA

Sierra Leone receives first group of US deportees

Sierra Leone has received nine West African migrants deported from the United States under a new agreement with Washington aimed at accelerating removals of undocumented migrants. The group, which included nationals from Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal, arrived in Freetown aboard a chartered flight. Sierra Leone has agreed to accept up to 300 deportees annually, though officials said migrants would eventually be returned to their countries of origin under ECOWAS protocols.

WHO warns Ebola vaccine could take months as outbreak worsens

The World Health Organization has warned it could take up to nine months before a vaccine for the current Bundibugyo strain of Ebola becomes available. WHO officials said suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo had risen to 600, with 139 suspected deaths, while confirmed infections have also spread into Uganda. The outbreak has been declared an international public health emergency, although officials stressed it had not reached pandemic status.

Somaliland to open embassy in Jerusalem after Israeli recognition

Somaliland says it plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem after Israel formally recognised the self-declared republic last year. Israel is also expected to establish diplomatic representation in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, marking a significant strengthening of ties. Somalia has condemned the move as a violation of its sovereignty, while Somaliland hopes Israeli recognition will encourage broader international acceptance.

South African markets rally as inflation surge fuels rate hike bets

South African financial markets strengthened after inflation accelerated sharply in April, increasing expectations that the central bank may raise interest rates next week. Headline inflation rose to 4 percent, driven largely by higher fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict and disruptions in global oil markets. Economists say the rand, government bonds and equities all benefited from growing expectations of tighter monetary policy.