WORLD IN BRIEF: Iran Rejects Asset Claims, Israel strikes Beirut, 49 Die in Niger Desert

Trump rules out sanctions relief before Iran peace deal

Donald Trump, US President has said he will not unfreeze Iranian assets or lift sanctions until a peace agreement is reached. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said any concessions would come only after a deal is finalised, while warning that the US was either “very close to a deal” or prepared to escalate pressure on Tehran. He also said he would be willing to speak directly with Iran’s supreme leader.

Iran rejects reports of compensation using frozen assets

Iran has dismissed suggestions that its frozen assets could be used to compensate US allies for damage linked to regional conflicts. Kazem Gharibabadi, the deputy Foreign Minister said Iranian funds were neither “war spoils” nor a source of reparations, after reports that Washington was considering making the assets available for reconstruction and repair projects in Gulf states.

European leaders meet Zelensky in London

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London for talks on Ukraine’s defence and European security. The meeting comes as concerns grow that international attention is shifting from the war in Ukraine to tensions involving Iran.

Pioneering Australian cancer researcher Richard Scolyer dies

Renowned Australian cancer specialist Richard Scolyer has died aged 59, three years after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. Scolyer became internationally known after undergoing an experimental treatment based on groundbreaking melanoma research he developed alongside colleague Georgina Long. His case helped launch new clinical trials exploring treatments for glioblastoma.

Israel strikes Beirut despite fragile truce

Israeli air strikes hit southern Beirut for the first time since a US-brokered truce was announced last week, killing two people and injuring at least 20. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure following attacks on Israeli territory. The escalation has raised fresh concerns over the durability of the ceasefire.

AFRICA

Nearly 50 die of thirst in Niger desert tragedy

At least 49 people have died after a lorry broke down in a remote stretch of the Sahara Desert in northern Niger. The travellers, returning from Mali after Eid celebrations, became stranded without water in extreme temperatures. Only two people survived and managed to reach assistance, prompting a rescue operation.

Central African Republic agrees to take US deportees

The Central African Republic has agreed to accept migrants deported by the United States from third countries, according to sources familiar with the arrangement. The deal forms part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to accelerate deportations through agreements with several African nations.

Ramaphosa vows action against xenophobic violence

Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s President has pledged a crackdown on groups accused of fuelling anti-immigrant violence. His comments follow attacks targeting foreign nationals, prompting countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and Mozambique to assist affected citizens. Ramaphosa said migration concerns must not be exploited to incite unrest.

Guinea ruling coalition secures legislative majority

Parties backing President Mamady Doumbouya have won a commanding majority in Guinea’s parliamentary elections, according to provisional results. The outcome strengthens Doumbouya’s grip on power following his disputed election victory and further consolidates the position of the military leader who seized power in a 2021 coup.

US hospitals say they are ready for Ebola cases

US treatment centres specialising in infectious diseases say they are prepared to handle Ebola patients if necessary, despite Washington’s continued plans to build a quarantine facility in Kenya. The assurance comes as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda continues to grow, with hundreds of confirmed infections and dozens of deaths reported.