Trump says Iran peace deal signed as details remain unclear

Donald Trump, US President, has announced that a preliminary agreement between Washington and Tehran to end the Gulf conflict has been signed, though the terms have not yet been publicly released.

Speaking ahead of the G7 summit in France, Trump said Vice President JD Vance would attend a formal signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday. The proposed agreement is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend a 60-day ceasefire, and allow negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The deal could eventually bring major economic relief for Iran through sanctions easing, the release of frozen assets, and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund backed by Gulf states. Oil prices fell sharply following news of the agreement, as markets reacted to the prospect of restored stability in the region.

BBC investigation links Russia to arson attacks targeting UK prime minister

A BBC investigation has alleged that Russia was behind a sabotage campaign that included an arson attack on the home of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national convicted of conspiracy to commit arson, was allegedly directed by an online handler identified as “EL”, who investigators believe is linked to the Russian state.

The investigation found that Russian operatives used social media and Telegram to recruit individuals, spread disinformation and create fake extremist groups aimed at sowing division in Britain. Moscow denied involvement, insisting it poses no threat to the UK.

US B-52 bomber crashes shortly after take-off in California

A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in California, prompting an emergency response and the closure of the airfield.

Officials have not confirmed whether there were casualties. The aircraft, one of the military’s longest-serving strategic bombers, has played a key role in recent operations involving Iran.

Authorities said investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.

Zelensky proposes meeting Putin at G7 or in the United States

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President  said he offered to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G7 summit in France or in the United States as part of efforts to end the four-year war.

Zelensky said European leaders and the United States supported the idea of a meeting, but accused Russia of showing no willingness to engage in meaningful talks.
The proposal came after another wave of Russian attacks damaged sites in Kyiv, reinforcing calls for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Fox agrees $22 billion takeover of Roku to expand streaming empire

Media company Fox has agreed to buy streaming platform Roku in a $22 billion deal that would create one of the largest players in the US television market.

The acquisition will combine Roku’s vast smart TV platform with Fox’s live news, sports and streaming services, including Tubi, as traditional broadcasters race to strengthen their position in the growing online entertainment industry.

The companies said the merger represents a major strategic shift as viewers continue moving away from conventional television.

Norway’s crown princess’s son sentenced to four years for rape

Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape and several other offences.

The Oslo court acquitted him on two other rape charges, while his lawyers said they intend to appeal the verdict. The case has cast a shadow over Norway’s royal family, although Høiby does not hold an official royal role.

The court rejected a request for his release, citing concerns that he could contact a previous victim.

Yemeni daredevil known as ‘Spider-Man’ dies in volcanic crater fall

Yemeni social media personality Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, widely known as the “Spider-Man of Yemen” for his dangerous climbing stunts, has died after falling into the Hardah Dam volcanic crater.

The 30-year-old was attempting to climb the crater’s steep walls without safety equipment when he lost his grip and fell. Rescue teams later recovered his body after a difficult operation in the hazardous terrain.
His death has sparked widespread mourning among his followers online.

SpaceX raises record $85.7 billion in historic stock market debut

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has raised $85.7 billion in the largest initial public offering in history after banks exercised an option to purchase additional shares beyond the original offering.

The company initially raised $75 billion, but increased demand allowed underwriters to add another $10 billion through a “greenshoe” option.

The funds are expected to support SpaceX’s rapid expansion in space exploration and artificial intelligence technologies.

AFRICA

At least 28 killed after bus plunges into ravine in Ethiopia

At least 28 people have died and many others were injured after a bus travelling from Dessie to Addis Ababa crashed into a ravine in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.

Authorities said emergency teams responded to the scene, while the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Road accidents remain frequent in Ethiopia due to poor road conditions, weak enforcement of traffic rules and ageing vehicles.

South African markets rally after US-Iran agreement eases tensions

South African financial markets strengthened after news of a preliminary US-Iran agreement reduced fears over global energy disruptions.

The rand gained against the US dollar, while stocks and government bonds rose as oil prices fell to a three-month low. Mining shares also benefited from higher prices for precious metals.

Economists said improved global sentiment could provide temporary support for South Africa’s economy, though investors remain focused on upcoming inflation and retail sales data.

Senegal’s Sonko softens stance on debt restructuring ahead of IMF talks

Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s National Assembly speaker, has adopted a more flexible position on debt restructuring ahead of renewed discussions with the International Monetary Fund.

Sonko, who previously strongly opposed restructuring, said he does not hold rigid views on the issue as Senegal seeks to secure a new IMF lending programme.

His stance will be closely watched as he remains an influential political figure capable of shaping or challenging President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s economic agenda.