US-Iran talks begin amid fresh threats over Lebanon tensions

The United States and Iran have begun a new round of direct negotiations in Switzerland following their preliminary agreement to end the Gulf conflict, but the talks opened with renewed exchanges of threats between President Donald Trump and Iran’s lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Trump warned that the US could launch fresh attacks on Iran if it failed to restrain Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group engaged in renewed clashes with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Ghalibaf dismissed the warning, saying Iran would not bow to threats and remained prepared for any confrontation.

The talks in Switzerland aim to turn the temporary agreement, which includes a 60-day negotiation period, an end to regional hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, into a lasting settlement. However, continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has raised concerns about the durability of the ceasefire.

Starmer faces growing pressure over his political future

Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, is facing increasing pressure to clarify his future after Labour’s defeat in the Makerfield by-election strengthened calls for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to challenge for the party leadership.

Senior figures within Labour have reportedly urged Starmer to consider a timetable for stepping down, while Cabinet minister Peter Kyle acknowledged that the prime minister was weighing the political realities following the election setback.

Adding to the pressure, US President Donald Trump claimed that Starmer would eventually resign and criticised his policies on immigration and energy. Downing Street has insisted that Starmer intends to remain in office and would contest any leadership challenge.

Crimea halts public fuel sales as Ukrainian strikes intensify

Russian-installed authorities in occupied Crimea have suspended fuel sales to the public as Ukraine’s attacks on Russian military and energy infrastructure continue to disrupt supply lines.

The restrictions followed a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil depot in Kerch that killed four people and injured dozens, according to local authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attacks as a necessary response to Russia’s continued assault on Ukrainian territory.

The fuel shortage marks one of the most severe logistical challenges faced by Crimea since Russia annexed the peninsula in 2014, highlighting Ukraine’s growing ability to target strategic assets far behind the front lines.

Israel says troops can act freely in Lebanon despite the ceasefire

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared that Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon have full freedom to eliminate threats, despite a recently announced ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The comments came after Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people in Lebanon following allegations that Hezbollah had fired projectiles at Israeli positions. Hezbollah denied violating the truce and said it remained committed to the ceasefire as long as Israel respected its terms.

The renewed violence has raised fears that the fragile agreement linked to broader US-Iran peace efforts could quickly collapse.

Man charged over suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh

Police in Scotland have charged a 36-year-old man in connection with a series of violent incidents in Edinburgh that authorities believe may have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.

Five men were injured in attacks across several areas of the city, with three requiring hospital treatment. Videos circulating online showed a shirtless man carrying a weapon and making remarks about “protecting the country” before being detained by police.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incidents, describing them as deeply concerning, while investigators continue to examine the motives behind the attacks.

AFRICA

Abiy secures election victory as Ethiopia faces renewed instability fears

Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopian Prime Minister Prosperity Party has secured an overwhelming victory in the country’s general election, winning 438 of the 501 contested parliamentary seats and guaranteeing him another term in office.

While supporters credit Abiy with pursuing economic reforms and modernisation, critics warn that unresolved ethnic tensions and ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions could push Ethiopia into further instability.

The election was also criticised by opposition groups due to security concerns, limited participation, and the closure of several polling stations in conflict-affected areas.

African and Caribbean states demand slavery reparations and formal apology

African and Caribbean nations have renewed calls for countries that benefited from the transatlantic slave trade to issue formal apologies and provide reparations.

The demand was made at a conference in Ghana that endorsed a 19-point reparations plan, including debt relief, the return of looted cultural artefacts, and the creation of a global reparations fund.

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama said the legacy of slavery requires not inherited guilt but a collective responsibility to address its lasting economic and social consequences.

US ends HIV funding for South Africa amid diplomatic dispute

The United States has announced it will stop financing HIV and AIDS programmes in South Africa, ending support that had provided roughly $400 million annually through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Washington linked the decision to concerns over South Africa’s policies and its treatment of the white Afrikaner minority, claims that Pretoria has strongly rejected. South Africa’s government said it had already begun preparing plans to become less dependent on foreign funding.

The decision adds to worsening diplomatic tensions between the two countries under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Kenya seeks $1.2 billion in financing for major airport expansion

Kenya has appointed the Trade and Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation to arrange financing for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

The $1.2 billion project aims to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from current levels to 22 million and is expected to be completed over three years.

The project was revived after Kenya cancelled a previous agreement with India’s Adani Group, and officials say funding will be secured through a combination of development finance institutions and commercial lenders.

Congo Ebola outbreak worsens as cases rise above 950

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has continued to accelerate, with confirmed infections increasing to 956 and the death toll rising to 247.

Health authorities reported a sharp increase in new cases over recent days, raising fears of continued community transmission and further spread to new areas.

The worsening outbreak has prompted renewed calls for stronger containment measures, improved contact tracing and increased international support to prevent the crisis from escalating further.