China condemns US blockade of Iran’s ports as “dangerous escalation”
China has sharply criticised the United States’ naval blockade of Iranian ports, describing the move as “irresponsible and dangerous” amid already fragile ceasefire conditions.
Beijing’s foreign ministry warned that the blockade risks undermining stability in the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have escalated since Iran effectively restricted access following US-Israeli strikes. The waterway remains critical to global energy flows, and any disruption carries immediate consequences for international markets.
Donald Trump has defended the blockade as a tool to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, but analysts suggest the move also targets China, which remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil. Iranian officials have condemned the action as a violation of sovereignty, while uncertainty lingers over whether Chinese vessels — among the few still transiting the strait — will be directly affected.
Israel, Lebanon hold first direct talks in three decades
Israel and Lebanon have held their first direct diplomatic talks since 1993, in a rare attempt to de-escalate conflict linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The meeting, mediated by Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State was described as a “historic opportunity” to reduce tensions and potentially curb Hezbollah’s influence.
Discussions included the prospect of future negotiations, though no timeline has been set.
Lebanon pushed for a ceasefire and urgent humanitarian relief, while Israel reiterated its objective of disarming non-state armed groups. The talks come amid ongoing hostilities, with Hezbollah claiming multiple attacks on Israeli positions and Israel continuing military operations in southern Lebanon.
With more than 2,000 people reportedly killed since early March, the dialogue marks a tentative but significant diplomatic opening in a deeply entrenched conflict.
Spain moves to legalise half a million undocumented migrants
Spain has approved a sweeping plan to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, a move framed by Pedro Sánchez as both an economic necessity and a moral decision.
The proposal offers eligible migrants a renewable one-year residence permit, provided they can demonstrate at least five months of residence and a clean criminal record. Authorities say the policy reflects the reality that hundreds of thousands are already integrated into Spanish society and the labour market.
The initiative has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue it could incentivise further irregular migration. However, the government maintains that the measure will strengthen public services and support an ageing population by formalising a workforce that already underpins key sectors of the economy.
The policy places Spain at the centre of Europe’s ongoing debate over migration, labour needs, and demographic change.
Man wins €1m Picasso in global charity raffle
A €100 raffle ticket has secured a life-changing prize for art enthusiast Ari Hodara, who won an original work by Pablo Picasso, valued at over €1 million.
The winning piece, Tête de Femme (1941), depicts Picasso’s muse Dora Maar and was awarded through a charity draw organised in Paris. The initiative raised approximately €11m for Alzheimer’s research, with more than 120,000 tickets sold globally.
Hodara initially questioned whether the announcement was genuine when contacted by the auction house, reflecting the improbability of the win. The raffle, now in its third edition, continues to attract international attention for combining high-value art with philanthropic fundraising.
The highlights include increasing adoption and use of innovative fundraising models to support medical research, as well as expanding public engagement with fine art.
Trump turns on Meloni as transatlantic tensions deepen
Relations between Donald Trump, the US president, and Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, have deteriorated sharply, with Trump publicly criticising the Italian leader as lacking “courage”.
The remarks follow Meloni’s condemnation of Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV and her reluctance to support US efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Trump said he was “shocked” by her stance, marking a notable shift in what had been a close political alignment.
Italian officials, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, rallied behind Meloni, emphasising that alliances must be grounded in mutual respect rather than unquestioned support.
AFRICA
Wadagni wins Benin presidency in landslide victory
Romuald Wadagni has secured a decisive victory in Benin’s presidential election, winning more than 94 percent of the vote based on provisional results.
The outcome was widely anticipated after the main opposition failed to field a candidate, leaving Paul Hounkpe as the sole challenger. He conceded defeat early, acknowledging the inevitability of Wadagni’s win.
Backed by outgoing president Patrice Talon, Wadagni is expected to continue the administration’s policy direction, though questions remain about political inclusivity and the strength of democratic competition.
With voter turnout just under 60 percent, the election reflects both continuity and underlying tensions in Benin’s evolving political landscape.
Congo to receive US deportees under new migration deal
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to receive dozens of deportees from the United States under a new agreement aimed at accelerating migrant removals.
The arrangement involves individuals from third countries, including regions in Central and South America, marking an expansion of Washington’s strategy to partner with African states on migration enforcement.
The deal coincides with broader US engagement in the region, including efforts to broker peace between Congo and Rwanda and secure access to critical mineral resources.
While officials present the agreement as mutually beneficial, it raises complex legal and humanitarian questions about the transfer of migrants to countries with which they have no direct ties.
Cameroon separatists pause fighting ahead of papal visit
Separatist groups in Cameroon have announced a temporary halt in hostilities to allow safe passage during the visit of Pope Leo XIV.
The three-day pause, coordinated by an alliance of armed factions, is intended to ensure civilian safety and facilitate participation in events surrounding the pope’s visit to the nation’s conflict-affected Anglophone regions.
The gesture comes amid a nearly decade-long conflict that has left thousands dead and displaced many more. While the government has yet to formally respond, the move signals a rare moment of de-escalation tied to the symbolic influence of the papacy.
Peace and reconciliation remain central themes of the pope’s broader African tour, which includes multiple countries across the continent.
South Africa appoints Roelf Meyer as ambassador to the United States
South Africa has appointed Roelf Meyer as its new ambassador to the United States, signalling an effort to stabilise strained bilateral relations.
Meyer, a key figure in negotiations that ended apartheid and a former member of Nelson Mandela’s unity government, brings significant diplomatic experience to the role.
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have been tense, particularly during Trump’s presidency, with disputes over policy narratives and migration issues. The ambassadorial post had remained vacant since the previous envoy was expelled in 2025.
The appointment suggests an attempt to reset diplomatic engagement at a critical moment in US-Africa relations.
Somalia says major operation kills Al-Shabaab fighters
Somalia has announced the killing of 27 fighters from the militant group al-Shabab in a large-scale military operation conducted with international support.
The operation targeted areas in the Jubbaland region, with air strikes reportedly carried out by allied forces. Somali authorities said key members of the group were eliminated and significant quantities of weapons were seized.
The offensive forms part of ongoing efforts to weaken al-Shabab’s operational capacity, particularly in southern Somalia where the group maintains strongholds.
While officials described the operation as a major success, the continuation of such operations underscores the persistent security challenges facing the country and the continued reliance on external military assistance.
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