Israel tests limits of diplomacy with Iran

Israel launched fresh strikes on Iran despite public calls from Donald Trump for restraint, signalling that it wants a direct role in any future US-Iran peace agreement. The brief exchange of fire underscored Israeli concerns that its security interests could be sidelined in negotiations, even as both sides later stepped back from further escalation.

Iran and Israel pause attacks after Trump appeal

Iran and Israel said they had halted strikes against each other following a call by US President Donald Trump to stop hostilities. Tehran warned, however, that it could resume attacks if Israel continued operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, highlighting the fragility of the truce.

US judge strikes down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee

A federal judge ruled that Donald Trump’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas was unlawful, finding it amounted to a tax that Congress had never authorised. The decision blocks implementation of one of the administration’s most controversial immigration measures targeting highly skilled foreign workers.

Trump approval remains near low as fuel price fears persist

Donald Trump’s approval rating held at 35%, close to the lowest level of his political career, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Most Americans surveyed said they expected petrol prices to rise further over the next year amid concerns linked to the Iran conflict.

Philippines earthquake kills at least 35

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake off Mindanao in the southern Philippines has killed at least 35 people, injured more than 130 and displaced around 10,000 families. The quake triggered tsunami alerts across the Asia-Pacific region before warnings were later downgraded or cancelled.

AFRICA

Malawi repatriates citizens amid South Africa xenophobia fears

More than 150 Malawians have begun returning home from South Africa following anti-immigrant unrest in Western Cape province. The move follows similar repatriation efforts by Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe as concerns grow over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Congo Ebola deaths surpass 100 as insecurity hampers response

The Democratic Republic of Congo said confirmed Ebola deaths have risen to 101, with total confirmed infections reaching 550. Authorities warned that armed groups operating in eastern provinces continue to obstruct containment efforts in one of the country’s most severe outbreaks.

IMF approves $250m support package for Rwanda

The International Monetary Fund approved a 38-month, $250 million credit facility for Rwanda to help the country navigate tighter global financial conditions while protecting development spending. The IMF said economic growth remained strong but warned of risks from higher energy and fertiliser prices.

WHO urges Uganda to reconsider Congo border closure

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on Uganda to rethink its temporary border closure with the Democratic Republic of Congo, arguing that broad travel restrictions are ineffective in containing Ebola outbreaks.

Egypt inflation expected to ease before renewed pressures

Analysts expect Egypt’s annual urban inflation rate to have eased slightly to 14.5 percent in May from 14.9 percent  in April. Economists cautioned, however, that planned electricity tariff increases and broader price pressures could push inflation higher again in the months ahead.