Iran says US deal not imminent despite progress in talks

Iran says progress has been made in negotiations with the United States, but cautioned that a deal is not close, despite optimism from Washington. Esmail Baqai the Foreign ministry spokesman, said key issues had been resolved, though no one could claim an agreement was imminent. Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State said negotiators had a “pretty solid” proposal, while Donald Trump urged patience, saying talks were “proceeding nicely”. The proposed framework reportedly includes a ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and further discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Russia threatens new strikes on Kyiv after deadly missile barrage

Russia has threatened more “systematic strikes” on Kyiv days after one of the largest attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the war began. Moscow said future strikes would target command centres and drone facilities, while warning diplomats and foreign nationals to leave Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities said at least four people were killed and about 100 injured in the latest overnight assault. Russia claims the attacks were retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in occupied eastern Ukraine, an allegation Kyiv denies.

Oil prices fall on hopes of Iran peace agreement

Global oil prices dropped sharply as hopes of a possible peace agreement between the US and Iran eased fears of prolonged disruption in the Middle East. Brent crude fell more than five percent to below $98 a barrel after Rubio said a deal could be reached soon. Markets reacted positively to reports that any agreement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route closed since fighting erupted in February.
Vatican

Pope Leo apologises for Catholic Church’s historic role in slavery

Pope Leo XIV has issued the strongest papal apology yet for the Catholic Church’s historical involvement in slavery. In his first encyclical, the pontiff acknowledged the Church had taken centuries to fully condemn slavery and admitted some religious authorities once legitimised forms of subjugation. He described slavery as “a wound in Christian memory” and asked forgiveness on behalf of the Church.

AFRICA

Police disperse crowds at DR Congo Ebola treatment centre

Police fired warning shots in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after angry crowds attempted to reclaim the bodies of relatives who died at an Ebola treatment centre in Mongwalu. Authorities said the bodies remained highly infectious and required safe burial procedures to prevent further spread of the virus. The unrest followed a similar attack days earlier in nearby Rwampara, where isolation tents were set ablaze. Officials say the outbreak has now surpassed 900 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths.

Senegal appoints economist Ahmadou Lo as new prime minister

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the president of Senegal, has appointed economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as Senegal’s new prime minister following the dismissal of former ally Ousmane Sonko. Lo previously headed Senegal’s branch of the BCEAO regional central bank. The appointment comes amid political tensions within the ruling PASTEF party and growing economic concerns linked to debt and rising fuel costs.

Senegal parliament speaker resigns after government shake-up

Senegal’s parliament speaker El Malick Ndiaye has resigned, deepening political uncertainty days after President Faye dissolved the government. Ndiaye said his decision was made in the “higher interest of the nation”. Lawmakers are expected to meet to elect a new speaker and consider reinstating Sonko as a member of parliament.

WHO warns Ebola outbreak is outpacing response efforts

The World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda is spreading faster than containment efforts. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said delayed detection meant responders were “playing catch-up”. Uganda has confirmed two additional Ebola cases, bringing its total to seven, while neighbouring countries remain on high alert.

Three killed after vehicle crashes into elephant in Uganda park

At least three people died after a vehicle collided with an elephant inside Murchison Falls National Park. Ugandan police said the vehicle, carrying officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority, was travelling from Arua to Kampala when the crash occurred. Four others were injured. Wildlife authorities urged motorists travelling through protected areas to drive cautiously due to frequent animal crossings.