Trump says Iran ceasefire on ‘massive life support’ after rejecting Tehran proposal

Donald Trump, US President said the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was on “massive life support” after rejecting Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump described Iran’s response as “totally unacceptable” and accused Tehran of repeatedly shifting its position in negotiations.

Iran’s counter-offer, delivered through Pakistani mediators, reportedly called for an immediate halt to the war on all fronts, an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, guarantees against future attacks, and recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

Esmail Baghaei,Iranian foreign ministry spokesman defended the proposal as “responsible” and “generous”, warning that Tehran would act “in any way necessary to secure our interests”.

The exchange highlights deep divisions despite a ceasefire that has largely held since April, with tensions still centred on maritime security and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Suspect pleads not guilty over attack at White House correspondents’ dinner

A man accused of attacking the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington has pleaded not guilty to federal gun charges and attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.

Prosecutors say 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen tried to force his way past security at the Washington Hilton hotel before exchanging gunfire with Secret Service agents. One agent was struck but survived after his bullet-proof vest absorbed the impact.

The incident triggered the evacuation of Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and senior administration officials from the annual gathering attended by journalists and political figures.

Allen appeared in court on Monday shackled at the wrists and feet as proceedings formally began before US District Judge Trevor McFadden.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte impeached for second time

Philippine lawmakers have voted to impeach Vice-President Sara Duterte for a second time, escalating a political feud that could derail her expected 2028 presidential bid.

The House of Representatives approved the impeachment motion by an overwhelming majority, sending the case to the Senate for trial.

Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, faces allegations of misusing public funds and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his family.

She dismissed the proceedings as politically motivated and refused to participate in committee hearings.

A conviction in the Senate would bar her from holding public office, though analysts say the outcome remains uncertain given the country’s shifting political alliances.

Hantavirus cases rise after final passengers leave virus-hit cruise ship

Authorities confirmed three new hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius after the last passengers disembarked in Tenerife.

The vessel had been at the centre of a deadly outbreak that killed three passengers and left several others infected or under observation.

Health officials said an American and a French passenger tested positive after returning home, while a Spaniard in quarantine in Madrid also provisionally tested positive.

The World Health Organization has now confirmed seven cases connected to the ship, with two additional suspected infections under investigation.

Passengers evacuated from the vessel are being isolated or monitored in multiple countries as authorities attempt to prevent wider transmission.

US sanctions firms accused of helping Iran ship oil to China

The United States imposed fresh sanctions on companies and individuals accused of helping Iran export oil to China, days before Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Treasury Department targeted entities based in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, alleging they assisted Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps in moving oil through front companies.

The measures add to mounting US pressure on Tehran as negotiations over the Iran conflict remain stalled and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted.

AFRICA

Ramaphosa rejects resignation calls after South Africa court ruling

Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President  has ruled out resigning after a Constitutional Court decision revived pressure for impeachment proceedings linked to the Phala Phala cash scandal.

The court found parliament acted unlawfully in blocking an impeachment inquiry in 2022 over allegations connected to the theft of large sums of money from Ramaphosa’s private farm.

Ramaphosa denied wrongdoing and said he would challenge the findings in court, insisting the funds came from a legitimate buffalo sale.

Opposition parties have renewed calls for his resignation, arguing the ruling has reopened questions about accountability and transparency within government.

Macron courts African leaders as France seeks reset on continent

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted more than 30 African leaders in Kenya on Monday as Paris sought to rebuild influence across Africa after a series of diplomatic setbacks in West Africa.

At the Africa Forward Summit, Macron announced investment commitments worth €23bn spanning infrastructure, clean energy, artificial intelligence and port development.

French shipping giant CMA CGM pledged €700m to modernise facilities at Kenya’s Mombasa port, while Macron framed the summit as part of a broader push for “strategic autonomy” between Europe and Africa.

The gathering comes as France faces growing competition from China, Russia and Gulf states across the continent.

Congo rebels withdraw from positions amid US diplomatic pressure

The Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebel movement has withdrawn from several positions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the first major battlefield shift in months.

Congolese military officials said the retreat followed pressure from both government forces and the United States.

The rebels pulled back from areas north of Uvira in South Kivu province, while displaced civilians who fled to neighbouring Burundi have reportedly begun returning home.

Fighting nevertheless continues across eastern Congo despite international mediation efforts and renewed diplomatic engagement by Washington.

UN warns drones driving sharp rise in civilian deaths in Sudan

The United Nations has warned that escalating drone warfare in Sudan is fuelling a surge in civilian casualties as the conflict risks entering a “deadlier phase”.

Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief said drone strikes accounted for around 80 percentof conflict-related civilian deaths between January and April this year.

At least 880 people were reportedly killed in drone attacks during the period, with the worst violence concentrated in the Kordofan region.

The warning comes as Sudan’s war continues to widen, worsening displacement and humanitarian conditions across the country.

Republic of Congo seeks new IMF financing programme

The Republic of Congo has formally requested talks with the International Monetary Fund over a new financing arrangement as the oil-producing nation seeks economic reforms and diversification.

A technical IMF mission is expected to arrive in the country within weeks to discuss the framework for a potential programme.

The move follows the completion of Congo’s previous IMF support package earlier this year and comes as President Denis Sassou Nguesso continues efforts to stabilise the economy after securing another term in office.