US, Iran sign ceasefire agreement as Trump warns of renewed strikes

The United States and Iran have released the text of an interim agreement aimed at ending their conflict, with Donald Trump, US President, warning that military action could resume if Tehran fails to honour its commitments.

Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Trump said the United States would respond forcefully to any violation of the agreement, although he also softened his earlier stance on Iran’s ballistic missile programme, saying it would be “unfair” to deny Tehran such capabilities while other nations possess them.

The agreement is expected to maintain a ceasefire and create a 60-day diplomatic window for negotiations on a permanent settlement, including discussions over Iran’s nuclear activities and regional security.

Israel launches fresh Lebanon strikes despite Trump criticism

Israeli forces have carried out new strikes in southern Lebanon despite criticism from President Donald Trump, who warned that continued military escalation could undermine efforts to preserve the US-Iran peace arrangement.

Lebanese state media reported drone and air strikes in several areas, including Mansouri, Aaziyyeh, Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit, while Israel said several of its soldiers had been injured in a Hezbollah drone attack.

Trump previously urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to act with greater restraint in Lebanon, saying the conflict had continued for too long and caused too many deaths.

Bank of England expected to hold interest rates as inflation steadies

The Bank of England is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 3.75 percent as policymakers monitor inflation trends and economic uncertainty linked to tensions in the Middle East.

UK inflation remained at 2.8 percent in May, with slowing increases in food prices helping offset higher transport costs. The latest figures were lower than analysts had anticipated, reducing expectations of an immediate interest rate increase.

The central bank is expected to continue balancing concerns over inflation against the risk of slowing economic growth.

Prince Harry, Meghan expected to bring children to UK for first visit in years

Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to visit the United Kingdom with their children, Archie and Lilibet, in July, marking the children’s first visit to Britain in four years.

The trip is expected to coincide with the anniversary of the Invictus Games and could represent another step in improving relations between Prince Harry and the Royal Family following years of tensions.

It remains unclear whether King Charles will meet his grandchildren during the visit, while questions over security arrangements continue after Prince Harry’s legal challenge over his reduced police protection in the UK was rejected.

Bezos says AI will create labour shortages rather than replace workers

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has dismissed fears that artificial intelligence will make humans redundant, arguing instead that the technology will eventually create labour shortages.

Speaking at the VivaTech conference in Paris, Bezos said AI would increase productivity and accelerate innovation across industries, particularly in manufacturing and technology.

His remarks come at a time when many companies are reducing their workforce while investing heavily in AI-driven systems, fuelling debate over the technology’s impact on jobs.

AFRICA

Somaliland says Israel providing military training but no base planned

Somaliland’s defence minister has said Israel is training the territory’s police and military forces but denied reports that discussions are underway to establish an Israeli military base there.

The comments came during a high-level Somaliland visit to Israel following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.

Somalia has strongly rejected the move, describing Israel’s engagement with Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kenya, United States move closer to critical minerals agreement

Kenya is nearing a critical minerals agreement with the United States that would allow more of its strategic resources to be processed domestically, President William Ruto has said.

The proposed deal, covering rare earths and other key minerals, reflects a broader push by African nations to retain greater economic value from their natural resources rather than exporting raw materials.

Ruto said discussions with President Donald Trump and US officials had been positive and that both countries were close to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

South African unions urge workers to avoid anti-migrant protests

Major South African labour unions have called on workers to stay away from planned anti-immigrant demonstrations, warning that employees who miss work to participate may face consequences.

The appeal comes amid rising tensions and xenophobic attacks linked to groups demanding undocumented migrants leave the country.

The unions supported President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call not to blame migrants for South Africa’s economic and social challenges, urging solutions focused on unemployment, crime and failing public services.

BRICS bank approves $1 billion loan for South African infrastructure

The New Development Bank has approved a loan of up to $1 billion to help South Africa improve urban infrastructure across eight major municipalities.
The funding will support projects in water supply, sanitation, electricity distribution and waste management, with cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban among those expected to benefit.
The BRICS-backed lender said the programme is intended to strengthen essential public services and support sustainable development in South Africa’s urban centres.

European Union announces €493 million package for Ebola response

The European Union has unveiled a €493 million aid package to support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
The funding will cover emergency medical assistance, humanitarian support, vaccine and treatment research, and long-term improvements to healthcare systems in affected regions.

EU officials said the bloc remains committed to supporting international efforts against the outbreak, while health authorities currently assess the risk of Ebola spreading to Europe as very low.