WORLD IN BRIEF: US, Iran near deal but hurdles remain, UK to use AI for migrant age checks, Kenya inflation hits two-year high and other stories

US and Iran close to deal but key issues unresolved, Vance says

JD Vance, United States vice president says Washington and Tehran are “very close” to reaching an agreement, though several major sticking points remain unresolved.

Vance told the BBC it was still too early to say whether a final deal would be signed, despite reports that both sides had agreed on a framework to extend the ceasefire and restart negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

The proposed arrangement could reportedly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lift parts of the US blockade and allow Iran to resume oil exports. However, Iran’s Tasnim news agency said no agreement had yet been finalised.

Netanyahu orders expanded Israeli control of Gaza

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister  says he has instructed the military to expand its control of Gaza to 70 percent of the territory, signalling a major escalation despite an existing ceasefire agreement.

Speaking at a conference, Netanyahu said Israeli forces currently controlled around 60 percent of Gaza and would continue increasing pressure on Hamas “from all sides”.
The comments come as indirect US-backed talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled over disarmament and troop withdrawals. Palestinian authorities say more than 700 people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect in October.

UK to deploy AI facial recognition for migrant age checks

Britain will begin using artificial intelligence facial recognition technology next year to determine whether asylum seekers claiming to be children are actually adults.

The Home Office says the system will analyse photographs taken at the border and help identify migrants attempting to “game the system”.

Human rights groups criticised the plan, warning the technology remains unreliable and could wrongly classify vulnerable children as adults. Government figures show more than 40 percent of migrants assessed after claiming to be minors were later found to be adults.

NATO condemns Russia after drone strike injures civilians in Romania

NATO and European Union leaders have condemned Russia after a drone strike hit a residential building in Romania, injuring two people and triggering fears of further escalation.

The explosion occurred in the eastern Romanian town of Galati near the Ukrainian border after a Russian drone crashed into an apartment block and detonated.
NATO secretary general Mark Rutte described Russia’s actions as “reckless”, while Romania’s president called it the most serious incident affecting Romanian territory since the Ukraine war began.

Kenyan court blocks planned US Ebola quarantine facility

A Kenyan court has suspended plans for a US-run Ebola quarantine facility following public concern over infection risks.
The proposed 50-bed centre was intended to treat American citizens exposed to Ebola in DR Congo and Uganda. Rights groups argued the plan posed “grave and imminent risks” to Kenya’s public health system.
The High Court halted the project pending further hearings, as the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa continues to worsen with more than 220 suspected deaths.

Kenya school fire sparks fresh safety fears after 16 students die

The deaths of 16 students in a boarding school fire in Kenya have renewed concerns about safety standards in the country’s schools.
The blaze broke out at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, northwest of Nairobi, injuring dozens more students and forcing parents to desperately search for information about their children.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, though school blazes in Kenya have often been linked to arson and poor dormitory safety standards.

Kenya arrests eight students over deadly school fire

Kenyan investigators have arrested eight students on suspicion of arson following the deadly boarding school fire that killed 16 girls.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the arrests were part of an ongoing probe into the blaze at Utumishi Girls Academy.
The tragedy has intensified debate over safety conditions in Kenya’s boarding schools, where fatal fires have repeatedly occurred over the years.

Kenya inflation jumps to highest level in more than two years

Kenya’s inflation rate rose sharply for a second straight month in May, reaching its highest level since January 2024 as fuel prices surged amid the Iran conflict.

Annual inflation accelerated to 6.7 percent from 5.6 percent in April, driven mainly by higher transport, food and energy costs.
The rise follows increases in fuel prices linked to global oil market disruptions caused by the US-Israel war with Iran, with transport operators already launching protests over the higher costs.