86 Confirmed Dead in Israel-Iran Strikes

Middle East

Israel and Iran Exchange Strikes, 86 Confirmed Dead

In a stunning escalation, Israel and Iran have exchanged direct strikes for the first time, shifting from years of covert and proxy warfare to full-scale military confrontation. On June 12, Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," a wave of airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and senior military officials, including IRGC commanders. Iran responded with "Operation True Promise III," firing over 150 missiles and 100 drones at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. Both sides have since continued exchanges, closed their airspace, and declared emergency measures. With oil prices spiking and global leaders urging restraint, the region braces for what could become a far wider conflict.

Read more | Timeline

Egypt detain 40 protestors participating in the Global March to Gaza, with 4,000 activists estimated to take part. Read more

Israel’s parliament rejects vote on its dissolutions after a compromise was reach on Netanyahu’s controversial military conscription bill. Read more

Africa

Ivory Coast Protests Erupt Over Presidential Ban

Thousands have taken to the streets across Ivory Coast after prominent opposition figure Tidjane Thiam was barred from running in the upcoming presidential election. Thiam, once at the helm of Credit Suisse and a former IMF official, was widely seen as a serious contender who could shake up the political status quo. His disqualification has sparked outrage among supporters, many of whom believe it’s a calculated move by those in power to keep the playing field tilted. Security forces have been deployed, and international observers are raising concern over the integrity of the election. In a country still carrying the scars of past post-election turmoil, the situation feels uncomfortably familiar.

Read more

Burundi’s elections move forward without major opposition, cementing President Ndayishimiye’s hold on power amid widespread boycotts. Read more

Outrage grows in Kenya after a well-known blogger died in police custody. Authorities have yet to provide a clear explanation. Read more

Asia & the Pacific

Thailand and Cambodia Ease Tensions with Border Talks

After escalating rhetoric and shuffling, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to hold high-level talks aimed at de-escalating tensions along their shared border. The latest standoff centers on long-standing border disputes—particularly around ancient temple sites like Preah Vihear—that have sparked tensions more than once. Joint patrols are being reinstated, troops are backing off from flashpoints, and economic projects once gathering dust are getting a second look. It's a welcome move, drawing cautious optimism across the region. Still, analysts warn that unless the dialogue keeps going, this fragile peace could end up as short-lived as a headline during awards season.

Read more

Grief turns to anger in India as families of Air India crash victims face delays in recovering remains, citing slow DNA identification. Read more

Bangladesh’s interim leader signals early elections following growing pressure from civil society and political opposition. Read more

Latin America & the Caribbean

Cristina Fernández Barred from Argentina’s Ballot

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner—Argentina’s former president and current vice president—has officially been ruled out of the upcoming elections, after a court upheld her corruption conviction. For months, rumors swirled about a possible political comeback, but that door now appears firmly shut. It’s a striking turn of events for a leader who once stood at the heart of Latin American power circles. Fernández and her supporters are calling the ruling a politically motivated takedown, while others see it as a long-overdue win for judicial independence. Either way, the fallout is real. With her off the ballot, Argentina’s political chessboard is being scrambled just as the country gears up for one of its most closely watched elections in years.

Read more

A UN report finds 1.3 million Haitians were displaced by gang violence in 2024—a record number that reflects the country’s deepening crisis. Read more

Brazil’s Supreme Court will now hold tech firms liable for harmful content, igniting a major legal battle over internet freedoms and responsibility. Read more

Eastern Europe

Ukraine Pushes Back Russian Advance in Sumy

President Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian offensive in the northeastern Sumy region. The area has seen increasing attacks in recent weeks as Russia tests Ukraine’s defenses ahead of a likely summer escalation. Kyiv claims its forces are holding the line, but calls for more Western support are growing louder as ammunition and manpower dwindle. The outcome of this front could determine control over key energy routes and farmland.

Read more

Poland’s PM Donald Tusk survives a confidence vote, helping stabilize his government amid clashes with the nationalist president. Read more

Bosnia signed a new EU pact to improve border security, as the bloc faces mounting pressure to prevent illegal migration and cross-border crime. Read more

Good News Around the World

The High Seas Treaty, aiming to protect 30% of ocean, could take effect as early as January, as more and more countries ratify it. Read more

Brazil’s murder rate has dropped 20% over the last decade, as community programs and smarter policing yield results. Read more

Vatican City joins the 100% renewable energy club, following the late Pope Francis’ pledge to build a new solar plant. Read more