· Pakistan-Afghanistan "Open War": Pakistan's Defence Minister stated the country is in an "open war" with Afghanistan after cross-border clashes. Pakistan reported killing over 130 Afghan militants, while Afghanistan says civilians were also killed. China has called for a ceasefire .
· Iran Nuclear Standoff: As the U.S. military builds up in the region, a senior Iranian cleric vowed Iran will never suspend uranium enrichment. While talks continue via Oman, the U.S., UK, and Germany have all urged their citizens to leave Iran .
· U.S. Personnel Withdraw: The U.S. Embassy in Israel authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel. Separately, large numbers of Americans have reportedly left Iraq via Baghdad airport amid rising security concerns .
🌎 Other Major Global Stories
· Tragedy in Brazil & Italy: The death toll from flooding and landslides in Brazil's Minas Gerais state has tragically risen to 64 . In Milan, a tram derailed and crashed into a building, killing two people and injuring dozens .
· Ghanaian Fighters in Ukraine: Ghana's foreign minister announced that 55 Ghanaian citizens have been killed while fighting in Ukraine, having been allegedly lured into the conflict under false pretences .
· Trump on Cuba: U.S. President Donald Trump raised the prospect of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, citing the island nation's economic struggles .
· EU-Mercosur Trade Deal: The European Commission moved to provisionally implement a major trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc, a move that has caused a political split between France and Germany .