Congo faces setback in mpox response after Rwanda-backed rebels advance in the east

Here are the key events on day 1,214 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.On June 22, fighting intensified as Russia struck multiple locations in Ukraine, resulting in at least seven deaths, while Ukraine indicated preparations for new Russian military operations. Politically, Ukraine imposed new sanctions against individuals in occupied territories, while Russia contested claims of body exchanges, stating they were propaganda. Need More Context? 🔎

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, Tehran has been left shrouded in smoke following an Israeli airstrike on June 15, 2025. With Iran's parliament considering closing the critical Strait of Hormuz, which transits about a fifth of the world's oil, experts warn that such an action could trigger significant market turmoil, potentially raising oil prices from $71.77 to $120 per barrel. Need More Context? 🔎

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, urging all involved to exercise restraint and seek de-escalation to avoid further instability in the region. The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the attacks, which follow a series of escalations between the US, Israel, and Iran, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The United States bombed some places in Iran that make...

A buyer, Ningfei Du, successfully canceled a $10 million purchase of an Auckland mansion due to safety concerns after a landslide caused by January 2023 storms, which also resulted in a fatality nearby. The High Court ruled in March that he could recover his $1 million deposit and awarded him over $175,000 in costs. Need More Context? 🔎

Two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, have returned home after over two years in jail in Equatorial Guinea on disputed drug charges, which the UN deemed arbitrary. They were pardoned following a campaign by their families and the South African government, with their arrest linked to the seizure of luxury assets belonging to the country's vice-president. Need More Context? 🔎

The world awaits Iran's response following US President Trump's declaration of significant military action against its nuclear sites, which involved massive bombardments that Iran vowed to retaliate against while also launching missiles at Israel. While Tehran considers its options, US officials assert that the strikes were aimed solely at neutralizing the Iranian nuclear threat, not regime change, as tensions escalate in the region. Need More Context? 🔎