Day News Recap: Venezuela quake toll climbs as Iran tensions, Ukraine strikes and Asia markets slide

Venezuela was hit by two major earthquakes in quick succession, with the death toll rising from nearly 190 to at least 235 as rescuers searched for people trapped under rubble and officials warned that reconstruction costs could run into the billions.  🔗

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In the Middle East, Donald Trump said Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz and called it a violation of a ceasefire agreement, while the International Maritime Organization paused a planned evacuation of sailors after a cargo vessel was struck near Oman.  🔗 🔗

Diplomatic tensions around Iran also deepened as IAEA chief Rafael Grossi pressed for a very strong verification system and full access to monitor Iran's nuclear programme, Iran rejected a US GCC statement as interventionist and provocative, and Italy denied claims that US strikes on Iran had used Italian airbases.  🔗 🔗 🔗

Lebanon and Israel remained locked in talks as Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, even as fresh strikes were reported during the US mediated discussions.  🔗

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In Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia was hit by a Russian missile and drone attack that set fires and damaged civilian property, leaving at least nine people hurt, while Kyiv said it had intensified strikes on Russian logistics and communications in Crimea and near Moscow.  🔗 🔗

Elsewhere in the war, Ukraine sentenced a former senior intelligence officer to life in prison for spying for Russia, and Latvian intelligence said Russia may be preparing provocations against Poland or the Baltic states, adding to NATO concerns.  🔗 🔗

Public health and sanctions developments also featured, with officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo saying almost 300 Ebola positive people are unaccounted for, and the United States sanctioning Rwanda's Gasabo Gold Refinery and two executives over alleged smuggling from eastern DR Congo.  🔗 🔗

In Asia, Typhoon Mekkhala brought torrential rain and flooding to Taiwan and triggered evacuation orders for 2.2 million people in Japan, while Beijing police sealed off the area around CITIC Tower after a small aircraft crashed into the building.  🔗 🔗

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Other developments included North Korea's new weapons tests and Kim Jong Un's call for a more destructive military posture, the US Supreme Court allowing President Trump to end protected status for Haitians and Syrians, Kenya arresting more than 350 people during anniversary protests, and Montenegro detaining an Iranian Turkish suspect wanted by the US over a major hacking case.  🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗

In business and policy, Saudi Aramco resumed crude exports from Ras Tanura after nearly four months of disruption, Iran offered discounted crude to Indian refiners after a temporary US sanctions easing, Heathrow warned that Middle East conflict would cut passengers and profits, the EU proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainians while excluding new military age men, India named Mahesh Dixit as the next Intelligence Bureau chief, and Western Australia reported another suspected H5 bird flu case.  🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗

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