Breakfast News Recap: Iran and US widen Gulf confrontation as NATO, Gaza and IMF warnings add pressure

The United States and Iran traded strikes for a second day, widening the confrontation across the Gulf and increasing pressure on the Strait of Hormuz as Gulf bases came under attack.  🔗

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The IMF cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.0 percent, saying the war in the region has fed an energy shock that is still weighing on the world economy and markets.  🔗

In Gaza, Israeli air strikes and gunfire killed at least eight people, including two children, in incidents reported across Gaza City, Khan Younis and the Z... as ceasefire violations continued.  🔗

Washington also signalled a major policy shift on Syria, announcing it will remove Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, a move that could ease long standing barriers to investment and engagement.  🔗

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NATO leaders ended their summit in Ankara by reaffirming support for Ukraine and pledging to keep increasing defence spending, even as Donald Trump’s mixed messaging tested alliance unity. Mark Rutte insisted there was still cohesion among members, while Trump’s offer of Patriot missiles shaped the final hours.  🔗 🔗

In the Middle East and wider diplomacy, former Obama administration official Rahm Emanuel said Israel should no longer expect unconditional US aid, a remark delivered at Tel Aviv University that adds to debate over Washington’s stance.  🔗

Health concerns deepened in Africa, where Ebola deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reached at least 600, according to government data, and health workers have threatened strike action.  🔗

In Africa’s other major conflict, a senior Sudanese official proposed a national dialogue to try to end the civil war and set out a path towards civilian rule and elections.  🔗

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Elsewhere, Australia is poised to sign a major uranium deal with India during Narendra Modi’s visit, while Modi’s trip also included summit talks with Anthony Albanese in Melbourne and a call from Christopher Luxon in Auckland for India and New Zealand to defend the rules based international system.  🔗 🔗 🔗

In the United States, Democrat Graham Platner suspended his Maine Senate campaign after a series of scandals including a sexual assault allegation, while Donald Trump also posted a string of Truth Social messages, including praise for a $325 million SpaceX stock gift to children’s causes.  🔗 🔗 🔗

Separately, Patrick Weaver of Waterville, New York, pleaded guilty in Syracuse to distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.  🔗

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