Breakfast News Recap: Hormuz tensions rise as Congo Ebola toll climbs and Europe faces political strain

Security in the Gulf came under fresh strain after Iranian authorities said one person was killed and three others injured when a merchant vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane already under pressure from regional tensions.  🔗 Bahrain also said it would not join an Iran proposed meeting in Oman on Monday on safe passage for shipping in the strait, underlining the diplomatic split over how to protect traffic through the waterway.  🔗

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In Yemen and along the Red Sea coast, the Houthis said they had carried out a drone and missile strike on a military base in southern Saudi Arabia, while Saudi officials reported a projectile from Yemen wounded two people in the Jazan region and damaged civilian property.  🔗  🔗 A separate report said the group has advanced along Yemen's Red Sea coast and tightened its hold around the Bab al Mandeb strait, raising fears over another vital maritime chokepoint.  🔗

In Iraq, security forces seized a drone launching platform in Maysan province that authorities say was linked to an attack on Saudi Arabia's oil pipeline infrastructure, adding to concern over cross border attacks involving unmanned systems.  🔗

Public health in central Africa remains severe, with Congolese authorities saying the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now passed 7,000 recorded cases, including 7,022 infections and 3,398 deaths.  🔗 The latest figures also show the disease has spread into South Ubangi, widening the challenge for health workers and local authorities.  🔗

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In Europe, Bulgaria is investigating an overnight fire and explosions at an ammunition storage site run by EMCO near Gorni Varpishta as possible sabotage, after the blast at the private defence company facility.  🔗 Spain's lower house approved a bill to create a special route to Spanish citizenship for Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before 29 September 1975, a move likely to draw concern in Morocco.  🔗

Political tensions were also visible in Germany, where about 150,000 people protested against the far right Alternative for Germany after its strong win in the Saxony Anhalt election.  🔗 In Sweden, voters went to the polls in a tight general election that could return the left wing opposition to power or bring the Sweden Democrats into government.  🔗

In the UK, the national security adviser said Europe must be ready to endure real hardship this winter if it wants to keep economic pressure on Russia, a sign that sanctions and energy strain remain central to the debate over support for Kyiv.  🔗 Turkey meanwhile blocked more than a dozen X accounts linked to LGBTQ organisations at the request of the authorities, according to a media watchdog.  🔗

In the United States, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration plan to cut and constrain the FEMA workforce, ruling the personnel changes unlawful.  🔗 Separately, the Justice Department said Nazira Haji Zada had been deported to Afghanistan after appearing before the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, the first known use of that little used federal process.  🔗

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In Nepal, the government is facing renewed criticism over its response to catastrophic flooding in mountain communities in Nepal and Tibet, with the missing toll still high as rescue and relief efforts continue.  🔗

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