Around the World in 5 – 19
“This is the dark time, my love,
It is the season of oppression, dark metal, and tears.
It is the festival of guns, the carnival of misery.”
Wednesday, 18 June ended the seventh consecutive day of strikes between Iran and Israel, with the Trump administration preparing for potential military engagement in the region. During media interviews earlier today, President Trump stated that Iran must completely surrender for diplomatic efforts to proceed; otherwise, US intervention is likely. This stance has revealed a schism within the Republican Party, as isolationist members resist military involvement. The current Chair of the United Nations Security Council, Guyana, announced that an emergency session will be held on Friday to discuss the ongoing conflict—at the request of Iran, and with support from Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria. The Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Cannon, has confirmed his attendance.
The European Commission has announced proposals to gradually stop the import of Russian gas and oil into the European Union by the end of 2027, in efforts to bolster energy independence and security. The proposals include phasing out pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), while allowing landlocked countries to retain short-term contracts for pipeline gas until the end of 2027. Commission members emphasised the importance of supporting a clean energy transition and maintaining the EU’s competitiveness in the global gas market amid ongoing regional insecurity.
Proposals between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have begun for formal peace agreements aimed at ending the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC. Following three consecutive days of dialogue held in Washington, both nations have agreed to sign a codified document on 27 June, outlining principles to “respect territorial integrity and end hostilities” in the region. Notably, the agreement will include provisions for “disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.” With the United States and Qatar acting as mediators, the signing will take place in Washington, overseen by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The resource-rich eastern DRC has been plagued by violence for over three decades.
As the Israeli military has continued its offensive in Iran, the deaths of toll has risen to 639 people since the beginning of the conflict. Washington-based group Human Rights Activists expressed concern over the rising death toll and the potential for nuclear contamination should Israel and the United States strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, at least 51 people were killed today and more than 200 injured while waiting at aid distribution sites—marking the largest single-day death toll at aid points. In total, nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed at aid sites following Israel’s partial lifting of the food blockade. Criticising Israel’s actions, the UNHCR stated, “There is no information to suggest that the people killed or injured were involved in hostilities or posed any threat to the Israeli military or to staff at the distribution points.”
In a sharp deterioration of diplomatic relations, New Zealand has announced it will suspend NZ$18.2 million in budget funding to the Cook Islands due to the latter’s growing ties with China. A representative for New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, stated that the islands’ core funding relies on a “high-trust bilateral relationship,” and that increasingly close relations with Beijing threaten this dynamic. China has made clear efforts to expand its influence within the Pacific region, though it insists this is not intended to “antagonise” New Zealand.
Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist, Bernardino Luini, c.1527.
