Middle East Escalation: Israel and Iran traded retaliatory strikes again, with Iran reporting blasts across Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan and Israel hitting military targets, as Trump publicly urged Netanyahu to avoid further retaliation while insisting he “calls the shots.” Diplomacy Under Strain: The flare-up threatens fragile ceasefire talks, even as the US signals a more direct approach to groups it once labeled “terrorist,” including talk with Hezbollah and possible engagement with Iran’s leadership. Ukraine War: NATO jets were scrambled to shoot down a Russian drone over Latvia, while Europe’s leaders (UK, France, Germany) laid out conditions for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal and Ukraine reported heavy Russian losses and strikes on Russian logistics. China-North Korea: Xi Jinping began a rare trip to North Korea to deepen ties with Kim Jong-un, underscoring Beijing’s push for influence amid Pyongyang’s outreach. EU-China Trade: Brussels plans a dedicated tool to reduce reliance on China as trade deficits and critical-supply risks (rare earths, chips) intensify. Aviation Shock: IATA warned airline profits could be halved in 2026 as Middle East disruptions and fuel costs surge. Africa Focus: South Africa prepared for a Mexico test in football, while Nigeria rescheduled evacuation flights after xenophobic attacks in South Africa.