US submarine sinks Iranian warship as regional conflict escalates

Pete Hegseth, US Defence Secretary, has confirmed that an American submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean using a torpedo, calling it the first such sinking by the US since World War II. The vessel, reportedly identified by Sri Lankan officials as the Iris Dena, went down roughly 40km off Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Sri Lankan authorities said around 180 people were believed to have been on board. Eighty bodies were recovered, and 32 survivors rescued, many with serious injuries. The US released video footage appearing to show the ship being struck and exploding. The sinking marks a major escalation in the widening Middle East conflict.

Iran postpones Khamenei funeral amid ongoing bombardment

Iran has postponed funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as U.S. and Israeli strikes continue across the country. Officials cited logistical concerns and large expected crowds for the delay.
A member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts said the clerical body is close to selecting a successor. Tehran has responded to the strikes with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases.

Spain rejects Trump trade threat

Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off trade after Spain refused to allow American forces to use joint military bases for strikes on Iran.
In a televised address, Sánchez reiterated Spain’s stance of “no to war,” emphasising respect for international law. Trump has suggested possible embargoes and ordered officials to explore penalties against Madrid.

Russian LNG tanker sinks in the Mediterranean

A Russian liquefied natural gas tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, has sunk between Libya and Malta after explosions and a fire. Moscow blamed Ukrainian naval drones for the attack, though Kyiv has not commented.
All 30 crew members were rescued safely. The vessel was reportedly carrying 62,000 tonnes of LNG at the time of the incident. The cause of the blasts has not been independently verified.

Cuba plunged into a nationwide blackout

Most of Cuba, including Havana, experienced a major blackout after an unexpected outage at a key thermoelectric plant. The disruption comes amid ongoing fuel shortages and economic strain linked to long-standing U.S. sanctions.
Authorities are working to restore power as residents cope with recurring energy crises and rationing measures.

AFRICA

Landslide kills over 200 at Congo Coltan mine

More than 200 people have died after heavy rains triggered a landslide at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the mines ministry.
Rubaya accounts for roughly 15 per cent of global coltan production, a mineral vital for electronics manufacturing. The area is controlled by AFC/M23 rebels, who earlier reported a far lower death toll.

UK halts study visas from four countries

The UK government has announced it will stop issuing new study visas to nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, citing concerns about visa misuse.
Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, said asylum claims from individuals entering on study visas have significantly increased in recent years. The move has drawn attention amid broader debates over migration policy.

South Africa offers to mediate the Middle East conflict

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said South Africa is ready to help mediate the escalating Middle East conflict if requested. He emphasised dialogue and ceasefire efforts as the best path toward ending hostilities.
Ramaphosa also confirmed efforts are underway to assist South African citizens stranded in the region.

Former South African Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota Dies at 77

Veteran anti-apartheid activist and former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota has died at 77 years after a period of illness. Lekota was imprisoned on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela and later served as chairperson of the ruling ANC before forming the Congress of the People party.
His death marks the passing of another prominent figure from South Africa’s liberation struggle era.