Iran signals swift leadership transition after Khamenei killing

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister says a new supreme leader could be selected within “one or two days” as the country begins a 40-day mourning period following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes.
Araghchi told Al Jazeera that a constitutional transition council, comprising the president, judiciary chief and a Guardian Council jurist has already assumed interim authority. President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the council has begun work, condemning Khamenei’s death as “a great crime” and announcing seven days of public holidays alongside national mourning.
The succession process unfolds amid continued exchanges of fire between Iran, Israel and US forces, raising fears of further regional escalation.

UAE closes stock markets after Iranian strikes

The United Arab Emirates has suspended trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market for two days following Iranian missile and drone strikes.
The UAE Capital Markets Authority said the closure allows regulators to assess the situation as damage reports emerge from attacks on airports, ports and residential areas. Billions of dollars in listed assets remain temporarily frozen as investors await clarity on the scale of disruption across the Gulf.

At least 153 dead after reported strike on school in Southern Iran

Iranian officials say at least 153 people, including children, were killed when a girls’ school in Minab, near an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps base, was hit by what authorities described as three missile strikes.
Iran has blamed the US and Israel. The US Central Command said it is reviewing the reports, while Israel’s military said it was not aware of operations in the area.
Iran’s Red Crescent says more than 200 people have been killed nationwide since the latest escalation began. The reported school strike has triggered anger on Iranian social media, though international media have not independently verified the death toll.

US gasoline prices expected to climb above $3

Analysts warn US gasoline prices could surpass $3 per gallon for the first time in months as conflict with major oil producer Iran disrupts global supply flows.
Retail tracker GasBuddy says oil prices typically respond first to geopolitical shocks, with fuel prices rising more gradually. Higher pump prices could pose political challenges ahead of US midterm elections, as inflation remains a key voter concern.

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At least 20 killed after Bolivian military plane crashes

A Bolivian air force C-130 Hercules transporting banknotes to the central bank crashed while landing in El Alto, killing at least 20 people, authorities say.
The aircraft reportedly skidded off the runway and struck nearby vehicles. Eight people were on board. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to seize scattered cash at the crash site. Investigations into the cause of the accident are under way.

AFRICA

Ghana confirms 55 Nationals killed in Russia-Ukraine war

Ghana’s foreign minister says at least 55 Ghanaians have died in the war in Ukraine, with two currently held as prisoners of war.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, speaking during a visit to Kyiv, described the figures as “depressing and frightening,” citing reports that hundreds of Africans have been recruited to fight, largely on Russia’s side. Ghana says it cannot ignore the mounting toll on its citizens.

Former US Diplomat jailed for life over Abuse in Burkina Faso

A former US embassy employee has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of sexually abusing two teenage girls in Ouagadougou.
The US Justice Department said the crimes occurred at a residence designated for diplomatic personnel, placing the case under US jurisdiction. Prosecutors said the defendant exploited the victims’ vulnerable circumstances over more than a year.

South Sudan at risk of ‘full-scale war,’ UN Warns

A United Nations investigative body says South Sudan faces a renewed risk of full-scale war unless impunity and widespread abuses are urgently addressed.
The report cites killings, systematic sexual violence, arbitrary detention and forced displacement amid worsening humanitarian conditions. It calls for coordinated diplomatic pressure, sanctions and continued enforcement of the UN arms embargo.

One Dead, five missing after Tugboat sinks off South Africa

One crew member is presumed dead and five remain missing after a tugboat sank about 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay.
South African Search and Rescue says 12 survivors have been recovered. Search operations continue despite difficult weather conditions.

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Kenyan MP among six killed in Helicopter crash

Six people, including a sitting member of parliament, were killed when a helicopter crashed in Nandi County in western Kenya.
Authorities say the cause of the crash is under investigation. President William Ruto offered condolences to the victims’ families as inquiries continue.