Trump delays decision on US response to Iran conflict as tensions escalate
President Donald Trump has said he will decide “within two weeks” whether the United States will become directly involved in the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, cited the possibility of upcoming negotiations with Iran as a reason for delaying immediate action. Trump has often used two-week deadlines in past political decisions, many of which passed without resolution. While the administration is maintaining “strategic ambiguity,” it has reiterated concerns that Iran is closer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon - despite intelligence suggesting otherwise. New satellite imagery has confirmed significant damage to Iran’s nuclear reactor at Arak, intensifying global concern. The US remains publicly non-committal, with Leavitt declining to address hypotheticals about potential strikes or regime change. Diplomacy may yet gain ground as European and American officials pursue back-channel discussions with Tehran. However, Trump’s unpredictability has left many allies uncertain, and the global community is watching closely for any sudden shift in American policy toward military engagement.
Sri Lanka: discovery of mass grave reopens old wounds for Tamils
In Chemmani, near Jaffna, police are now guarding the site of a newly unearthed mass grave, where so far 19 bodies (including three infants) have been discovered. This grim finding has reopened deep wounds for the Tamil community, long scarred by the brutal 26-year civil war. Allegations persist of mass killings and forced disappearances by the state; Amnesty International estimates up to 100,000 disappearances since the 1980s. Chemmani holds particular significance due to the 1996 rape and murder of schoolgirl Krishanthi Kumaraswamy, which led to the first meniton of mass graves in the area. Archaeologist Raj Somadeva, leading the excavation, says that less than 40% of the site has been examined; more graves may exist. Tamil families, desperate for justice, are actively supporting the investigation. It is hoped that the discovery of mass graves like the one found in Chemmani could finally bring closure for them.
DR Congo: Catholics celebrate as Pope beatifies local customs official
On 15 June Catholics in Goma and across the Congo rejoiced as Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a Congolese customs official, was beatified by Pope Leo XIV in Rome. Kositi was kidnapped and killed in 2007 after bravely refusing a bribe to allow rancid rice from Rwanda into the country - food which would have harmed vulnerable citizens. At just 26, he chose integrity over self-preservation, knowing the dangers of rejecting corruption. His family and community marked this occasion with pride, viewing his recognition as a powerful symbol of justice and moral courage. Local diocese leaders and churchgoers held prayer sessions and celebrations in Goma, where posters and commemorative cloths featuring his image honoured his legacy. Célestin Kanyabiriri, who led the beatification events locally, called Kositi’s example a divine call for financial honesty and spiritual integrity. Many regard him as a national hero and a martyr who upheld truth even to death.
Brazil: offshore oil exploration auctions test Lula’s climate pledges
In a northern region of Brazil known as the Equatorial Margin, where the Amazon River meets the Atlantic, a major environmental and political debate is unfolding. After researching the possibility of offshore oil reserves, the government decided to hold auctions to sell exploration rights in this area. President Lula da Silva, known for his environmental pledges, including a promise of ‘zero deforestation’ in 2023, now supports allowing drilling ‘to fund our energy transition’ and bolster the economy. Critics argue this contradicts his public stance and undermines Brazil’s credibility as it prepares to host COP30. Environmental organisations and even the federal prosecutor’s office challenged the oil auctions, citing inadequate environmental reviews and community consultation. Despite their efforts, they went ahead, with major corporations like Chevron and Petrobras securing exploration rights. Brazil’s environmental agency had initially rejected drilling permits, but its decision was overruled by its own director under government pressure. The outcome reflects Brazil’s struggle to reconcile economic needs with ecological stewardship.
