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1. Trump Calls Off Iran Strike at Last Minute, Gulf Allies Applaud
President Trump called off a planned military strike against Iran just hours before it was set to begin, citing diplomatic progress made through backchannel negotiations with Oman and the UAE. The attack had been authorized following Iran’s seizure of a Singapore-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states praised the decision, with Saudi Arabia calling for a diplomatic reset. Israel expressed frustration but did not publicly oppose the pause. Iran called the decision “wise” and said its peace proposal includes reparations for war damage and a timeline for US troop withdrawal from the region.
2. WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in Congo and Uganda a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization declared the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), activating international response protocols and releasing emergency funding. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has killed more than 200 people since January with a 68% case fatality rate. The CDC has issued a travel advisory for the region, and several countries have begun screening travelers at border checkpoints. WHO director-general called for urgent vaccine distribution and warned of the risk of further international spread.
3. World Bank Board Approves Historic Governance Reform Package
The World Bank’s board of directors approved a sweeping reform of the institution’s governance structure, raising voting power for emerging economies and restructuring the bank’s lending criteria to reflect climate vulnerability alongside GDP. The changes, long sought by developing nations, will increase China’s and India’s voting shares while reducing the dominance of the United States and Europe in day-to-day decision-making. Malaysia, which led the reform coalition, called the vote “a rupture in the old world order.” The IMF is expected to follow with similar changes at its annual meeting in the autumn.
