Tensions escalate in the Persian Gulf as Iran and the U.S. engage in reciprocal missile and drone strikes, leading to disruptions in vital shipping lanes and a surge in oil prices. Iran's IRGC claims responsibility for attacks on shipping vessels, including a US-owned container ship, in retaliation for U.S. actions. The U.S. military has conducted self-defense strikes on Iranian radar and drone command sites, and has initiated a blockade, redirecting numerous commercial vessels. Iran has suspended indirect negotiations with the U.S. and threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional conflict, including exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah. Kuwaiti air defenses have intercepted hostile attacks, while Brent crude oil prices have risen significantly.

Israel has expanded its ground assault into southern Lebanon, marking its broadest incursion in 25 years, following increased Hezbollah attacks. The operation aims to establish a permanent security presence, with reports of capturing Beaufort castle. Oil prices surged over 3% amid the escalation, with U.S. crude futures rising to $90.24 a barrel and Brent futures to $93.17. Meanwhile, France criticized Israel's prolonged operations, while Hezbollah rejected a U.S.-mediated ceasefire plan, vowing to continue resistance. An IDF officer was killed and troops wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack, prompting Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

Russia has escalated its drone attacks on Ukraine, launching a record 8,150 Shahed drones in May, prompting Ukraine to increase its own drone activity. Meanwhile, Poland scrambled fighter jets after a Russian missile violated its airspace, with NATO jets also responding. Russia has also deployed cluster munitions in Dnipro, killing multiple people, and a drone attack on an Odesa residential building resulted in two deaths. In response to the ongoing conflict, the U.S. has provided a $250 million security aid package to Ukraine, including air defense munitions and artillery. Additionally, Ukrainian drones have sunk a Russian ship in Berdyansk, and Ukraine is using new drones to target Russian logistics highways.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is reportedly far worse than official figures indicate, with the International Rescue Committee warning of underestimations that could hinder containment. Amidst rising cases, an Ebola burial team was attacked in South Kivu province, highlighting community mistrust. Meanwhile, fighters linked to the Islamic State killed at least 21 civilians in North Kivu province, an area also affected by the outbreak. The World Health Organization's chief met with the DRC President to discuss the crisis, while Uganda confirmed 15 total cases and received aid from India. Globally, Brazil is investigating potential cases, and the UK's NHS is preparing for arrivals.

Russia launched a massive air assault across Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, resulting in at least 23 deaths and over 130 injuries. Residential buildings and vehicles were struck in cities including Kyiv and Dnipro. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of potential further assaults and reiterated the need for additional Patriot missile interceptors from the US. The attacks included eight Zircon hypersonic missiles and 33 Iskander-M ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks in Crimea killed four people and injured at least 10, with separate Ukrainian drone strikes in Russian-occupied Donetsk and Kherson regions resulting in additional civilian casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking AI-drone technology partnerships with Silicon Valley firms to enhance defense capabilities, while also warning of potential large-scale Russian attacks and urging vigilance amid insufficient air defense supplies. Ukraine has requested additional Patriot missiles from Germany to bolster its defenses. Meanwhile, Russia's daily FPV drone production has surged to over 15,000 units, and its economic growth is reportedly weakening due to war costs. Separately, allegations of $3.8 million in graft have surfaced against Ukraine's Energoatom energy company, and Russian drone technology has been found available for sale on eBay, raising proliferation concerns. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Russia is open to a peaceful deal if Ukraine compromises.

Hezbollah launched rockets and a drone attack targeting an Israeli military site in the Western Galilee, prompting the Israeli military to intercept rockets and investigate the drone infiltration. In response to ongoing attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of strikes on Beirut if Hezbollah continues targeting Israeli cities and civilians, vowing to proceed with operations in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, 43 rocket and drone alerts were issued across northern Israel since midnight, with beachgoers fleeing projectiles landing in the sea near Nariyah. The UN Security Council convened, with China calling for an Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon, while a Western source stated Iran should not have final say on Lebanon's future. The IDF Home Front Command has eased rocket warning times for 160 communities amid a de-escalation with Hezbollah.

Oil prices experienced volatility amid shifting geopolitical tensions and diplomatic efforts. Initially, oil surged over $5 a barrel as Iran halted indirect negotiations with the U.S., citing Israeli actions in Lebanon and threatening shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. This followed reports of Iran reviewing a U.S. agreement to halt the conflict and a stalemate in indirect talks. However, oil prices later declined on hopes for a conditional ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which could ease U.S.-Iran tensions. Former President Donald Trump also confirmed calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'crazy' regarding the Lebanon conflict.

Reports detail atrocities against Israeli hostages in Gaza, including descriptions of mutilation and rape, amidst ongoing conflict and a separate security incident in Shlomi. Simultaneously, Israeli fire killed three Palestinians in Gaza. In Lebanon, a ground invasion is reportedly underway with no ceasefire, and ships have been fired upon. The EU is considering sanctions against Israeli politicians for alleged violations of activist rights during a Gaza-bound flotilla attempt. Separately, Venezuela's oil exports hit a seven-year high in May due to eased U.S. sanctions. In Syria, 28 Kurdish female fighters were released by the interim government, though released detainees often face continued hardship.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, poses significant global risks, according to multiple international organizations. The OECD warns of a potential global recession and higher inflation, which could slow global growth to 2.1% by 2026 if energy disruptions persist. The UN highlights the danger to seafarers in the Gulf, with thousands stranded and 11 killed since February, while also cautioning that declining humanitarian funding could exacerbate the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the conflict threatens African food shortages and has coincided with a rise in food bank demand globally due to decreased donations.

China's Coast Guard has expanded patrols east of Taiwan, conducting its first independent law enforcement operation in the area. This move follows maritime boundary talks between Japan and the Philippines, which China declared illegal. Beijing also warned the Philippines against "political theatre" that damages bilateral ties. Meanwhile, Taiwan's navy is increasing support for patrols near the Dongsha Islands due to heightened Chinese coastguard activity, suspected to be testing Taiwan's responses. Taiwan's military is also showcasing new armed robot dogs for island defense amid rising regional tensions.

Global stocks reached near-record highs, propelled by AI optimism and tech gains, with Nvidia and Microsoft leading the advance following Nvidia's new AI chip announcement. PC makers Dell and HP also saw significant increases, and Micron shares surpassed $1,000. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions remain high as missile and drone attacks were reported near Kuwait and explosions were heard near Iran's Qeshm Island, leading to the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely shut to maritime traffic. U.S. President Donald Trump cited rapid talks with Iran, though reports on the status of these negotiations are conflicting, and the UN nuclear watchdog warns of increased risk of Iran developing nuclear weapons. Russia's crude oil exports have hit post-invasion highs.

Brent crude futures are rising as fading peace rumors and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz rekindle supply concerns. Meanwhile, the EU's diplomatic arm has proposed its Aspides naval mission assist in mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, a move requiring unanimous member state support. In parallel, Russia has filed a lawsuit against the EU over its plan to use proceeds from frozen Russian assets for a loan to Ukraine, a move Moscow claims violates EU law. Elsewhere, the U.S. and NATO allies are conducting scaled-back naval drills in the Baltic Sea to signal unity to Russia, while Turkey and Russia are discussing an extension of natural gas supply agreements.

Global military spending is approaching $2.9 trillion in 2025, with the U.S. leading at $954 billion, a sum greater than the next three countries combined. At the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged allies to boost spending amid concerns over China's military buildup. While some nations like Germany are increasing their defense budgets significantly due to the war in Ukraine, others, such as Malaysia, are hesitant to meet U.S. calls for higher spending due to financial limitations and geopolitical considerations regarding China. Officials at the summit also identified AI-driven systems as a growing threat, surpassing nuclear weapons in immediate concern due to their impact on decision-making timelines in conflict.

A commercial vessel, the MSC Sariska V, was struck by two projectiles near Iraq's Umm Qasr port, an incident claimed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as retaliation for an earlier attack on an Iranian vessel. MSC condemned the action as unprovoked and a threat to maritime trade. Meanwhile, Iran's IRGC has warned of potential shipping disruptions in key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz if Israel attacks Lebanon or Gaza. This comes as Iran reports 24 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz after authorization, and vessel owners note a cessation of IRGC radio threats, suggesting a possible de-escalation.

The U.S. is reportedly considering deploying nuclear weapons to more NATO states, potentially including Poland and Baltic states, a move that could contradict a 1997 NATO-Russia agreement. This comes as U.S. military planners are on heightened alert for potential expansion of hostilities across multiple continents. Simultaneously, reports indicate the U.S. plans to accelerate troop withdrawals from European bases, with proposals to be presented to NATO allies next month. In parallel, Iran has rapidly restored two-thirds of its underground missile bases damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes, clearing 50 of 69 entrances within seven weeks.

American commentator Candace Owens and U.S. official Rodney Mims Cook Jr. are attending Russia's annual investment forum, SPIEF, in St. Petersburg, dubbed 'Russian Davos,' amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Owens was photographed with a sculpture of French President Emmanuel Macron, who, along with his wife, has a defamation lawsuit against her. Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev stated that Russia-U.S. talks on economic and energy issues continue despite a pause in Ukraine peace negotiations. Andrew Tate is also reportedly expected at the forum.

Ukraine has successfully intercepted a Russian cruise missile with an F-16 fighter jet, likely using an AIM-9 Sidewinder. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Fire Point company is developing the FP7.X ballistic missile for its Freyja air defense system, aiming for a low-cost alternative to Patriot interceptors. In separate incidents, a US F-15E pilot was involved in a prior friendly fire event before his aircraft was shot down over Iran. Russia claims its air defenses destroyed 32 Ukrainian Shahed drones over the Belgorod region and the Black Sea. Separately, China's PL-16 missile is rumored to have a range exceeding 300 km.

Ukrainian forces have reclaimed territory from Russian advances, marking the first net territorial loss for Russia in May since its 2023 counteroffensive. This success is attributed to strategic maneuvers and Western-supplied weaponry. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched drone strikes on a St. Petersburg oil terminal and naval base, reportedly damaging infrastructure and injuring several people, despite Russian air defenses intercepting numerous drones. Ukraine's extensive drone usage, estimated at around 10,000 daily, is significantly impacting Russian forces and has raised European security concerns following a drone incursion into Romanian airspace.

An explosion in Myanmar's Shan State killed dozens of people and destroyed over 200 homes in Kaung Tat village. The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) stated the blast resulted from stored mining explosives, apologizing for the incident and reporting 39 deaths and 75 injured. However, local media and witnesses suggest a higher death toll of at least 55. Separately, an explosion at a South Korean defense firm killed five people, and a World War II shell detonated in Indonesia, also killing five.