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Today, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei criticises a U.S. proposal but leaves the door open to further nuclear negotiations. In South Asia, Bangladesh’s tribunal accepts crimes against humanity charges against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Meanwhile, in East Asia, Taiwan’s hardened defence posture signals a shift in strategy.

Today’s lead story analyses Bulgaria’s acceleration toward eurozone membership, while Poland—despite its economic strength—remains mired in political and ideological resistance.

Read more below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇺🇳 🇺🇸 🇵🇸 🇮🇱 U.S. vetoes UN security council resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire: The U.S. vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, as Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 100 Palestinians within 24 hours. Fourteen other Council members backed the resolution. Washington objected, arguing the ceasefire proposal lacked direct linkage to the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. U.S. envoy Dorothy Shea reaffirmed Washington’s stance, citing Israel’s right to self-defense. In contrast, China’s ambassador accused Israel of egregious violations of international law, with analysts describing the US position as increasingly isolated. Meanwhile, Israel’s military intensified operations in Gaza, warning Palestinians against approaching US-backed aid distribution points now designated “combat zones.” Aid access remains severely restricted, worsening famine conditions.

2️⃣ 🇹🇼 🇨🇳 Taiwan’s growing resolve signals shift in defense strategy: Until recently, Taiwan showed little urgency in preparing for a Chinese invasion. Now, however, a serious transformation is underway. President Lai Ching-te has prioritised strengthening defenses, declaring China a “hostile foreign force” and appointing Wellington Koo, Taiwan’s first civilian defense minister, to overhaul military readiness. Mandatory service terms have been extended, defense spending has climbed toward 2.5% of GDP with plans for 3%, and investment is focused on asymmetric capabilities like anti-ship missiles rather than expensive prestige systems. Taiwan is also preparing for societal resilience, establishing satellite networks and energy reforms to withstand blockades. A robust reserve force of 1.5 million is being built, while cultural efforts, including the upcoming series Zero Day, aim to boost public awareness.

3️⃣ 🇰🇭 🇹🇭 🇺🇳 Cambodia to seek ICJ ruling on border dispute with Thailand: Cambodia announced plans to petition the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its ongoing border disputes with Thailand, following a recent deadly clash. The Cambodian National Assembly, dominated by Prime Minister Hun Manet’s party, endorsed the move. While Thailand acknowledged Cambodia’s right to file a case, Thai officials stressed it would not disrupt bilateral talks. A fatal incident near Morokot village last week reignited tensions, with each side blaming the other. Hun Manet confirmed plans to seek ICJ clarification on disputed sites, including the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Kro Bei temples, even if Thailand declines participation. Despite calling for calm, the appeal touches a sensitive nerve in Thailand, where past ICJ rulings on Preah Vihear temple remain politically charged.

4️⃣ 🇨🇳 🇵🇰 🇧🇾 🇮🇩 🇨🇺 China launches global mediation body with support from dozens of countries: China and over 30 nations, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Belarus, and Cuba, signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong, marking the group's launch. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the initiative as offering “Chinese wisdom” to resolve international disputes through dialogue and consensus rather than confrontation. Positioned as the world’s first intergovernmental mediation body, IOMed will promote amicable dispute resolution and support UN Charter principles. Headquartered in Hong Kong, it highlights the city’s legal advantages under both common law and Chinese legal systems. Scholars say IOMed complements existing bodies like the International Court of Justice by institutionalising mediation globally. Hong Kong officials indicated the organisation could begin operations by year-end, with participation from around 50 countries and 20 organisations.

5️⃣ 🇮🇱 🇸🇾 Israel strikes Syria after projectile launches, blames Damascus: Israel has launched airstrikes and artillery fire into southern Syria after two projectiles from Syrian territory landed in open areas of the Israel-occupied Golan Heights. Defence Minister Israel Katz blamed Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, for the incident, vowing a “full response.” Israeli jets and artillery targeted Syrian military positions near Daraa, with explosions reported in Quneitra and nearby farmland, though no casualties were confirmed. This marks the first cross-border fire since the Islamist-led ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December. Israel, which seized and annexed the Golan Heights in 1967 and 1981 respectively, has intensified operations against what it calls “terrorist infrastructure” to prevent advanced weaponry from reaching Syria’s new authorities.

Major Story

🇪🇺 🇧🇬 🇵🇱 BULGARIA MOVES CLOSER TOWARD THE EU AS POLAND STEPS BACK

Bulgaria is poised to join the eurozone in early 2026. Despite internal political challenges, Sofia has diligently met the eurozone’s demanding entry conditions—pegging its lev to the euro since 1999, integrating into the banking union in 2020, and ensuring fiscal and monetary discipline. The European Central Bank is expected to give its approval soon, reflecting Bulgaria’s commitment to deeper European integration.

Poland’s Reluctant Stance

While Bulgaria inches closer, Poland, one of the EU’s economic success stories, is moving in the opposite direction. Despite robust economic growth—outpacing the eurozone at 3.2 percent this year—Warsaw shows little appetite for euro adoption. Even under Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-EU leadership, Poland has hesitated, citing unreadiness.

The recent election of Karol Nawrocki, a staunch nationalist, further dims prospects. Nawrocki has declared his opposition to replacing the Polish zloty, framing it as a matter of sovereignty. With the power to appoint the next central bank governor in 2027 and veto pro-euro legislation, Nawrocki is positioned to entrench Euroskepticism.

Public Opinion and Political Gridlock

Polish public sentiment remains ambivalent: just over half support eventual euro adoption, but 70 percent feel the country is unprepared. Without the parliamentary supermajority needed to override a veto, Tusk’s government faces significant obstacles. Nawrocki’s presidency is likely to stall Warsaw’s eurozone ambitions indefinitely.

As Bulgaria accelerates toward euro membership, Poland—despite its economic strength—appears locked in political and ideological resistance. For the eurozone, Poland’s accession remains a distant hope, complicated by domestic politics and deep-seated sovereignty concerns.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇮🇷 🇺🇸 Khamenei criticises U.S. proposal but leaves door open to further nuclear talks: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticised a U.S. proposal in nuclear negotiations but refrained from rejecting talks altogether, signaling Tehran’s cautious openness. Speaking at a ceremony in Tehran, Khamenei reiterated that Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment, a key sticking point for Washington. However, he notably avoided specifying an enrichment cap or ruling out diplomacy. While President Trump reiterated that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and mentioned Russia’s offer to mediate, Iran’s response remains pending. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran will soon reply to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s initial proposal. As negotiations inch forward, failure could escalate regional tensions, deepen Iran’s economic crisis, and provoke military action targeting its nuclear sites.

2️⃣ 🇸🇩 🇺🇳 World Food Programme convoy attacked in RSF-controlled el-Koma, Sudan: A UN food aid convoy was ambushed near al-Koma in Sudan’s North Darfur, killing at least five and wounding several others, as critical supplies destined for famine-stricken el-Fasher were destroyed. UNICEF and the World Food Programme condemned the attack—where trucks were torched and humanitarian goods damaged—calling it a violation of international law. The convoy route had been shared with both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who now blame each other for the assault. El-Fasher, a hotspot of the two-year conflict, faces escalating hunger risks, with hundreds of thousands at the brink of starvation. Amid worsening insecurity, aid agencies warn that delivering humanitarian assistance is becoming increasingly dangerous, as attacks on convoys, hospitals, and warehouses escalate across the war-ravaged region.

3️⃣ 🇧🇩 Bangladesh tribunal accepts crimes against humanity charges against Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has formally accepted charges against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student-led uprising. Proceedings opened Sunday with orders to produce Hasina and two other accused—former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun—on June 16. Hasina remains in exile in India, Khan is missing, and Mamun has been detained. The tribunal alleges Hasina orchestrated mass killings, violence against civilians, and denial of medical aid during the unrest. The Awami League, now banned, has criticised the tribunal’s impartiality. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court ruled the Jamaat-e-Islami party can seek reinstatement as a political party. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who replaced Hasina, plans to hold national elections by June, though tensions remain with opposition groups over the timeline.

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