Iran has sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new travel ban, calling it a reflection of “deep hostility” toward Iranians and Muslims. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the ban, which targets citizens from 19 countries, including Iran, violates international law and human rights by discriminating based on nationality and religion. Labelling the move as “systemic racism,” Iranian officials vowed to defend their citizens’ rights. Trump’s ban follows a deadly attack in Colorado and aims to block countries deemed to have weak screening systems. The ban separates nations into those facing full bans and others with restricted visas.
CANADA DEFENDS INDIA’S G7 INVITATION
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney defended his decision to invite Indian PM Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit, citing India’s economic and geopolitical importance. Despite the RCMP’s accusations linking the Indian government to violence in Canada, Carney emphasized India’s role as the fifth-largest economy and a key player in global supply chains. He highlighted recent diplomatic progress, including law enforcement dialogue between both countries. This comes after strained ties over the alleged assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Modi has accepted the G7 invite, expressing optimism about India-Canada cooperation at the summit in Alberta from June 15–17.
GAZA MARKS EID AMID BOMBARDMENT
In the Gaza Strip, Muslims marked Eid al-Adha under dire conditions as Israeli bombardment destroyed mosques and homes. With over 90% of residents displaced, they gathered outdoors among the rubble for prayers, struggling with severe food shortages and no access to fresh meat—the traditional sacrificial animal. The UN warns of an impending famine, and nearly a half million people face extreme food insecurity. Despite the devastation, worshippers maintained their religious duties, displaying resilience in the face of relentless attacks that have killed tens of thousands. The sacred occasion was marred not by celebration but by survival in an unfolding humanitarian crisis.
ISRAEL RECOVERS THAI HOSTAGE’S BODY
Israel has recovered the body of Thai national Nattapong Pinta, abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during a military operation in Gaza’s Rafah region. Pinta, an agricultural worker, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed early in captivity, according to Israeli officials. His retrieval follows the recent recovery of two Israeli-American hostages and comes amid ongoing conflict that has claimed over 95 lives in 24 hours. The Mujahideen Brigades, responsible for several abductions, are believed to have held Pinta. With 55 hostages still in Gaza, more than half presumed dead, international calls intensify for resolution and humanitarian aid.
COLOMBIAN CANDIDATE MIGUEL URIBE SHOT
Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was critically injured in a shooting at a campaign rally in Bogotá’s Fontibon neighborhood. Gunmen shot Uribe twice in the back; he is undergoing emergency neurosurgery. A 15-year-old suspect was arrested with a firearm. Two others were injured in the attack. President Gustavo Petro condemned the violence, postponed a France trip, and vowed a full investigation. Uribe’s wife, María Claudia Tarazona, called for national prayers. As Colombia heads toward 2026 elections, the shooting has sparked political outcry across Latin America, with leaders denouncing political violence and emphasizing democratic values.
