Monday, May 18, 2026

2026 Iran war ceasefire

Pakistan reportedly shares a revised proposal with the United States from Iran aimed at ending the war.

2026 Iran war ceasefire

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says that talks between Iran and the U.S. are still ongoing via Pakistani mediation.

2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority announces that any passage through the Strait of Hormuz that is not coordinated with it and the Iranian armed forces is "illegal".

2026 Iran war

U.S. president Donald Trump announces that he has called off planned military strikes against Iran for tomorrow at the request of Middle East allies including Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Emirati president Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, citing "serious negotiations" taking place.

Hezbollah–Israel conflict

Hezbollah states that it shot down an Israeli military aircraft over Ayta al-Jabal in southern Lebanon.

2026 Lebanon war

The Lebanese health ministry announces that the death toll has surpassed 3,000 people, with at least 3,020 people killed and 9,273 wounded since the war began on March 2.

Kordofan campaign

Sudanese Armed Forces breaks the siege in Dilling, South Kordofan, for a third time.

War crimes in the Sudanese civil war

It is reported that Rapid Support Forces has released commander Abu Lulu after previously being arrested last year after videos were seen of him executing and massacring civilians in El Fasher, Sudan. He is back in combat following his release.

2026 Cuban crisis

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control imposes sanctions on Cuba's intelligence agency and several senior Communist Party and military officials as part of expanded pressure on the government amid the country's energy and financial crisis.

Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations

Pakistan deploys 8,000 troops, HQ-9 air defense systems, and a full air force squadron, mostly of JF-17 fighter jets, to assist Saudi Arabia under their mutual defense agreement.

Second impeachment of Sara Duterte

The Philippine senate resumes the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte following last week's lockdown.

Politics

The Belarusian defence ministry announces that its military has began joint training exercises with Russia on nuclear weapons combat.

2026 Bolivian protests

Prosecutors in Bolivia issue an arrest warrant for Mario Argollo, general secretary of the Bolivian Workers' Center, on charges including terrorism and incitement amid protests and road blockades in La Paz.

2026 Islamic Center of San Diego shooting

Three people are killed in a drive-by shooting outside a mosque in San Diego, California, United States. Both of the perpetrators die by suicide.

2026 Mersin shooting

Six people are killed and eight others are injured in a shooting spree, including one inside a restaurant, in Mersin, Mediterranean Region, Turkey. A widespread manhunt is underway to catch the suspect.

Protests against the 2026 Iran war

Four people are killed and more than 30 others are injured in nationwide protests and transport strikes triggered by a massive surge in fuel prices due to the Iran war, which has raised petroleum costs by more than 20% to record highs in Nairobi, Kenya.

Abnub shooting

Eight people are killed and five others are injured in a mass shooting at a crowded transportation hub in Abnub, Asyut Governorate, Egypt. The perpetrator is killed by security forces.

Justice

Two people are killed and four others are seriously injured in a mass shooting at a home in El Ejido, Andalusia, Spain. The perpetrator is arrested.

Disasters

At least 13 people are killed and more than 20 others are injured, most seriously, when a tempo carrying wedding guests collides with a container truck on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway in Palghar district, Maharashtra, India.

Disasters

Five students drown while swimming in the Lô River in Phú Thọ province, Vietnam.

Disasters

Three people are killed and four others are missing after flash floods caused a river to overflow in Xuan'en County, Hubei Province, China.

2026 Iran war fuel crisis

Oil prices rise amid fears of a prolonged war and the draining of world oil reserves, including West Texas Intermediate to US$102.76 per barrel and Brent Crude to US$112.89 per barrel.

Australia–China relations

Australian treasurer Jim Chalmers orders several China-linked shareholders to divest their stakes in Northern Minerals under foreign investment laws aimed at protecting the country's rare earths sector.

2026 Ebola epidemic

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces that it is suspending entry into the United States for 30 days to travelers without a U.S. passport that have been to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda amidst the ongoing Ebola outbreak in these countries.

MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak

MV Hondius, the cruise ship at center of the hantavirus outbreak, arrives at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands for disinfection after passengers disembarked the ship.

Sport

World Gymnastics lifts its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete with their flags and anthems in all five disciplines governed by the organization, including artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, and aerobic gymnastics, as well as trampolining.