Friday, June 19, 2026

2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations

The Swiss foreign ministry confirms that the planned talks between Iran and the United States at the Bürgenstock Resort, Switzerland, have been cancelled after U.S. vice president JD Vance cancelled his trip.

2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejects reports that Iran has re-closed the Strait of Hormuz.

2026 Lebanon war

At least 47 people are killed and 97 more injured by Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon.

2026 Lebanon war

The United States announces that Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire.

2026 Lebanon war

Four Israeli soldiers are killed in a shootout with Hezbollah fighters near Nabatieh, Lebanon.

2026 Lebanon war

Lebanese conservationist and environmentalist Mona Khalil, a advocate for the protection of endangered sea turtles, dies from wounds sustained during an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon two weeks ago.

Darfur campaign

The Sudanese human rights organization Emergency Lawyers reports that nine civilians have been killed in a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drone strike on a passenger vehicle carrying civilians in North Darfur. Additionally, another drone struck the Um Bayada market, causing a massive fire.

Kordofan campaign

The UN secretary general envoy to Sudan calls for RSF head Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo to halt attacks on the North Kordofan area of El-Obeid.

Kordofan campaign

Rapid Support Forces launch a drone strike on the El-Obeid area of North Kordofan, Sudan, amidst warnings about the situation in the area.

Kordofan campaign

Catholic priest Yohanna Al-Amin Komkome is killed alongside two of his associates in Kauda near the Nuba Mountains. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North is accused of the attacks.

2026 Edinburgh attacks

Five people are injured in Islamophobic attacks in Edinburgh, Scotland. A 36-year-old man is arrested and counter-terrorism police are investigating.

Philippines–Russia relations

Philippine president Bongbong Marcos announces that 24 Filipino nationals detained in Russia will be released and repatriated to the Philippines following a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Kazan.

Poland–Ukraine relations

Polish president Karol Nawrocki strips Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the country's highest honour, the Order of the White Eagle, for naming an army unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which massacred Poles during World War II.

2026 Bolivian protests

Bolivian president Rodrigo Paz and the Bolivian Workers' Confederation trade union reach an agreement aimed at easing a 50-day protest crisis marked by road blockades and supply shortages. Other protest groups continue demonstrations and demand Paz's resignation.

2026 Labour Party leadership crisis

British home secretary Shabana Mahmood, energy secretary Ed Miliband, and transport secretary Heidi Alexander meet with prime minister Keir Starmer and reportedly urge him to set out a timetable for his departure following Andy Burnham's win in the 2026 Makerfield by-election.

Organised crime in Australia

The Australian Federal Police seizes 2.7 tonnes of cocaine concealed in underground storage containers in Sydney, the largest cocaine seizure in the country's history. Authorities arrest two people at the site and charge them with offenses related to importing and possessing illicit drugs.

Hijab in Iran

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi is sentenced by a criminal court to 74 lashes after performing at a concert in 2024 without the use of the hijab. Additionally, she is also banned from performing or leaving the country for two years.

Justice

The Australian Government agrees to pay A$28 million (US$20 million) in a settlement with 38 former asylum seekers who alleged harm while detained at the Baxter and Woomera immigration detention centres. The agreement follows a High Court ruling on compensation claims for unlawful detention.

Justice

Costa Rican police arrest a man in connection with an alleged threat against president Laura Fernández Delgado. The president is evacuated during a visit to northern Costa Rica after an explosion was reported nearby.

2026 Bedford train collision

One person is killed and 89 others are injured, including 33 seriously with nine in critical condition, after two passenger trains collide near Bedford, Bedfordshire, England.

Disasters

At least ten people are killed and several injured in the past 24 hours, due to strong winds and heavy rain in parts of Pakistan.

Disasters

The Huisekoutermolen windmill in East Flanders, Belgium, is blown down in a thunderstorm.

2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority states that tariffs and insurance will not be collected from ship owners during the 60-day period of the Islamabad Memorandum. However, it also calls for ships to register with it, and requires that a transit request for the Strait of Hormuz must be made 48 hours prior to arrival.

Business

The government of Japan revises a Cabinet order on visa fees, where issuance fees for foreigners entering Japan will increase fivefold, effective on July 1; the first since 1978.

AI boom

Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre announces new school guidelines that generally prohibit the use of generative AI by primary school pupils and restrict its use for older students. The policy takes effect in the next academic year.

Science

Malaysian researchers identify Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata, a new fungal species in Borneo that parasitizes Ophiocordyceps fungi infecting ants. Scientists also report the discovery of a previously undocumented spider-infecting fungus.

Culture

Mexican archaeologists uncover Early Classic-period ruins in Veracruz featuring a circular stone platform and other previously undocumented architectural elements for the region. Researchers also discover a carved monolith depicting figures with possible Maya cultural influences.

TYR Pro Swim Series

In swimming, American swimmer Kate Douglass sets a world record in the women's 50-meter freestyle at the Pro Swim Series in Indianapolis, finishing in 23.59 seconds and surpassing the previous mark of 23.61 seconds set by Sweden's Sarah Sjöström.