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The week in Global Affairs
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Direct strikes widened from Iran and Israel into attacks involving US forces and Gulf partners before Washington and Tehran announced a disputed ceasefire framework. Repeated claims that a deal was near did not prevent continued attacks, leaving diplomacy vulnerable to renewed escalation.
Iran formalized the funeral and burial process for Ali Khamenei, turning the leadership transition into an immediate state process. The change could affect the Islamic Republic's internal balance and regional posture.
Israel's Lebanon campaign moved from deeper operations to sustained attacks, mounting civilian casualties, and evacuation orders covering dozens of communities. A strike in Beirut then threatened to undermine the emerging US-Iran ceasefire effort.
Ukraine expanded strikes on Russian refineries, depots, pipelines, logistics nodes, and supply routes, with reported effects on fuel and troop rotations. European pressure also targeted Russia's military-industrial networks and shadow-fleet shipping.
The threatened and then reported shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz redirected tanker traffic and pushed governments to secure alternative oil supplies. At the same time, high prices, weaker Chinese demand, and pressure on Iran's China-bound exports reshaped the conflict's economic effects.
Israeli attacks in Gaza grew heavier during the week, with repeated reports of deaths and large overnight bombardments. The escalation added to the humanitarian pressure surrounding Israel's widening regional campaigns.
Xi Jinping's first North Korea visit in seven years produced a public pledge to deepen ties. The outreach showed Beijing seeking greater leverage over a fortified and unpredictable Pyongyang.
Day’s Recap