Key Facts

• President Donald Trump said a ceasefire extension with Iran was close but Iran shot down a U.S. Apache helicopter in response to U.S. patrols near the Strait of Hormuz.
• After the helicopter incident, U.S. strikes hit targets in Iran, and Iran responded with attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
• President Trump threatened to attack Iran’s Kharg Island but later called off the strike, claiming Iran agreed to ceasefire terms, though Iran has not confirmed this.
• In Albania, protests called the "Flamingo Revolution" are growing against a luxury resort project led by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, accusing the government of lack of transparency.
• The Albanian Prime Minister blamed hostile online bots for inflaming protests, while the European Commission reminded Albania to avoid actions that could affect its EU membership hopes.
• Belfast experienced riots after a stabbing by a Sudanese migrant, which escalated into anti-immigration violence and debate over immigration policies and racism.
• The World Cup opened in Mexico’s Azteca Stadium, with Mexico winning the first match 2-0 against South Africa, amid controversies over ticket prices and U.S. visa bans.