Protests sweeping Iran over a collapsing economy and record currency losses have evolved into widespread anti-government unrest, prompting blackouts and heavy crackdowns that rights groups say have killed dozens and detained thousands. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil signals cautious interest in re-entering Venezuela’s oil sector only if major legal changes occur, and President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement in the United States fuels violent confrontations and public outrage.
Widespread protests roar through Iran as economic anger grows
Mass demonstrations triggered by Iran’s deepening economic crisis and the collapse of the rial have spread nationwide, evolving from cost-of-living protests into broader anti-government unrest, with authorities imposing internet blackouts and tough crackdowns that rights groups say have left dozens dead and thousands detained amid calls for reform and international warnings.
Exxon says it could consider re-entering Venezuela but flags risks
ExxonMobil’s CEO said the U.S. oil major is prepared to evaluate a potential return to Venezuela’s oil sector after decades of nationalisation, but described the country as “uninvestable” without legal and investment protections, even as Washington pushes U.S. energy firms to help rebuild output following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro.
Trump’s High-Profile Immigration Crackdown Sparks Violent Confrontations and Protests
U.S. President Donald Trump’s highly visible immigration enforcement strategy is increasingly resulting in violent confrontations and public backlash, particularly in Democratic-led cities where aggressive ICE operations have included tear gas, forceful arrests and fatal shootings, most notably the killing of a Minneapolis woman that has ignited protests and arrests; critics say the push to rapidly expand and deploy immigration officers with shortened training and high-profile sweeps is heightening dangers for migrants, residents and law enforcement alike and eroding public trust.
Ethiopia breaks ground on what will be Africa’s largest airport
Ethiopian Airlines and the government have started construction on a $12.5 billion airport near Bishoftu that is set to become Africa’s largest hub by 2030, with four runways and capacity for more than 110 million passengers annually, part of a broader push to expand regional aviation infrastructure.
UN warns of repression ahead of Uganda’s presidential election
The U.N. Human Rights Office says Uganda’s upcoming election will take place amid widespread repression, intimidation and restrictions on opposition parties, defenders and journalists, as President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term and authorities’ crackdown on dissent.
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