Asia

• Iran / USA: ceasefire effectively over after fresh military exchanges 9 July 2026
  Donald Trump says the ceasefire agreement with Iran is effectively over, blasting the country's leadership as ‘scum’ and ‘cuckoo’ after fresh exchanges of fire. He has expressed little confidence in further negotiations, but said American officials could continue talks if they wished. The latest escalation followed attacks on commercial shipping…
• Philippines: defence lawyer’s plea as impeachment trial of vice president opens 9 July 2026
  The impeachment trial of vice-president Sara Duterte has begun in Manila, with her defence team arguing that the proceedings must strictly follow the constitution and respect the will of the millions of voters who elected her. Lead counsel Sheila Sison, stating that the case carries significant constitutional and historical importance,…
• Syria: Damascus bombs during Macron’s visit 9 July 2026
  Two bomb explosions in central Damascus have injured eighteen people during Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing the country after years of conflict. The blasts occurred near the hotel where Macron had stayed, after security personnel discovered explosive devices and began efforts to defuse them.…
• India: pressure increasing on Christians in Chhattisgarh state 2 July 2026
  Christians in Chhattisgarh state, India, are facing increasing pressure to abandon their faith and participate in traditional tribal religious practices. In Narayanpur district, two Christian families were reportedly ordered to leave their village after refusing to take part in local rituals and worship of tribal deities. Their belongings were removed…
• Nepal: tea industry hit by India’s stricter export procedures 26 June 2026
  Nepal’s tea industry is facing a serious crisis after India introduced stricter export procedures for Nepali tea, forcing the closure of more than eighty factories and tea estates across the eastern districts of Ilam and Jhapa. The shutdown has affected an estimated 60,000 workers and staff, particularly daily wage labourers…