#Middle East

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that certain Lebanese Christian villages have expressed a desire to be annexed by Israel. This comment comes in the context of heightened tensions following Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel, which were a response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes on March 2, according to Vanguard.

TSS Petroleum Group's founder and CEO Faith Madoda addresses the impact of Middle East tensions on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the fuel and industrial supply sectors. He explains how his company is adapting its supply chain to ensure that critical industries continue to operate despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Seven OPEC+ members have decided to raise oil production quotas once more as the situation in the Middle East stabilizes following recent conflicts. This decision comes amidst ongoing challenges faced by Gulf countries due to the war in the region, according to Vanguard.

In July, Tanzanian motorists and households will benefit from a slight decrease in fuel prices, attributed to a ceasefire in the Middle East. However, despite this reduction, fuel costs remain considerably higher than levels recorded before the crisis, according to The Chanzo.

According to Eastleigh Voice, a mass evacuation operation has begun for stranded seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, where 14 seafarers have been killed due to attacks on shipping since the onset of the emergency in the Middle East. The situation has worsened following Israeli-US bombing of Iran that started on February 28, leading to significant disruption in the waterway.

Iran has characterized the ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict as a 'declaration of US defeat.' As talks progress, negotiators are preparing for further discussions to address the situation in the region, according to The Citizen.

Uganda's diplomatic missions in the Middle East are meeting in Istanbul for a strategic retreat focused on enhancing economic and commercial diplomacy. The five-day event, which runs from June 21 to 25, 2026, aims to explore new trade and investment opportunities for Uganda. This initiative is being organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reiterated his criticism of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), stating that the organization supports a 'status quo for immorality' in Palestine and the broader region. His remarks reflect ongoing tensions regarding U.S. policy in the Middle East and the role of lobbying groups in shaping that policy.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Pakistan for discussions with officials mediating negotiations between Tehran and Washington aimed at achieving a permanent end to the Middle East war. This visit occurs amid emerging discrepancies regarding the agreements made so far, as technical teams continue to work on the details of the deal.