The Iranian performer was also barred from leaving the country and from performing with her band for two years under the sentence issued by an Iranian court.
Year: 2026
FAO and WFP Identify 13 Countries Where Food Insecurity Expected to Worsen
The joint Hunger Hotspots report released Wednesday identifies nations most at risk of acute food insecurity worsening between June and November 2026.
Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Construction Officially Restarts After Two Decades
Work on the pipeline aiming to export Nigerian gas to Europe via Niger and Algeria officially restarted in early June after more than 20 years of postponements.
North Africa: Egypt Fully Settles Oil and Gas Investment Arrears Worth Billions
Egypt’s Petroleum Minister confirmed the country had cut all outstanding arrears to zero after dues had reached approximately $6.1 billion in June 2024.
Russia Faults US Over Trump-Putin Talks Progress
Moscow raised objections to the pace and substance of diplomatic communications between President Trump and President Putin.
Myanmar War Deepens Civilian Catastrophe as Fighting Intensifies
The ongoing conflict in Myanmar continued to inflict severe humanitarian costs on civilian populations with no end in sight.
Shipping Traffic in Strait of Hormuz Increases as US-Iran Tensions Ease
MarineTraffic data shows multiple vessels transiting the strait daily as the US-Iran MOU enables gradual reopening; before the war 110 vessels transited daily.
Iran War Costs Estimated at $34-42 Billion with Congress Facing Major Battle Over Funding
A CSIS analysis found that neither the FY2026 nor FY2027 defence budgets included war costs, putting Congress in a difficult position over war spending.
Trump Has Testy Meeting with GOP Senators Over Iran War Powers Resolution
The president raised his voice and told Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy to sit down during a contentious meeting; Cassidy later said he ‘lost his temper’ in response.
WHO and International Federation of Red Cross Warn of Serious Health Risks Across Europe
Amid the unprecedented European heat dome, international health bodies issued emergency warnings citing severe risks to vulnerable populations.