Rebel Wilson wins defamation case brought by co-star after bitter dispute

• A global weekly roundup highlights a period of intense strategic competition characterized by military escalation, economic fragmentation, and a race for technological advantage. • Key trends include the rise of influence for nations developing advanced technologies and the emergence of complex humanitarian crises driven by conflict, climate change, and disease.

• The U.S. military has concluded its 11th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities. • These military actions have largely overshadowed diplomatic attempts to revive a collapsed interim ceasefire deal.

• Diplomatic consultations were recently held in Cairo to address the strategic stability and security of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. • The meetings focused on the region's growing geopolitical importance, specifically regarding maritime security and international trade routes.

• The Middle East conflict is creating significant economic uncertainty for Pakistan, threatening to disrupt the country's fragile macroeconomic stability. • Key risks include fueling sticky inflation, widening external financial pressures, and increasing volatility in global energy prices.

• The Houthis have announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to disrupt maritime traffic in the region. • This escalation risks expanding the existing shipping crisis in the Middle East, potentially impacting global trade and energy security.

• The UN Security Council is conducting its monthly debate on Syria as Secretary-General António Guterres travels to Damascus. • The session occurs amid reports of an Israeli attack in occupied territory and ongoing tensions regarding the US-Iran war.

• The United States and Iran have entered their 10th day of renewed fighting, with ongoing attacks across the Middle East threatening to derail diplomatic efforts. • Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, which is serving as a key mediator, in an attempt to salvage a collapsed interim deal between the two nations.

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for increased diplomatic efforts and restraint to end the escalating conflict between the US and Iran. • The conflict has spread across ten nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, leading to attacks on vital infrastructure.

• Iran has declared that military operations will persist until a sufficient level of deterrence is established to prevent further attacks. • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington remains open to diplomatic solutions, though he noted that recent Iranian missile and drone strikes are hindering progress.

• Azerbaijan's president confirmed that clandestine talks between German and Russian officials recently took place in Baku. • The meetings occur as Azerbaijan continues to balance relations by providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine while refusing to join Western sanctions against Russia.

• The head of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) warned that ongoing conflicts and energy market disruptions are threatening global progress in the fight against hunger. • These instabilities are driving up the costs of essential commodities, including fuel, fertilizer, and food, which could push millions more people into food insecurity.

Ten-second ‘siren’ to blare on most phones on Monday as part of national test despite reservations from some statesAn unsilenceable siren will blare out of most phones in Australia on Monday afternoon for ten seconds, with the federal government confirming a national test of the new AusAlert emergency alert will go ahead despite reservations from some state governments.Domestic violence campaigners and the National Emergency Management Agency have also repeated advice that people who may have secret ‘safe phones’, kept hidden for personal safety reasons, may want to turn off their devices for up to 24 hours after the test scheduled for 2pm (AEST) on Monday.iPhones 11 and up running iOS 26.4 or later;Apple Watch SE2, SE3, Series 6 and up running watchOS 26.4 or later;and Android devices running Android 12 or later. Continue reading...