Thursday briefing: The largest cluster of cases in a generation – what’s behind the meningitis B outbreak?

• A current stage of the conflict involving Iran has concluded, though analysts warn that the present lull may be a temporary pre-election pause rather than a permanent peace. • Tehran is expected to maintain significant economic leverage over the United States through the upcoming midterm elections in November.

• Iranian negotiators have departed Doha, pausing diplomatic talks in Qatar following reports of "positive progress" in negotiations. • The diplomatic hiatus comes as Iran prepares for a multi-day funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in late February.

• Palestinians and Israelis are marking 1,000 days of conflict following the October 2023 attacks that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. • Israel's military retaliation has resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, leaving Gaza in a state of devastation.

• NPR correspondents Joanna Kakissis and Greg Myre analyze the ongoing conflicts involving Russia's attacks on Kyiv and the broader tensions between the U.S. and Iran. • The discussion focuses on whether these wars demonstrate the inherent limits of modern military might and the inability of global powers to achieve decisive victories.

• U.S. and Iranian negotiators held separate meetings on Wednesday in Qatar, facilitated by mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. • Qatari officials reported that "positive progress" was made during these discussions, though the specific terms of the talks were not disclosed.

• US and Iranian representatives concluded a round of talks in Doha without reaching a breakthrough, as the critical issue of Iran's nuclear programme was omitted from the agenda. • The next set of discussions is scheduled to occur after July 9, following the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

• U.S. and Iranian officials concluded a round of diplomatic talks in Doha, Qatar, with a primary focus on ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. • The discussions aimed to reduce tensions in a critical global energy corridor to prevent disruptions to international trade and oil markets.

• The United States and Iran concluded a round of indirect talks in Doha on June 21, 2026, focusing primarily on security issues regarding the Strait. • Despite the discussions, officials reported no significant progress toward a lasting peace agreement, with talks circling back to issues previously thought to be resolved.

• A cargo ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz while following an alternative shipping route that Iran claims was suggested by the United States. • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) mocked the incident, describing the grounding as "worse than sinking" and a humiliation for the U.S.

• The Israel Embassy in India faced social media backlash after posting a recruitment notice for a six-month unpaid Political Intern. • The role requires the selected candidate to monitor political developments, analyze legislation, and track geopolitical trends to support the embassy's Political Department.

• The Iranian regime is experiencing a significant decline in internal confidence, with senior officials now openly acknowledging the risk of renewed nationwide protests. • This shift follows years of projecting absolute unity, but is now being undermined by deepening economic crises and internal political contradictions.

• Pakistan's democratic system continues to struggle under the influence of military rule and judicial intervention, a pattern persisting since its independence in 1947. • The current political climate is highlighted by the prolonged incarceration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, signaling a deepening crisis for civilian leadership.