US President Donald Trump announced that American and Nigerian forces jointly carried out an operation in Africa that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as ISIS’s second-in-command globally. He said the strike was based on intelligence inputs and involved a “meticulously planned and very complex” mission.

“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.”

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese criticised Israel after its Foreign Ministry dismissed a New York Times report on alleged sexual abuse of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and announced a defamation lawsuit. Albanese defended the article as “accurate but barely scratching the surface,” arguing that documented allegations of abuse extend beyond the period covered in the report.

China criticised a US-backed resolution at the UN Security Council on the Strait of Hormuz, saying its content and timing were “not right.” Beijing signalled it could oppose the proposal, arguing that negotiations and diplomacy, rather than a resolution, were needed to ease tensions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a lack of trust remains the biggest challenge in negotiations with the United States, citing contradictory messages from Washington. He said Tehran remained open to diplomatic support, particularly from China, if it could help ease tensions and advance a “fair and balanced deal.”

The United Arab Emirates rejected Iran’s accusations of playing an active role in the conflict and condemned what it described as attempts to justify “terrorist attacks.” UAE Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar reiterated Abu Dhabi’s categorical rejection of Tehran’s claims.

Israeli strikes in western Gaza triggered panic among thousands of displaced Palestinians sheltering in densely populated areas, according to reports from the ground. Gaza authorities alleged continued ceasefire violations, saying attacks and military operations have persisted despite months of truce efforts.