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Video released by regional media captures scenes of spontaneous jubilation across Lebanon as a ceasefire with Israel comes into force. Residents gathered in public squares, streets and coastal promenades, waving flags and expressing palpable relief after a period of heightened military alert.While detailed reports on the negotiations remain limited, the immediate public reaction underscores the deep desire for stability in a region long marked by intermittent hostilities. The footage, filmed in several Lebanese cities, shows crowds chanting, children playing, and local businesses reopening, signaling an early return to normalcy.Analysts note that the ceasefire, though fragile, offers a critical window for diplomatic engagement and humanitarian aid delivery to affected areas. The visible optimism among Lebanese citizens highlights the broader regional hope that de‑escalation can translate into lasting peace.

From my home in Hawai‘i, the reef is more than a backdrop—it feeds families, shields shorelines, and anchors our culture. Today that vital connection is under unprecedented threat. Scientists report the most extensive coral‑bleaching episode ever recorded, persisting for 33 months into 2025. At a projected 1.5 °C rise in global temperatures, the IPCC warns that up to 90% of the world’s coral reefs could disappear. That temperature threshold is not a distant projection; it is looming now. Even if climate targets are eventually met, reefs continue to be battered by plastic waste, coastal development, agricultural runoff, and overfishing. Their degradation weakens natural storm barriers, leaving coastal communities more vulnerable to floods and erosion, jeopardising homes, jobs, and cultural heritage. In Hawai‘i we speak of kuleana—a generational duty to protect what sustains us. That principle must expand to every person on the planet: caring for reefs is caring for ourselves. On the ground, communities in French Polynesia have shown that, when equipped with the right tools, they can actively restore damaged reefs. Likewise, my collaboration with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the UN Environment Programme demonstrates how targeted financing can create sustainable livelihoods, boost marine conservation, and help coastal societies rebound after extreme weather. Time, however, is not on our side. The next twelve months could become a defining turning point for coral ecosystems. New scientific findings and a series of high‑profile gatherings—including the Kenya Ocean Conference, the International Coral Reef Symposium in New Zealand, and the upcoming Global Coral Reef Summit—will focus world attention on reef survival. The responsibility now lies with governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Proven actions include: cutting carbon footprints, eliminating plastic leakage, protecting keystone species, supporting reef‑positive enterprises, investing in resilient coastal economies, enacting protective legislation, and amplifying public advocacy. Moments like 2026 are not just about pledges; they are about swift, measurable change. Coral reefs cannot wait for perfect plans—they need us to act now, embodying the spirit of kuleana for the sake of our children and the ocean that sustains us. Jason Momoa is an actor, filmmaker, and UNEP Advocate for Life Below Water, dedicated to protecting oceans and raising global awareness of coral‑reef conservation.

The latest weekly wildlife roundup from The Guardian showcases three standout stories that capture the season’s most intriguing animal moments. First, birdwatchers were delighted by a puffin bromance – a same‑sex pair forming a close bond on a coastal cliff, a behavior that challenges traditional notions of seabird mating rituals and highlights the fluidity of avian social structures. Meanwhile, in freshwater habitats, a group of terracotta‑hued terrapins turned heads as their shells displayed an unusually vivid, almost blushing, coloration. Scientists suggest the hue may be linked to diet or environmental stressors, offering a visual cue for further ecological study. Finally, wetlands across several regions reported a boom in gosling numbers, with nests hatching earlier and in greater quantities than usual. This surge could signal favorable breeding conditions, but also raises questions about future food availability and predator‑prey dynamics. Collectively, these observations remind readers that wildlife continues to surprise and adapt, providing fresh material for both enthusiasts and researchers alike.

South Africa announced the appointment of Roelf Meyer, a 78‑year‑old former minister and chief negotiator for the apartheid government, as its new ambassador to the United States. The decision, made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is intended to heal the diplomatic breach that widened after the United States, under President Donald Trump, expelled the previous envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, in March 2025. Meyer replaces Rasool, who was dismissed after publicly labeling Trump’s global movement as “white supremacist.” Since then, Pretoria has lacked formal representation in Washington, a gap the government hopes to close with Meyer’s extensive negotiation experience. The bilateral relationship has deteriorated since Trump assumed office in January 2024, with the U.S. president repeatedly criticising South Africa’s affirmative‑action policies and falsely alleging a “white genocide.” Trump’s administration even offered expedited U.S. citizenship to Afrikaners claiming persecution, while freezing foreign assistance over a land‑ownership law that mandates at least 30 % Black participation in companies. South Africa’s recent actions have further strained ties: filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and inviting Iran to a BRICS naval exercise off its coast, prompting Washington to accuse Pretoria of “cosying up to Iran.” The BRICS grouping, of which South Africa is a founding member, is viewed by Trump as an economic challenge to U.S. dominance.In a statement, Ramaphosa described Meyer as “a very loyal and patriotic South African” who is “more than qualified” to re‑calibrate relations with the United States and engage with stakeholders on Capitol Hill and across federal agencies. Meyer, who leads the global consultancy In Transformation Initiative, has a long‑standing record in peace negotiations across Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Burundi, Kosovo, Bolivia, the Basque region and the Middle East. Domestically, he was the chief negotiator for the white‑minority government during the early‑1990s talks that ended apartheid, later serving as Minister of Constitutional Development under Nelson Mandela and co‑founding the United Democratic Movement before joining the African National Congress in 2006. Critics, notably the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), argue that appointing a former apartheid official signals a willingness to appease Trump’s “white supremacist whims” and that Meyer’s age limits opportunities for younger diplomats. The EFF highlighted his past role in the Department of Law and Order, which enforced apartheid repression. Despite the political controversy, South African analysts stress that the priority for the new ambassador is economic. U.S.–South Africa bilateral trade stands at $26 billion, making Washington Pretoria’s second‑largest trading partner after China. The focus, according to researcher Thembisa Fakude, will be on attracting U.S. investment and creating jobs rather than merely countering Trump’s rhetoric. When Ramaphosa visited the White House in May 2025, he included two white South African golfers in the delegation to soften Trump’s concerns about alleged persecution of white farmers. However, Fakude notes that most South Africans are indifferent to the “artificial” accusations and are more interested in tangible economic benefits. The appointment of Meyer thus represents a calculated diplomatic gamble: leveraging his negotiation pedigree to restore confidence, while navigating domestic criticism and a volatile U.S. political climate.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence that Iran will participate in the World Cup, despite the country's sports minister stating that it cannot participate due to the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. Infantino told CNBC that Iran 'has to come' to the tournament, emphasizing that the team will travel to the US 'for sure.' This statement comes as the country is currently under a Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire with the US and Israel. The Iranian team has qualified for the World Cup and wants to participate, Infantino said, adding that he recently visited the team at its training camp in Antalya, Turkey. He stressed that 'sports should be outside of politics' and that FIFA aims to keep the two separate. Iran's sports minister had requested a relocation of their team's games from the US to Mexico, citing safety concerns. However, FIFA has ruled out a relocation, citing logistical impediments and promising safety for the Iranian players and staff. Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group stage games on the US West Coast, with matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. If they advance to the knockouts, the rest of their games would also be held in the US. Infantino, who has a close relationship with US President Trump, expressed hope that the situation will be peaceful by the time the tournament begins. He emphasized that Iran's participation is crucial, as they represent their people and have qualified for the tournament.

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes hang in the balance as they prepare to face Manchester City on Sunday. Midfielder Declan Rice has urged his team to elevate their performance, acknowledging that their recent form has been a concern.Rice, 27, highlighted the team's inconsistent style of play, which has drawn criticism from fans. Despite being six points clear of City at the top of the table, Rice emphasized that Arsenal must improve if they are to press their title claims.The midfielder reflected on a rollercoaster few weeks for Arsenal, including a Carabao Cup final defeat against City and a sobering home loss to Bournemouth in the league. However, they have also shown resilience, progressing to the Champions League semi-finals with a 0-0 draw against Sporting.Rice stressed the importance of performing better, particularly in terms of possession and confidence on the ball. He acknowledged that the team's recent errors have been costly, but they managed to rectify this against Sporting.“It's about doing the basics a little bit better, to a better level … just the five-, 10-yard passes that we're giving away a bit sloppily,” Rice said. “And just that confidence with the ball, just taking more touches, relaxing on the ball, not feeling under pressure.”Rice also expressed his desire for revenge against City, citing the pain of watching them lift the Carabao Cup trophy. He emphasized that the upcoming match is a significant test, but one that Arsenal is ready for.“To go there and win would be a massive statement,” Rice said. “And look, these boys are ready. We spoke as a group. We know what's required.”Arsenal have struggled to score in recent games, managing only three goals in their last five matches. Rice attributed this to the defensive strategies employed by opposing teams, particularly the low blocks they have faced.Despite these challenges, Rice remains committed to contributing to the team, having overcome illness to play against Sporting. He emphasized the importance of availability and depth, particularly with key players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka sidelined through injury.

Japan has taken a significant step in its foreign policy by easing its arms export rules, marking a departure from its eight-decade-long pacifist stance. This move comes as trust in US President Donald Trump declines, with him wavering on security commitments to allies and involvement in conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.The Japanese government has approved a record defense budget of $58 billion for 2026, reflecting a push to strengthen military and coastal defenses amid rising global tensions. The new budget forms part of a broader $784 billion national budget for the fiscal year beginning in April 2026.Under the new budget, over $6.2 billion is earmarked to enhance Japan's 'standoff' missile capabilities, including the purchase of domestically produced and upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles. This move is seen as a response to China's growing military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.Japan's key defense contractors, Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric, are hiring staff and adding capacity to capitalize on demand for arms. Countries such as the Philippines and Poland are expected to become customers of Japanese arms.The easing of arms export rules is part of Japan's efforts to shape its own security policy and reduce its military dependence on the US. This shift is driven by the need to build defense supply chains in Asia that do not rely on the US, particularly in light of Washington's preoccupation with wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.Japanese companies are eager to boost sales by selling their products abroad, with Toshiba planning to hire 500 people over the next three years and constructing new testing and manufacturing facilities. The company's vice president, Kenji Kobayashi, noted that 'reputational risk is not what it used to be.'The US has welcomed Japan's initiatives to boost defense spending and take regional security into its own hands, with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praising Japan's investment in its defense capabilities.

The US military has announced that its blockade of Iranian ports has been 'fully implemented,' resulting in a complete halt to economic trade entering and leaving Iran by sea. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade is being enforced against vessels of all nations 'entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran.'In a statement, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said that an estimated 90% of Iran's economy is fueled by international trade by sea. He noted that within 36 hours of the blockade's implementation, US forces had completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea. The operation involves over 10,000 sailors, Marines, and US Air Force personnel.In the first 24 hours, six merchant ships complied with US orders to turn around and re-enter an Iranian port. Additionally, a US Navy destroyer interdicted two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran, instructing them to turn around. The blockade, which went into effect on Monday at 10am in Washington, DC (14:00 GMT), has had a significant impact on global oil prices, which jumped above $100 per barrel before easing on hopes of further talks between the US and Iran.The blockade is seen as a move by US President Donald Trump to force officials in Tehran to accept Washington's terms for ending the conflict. However, Tehran considers the blockade a violation of the ceasefire, which could complicate the situation. Analysts suggest that the US may be hinting at renewed peace talks to ease the shock of the blockade on the global oil market.

The United States military announced on Tuesday that a missile strike carried out by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) killed four people aboard a stationary vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The attack, captured in a video showing a boat engulfed in flames, represents the fourth lethal engagement in the region within a four‑day span. SOUTHCOM, which oversees U.S. operations across Latin America and the Caribbean, labeled the deceased as “narco‑terrorists.” No evidence was provided to substantiate this claim, and the command offered only vague intelligence indicating the boat was traveling along known drug‑trafficking routes. This latest strike raises the cumulative death toll from the campaign to at least 175 individuals since early September, when former President Donald Trump authorized the operation to disrupt alleged cartel shipments to the United States. In the preceding 48 hours, two people were killed in a Monday strike and five more in two separate Saturday attacks, also targeting vessels in the eastern Pacific. The U.S. Coast Guard has reportedly halted the search for a survivor from the Saturday incidents. International legal scholars and human‑rights organizations argue that the U.S. actions constitute extrajudicial killings in international waters, often targeting civilian fishing boats rather than confirmed drug‑smuggling vessels. Legal experts stress that, even if some boats are involved in narcotics transport, the appropriate response should be prosecution under the rule of law, not lethal force. Critics also highlight the limited impact of the strikes on the U.S. fentanyl crisis, noting that the majority of the drug enters the United States via overland routes from Mexico, with precursors sourced from China and India. As the controversy deepens, questions linger about the legality, efficacy, and broader geopolitical ramifications of the U.S. maritime campaign against alleged narco‑terrorist activity in the Pacific.