UN agency: Iran increased stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium before Israeli attack

VIENNA (AP) — A confidential United Nations report seen by The Associated Press says Iran further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels before Israel launched its military attack on June 13. The report by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency said that as of June 13, Iran had 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, an increase of 32.3 kilograms since the IAEA’s last report in May. That material is a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. The report also said that Iran and the IAEA haven’t reached agreement on resuming inspections of sites affected by Israeli and U.S. bombing in June.

Russia launches over 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine as Zelenskyy seeks more support

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched over 500 drones and two dozen missiles at Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure, especially energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the attacks mainly hit western and central Ukraine, injuring at least five people. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to mediate peace, Russia’s assaults continue. Zelenskyy calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, accusing President Vladimir Putin of demonstrating impunity. Meanwhile, Putin is meeting with leaders from China, North Korea and India, who support Russia’s war efforts. Zelenskyy is in Europe for talks on military aid and diplomatic support.

UAE warns against Israeli annexation of West Bank as strikes in Gaza kill 31

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The United Arab Emirates has warned that any Israeli move to annex the occupied West Bank would be a “red line,” without specifying its possible impact on the landmark normalization accord between the two countries. The warning came as Israel pressed ahead with the initial stages of its latest major offensive in famine-stricken Gaza City. Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Wednesday killed at least 31 people, according to local hospitals. Israelis were taking part in a “day of disruption” to protest the call-up of 60,000 reserves for the expanded operation, which has sparked global condemnation and left the country increasingly isolated.

About 100 bodies recovered from landslide-hit village in Darfur as pope urges help

CAIRO (AP) — Search teams have recovered around 100 bodies from a remote village in Sudan’s Darfur region after a landslide devastated the area over the weekend. The rebel group, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army, said the recovery operation took place on Tuesday, warning the death toll could reach 1,000. The United Nations said the area is extremely hard to reach. They estimate between 300 and 1,000 people may have died. Pope Leo XIV addressed the tragedy on Wednesday, calling for a coordinated response. Heavy rains are making rescue efforts difficult. This landslide is the latest disaster amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023.