🌍 Geopolitics and Conflicts

• Middle East Tensions Remain High: The US-Iran 60-day ceasefire memorandum has expired, and Trump announced it would not be extended, leading to a renewed deterioration in relations between the two sides. The Iranian Interior Minister has traveled to Doha for talks, while Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked Saudi Aramco oil facilities, causing a large fire and warning airlines to avoid Saudi airspace. However, the Yemeni government forces claim to have regained control of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. • Russo-Ukrainian War Enters a New Phase: German CDU leader Friedrich Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv, announcing an additional 1 billion euros in military aid and emphasizing that Germany will not be intimidated by Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense claims to have crippled up to 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity through long-range airstrikes; Russian forces have intensified airstrikes on Kyiv's second cross-river bridge. • Suspected Pathogen Leak at Russian Laboratory: A female researcher at Russia's State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology (Vector) reportedly died from an unknown pulmonary plague infection, allegedly due to 'breaking a test tube.' This led to nearly 200 people nearby being urgently sent for observation, prompting high concern from the US Department of State, which requested information sharing about the outbreak.