Kristalina Georgieva warned that a prolonged Middle East war could trigger higher inflation and a sharp global slowdown if oil reaches $125 per barrel. Supply disruptions and rising food and energy costs are already worsening the outlook.

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox worshipers defied wartime restrictions and crowded Mount Meron for Lag B'Omer celebrations. Police efforts to limit attendance largely failed, though no major clashes were reported.

Joe Kaufman announced a 2026 run in Florida's new 25th Congressional District after narrowly losing a 2024 race. He is campaigning on foreign policy credentials, opposition to the Affordable Care Act, and expanded vocational education.

United States intelligence believes Iran could build a nuclear weapon within nine months to a year despite recent strikes on key nuclear sites. Concerns remain over unverified stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.

Iran's foreign minister said there is no military solution to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and warned against further escalation. His remarks followed Iranian missile and drone strikes and strong warnings from President Donald Trump.

Organizers say about 200 বিদেশ pilgrims attended this year's Lag B'Omer pilgrimage in Djerba, marking a rebound after a deadly 2023 attack. The event signals renewed confidence following two years of sharply reduced turnout.

Seven hantavirus cases, including three deaths, have been reported on a luxury cruise ship stranded off Cape Verde. Health officials say there is no immediate risk to people onshore as authorities consider evacuation options.

Barack Obama said Benjamin Netanyahu used the same arguments on Donald Trump to justify striking Iran as he once used on him. Obama questioned whether the military action serves the long-term interests of Israel or the United States.

Fresh attacks in the Persian Gulf have raised fears that the fragile cease-fire between Iran and the United States could collapse. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court restored access to an abortion pill by mail and the Trump administration is considering new oversight of artificial intelligence models.

Helmy Kluger struggles with trauma after his sister Lexa’s death in 1933 Germany, leading to a dangerous confrontation with a fellow party member. Sally Carson’s rediscovered novel portrays a family caught in the tightening grip of fascism.

Maher Bitar, a former Biden administration official and longtime critic of Israel, will lead a key Democratic foreign policy group preparing for the 2028 election. His appointment reflects a growing shift within the party toward more confrontational policies regarding Israel.

Religious tourism in Najaf and Karbala has nearly collapsed after regional conflict halted the flow of foreign pilgrims. Hotel closures and mass layoffs threaten a key source of Iraq's non oil revenue.