Jun 9, 2026, 06:00 PM UTC

Former US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Iran had shot down an American Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Writing on Truth Social, Trump claimed he was informed by the military that the incident occurred during an overnight patrol. He indicated that the United States "will certainly have to respond to this attack." Trump also noted that the two pilots aboard the aircraft were unharmed. No further details about the alleged incident or the nature of a potential response were provided by Trump. Sources: Українська правда, Радіо Свобода

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to feature an expanded format with 48 teams and 104 matches. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has expressed strong disapproval of this expansion, calling it an "heresy" that "pushes all limits."

Separately, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States for the tournament despite possessing a valid visa. US border authorities stated he was "deemed inadmissible due to background check issues" without further elaboration. This incident has been described as creating "a dangerous precedent" ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics.

Sources: Le Monde — International

Violent clashes erupted in Nanyuki, Kenya, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, as local residents protested against the construction of an Ebola isolation facility by the United States. Hundreds of demonstrators confronted police in the town center, expressing strong opposition to the planned center at the Laikipia air base, intended for American citizens exposed to the virus in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Protesters voiced concerns over public health risks and broader sentiments that Kenya was being treated as a "dumping ground." One demonstrator was quoted saying, "Our country is not a dump!" The unrest underscores deep local anxieties regarding the US-led project. Sources: Le Monde.

Public anger has intensified in France following the murder of an 11-year-old girl, Lyhanna, which has placed significant pressure on the government. The individual accused of the crime had reportedly been reported to authorities multiple times previously for alleged sex offenses. Nationwide demonstrations on Monday saw over 60,000 participants, with many calling for the resignation of Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. The protests highlight widespread frustration over the handling of the suspect's prior denunciations. Sources: BBC News

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently concluded a two-day state visit to North Korea, marking the first time a Chinese head of state has traveled to the country since 2019. The visit, which occurred on Monday and Tuesday, highlighted a mutual desire for increased cooperation between Beijing and Pyongyang. A notable aspect of the visit was the absence of North Korea's nuclear program from official accounts of the discussions, a detail observers have deemed significant. This high-level engagement underscores the ongoing diplomatic and strategic ties between the two nations, reinforcing their bilateral relationship amidst regional dynamics.

Sources: Le Monde — International