U.S. Investigating South African Telecom Giant MTN

In the realm of international news, several significant developments are unfolding.

MTN Investigation

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting an active investigation into Africa's largest telecommunications group, MTN, over its operations in Afghanistan and Iran. The investigation, conducted by a US grand jury, focuses on allegations that MTN, through its operations and affiliation with Irancell, supported anti-American militias and paid protection money to groups hostile to US forces between 2005 and 2010. The DOJ probe could potentially lead to indictments or charges against MTN. MTN is voluntarily cooperating with the investigation, responding to requests for information as part of the ongoing proceedings.

Ukraine-Russia Talks

Following President Donald Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the US and its European allies are trying to hash out what security guarantees for Ukraine will look like. Meanwhile, US President Trump has announced plans to organize a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Israeli-Chinese Relations

Israel's prime minister hailed "stable ties" with China after meeting China's foreign minister, as both countries, under pressure from Washington, look to rebuild relations. This comes amidst Israel's defense minister approving a plan for an offensive on Gaza City, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's finance minister posting online that he opposed a partial deal.

Other Highlights

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Stablecoin use in Africa is growing in areas such as remittances, savings, and payroll systems.
Wildfires enveloped much of Europe and North America, forcing people from their homes and worsening air quality across borders.
In Pakistan, almost 400 people have died after flash floods brought destruction throughout the country's north.
In Africa, the Bitcoin Institute has a new leader, Anaïse Kanimba.
Human rights activists and technology leaders in Africa are working on developing original research into rising bitcoin usage on the continent.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged to recognize a Palestinian state, prompting criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Uganda has denied striking a deportation deal with the US, despite reports to the contrary.
In Brazil, the Supreme Court judge prosecuting Bolsonaro vowed not to retreat from the trial.
China has built a huge export terminal close to São Paulo in part to increase its purchases of Brazilian soybeans, in response to US threats against Brazilian imports.
Brutal competition in China's clean tech sector is forcing electric-vehicle companies abroad in search of growth while the solar industry readies a cartel to combat mammoth overcapacity.
The call between the leaders of Russia and India affirmed their close ties despite Washington's demands for New Delhi to wean itself off Russian oil.
The Kairos plant could power 50,000 homes with a 50-megawatt reactor.
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in South Africa, marking its Africa debut.
South African banking group Nedbank sold its 21.2% stake in Ecobank for $100 million to Bosquet Investments.
Soho House is going private in a $2.7 billion deal.
Ozempic is getting cheaper in the US, with the monthly cost reduced to $499 for patients without health insurance.
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One-time transfers of $1000 in cash to households with pregnant women in rural Kenya reduced infant mortality in the area by 48%.
Brazil has rejected a US probe into trade between the countries, signaling that Brasília won't back down in its widening dispute with Washington.
MTN still owns a 49% stake in Iran's state-run Irancell.
Ferdi Moolman has been appointed as CEO for MTN South Africa.
Karl Toriola has been appointed as vice president for Francophone Africa by MTN.
European defense stocks fell Tuesday after the US pushed for talks between Ukraine and Russia, but analysts insist any deal would drive the continent to increase defense spending regardless.
At least 263 people have died of starvation in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera.