Dario Salvi

Developed by Iran for 20 years as a deterrent, the "Axis of Resistance" is keeping a low profile in this war. From the Iraqi prime minister to the religious leader al-Sadr, the order is to "silence" the "reckless voices" that want to start a war. At least 20 Muslim and Arab nations sign a statement for a nuclear-free Middle East "without exceptions" (a reference to Israel).

Four Palestinian women from a family in Tamra are among the people killed by Iranian rockets, members of an extended family engaged in dialogue. Israel’s Arab towns and villages are most exposed because they lack bunkers and safe rooms. Italian Friends of Neve Shalom Wahat al-Salam are outraged that some in Israel “toasted watching rockets fall on Palestinian neighbours”. A group of Israeli and Iranian intellectuals issued a joint appeal for “peace and diplomacy”.

Even before the start of the Israeli raids and the Iranian reaction, the internet had been down in Gaza City for several days. For the first time since the beginning of the conflict, even the Latin parish of the Holy Family is unable to get news out. There is concern about the humanitarian situation, which remains critical. Fr Ibrahim Faltas: ‘The international community must find a solution to this inhumane situation. Let us continue to pray.’

The Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan of the Latins tells AsiaNews of his concern over the escalation in recent hours. The cardinal, who participated in the conclave that elected Pope Francis, was appointed by the Pope precisely to keep alive the Christian “presence” with the task of “integrating, including and being in contact with the nation at its various levels”.

For the Jordanian expert, the picture is “negative” with Israel “operating on multiple, non-bordering fronts,” perhaps soon even inside Iran. The United States orders the evacuation of its embassy in Iraq, the most exposed in the event of conflict. The IAEA approves a resolution against Iran, raising the possibility of fresh sanctions.

Built in 1898, it is the second largest wooden building in the world. Returned to the Phanar in 2010, it is listed as a European Cultural Heritage Site. Behind the decision are the substantial costs of running the facility and safety concerns. For the patriarchate, it can no longer “remain standing without generating income”.

South Korea’s new president and the Chinese leader spoke on the phone for about 30 minutes. China insists on the importance of “multilateralism” against the backdrop of Trump’s tariffs. South Korea calls on Xi to play a “constructive role” in the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are investing billions in artificial intelligence and data centres in a two horse race followed with attention and some fear in Washington and Beijing who are trying to boost their partnerships. Gulf states have energy and money, but still lacks qualified talents and brilliant minds. In the first quarter, Saudi GDP boomed, driven by the non-oil sector.

The body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai farm worker who died soon after he was captured, was recovered over the weekend. In Thailand, the authorities expressed their sadness over the death. The sister of another hostage, Bipin Joshi, from Nepal, issued an appeal for his release, but his fate remains uncertain. In Israel, the Israeli parliament (Knesset) is set to vote on Wednesday on a motion to dissolve it over the issue of military service for Haredi Jews.

Today's news: two weeks after the first failed attempt, Pyongyang has launched its warship. At least five people, including three journalists, have been killed in Israeli raids on an Anglican hospital in Gaza. During the night, Russian drones and missiles rained down on several Ukrainian cities, including Kiev. Xi and Trump spoke on the phone for 90 minutes, with the “trade war” at the centre of the talks. In Kerala, healthcare workers have been on strike for over 100 days for better pay and working conditions.

The measure was introduced in 1989 after the war to reduce the pressure on scarce resources. Removing the limit is meant to reverse the declining birthrate and the aging of the population. The drop is not uniform and affects mainly large centres like Ho Chi Minh City.

Today's news: the US rejects the UN Security Council resolution on Gaza; First phone call between Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin; Trump signs ban on entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran and Yemen; Umar Patek, one of the 2002 Bali bombers, opens a café and intends to use the proceeds to compensate the victims; Phnom Penh and Bangkok to meet on 14 June to discuss borders.