September 4: U.S.-Iran Conflict and Ebola’s Spread in Congo

In the Middle East Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. conflict with Iran is not a war, though he also says he cannot say when it will end. He expressed skepticism about Iran’s claim that a U.S. strike hit a wedding party and killed four civilians. South Korea is considering a military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, potentially including a warship, after pressure from the Trump administration to contribute to regional security. In central Africa Modelling warns that Ebola is spreading into new areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, even as infections appear to be declining in the outbreak’s original center in Ituri. Official figures list more than 6,100 infections and 3,000 deaths. The Bundibugyo strain driving the outbreak has no approved vaccine, and cases are rising in Haut-Uélé. In Europe German officials say Russia was behind a failed drone attack at a German airport, where two explosive drones struck or came close to aircraft but did not detonate. The allegation follows reported sabotage plots across Europe, including alleged plans involving cargo planes, rail lines and warehouses. In the eastern Mediterranean, the confirmed death toll from a ferry sinking off Cyprus has risen to 12. Turkish military ships and aircraft are searching for 16 people still missing. In U.S. news Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, a 41-year-old Texas father of six, died in ICE custody a day after his family says he was detained outside his Richardson home while preparing to take his children to school. His brother is now helping care for the children. President Trump has named Adam Telle acting Army secretary after Dan Driscoll stepped down, with reports describing tension between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The White House gave no reason for Driscoll’s departure.