25 June 2026
Venezuela
Venezuela was hit by two strong earthquakes. Just 39 seconds after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, a 7.5 magnitude aftershock hit. At least 164 people are dead, but thousands are missing. The death toll will rise.
Lebanon
The commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, Esmaeil Qaani, stated that Israel must withdraw from Lebanon or be forced to leave through defeat. His statement on state television demonstrates why US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wants a discussion of Iran’s proxy network as part of the negotiations with the United States.
Iran
Britain’s specialist mine countermeasures force arrived in the Middle East as the multi-national mission to demine the Strait of Hormuz begins to take shape. RFA Lyme Bay safely transited the Red Sea escorted by the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, and was accompanied by German warships. The Lyme Bay carries an array of advanced autonomous mine-hunting systems intended to locate and neutralize mines without placing sailors directly in danger.
Global oil prices are starting to ease and return to pre-Iran War levels.
Ukraine-Russia War
Ukraine claims that it hit an ammunition depot near St. Petersburg, destroying over 60,000 tons of munitions. The munitions were stored at a Baltic Fleet arsenal near the city.
Russia targeted three trains and two fuel stations in Ukraine. Russia increased its attacks on trains this year and has targeted at least 100 in 2026.
Moscow’s oil refinery, which was hit over a week ago in Ukraine’s drone attack, will not be operational until 2027. In 2024, the refinery processed 11.6 million metric tons of oil, producing 2.9 million tons of gasoline and 3.2 million tons of diesel.
Crimea’s largest city, Sevastopol, is without power after a Ukrainian strike. Ukrainian drones hit the city’s main power substation. Sevastopol remains a key logistical and strategic hub for Russia.
Kenya
The two-year anniversary of the Gen X protest in Kenya was marked with a protest. Thousands of people took to the streets in 2024 to protest the poor economy and government corruption. More than 80 people died in that protest. Frustration continues in the country, and this year’s annual 25 June protest was marked with tear gas and gunshots from police.
Social Media Wires
Ukrainian flag seen in Crimea
More scenes from Crimea
Featured Photo: “Kenya 2024 Protests” – Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.