Global Flashpoints Since January 2025

In June, the U.S. launched massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites (Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan), signaling a shift from Trump’s prior isolationist stance; experts say this is a clear readiness to use force abroad.
Iran responded by considering a veto on all Americans in the region, launching missiles at Israel, and threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil chokepoint handling ~20% of world oil.
A U.S. and Qatar‑brokered cease‑fire took effect around 23–24 June, and both Israel and Iran agreed in principle, yet the Strait remains a fragile flashpoint.

A sharp 12‑day war began on 13 June 2025, with Israel targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing prominent commanders and scientists.
Iran retaliated with missiles and drones strikes on Israeli cities and a U.S. base in Qatar (Al Udeid) on 23 June.
Israeli PM Netanyahu sees this as a chance to expand the Abraham Accords (possibly including Saudi Arabia and Syria), tied to a two‑state solution push .
U.S. President Trump hailed the US strikes as “devastating” while simultaneously preparing for renewed nuclear negotiations with Iran next week.
Gulf states are cautious: they prefer engagement with Iran and fear Israel’s actions could jeopardize regional stability.

Early this year, India launched missile strikes at militant targets in Pakistan (following an attack that killed 26 Indian tourists), prompting promises of retaliation from Islamabad.
The standoff briefly escalated before U.S. diplomatic intervention helped de-escalate, though concerns remain over miscalculation between these nuclear-armed neighbors.

On February 26, 2025, North Korea test‑fired strategic cruise missiles, likely sea-based systems off its west coast. These weren’t aimed at U.S. territory directly but were part of a broader military demonstration.
In March 2025, North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea, stating they were in response to the U.S.–South Korea drills .
The U.S. response has included flying long‑range bombers in regional drills and issuing strong rebukes, viewing these launches as provocative.
President Trump has publicly condemned the launches and reaffirmed readiness to engage diplomatically, stating he’ll reach out to Kim Jong Un again.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s coup leader since September 2022, is pushing a pan‑African, anti‑imperialist agenda and has strong domestic and regional support.
On 4 June, he chaired the Council of Ministers and met with AU and Angolan envoys, reinforcing his leadership in regional diplomacy.
His government faces criticism, with Western nations accusing him of lacking transparency and misusing resources.
Burkina Faso is now labeled the world’s top terrorism hotspot tied to deep disinformation risks and instability.

A resurgence of narratives claims Fulani herdsmen are invading “Biafra land,” fueling tensions.
MASSOB and IPOB say they’re “resolving to protect Biafra land” and accuse Fulani of being a disguised “Arewa secret army,” stirring response from local groups.
This echoes historical propaganda simplifying ethnic conflicts and critics warn that social media is amplifying old stereotypes.
On TikTok and other platforms, Igbo content creators highlight fears and advocate vigilance against intimidation.

On 27 June, pro‑Iranian youth groups in Nigeria rallied in support of Iran’s retaliation using social media to express solidarity against Zionist countries.
Local watchdogs urge caution, noting that Iranian cyber‑actors may spread false narratives and spyware via social media.
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Published by The Naija Lowdown