On Our Radar: Global Conflict and Crisis Updates 2026

U.S.-Iran Conflict and Middle East Instability

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on June 24, 2026, that technical delegations would reconvene at the end of June to negotiate a final deal involving Iranian nuclear commitments and U.S. sanctions relief.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Escalation

Pakistan alleges the Afghan Taliban shelters the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The Taliban denies these claims.

On June 30, 2026, Pakistani forces conducted strikes in Afghanistan that Islamabad claimed killed 29 militants. However, the UN reported that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 injured in those same strikes. In response, Afghanistan announced on July 3, 2026, that it carried out strikes inside Pakistan targeting ISIS and other armed groups.

Civil War in Sudan and Sahelian Violence

In Sudan, the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has seen an increase in drone warfare. UN relief chief Tom Fletcher warned on July 2, 2026, that the city of El Obeid risks becoming a site of mass atrocities similar to El Fasher, which fell to the RSF in October 2025.

Violence is also escalating in north-western Nigeria. In June 2026, bandit and jihadist attacks killed over 150 people across Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. On May 28, 2026, the Islamic State Sahel Province claimed its first reported attacks in the region, killing 18 soldiers and one police officer. Bandit leader Bello Turji claimed responsibility for attacks on troops on June 20, 2026, stating his group is ready for either peace talks or prolonged war.

Political Shifts in Colombia and Bolivia

Colombia transitioned to a new administration after right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella won the presidential runoff on June 21, 2026, defeating Iván Cepeda. De la Espriella, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, pledged an “iron-fist” approach to organized crime, including the construction of mega-prisons and the bombing of narco-traffickers.

In Bolivia, President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of exception on June 28, 2026, following more than 50 days of protests over land reform and austerity measures. The decree banned roadblocks that had paralyzed commercial traffic in La Paz. Authorities reported at least 37 injuries in clashes between police and demonstrators.

Global Humanitarian Trends

In Haiti, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as the worst humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere during a visit on June 17, 2026. UN figures show gang violence has killed 2,300 people and displaced 1.5 million people in 2026 to date.