International News 29 June 2026
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Lebanon Accuses Israel of Damaging Historic and Cultural Heritage Sites During Military Campaign
Lebanon has accused Israel of damaging numerous historical and cultural heritage sites in southern Lebanon during nearly four months of military operations targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame said airstrikes and ground operations had affected a wide range of landmarks, including Roman ruins and structures dating back to the Mamluk era. Among the sites reportedly damaged is the historic port city of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where an ancient column capital was dislodged by nearby explosions. Salame also said a religious shrine revered by both Muslims and Christians was destroyed, while the historic Mamluk-era marketplace in Nabatieh suffered damage from bombardments. He added that several centuries-old villages near the Lebanese border had also been demolished. Although a ceasefire took effect about a week ago, Salame said the government has been unable to fully assess the damage because Israeli forces continue to control a roughly 10-kilometer zone in southern Lebanon that remains inaccessible, stating that authorities "cannot work under the shadow of occupation".
Middle East Tensions Escalate as Iran Launches Missiles and Drones Despite Ceasefire
Tensions in the Middle East have intensified despite the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, with Iran reportedly launching missiles and drones toward neighboring countries, including Bahrain and Kuwait. According to a U.S. official who spoke anonymously, the situation remains fluid, although there have been no reports of American casualties or significant damage to U.S. facilities in the region so far. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces had struck Iranian missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar installations, after accusing Tehran of violating the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that while he preferred a peaceful resolution, the United States could be forced to complete its military campaign if Iran continued its actions. He added that such a scenario could threaten the survival of the Islamic Republic, underscoring the renewed risk of broader regional conflict despite the ceasefire.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/panas-lagi-iran-tembakkan-rudal-ke-bahrain-dan-kuwait
South Korea and Japan Reaffirm Commitment to Korean Peninsula Denuclearization
South Korea and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula while agreeing to resume joint search-and-rescue exercises, marking a significant step forward in bilateral security cooperation. The commitment was announced in a joint statement released on Sunday following defense talks held in Seoul. During the meeting, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi agreed to strengthen cooperation in promoting regional stability through both bilateral efforts and coordination with Washington. The talks marked the sixth round of defense consultations between the two countries, with both ministers emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration to maintain peace and stability amid an increasingly challenging regional security environment.