World Today: Middle East Returns to War, Israel and Iran Exchange Attacks
World Today has summarised global events over the last 24 hours. Our lead report for Monday, 8 June 2026, comes from Israel.
Iran attacks northern Israel
Israel and Iran have launched large-scale missile attacks against each other, marking the first such strikes since the ceasefire was implemented last April. The Israeli military launched at least three missiles towards the north of the country, while Iran stated this action was taken following an Israeli strike on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut. Israel subsequently retaliated by attacking several military and industrial targets in western and central Iran, triggering further attacks against Israel from Iran and Houthic rebels in Yemen. This conflict between the two nations persists despite reports that US President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu via telephone not to retaliate against the Iranian attacks.
Earthquake in the Philippines
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Mindanao region in the southern Philippines. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre stated that the tsunami threat had largely passed approximately five hours after the earthquake occurred at 07:37 am. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged residents in tsunami-prone areas to evacuate to higher ground. Meanwhile, Indonesia and Malaysia issued warnings for citizens living in coastal areas near Philippine waters.
Hundreds of hostages freed in Nigeria
The Nigerian army announced they have rescued 360 people kidnapped by the Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram, in southern Borno, Nigeria. Kidnapping is frequently used as a primary tactic by Boko Haram jihadists in their 17-year insurgency against the Nigerian state. While the exact details of the rescue remain unclear, the Nigerian military stated they conducted an ‘intelligence-led rescue operation.’ The uprising in north-eastern Nigeria has killed thousands and displaced millions, according to the UN. Analysts suggest the Nigerian government has not done enough to protect its citizens, despite repeated promises from President Bola Tinubu to address the issue.
Trump walks out of interview
US President Donald Trump angrily walked out of an interview with the American television station NBC after being questioned regarding his claims of election fraud. ‘You are a biased and dishonest network,’ Trump told Meet the Press host Kristen Welker. ‘I’m sorry. Let’s just end this because I’ve had enough. Thank you, dear. Have fun,’ he said before standing up and leaving the interview, which aired yesterday (08/06). The interview, recorded last Friday (05/06), took place at a farm in Wisconsin and was interrupted several times by weather and audio issues due to heavy rain on the roof. Subsequent questions addressed Iran, nuclear weapons, and Trump’s campaign promise to keep the United States from involvement in the wars of other nations.