US-Iran Conflict and Ebola Outbreak

The US and Iran are reportedly close to reaching a deal to end a 12-week war, with the emerging deal set to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and put off negotiations over Iran's nuclear program until a later stage. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concerns over the worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that ongoing violence and humanitarian challenges are hampering efforts to contain the disease. The WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following confirmed cross-border infections. The US-Iran conflict has been ongoing for several weeks, with the US Navy blockading the Strait of Hormuz and Iran responding with attacks on oil tankers. The conflict has had a significant impact on global oil supplies, with prices rising sharply in recent weeks. The emerging deal would allow Iran to sell oil on the open market and gain access to upwards of $25 billion in unfrozen assets. The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has been exacerbated by the conflict in the region, with health workers and humanitarian aid being hindered by violence and insecurity. The WHO has warned that the outbreak is centered in a conflict-ridden region, where nearly five million people are living amid insecurity and a humanitarian crisis. The health agency is finalizing a multi-agency Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to coordinate and scale up the outbreak response.