Social media: growing disruption caused by deepfake videos
Security experts are warning about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in online disinformation campaigns after a British academic discovered a deepfake video using his likeness. Professor Alan Read of King’s College London was surprised to see a video circulating on social media in which a synthetic version of his face and voice delivered a political rant he had never made. Researchers say such videos, suspected to be mainly of Russian origin, are part of a wider trend of AI-generated content designed to spread misleading narratives and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Some campaigns have criticised European leaders or attempted to discredit Ukraine during the ongoing war. Experts say newer AI tools have made it easier and cheaper to create highly realistic videos, allowing influencers to reach large audiences quickly. The speed and scale of these synthetic messages pose a growing challenge for governments, regulators, and technology companies as they seek to limit the spread of coordinated disinformation online.
European bank chief urges Europe to strengthen its ‘strategic autonomy’
Looking on at the conflict in the Middle East, the president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño, has urged Europe to strengthen its ‘strategic autonomy’ more quickly. She warned that conflict and geopolitical uncertainty threaten economic stability and investment. European leaders are particularly concerned about the possibility of another energy shock after Iranian strikes in the Gulf unsettled global markets. Gas prices in Europe recently surged sharply, while oil prices also rose. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted supplies of cheap Russian gas, Europe has worked to diversify energy sources, turning to partners such as the USA, the Gulf states, and Azerbaijan. Calviño said European businesses have adapted, though higher energy costs still affect competitiveness compared with regions with cheaper power. She also emphasised Europe’s commitment to cooperation, international law and peaceful engagement, expressing hope that diplomatic tensions will ease despite the difficult global environment.
Middle East: US and Israel strikes against Iran plunge region into widespread conflict
The Middle East has entered a new period of instability following joint United States and Israeli strikes on Iran which reportedly killed more than a thousand people and triggered retaliatory attacks across the region. Among those killed was Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leaving uncertainty about the future leadership of the country. The strikes, described by US and Israeli officials as necessary to address security threats, have drawn global attention and concern. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting military installations and other sites across several countries in the region. The escalation has disrupted diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and raised fears of a wider conflict. Civilians across the Middle East face growing risks as violence spreads, while thousands of foreign nationals have struggled to leave affected areas. The conflict has also shaken global energy markets and travel networks, reflecting the far-reaching consequences of the crisis. Recent news: at least 87 were killed when a US submarine sank an Iranian tanker (see), and the US Senate voted against a bipartisan measure which would have limited Trump’s war powers (see).
Middle East conflict: Thailand likely to be hit hardest by Hormuz closure
The war in the Middle East tensions has raised concerns about global energy supplies after Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carries a large share of the world’s seaborne energy trade, including significant volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Analysts warn that disruption to shipping could drive energy prices sharply higher, affecting many Asian economies which depend heavily on imported fuel. Among ASEAN members, Thailand is considered especially vulnerable, as oil imports represent a significant share of its economy. Economists say even modest increases in oil prices could weaken the country’s financial balance. Other nations such as India, Pakistan, South Korea, and the Philippines could also face pressure due to reliance on imported energy. Some countries maintain limited reserves of fuel supplies, raising concerns if the disruption continues. Meanwhile, energy exporters such as Malaysia may experience short-term economic gains from rising prices.
We are seeing reports of a severe escalation across the Middle East. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed, following coordinated U.S. – Israeli strikes on targets in and around Tehran. The strikes have triggered turmoil and uncertainty inside Iran as the nation faces a sudden leadership vacuum and an urgent succession process, while security forces and state institutions posture for control.
In this context, we are deeply grateful for a timely and pastoral letter and prayer written by Anne Graham Lotz for the Iranian Church. Addressing believers “scattered throughout Iran,” she writes:
Her words call the Church not to fear, but to persevere; not to retreat, but to trust the Lord who is both sovereign over history and intimately present with His people. The full letter and prayer can be read on the International Prayer Connect website 
