The cost of condoms could increase if the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to strain global supply chains, according to the head of the world’s largest condom producer.

Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters that the company may have to increase prices by between 20% and 30%, depending on how long the disruptions persist.

Since late February, supply chains have been affected by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for materials used in manufacturing.

Goh noted that the situation remains unstable, with rising costs forcing the company to pass expenses on to customers.

Karex, based in Malaysia, produces a wide range of medical and personal care products, including well-known condom brands such as ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante. The firm manufactures billions of condoms each year and supplies over 130 countries.

In addition to higher production and packaging costs, the company is also facing shipping delays. Goh explained that many shipments are stuck in transit, leaving some markets undersupplied despite high demand.

While global attention has largely focused on rising fuel prices linked to the conflict, experts say the impact goes beyond oil.

Shortages of key industrial materials known as feedstocks are also affecting production. These include naphtha, used in packaging, as well as silicon oil and ammonia, which are essential in condom manufacturing.

According to industry analysts, disruptions in the supply of these materials many of which come from the Middle East are pushing up production costs. Asia, in particular, is vulnerable due to its reliance on the region for energy and raw materials.

The situation is further complicated by fuel rationing in some Southeast Asian countries, which is affecting transport and workers’ ability to reach factories. This could slow down manufacturing and delay exports of essential goods.

For now, Karex says it has enough stock to last a few months, but continued instability could lead to higher prices and tighter supply in the near future.

Apple Inc. has announced that John Ternus will take over as chief executive officer, succeeding Tim Cook, who is stepping down after leading the company for 15 years.

Ternus, who currently heads hardware engineering and has spent 25 years at the company, is set to assume the role on 1 September. Cook will transition into the position of executive chairman.

Cook has served as CEO since 2011, when he took over from co-founder Steve Jobs, who resigned due to health challenges shortly before his passing.

He will remain in charge throughout the summer to ensure a smooth handover, after which he will continue supporting the company in selected areas, including engaging with global policymakers.

His decision to step down comes after months of speculation about leadership succession within Apple.

Reflecting on his time in charge, Cook described the role as the greatest honour of his career, during which he guided the company to become one of the most valuable in the world.

In 2018, Apple made history by becoming the first publicly traded company to reach a $1 trillion valuation. Today, its market value stands at approximately $4 trillion.

Cook praised Ternus as a forward-thinking leader, highlighting his engineering expertise, innovative mindset, and strong leadership qualities.

He expressed full confidence in Ternus’s ability to guide the company into its next phase.

Ternus had increasingly been viewed as a leading candidate for the top role, especially following the departure of longtime chief operating officer Jeff Williams.

Over his extensive career at Apple, Ternus has contributed to nearly all major product lines, including multiple generations of the iPad and iPhone, as well as the introduction of AirPods and the Apple Watch.

He also played a key role in transitioning Mac computers to Apple-designed processors.

Having previously worked closely with Jobs, Ternus acknowledged Cook as a mentor and expressed enthusiasm about the company’s future, saying he is optimistic about what lies ahead.

Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, has told citizens to “forget democracy,” arguing that the system is not suitable for the country at this time.

Speaking on state television, Traoré said Burkina Faso should not focus on elections but instead prioritise rebuilding the nation. His remarks follow the decision by the military government to dissolve all political parties in January 2026 and take control of their assets.

The 36-year-old leader, who came to power after a coup in 2022, has repeatedly postponed elections, citing ongoing jihadist attacks and instability.

He maintains that restoring security must come before any political transition.
Despite criticism, Traoré has recorded several achievements since taking office.

His administration has intensified military operations against armed groups, leading to the recovery of some territories previously controlled by insurgents. The government has also strengthened local defence units and increased recruitment into the armed forces.

In addition, Traoré has pushed for economic independence by promoting local production and reducing reliance on foreign influence.

His government has also invested in agriculture and small-scale industries to support food security and job creation.

However, critics argue that his recent statements signal a growing shift toward authoritarian rule. They warn that sidelining democratic processes could weaken governance and limit citizens’ rights.

Supporters, on the other hand, believe his approach is necessary, saying stability and security must come first before democratic reforms can take place.