US votes through new war powers act to try and halt Iran war

The US House just voted 215 to 208 to end the Iran war, by passing a new War Act, that is unlikely to have any impact on the Iran conflict as US President Donald Trump is widely expected to veto the motion.

US brokers Israel-Lebanon ceasefire framework tied to Hezbollah withdrawal

Zelenskiy urges faster Patriot deliveries as Europe’s PULR programme weapons funding dries up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pressed Nato allies to accelerate deliveries of Patriot missile interceptors, as Ukraine’s stocks start to run dangerously low, warning that funding alone will not solve growing shortages.

India approves $1bn support package to shield airlines from fuel price volatility

India's cabinet has approved a one-time budgetary support package of up to INR100bn ($1.04bn) for oil marketing companies to help stabilise aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic airlines.

Russian oil flows through Druzhba return to normal as Hungary and Slovakia resume Russian oil and gas imports

Russian crude oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia through the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline returned to normal levels in May, marking the first full month of uninterrupted supplies since transit resumed in April after a dispute.

Absheron project may reshape Azerbaijan’s gas export strategy

SOCAR, TotalEnergies, XRG and BOTAŞ signed an agreement in Baku on 1 June on long-term gas supplies from the Absheron gas-condensate field to Turkey. The deal covers the supply of a total of 33bn cubic metres of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Turkey

“Penaltystan” label for Kazakhstan used by those who hold country in contempt, says president

Tokayev rejects claims of excessive fines and penalties, says in turbulent times people need public order and security.

Budapest and Kyiv reach agreement on expanding the rights of ethnic Hungarians, Peter Magyar says

If implemented, the deal could be a major turning point in strained bilateral ties and lead to Budapest dropping its veto on aid to Ukraine.

Russia eyes Azerbaijan to plug food import gap as Moscow-Yerevan ties fray

Moscow has significantly expanded phytosanitary and veterinary restrictions on Armenian produce since early spring.

Moldova moves closer to opening EU accession negotiations in June

MEPs praised the Moldovan government's commitment to its European agenda despite what they described as persistent external pressure and interference coordinated by Russia.

Serbian businessman confirms €2bn bid for Gazprom stake in NIS

Serbian businessman Ranko Mimović said he has submitted an offer to Russia’s Gazprom to acquire its majority stake in sanctioned oil company NIS.

Kyrgyzstan voted on to United Nations Security Council

Small, landlocked country in Central Asia may use place at table to raise plight of those threatened by the melting of glaciers.

Reserve Bank of India dismisses reports of gold sale, says holdings remain unchanged at 880.52 tonnes

Separately, the Press Information Bureau's Fact Check unit also moved to counter the claims, describing reports that the RBI had sold approximately $12bn worth of gold as false.

Cuba reels from US sanctions as hotel chains quit and card payments collapse

A US executive order is stripping Cuba of its tourism lifeline. Melià and Iberostar have quit, card payments shut down this week, and airlines are cutting routes as Washington's sanctions bite deeper.

Albanian protests over Kushner-linked coastal resort intensify

Government vows project will proceed despite thousands-strong protest in Tirana.

Two large deals lift Damascus bourse turnover to SYP80.8mn

Trading on the Damascus Securities Exchange on June 3 was dominated by two large transactions worth more than SYP71.5mn ($646,800).

Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions

Bank warns higher energy costs are reigniting inflation, weakening industrial competitiveness and straining already fragile public finances

Iran agrees not to pursue nuclear weapon, Trump says amid renewed Gulf strikes

Trump says Iran has agreed not to build a nuclear weapon and that he expects to meet its supreme leader, even as fresh missile strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain test a fragile Gulf ceasefire.

Brazil-US trade row deepens as Lula slams Rubio and brands Bolsonaro a traitor

Lula branded rival Bolsonaro a "traitor to the nation" and attacked Secretary of State Rubio as Washington proposes sweeping 25% tariffs on Brazilian goods, threatening to unravel a fragile diplomatic truce struck just weeks ago.

Mexico President rebukes US ambassador over sovereignty comments

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rebuked US Ambassador Ronald Johnson, telling him to "respect Mexico's internal affairs" and confine himself to bilateral coordination topics.