News
US–Saudi strategic pact formalised as Trump backs F-35 sale to the kingdom
US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House on November 18, marking the Crown Prince’s first visit to Washington since 2018 and signalling a renewed phase of strategic cooperation
Iran releases Talara tanker and 21 crew members following STS transfer
Iran releases Talara oil tanker and 21 crew members after six-day detention for fuel smuggling in Persian Gulf waters, following completion of judicial proceedings and cargo discharge.
Hungary's Viktor Orban says giving more money to Ukraine is like trying to cure an alcoholic with vodka
Hungarian prime minister took to social media to criticise calls by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to provide additional financial assistance to Ukraine.
Azerbaijan expands prosecutions of exiled critics with new charges and extradition attempts
Azerbaijan has brought criminal charges against at least three exiled government critics and summoned others for questioning, in a campaign targeting journalists, historians and political figures living abroad.
Tisza Party presents candidates, kicks off online nomination process
The Hungarian Tisza Party has unveiled the first group of candidates for the 2026 parliamentary elections, party leader Peter Magyar announced on November 18.
Unrest grows in Bangladesh after former PM handed down death sentence
Demonstrators continue to block highways in several districts and fought Bangladesh police for long periods as authorities continue to deploy large numbers of security personnel across Dhaka and other regions.
Lithuanian law enforcement cracks down on Belarus’ smuggling balloon network
Lithuania views the balloon-borne smuggling from Belarus as part of the country’s hybrid war.
Slovenia defends emergency security measures as EU, Roma groups sound alarm
New law grants Slovenian police expanded powers to operate in designated high-risk areas after fatal attack in Novo Mesto.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation clinches $4.57bn financing led by two banking giants
The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) and Kuwait Finance House (KFH) concluded a joint financing deal on November 18, valued at KWD1.5bn ($4.57bn) for Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC).
China blocks Japanese film releases in latest anti-Tokyo moves
China has postponed the release of at least two Japanese films as political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo intensify over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan.
India reacts to Bangladesh sentencing former PM to death
According to the text of the MEA statement, India has studiously avoided direct commentary on the conviction itself. New Delhi's measured response prioritised reassurance about its commitment to peace and democratic governance,
Bangladesh tribunal sentences former PM Hasina to death
Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death after finding them guilty of crimes against humanity.
Georgian Dream moves to scrap EU-mandated anti-corruption body
Georgia's parliament speaker said the dissolution of the anti-corruption body aims to “optimise state resources” and “strengthen the constitutional framework of the governance system".
EU opens final accession negotiation cluster with Albania
Albanian PM Edi Rama says the EU has "no escape from Albania ... we’ll stalk them to the end" as Tirana aims for membership by 2030.
Serbia faces uncertainty over long-term Russian gas deal
Serbia’s plans for a new long-term gas contract with Russia’s Gazprom remain uncertain, with officials now aiming for a short-term extension.
Pasifik Holding holds another Istanbul IPO despite hundreds of companies in queue
One beneficiary from same town as Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Iraq's Kurdistan dissolves Unit 80, integrates forces into Peshmerga Ministry
Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government has dissolved Unit 80 military forces, which will operate as First Region Command within the Peshmerga Ministry as part of reforms to unify armed forces under a single command structure.
Iran's Kharrazi urges Trump to pursue 'real negotiations' based on equality
Iran's top foreign policy adviser has called on US President Donald Trump to pursue genuine negotiations based on mutual respect, rejecting talks conducted under coercion following the cessation of dialogue after US-Israel military action.
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Mexico's Gen Z protest draws older crowd as violence mars rally
Public demonstrations in Mexico have renewed focus on security concerns, government accountability and the growing influence of digital platforms in political mobilisation.
Emirates Airline signs $38bn deal for 65 Boeing 777X jets
Emirates has ordered 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft worth $38bn at Dubai Airshow 2025, raising total Boeing orders to 315 widebody aircraft and GE9X engine orders to 540 units.