News
Rubio backs Trans-Caspian gas pipeline proposal in meeting with Turkmenistan’s top diplomat
Infrastructure could boost European energy security, though Russia could move to block it.
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Panama-flagged tanker hit by explosion in Iraqi waters in Persian Gulf
A cargo vessel was struck by an explosion from an unknown projectile 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, Iraq, UKMTO confirmed, with authorities investigating.
Iran suspends nuclear talks with US over Israeli operations in Lebanon and Gaza
Iran suspends nuclear talks with the US via mediators, citing Israeli ceasefire violations in Lebanon and Gaza, and warns of Strait of Hormuz closure and new resistance fronts.
Far-right outsider edges left in Colombia first round to set up ideological runoff
A flamboyant lawyer versus a communist senator's son. Colombia's presidential runoff pits two radically different visions of the country's future against each other.
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US and Iran report latest strikes around Strait of Hormuz
US and Iran reported a fresh wave of strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, the third escalation in a week, as the IRGC said it hit a US-used air base after an attack on Sirri Island and talks stalled.
Hegseth praises US-China stability but warns over Beijing’s military build-up
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said relations between Washington and Beijing are “better than they have been in many years” under President Donald Trump, but warned of China’s rapid military expansion.
China pledges base commodity support to Cambodia amid supply pressures
China has pledged supplies of oil, gas and agricultural fertiliser to Cambodia as the country faces rising energy and input costs that are weighing on farmers, rural households and small businesses.
Warsaw-Kyiv relations hit new low as Nawrocki seeks to strip Zelenskiy of Poland’s highest honour
Rift after Kyiv named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which Poland accuses of genocide.
Poland’s opposition eyes local referendums as campaign tool after Kraków mayor’s shock ouster
Poland’s right-wing opposition is seeking to turn the successful recall of Kraków Mayor Aleksander Miszalski into a broader campaign tool, with other large cities now discussed as potential targets before next year’s parliamentary election.
Poll points to landslide win for Armenia's Pashinyan as Russia steps up pressure before election
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan's ruling Civil Contract party is on course for victory in the June 7 general election, according to a new opinion poll.
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Iran's Pezeshkian says he will continue as long as he is alive
Iranian government officials have rejected a foreign media report claiming President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to resign, calling it baseless rumour aimed at undermining national unity.
EU mulls freezing Russian oil sanctions as fuel shortage looms
The European Union is considering a temporary freeze on its Russian oil price cap mechanism as policymakers worry about a looming fuel shortage as a result of the Iran war disruptions.
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Euroclear appeals immediate enforcement of $256bn Russian Central Bank ruling
Euroclear has appealed the immediate enforcement of a RUB18.2 trillion ($256bn) Moscow court ruling won by Russia's central bank, as the EU weighs using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
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Mexico to discuss SWIFT alternative for dollar-free trade with Russia
Russia and Mexico will discuss a SWIFT alternative for dollar-free trade at a business forum this autumn, the Russian embassy said, though US influence over Mexican banks remains a significant obstacle.
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Russian oil tanker arrives in Japan as Middle East supply concerns grow
A tanker carrying Russian oil has arrived at Japan's Kiire port as Japanese firms step up purchases on a government request, Russian media reports.
Israel seizes Beaufort Castle in deepest Lebanon advance in 26 years
Israeli forces have captured Beaufort Castle, the ancient Crusader fortress that dominates the ridge above the Litani River in southern Lebanon, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders expanded operations into northern Lebanon.
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Russia reports fuel facility fires in Saratov and Rostov after Ukrainian drone attack
Fires hit fuel facilities in Russia's Saratov and Rostov regions after an overnight Ukrainian drone attack, with Moscow blaming falling debris and Kyiv claiming direct strikes on a Rosneft refinery.
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France seeks emergency UN meeting after Israeli advance in Lebanon
France has sought an emergency UN Security Council meeting after Israeli forces seized Beaufort castle in southern Lebanon, with Netanyahu vowing to push deeper against Hezbollah.
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Syrian central bank extends currency exchange deadline to end-July
The Central Bank of Syria (CBS) has extended the deadline for exchanging old Syrian banknotes by an additional 30 days, giving citizens and institutions more time to complete the currency replacement process.
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Russia's Dmitriev says Europe needs Russia to survive
Russia's Kirill Dmitriev said Europe needs Russia to survive amid an energy crisis, after Bloomberg reported the EU is weighing a temporary freeze of its $44.10 price cap on Russian oil over the Iran war.