News
Iran launches vehicle transit through Jask, its strategic Gulf of Oman port
Oman clears cars for re-export to Iran following the UAE's decision to cut off Tehran from southern imports as tensions continue between Gulf neighbours.
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Gulf War III squeezes tourism-dependent economies across Southeast Asia
War-driven fuel costs and ceasefire uncertainty are squeezing tourism across Southeast Asia, with Thailand's Middle Eastern arrivals down 57% and airlines raising surcharges sharply.
Protesters target Albanian coastal development linked to Trump family
Albanian police have brought criminal charges against 17 people following clashes between protesters and private security personnel at a disputed coastal development site near the village of Zvërnec.
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Iran will not approve any deal with Trump until rights secured, Ghalibaf says
Iran's parliament will not approve any agreement until the nation's rights are secured, speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, casting diplomacy as one of four fronts in what he called a historic war.
Russian drone struck by Ukrainian air defences crashes into Romanian apartment block in Galati
Details are still emerging, but confusion reigned after what appears to be a Russian Geran-2 drone struck an apartment building in the Romanian city of Galati early on May 29 after being hit by Ukrainian air defences.
Israel pushes north beyond Litani River, Lebanon protests a ‘scorched-earth policy’
Israel has expanded its military campaign, moving north beyond the Litani River, marking a significant escalation in a conflict that has already strained a fragile ceasefire and raised concerns about a broader regional war.
Trump seeks tougher terms in revised Iran deal
Ceasefire and nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran have moved forward after US and Iranian negotiators drafted a new agreement, but President Donald Trump has sent the proposal back with tougher demands, with Iran to respond this week.
Business over principles: Ireland's aluminium business with Russia is flourishing
More than 80% of Irish-made alumina was exported to Russia in the first quarter of 2026, the highest proportion since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Irish Times reported on May 30.
Russia recalls Armenia envoy ahead of election
Moscow cites Yerevan’s closer ties with the European Union, as it increases pressure on PM Nikol Pashinyan days before crucial general election.
Putin visit to Kazakhstan fails to clarify nuclear power plant financing issue
Astana trying to stay in Kremlin’s favour.
Russia reportedly planning to transport voters to Armenia to sway election
Reuters investigation reveals disinformation campaigns and discussions about transporting large numbers of Russian-Armenians to vote in Armenia.
Hungary reaches historic political deal with EC on unlocking €16.4bn in EU funds
Hungary's new PM Peter Magyar commits to a sweeping package of anti-corruption and rule-of-law reforms.
Shokhin appointed Russia's new business ombudsman as uncertainty over budget funding rises
The appointment of Alexander Shokhin as Russia's new business ombudsman is more significant than the title suggests. Shokhin is not merely another bureaucrat; he has spent almost two decades as president of the Russian Union of Industrialists .
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Iran and Oman could legally charge for Hormuz passage against US wishes
A Yemeni journalist argues Iran and Oman could legally charge navigation service fees for Strait of Hormuz passage under UN maritime law, a prospect he says has angered Washington.
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Iran cleric says missile strike on US base shifted regional power balance
Iran's interim Friday prayer leader said an IRGC strike on a US base shifted the regional balance of power, citing the Pentagon's account of the ceasefire holding despite the exchange.
Peskov rules out Ukraine ceasefire talks with Europe as it is a party to the war
As Europe hunts for a suitable mediator to negotiate a Ukraine war ceasefire deal with Russia, the Kremlin has ruled out any talks as Europe is party to the conflict, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on May 29.
US extends licence for Lukoil foreign asset sales to June
The United States has extended by one month, to June 27, a licence allowing companies to continue discussions with Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil (LKOH.MM) over the potential purchase of its overseas assets.
A growing Balkan bloc objects to Ukraine's accelerated EU membership
Former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban was the most vocal opponent of Ukraine’s EU accession bid. However, behind the scenes several other EU members have opposed allowing the agricultural superpower to join.
Drone strikes residential building in eastern Romania, injuring two
Incident is the most serious drone-related event on Romanian territory since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in 2022.
Poland signs first SAFE defence contracts worth PLN100bn
Poland is signing its first 40 contracts under the European Union’s SAFE defence programme, with agreements worth PLN100bn (€23.66bn), Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.