Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he cancelled planned strikes against Iran, claiming he was asked to "hold off" by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries due to agreed "perimeters" of a deal. This deal would reportedly include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear threat.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi states Iran's actions are targeted against the US, not neighboring Middle Eastern countries, with plans for post-conflict dialogue and trust restoration.
The US and Iran launched fresh military strikes on Thursday, effectively collapsing a fragile ceasefire. The US targeted Iranian military sites, while Iran retaliated against US-linked facilities across the Gulf, escalating fears of a wider regional war.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a 4% decline in Middle East gas demand by 2026, marking the first drop since 1993. This contraction is attributed to damage to production facilities and reduced output from gas-intensive industries caused by the ongoing military conflict.
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced that the Iranian delegation will visit several Middle Eastern countries before signing a memorandum with the United States in Geneva. A final decision on the memorandum's signing procedure is expected today or tomorrow.
Russia expects a 60% increase in mutual tourist flow with China in 2026, reaching 4-4.5 million trips, driven by increased flights and competitive pricing.
A US federal judge ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully barred applicants from 39 travel-ban countries from receiving immigration benefits, throwing their lives into legal limbo.
Donald Trump is demanding several Middle Eastern nations join the Abraham Accords as a condition for a potential deal with Iran. He listed Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, and Bahrain, noting UAE and Bahrain are already members. Critics call it "trading one fantasy for another," while some, like Senator Lindsey Graham, praise the proposal.
Donald Trump claims a breakthrough in negotiations to end the Iran war, drawing reactions from Middle Eastern nations. Meanwhile, Africa is racing to contain a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak.
President says US navy will ‘guide’ stranded ships out of waterway but report says warship was hit by IranMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe world’s shipping industry has questioned if vessels will be able to travel safely to and from the Gulf after Donald Trump announced his latest plan to open the strait of Hormuz.The US president wrote on Monday that the navy would “guide” stranded ships out of the waterway, writing on his social media site Truth Social that the operation, “Project Freedom”, would be a humanitarian gesture “on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran”. Continue reading...
Former Russian Prime Minister Sergey Stepashin says Russia has built strong ties with all Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, and could play a mediator role in resolving regional conflicts, but will not impose itself. He noted Russia's potential should be used despite Trump not approaching Moscow yet.
