Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that deadly Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killing 11 people send a clear message on US-led peace negotiations, following Hezbollah attacks on IDF troops.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed talks with North Korea to end the ongoing war and discuss halting its nuclear program, speaking at the 81st Liberation Day ceremony in Seoul.
Nato works to deliver urgent air defences to Ukraine as President Zelenskyy warns of increased Russian missile production ahead of winter and severe shortages of US-made Patriot interceptors.
The US, Iran and Oman are nearing an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore a June 17 ceasefire, addressing shipping disputes while wider nuclear and regional conflicts remain unresolved.
President Trump insists talks with Iran are underway, calling Tehran 'duplicitous' after Iran's Foreign Ministry denied immediate negotiation plans. The conflicting statements add to confusion as the war enters its sixth month, impacting oil prices and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Crude oil prices fell sharply and global stocks rallied after Donald Trump announced he cancelled strikes on Iran and claimed peace talks would resume, a claim Tehran denied. This occurred despite rising fuel prices for UK motorists.
Washington and Tehran are set to begin talks on a peace agreement, mediated by a Middle Eastern country, focusing on restoring commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting US sanctions on Iranian ports, ending regional strikes, and renewing unrestricted Iranian oil exports, as announced by Donald Trump.
India and Iran are negotiating the management of Chabahar Port, with India seeking a legal guarantee for its rights to the port, which is crucial for its strategic outreach to Central Asia. These talks occur as the US pursues peace discussions with Tehran, and India awaits the lifting of US sanctions, having secured a waiver that expired in April.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Kiev, not Moscow, halted peace negotiations, while Russia remains open to considering constructive proposals for conflict resolution, including direct contacts, according to an interview with Izvestia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Washington administration plans to undertake efforts in the coming weeks to assess prospects for resuming peace talks to end the conflict in Ukraine, stating President Trump has instructed his team to pursue opportunities for peace.
Prediction markets doubt the longevity of the US-Iran ceasefire, with a Polymarket contract indicating 50-50 odds of a 14-day halt in US strikes, amid skepticism fueled by Trump's readiness for renewed action and Iran's denial of direct negotiations.
Zelenskiy met Trump in Washington to discuss peace talks, Patriot interceptor production and stronger air defense support for Ukraine. He also welcomed new U.S. sanctions legislation targeting Russia’s energy sector.
U.S. Treasury yields slid on Friday, with the 10-year note dropping over 2 basis points, as oil prices declined following reports of Pakistan exploring U.S.-Iran peace talks. This occurred amidst President Trump's consideration of a "massive attack" on Iran.
President Trump is considering a "massive attack" on Iran following escalating conflict in the Red Sea, while Pakistan seeks to restart stalled US-Iran peace talks. This diplomatic effort, supported by China, led to a rise in stocks and a fall in oil prices, offering hope amidst ongoing US strikes and Iranian defiance.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held their first in-person talks since September 2025 on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Manila. The 35-minute meeting, requested by the US, aimed to revive stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, but no breakthroughs were reported.
The US and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark deal for a civilian nuclear program in the Gulf country, with Washington insisting on non-proliferation safeguards. The agreement, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, lays the foundation for a multibillion-dollar partnership amidst US concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
One year after the PKK symbolically burned weapons, a conference in Diyarbakir assessed the fragile peace process between Turkey and the militant group. Despite progress, challenges remain regarding disarmament, legal guarantees, and the future of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, amidst changing regional security dynamics.
U.S. forces conducted airstrikes in Iran following the deaths of three service members, including two in Jordan and one in Iraq, amidst ongoing conflict. Iran retaliated with strikes targeting infrastructure in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, while oil prices rose above $90 per barrel.
UK fuel prices are increasing again after peace talks to end the US-Israel war with Iran collapsed. Prices surged at the conflict's start, fell after a framework deal in June, but are now rising due to resurfacing tensions, with analysts predicting further hikes. The government postponed a fuel duty increase.
President Trump announced the US and Iran will continue peace talks after the ceasefire was scrapped. Trump stated Iran requested the talks, but the US has made it clear the ceasefire is over following recent hostilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow no longer believes the West is genuinely interested in negotiating an end to the Ukraine conflict. He accused the West of "imitating a willingness to negotiate while openly issuing ultimatums to Russia."
Czech President Petr Pavel stated Ukraine has a two-month window to restart peace talks with Russia before the State Duma elections in September, warning of potential escalation if negotiations fail. He urged continued military support for Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to compel Russia to negotiate, alongside increased European militarization.
The US conducted a second, larger air attack on Iran, targeting military sites and civilian infrastructure, killing at least 14 people. This escalation follows Iran's attacks on commercial ships and raises fears of wider conflict, while peace talks appear to be collapsing.
Kremlin sources indicate a high probability of conflict escalation in coming months as President Putin rejects peace talks, seeking full Donbas control. Ukraine's intelligence suggests Putin prepares new operations, possibly beyond borders, with recent drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure strengthening his resolve.
