US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington will discuss Arab nations' demands for compensation from Iran for past strikes during future negotiations with Tehran. The issue was raised at a meeting of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in Manama.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the removal of VK apps from the App Store as "political censorship." She also addressed aid to Venezuela, Western arms transfers to Ukraine, US biolabs, EU's role in Ukraine negotiations, UN's report on children's rights, and French President Macron's responsibility for poor relations.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko disclosed a recent meeting in Minsk with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's representatives, urging them to engage in substantial negotiations rather than 'posturing.' He warned that if Ukraine attempts to draw Belarus into the conflict, the nature of the war would change instantly, while reaffirming Belarus's unwavering support for Russia and its desire for peace on fair terms.
The UK government will halve tariff-free steel imports to 3.2m tonnes from July 1, introducing new safeguards to combat global oversupply of cheap Chinese metal and support its domestic industry. Tariffs on imports above quotas will double to 50%. The EU is implementing similar measures.
Asian shares, particularly in Japan and South Korea, surged Thursday driven by strong earnings from U.S. chipmakers Qualcomm and Micron Technology. Oil prices fell as the U.S. and Iran negotiate, while Wall Street saw mixed results with tech losses offset by other sectors.
The UN's International Maritime Organisation is evacuating over 11,000 sailors from the Strait of Hormuz following a US-Iran MoU. The operation, coordinated with regional states and the US, aims to ensure safe navigation after months of disruption. Disputes over future control and potential tolls remain.
Lithuania's foreign ministry announced the temporary suspension of economic cooperation action plan negotiations with Taiwan due to domestic political changes following the formation of a new coalition government. Talks may resume after the new administration is in office and its program is approved.
Labor proposed a 16.3% minimum wage increase to 12,000 won/hour, citing rising costs. Business representatives, facing worsened conditions and reduced earnings, advocated for a freeze and differentiated wages, highlighting struggles of small businesses.
A purported US-Iran nuclear deal faces significant discrepancies, with President Trump announcing concessions like future inspections, while Iranian officials deny agreeing to such terms and emphasize ongoing negotiations.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov states Moscow maintains constant contact with Tehran, aware of all developments in Iran-US negotiations, with Russia's proposals for addressing key tasks remaining on the table.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured Gulf allies that Washington will not permit Iran to charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a recent ceasefire deal. Concerns persist over Iran reinvesting frozen assets into its military and its nuclear program.
Hours after a US-Iran deal in Switzerland, Tehran contradicted Washington on nuclear inspections, fund unfreezing, and sanctions, sparking Trump's ire. Iran's leaders engaged in rapid diplomatic efforts, while disputes over deal interpretations surfaced.
Iran's UN envoy Ali Bahraini stated that US President Trump's threats have significantly hindered negotiations at Switzerland's Buergenstock. Tehran remains committed to dialogue if Washington shows genuine willingness for a diplomatic solution, emphasizing that military action against Iran is futile.
The US and Iran are in dispute over U.N. inspectors accessing Iranian nuclear sites, following talks in Switzerland. Meanwhile, a plan to evacuate 11,000 seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz is underway, and violence has resurfaced in Lebanon.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is in Pakistan for talks on a permanent end to the Middle East war, but discrepancies have emerged regarding the agreements reached between Iran and the U.S. Discussions involve a de-confliction cell for Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's UN envoy in Geneva, Ali Bahraini, urged Israel to end its attacks on Lebanon and withdraw forces, citing a US-Iranian memorandum of understanding. He expressed optimism about recent negotiations held in Switzerland.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that the EU is not interested in negotiations regarding Ukraine, citing ongoing internal discussions about representation and a lack of desire to end military and financial support for Kyiv.
The U.S. has issued a 60-day exemption allowing Iran to sell oil in U.S. dollars, marking the most significant rollback of sanctions since 1979. This move could generate billions for Iran and potentially reopen trade with the U.S., with China expected to accelerate purchases.
Israel and Lebanon are set to commence their fifth round of US-mediated talks in Washington DC on Tuesday. The discussions aim to secure peace amid a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, which has seen fighting abate since Saturday night. Lebanese leaders emphasize that Iran cannot negotiate on Beirut's behalf.
Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Tehran's administration and will not revert to its pre-war status. He also announced an agreement to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets and establish a communication channel for ship movements.
Ukraine's UN envoy, Andrii Melnyk, warned that Kyiv may revise its ceasefire offer to Russia if the UN Security Council doesn't pass a resolution for an unconditional end to hostilities. Melnyk cited Ukraine's recent successful strikes on Russian oil refineries and military targets as growing confidence in their war effort.
The Senate overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan housing bill aimed at tackling the nation's housing crisis by boosting supply and lowering prices. The measure bans corporate investors from buying single-family homes and includes provisions to streamline construction and increase funding for affordable housing initiatives.
Iran's Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadeq, has denied reports that Tehran is refusing support to Hezbollah. He stated that the Lebanese issue is linked to Iran's negotiations with the US and that Tehran has always connected a ceasefire in Lebanon with the end of hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
US Vice-President JD Vance reported "great progress" in talks with Iran, including a mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz and a de-confliction process for the ceasefire. Iran's stance on nuclear inspections and frozen assets remains a point of contention, with conflicting messages emerging.
