A US official stated that "good progress" is being made in negotiations with Iran, but a deal is not guaranteed. He emphasized that the US will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons and is prepared for military action if necessary. President Trump had previously indicated a short timeframe for reaching an agreement.
Zelenskyy makes first visit to Azerbaijan since Russia's 2022 invasion, offering trilateral peace talks in Baku while confirming Ukrainian military experts deployed for anti-drone cooperation. Ukraine ready to meet Russia in Azerbaijan, but not in Russia or Belarus. Security and energy deals signed with Aliyev, who recalled Russia's deliberate attacks on Azerbaijan's Kyiv embassy and energy infrastructure.
Diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States appear to stall, with Tehran rejecting the premise of talks until Washington lifts its naval blockade of its ports. The international community has urged all parties to de-escalate and engage with diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war.
While extending a fragile ceasefire with Iran, the US is simultaneously deploying significant naval and ground forces to the Middle East. This dual approach suggests President Trump is preserving military options, including potential limited ground action, should diplomatic talks fail to secure new terms on Iran's nuclear program and regional security.
US and Cuban officials held diplomatic talks on the island discussing Cuban economic reforms and a US proposal to allow Starlink satellite communications to operate in Cuba, according to a NewsNation correspondent citing an anonymous State Department official.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks in Moscow with acting Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs Taher al-Baour. The meeting follows Lavrov's recent encounter with Libya's Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where Russia reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating comprehensive normalization in Libya. The talks are expected to address bilateral trade, economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, as well as international matters including the Middle East crisis.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pledged coordination with India on reopening the Strait of Hormuz in an interview, while the parliament adopted a confirmation hearing report for BOK Governor-designate Shin Hyun-song. Meanwhile, a special counsel raided police offices over alleged cover-up of the Unification Church case, opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok claimed to establish a hotline with US Republicans, and Seoul said no details are finalized for Chinese FM Wang Yi's visit.
