UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Cyprus from July 27-29, marking the first such visit in 16 years, as part of a renewed UN initiative to revive peace talks for the divided island. This comes 52 years after Turkey's 1974 invasion, with new momentum from the Turkish Cypriot leader's willingness to negotiate a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Russia has 'no illusion' about continued US military support for Ukraine following a license for Kyiv to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors. Peskov acknowledged the US supplies weapons but also noted a 'duality' in their position, with a desire to facilitate peace. He rejected US claims that escalation could end the war, warning it would prolong the conflict and necessitate a larger security buffer zone for Russia.
South Sudan marks 15 years of independence with hopes dimmed by ongoing conflict, stalled peace agreement implementation, and severe humanitarian needs. Citizens face limited basic services, intercommunal violence, and economic hardship, questioning when the dividends of independence will be realized.
Hamas announced it would dissolve its Gaza government and hand over administrative authority, aiming to pave the way for the NCAG under a US-brokered peace plan. However, skepticism remains regarding whether this is a genuine political shift or symbolic, with disarmament being a key point of contention.
The IMF warns that renewed Middle East tensions, following the unraveling of a ceasefire between Iran and the U.S., pose the most imminent risk to global economic growth and inflation. The conflict could raise commodity prices, disrupt supply chains, and heighten social unrest, while AI's economic impact remains uncertain.
President Trump declared the US ceasefire and peace process with Iran "over" following retaliatory strikes on Iranian military sites. Trump criticized Iran as "liars" and "scum" for attacking commercial vessels while a funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proceeded peacefully. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte supported the US action.
President Trump stated the US ceasefire and peace process with Iran is "over" following overnight retaliatory strikes by the Pentagon on Iranian military sites. Trump expressed anger over Iran's actions despite a funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proceeding peacefully.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated he doesn't know what it will take to get Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate peace with Ukraine. Rutte noted Putin's refusal to engage despite Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's willingness, highlighting recent Russian attacks and Putin's high casualty tolerance.
The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, announced significant economic support for Armenia, including trade tariff removals and financial packages, to counter Russian pressure. The EU also pledged investment in regional connectivity and support for energy diversification.
Oil prices fell Wednesday as President Trump indicated positive progress in U.S. talks with Iran in Qatar. Brent crude futures dropped 1.1% to $72.12, and WTI futures fell 0.66% to $69.04. Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Doha for indirect talks.
Oil prices slightly declined Wednesday as Iran stated it would not meet with U.S. delegates, raising concerns about the peace process. Brent crude futures fell 0.9% to $72.27 and WTI futures dropped 0.9% to $68.91. An incident in the Strait of Hormuz added to market jitters.
Oil prices slightly decreased Wednesday as Iran stated it would not meet with US delegates in Qatar, raising concerns about the peace process. Brent crude futures fell 0.3% to $72.72, and WTI futures dropped 0.5% to $69.17.
Qatar confirmed no high-level US-Iran talks are planned despite Trump's claim, as US envoys arrive to meet mediators. This follows recent Gulf attacks, confusion over a $6B asset release, and Iran's warning against mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz.
SCMP presents a selection of seven recent news stories. The first highlight details US and Iran talks in Switzerland, which reportedly cooled tensions and led to assets being returned to Iran, though key issues remain unresolved. Other mentioned highlights include a deadly school shooting in the Philippines and a Chinese man jailed for breeding snakes.
Iran announced progress in talks, citing the lifting of a blockade, release of frozen assets, and a reconstruction plan. However, Iran's Foreign Minister stated the "real test" is deconfliction in Lebanon. The US stated unfrozen assets should be spent on American goods and not fund terrorism.
The European Conservative пишет, что возвращение Дональда Трампа к активному участию в мирном процессе по Украине крайне невыгодно для Евросоюза. Европейские политики недовольны, так как Трамп не поддерживает жесткую позицию в отношении Москвы и предпочитает компромисс.
G7 leaders met in France to discuss Russia's war on Ukraine and a peace process with Iran. Discussions focused on increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions and providing air defense to Ukraine. US President Donald Trump also threatened Iran with severe consequences if it pursued nuclear weapons.
G7 leaders convene in Evian-les-Bains, France, to discuss Russia's war in Ukraine and a preliminary peace deal with Iran. US President Donald Trump's stance on trade tariffs and international cooperation is a key focus, alongside EU accession talks for Ukraine and potential sanctions relief for Iran.
US President Donald Trump stated that the United States will now shift its focus to resolving the Ukrainian conflict following the agreement with Iran. He confirmed plans to discuss the peace process at the G7 summit in France and spoke positively about recent phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
Депутат Госдумы Алексей Чепа считает, что сам факт разговора Путина и Трампа важен для урегулирования конфликта на Украине, так как это показывает уважение лидеров к переговорному процессу.
Italian Parliament's Chamber of Deputies approved a resolution supporting a peace process in Ukraine. The resolution calls for initiatives to achieve peace in coordination with the US, NATO, and G7 partners, and for the phased rollback of sanctions after the conflict ends.
Hezbollah has rejected proposed ceasefire terms for Lebanon, calling them "absurd and humiliating." The group insists on an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanese villages before considering withdrawal from southern Lebanon. France and the EU support the ceasefire, with the EU providing new military aid to the Lebanese army.
US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered through talks with Iran. While Israel confirmed the agreement, it warned of continued strikes if Hezbollah attacks. Hezbollah claimed attacks on Israeli forces, which Israel intercepted.
US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered through talks with Iran. Lebanon confirmed Hezbollah's acceptance of a plan to halt attacks, while Israel's PM confirmed the deal but warned of continued strikes if Hezbollah persists. Iran had previously warned that any violation would breach the US-Iran truce.
