Türkiye condemns terror attack on Pakistan passenger train

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned the terrorist bombing of a passenger train in Pakistan's Balochistan province, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of 28 lives and reaffirming Ankara's solidarity with Islamabad.

Fidan meets Ukraine’s chief negotiator in Ankara

Diplomatic sources said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan received Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov in Ankara on Sunday to discuss potential pathways toward a negotiated settlement of the ongoing war, though authorities declined to provide immediate details regarding the specific agenda or any concrete outcomes achieved during the closed-door session.

Türkiye expects strong grain harvest in 2026, wheat forecast at 23 million tons

Türkiye's agricultural sector is expecting a strong year for grain production in 2026, supported by favorable temperature trends, rainfall distribution, and continued low drought risks. A wheat harvest of around 23 million tons and barley harvest of 8.7 million tons is forecast.

Pakistan's FM Dar to address UN Security Council as Iran mediation continues

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will address the UN Security Council on Tuesday as Islamabad continues its mediation efforts to end the war between the US and Iran. The debate will be hosted by China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with China as the current Security Council chair.

Iran official says Hormuz reopening to proceed in phases, starting with $12B asset release

An Iranian official said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would proceed in phases, with an initial stage involving the release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, minesweeping operations, and the easing of the US blockade. The proposed memorandum would not constitute a nuclear agreement but a commitment to future negotiations.

Putin, Bahrain king discuss Iran crisis, bilateral cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and emphasized the need for a swift political and diplomatic resolution to the crisis surrounding Iran, while taking into account the interests of all countries in the region.

Strait of Hormuz traffic plunges 95% since start of US-Iran war

The average number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to around six daily since the US-Iran war began on Feb. 28, a 95% decrease from the pre-war average of about 100 vessels daily, according to IMF data. Total vessels navigating the strait reached 532 between Feb. 28 and May 17.

Russia says it prevented 'terrorist attack' on mined vessel from Belgium

Russia's security services prevented a "terrorist attack" involving a mined vessel arriving from Belgium at the port of Ust-Luga, state news agency TASS reported. The FSB said the explosive devices resembled maritime magnetic mines, "presumably manufactured in a NATO country."

Israel’s Herzog slams ‘anarchist mob’ for West Bank settler violence

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned a wave of settler violence in the occupied West Bank, calling it “a terrible wave of violence carried out by an anarchist mob” that violates every moral and ethical norm. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, seen as the target of the remarks, accused Herzog of being unworthy of the presidency.

US and Iran signal progress on deal but diverge on key terms: Hormuz, sanctions, nuclear

Both the US and Iran have signaled progress on efforts to reach a deal to end their conflict, though their accounts of its terms differ on some issues. While Trump said an agreement is "largely negotiated," Iranian media reports suggest divergence on the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and the nuclear file.

Syria announces parliamentary election results in northeastern provinces

Syria's election commission announced voting results in districts across northeastern and northern provinces to elect members of the People's Assembly. Voter turnout reached 92% in Hasakah, 95% in Ain al-Arab, and 75% in Qamishli, with officials calling the voting a success.

Palestinian baby taken to hospital after Israeli attack on Gaza displacement tents

A Palestinian baby was taken to Nasser Hospital following an Israeli attack on tents housing displaced people in the al-Mawasi area, despite a ceasefire agreement. A six-year-old child and a woman were killed, and 20 people, most of them children and women, were injured.

UK, France, Italy, Spain, Canada block NATO proposal for 0.25% GDP Ukraine aid

Several major NATO allies, including the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Canada, blocked a proposal to commit 0.25% of GDP annually in military aid to Ukraine, The Telegraph reported. NATO Secretary-General Rutte acknowledged the plan lacked sufficient backing to move forward.

Israeli president warns of 'brutalization' in society, Ben-Gvir fires back

Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned of a growing process of "brutalization" within Israeli society, prompting a sharp rebuke from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who accused him of insulting citizens. The exchange exposed widening political divisions in Israel.

Iran's central bank governor travels to Qatar amid US mediation efforts

Governor of the Iranian Central Bank Abdolnaser Hemmati traveled to Qatar as mediation efforts continue between Iran and the US to end their conflict. The visit follows a Qatari delegation's trip to Tehran to discuss Iran's frozen assets.

Trump: Iran deal must be 'great and meaningful' or 'no deal'

US President Donald Trump said Monday that any agreement with Iran must be 'great and meaningful' to secure his approval, explicitly rejecting the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration and warning that he would otherwise abandon negotiations without a deal.

Lebanon’s Aoun: Full Israeli withdrawal remains ‘steadfast demand’

President Joseph Aoun has declared that securing a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory remains a “steadfast national demand,” pursued through negotiations that are not an act of concession. Three rounds of US‑mediated talks have been held, but Israeli military operations continue.

Iran’s Qalibaf reelected as parliament speaker

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has been reelected as speaker of Iran’s parliament. The vote, conducted in person and by direct ballot, chose 12 board members. Qalibaf serves as Iran’s top negotiator in Pakistan‑mediated talks with the United States.

UK defence chief’s RAF jet hit by GPS jamming near Russia

A Royal Air Force jet carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey experienced signal jamming near the Russian border, disabling GPS systems and affecting onboard electronics. Pilots relied on alternative navigation as Russia is believed to be behind the incident.

GOP’s Massie warns Trump party risks losing ‘disenfranchised’ base

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who lost a Trump‑backed primary, warned that key voter groups — including fiscal conservatives, anti‑war supporters, and transparency advocates — have become “disenfranchised.” He predicted significant November losses for the party over foreign policy, spending, and Epstein‑related files.

China calls for lasting calm in escalating US-Iran crisis

Beijing urged Washington and Tehran to preserve diplomatic engagement as negotiations aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict gained momentum. Chinese officials warned against renewed escalation and emphasized that a political settlement remains the only viable path for regional stability across the Middle East and neighboring countries.

Xi and Sharif discuss Iran crisis during Beijing talks

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held high-level meetings in Beijing as Islamabad intensified diplomatic contacts over the US-Iran conflict. During talks with Chinese leaders, Sharif signaled cautious optimism about efforts to reduce tensions, while China and Pakistan also highlighted their long-standing strategic partnership on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Iran says 'large part' of issues resolved with US, but deal not imminent

Iran and the United States have reached conclusions on a "large part" of issues under discussion, though that does not necessarily mean an agreement is close, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said. Trump had previously said an agreement had been "largely negotiated."

Pakistan PM says ‘things moving right direction’ on Iran-US war

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that “things are moving in the right direction” to end the US‑Iran war, crediting Pakistan’s “sincere role” as mediator. Speaking in Beijing alongside China’s premier, he thanked Chinese support and praised army chief Munir’s engagement with both sides.