Blacklist context

Earlier this month, the Pentagon updated its so-called 1260H list, adding several Chinese technology companies, including Alibaba Group, Baidu, and automaker BYD, to a list of entities it believes have aided the Chinese military. In a tit-for-tat move, Beijing on Monday imposed restrictions on 10 US entities, including Aveox Inc. The legal challenge marks an escalation in the ongoing trade and technology tensions between Washington and Beijing, as the US seeks to limit Chinese access to advanced technologies and defense-related supply chains.

Health and school closures

The extreme temperatures prompted authorities to activate the ORSAN health emergency plan at level 2, strengthening coordination across hospitals and emergency medical services. Health data reported a 120% rise in emergency consultations for dehydration in the last week, alongside a 20% increase in heat-related fainting cases. Among people over 75, cases of general health deterioration and falls increased. More than 1,800 schools have been closed and 8,000 others adjusted their schedules, according to the Education Ministry. Fire services were deployed after a forest fire broke out near Serrieres-de-Briord.

Landmarks and public response

Several landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, introduced operational changes due to the conditions. The weather service placed 58 departments under a red alert, with the heatwave expected to continue in the coming days.

Program background

GCAP brings together Britain’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries through the Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement partnership. The countries aim to field the new aircraft by 2035. The program is seen as one of the world’s most ambitious efforts to design a sixth-generation fighter jet, with potential partners still under discussion. Germany and France earlier this month agreed to abandon a separate joint plan to develop a next-generation combat aircraft, following long-running disagreements between the defense firms involved.

The points Ahmad al-Sharaa emphasized in the interview contained clear and definitive answers to those seeking to poison Syrian-Lebanese relations once again:

"We, as Syria, want to contribute to the establishment of stability in our region through political, diplomatic, and economic channels," said Sharaa, reminding that they have made concrete proposals to the US and other international parties for resolving the Lebanon issue and ending hostilities. Noting that with economic relations between Syria and Lebanon being put on track, the impact of the crisis on both countries would also be reduced, Sharaa said, "Instability in Lebanon directly affects us, especially in border areas. Negotiation is the only option to prevent further escalation of tensions." Emphasizing that there are serious differences of opinion between Lebanon's current administration and Hezbollah on one side and Damascus on the other, Sharaa stated that nevertheless, they are open to dialogue as long as it serves the interests of both countries.

Ahmad al-Sharaa's statements were received with satisfaction on the Lebanese front. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in a phone call with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, described President Sharaa's approach to Lebanon as "sincere and brotherly." Similar statements and messages of thanks came from the Lebanese government.

A history of grievance

Syrian-Lebanese relations have had a painful trajectory from the first half of the last century to the present day:

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, France, which placed today's Syria and Lebanon under mandate rule, divided Syria into provinces and transformed Lebanon into a separate entity under the name "Greater Lebanon." France, which deepened division through constant interventions in Lebanon's internal dynamics, finally made Lebanon an independent country in 1943 and itself became a dark shadow over this most fragile country in the Middle East. Lebanon's separation meant the loss of a 225-kilometer coastline on the Mediterranean for Syria. Moreover, ancient Islamic cities such as Tripoli, Beirut, Sidon, and Tyre were also severed from the main body.

When the Lebanese civil war broke out in 1975, Syria under Hafez al-Assad saw this as an opportunity to "regain Lebanon." The Syrian army, which entered Lebanon a year later, remained there for nearly 30 years until the assassination of Rafik Hariri in 2005. During this time, Lebanon became a backyard for all kinds of illegitimate activities of Baathist soldiers and bureaucrats. Drug trafficking, prostitution, gambling, and money laundering were routine activities. Over the years, a strategic partnership based on mutual interest emerged between the Baath and Hezbollah, which had penetrated into the capillaries of the Lebanese state. Iran, Hezbollah's patron, not only felt no discomfort with this partnership but closed its eyes, plugged its ears, and even applauded the crushing of Sunni-Islamist structures in Lebanon through the Hezbollah-Baath alliance.

In the atmosphere created by the Hariri assassination, Syria was forced to withdraw from Lebanon. A few years later, when the Arab Spring erupted, this time Hezbollah militants began pouring into Syria to help the Baath regime suppress civilians with the most brutal methods. For 10 years from 2012 onward, sieges in which people died en masse from starvation, every kind of war crime, displacements, rapes, and horrific events took place. Hezbollah was among the lead actors alongside the Baath regime throughout this process; it approved and supported what was done. Although the pro-Iranian front in Türkiye categorically denies all of this with ideological blindness, everything happened before our eyes.

A principled stance

Despite all these painful memories, the moral stance of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and his team regarding Lebanon and Hezbollah truly deserves every praise. I hope they are not subjected to pressure beyond their capacity and forced to take steps they do not wish to take.

US-Israel tensions

Differences have recently emerged between the US and Israel over Tel Aviv’s military offensive in Lebanon amid ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran to reach a lasting peace agreement. The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliatory attacks from Tehran that targeted US assets across the Middle East. The fighting was halted on April 8 under a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire. President Trump and Iranian President Pezeshkian electronically signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 aimed at reaching a lasting peace agreement.

Symbolic impact

While the resolution’s practical effect is limited since Washington and Tehran have already entered an interim peace agreement, it represents the strongest symbolic congressional rebuke of the war to date. The Senate vote followed weeks of conflict that disrupted global energy markets and drove US fuel prices sharply higher.

Ceasefire and negotiations

The vote came less than a week after the Trump administration announced an interim understanding with Iran, mediated by Pakistan, aimed at halting hostilities while negotiations continue. The US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation across the Middle East. Fighting halted under a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that took effect April 8. On June 17, President Trump and Iranian President Pezeshkian electronically signed a memorandum of understanding, and both sides are now engaged in technical negotiations during a 60-day ceasefire period.

Dominant performance

Portugal doubled their lead in the 17th minute through a Nuno Mendes free-kick, though Uzbekistan had a goal ruled out by VAR in the 29th minute. The fourth goal came in the 60th minute when a corner led to an own goal by Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov. Substitute Rafael Leao completed the rout in the 87th minute, firing home from inside the box to make it 5-0. The result moved Portugal to the top of Group K, while Uzbekistan remain without a point in their debut campaign.

Group dynamics

Portugal had drawn 1-1 with DR Congo in their opener, while Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia, who were runners-up in the 2024 Copa America. Portugal will face Colombia in their final group match, while Uzbekistan will play DR Congo.

Strategic cooperation

Nawrocki described ASELSAN as a well-established company, founded with the support of the Turkish Armed Forces, underlining Poland’s readiness to maintain dialogue with the Turkish defense firm and share experience. Gorgun said defense industry cooperation between the two NATO allies could further strengthen, noting that Türkiye’s capabilities in defense electronics, radar, communications, and electro-optic technologies will contribute to new projects. The two countries are evaluating joint production and technology-sharing initiatives to deepen strategic defense cooperation.

Growing ties

One of the latest steps in ASELSAN’s cooperation with Poland was an export contract worth approximately $410 million for electronic warfare systems, signed in December 2025. The agreement highlights the growing role of the Turkish defense industry in European and NATO security. For Türkiye, Poland represents a key partner in Central Europe, and the deepening ties align with Ankara’s strategy of expanding defense exports to NATO allies. The visit also underscores Poland’s commitment to modernizing its military with NATO-compatible systems.

Clarification on ballistic missiles

Sharif clarified that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Pezeshkian and President Trump, did not include ballistic missiles. “It was never on the table; it was never on the agenda,” Sharif said. He rejected double standards, stating: “There cannot be double standards where some countries can have ballistic missiles and Iran shouldn’t have.” He thanked Turkish President Erdogan, Qatar’s Emir, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Egyptian President el-Sisi for their full backing of Islamabad’s mediation efforts, while warning against sabotage from those “unhappy with this armistice.”

Pakistan-Iran ties and upcoming visit

Sharif noted that Pakistan and Iran have always stood by each other in difficult times, and the two sides will work to strengthen trade, economy, investment, and other sectors. He announced he will visit Tehran next week and that a Pakistani delegation will attend the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died in the war.

US Counselor Dan Holler and Assistant Defense Secretary Daniel Zimmerman opened the fifth round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations on Tuesday at the State Department in Washington, DC, launching three days of talks aimed at ending the cycle of violence between the neighboring states, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. An American official speaking on condition of anonymity said Holler and Zimmerman kicked off the proceedings with a joint military and political session, followed by separate military and political closing rounds. "Manifests are otherwise the same as last time for political and military," the official said.

US seeks comprehensive agreement

The anonymous US official emphasized Washington's commitment to the process, stating: "Our shared goal is to end the cycle of violence for good, We are enabling Israel and Lebanon to negotiate as two sovereign states and to find a way to have peace and security. The talks will continue to advance a comprehensive peace and security agreement between the two countries. Further details will be available soon," the official said. The latest round marks the fifth session since April, following a US-Iran memorandum of understanding that entered into force on June 18 with electronic signatures by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Conflict toll

The negotiations come amid continued bloodshed in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks have killed more than 4,100 people and injured over 12,000 others since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 war. Tuesday's talks are scheduled to continue through June 25.

Expanded arrival window

The Iranian squad — known as Team Melli — will now be permitted to enter the United States on June 24, two days before their June 26 match, rather than the single-day allowance granted for their opening two games. "Ahead of the match in Seattle on June 26, the Iranian team will be allowed to come in match day minus two, so two days before the match. They'll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match," a DHS spokesperson said. The team must return immediately to its current base in Tijuana, Mexico, following the final whistle.

FIFA complaint

The accommodation follows the Iranian Football Federation's announcement that it intends to file a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the treatment of the delegation during their American tour. Federation officials cited visa complications that forced the team to relocate its operational headquarters from Arizona to Tijuana, affecting several officials and support staff who faced entry restrictions. Iranian authorities have additionally raised concerns regarding limitations placed on media access and the ability of fans to attend matches.

Security measures

The DHS emphasized that the revised schedule balances competitive fairness with security imperatives surrounding the tournament. "Again, the President wants to make sure that we're talking about what actually happens on the pitch," the spokesperson said. "A lot of that is making sure that things are safe and secure, not just around the stadiums, but around base camps and training sites." The measures reflect ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran amid broader diplomatic disputes.

Iran's third group stage fixture kicks off on June 26 at Lumen Field. The squad has been based in Tijuana since visa complications forced the abandonment of planned Arizona preparations earlier this month.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that recent developments have demonstrated the strength of Tehran's relationship with Islamabad, describing the bilateral bond as an asset built on mutual respect and historical trust. Speaking at a joint news conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to the Pakistani capital, Pezeshkian emphasized that the ties between the two nations "have always been based on mutual respect, goodwill, and historical trust," adding that recent events had once again validated the durability of this relationship.

Ballistic missiles 'off the table'

Pezeshkian firmly ruled out any possibility of including Iran's ballistic missile program in negotiations with Washington, insisting the issue was not part of the recent memorandum of understanding with the United States. "No negotiations have taken place regarding ballistic missiles and there will be no negotiations," he stated, stressing that the program "will never be" subject to diplomatic discussions with American officials.

First overseas trip since February conflict

The Iranian leader arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday accompanied by a high-level delegation of government ministers and senior officials, marking his first foreign visit since the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28. The conflict, which triggered retaliatory attacks targeting US assets across the Middle East, was halted on April 8 under a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, according to previous reports. Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump electronically signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 aimed at reaching a lasting peace agreement between the two sides.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday directly rejected Iran's denial that it agreed to allow nuclear inspectors into the country, insisting that international monitors would return to Iranian facilities despite Tehran's contradictory statements. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump dismissed the Iranian Foreign Ministry's assertion that no new commitments had been made regarding inspections, declaring that Tehran's officials know they are mistaken about the status of the emerging agreement.

Trump said the Iranian leadership had privately agreed to inspection terms during recent negotiations. "They're wrong. They're wrong. They know they're wrong," he said, referring to Tehran's public denials. "They told us inside and we have it down 100%, inspections," he added, suggesting that any reversal would doom the ongoing talks.

US vows to block Iranian nuclear weapons

The US president framed the negotiations as critical to global security, emphasizing that Washington would not permit Tehran to develop atomic weapons. "We're making an amazing deal with Iran. We're making a deal that's going to keep our country and the world safe, because we're not going to let Iran have a nuclear weapon, and they know that, and they agree to that," Trump said. The comments came after Vice President JD Vance announced on Monday that Iran had agreed to permit inspectors back into the country, a claim immediately disputed by Iranian officials.

Timeline for inspections remains unclear

Despite the conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran, Trump indicated that the return of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors would proceed on a flexible schedule. Asked when the inspectors would be allowed to enter Iran, he replied: "At the appropriate time. There's no rush." The president warned that he would scrap the negotiations if Iran's denial proved accurate, adding: "If they were right, I cancel the meetings right now."

Vance said on Monday that Iran had agreed to permit nuclear inspectors back into the country, according to Anadolu Agency. The Iranian Foreign Ministry, however, denied making any new commitments regarding their nuclear program or international inspections.

Putin accused Kyiv of attempting to create favorable conditions ahead of renewed talks by carrying out attacks inside Russian territory. He underlined that Moscow remains open to dialogue but insisted that discussions must rest on existing draft documents and the current military situation.

Road to Anchorage

The Russian and Ukrainian delegations held three rounds of peace talks in Istanbul last year on May 16, June 2, and July 23, according to the Anadolu Agency. Those sessions produced major prisoner exchanges and draft memorandums. Following the Istanbul rounds, the US and Russian presidents convened in Anchorage, Alaska, where they developed a 28-point peace plan later revised to 20 points. Ukrainian officials have rejected territorial concessions, sources told the agency, complicating efforts to finalize a settlement.

Diplomatic freeze

Under Washington's mediation, Moscow and Kyiv also conducted three rounds of talks earlier this year between Jan. 23 and Feb. 18 in Abu Dhabi and Geneva. The diplomatic process ground to a halt after the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28. Talks have not resumed since the outbreak of that conflict.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday discussed with senior US officials the establishment of a trilateral coordination cell — comprising Washington, Beirut, and Tehran — to consolidate the ceasefire in Lebanon and oversee the implementation of related security measures, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency. The talks took place during a phone call with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the presidency said.

Officials affirmed during the conversation that "arrangements regarding the structure and formation of this cell are currently under study," the statement said, adding that they also addressed the latest developments in Lebanon and the period following the Switzerland talks between Washington and Tehran.

US support for state authority

Vance and Rubio expressed US support for the Lebanese government "in its approach to extend the state authority and strengthen its national sovereignty over all its territory through its army and security forces alone," the statement noted. Aoun thanked the US officials for Washington's interest in Lebanon "with the aim of ending the war there and strengthening the authority of the Lebanese state."

Regional backdrop

The call comes after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding entered into force on June 18, following its electronic signing by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The agreement includes a provision committing the parties to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,100 people and injured over 12,000 others since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday imposed sanctions on additional entities tied to Cuba's military-controlled holding company Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A (GAESA), accusing the conglomerate of diverting state resources toward repression and anti-American subversion. In a post on social media platform X, Rubio stated that the situation in Cuba is deteriorating due to the island's "corrupt" regime, which he said prioritizes its "own total control" over the wellbeing of the Cuban people.

Allegations of resource diversion

"The Cuban military-controlled conglomerate GAESA has persistently served as the main vector for regime elites to steal the island's few resources, diverting them for repression, anti-American subversion and spying instead of schools, power plants, and basic necessities for the Cuban people," Rubio said. He noted that the new designations target network entities responsible for moving both the conglomerate's money and physical assets, as well as firms exploiting Cuba's mineral and metal reserves for what he called "ill-gotten profit."

Warning to international banks

Rubio said that anyone "providing services to these sanctioned actors is at risk of being sanctioned themselves," urging foreign banks and companies to "freeze those activities immediately." Washington has previously targeted GAESA subsidiaries as part of broader efforts to cut off revenue streams to Havana's security apparatus.

NATO cooperation

Speaking at a joint press conference, Erdogan emphasized that strengthening NATO's European pillar and reinforcing the alliance's deterrence capabilities represent shared priorities for both nations. He noted that Ankara and Warsaw remain indispensable contributors to the continent's security architecture, with both leaders underscoring their commitment to collective defense ahead of the June gathering.

Trade targets and EU ties

The two leaders also addressed economic cooperation, with Erdogan announcing that Türkiye and Poland have established a new bilateral trade target of $15 billion following the achievement of their previous $10 billion goal. On European Union matters, the Turkish president thanked Poland for its continued support of Ankara's membership bid, stressing that Türkiye remains committed to advancing cooperation with Brussels on the basis of mutual benefit.

Regional issues

Regarding the Palestinian issue, Erdogan said Ankara expects Warsaw to maintain its backing for a two-state solution, noting that Poland is among the countries that have recognized the state of Palestine. Nawrocki confirmed his attendance at the upcoming NATO summit and congratulated Türkiye on hosting the alliance's meeting in Ankara, according to diplomatic sources.

ARCA Defense ranked fifth among all Turkish enterprises in the ISO 500 export listings with $2.9 billion in overseas sales, representing nearly half of the $6.7 billion total posted by the 11 defense firms included in the Istanbul Chamber of Industry survey. The ammunition producer placed 12th in net sales from production with approximately $2.5 billion, having secured the export champion title last year while maintaining its focus on fulfilling Turkish Armed Forces requirements.

Major contractors secure top 30 berths

Turkish Aerospace Industries ranked 14th in general exports with over $1 billion in sales while leading the defense sector in net production sales at $3 billion, according to the report. Land vehicle manufacturer Otokar placed 17th with $891.5 million in overseas deliveries, followed by missile producer Roketsan at 22nd with $733.5 million and electronics giant Aselsan in 29th position with $492 million.

Mid-tier firms complete rankings

Mid-tier defense specialists also featured prominently, with Alp Aviation placing 124th with $187.6 million in parts exports and Nurol Makina ranking 139th with $171.7 million in military vehicle sales. Weapons systems manufacturer Samsun Yurt Savunma Sanayii ranked 192nd with $123.8 million, while state-controlled MKE placed 243rd with $85.5 million, software firm Havelsan ranked 258th with $78.8 million, and BMC Otomotiv placed 290th with $58.8 million.

Sector resilience across ecosystem

The export performance demonstrated the sector's resilience across a broad industrial ecosystem ranging from prime contractors to land vehicle makers. The results reinforce Türkiye's growing influence in global defense markets alongside expanding domestic production capacity.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday welcomed Polish President Karol Nawrocki with full military honors at the presidential complex in Ankara, marking the start of a high-level visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Cavalry units escorted Nawrocki's official vehicle from the avenue to the protocol gate, where Erdogan received his counterpart at the main entrance. A military band performed the national anthems of Türkiye and Poland as both leaders took their positions at the ceremony grounds, while a 21-gun salute echoed across the complex and flags representing the 16 historic Turkish states lined the avenue.

Nawrocki addressed the Presidential Guard Regiment in Turkish during the inspection, saying: "Hello soldiers," before the two leaders introduced their respective delegations. The presidents later shook hands on the steps of the complex and posed for photographs in front of Turkish and Polish flags, according to Anadolu Agency.

High-level attendance

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran joined the ceremony alongside Chief of Staff Hasan Dogan and Presidential Secretary-General Hakki Susmaz. Chief foreign policy and security adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic, Türkiye’s ambassador to Warsaw Rauf Alp Denktas, and Ankara Governor Yakup Canbolat were also present for the arrival ceremony.

Diplomatic agenda

Following the official welcome, Erdogan and Nawrocki moved into a bilateral meeting to discuss regional cooperation and bilateral relations, with a joint press conference expected later in the day. Erdogan will host an official dinner in honor of the Polish delegation Tuesday evening, rounding out the first day of Nawrocki's visit to the Turkish capital.

American actor Giancarlo Esposito, best known for his role as Gus Fring in Breaking Bad, who has recently accepted Islam, expressed a deep appreciation for Islam and Moroccan culture during a visit to Morocco.

In remarks shared during his trip, Esposito highlighted the central role of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in Moroccan society, noting that this significance resonates with him personally.

Brussels meeting highlights Türkiye's strategic role

Kos confirmed that dialogue with Ankara will continue, noting a scheduled meeting with Turkish officials later in the day. Furthermore, she revealed plans for a high-profile visit to Ankara at the end of the month, where she will be joined by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner. This diplomatic activity underscores the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship.

‘Cannot imagine strong corridor without Türkiye’

While acknowledging that progress on Türkiye’s EU accession process remains stalled, Kos highlighted the enormous potential for cooperation within the connectivity framework. "I cannot imagine having a strong Middle Corridor and all these digital, energy and trade relations without Türkiye's strong participation," she stated, pointing to a detailed project list provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, which is currently under review alongside proposals from other partner nations.

Ankara's rising role in Eurasia trade

The EU official’s comments reaffirm Türkiye’s growing significance as a transit and energy hub linking Europe and Asia. As discussions on the Connectivity Agenda advance, Ankara’s proactive engagement is seen as vital for diversifying supply chains and enhancing regional infrastructure. The forthcoming visit by the senior EU delegation is expected to further solidify joint commitments to strategic connectivity projects.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday acknowledged mounting social tensions linked to the presence of more than one million Ukrainian refugees, warning that his government is actively working to prevent strains in public sentiment from undermining relations with Kyiv. Speaking before a cabinet meeting in Warsaw, Tusk said his administration had anticipated such challenges since the war began in 2022.

"Polish-Ukrainian relations are something we are working on," Tusk said. "I am aware of the public mood. We knew from the very beginning that accepting well over one million refugees from Ukraine would create tensions."

Honors dispute clouds ties

The premier's remarks follow President Karol Nawrocki's decision to revoke the Order of the White Eagle from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a move prompted by Kyiv's designation of a military unit named after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, according to Anadolu Agency. Nawrocki cited the unit's historical responsibility for wartime massacres of tens of thousands of Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia as justification for withdrawing Poland's highest state honor.

Refugee presence reshapes domestic debate

Tusk criticized Nawrocki's action, warning that escalating disputes between Warsaw and Kyiv could ultimately benefit Russia. The controversy emerges as Poland continues to serve as a key logistics hub for Western military aid to Ukraine, hosting one of Europe's largest refugee populations despite growing domestic concerns over welfare benefits and labor market competition. According to government estimates, more than one million Ukrainians remain in Poland, although numbers fluctuate as refugees move between Poland, Ukraine and other European countries.

The two countries, which share coastlines along the strategic waterway, affirmed their commitment to guaranteeing safe passage through the strait in accordance with international law while emphasizing their sovereignty and sovereign rights over territorial waters. The working group will seek agreement on navigation administration, services and associated costs in line with international standards, and will consult with other littoral states on future arrangements.

Islamabad Understanding framework

The arrangement falls under clause five of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran, according to the statement. Muscat and Tehran agreed to continue consultations through the joint working group between their foreign ministries, stressing that all measures concerning the strait "must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights."

The 14-point Islamabad Understanding, mediated by Pakistan and announced on June 14, entered into force on June 18 after being electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. Under the agreement, Iran committed to ensuring safe and toll-free passage of commercial vessels for 60 days while conducting mine-clearing operations within 30 days, and also agreed to establish a "de-confliction cell" involving the US, Iran and Lebanon to ensure adherence to the cessation of military operations in Lebanon.

Environmental and economic impact

Environment Agency President Nurullah Ozturk told Anadolu that the project is a strategic transformation involving environmental, technological, industrial, and economic dimensions. He said the system is among the world’s most comprehensive digital deposit-return programs. A pilot program in Sakarya has expanded to 72 provinces and recovered more than 38 million containers. Türkiye consumes about 25 billion single-use beverage containers annually. The agency estimates the system could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37,000 tons annually, save 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours of energy, and prevent the use of 3.6 million barrels of oil. Increased recycling rates are expected to reduce raw material imports by 35–40%.

Participation and infrastructure

Currently, 1,148 reverse vending machines have been installed across the country, with six domestic manufacturers producing the equipment. The program includes participation from hotels, restaurants, and cafes, with 853 businesses registered and 304 manual return points operating. Twenty-three operators have been authorized to manage collection, transportation, and verification processes. For Türkiye, which imports significant quantities of raw materials for packaging, the system supports both environmental sustainability and the circular economy. Turkish officials have also noted that the system could serve as a model for other countries in the region.

Oil sales and trade flows

The directive follows the Treasury Department’s issuance of a temporary 60-day license for Iranian oil sales as part of a new nuclear framework. In a separate post, Trump claimed that a record-breaking 19 million barrels of oil flowed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, asserting that prices “tumble” and the world becomes safer. The announcement marks a significant shift in US policy toward Iran, allowing limited oil exports while ensuring that proceeds are channeled back to American farmers and medical suppliers.

Debt offering raises questions

The selloff was triggered in part by SpaceX’s announcement of a senior unsecured notes offering to raise capital and refinance debt, despite the company holding $100.8 billion in cash as of June 19. Proceeds from the offering will be used to help repay a $20 billion bridge loan taken on to refinance debt accumulated by Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI. Investors were surprised by the move, questioning why the company would borrow when sitting on such a substantial cash pile.

AI strategy and market context

SpaceX also signed a major computing power agreement with open-source AI startup Reflection, providing access to Musk’s Colossus infrastructure. However, concerns over aggressive AI-related capital spending and stretched valuations have weighed on the stock. The decline is part of a broader market sell-off, with technology stocks under pressure as investors assess rising rate expectations. Despite the losses, SpaceX shares remain above their $135 IPO price, and Musk’s net worth—while significantly reduced—still exceeds $1 trillion.

Economic impact and agricultural trade

Addressing the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, Trump said that once sanctions are removed, funds will flow to the US because Iran will use the money to buy food from American farmers. “They have 91 million people. They can’t feed them. So, the money that will be freed up by lifting sanctions will go to our farmers—largely our farmers,” he said. He also commented on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon, saying “I’m a problem solver—I solve problems quickly, including those with Bibi.”

Criticism of NATO allies

Trump sharply criticized NATO allies for not supporting the US during the Iran conflict, stating that the US spends trillions to protect Europe but received no help in return. “I told my Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: ‘Let’s see if they actually show up.’ We wanted them to come, but they weren’t there for us. It was foolish of them not to stand with us,” Trump said. He singled out the UK, Italy, and Germany for what he called a poor performance on Iran, adding that the US may reciprocate by refusing to aid them in the future.

Security treaty context

Lavrov reminded Kyiv and its Western supporters that since March 2025, a treaty on security guarantees within the framework of the Union State has been in force between Russia and Belarus. “If necessary, we are ready to take the full range of measures provided for under the treaty to ensure the security of our ally,” he added. The Union State is a supranational entity that integrates Russia and Belarus, and the treaty provides for mutual defense commitments. Lavrov’s statement escalates tensions in the region, as Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russian forces during the Ukraine war.

Heatwave records

AEMET reported that temperatures have remained above 30°C (86°F) overnight in parts of southeastern Spain for three consecutive days—an unprecedented event for June on the Iberian Peninsula. Palma de Mallorca also recorded its hottest June night on record. The extraordinary heatwave is driven by a high-pressure system over continental Europe and a low-pressure system west of the Iberian Peninsula, pushing a mass of very hot, dry air north from the Sahara Desert. Climate change made the extreme heat at least five times more likely, according to the Climate Shift Index.

Broader European impact

Several other European countries have also issued their highest-level heat warnings, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the UK. The heat dome is expected to produce exceptionally high and persistent temperatures through at least midweek.

Mediation and bilateral agenda

Pakistan secured a ceasefire on April 8, hosted the highest-level talks between the US and Iran on April 12-13, and later facilitated the electronic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 18. The two sides will review the current state of bilateral relations and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, border security, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. They will also exchange views on regional and international developments following the signing of the Islamabad MoU. Pezeshkian previously paid a state visit to Pakistan last August.

US criticism

Last Thursday, US Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Israeli ministers over their opposition to the US-Iran deal. “If I were in the Cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” Vance said, adding that two-thirds of defensive weapons protecting Israel have been built by American hands . The US and Iran announced a Pakistan-mediated 14-point understanding on June 14, which entered into force on June 18, including provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US naval blockade on Iran.

At the US-Iran peace talks held near Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani ignored US Vice President J.D. Vance upon entering the room.

It was notable that Al-Thani shook hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir but left Vance, Trump’s right-hand man, empty-handed.

The talks ended inconclusively after the Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left the room following threats from Trump.

A special exhibition dedicated to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was held at Istanbul’s Rami Library to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. The event brought together diplomats, academics, members of the Pakistani community, and numerous visitors eager to discover or revisit the legacy of the man Pakistanis affectionately call the “Quaid-e-Azam” (Great Leader).

The commemoration aimed to highlight Jinnah’s central role in the creation of Pakistan in 1947, as well as the political and institutional principles he championed throughout his career. Archival documents, historical photographs, and educational displays allowed visitors to explore the key stages of his political journey.

The exhibition also emphasized the lasting influence of his ideas on contemporary Pakistani political life. For many participants, the event was not only a historical tribute but also an opportunity to reflect on the continued relevance of the values championed by Jinnah.

A Political Legacy That Continues to Inspire

During his speech, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye stressed that the celebration of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 150th birth anniversary was far more than a simple commemoration.

According to the ambassador, the principles defended by Pakistan’s founder remain at the heart of the country’s national identity. He recalled that Jinnah devoted much of his life to a constitutional struggle aimed at securing Pakistan’s independence through political and institutional means.

The ambassador emphasized that Jinnah’s legacy is rooted in values such as democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, justice, equality, and freedom of expression. He noted that these principles continue to inspire present and future generations in Pakistan.

For the organizers, the exhibition also served as an opportunity to pass this legacy on to younger generations by showcasing the ideas and political vision of Pakistan’s founding father.

A Historic Friendship Between Pakistan and Türkiye

Beyond the legacy of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the ceremony also provided an opportunity to highlight relations between Pakistan and Türkiye.

In his remarks, the ambassador described the ties between the two countries as a unique brotherhood, noting that Pakistanis never feel like strangers in Türkiye, just as Turkish citizens are welcomed in Pakistan with a special sense of closeness.

He recalled several significant moments when the two nations supported one another, including natural disasters and key historical events that strengthened cooperation between them.

According to the diplomat, this relationship is not based solely on strategic or economic interests. It is also founded on deep human, cultural, and historical ties that have grown stronger over the decades.

The exhibition in Istanbul illustrates this close relationship between Islamabad and Ankara. By hosting the event, the Rami Library provided a space for dialogue about Pakistan’s history and the place Muhammad Ali Jinnah occupies in the country’s collective memory.

As Pakistan marks the 150th anniversary of its founder’s birth, this exhibition in Türkiye reflects a shared commitment to preserving and passing on a legacy that continues to shape the country’s political and institutional life. It also highlights a bilateral relationship that leaders from both nations frequently describe as one of the strongest in the contemporary Muslim world.

Summary:

To mark the 150th anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birth, a special exhibition at Istanbul’s Rami Library retraces the life and legacy of Pakistan’s founder. The event also highlighted the political values championed by Jinnah and the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. Pakistan’s ambassador emphasized the importance of preserving this legacy and strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

Marta Kos, Member of the European Commission responsible for Enlargement, expressed her satisfaction with the participation of Türkiye's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu at the high-level opening event of the Connectivity Agenda Platform held in Brussels.

Stating that they would continue their contacts with Türkiye, Kos said she would meet with Turkish officials today, and that at the end of the month she would visit Ankara together with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner.

'I CAN'T IMAGINE IT WITHOUT TÜRKİYE'

Pointing out that EU-Türkiye relations are progressing on two separate tracks, Kos noted that while no progress has been made in the accession process at this stage, there is much to be done on the connectivity agenda.

"I cannot imagine having a strong Middle Corridor and all these digital, energy and trade connections without Türkiye’s strong participation," Kos said.

Stating that they have received a list from Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding potential connectivity projects, Kos explained that projects are being evaluated together with proposals from other countries, and that work is ongoing.

Will Iran, weakened by war and with its regional power broken, gain strength, or will it remain a weakened state confined to its own mainland? Or will it be marketed as a state that "won a victory against the US"?

What will happen to the relationship between the Gulf countries, which suffered heavy Iranian attacks, and Iran after this? Will the Gulf Arab states realize that the US will not protect them, that it could not even protect its own military bases, that peace with Israel was designed solely to increase Israel's power, and will they fully turn toward a new power partnership, the signs of which we are already seeing?

THE US AND EUROPE CARRYING THE "ISRAEL BURDEN" WILL MEAN "SUICIDE."

Will Israel's space shrink, or will its attacks on Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria intensify? Or will the US and Europe realize that as long as they feed Israel, they will lose the region, and that this will mean suicide for them?

Will the steps taken by Türkiye and regional countries to limit Israel's space be enough to tell the US and Europe something? Or will they remain stuck in that blindness, continuing to carry the "Israel burden" and lose the world?

Will a US that understands that designing the region through Israel is no longer possible see that a map led by Türkiye is more in line with its own interests and move in that direction? Can it escape the image of a "country squeezed into a narrow space" together with Israel? Can it break free from ideological bigotry?

CAN A NEW REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP BECOME A HOPE?

Will a security partnership between countries like Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan force the region — and those who intervene in it from outside — into a new reality? Even if reluctantly, will they see that this is the new reality of the world and begin taking steps in this direction?

From the US and Israel's attack on Iran, brand new realities have emerged in the region. Every country's position is being redefined. Every country's relations with the US and Europe will be redefined. Limiting Israel's space has become a primary priority for all countries.

THAT STATUS QUO HAS COLLAPSED. ISRAEL'S PRIORITY REGIONAL DESIGN PLANS HAVE COLLAPSED.

The US and Europe must know this: the regional status quo established after the First and Second World Wars has collapsed. The power map designed according to European, American, and Israeli supremacy has collapsed.

The inferiority complex and sense of inadequacy toward the West are gone. The region is regaining its old power and turning into a ground that absolutely refuses to be designed from outside.

The US and Europe must know this: the era of intimidating and subjugating regimes and countries through Israel is over. The fear of "what will the US and Europe say" in the face of Israeli aggression has been overcome. The history of occupying, dividing, and disciplining countries through Western weapons and terrorist organizations is over.

The history of the US and Europe establishing relationships with Türkiye and regional countries through Israel, and creating Israel-first regional designs, is over. There is no longer any deterrence in this direction. From now on, as long as Israel exists, the US and Europe will pay the price, and that bill will be very high indeed.

THEY MUST SIT AT THE TABLE WITH TÜRKİYE! ALL THE TABLES WITH ISRAEL HAVE COLLAPSED.

If they want to exist in the region now, they have to sit at the table with Türkiye, with the Arab countries, with Iran. If they continue to ignore them and keep setting up tables with Israel, they will lose forever. In an era when not just the region but the entire world is suffering from the "Israel excess," closing down this "garrison" has become everyone's common interest.

Whatever method they try, as long as they continue on the path with Israel, they will lose. This is inevitable. While Türkiye's awakening, the region's awakening, is turning into a great storm on the axis of the earth from the Atlantic shores to the Pacific, their insistence on "old fairy tales" may be the heaviest blow to Western global supremacy.

THE ERA OF DECLINE, TUTELAGE, AND DESTRUCTION IS OVER. THEY CAN NO LONGER DRAW THE MAPS.

The era of destruction, decline, and tutelage for our region is over. The era of subjugating countries by buying leaders and regimes is over. The era of intimidation through weapons and through Israel is over.

The era of plundering the region's resources, wealth, regimes, and lands is over. The two-hundred-year reign of Western civilization is over. The history in which power, defense, independence, sovereignty, and national borders were determined by the West has come to an end.

"NEW THINGS" ARE GERMINATING IN US. THEY REPRESENT THE "OLD WORLD."

We have woken up to a new world. But they have not woken up. We have dedicated ourselves to a new power, but they have begun to lose power. We have started to think about the great geographical map, while they are still stamping their feet on old maps.

We are trying to place ourselves at the center of the world's new power map after five hundred years; they are trying not to lose what they have. New things are germinating in us; they represent an outdated world. Humanity has raised its flag against the centuries-old destruction of Atlantic dominance; they are retreating further into themselves every day.

If they could only understand Türkiye, that would be enough. Relying on their arrogance, weapons, wealth, and technology, they have begun to roll around in a state of power intoxication.

They underestimated Türkiye, but Türkiye was a political genetic code that formats geography. They got used to holding Türkiye in their palms for a hundred years, but Türkiye was the heir of a power map stretching from the Great Wall of China to Vienna.

THEY COULD NOT STOP TÜRKİYE. SOON THEY WILL TRY TO STOP IT AGAIN.

That Türkiye has now, after a hundred years, returned to its own map once more. It has returned to its own history, its political genetic code. History tells us this: a single return of ours shapes centuries. Those who mistake this for rhetoric have not remembered the history of empires.

We are now witnessing that turning point in history. Not just us, but Europe and the US are witnessing it too. The last twenty years have been spent with attacks from within and without aimed at "stopping Türkiye." They did not succeed.

Not only did they fail, but they could not even slow down Türkiye's momentum. So only one thing remains: to stand close to Türkiye. I believe both the US and Europe will henceforth make standing close to Türkiye a priority policy.

And in this geography, Türkiye's priorities, its view of geography and history, and the partnership map it is trying to establish will be the basis. No one will have the power to prevent this. Those who try to prevent it will lose; those who walk with Türkiye will gain power.

THE "ISRAEL GARRISON" WILL BE DISMANTLED; WARS WILL BE PUSHED "OUTSIDE THE GEOGRAPHY."

In our new geography, the "Israel Garrison" is a threat and must be dismantled. All terrorist organizations originate from Israel and the West; all must be dismantled.

The era of invading countries and occupying lands will be closed. Wars and conflicts will definitely be pushed outside the geography. All doors leading to sectarian and ethnic differences turning into wars will be closed.

In our new geographical design: from the Strait of Malacca to the Suez Canal, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, from the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, from land trade corridors to sea passages, all areas will be closed to outside intervention and control. All these regions will be under the strict supervision and sovereignty of regional countries.

THE "NEW GEOGRAPHY" REQUIRES A SUPER BELT.

In the new geographical design: a Super Belt, a Middle Belt economic zone will be established from Central Asia to East Africa, and from South Asia to all of West Asia. This region will be removed from Western invasion maps.

The experience and history of wise cities that transcend states will be carried to the present, common defense resources will be created across this vast area, and the region's wealth will belong to the region.

The new network of relations between Türkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, which other countries are also closely interested in, could form a nucleus for this new world. If political will cannot achieve this goal, threats and the world's new power mathematics may force it. The powerful countries of the region must now know that they have no other choice.

TÜRKİYE MUST POSITION ITSELF ON ISRAEL'S BORDERS

They must now know that Israel, which has no real power, is threatening both Türkiye and Egypt, and will also threaten Saudi Arabia in the same way; that removing Israel from the map remains the only option for the entire great geography; and that no other future history will guarantee security for these countries.

A joint defense shield must be urgently established between Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. For example, a rapprochement, even a partnership, between Syria and Lebanon must be urgently built.

Türkiye must position itself on Israel's borders through both Syria and Lebanon. The time to take major steps to close all of Israel's land borders except the Mediterranean is passing.

THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE DEFEATED BYZANTIUM AND CHANGED THE ERA. TÜRKİYE WILL DISMANTLE ISRAEL AND CHANGE THE ERA FOR THE SECOND TIME.

Whether the US and Iran reach an agreement or not in the Swiss talks, a new history has begun to flow for the region. The path to be walked will not change. The fate of the geography and its nations has been shaped. Without surrendering to uncertainties, it has become necessary to walk the path opening before us. This will be a new turning point in history.

The Ottomans defeated Byzantium and changed the era. They destroyed the great empire of the Christian world, changing both European and world history. Türkiye will also know how to change history and change the era for a second time by removing Israel from the geographical map. This time, the "Garrison" belonging to the Jewish race, placed at the heart of our geography and causing terrible catastrophes, will be eliminated.

Never underestimate history. Never underestimate the political genetics of nations. Never underestimate the power of geography. The only thing we need to do is push intra-geographical conflicts outside the geography. The rest will follow.

THE TIME HAS COME FOR EVERYONE TO MAKE THE "RIGHT CALCULATION"!

It is unknown what the outcome in Switzerland will be. There may be an agreement, or Israel may sabotage it. Whatever happens, the US and Europe will no longer be able to carry Israel's burden, nor will they have the power to stand against all regional countries for Israel's sake.

The shape of the new regional power map is becoming clear. This storm will continue for hundreds of years. We are certainly making our own right calculation. The time has come for the US and Europe to make the right calculation too. If they do not, they will lose the world they are already losing much faster, and their power in this region will be extraordinarily broken.

Commission structure concerns

The developers said in an open letter published Monday on the WeChat blog of signatory Tian Junwei that Apple failed to fulfill commitments to offer the lowest commission rates in China despite generating significant revenue from the country's large developer base. They argued that Apple's exclusive control over iOS app distribution allows it to impose "unfair and excessively high" costs, effectively limiting competition and squeezing local creators.

Global regulatory scrutiny

Apple's App Store typically charges commissions of up to 30 percent on digital purchases, though reduced rates for small businesses apply in certain markets. The company faces mounting regulatory pressure worldwide as authorities across the European Union, the United States and Asia examine whether its policies unfairly restrict competition.

The complaint was published Monday on the WeChat blog of developer Tian Junwei, according to the daily. Neither Apple nor China's market regulator immediately commented on the filing when reached by the outlet.

Samsung Electronics has generated more than $1 billion in revenue from its sixth-generation high bandwidth memory chips just four months after launching mass production in February, according to industry sources cited by Yonhap. The South Korean technology giant became the first company worldwide to begin shipments of HBM4 products earlier this year, positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly expanding high bandwidth memory sector.

Industry observers expect the company's HBM4 revenue to reach $1.2 billion by the end of June, reflecting sharply accelerating demand for advanced memory solutions in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Samsung has significantly scaled shipments since the February launch, reinforcing its competitive standing against rivals in the critical semiconductor market.

AI accelerator integration

The HBM4 chips serve as a critical component for next-generation artificial intelligence systems, enabling higher bandwidth and faster data processing for complex computing workloads. Samsung designed the new memory specifically for advanced AI accelerators, including Nvidia's forthcoming Vera Rubin platform, which is expected to power future generative AI applications. While fifth-generation HBM3E products currently dominate the global market, industry analysts anticipate HBM4 will emerge as a primary growth driver as AI chip demand continues to surge.

2026 sales outlook

Samsung is projected to sharply increase HBM4 shipments during the second half of this year, with annual sales forecast to exceed $10 billion in 2026 — the product's first full year on the market. Sources told Yonhap that such a revenue figure would be unprecedented for a newly launched memory product in its initial year of mass production. The global HBM market is estimated to reach $54.6 billion this year, representing a 58% increase from 2024 levels.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that Israel is not participating in negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding the ongoing conflict, stating that Israeli forces will maintain full operations in Lebanon until Hezbollah is completely dismantled. Speaking to Israeli Army Radio, the far-right cabinet member declared that Israel had chosen not to join the talks.

"We will not hold talks with the devil," Smotrich said, adding: "We are not a party to the negotiations between the United States and Iran, and they do not concern us at all." He emphasized that Israel's military strategy remains independent of any diplomatic track between the US and Iran.

Conditions for Lebanon withdrawal

Smotrich outlined stringent conditions for any cessation of hostilities on the Lebanese front, insisting that the Israeli military would not withdraw from the security zone — including the Beaufort Castle — as long as Hezbollah maintains any presence. "We will not withdraw not only until Hezbollah gives up its weapons, but until it is fully dismantled," he said, stressing that the group must be removed entirely from Lebanon's government and stripped of any military capability to threaten Israel.

Fifth round of talks in Washington

The remarks come as Israel and Lebanon prepare to hold a fifth round of US-mediated negotiations in Washington on Tuesday, talks that have drawn criticism from within Israel over fears that a US-Iran agreement could strengthen Tehran and its regional allies. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,100 people and injured over 12,000 others since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures, while Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon despite international calls for withdrawal.

Will Iran, weakened by war and with its regional power broken, gain strength, or will it remain a weakened state confined to its own mainland? Or will it be marketed as a state that "won a victory against the US"?

What will happen to the relationship between the Gulf countries, which suffered heavy Iranian attacks, and Iran after this? Will the Gulf Arab states realize that the US will not protect them, that it could not even protect its own military bases, that peace with Israel was designed solely to increase Israel's power, and will they fully turn toward a new power partnership, the signs of which we are already seeing?

THE US AND EUROPE CARRYING THE "ISRAEL BURDEN" WILL MEAN "SUICIDE."

Will Israel's space shrink, or will its attacks on Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria intensify? Or will the US and Europe realize that as long as they feed Israel, they will lose the region, and that this will mean suicide for them?

Will the steps taken by Türkiye and regional countries to limit Israel's space be enough to tell the US and Europe something? Or will they remain stuck in that blindness, continuing to carry the "Israel burden" and lose the world?

Will a US that understands that designing the region through Israel is no longer possible see that a map led by Türkiye is more in line with its own interests and move in that direction? Can it escape the image of a "country squeezed into a narrow space" together with Israel? Can it break free from ideological bigotry?

CAN A NEW REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP BECOME A HOPE?

Will a security partnership between countries like Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan force the region — and those who intervene in it from outside — into a new reality? Even if reluctantly, will they see that this is the new reality of the world and begin taking steps in this direction?

From the US and Israel's attack on Iran, brand new realities have emerged in the region. Every country's position is being redefined. Every country's relations with the US and Europe will be redefined. Limiting Israel's space has become a primary priority for all countries.

THAT STATUS QUO HAS COLLAPSED. ISRAEL'S PRIORITY REGIONAL DESIGN PLANS HAVE COLLAPSED.

The US and Europe must know this: the regional status quo established after the First and Second World Wars has collapsed. The power map designed according to European, American, and Israeli supremacy has collapsed.

The inferiority complex and sense of inadequacy toward the West are gone. The region is regaining its old power and turning into a ground that absolutely refuses to be designed from outside.

The US and Europe must know this: the era of intimidating and subjugating regimes and countries through Israel is over. The fear of "what will the US and Europe say" in the face of Israeli aggression has been overcome. The history of occupying, dividing, and disciplining countries through Western weapons and terrorist organizations is over.

The history of the US and Europe establishing relationships with Türkiye and regional countries through Israel, and creating Israel-first regional designs, is over. There is no longer any deterrence in this direction. From now on, as long as Israel exists, the US and Europe will pay the price, and that bill will be very high indeed.

THEY MUST SIT AT THE TABLE WITH TÜRKİYE! ALL THE TABLES WITH ISRAEL HAVE COLLAPSED.

If they want to exist in the region now, they have to sit at the table with Türkiye, with the Arab countries, with Iran. If they continue to ignore them and keep setting up tables with Israel, they will lose forever. In an era when not just the region but the entire world is suffering from the "Israel excess," closing down this "garrison" has become everyone's common interest.

Whatever method they try, as long as they continue on the path with Israel, they will lose. This is inevitable. While Türkiye's awakening, the region's awakening, is turning into a great storm on the axis of the earth from the Atlantic shores to the Pacific, their insistence on "old fairy tales" may be the heaviest blow to Western global supremacy.

THE ERA OF DECLINE, TUTELAGE, AND DESTRUCTION IS OVER. THEY CAN NO LONGER DRAW THE MAPS.

The era of destruction, decline, and tutelage for our region is over. The era of subjugating countries by buying leaders and regimes is over. The era of intimidation through weapons and through Israel is over.

The era of plundering the region's resources, wealth, regimes, and lands is over. The two-hundred-year reign of Western civilization is over. The history in which power, defense, independence, sovereignty, and national borders were determined by the West has come to an end.

"NEW THINGS" ARE GERMINATING IN US. THEY REPRESENT THE "OLD WORLD."

We have woken up to a new world. But they have not woken up. We have dedicated ourselves to a new power, but they have begun to lose power. We have started to think about the great geographical map, while they are still stamping their feet on old maps.

We are trying to place ourselves at the center of the world's new power map after five hundred years; they are trying not to lose what they have. New things are germinating in us; they represent an outdated world. Humanity has raised its flag against the centuries-old destruction of Atlantic dominance; they are retreating further into themselves every day.

If they could only understand Türkiye, that would be enough. Relying on their arrogance, weapons, wealth, and technology, they have begun to roll around in a state of power intoxication.

They underestimated Türkiye, but Türkiye was a political genetic code that formats geography. They got used to holding Türkiye in their palms for a hundred years, but Türkiye was the heir of a power map stretching from the Great Wall of China to Vienna.

THEY COULD NOT STOP TÜRKİYE. SOON THEY WILL TRY TO STOP IT AGAIN.

That Türkiye has now, after a hundred years, returned to its own map once more. It has returned to its own history, its political genetic code. History tells us this: a single return of ours shapes centuries. Those who mistake this for rhetoric have not remembered the history of empires.

We are now witnessing that turning point in history. Not just us, but Europe and the US are witnessing it too. The last twenty years have been spent with attacks from within and without aimed at "stopping Türkiye." They did not succeed.

Not only did they fail, but they could not even slow down Türkiye's momentum. So only one thing remains: to stand close to Türkiye. I believe both the US and Europe will henceforth make standing close to Türkiye a priority policy.

And in this geography, Türkiye's priorities, its view of geography and history, and the partnership map it is trying to establish will be the basis. No one will have the power to prevent this. Those who try to prevent it will lose; those who walk with Türkiye will gain power.

THE "ISRAEL GARRISON" WILL BE DISMANTLED; WARS WILL BE PUSHED "OUTSIDE THE GEOGRAPHY."

In our new geography, the "Israel Garrison" is a threat and must be dismantled. All terrorist organizations originate from Israel and the West; all must be dismantled.

The era of invading countries and occupying lands will be closed. Wars and conflicts will definitely be pushed outside the geography. All doors leading to sectarian and ethnic differences turning into wars will be closed.

In our new geographical design: from the Strait of Malacca to the Suez Canal, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, from the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, from land trade corridors to sea passages, all areas will be closed to outside intervention and control. All these regions will be under the strict supervision and sovereignty of regional countries.

THE "NEW GEOGRAPHY" REQUIRES A SUPER BELT.

In the new geographical design: a Super Belt, a Middle Belt economic zone will be established from Central Asia to East Africa, and from South Asia to all of West Asia. This region will be removed from Western invasion maps.

The experience and history of wise cities that transcend states will be carried to the present, common defense resources will be created across this vast area, and the region's wealth will belong to the region.

The new network of relations between Türkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, which other countries are also closely interested in, could form a nucleus for this new world. If political will cannot achieve this goal, threats and the world's new power mathematics may force it. The powerful countries of the region must now know that they have no other choice.

TÜRKİYE MUST POSITION ITSELF ON ISRAEL'S BORDERS

They must now know that Israel, which has no real power, is threatening both Türkiye and Egypt, and will also threaten Saudi Arabia in the same way; that removing Israel from the map remains the only option for the entire great geography; and that no other future history will guarantee security for these countries.

A joint defense shield must be urgently established between Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. For example, a rapprochement, even a partnership, between Syria and Lebanon must be urgently built.

Türkiye must position itself on Israel's borders through both Syria and Lebanon. The time to take major steps to close all of Israel's land borders except the Mediterranean is passing.

THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE DEFEATED BYZANTIUM AND CHANGED THE ERA. TÜRKİYE WILL DISMANTLE ISRAEL AND CHANGE THE ERA FOR THE SECOND TIME.

Whether the US and Iran reach an agreement or not in the Swiss talks, a new history has begun to flow for the region. The path to be walked will not change. The fate of the geography and its nations has been shaped. Without surrendering to uncertainties, it has become necessary to walk the path opening before us. This will be a new turning point in history.

The Ottomans defeated Byzantium and changed the era. They destroyed the great empire of the Christian world, changing both European and world history. Türkiye will also know how to change history and change the era for a second time by removing Israel from the geographical map. This time, the "Garrison" belonging to the Jewish race, placed at the heart of our geography and causing terrible catastrophes, will be eliminated.

Never underestimate history. Never underestimate the political genetics of nations. Never underestimate the power of geography. The only thing we need to do is push intra-geographical conflicts outside the geography. The rest will follow.

THE TIME HAS COME FOR EVERYONE TO MAKE THE "RIGHT CALCULATION"!

It is unknown what the outcome in Switzerland will be. There may be an agreement, or Israel may sabotage it. Whatever happens, the US and Europe will no longer be able to carry Israel's burden, nor will they have the power to stand against all regional countries for Israel's sake.

The shape of the new regional power map is becoming clear. This storm will continue for hundreds of years. We are certainly making our own right calculation. The time has come for the US and Europe to make the right calculation too. If they do not, they will lose the world they are already losing much faster, and their power in this region will be extraordinarily broken.

"Iran's missile capabilities were not part of the negotiations with the United States," he said, according to Iranian state media. The spokesman declined to elaborate on specific defense systems but left no ambiguity regarding Tehran's stance on the matter.

Atomic sites remain closed to inspectors

Baqaei also flatly rejected any possibility of International Atomic Energy Agency visits to nuclear facilities targeted during the ongoing war with the US and Israel. "We do not intend to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit the nuclear sites targeted during the conflict," he said.

He denied reports suggesting contacts with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Switzerland, stating: "We have not held any meeting with the IAEA director general in Switzerland, nor are there any plans for inspections of our nuclear facilities that were bombed."

Tehran asserts control over frozen assets

The Foreign Ministry addressed economic arrangements under ongoing understandings with Washington, noting that released frozen assets would face no usage restrictions. "We are free to use our frozen assets that will be released, and there are no restrictions on them," Baqaei said. President Masoud Pezeshkian told the semi-official Mehr news agency that his administration seeks the full implementation of signed provisions within international law.

"We seek the full implementation of the signed provisions (with the US) within the framework of international law and the rights of the Iranian people," Pezeshkian said, adding: "If this is achieved, many of the region's problems will be reduced and aggressors will be restrained."

Regional Stability Conditions

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that full regional stability cannot be achieved without a just solution to the Palestinian issue, ending the suffering of the Palestinian people and granting them the right to establish an independent, sovereign state. He stressed the importance of guaranteeing freedom of navigation, removing threats to safe passage and activating direct communication mechanisms and hotlines to contain any future disputes.

Gulf Cooperation

Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar is continuing consultations with Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Oman based on a shared position affirming the right of all Gulf littoral states to safe and free passage while preserving regional stability. "Iran is a neighboring country, and dialogue with it remains necessary to guarantee the security and stability of the region, despite the fact that what happened is unacceptable toward Qatar and our brothers in Gulf states," he said, adding that GCC states are working in direct and continuous coordination with a shared vision focused on resolving disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means.

Background of Tensions

The statements come following a recent US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, which sought to ease tensions after the region spent weeks on alert following the US and Israeli joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28. That attack killed more than 3,000 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iranian retaliation with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Cooperation efforts

The talks also addressed maintaining peace in the divided nation. Expanding bilateral cooperation between Ankara and the eastern administration was also on the agenda, according to the sources.

Regional context

Libya has remained split between competing eastern and western administrations since 2014, complicating efforts to establish a unified government. A UN-recognized administration holds Tripoli while parallel authorities operate from Benghazi.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said on Tuesday that 11 Turkish-owned vessels have safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz and departed the Gulf since hostilities erupted in late February. The minister stated on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal that Ankara is tracking developments in the strategic waterway "moment by moment," maintaining continuous contact with ship crews and Turkish nationals in the area. Two additional vessels completed their transit on the morning of June 21, bringing the total to 11, according to the minister's statement.

Remaining vessels under watch

Seven Turkish-owned ships remain in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf region, carrying 177 Turkish citizens on board, Uraloglu noted. Only one of these vessels sails under the Turkish flag, while the others operate under different registries. "Türkiye will continue to take all necessary measures under all circumstances to ensure the safety of its citizens and ships," the minister said, emphasizing Ankara's commitment to maritime security.

Previous evacuations and context

In April, Uraloglu announced that the Turkish-owned crude oil tanker Ocean Thunder had safely transited the strait while carrying crude oil from Iraq to Malaysia, with assistance from the Foreign Ministry. Several Turkish-owned vessels had been waiting near the waterway at that time as authorities worked to coordinate safe passage for ships and their crews. The region has remained tense since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation through missile strikes and restrictions on maritime traffic through the vital chokepoint.

Strategic waterway

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as a critical artery for global energy shipments, with significant portions of the world's oil supply passing through the narrow channel. More than 3,000 people have been killed in the conflict since late February, including Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The ongoing hostilities have disrupted commercial shipping patterns and raised concerns about energy security across multiple continents.

"The effectiveness of the talks (with the US) depends on full commitment to the agreed obligations and their precise implementation," Pezeshkian wrote. He added that "progress on this path will be measured by practical adherence to accepted responsibilities," stressing that "statements outside the agreed text do not help advance the negotiations."

Islamabad Understanding enters force

The remarks followed the second round of direct negotiations between Tehran and Washington, which convened Sunday at the Swiss resort of Burgenstock under Pakistani mediation. Iranian and American officials announced on June 14 that they had reached a 14-point understanding aimed at terminating hostilities. The agreement seeks to resolve outstanding disputes between the adversaries through sustained dialogue and mutual commitments.

The agreement, formally termed the Islamabad Understanding, entered into force on June 18 after electronic signatures from Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. The memorandum includes provisions for ending the war in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US naval blockade imposed on Iran. Implementation of these terms remains the primary metric for Tehran's assessment of Washington's goodwill.

Domestic approval complete

The law formalizing Türkiye's accession was published in the Official Gazette, the ministry said. With this step, Ankara follows Baku and Tashkent in clearing the agreement through national legislative procedures, leaving Nursultan and Bishkek to finalize their own domestic approvals before the pact enters into force.

Digital trade framework

The agreement establishes common regulations to eliminate barriers facing e-commerce, digital services and cross-border data flows throughout the Turkic world, according to the ministry. Provisions cover paperless trade mechanisms, electronic payment systems and express delivery services, with specific articles addressing small and medium-sized enterprises, cybersecurity standards, electronic signatures and personal data protection.

Bishkek summit

The deal was signed on November 6, 2024, during the 11th OTS Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joining heads of state from the four other member states. The agreement will take effect once Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan complete their ratification procedures, establishing a unified digital market across the five-nation bloc.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced early Tuesday that technical negotiations with the United States have concluded in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with both sides agreeing on arrangements for future talks aimed at ending the US-Israel-Iran war. The discussions, which continued through Monday, focused on establishing working groups and implementation mechanisms to advance the peace process.

Gharibabadi, who led Tehran's technical team, said the four-party discussions produced concrete agreements on future negotiating formats, according to the official IRNA news agency. The talks built upon Sunday's high-level committee meeting convened to monitor implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Implementation mechanisms agreed

"Technical discussions were held to determine the implementation mechanisms of the memorandum of understanding and the statement issued at the conclusion of the high-level meeting, and the necessary understandings were reached," Gharibabadi said. He added that the agreements reached in Switzerland would structure subsequent negotiations through specialized working groups.

The Islamabad Memorandum was signed virtually by the US and Iranian presidents on June 17, establishing a framework to end the conflict that began on February 28. Qatari and Pakistani mediators facilitated both the high-level political dialogue held over the weekend and this week's technical negotiations in Switzerland.

Lack of visible damage

Journalists who visited the site reported no visible evidence of a slit. The pool, renovated at a cost of approximately $16 million, has recently faced issues including algae buildup and peeling paint. Trump suggested fertilizer may have been introduced into the water, contributing to the algae growth. He first raised the vandalism allegation over the weekend, initially describing a “250-foot-long gash.” Last month, he had claimed the pool’s lining was so durable that “if you had a knife, you can't even cut the Reflecting Pool.”

Arrests and investigation

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that six people were arrested in connection with incidents at the site and that 17 police reports had been filed. However, details about the nature of the vandalism and the evidence supporting the claims remain unclear. The National Park Service has not publicly confirmed the president’s allegations.

Group standings

The result moves Norway to six points from two matches, though they remain second in Group I behind France on goal difference. Senegal remain without a point and face a must-win scenario in their final group match against Iraq to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. The defeat leaves Senegal with a steep task, needing a convincing win and favorable results elsewhere to advance. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, features 48 teams competing through the final on July 19.

Writing in the European media outlet, Tokayev identified three priorities for the next phase of bilateral relations: strengthening resilience, expanding connectivity and creating new opportunities for citizens. He noted that Kazakhstan's role as a Eurasian connector is increasingly backed by economic strength, with the country's GDP reaching $306 billion in 2025 following 6.5% growth.

Energy security and economic complementarity

Tokayev emphasized energy as a cornerstone of the partnership, noting that Kazakhstan supplies nearly 13% of the EU's petroleum imports and 16% of its natural uranium. "A larger and more dynamic Kazakhstan means a stronger partner for Europe at the heart of Eurasia," he said, adding that GDP is projected to exceed $360 billion in 2026.

He called for expanded cooperation in agriculture, critical raw materials, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, arguing that Astana's resources and industrial potential could complement European technology and investment.

Middle Corridor as 'backbone' of Eurasian trade

The Kazakh leader highlighted the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor, which links Europe and Asia and aligns with the EU's Global Gateway initiative. "The Middle Corridor is better understood as the backbone of an emerging system linking Europe's markets and economic engines with Central Asia's resources, emerging industrial base and logistics potential," he said.

Tokayev also urged greater collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital governance and innovation ecosystems, stating that "we are committed to continuing our close cooperation with European tech companies to ensure that technological progress remains inclusive, secure and human-centered."

Institutional reforms and mobility

He welcomed progress toward easing travel restrictions between Kazakhstan and the EU while calling for deeper cooperation in education and science through student exchange programs. Tokayev said ongoing political and economic reforms in Kazakhstan are designed to strengthen accountability and transparent governance, making the country a more predictable destination for investment.

"We want our partners and investors to find new markets in Kazakhstan, but also stable rules and predictable, fair and transparent economic governance," he said. The president's visit to Brussels comes as Astana seeks to solidify its position as the primary transit hub between Europe and Asia.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief nuclear negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf arrived in Oman on Monday alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for talks on new arrangements governing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.

Qalibaf was received upon arrival by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi at the airport in Muscat, the outlet reported. The delegation traveled to Oman after participating in marathon negotiations with US representatives in Switzerland and making what Iranian media described as a “necessary stop” in Tehran to coordinate with officials.

Strait of Hormuz framework

The visit aims to establish joint consultations between Tehran and Muscat on a new operational framework for the waterway, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. Officials from both nations emphasized the importance of preserving regional security and ensuring unimpeded navigation through the strait and adjacent international waterways, according to Omani state media.

Oman’s official news agency said the two sides stressed “the importance of using the current diplomatic moment to support peace efforts and strengthen de-escalation and stability, in line with international law and principles of good neighborliness.” The statement also emphasized preserving regional security and ensuring safe passage for commercial traffic through the vital chokepoint and adjacent sea lanes.

US negotiations backdrop

The Muscat trip comes one day after Qalibaf and Araghchi participated in 18 hours of negotiations with US representatives in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistani and Qatari officials. The discussions focused on implementing a recently signed memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, IRIB reported.

Qalibaf is expected to hold an audience with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq during the visit to discuss bilateral cooperation and broader regional coordination, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The meeting is scheduled to cap a hectic 48-hour diplomatic shuttle that has taken the Iranian delegation from European mediation talks to the Gulf sultanate.

Cairo hails selection

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry welcomed the appointment in a statement issued following the decision in Jordan. "The selection reflects appreciation for the diplomatic experience that Mr. Nabil Fahmy possesses and his long professional career, through which he contributed to supporting Arab action on the regional and international arenas," the ministry said. The statement also expressed hopes for "strengthening joint Arab action, and achieving the aspirations of Arab peoples towards stability and prosperity" during his upcoming term.

Continuity at Cairo-based body

Fahmy's selection marks the continuation of Egyptian leadership at the organization, consolidating Cairo's dominant role within the 22-member bloc. The appointment was finalized during the gathering in the Jordanian capital, where representatives from member states convened to approve the leadership transition.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday refused to recognize preliminary results from the previous day’s presidential runoff, alleging widespread institutional fraud and demanding a criminal investigation into what he alleged was deliberate manipulation of digital voting tallies, according to Anadolu Agency. The outgoing leader’s defiance followed the National Civil Registry’s rapid pre-count showing US-backed candidate Abelardo de la Espriella with 12,959,542 votes (49.66%) against ruling party candidate Senator Ivan Cepeda’s 12,708,712 (48.70%), a margin of just 250,830 votes.

Allegations of systemic fraud

Petro focused his accusations on Form E-14, the official tally sheets filled out by poll workers, asserting that systematic alteration siphoned votes from Cepeda and directing blame at the offices of the Bautista brothers at Thomas Greg & Sons, the private firm managing Colombia’s electoral infrastructure. "What is causing outrage is the total lack of electoral transparency," Petro said on the US social media platform X. "This is no longer just an administrative dispute; this is now a criminal matter, a crime against the vote."

Appeal to Trump

Petro extended a formal invitation to US President Donald Trump to intervene as a mediator despite Trump having explicitly endorsed De la Espriella during the campaign and celebrated his preliminary victory. "I formally invite President Donald Trump to speak," Petro announced. "I believe the situation that has arisen across Peru, Colombia and Venezuela requires a great deal of wisdom before we risk fostering instability that would result in immense bloodshed and an unprecedented rise in drug trafficking."

Unprecedented standoff

International observers expressed full confidence in Colombia’s electoral system and urged the public to await final judicial verification. The standoff breaks with decades of precedent, as never before has a sitting Colombian head of state waited for the formal recount to acknowledge a winner, with transitions traditionally conceded based on preliminary counts.

Restrictions imposed

According to the Israeli broadcaster, the message delivered in recent weeks stated that "the previous authorization for unrestricted action in Lebanon had expired." The channel reported that US President Donald Trump "is imposing restrictions on Israel, not only in Lebanon but also in other arenas," contradicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that Israeli forces in southern Lebanon "have complete freedom of action."

The Israeli political leadership has subsequently issued formal directives to the military delineating permissible and prohibited zones, according to the outlet. "These directives prohibit operations in areas such as the capital, Beirut, and the Tyre district in southern Lebanon," Channel 13 added, noting that the constraints represent a significant shift in American policy toward the occupation.

Strategic divergence

The Israeli daily Maariv reported earlier Monday that Washington and Tel Aviv hold markedly different assessments of the situation in southern Lebanon. While the United States views the territory within a broader regional framework encompassing the Strait of Hormuz, energy prices, and the Iranian nuclear issue, Israel maintains that any premature withdrawal would signal a "sign of weakness" and reward Hezbollah.

Israel's military offensive in Lebanon has killed more than 4,000 people and injured over 12,000 others since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities. The occupation has displaced more than 1 million residents, with Israeli forces continuing to hold areas in southern Lebanon seized during the 2023–2024 war alongside territories occupied for decades.

Workforce targeted

According to the Rosatom chief, the strikes are intended to "destabilize the city and lead to the deterioration of the workforce, but this goal has not been achieved and will not be achieved." He said plant employees continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the facility's safe operation despite the security challenges, adding that the plant has faced several power supply disruptions in recent weeks.

Recent casualties

Rosatom said Thursday that a worker at the plant was killed and another seriously injured in a drone strike on Enerhodar, which it blamed on Ukraine. Ukraine has not immediately commented on the allegations, and independent verification of claims remains difficult due to the ongoing conflict. Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear facility, has been under Russian control since the early months of the war in 2022. The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly called for measures to reduce risks around the plant as Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of endangering the site.

Agricultural purchases

Trump insisted that any money unlocked by lifting sanctions would flow back to the United States in the form of food purchases. "If the sanctions go out, money is going to be put into this country," he said. "All that money is coming back in the form of purchases of food, which they desperately need … The money that we lift is going to go to our farmers, largely to our farmers." He noted that Iran's 90 million people are facing severe food shortages and would rely on American agricultural imports to meet domestic needs.

Hormuz shipping record

The president declared the Strait of Hormuz "totally open" on Monday, stating that Washington had recorded its highest-ever single-day oil transit through the strategic waterway on Sunday. "We took in more oil yesterday than we've ever, that has ever gone through the strait," he said, adding that naval restrictions had proven more effective than military strikes. "We'll see how that all goes, but we have two things: we have an open Strait, and we have a country that will never have a nuclear weapon," Trump stated. "I think the blockade was more impactful than dropping bombs."

Warnings on commitments

Trump issued a direct warning to Iranian leaders regarding their obligations under the emerging nuclear understanding, stating Washington would respond forcefully to any violations. "If Iran doesn't live up to their agreement, or if they're not behaving, I will do what I have to do," he said. On Lebanon, the president dismissed concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to withdraw troops from the country, stating, "I'm a problem solver, I get problems solved real fast, including with Bibi."

60-day negotiation window

The remarks follow the remote signing of a 14-point memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran last week, launching a 60-day negotiating period to resolve longstanding disputes over the fate of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and its nuclear program. The document mandates an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, the removal of the naval blockade on Iran, and safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. It also includes a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran valued at a minimum of $300 billion, oil export waivers, the release of Iran's frozen assets abroad, and a reaffirmation by Tehran that it will not develop nuclear weapons.

The United States on Monday warned of the risk of imminent mass atrocities by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied fighters massing around El-Obeid in Sudan's North Kordofan state, according to a State Department statement. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington has seen alarming indications that the paramilitary group is planning attacks that would further worsen the country's catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

"There are alarming indications that mass atrocities could be imminent, further worsening Sudan's already catastrophic humanitarian crisis," Pigott said in the statement. He added that the RSF and its allied forces must immediately cease any actions that could endanger civilians, impede humanitarian assistance, or contribute to further suffering.

Calls for humanitarian access

Pointing to the "intolerable toll" the war has taken on the Sudanese people, the State Department called on all belligerents to uphold their responsibilities to protect civilians. "The United States calls on the belligerents to facilitate safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access, uphold their responsibilities to protect civilians, and take immediate steps to prevent further atrocities," the statement said. "There is no military solution to this conflict," it added, urging the warring parties to pursue a negotiated settlement without preconditions.

Sudan's humanitarian crisis

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF over plans to integrate the paramilitary into the military. The war has triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, killing tens of thousands and displacing nearly 13 million people. The US said it would continue working with international partners and Sudanese stakeholders to advance a humanitarian truce and secure unhindered access for aid organizations.

Military Plans

Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir and Northern Command chief Ori Gordin attended the meeting, where officials agreed that the army would continue efforts to neutralize threats and destroy what the statement called “terrorist infrastructure” in the south. The security of Israeli citizens and forces would remain a guiding principle for the country’s political and military leadership “without compromise,” the statement added, underscoring Tel Aviv’s determination to retain its foothold despite diplomatic pressure.

Regional Diplomacy

The high-level meeting took place as Pakistani and Qatari mediators hosted American and Iranian delegations for talks in Switzerland to discuss unresolved provisions of a ceasefire deal signed the previous week, including the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, among them Lebanon. The diplomatic push sought to build on the fragile agreement reached earlier this month as violence continues to claim civilian lives across the region.

Humanitarian Impact

Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon has killed more than 4,000 people, injured over 12,000 others and displaced over 1 million residents since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon — some held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 war — maintaining troops in defiance of calls for a complete withdrawal.

The independent Vermont senator, who caucuses with Democrats, lashed out at Ben-Gvir following the minister's social media post on Friday demanding that "all of Lebanon must burn" after the Israeli army reported four soldiers killed in southern Lebanon. "This is not a normal statement from a normal cabinet member of a major nation," Sanders said in a statement. "This statement from Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gvir is the statement of a war criminal," he added, arguing that the current administration in Jerusalem should receive no American backing.

Minister's defiant stance

Ben-Gvir issued his controversial remarks on the US platform X, insisting that Israel must respond forcefully to the casualties despite international pressure. "With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit," the minister wrote. "All of Lebanon must burn," he added, reiterating his hardline position on the conflict.

Diplomatic monitoring

A US official said Monday that Washington has established a real-time monitoring mechanism through its military's Central Command to track fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The disclosure came as Iran and the US completed 18 hours of negotiations in Switzerland on Sunday under Pakistani and Qatari mediation to discuss unresolved provisions of the agreement signed the previous week, including the cessation of hostilities on all fronts.

Israel's military offensive in Lebanon has killed more than 4,000 people, injured over 12,000 others, and displaced over 1 million residents since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities. The figures emerged as Washington and Tehran held extended negotiations over the weekend aimed at resolving outstanding provisions of their recently signed agreement.