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Seoul shares closed at a fresh all-time high Monday, driven by a semiconductor rally and signs of progress in U.S.-Iran talks. The KOSPI added 62.13 points, or 0.69 percent, to reach 9,114.55, while SK hynix surged to surpass Samsung Electronics in market cap for the first time.
US-Iran talks in Switzerland face tensions as President Trump renews threats, while Vice President Vance signals openness to transforming relations. Reports highlight regional efforts, including Qatar's role and Saudi summit plans, amid cautious optimism and deep-seated challenges.
Hassan Akkad, a prominent Syrian-British activist and documentarian, was detained in Damascus over social media posts critical of a journalist, leading to his release after four days when the complaint was withdrawn. The case has raised concerns about the use of Assad-era cybercrime laws against activists.
US and Iranian negotiators opened a new round of talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating. The discussions aim to implement a memorandum of understanding covering a ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the unfreezing of Iranian assets, with progress reported in the first round.
Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the US convened in Cairo to discuss regional stability, focusing on Libya's political progress, the Palestinian cause, and the recent US-Iran agreement. US advisor Massad Boulos expressed cautious optimism about Libya, citing renewed cooperation between its rival authorities. The dialogue signals a broader US effort to engage Muslim countries on multiple fronts beyond the Iran file.
US Vice-President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland to help launch negotiations with Iranian leaders on curbing Tehran's nuclear programme. The talks, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, aim to build on a fragile interim deal to end the US-Iran war, but are complicated by fighting in Lebanon and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Australian federal government has extended its fuel excise cut for another month, but at a reduced discount. From July 1, the 32 cents per litre cut will drop to 16 cents per litre, with the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge also rising to 16 cents per litre. The government cites ongoing global pressures and the need to continue shielding Australians from high fuel costs.
US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for high-level talks with Iran, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, as Tehran announces the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attacks in Lebanon. The talks aim to build on a framework agreement, but key disputes remain unresolved.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Cairo on Saturday to attend the fourth R-4 meeting with foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. The meeting focuses on regional developments, peace, and security, with bilateral talks and a call on Egypt's president also on the agenda.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has approved a US peace deal despite reservations, but internal factional differences and hardline opposition threaten its implementation. The deal, which includes a 60-day negotiation period and the lifting of a port blockade, has also drawn criticism from Israeli political factions.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Switzerland for talks with Iran, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Jared Kushner is already in Switzerland, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to join. The talks aim to build on a preliminary US-Iran peace deal.
US President Donald Trump lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'great leader' and 'tough guy' during an interview with Axios, while also praising Pakistan's role in the US-Iran deal. The remarks come ahead of a bilateral meeting at the G7 Summit in France, amid trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has hit back at US President Donald Trump after he claimed she 'begged' for a photo at the G7 summit, calling his comments 'completely fabricated' and 'senseless'. The dispute has led to the cancellation of a planned US visit by Italy's foreign minister and highlights a growing rift between the two leaders.
A US-Iran agreement, reportedly including sanctions relief and military de-escalation, has drawn harsh criticism from Israeli officials and analysts who argue it grants Tehran too much leverage. Reports highlight concerns over the deal's impact on Israel's security and regional stability.
After 24 hours of intense violence, Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, a US official said. The truce came as the US and Iran postponed talks in Switzerland, and as the US lifted a blockade of Iranian ports, according to The Guardian. The agreement aims to preserve the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which had been threatened by the renewed fighting.
Central Bank chief Elvira Nabiullina said the balance of risks has shifted towards pro-inflationary ones, citing uncertainty over Middle East conflict implications. She also stated the financial market faces no systemic risks, and defended that loan affordability depends on inflation, not the key rate.
Intertanko, the association of independent tanker owners, says about 80 mines remain in the Strait of Hormuz, blocking the main shipping lane and preventing a return to normal traffic despite a US-Iran ceasefire. Experts warn clearing could take weeks, while concerns grow over potential tolls on vessels using the strait.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow is open to US-mediated negotiations on Ukraine but will not accept temporary solutions or ultimatums. He also mentioned planned visits by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Russia, and expressed hope for successful US-Iran talks.
At the ILA Berlin airshow, defense firms unveiled new autonomous 'wingmen' aircraft designed to accompany fighter jets, as European nations ramp up their defense spending. Germany announced a €108 billion defense budget and a new aviation strategy, drawing criticism from environmental groups. The show also highlighted industry interest in climate-neutral aviation.
Lebanon reported at least 18 killed in Israeli airstrikes, while Israel confirmed four soldiers died in southern Lebanon—the first since a US-Iran deal aimed at ending the conflict. The strikes have drawn international criticism and raised questions about the durability of the ceasefire.