Location · 2276 published stories · 281 outlets · All places
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta for talks aimed at expanding cooperation in defence, energy, and trade. The two countries are working toward a $10bn bilateral trade target agreed last year, with discussions also covering regional issues such as Gaza and Iran.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak warned at SPIEF that declining global energy investments threaten the supply-demand balance and international economy. He also highlighted extreme uncertainty in oil markets and potential shifts toward alternative energy due to prolonged Middle East conflict.
South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan for talks on cooperation and regional security, while First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo consulted with New Zealand's Deputy Secretary Bede Corry on energy and other issues. Yonhap reported on both diplomatic engagements in Seoul.
Thousands gathered in Jerusalem for the 24th annual March for Pride and Tolerance, which took a new route toward the Knesset under the slogan 'Demanding Change.' President Isaac Herzog attended, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid addressed the crowd, pledging legislative equality for all couples. Police deployed about 2,000 officers for security.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said oil production is currently below levels at the start of 2026 but expects to meet OPEC+ quota this year. He also discussed a global market deficit and OPEC+ limitations amid the Middle East conflict.
The South Korean won fell to its weakest point since 2009 against the U.S. dollar on Friday, driven by renewed Middle East tensions, foreign investor selling, and fading hopes for a diplomatic resolution. The KOSPI also plunged, and authorities signaled possible intervention to curb excessive volatility.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly prepared to end the ceasefire with Iran only if Tehran kills American troops, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a CNBC interview, said the US and Israel would resume military action against Iran if needed, citing 'enormous cracks' in the regime.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported no tangible progress in negotiations with the United States, tying any deal to an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, while President Donald Trump described the talks as going well. An Iranian drone strike on Kuwait International Airport killed one person, and Israeli operations continued in Lebanon amid competing demands over a ceasefire.
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire contingent on Hezbollah halting fire and withdrawing from southern Lebanon, with pilot security zones to be established. Residents in Beirut express cautious skepticism, while Hezbollah condemns the US-brokered framework.
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew a ceasefire brokered by the United States, contingent on Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The deal aims to remove a key obstacle in US-Iran negotiations, but Hezbollah has rejected the terms, and fighting continues.
Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo claimed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Western countries deliberately focused on the Middle East to give Ukraine time to strengthen its drone capabilities. He also accused Kyiv of targeting civilians, while Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko condemned Western inaction over alleged Ukrainian 'state terrorism.'
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) plans to sign seven agreements with Global South countries in IT, agriculture, and other sectors during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev also announced a new partnership with Saudi Arabia's Lamar Arabia Holding for infrastructure and energy projects.
New ABS data shows Australians consumed nearly 40% more nicotine between 2017 and 2025, with 80% of cigarettes now illicit. Spending on legal tobacco has fallen to 2016 levels, driven by soaring excise and a booming black market.
Australia has imported more than one million tonnes of fertiliser since the Middle East conflict disrupted global trade, with the federal government accelerating biosecurity checks and securing additional shipments. While the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz offers hope, analysts caution that shipping normalisation will take time.
The federal government, through a committee led by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, extended operating hours for shops, restaurants, and markets, citing longer daylight hours. The move is part of ongoing austerity measures initially introduced in March due to the global energy crisis. Later, the Senate Secretariat terminated most fuel conservation measures after a US-Iran deal reduced fuel prices, though market timings remain.
The emerging US-Iran peace deal has triggered a crisis in the Trump-Netanyahu alliance, with the Israeli prime minister caught off guard and facing domestic political pressure. Sources report that Trump told Netanyahu it's time to end the war, while Netanyahu expressed concerns about Iran's nuclear program. The deal has drawn criticism from Israeli politicians and commentators, underscoring the delicate balance of power in the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and taking a more active role, while revealing that Tehran has agreed to discuss previously off-limits nuclear issues. However, he insisted no sanctions relief has been offered without nuclear concessions, as Iran warns of 'direct confrontation' over Israeli actions in Lebanon.
Iran, already facing extreme water stress from drought and overuse, now contends with damage to civilian water infrastructure during the US-Israel war. According to Al Jazeera, Lake Urmia has shrunk to under 10% of its former size, and nearly 31,000 villages have been abandoned due to water shortages.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's three-day visit to China marks the latest in a series of high-level diplomatic engagements, with Al Jazeera tallying 26 foreign leaders or senior officials from 23 countries visiting China this year. The UK aims to revive economic and diplomatic ties despite differences over security and the Ukraine war, while China reports record trade figures for 2025.
Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi says Tokyo remains open to dialogue with Moscow despite no specific plans for political contacts. The statement follows a May visit by Japanese officials to Russia, which has drawn attention from European allies, while Russia's ambassador expresses openness to a respect-based dialogue.