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The United States has announced it will remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation in place since 1979. The decision, which will take effect in 45 days unless Congress blocks it, was announced by President Donald Trump after meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at a NATO summit in Ankara. The move is seen as a significant boost to Syria's economic recovery and international reintegration.
NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners (IP4) pledged to expand cooperation in defense industry and advanced technology during a meeting in Ankara, Turkey. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended, alongside officials from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, with discussions covering Russia's aggression in Ukraine and Indo-Pacific security.
At a NATO summit in Ankara, leaders unveiled tens of billions of dollars in arms deals while President Trump voiced disappointment with allies. Tensions over defence spending and support for Ukraine were balanced by commitments to increase aid and defence budgets.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, pledging deeper bilateral ties and cooperation. The two also joined US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for trilateral talks reaffirming commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and signing an MOU on small modular reactors.
Three tankers, including a Qatari LNG vessel, were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Qatar to summon Iran's deputy ambassador and warn of legal responsibility. The US revoked a licence for Iranian oil sales amid rising tensions over navigation fees and regional security.
South Korea's weather agency forecasts monsoon rains to drench the nation starting Wednesday, with heavy downpours expected in central and southwestern regions. Rainfall amounts could reach 80-150 mm in some areas, with strong winds and thunderstorms also possible.
North Korea has issued commemorative stamps marking the 65th anniversary of its mutual defense treaty with China and Xi Jinping's recent Pyongyang visit. Premier Pak Thae-song is set to visit China for anniversary events, as both countries move to deepen bilateral ties.
China launched a strategic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific from a submarine, describing the test as routine training conducted safely and with prior notice. Australia condemned the action as destabilising to the region, while the United States and other nations also raised concerns over notice and international norms. Australian officials said they would raise the matter directly with Chinese counterparts.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed strategic cruise missile firings and combat system evaluations aboard the newly built destroyer Kang Kon, state media reported. He ordered the vessel commissioned within two months as part of a broader naval modernisation drive that includes the recently commissioned Choe Hyon. Coverage also noted related commentary on Japan’s military plans and analyst assessments of Pyongyang’s growing naval ambitions.
Kim Jong-un oversaw tests of strategic cruise missiles and other weapons from the new 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon, ordering its commissioning within two months. The South Korean military detected the launches toward the East Sea, while analysts suggest the missiles are of the Hwasal series.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen tests of a strategic cruise missile and other weapons from a newly built 5,000-ton destroyer, ordering its commissioning within two months. State media also reported plans for a rapid naval buildup, including two large surface combatants each year.
Actor Kim Min-ha discusses her role in the Danish-Korean film 'Hana Korea,' which portrays the lives of North Korean defectors in South Korea. The film, based on true stories and interviews, premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and is set for release on July 8.
A White House official has accused South Korea of discriminating against U.S. e-commerce giant Coupang, saying the company is being 'singled out' by President Lee Jae Myung's administration. The remarks follow a House Judiciary Committee report alleging 'discriminatory attacks' on Coupang, while Seoul insists its investigations are lawful and non-discriminatory.
Kang Chang-il, vice chair of South Korea's Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, called on both Koreas to refer to each other by their official names, echoing religious leaders' plea. The unification ministry said it views the growing calls as part of a broader effort to build public consensus. The council also expanded its membership to 25,000 advisers.
Anthropic says the US Commerce Department has lifted export controls on its powerful Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, allowing it to restore global access. The models were suspended June 12 over national security concerns, with a partial reversal on Friday granting some trusted US organizations access to Mythos 5.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 105th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, reaffirming ties. Xi replied vowing long-term stable relations. The exchange follows their June summit in Pyongyang and precedes the 65th anniversary of the bilateral treaty.
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back has reiterated the need to consolidate the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies into a single institution, citing the need to break down service silos and address demographic challenges. Alumni associations and retired brass have called on the government to halt the plan, arguing it is being pushed without sufficient review and risks undermining military expertise.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back vowed to build a strong military during a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, a 2002 naval clash with North Korea that killed six South Korean sailors.
President Lee Jae Myung vowed to resolve the issue of South Korean citizens abducted by North Korea during the Korean War through dialogue and cooperation. The pledge came at an event marking the Korean War Abductees Remembrance Day, as the government also confirmed close coordination with the U.S. on North Korea's recent missile tests.
During talks in Seoul, the defense ministers of South Korea and Japan agreed to expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation, including in advanced technologies such as AI, and to continue joint exercises. They also affirmed their commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, as reported by Yonhap and TASS.