Straits Times
All EU members greenlight first step in accession talks, Ukraine PM says
Ukraine cleared a significant diplomatic hurdle as all 27 EU member states agreed to open accession talks on the first cluster of issues, according to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The unanimous decision marks a concrete step forward in Ukraine's bid for EU membership, a process that gained rapid momentum following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Moldova is advancing in tandem, with both nations moving closer to eventual integration into the bloc.
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SCMP
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew fragile ceasefire, create Hezbollah-free zones
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire and establish designated security zones in southern Lebanon barring Hezbollah militants, following a fourth round of US-mediated talks at the State Department. The deal hinges on a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and the withdrawal of its operatives from areas south of the Litani River. The agreement marks a significant diplomatic step, though questions remain over enforcement and implementation.
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US House votes to halt Iran war, in rebuke to Trump
A bipartisan House majority voted 215-208 to curtail President Trump's ability to wage war against Iran, with four Republicans breaking ranks to push the measure over the line. The resolution marks a significant congressional assertion of war powers after three previous attempts fell short. Its passage signals growing unease on Capitol Hill over unilateral executive military action in the Middle East.
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Trump seeks to split Lebanon talks from war on Iran negotiations
Trump is pushing to decouple Lebanon ceasefire discussions from broader negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, signaling a preference for parallel but distinct diplomatic tracks. The move reflects Washington's desire to avoid letting one volatile front block progress on the other. It's a strategic bet that compartmentalizing the region's interlocking conflicts can accelerate deal-making.
Read article →Al Jazeera English
Kuwait releases CCTV footage of deadly Iranian strike on airport
Kuwait has released CCTV footage it says captures an Iranian drone strike on Kuwait International Airport, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The surveillance footage provides rare visual documentation of what officials are characterizing as a direct attack on sovereign infrastructure. The release of the footage signals Kuwait's intent to hold Iran publicly accountable for the incident.
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