Ukraine Peace Talks Paused Amid Iran War

Peace talks involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine have been paused amid the ongoing Iran war, according to a report by Russian newspaper Izvestia citing Kremlin officials.

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Vance Plans Hungary Visit to Back Orban Ahead of Election

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is planning a visit to Hungary in the coming days to signal support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of a closely contested election, according to sources familiar with the matter.

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Brent crude oil surged above $116 per barrel, rising about 8.5% in a day.

Iran has asked the UN for compensation from the UAE, accusing it of helping US attacks by allowing its territory to be used.

In a letter, Iran’s UN Envoy said the UAE committed an “internationally wrongful act” and should pay for material and moral damages.

UN Patrols South Sudan Refugee Camp After Deadly Attack

UNMISS patrolled Makpandu refugee camp in South Sudan after a deadly attack killed one refugee, highlighting rising insecurity, armed incursions & protection gaps for refugees.

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The UAE is adapting to the war.

Egypt is introducing energy rationing measures—earlier shop closures, reduced street lighting, and possible remote work—to cope with soaring fuel costs caused by the Iran war.

Gas import costs jumped from $560M → $1.65B/month, forcing rationing.

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"You Own Us 100 Million Pounds" Rwanda Accuses UK at the Hague

Justice Minister Emmanuel Ugirashebuja presented Rwanda’s arbitration case in The Hague, seeking £100 million from the UK over a scrapped 2022 asylum deal, disputing claims it waived payment.

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French President Macron on Iran War:

This escalation is reckless.

We support a moratorium on attacks against civilian infrastructure. Gas, oil—but also water—must not be targeted.

As the region enters a period of religious holidays, I think everyone’s minds should calm down and the fighting should stop for at least a few days to try to give negotiations a chance.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf:

According to statements by Israeli and American military officials, 320% of Iran’s missile launchers have been destroyed so far.

However, Iran continues to launch missiles at a high rate.

Now, the enemy aims to destroy up to 500% of them!

A unique achievement for the US military!

Woman at a German public TV show:

Iranians are afraid of the bombs. But even more afraid that the bombing will stop.

Former U.S. counterterrorism chief Joe Kent said Israel is responsible for the war with Iran during an interview on the program hosted by Tucker Carlson, arguing that external influence has shaped U.S. Middle East policy and recent military developments.

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Germany has dropped its plan to intervene in support of Israel at the ICJ genocide case (South Africa v. Israel), citing “new developments”—mainly that Germany itself is now on trial at the same court (Nicaragua v. Germany).

Berlin isn’t changing its political position on Israel.

It’s stepping back to avoid legal contradictions and risk to its own defense.

WATCH: Israeli missile strike lands very near Russia Today reporter in Lebanon.

Israel cut outbound flight capacity by ~50% after Iranian missile strikes damaged planes at Ben-Gurion Airport.

Source: Haaretz

Donald Trump’s approval ratings have dropped to their lowest levels yet on the economy and cost of living, according to a new poll.

Overall, 38% approve of his performance while 59% disapprove. Views on key issues are worse, with strong dissatisfaction over inflation, gas prices, and rising living costs—61% say inflation is getting worse.

The decline is partly tied to economic pressure linked to the Iran conflict.

Source: Newsweek

John Bolton on Iran:

Kaja Kallas says, "Iran is not Europe's war." I'm just telling you that kind of rhetoric could very well lead Donald Trump to say, "Well, alright, it's not Europe's war. Guess what, Ukraine is not America's war."

And that's not the right outcome.

South Korea is considering importing Russian crude oil and naphtha as it looks to secure energy supplies during ongoing Middle East tensions, the Industry Ministry said.

South Korea stopped importing Russian oil in December 2022 after the Ukraine invasion.

Iran will still compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but plans to avoid playing matches in the United States due to security concerns.

Iran is scheduled to play group games in the US, but officials are asking FIFA to move them to Mexico instead.