Iran appoints new ambassador to Azerbaijan

Iran has appointed Mojtaba Demirchilou as its new ambassador to Azerbaijan.

UN urges ceasefire as new round of Ukraine-Russia talks resume

The United Nations reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, urging both sides to pursue a just and lasting resolution under international law.

U.S. justice department reviews pardons issued by president Biden amid transparency concerns

South Korea votes for new president after Yoon’s ouster over martial law

Lee Jae-myung leads polls as voters choose amid political upheaval, economic fears, and Trump’s tariff hike.

Turkish FM: second round of Russia-Ukraine talks held in 'constructive atmosphere'

Russia and Ukraine have made progress toward peace during the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, agreeing on an expanded humanitarian exchange and moving closer to a ceasefire, Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said.

U.S. judge halts Trump administration from voiding work permits for Venezuelans

A federal judge ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem likely exceeded her authority by revoking documents granted under the Temporary Protected Status program—offering relief to thousands of Venezuelans facing potential deportation.

Harvard sues Trump administration over ban on foreign students

Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, calling its ban on enrolling foreign students unconstitutional and devastating. The move threatens over 7,000 visa holders and could severely impact academic operations just days before graduation.

Macron promotes France as reliable partner in Southeast Asia amid global power struggles

French President Emmanuel Macron is embarking on a strategic visit to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, aiming to present France and the European Union as dependable partners offering transparent cooperation.

British court blocks Chagos Islands handover to Mauritius hours before signing

A British High Court has halted the UK’s planned transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius just hours before the landmark agreement was due to be signed, following a legal intervention by displaced islanders.

Despite legal challenges, Telegram posts record profit and expands

Telegram has reported a remarkable $540 million profit last year, marking its first annual profit after years of losses. The Dubai-based messaging app’s revenues surged to $1.4 billion in 2024, up from $343 million the previous year, based on a company presentation reviewed by the Financial Times.

Germany’s New Chancellery Chief Urges Tougher Sanctions on Russia

Germany’s new chancellery chief Thorsten Frei is calling for tougher EU sanctions on Russia, including potential bans on gas and uranium and using frozen Russian assets. As Berlin's tone hardens, Frei says Putin has no intent for peace and warns of continued Russian escalation.

Trump admin taps refugee bureau to lead global crisis response

The U.S. State Department has handed over international disaster response duties to its refugee-focused bureau, sidelining USAID’s seasoned crisis teams.

UK to transfer Chagos Islands to Mauritius, keep control of Diego Garcia base

The UK is set to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining long-term control over the Diego Garcia military base under a 99-year lease. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritian officials are expected to formalize the deal in a virtual ceremony this week.

Azerbaijan and Türkiye’s commitment to international law strengthens regional stability

President Ilham Aliyev: Commitment to international law by Azerbaijan and Türkiye lays strong foundation for regional stability

Romania enacts law empowering military to neutralize unauthorized drones breaching national airspace

As of May 19, 2025, Romania's interim President Ilie Bolojan has authorized the military to shoot down unauthorized drones entering the country's airspace.

Iranian Foreign Minister says recent U.S. sanctions are not constructive

Recent U.S. sanctions on Iran are not constructive when it comes to negotiations, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Tuesday, after the two countries held a fourth round of nuclear talks on Sunday in Oman.

U.S. Imports Eggs Amid Record-High Prices from Bird Flu

The Trump administration is importing eggs from Türkiye and South Korea to address shortages and record-high prices caused by a severe bird flu outbreak.

Canada, Mexico, EU Set to Retaliate Against U.S. Tariffs

Canada, Mexico and the European Union are pushing back against the U.S. decision to increase tariffs on goods. With the March 4 deadline approaching, concerns over supply chain disruptions, rising consumer prices, and a potential global trade war are escalating.

China firms adopt DeepSeek AI to Boost Efficiency

Chinese companies are rapidly adopting DeepSeek’s latest AI model to improve productivity and services after its impressive debut earlier this year. The artificial intelligence model is being integrated into tech, telecom, finance, healthcare, and energy sectors.

UN Security Council Urges End to War in Ukraine

The UN Security Council adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution that takes a neutral stance on the war, coinciding with President Trump's efforts to broker peace. The resolution's passage follows amendments made by the General Assembly to support Ukraine, which were seen as a victory for European nations.

Pope Francis improving in hospital, Vatican Says

Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.

Zelenskyy says attempts to replace him during the war will fail

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday (February 19) dismissed the claims about his approval ratings being at 4% as Russian disinformation and said attempts to replace him during the war against Russia would not work.

Netanyahu continues testimony in his corruption trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived at the Tel Aviv District Court to take the stand in his long-running corruption trial.

Hundreds show up to protest on Presidents Day at Texas Capitol

Demonstrations were held in Austin, Texas, against President Donald Trump’s latest policies on Monday. Their anger turned toward billionaire Elon Musk, who now leads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.