16:47

View from Iran

Millions expected as Iran and Iraq prepare week-long farewell for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed neighbouring Iraq will hold a funeral procession next week for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, as preparations intensify for week-long ceremonies after the 86-year-old was killed in Israeli–U.S. air raids in February.

16:17

View from Tajikistan

CSTO steps up security along Tajikistan-Afghanistan border

CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov has inspected security along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border as the regional bloc continues a long-term programme to strengthen one of Central Asia's most strategically important frontiers.

15:20

Von der Leyen Baku

Von der Leyen visit highlights Azerbaijan's growing strategic role for Europe

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's visit to Azerbaijan highlights the country's growing importance to Europe not only as a supplier of natural gas, but also as a strategic partner in transport, infrastructure, connectivity and renewable energy.

12:47

View from Pakistan

Pakistan says it shot down four Afghan drones after cross-border strikes

Pakistan's military said on Wednesday it intercepted and destroyed four drones launched from Afghanistan into Balochistan, days after Islamabad carried out cross-border strikes against what it described as militant hideouts in eastern Afghanistan, further escalating tensions between the neighbours.

09:57

UNRWA

UN's Guterres warns UNRWA is nearing 'breaking point'

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to member states to urgently help plug a $100 million funding gap facing the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, warning it is close to "breaking point" after months of deep spending cuts.

07:26

Georgia-Armenia ties

Georgia and Armenia pledge closer police cooperation as interior ministers meet in Yerevan

Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Sulkhan Tamazashvili, has wrapped up an official visit to Armenia with a clear message: the two countries' law enforcement agencies are set to work even closer together.

20:09

View from Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan steps up fuel market oversight to prevent shortages

The Kyrgyz government has tightened oversight of the country's fuel market, introducing stricter monitoring measures to prevent petroleum shortages and ensure stable supplies amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty.

19:43

View from Uzbekistan

China and Central Asia launch joint satellite network for disaster monitoring

China and several Central Asian countries have agreed to develop a joint satellite constellation to monitor natural disasters, track environmental change and improve regional disaster preparedness through shared remote-sensing data.

16:57

Pakistan-Afghan rift

International pressure grows after Pakistani strikes kill 28 in Afghanistan

International calls for restraint are growing after the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 28 civilians and injured 49 others on Sunday (28 June).

13:14

Regional cooperation

What is the Caspian Green Energy Corridor and why does it matter?

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are advancing plans for a new energy corridor beneath the Caspian Sea that could carry renewable electricity from Central Asia to Europe, linking the region's growing clean energy sector with European markets.

11:41

View from Afghanistan

Afghanistan ranked last in KidsRights Index 2026

Afghanistan has been ranked last among 194 countries in the KidsRights Index 2026, as the Dutch-based foundation warned that children’s rights are facing growing pressure worldwide.

08:00

Explainer

Europe needs Azerbaijan more than ever despite political tensions

Europe's growing dependence on Azerbaijan for energy and transport is reshaping relations with Baku, even as political tensions with parts of the European Union remain unresolved.

04:20

Middle East conflict

Iran says officials to visit Qatar but no U.S. talks planned

The U.S. and Iran have agreed to 'stand down' and resume technical talks, allowing vessels allowed to move freely under the interim peace deal, a U.S. official said.

21:10

Türkiye-Germany

Erdoğan and Merz discuss NATO summit, Ukraine and Türkiye-Germany ties

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone call on Monday to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments and wider global issues, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

20:43

View from Georgia

Georgia and Kazakhstan forge strategic alliance as Tbilisi looks east

With its EU accession talks frozen and its strategic partnership with Washington suspended, Tbilisi has formalised a new alliance with Astana centred on trade, transport and a shared vision for Eurasia's next major trade corridor.

19:17

Afghanistan Pakistan

Afghanistan says Pakistani strikes kill 36 civilians as Islamabad says militants targeted

Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday (29 June) that Pakistani strikes on homes in Kunar, Paktia and Paktika killed 36 civilians and injured 163, while Islamabad said it targeted militant hideouts along the border.

18:55

Uzbekistan Norway

Uzbekistan and Norway launch nuclear safety partnership as reactor programme expands

Uzbekistan and Norway have launched a new three-year initiative to strengthen the country’s radiation and nuclear safety framework as Tashkent prepares to build its first nuclear power plant and seeks to establish itself as a regional leader in the sector.

15:39

Iran Oman talks

Iran and Oman launch first joint committee on Strait of Hormuz management

Iran and Oman have held the first meeting of a new joint committee to discuss the future management of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, an Iranian deputy foreign minister said on Monday.

12:08

Politics

Azerbaijan expresses concern over Israel’s remarks on 'Armenian genocide' issue

Azerbaijan has criticised Israel’s recent decision to recognise the 1915 events involving Armenians as genocide, warning against politicising historical narratives. The response comes after Israel’s cabinet approved the proposal, which still requires parliamentary ratification.

00:19

Middle East conflict

U.S. and Iran move towards talks after agreeing to cease strikes

The United States and Iran have agreed to halt strikes against each other, in a potential breakthrough after weeks of escalating tensions. The two sides are expected to meet in Doha on Tuesday to address their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.