Region
21:26
View from Georgia
Georgia begins dredging works for Anaklia Deepwater Port
Georgia has officially begun dredging works for the long-awaited Anaklia Deepwater Port after the arrival of the first dredging vessel, marking a significant milestone in one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
20:13
View from Iran
Iran says U.S. talks on Hormuz remain on hold as Oman discussions continue
Iran said on Monday (3 August) it is not negotiating with the U.S. over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying current talks with Oman are focused solely on ensuring safe shipping through the strategic waterway.
18:13
View from Pakistan
Pakistan, Uzbekistan deepen digital customs partnership to speed regional trade
Pakistan and Uzbekistan are stepping up efforts to streamline trade between South and Central Asia through a new customs partnership focused on digital connectivity and artificial intelligence.
17:36
Pakistan bombing
Suicide bombing at Pakistan police station kills 17 at pro-police rally
A suicide bomber killed at least 17 people and injured 35 others outside a police station in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday evening, officials said. The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in Kabal, a town in the Swat Valley near the Afghan border.
16:40
Politics
Pashinyan reappointed as Armenia’s prime minister after government resigned
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has appointed Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister on Sunday by decree after the previous government resigned following the first session of the newly elected National Assembly.
10:43
View from Afghanistan
UN warns crisis in Afghanistan is increasing risk of human trafficking
The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian and economic crises are leaving more people vulnerable to human trafficking, with returnees, women, children and indebted families facing the greatest risks.
10:30
View from Uzbekistan
Apple Pay launches in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, expanding cashless payments
Apple Pay has launched in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, expanding digital payment services across Central Asia and supporting the region's shift towards cashless transactions.
10:29
View from Uzbekistan
UNESCO grants World Heritage status to Tashkent's modernist landmarks
UNESCO has granted World Heritage status to 10 landmarks of Tashkent's modernist architecture, recognising the buildings that helped redefine Uzbekistan's capital after the devastating 1966 earthquake.
09:08
Gaza ceasefire
Israeli airstrikes kill at least four despite Trump's Gaza deal announcement
Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza for a second straight day on Sunday, killing at least four Palestinians, despite U.S. President Donald Trump announcing a breakthrough in efforts to implement last year's Gaza ceasefire agreement.
11:54
Digital connectivity
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan begin laying Caspian fibre-optic cable
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have begun laying a fibre-optic cable beneath the Caspian Sea, marking the start of offshore construction on a long-planned digital infrastructure project.
19:27
View from Georgia
Georgia secures $285 million in financing for roads and banking stability
Georgia has secured two major financial commitments this week, with one aimed at easing road congestion around the capital and the other at strengthening the country's banking safety net.
18:56
View from Türkiye
Turkish-owned cargo ship hit by drone in Black Sea
A Turkish-owned cargo ship was struck by a drone in the Black Sea after leaving a Ukrainian port, in the latest incident to raise concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region. No information has been released on casualties or the extent of the damage.
18:20
U.S. strikes
Iran vows retaliation after U.S. strike kills family on Qeshm Island
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf has promised that the U.S. will “pay the price” following what Iranian authorities said was a deadly strike on a residential building on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf that killed three members of a family.
17:55
View from Uzbekistan
Russia extends fuel export ban as Central Asia scrambles to secure supplies
Russia has extended its ban on exports of gasoline, diesel, marine fuel and gasoil until 31 January 2027, as Moscow seeks to stabilise its domestic fuel market, prompting Central Asian countries to strengthen fuel security and diversify supplies.
17:50
View from Afghanistan
More than 800 Afghan migrants return after release from Pakistan prisons
More than 800 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan after being released from prisons in Pakistan, Afghan authorities said, as Islamabad continues its crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals under its repatriation policy.
15:46
PAKISTAN SAUDI
Pakistan joins Saudi-led Red Sea maritime coalition to safeguard global shipping
Pakistan has joined a Saudi-led multinational maritime coalition to help protect key shipping routes through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as attacks on commercial vessels continue to threaten one of the world's busiest trade and energy corridors.
09:19
Strategic Partnership
Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan enter 'new stage' with alliance treaty
Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have elevated their relations to an allied partnership level with the signing of a new treaty during President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Cholpon-Ata.
07:46
Politics
Russia warns Armenia over possible railway investment claims
Russia may seek compensation from Armenia if Yerevan changes the terms of the South Caucasus Railway (SCR) agreement without mutual consent, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said.
21:23
Georgia post
Georgia aims to become regional logistics hub with Alibaba-backed partnership
Georgian Post is no longer focused solely on delivering letters and parcels across Georgia. The state postal operator is transforming into a regional logistics hub following a new agreement with Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba.