Azerbaijan's Middle-Power moment

NASA reverses evacuation alert order for astronauts aboard space station

Five astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were instructed to take shelter and prepare for a possible evacuation on Friday after an air leak in the Russian segment of the orbital outpost worsened, according to NASA.

Azerbaijan vehemently rejects CNN claims over Israel and Iran

Azerbaijan has strongly rejected allegations published by CNN claiming that its territory was used for Israeli military and intelligence operations against Iran, describing the report as entirely baseless and demanding a retraction.

GEF Assembly backs $232.5m in new environmental funding

The Eighth Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly has concluded in Samarkand, bringing together representatives from 186 countries to set environmental priorities and approve new funding for climate, biodiversity and sustainable development initiatives.

Erdogan hosts leader of Niger, signalling interest in Africa’s Sahel region

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tchiani in Ankara on Thursday, underscoring Türkiye’s growing engagement with Africa’s Sahel region as geopolitical alliances continue to shift.

Chinese carmakers surge ahead as global EV demand accelerates

Chinese carmakers are rapidly reshaping the global automotive market, with record exports, soaring electric vehicle sales and growing investments overseas putting pressure on established European, Japanese and U.S. rivals.

Azerbaijan showcases climate action at 2026 World Environment Day conference

Widely recognised as the world’s oldest oil exporter, Azerbaijan will showcase its renewed efforts to combat climate change on Friday as it hosts the 2026 World Environment Day conference in partnership with the UN.

Marjane Satrapi: Tributes pour in for late 'Persepolis' author

Marjane Satrapi, the Iranian-French artist, filmmaker and author best known for the acclaimed graphic novel Persepolis, has died at the age of 56, the French presidency announced on Thursday.

Xi to visit North Korea as China seeks closer ties with Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea on 8-9 June, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as Beijing seeks to strengthen relations with its long-time ally. 

Authorities investigate Thailand market fire injures five

A blaze at a popular market in northeast Thailand sent vendors fleeing and left five people in hospital, with police investigating a suspected electrical short circuit.

Zelenskyy invites Putin to 'face to face' talks to end war in open letter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet for direct talks aimed at ending the war between their countries, saying Ukraine remains ready for peace but will continue fighting if no agreement can be reached.

AnewZ Morning Brief – 5 June 2026

Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 5 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.

U.S. House approves Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions in rebuke to Trump position

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would provide new aid to Ukraine and impose additional sanctions on Russia, marking the latest instance of Republican lawmakers breaking ranks with President Donald Trump and party leaders.

International peace body fails to agree on Bosnia's new envoy

Bosnia’s international peace oversight body failed on Thursday to reach agreement on a successor to Germany’s Christian Schmidt, who unexpectedly stepped down last month, claiming he had come under pressure from the United States.

Israel and Lebanon agree to ceasefire as talks resume

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire after U.S.-backed talks in Washington. The deal requires Hezbollah to halt attacks and withdraw from southern Lebanon, while both sides will resume direct talks later this month aimed at reaching a broader agreement.

Washington opens the door but Georgia may face tougher questions ahead

A series of signals from Washington, including congressional testimony, a U.S. Embassy statement and a senior diplomat's visit to Tbilisi, has given Georgia's ruling party reason to declare a diplomatic reset. But Washington's message is more nuanced than Tbilisi is suggesting.

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan discuss trade expansion and transit cooperation

Afghan and Uzbek business officials have discussed ways to expand trade, ease transit bottlenecks and address customs challenges facing traders, according to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI).

EU pledges €50m support package for Armenia amid Russian trade restrictions

Armenia is set to receive a support package worth more than €50 million ($58.2 million) from the European Union (EU) after Russia, its largest trading partner, imposed restrictions on a range of Armenian exports.

Israel approves more than 2,000 new homes in West Bank settlements

Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced plans on Wednesday (4 June) to expand three Jewish settlements in the West Bank by more than 2,000 homes, drawing condemnation from Palestinian leaders who warned the move could fuel further unrest.