Iran designates EU naval and air forces as ‘terrorist entities’ in reciprocal move
Iran announced on Saturday (21 February) that it has designated the naval and air forces of European Union member states as “terrorist entities” i...
Uzbekistan and Jordan have signed agreements to cooperate in exploring uranium, copper, rare metals, and other critical mineral deposits.
The announcement came during a working visit to Amman by Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Geology, Rustam Yusupov, accompanied by representatives from state mining companies including the Technological Metals Complex, Uzbek Overseas Geology Company, and Navoiyuran.
During talks, Navoiyuran specialists and the Jordan Uranium Mining Company reviewed uranium prospects, while the Jordanian National Arab Mining Company signed a memorandum with Uzbekistan to explore copper, rare metals, and industrial minerals. A joint working group has been formed, and a roadmap for cooperation has been adopted.
What’s Behind the Move & Why It Matters
One of the key drivers of this cooperation is the relatively modest scale of existing trade relations between the two countries. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover amounted to approximately $6.9 million. Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan brings substantial geological expertise and mining capacity, while Jordan aims to diversify its mineral sector. Given the rising global demand for critical minerals and uranium, the partnership holds significant strategic potential for both sides.
Challenges & Considerations
Executing such mineral exploration programmes demands large investment, technical capacity, and strict environmental and regulatory compliance. Moreover, global mineral prices—especially for uranium and rare metals—are volatile, which increases financial risk. For the cooperation to succeed, both sides will need not only to align policy (e.g. through Preferential Trade Agreements) but also ensure sustainable development and community benefits.
If technical, regulatory, and trade-barrier limitations are addressed, the partnership could leverage each country’s strengths to tap into growing global demand for critical resources.
Quentin Griffiths, co-founder of online fashion retailer ASOS, has died in Pattaya, Thailand, after falling from the 17th floor of a condominium on 9 February, Thai police confirmed.
A seven-month-old Japanese macaque has captured global attention after forming an unusual but heart-warming bond with a stuffed orangutan toy following abandonment by its mother.
Divers have recovered the bodies of seven Chinese tourists and a Russian driver after their minibus broke through the ice of on Lake Baikal in Russia, authorities said.
Ukraine’s National Paralympic Committee has announced it will boycott the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics in Verona on 6 March, citing the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to allow some Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags.
President Donald Trump said on Saturday (21 February) that he will raise temporary tariffs on nearly all U.S. imports from 10% to 15%, the maximum allowed under the law, after the Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff program.
Iran announced on Saturday (21 February) that it has designated the naval and air forces of European Union member states as “terrorist entities” in a reciprocal move after the EU blacklisted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
At least 10 people were killed and 50 wounded in Israeli strikes in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley on Friday (20 February), two security sources told Reuters, after the Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah sites in the Baalbek area.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday (21 February) dismissed U.S. claims that 32,000 civilians were killed during protests in Iran. He said Tehran has already released official figures and called for evidence to support any higher estimates.
Uzbekistan's president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has held a series of high-level meetings in the U.S. aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and strategic ties between the two countries.
Türkiye has signalled readiness to contribute to a proposed Gaza stabilisation force during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting on Thursday (19 February), but according to former Turkish diplomat Mehmet Öğütçü, the decisive factor will be whether Israel and the United States agree on Ankara’s role.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment