live U.S. clears way for $2.7 billion sale of air-defence development upgrades to Ukraine
The U.S. State Department approved a potential $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence develo...
Italy will participate as an observer in the White House initiative of 'Board of Peace,' Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed on Sunday (15 February).
Speaking in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Meloni said Italy had received an invitation to attend in observer status and would respond positively.
“We were invited as an observer country, and in our view, it is a good solution regarding the problem of the war in the Middle East,” she said.
She noted that constitutional constraints prevent Italy from formally joining the body but stressed that Rome still supports the initiative, describing the Middle East as “a priority,” demonstrated by Italy’s ongoing diplomatic engagement in the region.
Meloni added that the level of Italian representation has not yet been finalised, as invitations were only recently extended to European partners.
She indicated that other European countries, particularly Mediterranean states and those geographically close to the region, could also take part in a similar observer role.
Her remarks came amid consultations with European leaders, besides contacts with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who was attending meetings with EU partners focused on Gaza.
On 22 January, representatives of 19 countries signed the Charter of the Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The Board of Peace was established within the framework of efforts toward a peaceful settlement in the Gaza Strip, and seeks peacemaking around the world. Washington has said additional states have since joined the initiative.
Its first meeting is scheduled for 19 Febuary in Washington, DC, at the leaders' level.
Italian media reported that Tajani could ultimately represent Rome at the Washington meeting, though no final decision has been announced.
Addressing broader transatlantic relations, Meloni emphasised the importance of cooperation between Europe and the U.S., describing the current phase as “very complex” but arguing that both sides should work to strengthen what unites them rather than divisions.
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port city of Odesa in the early hours of Thursday, officials said on the Telegram messaging app.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the war against Iran was nearing its end and that Tehran wanted to reach a deal, but Iran dismissed his comments as “mixed signals” as the conflict approaches its seventh month.
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 18 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the field of science.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
Azerbaijan has rejected France’s justification for advising its citizens against travel to the country, after Paris cited risks of arbitrary detention and unfair trials.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
Baku ID 2026 has concluded in the Azerbaijani capital after two days that brought together technology leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers to explore the future of innovation and start-up development.
At least 16 people have been killed after suicide blasts during Friday prayers hit a police compound in Kohat, northwest Pakistan, officials said.
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