Syrian court sentences Assad’s cousin to death for crimes against humanity
A Syrian court on Tuesday sentenced Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, to death for crimes against humanity and war cri...
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Monday ahead of a second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States, according to Iranian state media.
The negotiations, mediated by Oman, are scheduled for Tuesday (17 February) and come after contacts resumed earlier this month following a period of deadlock. Writing on X, Araghchi said he had come to Geneva with “real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal”, adding that “submission before threats” was not on the table.
Araghchi met Rafael Grossi, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Monday, saying beforehand that his delegation of nuclear experts anticipated a “deep technical discussion”.
They reportedly discussed Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA and Tehran’s technical stance on the nuclear negotiations.
The IAEA has been seeking clarification about the fate of roughly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity after Israeli and United States strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. It has called for the full resumption of monitoring, including at sites damaged in the attacks such as Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.
Tehran says it has permitted inspections at declared facilities that were not targeted, but argues that some bombed sites are currently unsafe. An agreement announced in September aimed at restoring broader oversight was later abandoned after Western powers reinstated United Nations sanctions.
Washington maintains that high-level enrichment could provide a pathway to a nuclear weapon. Iran denies seeking nuclear arms and says its programme is for civilian use.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump favours a diplomatic outcome, though he cautioned that an agreement is not assured. United States officials have said additional military assets, including a second aircraft carrier, have been deployed to the region as a precaution.
Tuesday’s meeting in Geneva is expected to test whether the renewed diplomatic effort can narrow differences between the two sides.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Azerbaijan exported goods worth $17.372 million to Armenia between January and July 2026, according to data from the State Customs Committee, as commercial ties between the two South Caucasus neighbours showed signs of expansion.
Azerbaijan’s strategic rise is turning it from a transit state into a regional rule-setter, with the Middle Corridor giving Baku growing influence far beyond its size, analyst Ahmad Alili says.
Kyrgyzstan is seeking to boost fuel imports from China as it looks to diversify supplies and reduce the risks of its heavy reliance on Russia.
At least 42 children were injured in an explosion at an educational centre in western Kabul on Monday, sparking international calls for a full investigation.
Uzbekistan could lose up to $1.5 billion if escalating Middle East tensions disrupt vital trade and logistics routes through Iran, putting pressure on supply chains and the wider economy.
Azerbaijan has summoned Russia’s ambassador in Baku over recent Russian media comments it described as insulting, provocative and threatening towards the country, its people and leadership.
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