European stocks rise after Fed rate cut, say SIG tanks
European shares nudged up on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered borrowing costs for the first time since December, while shares of SIG pl...
Iran and Afghanistan are working to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties as the Taliban seeks greater engagement with the United States. The discussions focus on trade, security, and regional stability, highlighting shifting alliances in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The governor of South Khorasan province in Iran, Mohammad Reza Hashemi has revealed efforts to set up an Iranian consulate in Farah province of Afghanistan, alongside an Afghan consulate in Birjand, Iran. This initiative seeks to enhance trade and economic ties between the two neighboring nations. The Iranian governor highlighted that these consulates would serve to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cooperation in multiple sectors. The proposed consulates are expected to play a key role in administrative processes, facilitate cross-border movement, and boost regional commerce.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that the Taliban has intensified its attempts to win favor with the Trump administration, seemingly seeing an opportunity to restore official ties and establish a presence in the U.S. The Taliban also proposed opening an office in the U.S. to handle issues related to the Afghan community, suggesting that it wouldn’t necessarily function as an embassy and could be located outside Washington. The Taliban has floated the idea of the U.S. government recognizing its rule as Afghanistan’s legitimate government.
Last month, the U.S. sent a delegation led by Adam Boehler to negotiate the release of American prisoners held by the Taliban. This marked the first time a U.S. official met with the Taliban in Afghanistan since the group regained power in 2021. As a gesture of goodwill, the Taliban released George Glezmann after over two years of captivity. Following Glezmann’s release, the U.S. removed millions of dollars in bounties on three members of the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network, which for years had carried out deadly attacks on American forces and remains designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S.
In a significant shift, last week the U.S. omitted Afghanistan from its list of threats to U.S. national security in the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment report released by the U.S. intelligence community. This is the first time in decades that Afghanistan was not considered a direct threat to U.S. security. A few days later, the Taliban released another U.S. citizen, Faye Hall, from captivity, signaling a significant development in U.S.-Taliban engagement.
Speaking to AnewZ, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, stated that the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks a positive working relationship with the U.S. based on mutual understanding.” He also expressed hope that the Trump administration would open a new chapter in U.S.-Afghanistan relations. The Taliban has secured diplomatic postings worldwide, deploying representatives to staff them. While no country has formally recognized the group as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, it has made notable diplomatic inroads.
The developments highlight a shifting geopolitical landscape as Iran and Afghanistan work to deepen their economic and administrative cooperation, while the Taliban continues its efforts to gain international legitimacy, particularly through engagement with the United States. The release of American detainees and the removal of bounties on Haqqani network members suggest a cautious but evolving dialogue between the Taliban and Washington. Whether these steps will lead to broader recognition or a more stable relationship remains uncertain, but the recent moves indicate a willingness on both sides to explore new avenues of interaction.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
TEKNOFEST opened its doors on Wednesday (17 September) at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, bringing together technology lovers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Around 300 local and international media representatives will be accredited at the Media Centre established by the Baku City Circuit Operations Company to cover this year’s Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said during a press briefing in Adjara that some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have engaged in anti-state activities and attempted to instigate revolutionary processes with the support of foreign funding.
European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has set off on Wednesday for a three-day visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia. The trip comes at a pivotal moment for EU engagement in the South Caucasus and aims to support the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment