live Houthi attacks target Riyadh as Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are m...
Azerbaijan is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic bridge between East and West, using a combination of diplomacy, energy cooperation and regional connectivity to expand its international influence.
In recent years, Baku has stepped up its global engagement, taking on active roles in a range of international organisations and initiatives. The country has served on the United Nations Security Council and chaired both the Non-Aligned Movement and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, reinforcing its presence on the global stage.
Hosting major international events has also become a key part of Azerbaijan’s diplomatic strategy. High-profile gatherings such as COP29 and the World Urban Forum have brought world leaders, policymakers and experts to Baku, positioning the country as a hub for dialogue on global challenges, including climate change, urban development and sustainable growth.
This growing international profile has been accompanied by increased political activity in the South Caucasus, particularly following the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. The country has since intensified efforts to promote a regional peace agenda and strengthen diplomatic engagement with neighbouring states.
Azerbaijan’s geographical location between Europe and Asia continues to underpin its strategic importance. The development of transport routes such as the Middle Corridor has enhanced the country’s role as a key transit hub, connecting markets across continents. These corridors facilitate trade flows between East and West, as well as along North-South routes, strengthening regional integration.
Energy cooperation remains central to Azerbaijan’s international role. Major infrastructure projects, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, have established the country as a significant supplier of energy to regional and European markets. These projects have contributed to energy diversification and security beyond the region.
At the same time, Azerbaijan is expanding its focus on renewable energy. Investments in large-scale solar and wind projects, along with efforts to develop green energy corridors, reflect a broader strategy to adapt to global energy transitions while maintaining its status as an energy exporter.
Beyond infrastructure and energy, Azerbaijan has also sought to position itself as a platform for dialogue. The country regularly hosts high-level diplomatic meetings and forums aimed at fostering cooperation on security, economic and political issues. Initiatives such as the Baku Process and the Global Baku Forum have further promoted intercultural dialogue, tolerance and international cooperation.
During its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan also demonstrated an active role in global crisis response, supporting a special session of the United Nations General Assembly on the COVID-19 pandemic and providing humanitarian assistance to dozens of countries.
Together, these efforts highlight Azerbaijan’s growing participation in global affairs. By combining diplomacy, connectivity and energy initiatives, the country continues to strengthen its position as an emerging regional and international player.
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.
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.
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.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met and U.S. commitments are implemented, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has cleared the criminal record of former soldier Elor Azaria, who was convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian in the West Bank in 2016.
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.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
The death toll in a suicide attack at a police compound in northwest Pakistan has reached 31, AFP reported on Saturday, citing a police official.
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.
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