U.S. seizes Venezuela-linked, Russian-flagged oil tanker after weeks-long pursuit
The U.S. has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker that had been followed by a Russian submarine on Wednesday, following a more than two-week-long pursu...
President Donald Trump said his administration will notify countries by 9 July of new U.S. tariff rates, as trade talks with key partners enter their final days ahead of a 1 August implementation deadline.
Despite promising to finalise 90 trade deals in 90 days, Trump has so far concluded only a limited agreement with the UK and a preliminary deal with Vietnam. Talks with other major trading partners remain unresolved, though The White House says progress is being made.
European Union
Talks with the 27-member European Union have yet to reach a breakthrough. A proposed 17% U.S. tariff on agricultural exports remains a major sticking point, alongside EU demands for exemptions on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and auto parts. Brussels has signalled willingness to accept a universal 10% tariff if sector-specific duties are lifted and existing tariffs on steel and autos are reduced.
Japan
Japan continues discussions amid U.S. pressure to import more rice and oil. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Japan’s Ryosei Akazawa held talks last week, but Trump said Japan could still receive a tariff notice, with rates possibly reaching 35%.
India
A long-promised trade deal remains elusive. India faces 26% U.S. tariffs and is resisting calls to open its agriculture and dairy markets. On Friday, New Delhi filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over a separate 25% tariff on auto parts, affecting $2.89 billion in exports.
Indonesia
Indonesia has offered to cut duties and import $500 million in U.S. wheat to avert a 32% tariff. Jakarta has also eased import licensing rules and plans a $34 billion aircraft and investment deal with U.S. firms this week.
South Korea
Despite low tariffs under an existing free-trade agreement, South Korea seeks a deadline extension. Its national security adviser is in Washington for talks, which also cover foreign exchange policy and defence cost-sharing for U.S. troops stationed on the peninsula.
Thailand
Bangkok is offering to increase U.S. imports of energy and aircraft to avoid a 36% tariff. Proposed concessions include market access for U.S. corn and industrial goods, as well as Thai investment projects aimed at creating American jobs.
Switzerland
Facing a possible 31% tariff, Switzerland is offering greater access for U.S. seafood and citrus while seeking assurances on pharmaceuticals, with major Swiss firms like Roche and Novartis heavily invested in the U.S.
Trump has said formal tariff notifications will be issued by 9 July, with rates taking effect on 1 August unless new deals are struck.
Germany’s foreign intelligence service secretly monitored the telephone communications of former U.S. President Barack Obama for several years, including calls made aboard Air Force One, according to an investigation by the German newspaper Die Zeit.
Diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing escalated as Japan slams China's export ban on dual-use goods. Markets have wobbled as fears grow over a potential rare earth embargo affecting global supply chains.
President Ilham Aliyev said 2025 has politically closed the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as a Trump-era reset in U.S. ties, new transport corridors and a push into AI, renewables and defence production reshape Azerbaijan’s priorities.
Iran’s chief justice has warned protesters there will be “no leniency for those who help the enemy against the Islamic Republic”, as rights groups reported a rising death toll during what observers describe as the country’s biggest wave of unrest in three years.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources reported a significant movement of U.S. military aircraft towards the Middle East in recent hours. Dozens of U.S. Air Force aerial refuelling tankers and heavy transport aircraft were observed heading eastwards, presumably to staging points in the region.
The U.S. has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker that had been followed by a Russian submarine on Wednesday, following a more than two-week-long pursuit across the Atlantic as part of a U.S. "blockade" on Venezuelan oil exports, according to two U.S. officials speaking to Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought to advance EU membership discussions and secure stricter sanctions on Russia during a meeting on Wednesday as Cyprus took over the European Union's rotating presidency.
Two people have been killed after a private helicopter crashed at a recreation centre in Russia’s Perm region, Russian authorities and local media have said.
Türkiye is considering draft legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from opening social-media accounts, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş has said.
Türkiye is prepared to “assume responsibility” for the security of the Black Sea once a peace agreement is signed between Russia and Ukraine, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said.
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