Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 18th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty sees rebuilt Karabakh on Azerbaijan visit
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty visited Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Welcomed at Fuzuli International Airport, he toured key reconstruction sites in Fuzuli and Shusha, including newly built infrastructure, residential areas, and restored cultural landmarks. The visit symbolized the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
2. Deadly monsoon floods claim more than 60 lives in Pakistan's Punjab
At least 63 more people were killed and nearly 300 injured within 24 hours as torrential monsoon rains battered Pakistan’s Punjab province, causing widespread destruction. Most fatalities were caused by collapsing buildings, electrocution, and drowning.
Authorities declared a public holiday in Rawalpindi and issued evacuation orders for people in flood-prone areas. Officials warn of more heavy rains and flash floods over the weekend, as Pakistan continues to face mounting climate-related threats.
3. Slovakia lifts veto on EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said the decision came after the European Commission provided guarantees to help Slovakia manage gas shortages, price spikes, and possible legal claims from Russian energy supplier Gazprom.
The sanctions focus on restricting Russia’s energy revenue by capping oil prices and banning transactions involving the Nord Stream pipelines and banks involved in sanctions evasion.
4. UK and Germany agree on direct London–Berlin train and defence exports
The Kensington Treaty, signed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, paves the way for a direct rail link between London and Berlin, faster e-gates for travellers, and joint defence exports worth billions.
5. White House confirms Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency
President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, explaining the swelling in his legs. A full vascular check ruled out serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and heart issues.
Makeup seen on his hand was used to cover minor bruising from handshakes and aspirin use. The condition is common in people over 70 and affects blood flow in the legs.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom ...
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to res...
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint militar...
The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
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.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
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