live UN halts Strait of Hormuz escort operations after reported attack on cargo ship
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near...
Leaders from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and 22-member Arab League met in Doha on Monday, concentrating on the impact of recent attacks on Qatar and the wider Middle East, and calling for coordinated measures to preserve stability and support ongoing mediation efforts.
Participants emphasised that lasting peace requires respecting international mediation efforts and addressing the Gaza conflict, calling for adherence to the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant United Nations resolutions. They also urged the international community, including the UN Security Council, to set a clear timetable for ending the occupation and to take urgent action to halt attacks.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned the recent bombing in Doha. He warned that such actions threaten negotiations aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and called for the protection of the city’s sovereignty.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov expressed support for Qatar’s sovereignty and mediation role, highlighting the need to revive talks in Gaza and achieve a durable ceasefire. He noted Azerbaijan’s humanitarian contributions, including $2 million in aid to Palestine since 2023, alongside education and health projects, and reiterated support for a two-state solution.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the attack as unacceptable and reaffirmed Türkiye’s backing for Qatar’s mediation efforts. He pledged to strengthen bilateral ties with Doha, particularly in defence and security.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pledged to review the organisation’s defence posture and activate “joint defence mechanisms and Gulf deterrent capabilities.” The GCC, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, affirmed full solidarity with Qatar and condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
Observers noted the absence of statements from the Abraham Accords signatories — the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco — and that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not address the summit, falling short of expectations from several Arab capitals and Palestinian representatives.
The summit also voiced support for ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
Brazil and Mexico secured statement wins at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Vinícius Jr starred in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland, while Mexico beat Czechia to finish top of Group A. South Africa also made history by reaching the knockouts for the first time.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress of its intention to sell more than $700 million worth of jet engines to Türkiye. The move drew objections from lawmakers over Ankara’s continued possession of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems.
A federal judge has ordered Elon Musk to testify under oath in two proposed class-action lawsuits accusing him of misleading voters in swing states with his $1 million-a-day giveaway ahead of the 2024 U.S. election.
Torrential rain from Typhoon Mekkhala shut down large parts of southern Taiwan on Thursday (25 June), leaving more than five million people off work or school as flooding cut sections of the island’s main rail line and forced evacuations.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 235 people, trapping hundreds under rubble and leaving tens of thousands unaccounted for, as emergency crews and international rescue teams raced to respond.
The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extreme heat is part of a wider heatwave affecting much of Western Europe, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages.
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