Russia strikes Turkish-owned bulk vessel off Ukraine’s southern coast
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incide...
The UN Security Council on Friday vetoed a draft resolution submitted by Russia and China that sought to delay the “snapback” sanctions on Iran. The resolution received only four votes in favour, with nine members voting against and two abstaining.
The draft aimed to extend the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear programme until 18 April 2026 and postpone the implementation of the “snapback” mechanism triggered by France and the UK.
Ahead of the vote, Russia’s deputy envoy Dmitry Polyansky said the resolution “provides room to seek a solution acceptable to all parties.” China’s deputy envoy Geng Shuang added that the draft “does not aim to take sides between Iran and the E3,” noting its primary goal was to allow more time for diplomatic efforts.
Countries voting against the resolution included the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, Panama, Greece, and Somalia.
The E3 – the UK, France, and Germany – are signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, which requires Iran to limit uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors to verify that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.
Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Tehran halted cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). On 28 August, the E3 invoked the “snapback” mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which will reinstate sanctions within 30 days if Iran fails to meet its obligations.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian has begun a two day visit to Kazakhstan, with officials from both sides describing the trip as an opportunity to advance cooperation in trade, transport, industry, mining and cultural exchanges.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their tensions through dialogue and engagement, as it pledged to work with the international community to help improve relations between the two countries.
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incident told Reuters.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun a multi-nation diplomatic tour of the Middle East, showing Beijing’s deepening engagement in a region undergoing conflicts, shifting alliances and major geopolitical realignments.
Pakistan and China are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise, Warrior IX, to strengthen military cooperation. The drill comes at a time of renewed regional instability, with analysts saying it underscores both countries’ determination to deepen security ties.
A former estate of drug lord Pablo Escobar, now a wildlife park in Colombia, has marked Christmas by setting animals festive feeding challenges designed to boost their mental and physical health.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 12th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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