AnewZ Morning Brief - 12 October, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 12 October, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Three Qatari officials killed in car crash near Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh

Three employees of Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the country’s top government body, died in a car crash near Egypt’s Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. The Qatari embassy said two others were injured and are being treated at a local hospital. 

The crash occurred days after indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh involving Qatar, Türkiye, and Egypt that helped broker the first phase of the U.S. peace plan for Gaza.

2. Iran says it is open to 'fair, balanced' U.S. nuclear proposal 

Iran said it would consider a “reasonable, balanced, and fair” proposal from the U.S. on nuclear negotiations, though no formal offer has been made. 

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasised that Tehran will not give up its right to enrich uranium but is ready for confidence-building steps if sanctions are eased. He added that Tehran and Washington have been exchanging messages through mediators.

3. Afghanistan and Pakistan trade heavy fire during rising border tensions

Intense clashes erupted along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border as both armies exchanged heavy artillery fire and shelling since Saturday evening. The escalation followed accusations from Afghanistan’s Taliban administration that Pakistani forces violated Kabul’s airspace and bombed a market in Paktika province. 

Islamabad has not confirmed or denied the strikes but said it will act to protect its citizens.

4. Trump announces new tariffs and software export controls on China
 
U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States would impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and restrict the export of “critical software” following China’s announcement of new rare earth export controls.

Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that, starting 1 November, the U.S. would apply a 100% tariff on China in addition to existing duties.

5. Azerbaijani, Turkish FMs discuss situation in Middle East

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a phone call with Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on 11 October.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East and issues arising from the Gaza agreement. Türkiye’s successful mediation efforts in the agreement were particularly appreciated.

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