Trump declares U.S. ‘Guardian of Hormuz’, proposes 20% shipping levy
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claim...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Ukraine to provide $8.2 billion over four years under a renewed Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
The funding is intended to support Ukraine’s economic stability from 2026 to 2029 amid the ongoing war with Russia. The IMF said the programme includes fiscal and monetary policies aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability, restoring debt sustainability, tackling corruption, and improving governance.
Under the current $15 billion IMF programme, Ukraine has already received $10.6 billion.
Kyiv requested additional support in September 2025 as the country faces a sharp decline in foreign aid while spending nearly all domestic revenues on military operations, with the 2026 draft budget allocating approximately $62.8 billion to defence.
The country still needs $61 billion to cover pensions, schools, hospitals, and other public services in 2026 and 2027.
The IMF highlighted the importance of prompt donor support to avoid liquidity strains, noting that the programme will be recalibrated based on progress toward a durable peace. Ukraine must also complete specific reforms to access the funding, including strengthening independent anti-corruption institutions, increasing competition in public procurement, broadening the tax base, and preventing tax fraud.
The extended funding requires approval from the IMF’s Executive Board and depends on Kyiv meeting prior reform conditions and securing assurances from international donors.
The announcement comes as the European Union prepares a legal framework for a reparations loan, leveraging frozen Russian central bank reserves, while Ukraine continues negotiations on U.S. President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit the eastern coast of mainland China this year, brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides after making landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. More than 2.8 million people were evacuated to safety ahead of the storm.
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerbaijan.
Qatar is mourning the death of its former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who has passed away at the age of 74.
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claims it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Twelve people have been arrested in connection with an alleged extreme right-wing terrorism plot targeting a major Islamic gathering in Suffolk, prompting counter-terrorism police to declare a major incident and bring the event to an early close.
Ukraine and a group of key Western allies have launched a new air defence coalition to develop a European anti-ballistic missile system that will complement existing defences and reduce reliance on the costly U.S.-made Patriot system.
Russian athletes will once again be allowed to represent their country in international modern pentathlon competitions after the sport's governing body lifted restrictions on their participation, marking another step in Russia's return to international sport.
The AFC/M23 rebel movement is using its response to a small Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as evidence of its ability to govern territory under its control, establishing parallel health structures and relying partly on support from neighbouring Rwanda.
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