live Iran, U.S. make competing claims over control of Strait of Hormuz
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over t...
Azerbaijan is taking an active role at the 23rd Doha Forum, represented by Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
His participation comes at a moment when the forum is drawing intense international attention, with global leaders gathering in Doha to address issues ranging from mediation and security to shifting geopolitical balances. The setting offered a timely platform for Azerbaijan to articulate its vision for a more stable South Caucasus and to reaffirm the progress made through ongoing diplomatic channels.
Hajiyev joined a dedicated panel on Armenia-Azerbaijan lasting peace, where he and Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Armen Grigorian discussed the Washington Accord and the broader outlook for a shared future. The session placed particular emphasis on the practical aspects of implementing the arrangements, examining how economic cooperation, regional connectivity projects, and confidence-building steps can reinforce long-term stability. Hajiyev pointed to the tangible benefits that peace could unlock for the wider region, saying the moment requires sustained engagement and a clear commitment to constructive dialogue.
He stressed that Azerbaijan views the South Caucasus not only as a geopolitical crossroads but as a region capable of becoming a reliable hub of prosperity once the foundations of peace are fully secured. According to Hajiyev, the responsibility now lies in turning diplomatic progress into economic opportunity and ensuring that cooperation replaces confrontation in the years ahead.
Alongside the panel discussions, Hajiyev held bilateral meetings with senior Qatari officials, including the Minister of State for International Cooperation and the National Security Adviser to the Emir. These meetings focused on expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar, with both sides noting the steady growth in political, economic, and security engagement. The conversations also reflected the increasing convergence of interests between the two countries as they navigate regional and international dynamics.
This year’s Doha Forum continues to host a wide spectrum of influential voices, from regional leaders to former heads of state and major figures in global governance. Sessions explore the strained landscape of Gaza diplomacy, the future of Gulf–EU relations, the risks and opportunities of AI in defence, and the evolving nature of the U.S.–China rivalry. Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan’s presence adds a focused narrative on conflict resolution, connectivity, and the pursuit of sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has increased the strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab, raising fears that instability in both waterways could trigger a wider global energy and trade crisis.
Flights at Catania airport in Sicily will remain suspended until early Friday as ash from Mount Etna continues to disrupt air travel, following hundreds of cancellations and diversions over the past week.
Iran and the United States remain at loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source who said there had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a timeframe to implement it.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over the strategic waterway and insisting it will not reopen until Washington fulfils its commitments under an interim deal.
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Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday for talks focused on Gaza, Palestinian statehood and regional security.
Taiwan staged military defence drills on Wednesday as China concluded joint naval exercises with Indonesia in waters east of the island.
Washington’s counter-narcotics push is expanding as Colombia’s new conservative government backs deeper security cooperation.
Meta said it had removed more than 750,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts suspected of belonging to Australians under 16, as the country’s internet regulator weighs enforcement action over its teen social media ban.
Russia has accused Ukraine of threatening global grain supplies after recent strikes on Black Sea agricultural infrastructure, while Moscow carried out a new overnight attack on Ukraine’s major Danube port of Izmail.
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