Strait of Hormuz blockade should continue says Iran's new Supreme Leader: Middle East conflict on 12 March
Iran should continue “blocking the Strait of Hormuz,” while the U....
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding territorial disputes and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant have drawn significant international attention.
As Europe continues to play a crucial role in these discussions, the location and dynamics of diplomatic talks provide insight into the international community's approach to resolving the crisis. AnewZ’s Dilek Tuna spoke with Professor Ivani Vassoler from the State University of New York, who shared her thoughts on the significance of Paris as the venue for these talks and what it reveals about the roles of Europe and the United States in navigating these complex issues.
Professor Ivani Vassoler provided a detailed analysis of the diplomatic significance of the Paris talks. She explained that the choice of Paris as the venue for these crucial discussions reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty amidst the ongoing conflict.
"The talks in Paris confirm the commitment of Europe to ensure right that Ukraine can continue fighting for its sovereignty," Vassoler explained. "This is very clear and also indicates the willingness of the U.S. to provide security mechanisms to Ukraine as long as a ceasefire is put in place."
The Professor also highlighted the central question of the Paris talks: how far Russia, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, is willing to go in accepting or negotiating the terms of the discussions.
"This is the entire question surrounding the talks in Paris is to understand to what extent Russia, the government of Vladimir Putin, is also willing to go ahead," Vassoler noted.
Vassoler emphasised that the United States' role in the negotiations, alongside European leaders, was a positive sign of international unity in addressing the crisis. The involvement of both U.S. and European negotiators indicates a coordinated effort, and the talks suggest a diplomatic approach to stabilising the situation.
"At this point, U.S. is committed with two envoys in Paris negotiating at a diplomatic level with Europeans which is a good sign that U.S. is talking with European countries but also with Ukraine," she said.
In her conversation with AnewZ’s Dilek Tuna, Professor Ivani Vassoler shed light on the strategic importance of the Paris talks in shaping Europe's role alongside the U.S. in the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. The discussions signify Europe’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and reflect the U.S.'s ongoing commitment to providing security mechanisms in cooperation with European nations.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
The U.S. should shut down its military bases in the Middle East, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday (12 March). His words were read out by a broadcaster on state Iranian television.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
More than 68,000 children in eastern Afghanistan have been displaced after clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces intensified along the border, according to a new report by Save the Children.
Georgia has cancelled international tenders for the construction of major road sections that form part of a regional highway linking the country with the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of rail links between Asia and Europe. The network moved about 352,000 shipping containers between January and February, a 25% increase from a year earlier.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
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