U.S. says strikes on Iran complete as Tehran retaliates with attacks on U.S. bases in region
U.S. forces say they have completed strikes on Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile attacks on an American b...
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s support on Friday (20 February) for the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran amid escalating regional tensions.
In a telephone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Lavrov expressed Moscow’s backing for negotiations aimed at securing “fair political and diplomatic solutions” that respect Tehran’s legitimate rights.
The discussions, the Foreign Ministry said, are in line with the principles of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Noting the call took place at Tehran’s initiative, the statement said Lavrov and Araghchi exchanged views on the current situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, while taking into account the results of indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva, Switzerland.
“Some issues of mutual interest on the bilateral agenda were also discussed,” the statement added.
The U.S. and Iran concluded a second round of indirect negotiations mediated by Oman on Tuesday, with both sides acknowledging progress amid a growing American military buildup in the region.
Shortly after the Geneva talks, U.S. Vice President JD Vance described the process as productive "in some ways," but said Tehran was "not yet willing" to engage on some of Trump's "red lines."
Araghchi said talks showed progress, describing the atmosphere as "more constructive."
Washington has significantly stepped up its military presence in the region, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier on its way to the region, along with additional fighter jets.
The Geneva meeting was the second round of negotiations since U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day Iran-Israel war last June. The first round was held in Muscat, Oman, on 6 February.
Trump said On Thursday, it will be clear if it is possible to make a deal with Iran "over the next probably 10 days," warning that Washington "may have to take it a step further" if negotiations fall short.
Earlier, the Kremlin called on Iran and all regional partners to "exercise restraint and caution," describing the tensions as "unprecedented."
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Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
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Armenia’s parliamentary election has strengthened Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s mandate, with analysts linking the result to his post-Garabagh agenda and pro-Western direction. However, constitutional constraints remain a key obstacle to peace efforts with Azerbaijan.
As global diplomatic dynamics continue to evolve, the European Union is reassessing its ability to respond effectively to major international developments, prompting renewed debate over defence coordination, foreign policy decision-making and institutional reform.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be one of a kind when it kicks off on 11 June, as it brings with it a slew of firsts ahead of co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned that Israel’s military operations in Syria and Lebanon have escalated to a point where they could threaten Türkiye, describing Israel’s actions as “aggression” that poses a broader global risk.
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Rescuers searched the rubble of a collapsed building in the southern Philippine city of General Santos on Tuesday after a powerful earthquake killed at least 37 people and injured hundreds across the country.
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