Iran, Armenia discuss South Caucasus security and bilateral ties
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan held talks in Tehran on Monday on bilateral ties and efforts t...
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1. Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire.
Israel and Hamas have announced a multi-stage ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday. The agreement includes Israeli military redeployment, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and prisoner exchanges. Concerns remain over the durability of the truce amid political tensions.
2. Erdogan welcomes Gaza ceasefire.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed strong support for the Gaza ceasefire, calling it a step toward regional peace. In a statement on social media, Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to aiding the Palestinian people and pledged continued support for Gaza's recovery.
3. Former U.S. Presidents decline Trump’s inauguration dinner invitation.
Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama will not attend the inauguration dinner for President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Their absence underscores the significant political divisions during the transition of power.
4. TikTok faces U.S. ban deadline.
TikTok faces a potential ban as the January 19 deadline for ByteDance to divest its U.S. assets approaches. Lawmakers have called for an extension, while ByteDance warns a ban could disable the app, used by over 170 million Americans, disrupting its massive user base.
5. Peace mediation in the Caucasus.
The Wall Street Journal describes a "golden opportunity" for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to mediate peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both nations are reportedly eager to resolve their long-standing disputes, aligning with U.S. strategic interests in the region.
6. Iran accuses Israel of nuclear sabotage.
Iran has accused Israel of sabotaging its nuclear programme by supplying centrifuges rigged with explosives. The allegations follow prior claims of Israeli involvement in attacks on Iran's Natanz facility, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
7. Biden praises Gaza ceasefire, urges long-term stability.
Speaking from the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden commended the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a crucial step in reducing violence and humanitarian distress. He stressed the importance of all parties honoring the truce to ensure lasting peace and reiterated Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security. Biden also called for sustained diplomatic efforts and the expansion of humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the need for a long-term resolution to the conflict.
8.UN Secretary-General outlines priorities for 2025
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted four major global threats—runaway conflicts, inequalities, climate crisis, and uncontrolled technology—emphasizing urgent action through the Pact for the Future. He called for ceasefires in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, stronger peacekeeping, nuclear disarmament efforts, and global cooperation to tackle humanitarian and security challenges.
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
Right-wing Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a runoff of the presidential election later this month, after he exceeded expectations in Sunday's first-round vote with a slight lead over the incumbent.
Candidates elected to Bosnia and Herzegovina's three-member presidency declared victory after preliminary unofficial results showed Denis Becirovic leading the Bosniak seat, Darijana Filipovic ahead in the Croat seat and Zeljka Cvijanovic likely retaining the Serb seat.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions agreed under a June memorandum, as President Donald Trump signals he may soon decide whether to resume military operations against Tehran.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
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The United States has withdrawn all 12 of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain, just a week after several people were arrested over an alleged plot targeting the air base.
Australian counterterrorism authorities are examining the links of the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and attempting to take control of a flydubai flight bound for Israel. Authorities in New Zealand have also said they are investigating reports the suspect had spent time in that country.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday called a snap election for 29 November in a bid to strengthen his mandate after a fragmented parliament rejected the government's key housing decrees last week amid widespread protests.
King Charles’ younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has launched legal action against Thames Valley Police over his arrest in connection with an investigation into documents allegedly passed to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Telegraph reported on Sunday.
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