U.S. strikes Iranian rocket launchers as Tehran retaliates with missile attack
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, with Tehran responding by launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he remains confident that Ukraine can mend its relationship with the United States despite the abrupt end to his recent Washington trip that left a key minerals deal unfinalized.
The proposed agreement, which aimed to leverage Ukraine’s lithium and rare earth deposits in exchange for U.S. support for its war effort, was not signed during the visit.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is still prepared to sign the minerals deal, stating, "We agreed upon signing it; and we were ready to sign it. And honestly I believe the United States would be ready as well." The deal had been portrayed by President Donald Trump as a way for Ukraine to repay the billions in aid it has received, but its failure to materialize has added to the diplomatic challenges between Kyiv and Washington.
Addressing broader concerns, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine will not concede any occupied territories to Russia. "Everyone needs to understand that Ukraine will never recognise whatever is occupied by Russia as Russian territories," he said, adding that robust security guarantees are essential to prevent further aggression.
The stalled minerals deal follows a recent dispute during Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump, which prompted some Republican leaders to suggest that the Ukrainian leader should step down. In response, Zelenskyy dismissed calls for his resignation, noting, "As regards resignation, if I'm to be changed ... to change me it will not be easy because it is not enough to simply hold elections. You would need to prevent me from participating in the elections and it will be a bit more difficult."
Amid these developments, influential Russian parliamentarian Konstantin Kosachev offered a contrasting perspective on the peace process, writing on Telegram that if Ukraine were to rely on any external progress, it should come from improvements in Russian-American relations.
Zelenskyy also reiterated that Ukraine’s strategic mission would be accomplished if the country were granted NATO membership, underscoring his administration’s commitment to preserving Ukrainian sovereignty while seeking stronger international security guarantees.
As lower-level contacts continue between Kyiv and Washington, the unresolved minerals deal and ongoing diplomatic challenges highlight the complex balancing act Ukraine faces in securing both its national interests and vital international alliances.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have concluded talks in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, as leaders gather for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Iran has reached an understanding with Oman on transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, but the waterway will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils its commitments, a senior Iranian diplomat said on Saturday.
U.S. forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, with Tehran responding by launching ballistic missiles at two U.S. bases in Jordan in the first direct U.S.-Iran military escalation in weeks.
Russia views NATO’s growing military activity in the Arctic as a direct threat to its national security, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
At least 37 people were killed after a Russian drone strike hit an ammunition depot in the Kyiv region, triggering powerful secondary explosions President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday, vowing to punish suspected negligence in the second such incident in two months.
The death toll from last week's catastrophic floods in Nepal and Tibet rose to 939 on Monday, with 3,044 people still missing, as fresh rainfall pushed up river levels and forced rescuers to move to higher ground.
Recovery teams are continuing operations in Grand Canyon National Park after flash floods swept through parts of the canyon over the weekend, leaving one person dead and leading to the discovery of a second body that has yet to be recovered.
Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalised their new defensive alliance at the grouping’s first high-level meeting held Monday in Istanbul.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran is not pursuing a military conflict but promised a strong response to 'aggressors' while the Army and Revolutionary Guards said they carried out retaliatory attacks against U.S. bases in the region on Monday.
Kyrgyzstan is hosting the sixth World Nomad Games, bringing together thousands of athletes from around the world for a celebration of traditional sports, cultural heritage and nomadic traditions.
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