Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 5th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Trump delivers a speech to a joint session of Congress
Marc Fogel, an American history teacher recently detained in Russia, along with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, were seen reacting during U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol
Lukashenko believes conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East will end this year
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed confidence that the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East will be resolved this year in an interview with US blogger Mario Nawfal, according to BelTA.
Lukashenko downplayed the impact of the Ukraine conflict, stating that Ukraine is too small to threaten global stability and that resolving the situation there would make addressing the Middle East easier, especially if the U.S. is willing.
He also warned that a re-election of U.S. President Joe Biden could bring the world dangerously close to a nuclear conflict, potentially leading to World War III. However, Lukashenko believes former President Donald Trump’s potential return to office might offer a path to peace, citing Trump’s strong-willed approach to international relations.
US, Ukraine may sign minerals deal within hours
The United States and Ukraine are expected to finalize a minerals deal within hours, according to Reuters, citing sources.
The deal could be announced by U.S. President Donald Trump during his upcoming address to Congress, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. local time (2:00 a.m. GMT on March 5).
On March 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed regret over an incident that occurred during his February 28 meeting with Trump, although he refrained from offering an apology. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s desire for constructive cooperation and communication, stating that Kyiv is ready to sign the minerals and security agreement at any time and in any suitable format.
Vardanyan's secret WhatsApp and Telegram conversations were shown in court hearings
The criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen facing charges of torture, mercenary activity, terrorism, and other serious crimes, continued on March 4 in Baku's Military Court. Vardanyan's defense lawyer requested additional time for his client to review case materials, but the prosecutor argued that sufficient time had already been provided.
During the hearing, the prosecution questioned Vardanyan about his involvement in illegal activities, including funding and organizing military operations, acquiring military equipment, and coordinating with various individuals and organizations tied to terrorism. Vardanyan was also asked about his relations with key figures, such as the founder of the terrorist group "VoMa," and his role in illicit military training and operations in Karabakh.
Despite the detailed evidence presented, including voice messages and documents, Vardanyan refused to answer the questions. The next hearing is set for March 11.
Lukashenko invites Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy to Minsk for talks
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has offered to host a high-stakes peace summit in Minsk, inviting former U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet and negotiate. In an interview with U.S. blogger Mario Nawfal, Lukashenko emphasized the importance of dialogue with Zelenskyy, stating that, despite differing opinions, reaching an agreement with him is crucial given his support from much of Ukraine's population.
Lukashenko even extended a warm invitation: “It’s just 200 kilometers from the Belarusian border to Kyiv. Come over! We’ll sit down here in a calm, hassle-free environment and reach an agreement.” He believes that Trump’s independent decision-making style, unlike President Biden's, makes him a more promising partner for direct negotiations.
The Belarusian president also shared his view that Biden’s leadership was often influenced by an extensive network of advisors, unlike Trump, who he claims made his own decisions, even if controversial. Lukashenko suggested that Biden, with his physical limitations and heavy reliance on advisers, couldn’t resist external pressures as effectively as Trump.
Arab leaders approve $53bn alternative to Trump's Gaza plan
Arab leaders have approved a massive $53bn (£41.4bn) reconstruction plan at an emergency summit in Cairo, aimed at countering President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to "take over Gaza" and relocate over two million Palestinians.
At the conclusion of the summit, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit declared, "The Egypt plan is now an Arab plan," stressing that the Arab world firmly rejects any form of displacement, whether voluntary or forced. Egypt unveiled a comprehensive 91-page reconstruction blueprint featuring vibrant neighborhoods and impressive public buildings, positioning it as a bold response to the U.S.'s plan, which had been widely criticized as a "Middle East Riviera" proposal.
A series of fires broke out in Nuevo Leon amid a wave of strong winds.
Aerial footage captures one of multiple fires ignited by strong winds on the outskirts of Monterrey, specifically in the Santa Catarina region of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on March 4, 2025. The fires, fueled by the gusty conditions, have become a significant concern for local authorities as they battle the spread of flames in the area. This image, taken by Reuters' Daniel Becerril, highlights the severity of the situation amidst the high-wind wave affecting the region.
Two rockets struck the Kirkuk Air Base and a nearby residential neighbourhood on Monday night, Iraqi security officials said....
Mexican authorities discovered 20 bodies, including several decapitated, on Monday in the western state of Sinaloa, where cartel violence has sharply ...
An oil tanker carrying one million barrels of crude oil exploded near the Libyan coast, Bloomberg reported on 30 June....
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ending the U.S. sanctions programme on Syria, the White House confirmed....
President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Monday formally ending U.S. sanctions on Syria, in a major foreign policy reversal th...
Two rockets struck the Kirkuk Air Base and a nearby residential neighbourhood on Monday night, Iraqi security officials said.
Mexican authorities discovered 20 bodies, including several decapitated, on Monday in the western state of Sinaloa, where cartel violence has sharply increased.
An oil tanker carrying one million barrels of crude oil exploded near the Libyan coast, Bloomberg reported on 30 June.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ending the U.S. sanctions programme on Syria, the White House confirmed.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
A malfunction in the radar transmission system at the Area Control Center in Milan suspended more than 300 flights at the weekend, across northwest Italy since Saturday evening according to Italy's air traffic controller Enav (National Agency for Flight Assistance).
Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign as political and economic tensions mount.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday approved the disbursement of an additional $500 million to Ukraine, following the completion of its eighth review under the country’s $15.5 billion Extended Fund Facility.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday publicly criticized AT&T for technical issues that disrupted a national conference call with faith leaders, urging the company’s leadership to address the situation and suggesting his administration may turn to a different carrier in future communications.
France, Spain, Kenya, and several other nations announced on Monday a joint pledge to tax premium-class airline passengers and private jet users, in a move aimed at raising billions of dollars for climate action and sustainable development.
At least 12 people have been killed and dozens more injured following an explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical factory in the southern Indian state of Telangana, officials said on Monday.
Two rockets struck the Kirkuk Air Base and a nearby residential neighbourhood on Monday night, Iraqi security officials said.
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