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.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan held talks in Tehran on Monday on bilateral ties and efforts t...
Iran’s Foreign Ministry says it has conveyed its initial position to the United States through Qatar over Washington’s response to Tehr...
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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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