Election shows Russia seeking political continuity amid Ukraine war
Russia’s first State Duma election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine is testing the country’s political system as voters c...
Chinese and Russian warships have entered Iranian territorial waters to participate in the "Security Belt 2025" naval drills in the northern Indian Ocean which is set to begin today.
Vessels from the Iranian Navy and the Naval Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) will also participate in the drills, marking the seventh edition of the "Security Belt" joint exercises conducted by Iran, Russia, and China, according to Iranian media report.
Delegations from Azerbaijan Republic, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka will attend the exercise as observers.
The Chinese defense ministry said that the "Security Belt-2025" joint exercise will be held near the Iranian port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman coast. The exercise aims to deepen "military trust and pragmatic cooperation."
The drills will include simulated attacks on maritime targets, joint search and rescue operations, and spot checks and arrests.
China has sent the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and supply ship Gaoyouhu from the 47th naval escort task force to participate in the exercise. The full task force, which also includes the guided-missile frigate Honghe and two shipborne helicopters, has been patrolling the nearby Gulf of Aden since December.
Last year’s exercise, held from March 11 to 15, focused on anti-piracy and search-and-rescue drills. These included armed rescues of hijacked merchant vessels and targeting practice at sea, according to the defense ministry. China’s 45th naval escort task force took part in the drills, alongside Russia’s Pacific fleet and more than 10 Iranian vessels.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port city of Odesa in the early hours of Thursday, officials said on the Telegram messaging app.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the war against Iran was nearing its end and that Tehran wanted to reach a deal, but Iran dismissed his comments as “mixed signals” as the conflict approaches its seventh month.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Russia’s first State Duma election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine is testing the country’s political system as voters choose a new parliament amid wartime and economic pressures.
From Russia’s parliamentary election and Germany’s regional votes to the U.S. midterms, several major elections are taking place in September and November of 2026. Meanwhile, Sweden has already voted, with parties now negotiating to form a new government.
Pakistan has described the situation around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as “exceptionally serious”, calling for dialogue and diplomacy as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify.
Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are taking “concrete steps” to make a recently signed joint defence pact operational, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Thursday.
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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