AnewZ Morning Brief - May 30th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 30th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Giorgia Meloni’s official visit to Tashkent marks strengthening of Uzbekistan

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s official visit to Uzbekistan on May 28–29, 2025, marked a significant milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit underscores Italy’s growing interest in Central Asia and Uzbekistan’s openness to enhanced European engagement.

During high-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, both sides signed multiple agreements covering investment, critical raw materials, migration, education, sustainable development, and green energy. Academic partnerships were also reinforced through new ties between Uzbek institutions and the universities of Pisa, Turin, and Tuscia.

A symbolic gesture during the visit—the naming of a street in Samarkand after Rome highlighted the deepening cultural and historical ties. The leaders also attended the “Uzbekistan and Italy: Dialogue of Civilizations” exhibition, further emphasizing cultural diplomacy.

Meloni’s visit follows recent reciprocal state visits in 2023 and comes ahead of the upcoming “Central Asia–Italy Summit,” signaling Rome’s intent to build long-term influence in the region through economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Italy’s focus includes integrating its SMEs into Uzbekistan’s industrial reforms, especially in textiles, sustainability, and green development.

Uzbekistan, with its strategic location and dynamic reforms, is seen as a vital gateway to Central Asian markets. For Italy, the visit represents a recalibrated approach to Eurasia pragmatic, partnership-focused, and aligned with broader EU goals.

2. US plan offers Gaza truce with hostage exchange and humanitarian aid

A new US ceasefire proposal for Gaza outlines a 60-day truce along with a phased exchange of hostages and prisoners. The plan would have Hamas release 28 Israeli hostages, both alive and dead, in the first week. In return, Israel would release 125 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life and hand over the remains of 180 Palestinians.

The deal, backed by President Donald Trump and supported by Egypt and Qatar, also includes the immediate delivery of aid to Gaza once Hamas signs the agreement.

Under the proposal, Hamas would free the final 30 hostages after a permanent ceasefire is established. The White House confirmed Thursday that Israel has agreed to the terms. Hamas is reviewing the plan and is expected to respond by Friday or Saturday.

Previous ceasefire attempts collapsed due to ongoing disagreements. Israel demands Hamas disarm and return all hostages before ending its military campaign. Hamas insists Israel must withdraw its forces and commit to ending the war.

3. U.S. tells Russia to accept ceasefire deal, eyes Istanbul talks

The United States has told the United Nations Security Council that its ceasefire plan is Russia’s best possible outcome and urged President Vladimir Putin to accept it. Washington warned that if Moscow continues the war, it may withdraw from negotiations and consider additional sanctions.

The proposal calls for an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

Looking ahead, the White House says President Donald Trump hopes for a direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul on Monday. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday, “It is our hope that Russia and Ukraine will engage in direct talks next week in Istanbul... a meeting the president encouraged and urged for these two sides to come together and negotiate directly.”

She added that the president has made it clear he wants the conflict resolved at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield.

4. Nigeria floods kill 21 in Niger state after heavy rains

The floods struck the Mokwa region following days of intense rainfall, according to Ibrahim Hussaini, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Ten others remain missing, while dozens were injured and around 50 homes were submerged, Hussaini told reporters.

Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing, he added.

Nigeria’s Water Resources Ministry had earlier issued warnings for severe rains and potential flooding in several parts of the country.

5. U.S. may finalize multiple trade deals within weeks

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said Thursday he expects several trade agreements could be finalized within the next week or two.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Hassett said he had been briefed on three deals that were “about to happen.” He declined to name the countries involved but signaled optimism about near-term progress.

His remarks come amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to push forward on trade amid tensions with China and ongoing global negotiations.  

6. Pakistan and Tajikistan pledge to strengthen strategic cooperation

According to Radio Pakistan, the leaders covered topics including trade, economy, energy, defense, and security. Both stressed their commitment to advancing strategic cooperation between their countries.

They highlighted the July 2024 Strategic Partnership Agreement as a solid foundation for enhancing relations and shared interests.

Sharif and Rahmon also agreed to promote investment opportunities, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in education and information technology.

They emphasized the importance of closer collaboration on counter-terrorism, cross-border organized crime, and trafficking of humans and drugs, while assessing developments in South Asia.

7. Iran and the US have not yet reached an agreement, Araqchi says

Araqchi wrote on his X account that while Iran is sincerely seeking a diplomatic solution that satisfies all parties, an agreement can only be reached if all sanctions are fully lifted and Iran’s peaceful nuclear program—including its right to enrich uranium—is protected.

He stressed that progress must come through direct talks, not through the media.

This statement comes days after CNN reported that a deal on the nuclear program could be signed soon between Washington and Tehran.

Araqchi’s message pushes back on media speculation, emphasizing that Iran remains committed to a deal but only on terms that fully respect its interests.

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