Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 26th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Zelenskyy and Council of Europe sign agreement on tribunal for Ukraine war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish a special tribunal to address the "crime of aggression" related to the 2022 conflict involving Russia. The tribunal aims to hold senior officials accountable and complement the International Criminal Court, which lacks jurisdiction over this crime. The court is expected to begin operations around 2026 with broader international participation.
2. Ceasefire holds as U.S. and Iran prepare for possible talks
The fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel held for a second day on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump confirming that American and Iranian officials are expected to hold talks next week. Trump said the U.S. had achieved its military goals in Iran, claiming that strikes had “completely and fully obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear program. While Iran has not officially confirmed any talks, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said backchannel communications are ongoing. A planned sixth round of formal U.S.-Iran negotiations was cancelled after Israel’s attacks on 13 June.
3. Türkiye to host NATO summit in 2026
Türkiye will host the next NATO summit in 2026, followed by Albania in 2027, according to the final declaration from the alliance’s meeting in The Hague.
Leaders also agreed to raise defence spending targets to 5% of GDP, highlighting a shift toward greater burden-sharing. While support for Ukraine was reaffirmed, the summit’s main focus was on strengthening NATO’s future strategy and unity amid rising global tensions.
4. IAEA says Iran legally bound to cooperate on nuclear program
IAEA head Rafael Grossi reminded Iran that its cooperation with the agency is a legal obligation under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, not a choice. He expressed concern over Iran’s threats to limit inspections after Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities.
Iran’s parliament has passed a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, pending final approval.
5. China hosts SCO Defence Summit in Qingdao
China hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's defence ministers' meeting in Qingdao, calling for stronger multilateral cooperation amid rising global tensions. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun criticized unilateralism and urged SCO members to uphold international stability following the Iran-Israel ceasefire. All 10 SCO member states, including India for the first time in five years, attended the summit.
6. Kenya faces deadly nationwide protests
At least 16 people were killed during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya, marking one year since deadly tax protests in 2024. Rights groups, including Amnesty Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, accused police of using lethal force, with many victims shot by security forces. The unrest involved thousands of demonstrators, clashes with police, and disruptions in multiple cities, amid ongoing demands for justice and police accountability.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an "armada" heading toward Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewe...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States intends to bid to host the World Expo 2035, backing Miami, Florida, as the propose...
United Nations agencies have taken over the management of vast detention camps in northeastern Syria housing tens of thousands of people associated wi...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that Türkiye opposes any form of foreign intervention in I...
NATO’s new 5% of GDP defence pledge shows renewed unity and focus on collective security, Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska told AnewZ in...
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an "armada" heading toward Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear programme.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States intends to bid to host the World Expo 2035, backing Miami, Florida, as the proposed host city and promising major economic benefits if the bid is successful.
United Nations agencies have taken over the management of vast detention camps in northeastern Syria housing tens of thousands of people associated with Islamic State (IS), after Kurdish-led forces guarding the sites withdrew amid clashes with Syrian government troops.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that Türkiye opposes any form of foreign intervention in Iran, as protests and economic pressures continue to fuel tensions in the Islamic republic.
Qarabağ claimed a late 3–2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, scoring deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic home win in Baku.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow could pay $1 billion from Russian assets frozen abroad to secure permanent membership in President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’.
“I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the U.S.,” US President Donald Trump told the World Economic Forum. During his Wednesday (21 January) address, he once more cited national security concerns as the reason for wanting to own the Arctic island.
A commuter train collided with a construction crane in southeastern Spain on Thursday (22 January), injuring several passengers, days after a high-speed rail disaster in Andalusia killed at least 43 people.
President Donald Trump says he has agreed a "framework" for a Greenland deal with NATO.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an "armada" heading toward Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear programme.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States intends to bid to host the World Expo 2035, backing Miami, Florida, as the proposed host city and promising major economic benefits if the bid is successful.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that Türkiye opposes any form of foreign intervention in Iran, as protests and economic pressures continue to fuel tensions in the Islamic republic.
Vice President JD Vance delivered a broad defence of the thousands of federal agents leading an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, saying that "far-left agitators" and uncooperative local officials are to blame for chaos on the streets.
France has intercepted a Russian oil tanker in the western Mediterranean over suspicions it was operating as part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels accused of helping Russia evade international sanctions, French authorities said on Thursday.
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