Sabina Mammadli

Azerbaijan and Costa Rica are discussing ways to strengthen their inter-parliamentary ties.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed to six vessels on August 3 amid US-Iran diplomatic uncertainty, while an oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman, escalating regional tensions.

A South Korean oil tanker completed a Red Sea transit, marking the 14th shipment to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.

China's top economic planner cut fuel prices for the third consecutive time starting July 4, reducing gasoline by 950 yuan and diesel by 915 yuan per tonne, following declining international crude oil prices amid easing Middle East tensions.

Azerbaijan provided rehabilitation to hundreds of Ukrainian children affected by the war.

Germany and Azerbaijan are launching joint cooperation projects, including green hydrogen initiatives, with three German energy companies now purchasing Azerbaijani gas and SOCAR Green partnering with German firms to advance renewable energy and Europe's carbon reduction strategy.

The EBRD upgraded Georgia's economic growth forecast to 5.5% in 2026 from 5%, reflecting confidence in the country's resilience despite regional instability risks including potential tourism and energy cost pressures.

Ukraine repels large Russian drone attack involving nearly 300 UAVs

The European Union is preparing its 21st sanctions package against Russia, targeting the shadow fleet of oil tankers, banks, and military companies to reduce Kremlin revenues and pressure Putin on Ukraine peace negotiations.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez formally requested the EU activate its blocking statute to protect international justice institutions from external sanctions pressure, arguing the European Union must defend the International Criminal Court and UN independence.

The US is closing its Gaza monitoring centre due to truce effort setbacks.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Bayramov and a UAE delegation met in Gabala to expand strategic ties, discussing deepened cooperation in economy, trade, energy, technology, and infrastructure projects while emphasizing regional collaboration opportunities.

The Trump White House developed a ranking system categorizing NATO allies as "naughty and nice" based on Iran conflict support and defense spending contributions, potentially rewarding compliant nations with troops and military cooperation while penalizing non-aligned members.

Pakistan undertakes intensive diplomacy on US-Iran talks in Islamabad.

Rubio warns a US-China conflict would be catastrophic for the world.

The United States demanded Iran publicly guarantee safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and cease commercial vessel attacks by July 11, citing recent Iranian assaults that violated a three-week-old agreement and triggered U.S. retaliatory strikes.

Italy and Bulgaria raised concerns over an EU proposal to sanction Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, a Putin ally supporting Ukraine's invasion, citing religious sensitivities and national interests amid broader 21st sanctions package discussions.

Oil prices fell and Asian stocks rallied on June 12 as markets responded to hopes of an Iran deal, with South Korea's Kospi surging nearly eight percent and Japan's Nikkei rising over three percent on expectations of reduced energy supply risks.

The United States plans to significantly reduce military assets committed to NATO's rapid-reaction force, cutting fighter jets, tankers, surveillance aircraft, and naval capabilities by roughly half, pushing European allies to increase defense spending and fill emerging capability gaps before a July NATO summit.

North Korea condemns Japan's security overhaul as reckless militaristic acts.

A NATO official says there are currently no risks to deterrence on the alliance's eastern flank.

An Iraqi oil tanker successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz via an Iran-designated shipping route on May 10, carrying crude destined for Vietnam's Nghi Son port, highlighting regional maritime commerce through the critical waterway.

UK counter-terrorism police investigate a suspected arson attack at a former London synagogue.

Iran signals readiness for Pakistan talks, proposing Strait of Hormuz discussions in exchange for U.S. attack guarantees and sanctions relief, as Washington evaluates diplomatic options following a 60-day military involvement period.

Russian emergency ministry colonel, his wife killed in Ukrainian drone strike

Azerbaijani official Hikmet Hajiyev stated at Antalya Diplomacy Forum that the South Caucasus, historically unfamiliar with peace, is undergoing transformative de facto stabilization while emerging as a critical energy and logistics hub connecting Asia to Europe through the Middle Corridor.

The Pentagon reports 687 US service members have been wounded since the start of the Iran conflict.

German Foreign Minister proposes an EU mission to replace UNIFIL in Lebanon after its mandate expires.

Indonesia's final stranded oil tanker exited the Strait of Hormuz this week, ending months of disruption caused by regional conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran that had halted maritime traffic through the critical chokepoint.

South Korea has risen to become the world's ninth-largest arms exporter, capitalizing on decades of U.S. strategic withdrawal and current geopolitical instability, with defence revenues projected to reach $37 billion by 2026.

Iran accuses the IAEA of creating ambiguity over its nuclear program.

The United States imposed economic sanctions on Cuban President Díaz-Canel, Castro family members, and state institutions, escalating decades-long pressure on Havana as part of broader efforts to counter Cuba's regional influence.

Iran, Pakistan discuss security, regional stability, diplomatic efforts

Three oil tankers carrying approximately six million barrels of crude exited the Strait of Hormuz with disabled tracking systems in early May to evade Iranian attacks amid Middle East regional tensions and supply disruptions.

Azerbaijan has supported Ukraine's urban reconstruction, including restoring infrastructure in Irpin, while the World Urban Forum in Baku will facilitate international coordination on rebuilding efforts across conflict-affected Ukrainian cities.

Russia says it shot down 215 Ukrainian drones in overnight attacks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi began a five-day Southeast Asia and Australia tour to strengthen energy cooperation, secure critical minerals, and diversify supply chains amid Middle East tensions and geopolitical instability.

NATO jets intercept Russian aircraft near Baltic airspace

CNN analysis warns Red Sea maritime disruptions could escalate US-Iran tensions, threatening global trade while complicating Trump's diplomatic efforts with China and Iran negotiations.