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UN Security Council has Condemned Escalating Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia
In a rare show of unity, the UN Security Council has condemned escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, demanding an end to strikes on civilians and energy sites, as the rebels tighten a Red Sea blockade and Riyadh's new defence allies Turkey and Pakistan weigh their response.
Saudi Arabia Activates Defence-Pact Consultations Over Houthi Attacks
Saudi Arabia has activated consultations with Pakistan and Türkiye under their collective-defence pact after renewed Houthi missile and drone attacks. The three military chiefs will consider support for Riyadh, although no deployment of allied combat forces has been announced.
US-Iran Talks Focus on Reopening Hormuz and Ending Blockade
US and Iranian negotiators are discussing a phased arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports. The proposal could begin with reciprocal steps, but mistrust, frozen assets and control of the waterway remain major obstacles.
Croatian Court Clears Extradition of Nord Stream Bombing Suspect to Germany
A Croatian court has approved the extradition of Ukrainian diver Volodymyr Zhuravlov to Germany over the 2022 Nord Stream explosions. German prosecutors accuse him of helping plant the explosives, but his lawyers deny the allegations and plan to appeal the ruling.
Why Japan Is Still Called an “Enemy State” in the UN Charter
Japan has renewed its demand to remove “enemy state” clauses from the UN Charter, arguing that language written after the Second World War no longer reflects its place in the international order. Deleting the provisions, however, would require the approval of every Security Council power.
Four Civilians Killed as Pakistan Expands Strikes Inside Afghanistan
Pakistan says it struck ten sites in Afghanistan after intercepting drones allegedly launched across the border. Kabul denies ordering the attack and says four civilians were killed, deepening a confrontation driven by militancy, disputed sovereignty and the Durand Line.
Taipei Fears Trump May Soften US Support to Secure China Deal
Taiwan fears Donald Trump could weaken US support for the island in return for economic concessions from China. A delayed $14 billion arms package and possible changes in Washington’s language on Taiwan have become central concerns as Trump meets Xi Jinping.
Trump and Xi Prepare for High-Stakes Washington Talks
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are preparing for high-level talks in Washington focused on trade, rare-earth supplies, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and Iran. The summit follows an agreement to extend a tariff truce, but expectations of a major breakthrough remain limited.
Why the Election Commission Appointment Process Is Before the Supreme Court
India’s Election Commission appointment process faces a constitutional test over a law giving the government two seats on the three-member selection panel. A divided Supreme Court has now placed the challenge before the Chief Justice for consideration by a larger bench.
Trump and Delcy Rodríguez Meet as US–Venezuela Relations Enter New Phase
Donald Trump has met Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, for the first time since Nicolás Maduro’s capture. The encounter signals a thaw centred on oil and reconstruction, while questions over Venezuela’s political future remain unresolved.
Modi Could Visit Canada as India and Canada Race to Finalise Trade Deal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Canada as New Delhi and Ottawa work to conclude a comprehensive trade agreement by the end of 2026. The proposed trip has not been formally scheduled, but it could provide the setting for signing the pact if negotiations are completed in time.
Xi’s Military Purge Deepens as China Expels Two Senior Generals
China has expelled Generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party and military over alleged corruption, faction-building and disloyalty. The removal of two combat veterans leaves Xi Jinping’s top command body with only two active members and deepens an extraordinary military purge.