Russia has formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first major power to do so since the group's seizure of power in 2021. This decision, made on President Putin's recommendation, underscores Moscow's intent to expand its influence in Central Asia and build closer ties with the Taliban amid Western isolation and ongoing instability.
Source: The New York Times
U.S. Pauses Key Military Aid to Ukraine as Russia Strikes Intensify
The U.S. Pentagon has halted deliveries of crucial weapons to Ukraine, including air-defense missiles and artillery, at a time when Russia has launched its largest missile and drone barrage against Ukrainian cities since the war began. The pause, driven by concerns over American stockpiles, leaves Ukraine vulnerable just as Russian forces capitalize on reduced Western support and mounting battlefield momentum.
Source: Washington Post
Gaza Ceasefire Talks Stall as Death Toll Mounts and Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remain in limbo while Israeli strikes killed dozens more Palestinians, including many waiting for humanitarian aid. With heavy international mediation and pressure mounting, Hamas is still consulting with Palestinian factions before issuing a final response to Quartet-led ceasefire proposals, as the UN and humanitarian groups warn infrastructure in Gaza is on the brink of collapse.
Source: Middle East Monitor
US and Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks in Norway Amid Regional Tensions
The United States and Iran plan to resume back-channel nuclear negotiations in Norway, marking the first substantive engagement since Israel's and America’s joint strikes on Iranian facilities last month. The Biden administration is seeking to contain the regional fallout and prevent Iran from accelerating its nuclear program, even as hardliners in Tehran and Washington remain wary of diplomatic compromises.
Source: Geopolitical Futures
Russia and US Presidents Hold Sixth Call; No Progress on Ukraine Ceasefire
Presidents Trump and Putin discussed Ukraine and Iran in their sixth phone call of 2025 but achieved no breakthrough on a Ukraine ceasefire or other major disputes. The two leaders reportedly reaffirmed their willingness for dialogue but hardened positions persist, with Putin telling Trump that Russia would not abandon its goals in Ukraine, while both discussed broader strategic issues including film exchanges to promote national values.
Source: The New York Times
UN and NGOs Accuse Israel of ‘Starvation Tactics’ in Gaza as Humanitarian Aid Fails
The UN Special Rapporteur and Amnesty International have accused Israel and affiliated groups of using starvation as a weapon of war and committing potential genocide in Gaza, citing hundreds killed while seeking aid and systematic destruction of humanitarian infrastructure. Global calls for international arms embargoes and disengagement, including high-profile criticism from former EU officials, are rising sharply as Western governments face mounting pressure to respond to the worsening crisis.
Source: Washington Post
Iran-Linked Cyberattackers Threaten Release of Top Trump Allies’ Emails
An Iran-affiliated group has threatened to leak 100GB of private emails allegedly stolen from close associates of President Trump, in a move that raises renewed concerns over cyber-espionage influencing U.S. politics. The hackers, operating under the alias “Robert,” are believed to have direct support from Iranian intelligence and claim the trove contains sensitive exchanges with implications for both diplomacy and national security.
Source: Khaama
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