EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Europe against putting itself in a position of weakness, saying Thursday the bloc should not “humiliate” itself by begging Moscow to negotiate. “What we have seen so far is that Russia does not want to engage in any kind of dialogue,” Kallas said after a Nordic-Baltic ministerial meeting….
Thousands join Run for Autism race in Astana to support inclusion
Around 5,000 people took part in the Run for Autism charity race in Astana, supporting inclusion initiatives for children with autism and developmental disabilities.
US seeks ‘maritime freedom’ coalition to restart Strait of Hormuz shipping
Iran effectively closed the crucial waterway when the war broke out on 28 February. Normally one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transits the waterway. Its closure has sent energy prices skyrocketing around the world.
Football fever returns to Qatar after FIFA confirms U-17 World Cup dates
Qatar is set to host another World Cup, as FIFA had scheduled the world U-17 tournament for 19 November to 13 December. The 48-team format is also making a comeback, with 30 nations already qualified.
Iranian football chiefs turned away at Canada border over IRGC link
Iran’s World Cup participation controversy has escalated with a diplomatic incident at Canada’s borders involving Iranian football officials. Iran’s group stage matches are scheduled in the US, and Tehran authorities have asked FIFA to move them to alternative venues. FIFA has refused.
No Fight Today?
What Was Declared Today? Today was officially declared: no fight day. Which was interesting… considering all four ladies seemed fully prepared for battle. Who Is the Mysterious Lady in the Forest? In the first scene, deep in a forest where everything looked slightly mysterious for no reason, a lady in a black sleeveless dress, patterned…
Trump tightens US naval blockade as Iranian rial collapses to record low
The latest drop follows a currency shock several months ago, when the rial fell from around 1.4 million to 1.6 million per US dollar in under a week, as the war moves turns into an economic clash to exhaust the Iranian regime’ options.
Pentagon official: Iran war has cost $25B
The Iran war has already cost the Pentagon $25 billion, a top Defense Department official said Wednesday, providing the first official price tag for a U.S. military campaign that has stretched two months. Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst gave the figure during a House Armed Services Committee hearing alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint…
Gulf unity on display in Jeddah, but absences and signals reveal limits to coordination
Gulf leaders met in Saudi Arabia to address the fallout from the Iran war, projecting unity but stopping short of concrete steps as divisions and uncertainty persist.
Iran executed 21 people and arrested thousands since start of war, UN warns
UN has warned that the Tehran regime has executed 21 people and detained over 4,000 since the war began, accusing the Islamic Republic of torture, disappearances and targeting minorities.