Middle East war gatecrashes EU leaders’ economy summit

Also in this newsletter: DHL Express Europe looks on the bright side

Iran in negotiations with FIFA to have US World Cup matches moved

Iran has no intention of boycotting the FIFA World Cup, but is seeking to have its group stage matches moved out of the United States.

REPLAY: Pentagon press conference on war in Middle East

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday there is no "time frame" for ending the US-Israeli war against Iran, which was launched three weeks ago. "We wouldn't want to set a definitive time frame," Hegseth told a news conference, adding that "we're very much on track" and that President Donald Trump will be the one to decide when to stop. Hegseth also addressed a report that the Pentagon has requested more than $200 billion in additional funding from Congress to pay for the conflict.

By FRANCE24

PM Modi talks to Kuwait's Crown Prince; reiterates India's stand on regional peace

Prime Minister Modi conveyed Eid greetings to Kuwait's Crown Prince and condemned attacks on the nation's sovereignty amidst regional conflict. He emphasized India's priority on safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and discussed diplomatic solutions for peace. Similar concerns were raised with the UAE President, highlighting India's energy ties and diaspora welfare.

By TOI NEWS DESK

Beirut food delivery drivers steer clear of danger as Israel expands strikes

Israel has expanded air campaign to new parts of Beirut in recent, hitting apartments and downing entire buildings in strikes it says are targeting Hezbollah.

As Israel expands strikes on Beirut, delivery drivers steer clear of danger - The Straits Times

As Israel expands strikes on Beirut, delivery drivers steer clear of danger  The Straits Times

US objectives in Iran have not changed, Hegseth says

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that the United States’ objectives in the war against Iran have not changed since strikes started on February 28. The United States has carried out strikes against 7,000 targets inside Iran so far, and hit more than 40 Iranian mine-laying vessels and 11 submarines. “Our objectives, given […]

Iran seeking intelligence from Russia in war against US, CIA director says - The Kyiv Independent

Iran seeking intelligence from Russia in war against US, CIA director says  The Kyiv Independent

Energy shock from Iran war drives rethink on fossil fuel reliance

The energy shock caused by the war on Iran and the broader conflict in the Middle East is pushing policymakers around the world to rethink how to cut long-term reliance on imported...

Russian Despatch: War in Iran Fuels Kremlin’s Hope of a Comeback

In the second of his monthly despatches on Russian-Balkan relations, Maksim Samorukov considers Russia’s changing fortunes since the United States and Israel began bombing Iran and whether this can really revive its declining influence in the Balkans.

By Maxim Samorukov