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The EU has expressed deep concern over allegations that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó leaked sensitive information to Russia, prompting the EU Commission to demand explanations and Hungary's opposition to call for an investigation into the alleged backchannel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reiterated claims that Ukraine possesses 'irrefutable' evidence of Russia continuing to provide intelligence to Iran, suggesting such activity could prolong the war in the Middle East.
Tehran denies secret US Iran negotiations after Trump’s claims cause oil prices to fall.
Israel has launched new strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, claiming to have captured two Hezbollah members, as part of ongoing operations in south Lebanon that have targeted bridges and Hezbollah installations. Concurrently, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reiterated calls for the annexation of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, while French President Emmanuel Macron warns against any occupation.
New York stock exchanges closed with significant gains, with major indices rising, influenced by falling oil prices and statements from Trump regarding Iran. Global crude oil prices fell about 10% and Wall Street stocks rallied after Donald Trump announced he was holding off military strikes on Iran's power plants following 'constructive talks' with Tehran, despite Iran denying negotiations, with oil prices falling below $100.
Amid analysis of Iran's resilience and potential escalation, Iran has issued a warning of retaliation against Gulf energy and water infrastructure. In response to Trump's threats, Iran has now published lists of potential energy targets in the Middle East and announced new 'surprises' for the US and Israel, while Israel launches new strikes on Tehran, including a deadly early morning strike on a residential building. Reports indicate that the US and Israel have collectively struck over 9,000 targets in Iran, including damaging or sinking 140 Iranian naval vessels.
Transport protests against rising fuel prices and demanding government aid and fare adjustments disrupted operations in parts of Luzon and the Visayas, Philippines, on Monday.