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BRUSSELS (AP) — Ambassadors from European Union member states gave their approval Friday to begin formal membership discussions with Ukraine starting next week, marking the official start of the process for the conflict-ravaged nation to potentially become part of the globe’s largest trade organization.

During a Brussels gathering, representatives from all 27 EU countries made the decision to formally commence negotiations with both Ukraine and Moldova on Monday in Luxembourg. Russia has similarly attempted to pull Moldova back under its influence.

For Ukraine, joining the EU represents a crucial “security guarantee” for establishing a stable future after its war with Russia concludes.

While NATO membership would provide Ukraine’s strongest protection, the Trump administration maintains this cannot occur. Additional opposition exists to membership while active combat continues. Russia firmly opposes NATO expansion and has pointed to potential NATO membership as justification for its comprehensive invasion launched in 2022, though it has not raised objections to EU membership for Kyiv.

Nations seeking EU membership must successfully negotiate through 35 different policy areas, known as chapters, covering everything from farming to commerce—a lengthy process that typically spans multiple years.

Monday’s intergovernmental conference will formally open essential chapters, organized into “clusters,” focusing on the core values and principles that form the foundation of the union.

“This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges,” EU Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

The leaders characterized this decision as “a strategic choice” that bolsters “peace, security and prosperity across our continent.” They also called it “a signal that the EU’s offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable.”

Ukraine submitted its formal EU membership application less than seven days following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The EU commission has commended the nation for implementing reforms during wartime conditions, though significant worries about corruption and judicial system standards persist.

Last month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged his EU partners to consider offering “associate membership” to Ukraine and breathe new life into talks aimed at ending more than four years of war with Russia.

Other countries – France and the Netherlands among them – have suggested work arounds to bring Ukraine into the fold more quickly but without the rights of full membership.

It all comes as the EU weighs whether to try to launch its own negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with U.S. mediated talks bogged down while America’s attention focuses on the Iran war.

Under Merz’s proposals, Ukraine would take part in EU meetings, but without voting rights, and would also have non-voting “associate members” of the bloc’s powerful executive branch, the European Commission, and the European Parliament.

All 27 EU members must agree before each policy chapter can be opened, and then again for it to be closed. Hungary, notably, has blocked the opening of negotiations, but the arrival of a new government in Budapest has softened that stance.

Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel revealed Friday his administration’s plans for economic restructuring designed to draw foreign investment, increase involvement of Cuban expatriates in the nation’s economy, and redistribute certain governmental functions.

While speaking to state media, the president offered no specific details regarding the measures or when they would take effect, but emphasized it is now “time to change” and that the country “simply cannot continue on its current course.”

“Every opportunity in the midst of a crisis must be seized as a moment for takeoff, as a moment for growth,” Díaz-Canel said, according to a statement from the presidency that was republished by state-run media. “We have established a group of priorities to confront this situation,” he added without offering specifics.

The declaration follows ongoing difficulties for Cuban citizens dealing with fuel shortages resulting from the U.S. oil blockade and food scarcity. In January, the United States strengthened restrictions on Cuba’s oil supplies in an effort to pressure the island’s government to change its political and economic model, worsening challenges that have continued for approximately five years.

Díaz-Canel indicated officials are reviewing measures concerning foreign trade, exports, supply chains and logistics. Without providing details, he indicated the government might remove required state intermediaries in import and export activities and provide tariff advantages to those who import raw materials into the country for manufacturing.

Earlier Friday, a vessel transporting almost 100 tons of food and essential supplies reached Cuba from Colombia as part of the humanitarian assistance that multiple countries have delivered to Cuba in recent months as a U.S. energy embargo continues.

The vessel, which left Cartagena in early June, entered the Havana Bay channel early in the morning displaying the Colombian flag and accompanied by a small Cuban auxiliary vessel, The Associated Press confirmed.

The Colombian Presidential Agency for International Cooperation reported that, on orders of President Gustavo Petro, the shipment contained nonperishable food, medicine, hospital supplies, electrical materials, solar panels and other items.

The vessel also transported seven tons of goods gathered by solidarity groups.

Last weekend, another ship transporting 1,700 tons of essential goods from Mexico and Belize reached Havana.

In late January, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The action has intensified a preexisting crisis caused by U.S. sanctions. Washington is urging the Cuban government to release political prisoners and advance toward political and economic liberalization in exchange for a lifting of sanctions.

Cuba generates only 40% of its oil, leaving the island semiparalyzed and subjected to severe power outages.

WASHINGTON — President Trump announced that the United States is nearing completion of an agreement with Iran to conclude their military conflict, stating that a memorandum of understanding will be finalized within days.

However, several critical goals that Trump established for the military engagement appear to remain only partially completed. While the Trump administration maintains its objectives have been consistent and clear, the list of aims has grown and changed as the president and his team have discussed the conflict since its February 28 beginning. Throughout this period, the military engagement has damaged the worldwide economy, strained international partnerships and created unresolved concerns about the conflict’s planning, rationale and consequences.

According to most assessments, American and Israeli military operations have substantially weakened Iran’s armed forces and eliminated numerous high-ranking officials. However, these battlefield victories don’t automatically mean all of the president’s broader strategic goals have been reached, despite administration claims Friday that they were achieving their stated purposes.

Here’s an examination of the goals Trump has outlined at different times since the conflict started and what is known about their current status:

A primary goal established by the administration was to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.”

In late March, Trump stated that Iran’s missiles “are mostly decimated” and claimed 90% of their missiles and launchers had been eliminated.

By mid-May, this assessment became more cautious, with the president stating that 82% of Iran’s missile arsenal had been destroyed.

Adm. Brad Cooper, the senior U.S. military leader in the Middle East, informed Congress in mid-May that Iran retains a “very moderate if not small capability to continue strikes” throughout the region.

Iran demonstrated as recently as this week that it continues to possess missile launch capabilities when it struck three Gulf nations allied with the U.S.

During the conflict’s early stages, the president and his team sometimes identified this as an independent goal. At other times, it disappeared from their objectives list.

U.S. Central Command has stated that its strike targets in Iran have encompassed weapons manufacturing and missile and drone production facilities.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Congress in early June that Iran has experienced “massive destruction” of its defense manufacturing infrastructure and “80 to 90% of attrition. It will take years for them to rebuild it.”

Trump told NBC’s “Meet the Press” in an interview broadcast Sunday: “Most of the drone factories have been knocked out, most of the launching pads have been knocked out and most of the missile manufacturing areas have been knocked out. But they still have capacity.”

The U.S. and Israel rapidly gained control of Iranian airspace, where they operated with minimal opposition.

Rubio informed lawmakers that Iran retains drone capabilities but lacks the capacity to deploy drone swarms for attacks, as it did when the war commenced.

He also stated Iran lacks a traditional navy but operates small vessels equipped with machine guns that interfere with shipping and occasionally deploy underwater mines.

Iran has demonstrated continued regional attack capabilities, including a fatal June 3 drone and missile assault on Kuwait that temporarily shut down its primary airport. The U.S. and Bahrain also reported intercepting missiles and drones that Iran launched at the Gulf kingdom.

On Tuesday, Trump held Tehran responsible for bringing down a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz after it struck an Iranian drone.

Trump significantly changed his position over the past year after announcing in June that the U.S. had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, only for his advisers to subsequently warn that Iran was merely weeks from developing a bomb to justify current military actions.

A critical unresolved issue involves approximately 970 pounds of enriched uranium that Tehran possesses which could potentially be weaponized. This material is reportedly buried beneath three nuclear facilities that the U.S. and Israel bombed last year. Trump stated in a May 29 social media message that it will be recovered by the U.S. “in close coordination and conjunction with the Islamic Republic of Iran, plus the International Atomic Energy Agency, and DESTROYED.”

Iran has not indicated whether it would agree. Without Iranian consent, seizing the material would be extremely dangerous, according to experts, and would require deploying substantial U.S. forces into the country.

Trump informed reporters Thursday that there was a “conceptual” agreement regarding the uranium, but provided no specifics and Iran has not yet confirmed this.

A senior administration official, speaking anonymously to reporters Friday to update negotiations, stated that Iran has agreed the uranium will be destroyed and removed, but implementation details remain unresolved.

Trump added a fifth U.S. objective in a March social media post: “Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others.”

The U.S. maintains thousands of military personnel at regional bases and installations, but Trump has not clarified how extensively he would act to defend Middle East allies from threats.

As Trump announced the U.S. was approaching an Iranian agreement recently, he suggested any deal should somehow require many Gulf allies to join the Abraham Accords, agreements from Trump’s first presidency aimed at normalizing relations with Israel. However, this appears highly unlikely since Israel’s Gaza Strip operations have increased tensions with Gulf Arab nations and the broader Muslim world.

During this week’s exchange of strikes between the U.S. and Iran, Tehran targeted Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, prompting American retaliation with additional strikes.

The Trump administration has begun considering whether to allow Gulf allies to use Iran’s frozen financial assets to cover war damages, but officials have not announced whether they will proceed with this approach.

The senior administration official stated Friday that the memorandum of understanding would ensure lasting regional peace, but provided no details about its structure or implementation.

Maintaining commercial shipping through this crucial waterway was not among the original war justifications, but after Iran effectively blocked strait traffic, it has become a major conflict issue.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a passage for 20% of global oil and natural gas, and its effective closure since the war began has increased worldwide energy costs and other commodity prices. Iran had permitted vessels it considered friendly to transit while imposing substantial fees.

Trump has stated that a proposed Iranian agreement would include reopening the strait and ending the U.S. blockade of Tehran’s ports.

In March, Trump and his administration frequently cited weakening Iran’s proxy terrorist networks as a central operational goal.

Over time, administration officials have provided fewer updates about this objective, which the president described as ensuring “the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces” and “ensuring that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund, and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders.”

The U.S. initially targeted Iranian-supported militia groups in Iraq. However, the primary concern has become Israel’s expanding Lebanese conflict against Hezbollah, which Iran supports. Iran has demanded that Lebanese fighting must cease as part of any U.S. agreement, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears determined to pursue his objective of eliminating the militant organization.

Israel announced Thursday that it was not participating in the agreement the U.S. had negotiated with Iran.

The administration official stated Friday that the U.S. was confident that comprehensive regional peace terms in the memorandum of understanding would encompass both Hezbollah and Israel. If Iran fulfills its commitments regarding Hezbollah restraint, Israel would not need to respond, the official explained.

JOHANNESBURG, June 12 – Court documents reveal that South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa submitted emergency legal papers on Friday in an attempt to halt parliamentary impeachment proceedings connected to his “Farmgate” controversy.

The president is asking the high court to first rule on a different legal challenge he filed to overturn an independent panel’s misconduct conclusions regarding the scandal, which involved bundles of cash being taken from a sofa at his farm in 2020.

According to the president’s account, $580,000 in cash was taken, and he claims the money came from buffalo sales. However, the incident has sparked concerns about why the funds were concealed in furniture and whether proper declarations were made. Ramaphosa has maintained his innocence.

Last month, South Africa’s constitutional court reinstated impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa, ruling that a parliamentary decision in 2022 to halt the process was not valid.

The high court is scheduled to consider his challenge to the misconduct conclusions from September 2 through 4.

The 73-year-old Ramaphosa has served as head of state since 2018, with his second presidential term scheduled to conclude in 2029.

The Farmgate controversy has created significant political difficulties for him, particularly since he assumed office promising to combat corruption and restore the reputation of his African National Congress (ANC) party.

However, political observers anticipate he will weather the storm if the impeachment matter proceeds to a parliamentary vote.

BUDAPEST, June 12 – The Tisza party in Hungary introduced comprehensive legislation Friday aimed at reforming the nation’s public broadcasting system, which opponents both domestically and internationally claim transformed into a propaganda tool during Viktor Orban’s previous administration.

Reforming state media represented a central campaign promise from Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s Tisza party, which defeated Orban decisively in April’s electoral contest. The party’s constitutional majority provides the authority needed to reverse Orban’s changes that opponents argue weakened democratic institutions.

The proposed legislation outlines several major changes:

The primary objective focuses on reestablishing independent, transparent and responsible public broadcasting services.

The proposal would reorganize MTVA, the current holding company managing state media, by dividing it into separate entities for radio and television operations while reestablishing MTI as an independent national news service.

A new Independent Public Media Committee would be created to safeguard media independence, supervise operations and budgets, and participate in selecting leadership positions.

This committee would operate with balanced representation, including equal participation from governing and opposition parties along with independent media industry representatives.

A Public Media Council would oversee adherence to public service standards outlined in a Public Service Charter.

The legislation also targets the Media Council within the National Media and Infocommunications Authority, seeking more balanced composition and transparent decision-making while implementing stronger conflict of interest regulations.

Current public media executives would lose their positions under the reforms, with Culture Minister Zoltan Tarr assuming temporary oversight while new leadership is selected through open applications.

President Donald Trump challenged Iranian media reports about ceasefire conditions on Friday, labeling them as “fake news” and stating the published terms don’t align with the written accord negotiated between the United States and Iran.

Trump’s remarks followed less than a day after he called off scheduled U.S. military operations against Iran and revealed a peace initiative designed to resolve the ongoing tensions.

Using Truth Social, President Trump posted: “The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing. What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth.”

Trump was addressing a 14-point framework that Mehr News agency released on Friday. The reported plan contained elements such as a $300 billion economic recovery and reconstruction package for Iran, complete removal of international military forces from regions near Iran, and lifting of energy-focused sanctions.

After President Trump’s Thursday evening statement, Iranian news outlets indicated “a high probability that the regime will approve that proposal.” However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry claimed the United States had altered certain aspects of the initial agreement.

President Trump also expressed doubt about successfully negotiating with Tehran.

“Very dishonorable people to deal with. With them, there is no such thing as dealing in good faith. AMAZING!”

The president additionally stated: “Also, their totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. They better get their act together, and FAST!”

These statements emerged while military operations persisted despite the ceasefire declaration. Reuters indicated that a U.S. official confirmed American forces stopped two suicide drones aimed at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz during the night. Iranian news sources described explosions close to Sirik, while Fars reported Iranian military actions blocked a tanker from accessing the waterway without proper coordination.

NBC disclosed that U.S. military units were roughly three hours away from executing planned attacks when President Trump declared the suspension on Thursday. The network reported that naval forces had already readied weapons and modified air mission strategies. Kharg Island, which President Trump had earlier mentioned as a possible target, was excluded from the authorized strike plan.

Media organizations with ties to Iran’s diplomatic negotiating team have disclosed specifics of a comprehensive 14-point framework proposal that could shape future discussions between Washington and Tehran regarding sanctions relief, regional security matters, and nuclear concerns.

A significant aspect of this reported framework is that it contains no language regarding Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently communicated to the United States that any viable deal must encompass both Iran’s nuclear program and its missile development efforts.

The proposal also includes a request for $300 billion in economic reconstruction and development funding for Iran, even though Washington has consistently rejected providing any form of compensation payments to Tehran.

Additionally, a media source aligned with Hezbollah suggested that language regarding foreign military withdrawal from regions near Iran might be understood to include requirements for Israel to vacate its remaining strategic locations in Lebanon.

According to Mehr, Iranian officials are still examining the proposal and have not granted final authorization. The framework appears to blend immediate trust-building actions with extended negotiations designed to achieve a comprehensive nuclear accord.

The framework’s reported elements include:

1. Ceasefire across regional fronts
An immediate and lasting ceasefire would be implemented on various fronts, including Lebanon.

2. US commitment to respect Iranian sovereignty
Washington would promise to avoid meddling in Iran’s domestic matters.

3. Removal of naval restrictions
Maritime measures targeting Iran would be eliminated within 30 days.

4. Reduction of US military presence near Iran
American military personnel would be pulled back or decreased in regions Tehran views as strategically important.

5. Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
The shipping channel would return to standard operations within 30 days through agreements made with Iran.

6. Suspension of energy sanctions
Limitations on Iranian oil, petrochemical and associated exports would be eliminated.

7. Economic recovery package
The United States and partner nations would supply no less than $300 billion in reconstruction and development aid.

8. Sixty days of nuclear negotiations
A two-month discussion period would be created to achieve a final deal on Iran’s nuclear activities and the elimination of sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

9. Reaffirmation of non-proliferation commitments
Iran would officially reconfirm its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and declare again that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

10. No additional pressure during talks
The United States would avoid expanding military deployments in the area or adding new sanctions during ongoing discussions.

11. Release of frozen Iranian funds
A sum of $24 billion in Iranian resources held abroad would be freed, with half becoming accessible before final discussions commence.

12. Monitoring and verification mechanism
A framework would be created to supervise adherence to obligations accepted by both sides.

13. United Nations ratification
Any completed agreement would need endorsement through a United Nations Security Council resolution.

14. Conditions and scope of final negotiations
Final discussions would not commence until half of Iran’s held funds had been freed, energy sanctions had been suspended and maritime restrictions had been removed. The negotiations would concentrate on nuclear matters, sanctions and economic recovery, while Iran’s ballistic missile activities and backing for regional proxy organizations would stay beyond the negotiation parameters.

Pakistan’s finance minister unveiled the nation’s upcoming budget to parliament on Friday, featuring an 18% boost in military expenditures while reducing allocations for development initiatives and providing limited tax breaks for wage earners.

The budget proposal highlights the challenges facing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration as it grapples with sluggish economic expansion, elevated living expenses, and instability caused by regional conflicts and Middle Eastern warfare.

The country has positioned itself as an important intermediary in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States to address the current conflict. While negotiations have reached an impasse, a fragile ceasefire remains active.

Additionally, Pakistan finds itself in a dispute with adjacent Afghanistan, claiming that Kabul is providing refuge to Pakistani insurgents battling the Islamabad government — allegations that Kabul rejects. The renewed violence since February has resulted in hundreds of casualties.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb informed Parliament that the proposed budget sets total expenditures at 18.77 trillion rupees ($67.49 billion), representing a modest rise from the previous year.

The fiscal year 2026-27 for Pakistan commences July 1, with parliamentary voting on the proposal scheduled for later this month.

Aurangzeb stated the government targets 4% economic expansion and 8.2% inflation for the upcoming year, although cost pressures continue to burden families already affected by years of increasing expenses.

The budget aligns closely with requirements from Pakistan’s current $7 billion International Monetary Fund agreement, which demands increased revenue collection, expanded taxation, and structural changes to address persistent budget shortfalls.

Civil society organizations from Israel and Palestine gathered in France on Friday to make an urgent plea to world leaders, asking them not to give up on the possibility of a two-state solution as conflict continues to rage in the Middle East.

The Paris gathering brought together diplomatic officials and foreign ministers from numerous nations, working alongside advocacy groups from both sides of the conflict. The conference marked the one-year anniversary of the U.N.-supported New York Declaration, which outlined steps toward establishing Palestinian statehood and led approximately a dozen nations, including France, Britain and Canada, to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

Speaking to 250 civil society representatives from both communities, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, “We could find every reason in the world to give up. But you are here! Your testimonies alone are grounds for hope and action.”

“France refuses to let the side of war prevail over the side of peace,” Barrot added.

Participants concluded the conference by drafting an eight-point “Call for Action” that demands a lasting ceasefire, an end to settlement construction, reconstruction efforts in Gaza, governmental reforms, and increased international support for civil society organizations.

The action plan will be presented to G7 leaders when they convene in the French Alps beginning Monday.

“The region continues to fracture. Gaza is devastated, Israel remains under threat. Settler terrorism, settlement expansion, and de facto annexation and threats to the Palestinian Authority continue to undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state,” the action plan states.

“Israelis and Palestinians alike remain trapped in fear, insecurity, and trauma. We return because, as the G7 convenes in Evian, this conflict risks once again being set aside. The window for a solution remains open; but it is narrowing.”

The conference took place as violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has intensified, highlighting growing frustration among Western nations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, which has continued expanding settlements.

According to diplomatic sources, this expansion strategy is designed to damage the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state.

Of particular concern is Israel’s proposed construction project east of Jerusalem, called the E1 project, which would divide the West Bank and separate it from East Jerusalem, breaking up territory that Palestinians want for their future nation.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, “The two-state solution remains the only viable path to bringing lasting peace to the Middle East. The situation in the West Bank is equally alarming. Illegal Israeli settlements continue to expand at an unprecedented pace, and settler violence is increasing without sufficient accountability.”

On Tuesday, Britain, Canada, France and Norway announced coordinated sanctions targeting Israeli networks that finance, enable and execute violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Both Israel and the United States chose not to participate in the Paris conference.

“The ambassador was invited but will not attend the conference, as it has nothing to do with promoting peace,” the Israeli embassy stated.

“France cannot act as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. Regarding the two-state solution, the ambassador recalls that the Palestinians have rejected proposals to establish a Palestinian state on five occasions.”

A U.S. businessman who penned a book documenting his experience during Myanmar’s military takeover has been arrested upon his return to the country Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the situation.

Adam Castillo, who formerly served as head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar and currently operates a security company in Yangon, was apprehended at an airport after traveling back to the nation, one source revealed.

The U.S. State Department acknowledged being informed of reports regarding an American citizen’s detention in Myanmar but declined further comment, citing privacy considerations.

When contacted by Reuters, a representative for the military-controlled government stated they had not been briefed on the incident and offered no statement.

According to social media activity, Castillo had been traveling internationally to promote his publication, Finding Our Voice, which details his decision to remain in Myanmar after the 2021 military takeover that plunged the nation into chaos.

The armed forces’ seizure of power brought an end to a short-lived period of democratic governance under Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering ongoing civil conflict between military forces and a united front of pro-democracy resistance groups working alongside established ethnic minority organizations.

In early April, former military leader Min Aung Hlaing assumed the presidency following an extensively criticized, military-orchestrated election that barred major opposition factions, including Suu Kyi’s party, and took place amid active warfare.

The former U.S. Marine visited the White House last year, where he proposed to officials that America take on a mediating role to help secure access to rare earth minerals, as previously reported by Reuters.

His publication documents the military’s violent suppression of democracy advocates while also condemning Washington’s approach, including economic sanctions, as unsuccessful and calling for increased business involvement.

WASHINGTON – American and Iranian negotiators are nearing completion of an agreement to end their longstanding dispute, with a senior U.S. official indicating Friday that an initial accord could be finalized within days.

“The negotiating team has got us in a very good spot, but let’s see here, we’re not quite at the finish line yet, but we are very close,” the U.S. official told reporters while requesting anonymity.

According to the official, the proposed agreement fulfills U.S. President Donald Trump’s primary goals and “gets it in a very, very good place at the end of it.”

The proposed memorandum of understanding would require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the United States would end its blockade of Iranian ports, the official explained to reporters.

Under the agreement’s provisions, Iran would dismantle its nuclear capabilities, with highly enriched uranium being destroyed locally before removal from Iranian territory, according to the official. The deal also establishes monitoring procedures to guarantee long-term compliance.

Should Iran meet its commitments, the country would receive economic relief through asset releases and reduced sanctions, the official noted.

“The Iranians don’t get anything upon the signing of the MOU or upon the negotiation itself,” the official stated.

“They get rewarded economically for complying with their obligations under the deal. So if they turn over the nuclear material as promised, they’ll get something. If they dismantle their nuclear program or their nuclear facilities, they’ll get something else,” the official explained.

BRUSSELS, June 12 – Representatives from all 27 European Union member countries voted Friday to begin formal membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, with initial discussions scheduled to start Monday.

While Ukraine remains engaged in military conflict against Russia’s invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has prioritized EU membership as a central strategic objective to secure his nation’s position within Europe’s political framework.

European Union leadership approved opening membership discussions with both Ukraine and Moldova in December 2023, however formal negotiations were delayed due to Hungary’s previous government blocking Ukraine’s membership application.

A newly formed government in Budapest recently reached a deal with Kyiv regarding Hungarian minority rights within Ukraine, allowing Hungary to remove its objection to beginning the initial phase of membership negotiations.

During Friday’s meeting in Brussels, the representatives authorized both nations to start discussions on the first group of policy areas requiring legal reforms to align with EU requirements.

The membership process involves candidate nations negotiating various policy sections organized into six themed groups, addressing topics such as fundamental rights, internal market operations, and external relations.

“Today, the European Union took a major step forward,” European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement.

“At the first Intergovernmental Conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals; the backbone of the accession process,” they said.

European Union membership negotiations typically require extended timeframes and involve years of reform implementation and meeting European requirements.

Costa and von der Leyen described Friday’s decision as “a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges. And a signal that the EU’s offer of peace, stability and opportunity is unmatchable”.

Violence broke out Friday in Kinshasa, Congo’s capital city, as opposition groups held a protest against proposed constitutional modifications that critics believe could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to run for a third term in office.

Law enforcement officers used tear gas to break up the gathering organized by opposition alliance C64 after confrontations erupted between demonstrators and government supporters near the Parliament building.

The nation faces numerous challenges, including an ongoing Ebola epidemic and intensifying violence from a long-running conflict involving Rwanda-supported M23 rebels, among more than 100 armed groups fighting for territory in eastern regions.

President Tshisekedi, age 62, assumed office in 2019 and is scheduled to finish his second five-year presidency in 2028. He has stated his openness to pursuing a third term if voters approve it through a referendum.

Current Congolese constitutional law prohibits any changes to presidential term restrictions. A proposed measure being reviewed by the National Assembly’s lower house would permit the president to modify these requirements during a “major dysfunction” that stops government operations from functioning, possibly after holding a referendum.

The nation’s primary opposition groups, which had been fragmented in previous years, united in May under C64, also known as Coalition Article 64, to fight what they characterize as Tshisekedi’s effort to extend his rule. The alliance has labeled the suggested modifications a “serious threat” to national stability.

Friday’s demonstration turned violent when opposition followers and pro-government activists fought before law enforcement stepped in.

Martin Fayulu, who finished second in the 2018 presidential race and ranks among Congo’s leading opposition politicians, was among those hurt. Footage shared on his official Facebook account displayed Fayulu with blood around his eyes and on his white shirt collar while supporters assisted him through the crowd.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — African airlines are grappling with mounting financial pressure as the ongoing conflict in Iran drives jet fuel costs higher and creates supply chain disruptions across the continent’s aviation sector.

According to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the conflict has highlighted the continent’s overwhelming reliance on imported refined jet fuel, making carriers extremely susceptible to worldwide economic disruptions.

Even before the Iran conflict began, African airlines were already spending approximately 17% more on jet fuel compared to worldwide averages, AFRAA reports. The additional cost pressures are further squeezing profit margins that were already razor-thin throughout the industry.

“The impact is dire and a major shock for our members,” AFRAA Secretary-General Abderahmane Berthe told The Associated Press. “Fuel represents between 30% and 40% of airlines’ operating costs. Any increase directly affects their balance sheets.”

Industry observers are monitoring the Strait of Hormuz closely, a crucial international energy pathway that handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and fuel shipments before Iran essentially blocked shipping traffic there when the conflict started in February.

African airlines face magnified consequences due to structural challenges, such as elevated purchasing expenses and limited capacity to weather economic shocks.

According to Berthe, several airlines have implemented fuel surcharges, though most are unable to transfer the complete cost increase to travelers, forcing them to shoulder the financial burden.

“They cannot pass these costs to passengers as this will affect demand,” he said.

Supply interruptions have also created worries at key aviation centers like Nairobi, Kenya, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where reliable jet fuel access is essential for both regional and international flight operations, Berthe explained.

Several airlines have already started modifying their networks, reducing flight frequencies and reassessing routes to handle increasing expenses and fuel supply uncertainty, he noted.

The situation has sparked renewed demands for Africa to build up local refining capabilities and decrease dependence on imported jet fuel.

“We need African solutions,” Berthe said. “Many African countries produce oil, but we still depend on non-African suppliers for refined jet fuel.”

Focus is growing on initiatives like Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, which is anticipated to become increasingly important in providing refined fuel throughout the region, including to nations like Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa.

“We have seen hubs like Addis (Ababa) turning to Dangote for supply,” Berthe said. “This is expected to ease pressure on fuel supply chains during this period.”

Even with these challenges, air travel demand across Africa continues to be robust. AFRAA forecasts passenger increases of approximately 6% each year, surpassing many international markets.

However, Berthe cautioned that ongoing disruptions could seriously impact profitability and connectivity.

“If this continues, the impact on African airlines will be very severe,” he said. “If Africa wants a resilient aviation sector, it must secure its own fuel future.”

A healthcare worker employed by Doctors Without Borders was detained during Afghanistan’s recent enforcement campaign targeting alleged violations of women’s clothing regulations, the humanitarian organization announced Friday.

The paramedic was taken into custody for failing to wear a face covering during her commute to a medical facility in Herat, a western Afghan city, and remained in detention for two days, stated Sarah Champion, who manages the aid group’s Afghanistan operations.

In a Thursday statement, the organization, which operates under the French initials MSF, expressed being “outraged by the arrest and detention of one of its employees as part of the enforcement of dress code requirements in the city.”

“This incident is not isolated. Women in Afghanistan already face very severe restrictions on movement and access to public life, which have direct consequences on the access to care and delivery of healthcare services across the country,” the statement continued.

United Nations officials reported that no fewer than 30 women faced arrest in Herat during Saturday and Sunday for purported violations of Afghanistan’s harsh female dress requirements. These detentions triggered an uncommon demonstration in the city Monday, which Taliban authorities violently broke up.

The U.N. mission in Afghanistan reported that police response to the demonstration resulted in at least one death from gunshots and multiple injuries, including those caused by physical assault.

Such demonstrations occur infrequently in Afghanistan, where Taliban rule has been in place since 2021 following the disorderly departure of U.S.-led military forces. The current administration has established regulations based on a rigid understanding of Islamic law, or Shariah. Opposition is not permitted, and demonstrations challenging official policies are prohibited.

These regulations encompass severe limitations on women and girls, including prohibitions on schooling past elementary level and restrictions on numerous occupations. Women must have a male guardian present when leaving their homes, and rigid guidelines dictate women’s attire. Medical care remains among the limited fields where female employment continues.

The guidelines mandate that women may appear publicly only when dressed in complete hijab — including head covering and lengthy garment covering their entire body — plus a face covering that exposes only the eyes. These requirements are enforced by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

The MSF employee was traveling to her hospital job with her husband when authorities at a checkpoint established by the vice and virtue ministry stopped them, Champion explained Friday.

Officials informed the woman that her lack of face covering constituted a dress code violation. Nevertheless, she wore her approved work clothing, which Afghanistan’s Health Ministry has sanctioned for female hospital personnel, Champion informed The Associated Press.

Following her explanation about her hospital employment, the employee departed the checkpoint. However, both she and her husband faced arrest upon reaching the medical facility and spent two days in custody, Champion reported.

The imprisonment “is completely disproportionate,” Champion stated. “You don’t go to jail for that. You don’t get arrested and detained for not covering your face.”

Prior to their release, both spouses were required to sign written pledges that the woman would wear a niqab — clothing that covers the complete body, including head and face, showing only the eyes. The agreement specified that failure to comply could result in one month of imprisonment, Champion noted.

The woman’s father, brother and brother-in-law were additionally required to sign the agreement, ensuring the woman’s husband would guarantee his wife’s adherence to clothing rules.

MSF operates seven initiatives throughout Afghanistan providing maternity, pediatric, trauma and tuberculosis treatment. The organization reported that women comprise 45% of its nursing staff and over half of its maternity project workforce.

Citizens of Iran find themselves caught between uncertainty and weariness as their nation’s economy suffers under the strain of warfare and mounting domestic challenges.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he halted planned military strikes against Iran, stating that a peace agreement appeared close at hand. Earlier this week’s exchange of attacks brought a fragile ceasefire dangerously close to breaking down completely, which would cause additional damage to Iran’s already struggling economy.

Previous attacks targeting steel plants, petrochemical facilities, and power infrastructure have triggered widespread business shutdowns and unemployment across Iran, leaving citizens unable to purchase basic food items amid skyrocketing grocery prices that have increased by triple digits.

The combination of economic collapse and the threat of warfare has left many citizens desperately wanting an end to the chaos while feeling deeply worried about what lies ahead. Huraz Ahmadi, a 19-year-old street vendor in the capital of Tehran, expressed concern about the possibility of fighting resuming.

“I don’t think they will reach an agreement, given the way things are going. But I hope they make a deal. An agreement is much better than war,” Ahmadi said. “In wars, innocent and good people die. I personally lost a relative.”

Over the past year, Iranians have endured two separate conflicts – beginning with Israel’s 12-day war in 2025 against Iran followed by a joint assault with the U.S. that began on Feb. 28. Both attacks were launched in the middle of talks about Iran’s nuclear program.

Monday’s renewed U.S. attacks created uncertainty in Iran’s capital after growing hope that Tehran and Washington were close to reaching an agreement. One Tehran resident in his late 20s described how the sound of explosions and air defenses in the capital caused “maybe a half hour of panic.” Extended lines appeared at gas stations, but citizens returned within hours to “living normally,” he said.

“War is also becoming normal. And that is very upsetting,” the resident said, speaking on the condition of anonymity out of security fears.

“Everybody is stressed out for a thousand reasons,” he added. “Our lives are constantly in this political game where we can’t plan anything or know what’s going to happen.”

A key requirement in negotiations for Iranian representatives is that the U.S. provide some form of sanctions or economic relief, in addition to removing a naval blockade that has severely restricted Iran’s oil exports as well as imports of raw materials and other goods.

Numerous business owners are fighting to keep their operations alive, according to a member of a council representing Iranian industrialists.

“The main concern of many industrialists and entrepreneurs is the survival of their businesses and production. The concern is about the disruption of the supply chain of raw materials, parts and machinery due to the cruel U.S. blockade,” Mehdi Bostanchi said.

Tehran-based Bostanchi, who owns a company that makes ventilation systems, is part of a trade group for factory owners across Iran. Its members include textile, food and metal producers and printing firms.

Bostanchi explained that the unclear status of any agreement to end the conflict is preventing businesses from making future plans and working toward recovery.

“Society is tired of instability and does not want a wider war to break out,” he added.

Iran’s rial currency has also lost over half its value in the past year. Exchange rates have crashed to around 1.8 million rials to the dollar, compared with 41,600 rials 10 years ago.

The worsening economic situation has sparked civil unrest in Iran. In January, security forces shot thousands of anti-government protesters in the streets. Arrests of protesters and those expressing support for them has continued through the war.

In addition to fearing their own government, Iranians who oppose the authorities also worry about a return to active warfare, according to a social media influencer and therapist who lives in central Tehran and has participated in past anti-government protests.

“The war isn’t anything but destruction for us. And in reality, the attacks that happened killed a number of ordinary people and destroyed a number of homes and residential buildings,” she said, speaking on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution.

Residents contacted by The Associated Press also expressed concerns that renewed conflict would lead Iranian authorities to cut internet service again. Repeated blackouts since the January protests have crippled what was a strong digital economy and stoked job losses. A partial restoration has seen a limited uptick in connectivity.

A few hours after threatening to launch further attacks, Trump posted on social media that significant points in the negotiations “have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved.” But a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, said in a live phone call on state television that mediators were active and nothing had been finalized to end the conflict.

Iran’s ability to withstand U.S.-Israeli assaults and to close the globally strategic Strait of Hormuz has also rallied the Islamic Republic’s hard-liner base. Authorities have organized nightly rallies in past weeks as they try to project popular support for a tough stance in U.S. talks.

Hamid Reza Bani Ebrahimi, a 47-year-old merchant, said he opposed any agreement that would limit what he sees as Iran’s right to enrich uranium and develop nuclear technology. Israel and the U.S. have repeatedly struck sites and figures linked with the country’s atomic program.

“Our scientists worked so hard to acquire this technology, and then they came and martyred them,” Bani Ebrahimi said.

Abdullah Hosseini, a 45-year-old university professor in Tehran, said Iranian strikes on Gulf states and Jordan this past week were part of an effort to deter further attacks.

“I don’t like war. I am extremely worried about people and children being killed,” Hosseini said. “But sometimes war is necessary, and now is the time for Iran to stand against its enemy.”

But Tehran-based analyst Rahman Ghahremanpour said the back-and-forth strikes this week had deepened concerns in Iran that the conflict “could turn into a crisis without end and in reality make running the country more difficult” in the face of economic pressures.

“Both America and Iran are looking for a way out of this situation with honor and claiming victory so they can strengthen their own domestic situation,” he said.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — American and Iranian negotiators are reportedly nearing completion of a comprehensive agreement designed to halt their ongoing military conflict, according to three regional sources who spoke with The Associated Press on Friday. A high-ranking American official indicated the preliminary agreement contains provisions for eliminating and dismantling Iran’s nuclear materials.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X Friday that such an agreement “has never been closer.” He provided no additional information, noting that a completed deal remained under discussion.

This potential diplomatic breakthrough follows a three-day period of military exchanges between Iran and both America and Israel this week, raising concerns about a broader Middle Eastern conflict.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated in recent weeks that both nations were approaching a potential agreement. The military action initiated by America and Israel on February 28 has destabilized the Middle East and effectively halted petroleum and natural gas transport from the Persian Gulf region. A temporary ceasefire has remained in effect since April 7.

The regional sources indicated the developing agreement is anticipated to facilitate reopening the Strait of Hormuz, gradual removal of Iranian sanctions, and release of Tehran’s frozen financial assets. These sources requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of ongoing negotiations and refused to elaborate on additional specifics.

A high-ranking American official stated that crucial elements in the developing deal involve eliminating and destroying Iran’s nuclear materials and dismantling Tehran’s atomic program. The provisions also require Iran to cease funding terrorist organizations, according to the official.

The American official requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to discuss details of the confidential negotiations.

Highlighting the delicate nature of these discussions, Trump criticized Iranian leadership on social media Friday, declaring: “They better get their act together, and FAST!”

Iran’s atomic program has remained a central source of disagreement. American and Israeli leadership worry it could result in nuclear weapons development — a primary justification their officials have given for military action. Tehran has maintained its nuclear activities serve peaceful objectives.

Equally important is Iran’s effective blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for petroleum and natural gas transportation. Interrupted passage through this strait has reduced worldwide energy availability, increased fuel costs and raised prices for food and other necessities far beyond the regional area.

America has implemented a naval embargo of Iranian harbors since mid-April to restrict Iran’s petroleum exports.

The regional sources anticipate a formal signing event for the agreement within days once officials in Washington and Tehran provide approval.

“This deal has the potential to remake the region and lead to lasting peace,” Vice President JD Vance posted on social media Friday, without providing specifics.

Trump claimed substantial negotiation progress Thursday, hours after threatening to intensify attacks and capture Iran’s petroleum sector. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, told state television that mediators remained engaged and the agreement text was “mostly finalized.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, which has spearheaded mediation efforts between America and Iran, provided no immediate response Friday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated Thursday that Pakistan continued participating in negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated Israel is not participating in the agreement under negotiation. He stated Friday that he and Trump maintained “full agreement” that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated separately that Israel also anticipates Trump will protect crucial Israeli interests, including weakening Iran’s missile capabilities and proxy networks.

Katz cautioned that Israel might still take independent action regarding Iran and would not withdraw from territories it occupies in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, nor would it leave the northern refugee camps of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Iran has demanded that any conflict-ending agreement must also halt fighting in Lebanon between its allied militia Hezbollah and Israel. Netanyahu appears determined to pursue his objective of eliminating the militant organization, creating complications for Iranian-American negotiations.

The agreement was primarily facilitated by Pakistan, directed by its army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to regional sources, with support from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.

A British court sentenced a young man to more than six years behind bars Friday for pushing a vulnerable Louisiana resident to commit suicide during a live video conversation on the Discord messaging platform, according to prosecutors.

Dylan Phelan, 21, pleaded guilty to encouraging Travis Dyer to end his own life in October 2024 following months of communication through the Discord service, Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service announced.

Dyer, a Louisiana resident, died while participating in a live video conversation with Phelan and two other individuals located in the United States, during which participants pressured him to hurt himself, including using a shotgun to take his own life.

“This was a deeply disturbing case involving the sustained exploitation of a vulnerable young man,” prosecutor Alex Johnson said.

“Dylan Phelan did not simply witness these events – he deliberately and persistently encouraged Travis Dyer to take his own life, intending that he would do so. His actions were calculated, cruel, and had devastating consequences.”

According to prosecutors, the encouragement represented ongoing conduct by participants in an internet group who had singled out Dyer while being aware of his mental health struggles. Phelan subsequently informed authorities he had become involved with troubling online communities and acknowledged his responsibility in the death.

At Leeds Crown Court, Phelan received a sentence of six years and four months in prison after also entering guilty pleas to charges involving inappropriate images of minors and possession of extreme pornographic material.

Johnson stated that individuals who promote self-harm through the internet would face consequences and that online anonymity would not protect perpetrators from legal action.

The sentencing occurs as Britain intensifies its response to internet-based dangers, especially those impacting minors and young adults, including increased pressure on tech corporations to better prevent harmful material and abusive conduct on their services.

Discord has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

BAKU, June 12 – An Azerbaijani court has handed down an eight-year prison sentence to a well-known rights activist following his conviction on charges of hooliganism and fraud, in what his attorney characterizes as a politically driven prosecution.

Rufat Safarov, the activist in question, previously worked as a prosecutor and currently leads the advocacy organization Defense Line. His background includes a three-year imprisonment for bribery charges before receiving a presidential pardon from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in 2019.

Attorney Rovshana Rahimova, representing Safarov, informed Reuters of her disagreement with the court’s decision and confirmed plans to file an appeal.

The oil-rich nation has faced mounting Western condemnation regarding its treatment of human rights following multiple detentions of independent media figures and political opposition members in recent times.

Azerbaijani officials dismiss such criticism and characterize Western diplomatic demands for prisoner releases as unwarranted meddling in their country’s legal proceedings.

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — European Union officials will oversee any agreements establishing return centers in countries outside the EU to ensure rejected asylum seekers transferred there maintain their legal protections, the bloc’s migration commissioner announced Friday.

Magnus Brunner stated that international organizations including the International Organization for Migration and the U.N. refugee agency will review any such agreements to guarantee adherence to legal protections.

“Human rights standards and international law is non-negotiable,” Brunner stated during a press briefing at a gathering of EU migration ministers marking the launch of the bloc’s updated migration and asylum framework.

This return center concept represents one element of the new framework that has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, who worry these facilities might become permanent detention sites filled with unsuccessful asylum applicants trapped in prolonged legal uncertainty.

On Friday, Greece confirmed it joins four other EU nations — Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands — in discussions with African nations about establishing these return facilities within their borders.

The Greek Migration Ministry reports that these five European countries plan to finalize agreements with the unidentified third nations this year, allowing the return centers to begin operations in 2027.

Brunner declined to identify which third countries are under consideration for hosting the return facilities, instead referring questions to the five nations conducting the discussions.

“We created the rules, we create the basis, but it’s up to the member state to negotiate agreements if they want to,” the EU commissioner stated. He noted that EU policy changes are showing results, with irregular migrant arrivals dropping 90% along the Western Balkan route during the past three years, plus a 67% decrease from Turkey to Greece’s Aegean islands during the first four months of this year.

Cypriot Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides announced the Mediterranean island country plans to participate in return hub discussions after its six-month EU leadership period concludes July 1.

Ioannides dismissed concerns from human rights organizations regarding the bloc’s updated migration and asylum framework, which critics claim might prevent legitimate asylum seekers from obtaining protection through accelerated evaluations.

He stated these organizations “disagree with the gist of this project, with the whole architecture,” noting that the EU’s focus was implementing updated regulations to avoid being unprepared for another large-scale migrant influx similar to 2015.

Brunner defended the updated framework as offering protection “to actually those in need” through “clearer and more effective rules” that target illegal migration pathways and human traffickers.

Additionally on Friday, Cyprus revealed an agreement with Lithuania regarding the relocation of migrants who received international protection to the Baltic nation.

Iran’s control over the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway appears to be weakening as Gulf Arab nations find ways to transport oil to international markets despite ongoing conflicts.

The strategic passage at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, which formerly handled one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments, has been largely blocked by Iranian assaults on commercial vessels since February when hostilities began. Despite significant losses to its naval fleet, Iran’s mere threat of attack has made shipping companies and insurance providers reluctant to send vessels through the waterway. This energy shortage has contributed to worldwide inflation, including price increases in the United States.

However, the dynamics appear to be changing. Experts indicate that increasing amounts of crude from Gulf Arab nations are reaching global markets with assistance from American military forces. President Donald Trump claims a “secret mission” providing protection for vessels has enabled more than 100 million barrels of oil to be exported. Simultaneously, U.S. forces enforcing a blockade have repeatedly fired upon or intercepted vessels linked to Iran’s sanctioned petroleum trade, hampering the nation’s ability to obtain essential foreign currency.

Oil movement through the strait remains below the previous level of 15 million barrels daily. This won’t fully satisfy global energy demands, particularly as countries deplete their strategic reserves that have helped offset worldwide supply disruptions.

Nevertheless, if this flow can be maintained or increased, it could alter the crisis dynamics. Iran’s capacity to damage the global economy through its control of the strait has been its primary leverage, providing confidence it can outlast the United States despite war damage and the American blockade severely impacting its economy.

Iran is increasingly experiencing pressure. “We are currently under sanctions, and our routes have been blocked. We face a difficult test,” President Masoud Pezeshkian stated during a live television broadcast Wednesday. “Governing the country is not an easy task under the current circumstances, given the shortages we face, the unrest we have experienced and the problems that remain.”

Still, the conflict’s trajectory remains highly unpredictable. This week featured days of intense combat between Iran, Israel and the United States. Trump threatened Thursday to capture Kharg Island’s oil export facility and intensify bombing of the Islamic Republic, then abruptly retreated and again claimed progress in negotiations to end the war.

Reopening the strait and restoring oil flow has been a primary objective for Trump, though he has appeared to struggle at times finding effective approaches. After initially advising allied countries that the strait wasn’t America’s responsibility and to “go get your own oil,” Trump shifted to threatening everything up to destroying “a whole civilization” to restore tanker passage through the waterway.

Recent weeks appear to have seen increased confidence in U.S. military backing and growing supply needs convince shipping companies to risk transit through the strait using covert methods.

Most likely, vessels have passed through by going “dark,” disabling their tracking systems. TankerTrackers.com, a maritime oil trade monitoring website, reported observing ship-to-ship transfers by Gulf Arab states last weekend, attempting to conceal their crude’s origin and pass through the strait undetected by Iran. This likely occurs with American military support.

Kpler, a commodities market monitoring firm, has tracked approximately 96 million barrels of non-Iranian crude exports leaving the region since early May, either through the strait or via Gulf of Oman export alternatives, according to Kpler analyst Amena Bakr.

Including shipments still loading, she indicated it would likely surpass 100 million barrels, “broadly consistent with Trump’s claim.”

Trump provided the 100 million barrel figure in Wednesday online posts, stating more than 200 vessels had traveled through the strait thanks to “a secret mission” supporting tankers and other ships.

“This wildly successful effort is because the UNITED STATES of AMERICA CONTROLS the Strait of Hormuz — NOT Iran,” Trump wrote.

U.S. forces are conducting a “limited overwatch operation using autonomous vehicles, aircraft and drone escorts to help ships through the southern part of the strait near the coast of Oman,” said Richard Meade, editor-in-chief at Lloyd’s List Intelligence maritime data company.

The U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter that crashed this week off Oman after allegedly being struck by an Iranian drone “was probably part of that operation,” he said during an online webinar Thursday.

Iran has declared the strait closed following this week’s exchanges involving two days of American airstrikes on Iran and Iranian retaliatory attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan — countries hosting American troops. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted Wednesday the strait wasn’t an international waterway, despite global recognition as such.

While the U.S. assists Gulf Arab states’ tankers in exiting, it continues blocking Iranian vessels from entering or leaving the strait. This has included firing on ships to stop them, such as Wednesday’s attack that killed three Indian sailors.

Unable to export its oil, Iran is reaching maximum onshore storage capacity and using dozens of tankers near Kharg Island for crude storage. Iran also apparently has been forced to reduce or halt oil production at some wells, which experts warn can be dangerous since older wells like Iran’s may not restart after stopping.

Energy firm Wood Mackenzie estimates Iran’s output has declined by 800,000 barrels daily since the American blockade began. Meanwhile, onshore storage is estimated at 69 million barrels, the highest level since Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign in 2020.

“The mounting economic cost of falling output, restricted exports and tightening storage capacity is increasing pressure on Tehran to seek a diplomatic solution,” Wood Mackenzie’s Alexandre Araman said. “For Iran, even a temporary diplomatic breakthrough could provide immediate relief.”

Oil prices have remained below $100 per barrel, partly due to Trump’s deal promises and other countries using reserves while reducing oil consumption. China, historically a major Iranian sanctioned oil buyer, saw seaborne crude imports drop to 6.8 million barrels daily in May, the lowest since October 2016, according to Kpler.

This has provided Trump and the global economy additional time, but a resolution would likely need to be reached soon to prevent the energy crisis from becoming severe in coming months.

BRUSSELS, June 12 – Technical problems struck the European Union’s primary asylum database on Friday, marking a rocky start to the implementation of the bloc’s new migration and asylum framework, according to Dutch immigration officials.

The Eurodac system, which houses biometric information and serves as a cornerstone of the updated migration rules, experienced failures while undergoing a system upgrade. Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) officials revealed the database wasn’t operating at full capacity even before the breakdown occurred, with multiple EU nations experiencing disruptions.

At the EU’s regular press conference, spokesperson Marcus Lammert minimized concerns about the technical problems.

“Any first day of a new system will have technical glitches. This is normal,” he stated, further noting, “the information that I’m getting is that member states are gradually linking in and that it’s going rather well.”

Reports indicate numerous member nations remain ill-equipped to carry out the migration pact’s mandates. Various countries are missing necessary infrastructure for implementing new screening protocols, while others like the Netherlands face technical challenges with the updated Eurodac system.

The EU’s migration agreement establishes new screening protocols requiring migrants who enter through unofficial routes to complete a compulsory process lasting as long as seven days, enabling officials to enter their information into the modernized Eurodac database.

The system gathers biometric and personal information, encompassing fingerprints, photographs of faces, and duplicates of identification documents. Certain minors are incorporated as well.

Authorities will subsequently evaluate vulnerabilities, citizenship status, and asylum goals before directing people into suitable processes, including expedited border procedures for candidates considered unlikely to receive protection, including individuals from nations deemed secure.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared Friday he will battle to remain in power following the abrupt departure of his defense chief, which has further damaged his already fragile political standing.

The Labour Party leader has witnessed multiple junior and senior officials exit their posts in recent weeks amid growing rebellion from party members and plotting by political opponents, all frustrated by the administration’s persistent low approval ratings.

However, Defense Secretary John Healey’s unexpected resignation Thursday represents a particularly damaging setback. Healey stepped down while cautioning that the administration isn’t allocating sufficient funds to military forces to protect Britain’s security “at this time of rising threats.”

The resignation strikes Starmer where he has typically received praise: international affairs and foreign policy leadership.

Following his landslide electoral win in July 2024, Starmer has strengthened assistance for Ukraine, collaborating with French President Emmanuel Macron on an international “coalition of the willing” designed to help secure Ukraine’s safety should a ceasefire emerge.

The United Kingdom and France have also created a maritime security operation aimed at maintaining shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz when the Iran conflict concludes.

Additionally, Starmer has advocated forcefully that European countries must increase their defense funding in light of President Donald Trump’s criticism of America’s NATO partners.

“Starmer has been consistently staunch about warning of the security risk from Russia,” said Olivia O’Sullivan, head of the U.K. in the World program at the Chatham House think tank. “He’s been given quite a bit of credit by the public for having to deal with Trump and doing so with a level of steadiness and calm. And he has been, in line with previous U.K. governments, a close and consistent ally of Ukraine.”

The central dispute involves the administration’s anticipated Defense Investment Plan, which outlines Britain’s strategy to boost military expenditures to 3.5% of GDP by 2035. The British armed forces are working to overcome years of deterioration while facing an increasingly aggressive Russia, which launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and continues challenging European defenses through both open and hidden operations.

Healey demands defense expenditures reach 3% of GDP by 2030. He resigned in frustration when Treasury chief Rachel Reeves declined to modify a proposal that doesn’t meet that target.

He referenced a British intelligence evaluation indicating Russia might assault a NATO member nation by 2030 and stated that insufficient spending plans “could make the country less safe.”

Opposition voices contend that military expenditures can become endless drains on resources, noting that acquisition programs frequently exceed deadlines and budgets.

Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who also resigned Thursday hours following Healey’s departure, emphasized the issue extends beyond increased spending to smarter allocation. He described the investment proposal as insufficiently “transformative.”

“I want to see a higher percentage for uncrewed systems, AI, data — data is the new gunpowder — and we’ve got to move that forward if we are going to win the next war,” he told the BBC.

Healey joins other government officials who have departed. Last month, Starmer lost multiple junior ministers and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned to position himself for a potential party leadership campaign.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is anticipated to mount a leadership challenge against Starmer should he win election to Parliament in Thursday’s special election.

Yet Healey’s exit, given his reputation as a devoted minister without personal leadership aspirations, “suggests that Starmer’s credibility, even with his inner circle of ministers, is perhaps draining away,” O’Sullivan said.

Starmer maintained Friday he won’t step aside, describing his role as making “hard-edged decisions.”

He told the BBC that defense is “my number one priority. And I have taken the difficult decisions to make sure that we are safe as a country.”

“I’m not going to go away. I don’t think we should plunge the country into the chaos of a leadership election,” he said. “I don’t think it should happen, but if it does, then I will fight.”

BRUSSELS (AP) — The alliance’s supreme allied commander is developing backup defense strategies for Europe following Pentagon announcements that America will reduce the number of aircraft and naval vessels available during security emergencies.

The NATO Force Model serves as the primary blueprint for deploying forces from all 32 member countries during peacetime, crisis situations, or warfare. This framework outlines which military resources commanders can access during the initial six-month period of any potential conflict.

However, the Pentagon informed its alliance partners last month that it would reduce its European commitments to concentrate on other potential threats, particularly from China in the Indo-Pacific area.

Nations across Europe and Canada had been waiting for more than a year for the Trump administration to outline its strategy after warning that Europe would no longer be America’s primary security focus. While allies expected reductions, the scope, timeline, and nature of the cuts remained unclear.

U.S. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander, stated that “the United States is still committed to providing limited but critical capabilities to the alliance.”

“We need to focus on things that we can acquire quickly, that we can field quickly, and that we can scale rapidly and sustain over time, and that goes for long-range fires” as well as drones, Grynkewich said at the ILA Berlin Air Show on Thursday.

“Those sorts of things can help us mitigate the near-term risk should we find ourselves needing to deter and defend,” he added.

Following a June 2-3 meeting where allies evaluated shortfalls created by America’s decision, Grynkewich stated that European partners and Canada must address these gaps by providing both piloted and unmanned aircraft, plus naval ships. He emphasized this should occur “now and in the near term.”

While specific details about the reductions remain classified, German and American media outlets report that an aircraft carrier along with its accompanying warships and aircraft, plus a submarine, would be removed from European operations. Midair refueling aircraft and numerous fighter jets would also become unavailable.

Europe faces shortages in all these military assets, making rapid replacement challenging. Nevertheless, Washington seeks to understand how allies plan to compensate for these resources before President Donald Trump meets with NATO leaders at a summit in Turkey scheduled for July 7-8.

NATO military headquarters announced Friday that it will reduce its peacekeeping force in Kosovo by removing certain troops and equipment. KFOR initially deployed in 1999 to maintain peace between Kosovo and Serbia.

Originally consisting of 50,000 personnel, KFOR has undergone regular downsizing as regional tensions decreased, though 1,000 additional troops were sent in 2023 following renewed violence.

“The current conditions provide an opportunity to optimize KFOR’s size and posture further,” Grynkewich said. His staff refused to specify which forces might depart or whether Americans would be among those leaving.

“It’s not about numbers, it’s about optimization, and about ensuring the safety and security of all people living in Kosovo, and more broadly the region,” his spokesman said.

America currently maintains 590 troops with KFOR, ranking second among 31 contributing countries behind Italy’s 907 personnel. American Black Hawk helicopters operate from the extensive U.S. facility there, Camp Bondsteel.

Speaking in Berlin, Grynkewich noted that intelligence assessments and Russian military activity indicate “Russia is not looking for a conflict with NATO.” Russia remains heavily engaged in the Ukraine conflict while facing recruitment challenges.

European governments and intelligence agencies have cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be positioned to attack other parts of the continent within three to five years, particularly if he achieves victory in Ukraine.

The United States announced a fresh $4 billion military financing loan for Poland on Friday, as the Eastern European nation celebrated the first flight of its newly acquired F-35 fighter aircraft.

U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno revealed the loan details to PAP news agency during Friday’s ceremonial flight. The financing comes through the Foreign Military Financing programme and increases Poland’s total available military funding to $20 billion.

The milestone flight marked Poland’s entry as the first nation on NATO’s eastern border to operate the advanced F-35 aircraft, as tensions with Russia continue to influence regional security concerns.

Poland committed to purchasing 32 of the advanced fifth-generation fighters in a $4.6 billion agreement signed in 2020. Three aircraft arrived last month, with the remaining deliveries expected to conclude by 2029.

According to Polish defense officials, the F-35 fleet will significantly enhance the nation’s military strength. The aircraft feature advanced stealth capabilities and sophisticated sensor systems that gather intelligence for pilots and coordinate with other military units.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, and DiNanno representing the U.S. government attended Friday’s ceremony.

“In the armed forces development programme, we have included two additional squadrons of 5th-generation F-35 aircraft to strengthen the military,” Kosiniak-Kamysz stated during the event.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced Friday that his country will boost military salaries and expand efforts to recruit international fighters as the nation’s armed forces struggle with personnel shortages following four years of conflict with Russia.

The announcement comes after Zelenskiy’s administration indicated in May it would examine potential strategies to strengthen military staffing levels following stalled negotiations regarding ending hostilities with Russia.

“We agreed on how to increase the financial resilience of our defence and further transformation of the Ukrainian army,” Zelenskiy stated during his nightly address following discussions with senior cabinet officials.

“The cabinet of ministers will approve a specific mechanism, and the government should start the first new payments as early as June,” he continued.

The salary increases are supported by a €90 billion European Union loan that enables Ukraine’s government to boost defense expenditures to an unprecedented 4.4 trillion hryvnias ($97 billion) for this year. These funds are expected to begin arriving this month.

Zelenskiy revealed Friday that officials will increase base military compensation by one-third, bringing it to 30,000 hryvnias ($700). Military analysts and economists note this adjustment aims to align with the nation’s average monthly earnings, which have consistently increased during wartime due to workforce shortages.

Frontline infantry personnel will see their average monthly compensation rise to 300,000 hryvnias (approximately $7,000), a significant jump from the current range of 100,000 to 150,000 hryvnias. These soldiers will also have access to new fixed-term service agreements lasting 10, 14, or 24 months for combat assignments.

Beyond salary improvements, Kyiv plans to expand international recruitment efforts.

“I have instructed to create significantly more opportunities to recruit foreign volunteers into the Ukrainian army, and there will be more recruitment channels in this regard,” Zelenskiy explained.

Ukrainian military publications estimate that approximately 10,000 international volunteers from over 70 nations have enlisted in Ukraine’s military since the conflict started.

A Spanish High Court judge has launched an additional investigation into former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero following the discovery of jewelry during a search of his office, court officials announced Friday.

The former leader, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2011, continues to hold significant influence within the main ruling Socialist Party. The corruption allegations, which he has rejected, have intensified pressure on the current government amid a string of corruption scandals.

Judge Jose Luis Calama stated that the jewelry pieces confiscated during the May 19 search, with a preliminary estimated value of approximately €1.3 million ($1.5 million), currently have no documented evidence of their source.

The judge explained that owning valuable assets without proper fiscal documentation could suggest potential tax evasion or smuggling violations, noting the lack of customs paperwork or proof that import taxes were satisfied.

The former prime minister’s legal representative did not respond immediately to requests for comment. However, his spokesperson, Luis Arroyo, posted on X earlier Friday that the former leader would discuss the jewelry issue with the judge.

The former prime minister is scheduled to provide testimony on June 17 and June 18 regarding the corruption case, which focuses on an alleged influence-peddling and money-laundering operation that he supposedly headed.

Authorities suspect the operation benefited from lobbying government officials for outside parties, particularly Spanish airline Plus Ultra, which obtained government financial assistance in 2021.

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — The ruling military government in Niger has implemented a new criminal code that makes homosexuality illegal, according to an adviser to the justice minister who spoke Friday.

The West African country becomes the most recent nation to outlaw homosexuality, joining similar actions taken by Senegal earlier this year.

Under the new criminal code, anyone who “commits or attempts to commit an immodest or unnatural act or practices lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, Queer, intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) acts” faces five to ten years behind bars plus financial penalties, based on the official text of the legislation.

“This same penalty is applicable to persons who officiated the marriage, to the witnesses of the alleged spouses, as well as to persons who have given their consent for the celebration of the marriage and to the organizers,” the new penal code said.

Hamidou Julien, an adviser to the justice minister, told The Associated Press on Friday that the legislation became effective Thursday.

While homosexuality had not been against the law in Niger before this change, it faced significant social stigma.

Anti-homosexuality legislation is widespread throughout Africa, with over 30 of the continent’s 54 nations making same-sex relationships illegal. Niger now stands alongside nations such as Senegal, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Tanzania, where punishments can reach 10 years or longer in prison. In Somalia, Uganda and Mauritania, such offenses may result in execution.

The International Labour Organization reached a historic milestone on Friday by approving the world’s first legally binding employment standards targeting gig economy platforms that provide ride-sharing, food delivery and online commerce services.

The measure received strong support during voting in Geneva, with 406 members backing the proposal while only eight opposed it and 36 chose to abstain. The U.N. agency’s membership includes representatives from governments, employers and workers who work together to advance international labor rights.

The newly adopted ILO convention aims to expand fundamental workplace rights and protections to cover gig economy workers, encompassing areas such as compensation, workplace safety and social benefits.

The protections outlined in the agreement vary depending on how workers are classified, creating distinctions between individuals categorized as independent contractors versus those recognized as formal employees.

Under the new convention, digital platforms will be required to reveal how their automated systems impact workers and must ensure human oversight in critical decisions such as suspending worker accounts.

A senior Hezbollah politician stated Friday that the organization believes Iran will demand Lebanon’s inclusion in any potential agreement with the United States, as expectations build for a possible deal between Tehran and Washington.

The Iran-backed group, which was established by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982, joined the regional confrontation supporting Tehran on March 2 by launching attacks against Israel, leading to Israeli military action that has resulted in thousands of Lebanese casualties.

Tehran’s officials have consistently demanded that any comprehensive agreement must include an end to hostilities in Lebanon.

“If the agreement happens, we have complete confidence in the Islamic Republic … we have confidence that it will insist on any agreement including the file of Lebanon,” Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah politician, said in an excerpt of a speech broadcast by the group’s al-Manar TV.

Israeli military forces have taken control of large areas in southern Lebanon, where Lebanon’s National News Agency documented additional Israeli air attacks across multiple towns and villages on Friday.

According to a Western source, a memorandum between the United States and Iran aimed at stopping the Gulf war could be executed as early as Sunday. The source indicated that final language details are still being worked out and Iran continues to maintain its stance that any deal must encompass ending the conflict in Lebanon.

Last week, Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said Hezbollah had “made great sacrifices” in the war and that Lebanon “will be an inseparable part of any agreement and any ceasefire”, in comments reported by the semi-official Mehr news agency.

Fighting in Lebanon has persisted despite multiple ceasefire declarations by the United States, which has served as an intermediary in discussions between Lebanese and Israeli officials.

Hezbollah is not participating in the negotiations and has called for the Lebanese government to withdraw from the diplomatic process.

Hezbollah turned down a U.S.-supported proposal announced last week that would require the organization to stop fighting and pull its forces back from southern Lebanon.

Kazakhstan’s dominant political organization Amanat declared Friday that it will combine with a political movement established this year by supporters of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, positioning for upcoming parliamentary voting scheduled for August.

During a party gathering in Astana, Amanat leadership announced their integration into the Adilet party, which translates to “Justice,” before the approaching elections. Amanat has consistently won commanding parliamentary control in all previous electoral contests.

This development occurs during Kazakhstan’s continuing restructuring of its strictly managed political system, as Tokayev plans to leave office at the conclusion of his current term in 2029.

The Central Asian region’s biggest economy and significant petroleum and natural gas producer ratified a revised constitution this past March, which some political observers interpret as groundwork for a future leadership transition.

Amanat has maintained governmental control since 1999, originally established under former President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s direction, who led Kazakhstan from 1991 through 2019.

The emerging Adilet party is viewed as having direct allegiance to Tokayev, whom Nazarbayev selected as his replacement in 2019, with senior presidential advisors holding key positions in its structure.

During 2022, Kazakhstan experienced widespread civil disorder that Tokayev and international analysts describe as an effort by Nazarbayev supporters to regain governmental authority.

The unrest caused hundreds of fatalities and led to deployment of a Russian-coordinated peacekeeping mission backing Tokayev’s administration.