US President Donald Trump has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have assured him that their countries will not provide weapons to Iran, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to raise concerns over a wider regional conflict. Trump said he believes both China and Russia understand the risks of becoming directly involved in the Iran crisis and claimed that the leaders of the two countries have given him guarantees that they will not supply military equipment to Tehran.
According to Trump, his discussions with Xi and Putin focused on preventing further escalation in the Middle East. He said Beijing and Moscow, despite maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, have indicated that they do not want to become part of a military confrontation. The US president’s comments come amid growing international attention on Iran’s defence capabilities and the role of its global partners. Washington has been closely watching whether countries with relations with Tehran could provide military assistance or other forms of strategic support.
China and Russia have historically maintained strong ties with Iran, including cooperation in areas such as energy, trade and defence. However, both nations have also sought to manage their relationships with Tehran while avoiding direct confrontation with the United States and its allies. Trump said he trusts the assurances given by Xi and Putin, describing China and Russia as influential nations whose decisions could affect the direction of the ongoing crisis. He suggested that preventing additional weapons supplies to Iran would help avoid further instability in the region.
The remarks come at a sensitive time as tensions in West Asia remain high. Any direct military involvement by major powers could potentially widen the conflict and create economic and security challenges beyond the region. Energy markets and global governments are closely monitoring developments, particularly because instability in the Middle East can impact oil supplies, shipping routes and international relations.
While Trump has expressed confidence in the commitments made by the Chinese and Russian leaders, questions remain about how Beijing and Moscow will respond if tensions between the US and Iran continue to increase. Washington appears focused on limiting Iran’s access to external military support while keeping diplomatic channels open with major global powers to prevent a broader confrontation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in New Delhi to participate in the BRICS Internal Affairs Meeting, a high-level gathering focused on strengthening cooperation among member countries on security and law enforcement-related issues. Momeni’s visit comes as BRICS continues to expand its role beyond economic cooperation, with greater attention being given to areas such as counter-terrorism, organised crime, border security, cyber threats and disaster management. Officials from member nations are expected to exchange views on common internal security challenges and explore ways to improve coordination.
The Iranian minister’s participation highlights Tehran’s increasing engagement with the BRICS platform after joining the expanded grouping. Iran has been seeking closer cooperation with emerging economies through multilateral forums, particularly on issues related to regional stability, security cooperation and economic partnerships.
During the meeting, representatives are expected to discuss mechanisms for enhancing cooperation between security agencies of BRICS nations. Topics such as combating transnational crimes, improving emergency response systems and sharing expertise in crisis management are likely to remain key areas of discussion.
India and Iran share longstanding diplomatic relations, with cooperation extending across trade, energy, connectivity and regional security. The two countries have also been working together on strategic projects, including the development of Chabahar Port, which plays an important role in regional connectivity.
Momeni’s visit takes place at a time when global security challenges have become increasingly complex, with conflicts, terrorism threats and geopolitical tensions affecting international stability. BRICS countries have been looking to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to address these challenges collectively.
The BRICS Internal Affairs Meeting in New Delhi is expected to provide a platform for member countries to discuss practical solutions and build stronger partnerships in the field of internal security. Iran’s participation in the meeting reflects its efforts to deepen engagement with BRICS members and play a more active role in discussions shaping the future of global cooperation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Questions surrounding the health of longtime Republican Senator Mitch McConnell have continued to grow as the Kentucky lawmaker remains away from the public eye. Representative Tom Kean Jr. recently avoided commenting on McConnell’s condition, adding to the ongoing discussion about the senator’s prolonged absence from Capitol Hill. McConnell, 84, has been out of the spotlight following a recent hospitalization, with limited information released about his recovery. While his office has provided some updates, the lack of regular public appearances has led to increased interest among lawmakers, political analysts, and voters.
When reporters asked Tom Kean Jr. about McConnell’s health and his extended absence, the New Jersey Republican congressman chose not to comment on the matter. Kean’s response came at a time when several lawmakers have faced questions about balancing personal medical privacy with the expectations of public office. The issue has drawn additional attention because Kean himself recently returned to Congress after a lengthy absence related to his own health struggles. He later revealed that he had undergone treatment for depression, highlighting the broader conversation about health challenges faced by elected officials.
McConnell’s office has previously stated that the senator was recovering after being hospitalized following a fall. His team has pushed back against some speculation about his condition, while confirming that he has been dealing with health-related issues that required medical care and rehabilitation.
The senator’s absence has attracted significant attention due to his decades-long influence in Washington. McConnell, who served as Senate Republican leader for many years before stepping down from the leadership role, remains a sitting senator and continues to hold considerable political significance within the Republican Party.
The situation has also revived a national debate over transparency among public officials. Supporters of greater disclosure argue that voters should have information about whether elected representatives are physically able to perform their responsibilities. Others maintain that lawmakers should have the same right to medical privacy as any other individual. As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for McConnell’s full return to Senate activities. His future schedule is expected to depend on his recovery and medical advice. Until then, attention is likely to remain focused on updates regarding one of the longest-serving and most influential figures in the US Senate.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that American forces completed another series of strikes against Iran, marking the 10th consecutive night of military operations targeting Tehran’s military infrastructure. In a statement released on Monday, CENTCOM said the latest operation concluded at 9 pm ET on July 20. The strikes focused on Iranian military command facilities, maritime assets, missile and drone launch locations, and air defence systems.
The US military said the objective of the operation was to weaken Iran’s ability to carry out attacks on commercial vessels operating through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. “US forces targeted Iranian military command centres, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defence systems to reduce Iran’s capacity to continue attacks on commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM stated.
Despite the rising tensions, CENTCOM said commercial shipping activity through the key maritime route has continued. The command noted that since early May, US forces have supported the safe movement of around 900 commercial vessels carrying nearly 450 million barrels of crude oil. The US military also reiterated that its forces in the region remain ready to respond to any threats against civilian maritime operations.
“American forces remain positioned and prepared to hold Iran accountable for unjustified aggression against civilian mariners seeking free and secure passage through the strait,” CENTCOM said. Following the US strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and military forces claimed to have carried out retaliatory attacks against several US-linked targets across the Gulf region.
Iranian officials claimed their forces had struck a US missile defence radar installation, damaged an F-15 aircraft at a shelter in Jordan, and targeted Amazon’s central data infrastructure facility in Bahrain. These claims were made through announcements carried by Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
The IRGC said the operations were conducted under the name “Operation Nasr 2”, while the Iranian Army described its actions as part of “Operation Lightning”. The IRGC claimed it had attacked a facility housing US military personnel in Jordan’s Rukban area, alleging that several American soldiers were killed. It also claimed that an MQ-9 drone facility at Kuwait’s Ali Al-Salem base was targeted, resulting in damage to multiple drones.
The Iranian Army claimed that US HIMARS missile systems stationed at the Arifjan base in Kuwait were hit by surface-to-surface missiles. The latest escalation follows the collapse of a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed last month that was intended to reduce hostilities between Washington and Tehran and create a path for further discussions on issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and security in the Strait of Hormuz. The breakdown of the agreement has triggered renewed confrontation in West Asia, with the US launching strikes against Iranian military and civilian targets while Iran has responded with attacks on American positions across the Gulf region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Yemen's Houthi movement has announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, raising fears of renewed tensions in West Asia and potential disruptions to global oil supplies. The group said the "maritime embargo" was a response to what it described as Saudi Arabia's long-standing blockade of Yemen and warned of stronger action if Riyadh escalates the conflict. The announcement follows last week's strike on Sanaa International Airport, which the Houthis blamed on Saudi Arabia. Yemen's internationally recognised government, however, said it carried out the attack to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing in the capital. In retaliation, the Houthis launched ballistic missiles toward Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport, which were intercepted by the Saudi-led coalition. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, is central to the dispute. Around 10–12% of global trade and nearly 7% of the world's oil supply pass through the waterway. Any disruption could delay shipping, increase transport costs and push up global energy prices. Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on its Red Sea export terminal at Yanbu following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged blockade of Bab el-Mandeb could therefore affect Saudi oil exports and further strain global energy markets already facing geopolitical uncertainty.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the Houthi movement has announced a blockade of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, placing two of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints under simultaneous pressure. The developments threaten to disrupt key global energy and trade routes, with Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export corridor through the Red Sea also facing increasing uncertainty. In an in-depth discussion, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the growing economic implications of these developments. Joined by Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, they explore how financial markets are responding to disrupted supply chains, rising shipping and insurance costs, and the potential for renewed inflationary pressures as global trade routes are forced to adapt.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
British politics is once again making headlines with an unexpected electoral contest. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is preparing to defend his political standing in a by-election that could see him face just one challenger: the satirical candidate Count Binface. The unusual matchup has attracted widespread attention, highlighting both the serious political issues surrounding the vote and the growing role of political satire in modern democracy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The guardian.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s journey from activist to Mexico’s president has drawn global attention. Once known for championing progressive causes, she now faces the challenge of governing a complex nation. As her presidency unfolds, observers continue to debate whether her decisions and policies remain consistent with the ideals and values that first defined her career.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy return after a brief pause with a new episode exploring the shifting negotiations aimed at ending the Iran war, and why Donald Trump says the responsibility for reaching a deal now rests with his vice-president. Jonathan also examines the latest Kennedy family member entering the political arena, questioning whether voters are losing interest in political dynasties. He also looks at whether Trump’s planned reflection pool will be completed before the 4 July celebrations.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
