U.S. and Iranian negotiators are exploring a phased agreement that would see Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington easing its economic blockade of Iran.

The talks face a major obstacle as both sides want to preserve leverage: the U.S. controls sanctions pressure, while Iran controls access to a key global energy route.

Iran may drop its demand for transit fees in exchange for economic relief but wants to maintain administrative control over the strait. Gulf states oppose any arrangement that could allow Iran to use Hormuz as leverage.

Source: Reuters

French Presidential Candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon:

If you are Ukrainian, it is obvious that you cannot accept that your capital is being bombarded, so everything you have within reach to defend yourself, you will use. And you are legitimate in doing so because you are the one being invaded.

But we, who are around you, also have something to say. Do you imagine that the Russians will accept that we strike Moscow and they will just sit there with their arms crossed?

Do you know that we are firing French and British weapons? You know that. Therefore, we are becoming belligerents. It is the worst situation.

French Presidential Candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon:

NATO is NATO, there is a unified military command, and the countries you mentioned are members of the European Union.

We agree on that? Estonia, Latvia, etc. This falls within the framework of the European Union treaties.

We are bound to each other by a duty of common response. So leaving NATO does not mean abandoning the defense of common borders, as long as we remain within the same framework.

French Presidential Candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon:

NATO? No, no, no and no.

We left the unified military command for years, we did not die, and it caused no problems.

Therefore, it is completely possible.

French Presidential Candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon:

Our neighbour, Germany, decides that it is going to build the largest conventional army in Europe. My answer is no. And if you still want to do it, then we need to discuss it and you need to tell us why.

And secondly, is this large conventional army intended not for us? I hope not — the French. Of course not. So what is it for?

EXCLUSIVE: Sudan Army's AKINCI drone scores its second air-to-air kill of the day, downing another Chinese-made CH-95 drone operated by UAE-backed RSF terror group over the Kagam area, west of Sawdiri.

Israel Turns Archaeology Into a Tool for West Bank Land Seizures

Israel says land around West Bank archaeological sites must be protected. Palestinians and archaeologists argue the policy is being used to expand Israeli control and illegal occupation.

READ MORE

Netanyahu met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The White House says access for POLITICO, CNN and MSNOW has been restored.

Iran's Ghalibaf:

You wanted Iran dragged back to 1970s? Nobody told you Iran isn’t for arrogant amateurs? We’ll return you to 1970s rates, plus high gas prices, diesel shortages and bell-bottoms. Enjoy the nostalgia!

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud:

Somalia firmly rejects unilateral actions that undermine its sovereign unity and internationally recognized borders.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband:

A year on from recognising the State of Palestine, we will continue to stand up for what is right.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud:

In countries like mine, where the United Nations has maintained a sustained presence for more than three decades, operations can become more effective by aligning more closely with our national priorities and using credible national systems.

The majority of United Nations assistance continues to be delivered through parallel structures, fragmented projects and off-budget arrangements in Somalia.

This makes it difficult for the government to plan, coordinate resources, measure results and build institutions required for long-term stability.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud:

The basic argument of past UN agencies’ development thinking that countries like Somalia lack capacity must be condemned and permanently consigned to the dustbin of history. It is where it belongs.

We now have capable people, institutions and policies that are proudly guiding our national transformation agenda.

FBI's Hacking Unit Was Part of Those Exposed by Hacking Breach

A breach involving data on 5,000 FBI officials included personnel tied to the Remote Operations Unit, exposing personal details linked to one of the bureau’s most secretive technical teams.

READ MORE

The White House has asked OpenAI and Anthropic to hold back their newest AI models from UK government testers until the U.S. gets first access.

Anthropic appears to have complied, limiting Claude Mythos 5.1 to U.S. organizations and putting the UK’s early access to cutting-edge models under pressure.

Source: POLITICO

New Yorkers are protesting Netanyahu's presence in the city.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with the UK's Ed Miliband on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Trump on Xi:

Xi is an expert on stone, and he loves good granite.

The Trump administration is quietly holding talks with China over its rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal and U.S. allegations that Beijing has conducted secret low-yield nuclear tests, which China denies.

The discussions focus on reducing nuclear risks and improving verification rather than negotiating a formal arms-control deal.

Washington is also pressing Beijing for more advance notice of missile tests and greater transparency about its nuclear forces.

China has more than 600 nuclear weapons and could exceed 1,000 by 2030, according to the Pentagon.

Source: WSJ