Politics

G7 divided over Russian sanctions waiver extension

The recent extension of a key waiver on Russian sanctions proves that G7 member nations are not completely aligned on geopolitical strategy, EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated on Tuesday. While acknowledging that the G7 serves as an essential forum for cooperation among like-minded allies, Dombrovskis openly criticized the decision to prolong the waiver.

19 May 2026-17:57
Iran reveals new proposal to US calling for end to war, sanctions relief and US withdrawal

Iran has disclosed details of a revised proposal submitted to the United States aimed at ending the ongoing war between Washington, Israel and Tehran, according to Iranian officials. The proposal was presented by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi during a meeting with members of parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, where he outlined the latest diplomatic developments.

19 May 2026-15:45
US states hold primary elections across six states ahead of 2026 midterms

Voters across six US states including Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon and Pennsylvania headed to the polls on Tuesday in one of the largest coordinated primary election days of the 2026 election cycle, as parties begin selecting candidates for key congressional and state-level races ahead of November’s midterm elections. The contests are being closely watched as an early test of political momentum in both the Republican and Democratic parties, with several high-profile races expected to shape the balance of power in Congress.

19 May 2026-15:35
Alabama primaries overshadowed by redistricting battle and possible re-vote

Voters in Alabama are heading to the polls for primary elections amid growing uncertainty over congressional redistricting that could force some districts to hold additional elections later this year. The situation follows a recent US Supreme Court decision allowing the state to move forward with a previously blocked congressional map that critics said weakened the voting power of Black communities.

19 May 2026-15:29
Georgia primary voters head to polls for high-stakes 2026 races

Georgia voters head to the polls today for highly anticipated primary elections that will set the stage for a potential overhaul of the state's government. As one of the nation's premier battleground states, Georgia's primaries serve as an crucial early barometer of voter enthusiasm ahead of the general election, with nominees being selected for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and crucial legislative seats.

19 May 2026-15:11
Merz says Germany ready to deploy military over Strait of Hormuz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has strongly urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table with the United States, warning that a prolonged conflict will carry devastating consequences for the global economy. Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin alongside Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Merz criticized Iran’s current strategy, stating that the nation must stop playing for time and can no longer hold the entire world hostage.

19 May 2026-15:07
Hungary seeks breakthrough deal with EU to unlock billions in frozen funds

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said he hopes to reach a political agreement with the European Commission next week that would allow the release of €10.4 billion in EU recovery funds frozen under the previous government of Viktor Orbán. The talks come as Hungary faces an August 31 deadline to secure access to the funding linked to rule-of-law conditions set by Brussels.

19 May 2026-14:40
US ‘contradictory, excessive stances’ serious obstacle to diplomacy, Iran FM says

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the United States’ “contradictory and excessive stances” remain a serious obstacle to the success of diplomatic efforts.

19 May 2026-14:21
Iran says four terrorist cells dismantled in southeast, 19 suspects arrested

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has announced the dismantling of four “takfiri” terrorist cells in the country’s south-east and the arrest of 19 people, according to a statement carried by state media.

19 May 2026-13:58
Ukraine remains EU’s number one priority amid ongoing war, EU military chief says

The European Union’s top military official, General Seán Clancy, has said that Ukraine remains the EU’s “number one priority” as the ongoing war continues to reshape Europe’s defence strategy.

19 May 2026-13:50