European Union agrees on new package of economic sanctions against Russia

Russia

The European Union agreed on a new package of economic sanctions against Russia, according to Al Jazeera.

Ukraine

Russia warned the US over arms deliveries to Ukraine while the EU unveiled new sanctions on Moscow, according to Hindustan Times and others. Russia's biggest online retailer was targeted by Ukraine's attacks, Abcnews reports. Two people were killed as a wave of Ukrainian drones struck southern Russia and Crimea, the Moscow Times reports. Rubio said new ideas were needed to reach a Ukraine-Russia peace deal after talks with Lavrov in the Philippines, the Kyiv Independent reports.

Iran

Rubio said Iran was ‘begging’ for a deal with the US but not ready to make one, according to Al Jazeera. Iran claimed new attacks on US bases in Jordan and Kuwait, IranWire reports. The Iran Army vowed to continue strikes so long as the country is under attack, Asharq Al-Awsat reports. Iraqi premier Al-Zaidi arrived in Iran on his first official visit since taking office in May, APA reports. US positions B-1 bombers against Iran, a report states, according to Anadolu Agency.

Red Sea

At least one Saudi oil tanker was attacked in the Red Sea, as war risks widened, the Washington Post reports.

Yemen

Prime Minister Shehbaz spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and condemned an ‘unacceptable’ Houthi attack on vessels in the Red Sea, Dawn reports.

North Korea

South Korea is shifting to a ‘peace first’ North Korea policy while retaining its denuclearisation goal, the Straits Times reports.

The Straits Times · South China Morning Post

Elsewhere

Rubio highlighted the significance of a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, APA reports. Israelis fear the Saudi nuclear deal could ignite a Middle East arms race, Free Malaysia Today reports.