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Russia’s Medvedev mocks Trump’s ‘nervous reaction’

Dmitry Medvedev

Medvedev was responding to a post by Trump on Truth Social hours earlier, in which the US president described him as a “failed” former leader and warned him to “watch his words,” adding that Medvedev was “entering very dangerous territory.”

“If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right and will continue to proceed along its own path,” Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on social media.

He also ridiculed Trump’s claim that the Russian and Indian economies were “dead” and going “down together” due to lack of cooperation with the US.

Medvedev had earlier dismissed Trump’s demands for Moscow to swiftly end its military campaign against Ukraine, calling the threats of secondary sanctions against Russian energy customers “theatrical” and ineffective. Medvedev insisted that such ultimatums will not prevent Russia from pursuing its national security goals and merely make Trump appear similar to his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Trump previously criticized the BRICS group of nations, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and several other states pursuing a new multipolar world order. The US president claimed proposed tariffs on countries doing business with BRICS members could cripple the organization.

Trump’s statement regarding India and Medvedev followed New Delhi’s refusal to accommodate US demands on trade.

Iran President’s envoy holds meeting with Mir-Hossein Mousavi amid hopes for ending house arrest

According to Mohammad-Jafar Ghaempanah, Executive Vice President, the meeting was conducted on behalf of the president and reflects Pezeshkian’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing demands of the reformist base.

“This encounter, along with recent visits by close associates of Mousavi, shows the president’s serious intention to resolve the issue,” Ghaempanah said.

He added that the judiciary has also shown “positive indications” toward a potential resolution.

Mousavi, a former prime minister and presidential candidate, has been placed under house arrest since  February 2009, following his objection to the outcome of Iran’s presidential election that year.

He was among those who insisted that the election was rigged, a claim strongly refuted by the authorities.

Medvedev ‘entering very dangerous territory’: Trump

Trump

Medvedev, now serving as deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, had earlier dismissed the notion that Trump, or any other US official, could dictate Moscow’s stance on the Ukraine conflict. His comments came in response to American calls for Russia to negotiate peace or face tougher sanctions.

Trump fired back on Wednesday in a post on Truth Social, in which he vented frustration over resistance from Russia and India to his international trade agenda. He claimed both countries had “dead economies,” before singling out Medvedev.

“Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Trump wrote.

Medvedev responded, saying the “nervous” reaction by the American leader simply proved that Russia was right in its policy choices and should maintain its course.

Earlier this week, Medvedev responded to remarks by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who warned Russia to comply with Trump’s demands for swift peace talks with Ukraine or face consequences.

Medvedev retorted that “it’s not for you or Trump to dictate when to ‘get at the peace table.’”

Medvedev has criticized what he described as Trump’s “theatrical” ultimatums, warning that such pressure tactics only increase the risk of a direct conflict between the two nuclear powers. “Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!” he said, referencing Trump’s mocking nickname for former President Joe Biden.

Russia continues to assert that it will meet all of its military objectives in the Ukraine conflict, whether by force or diplomacy. Officials in Moscow say a negotiated resolution is preferable but currently unfeasible due to what they describe as Kiev’s unreasonable positions and unwillingness to engage in good-faith talks.

Former PSG, Tottenham defender Serge Aurier joins Iran’s Persepolis

The Ivorian international, who also played for Villarreal, Nottingham Forest, and Galatasaray, has had a decorated career, including two Africa Cup of Nations titles with the Ivory Coast.

His signing marks a significant addition to the Tehran-based club as they prepare for the upcoming domestic and continental campaigns.

Aurier had been on trial with Persepolis over the past week during their pre-season training camp in Turkey.

Under the supervision of assistant coach Vahid Hashemian, he underwent a series of fitness and medical evaluations.

He also made a brief appearance in a recent friendly match against Turkish side Igdirspor, impressing the coaching staff enough to finalize a deal.

The 32-year-old brings top-level experience and defensive versatility to Persepolis, who are seeking to reclaim dominance in the Persian Gulf Pro League and make a deeper run in the AFC Champions League.

Club officials are expected to present Aurier formally at a press conference later this week.

US strikes oil agreement with Pakistan: Trump

Oil

The announcement on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, came hours after a post in which he said he would impose 25% tariffs on India plus penalties for its trade and defense ties with Russia.

“We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive oil reserves,” Trump stated.

“We are in the process of choosing the oil company that will lead this partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India some day!”

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that the countries also finalized a trade deal.

“I wish to convey my profound thanks to President Trump for his leadership role in finalization of the historic US-Pakistan trade agreement, successfully concluded by our two sides in Washington, last night,” Sharif wrote on X.

“This landmark deal will enhance our growing cooperation so as to expand the frontiers of our enduring partnership in days to come,” he added.

Sharif did not reveal any specific details of the trade agreement.

In April, Trump announced ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs on countries around the world, which would have included a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports to the US. They were, however, suspended until July 31.

Pakistani officials recently visited the US for talks; Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week. After the meeting, Dar said the US and Pakistan were “very close” to a trade deal.

The talks included discussions on expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining. Total goods traded with Pakistan were an estimated $7.3 billion in 2024, according to 2024 data from the US trade representative.

Iran’s president faces backlash & praise over withdrawal of online content bill

Critics, including Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of the Kayhan daily, condemned the move as a retreat that “pours water into the enemy’s mill,” arguing the bill was essential to protect national unity from foreign disinformation campaigns.

The bill, originally submitted with “double urgency” and approved for fast-track review in parliament, was designed to counter the spread of false content online.
However, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced on Wednesday the decision to withdraw the bill was made “to preserve national cohesion” and allow for further expert consultation.

Supporters of the president hailed the move as courageous. Mahmoud Vaezi, a former minister and a senior political figure, said the decision reflected Pezeshkian’s commitment to public opinion and willingness to correct mistakes.
“He listened to the people, just as he promised,” Vaezi stated.

Despite the bill’s initial parliamentary support, the controversy underscored potential tensions over freedom of expression, misinformation, and public trust in Iran’s policymaking process.

US should compensate losses to Tehran’s nuclear program: Iran’s FM

Abbas Araghchi

“They should explain why they attacked us in the middle of […] negotiations, and they have to ensure that they are not going to repeat that,” he said in an interview with the Financial Times.

“And they have to compensate [Iran for] the damage that they have done,” the top Iranian diplomat added.

Araghchi noted that the possibility of the talks resuming remains but in Tehran, distrust to US diplomatic initiatives had deepened.

“People are telling me, ‘Don’t waste your time anymore, don’t be cheated by them […]. If they come to negotiations it’s only a cover-up for their other intentions,’” he continued.

“With the Europeans, there is no reason right now to negotiate because they cannot lift sanctions, they cannot do anything,” the Iranian foreign minister stated.

“If they do snapback [which would reinstate UN Security Council sanctions against Iran], that means that this is the end of the road for them,” he emphasized.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States is prepared to launch new strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities if it deems that Tehran aspires to rebuild its potential.

Araghchi vowed a resolute response in the event such assault is repeated.

The Israeli regime launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran on June 13, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists in addition to civilians.

The war came as Iran and the United States had held five rounds of indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, over Iran’s nuclear program since April, and were preparing to hold fresh talks in the Omani capital on June 15, which was cancelled following the Israeli onslaught.

The US joined Israel’s war on Iran and launched attacks on three peaceful nuclear facilities, violating the United Nations Charter and the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Canada says to recognise Palestine at UN General Assembly

Palestine

Canada’s plans follow similar announcements by France and the UK to formally recognise Palestine, while New Zealand and Australia were also signatories to a declaration that indicates they could follow suit in the coming months.

The New York Call, published by the French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, on Wednesday, stated signatories “have already recognised, have expressed or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognise the State of Palestine”.

The signatories include Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal and San Marino, each of which has not yet recognised an independent Palestinian state. They also include Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain, which have. President Emmanuel Macron last week noted that France would recognise Palestinian statehood in the near future.

The statement, which was published before the conclusion of a three-day UN conference set on reviving a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said the states would “reiterate our unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders”.

It stressed the “importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority”.

On Wednesday evening, Carney stated that Canada would recognise the state of Palestine at the UN general assembly in September if certain conditions were met. He held a virtual cabinet meeting on the Middle East earlier on Wednesday.

Carney added Canada would recognise Palestine if the Palestinian Authority, the body that governs the occupied West Bank, held an election in 2026 in which Palestinian militant group Hamas could play no part, and agreed to other democratic reforms.

He called on Hamas to release all hostages it is holding, disarm, and play no role in the future governance of Palestine.

Carney’s remarks come amid growing pressure on Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023 in response to a Hamas raid that led to the deaths of 1,200 people, mainly Israelis, and the taking of more than 250 prisoners. More than 60,000 people have died in Gaza in the ensuing conflict, according to the Hamas-led health ministry in Gaza.

Drop in Afghan repatriations from Iran raises questions amid tighter controls

According to local media, the Imam Reza Return Center near Qiamdasht, previously bustling with activity, has seen a sharp decline in numbers over recent weeks.

Officials attribute the slowdown to a mix of logistical shifts and increasing reluctance among undocumented migrants to come forward.

While repatriation procedures remain straightforward, requiring only a verbal request and baggage scan, costs have reportedly risen, with some migrants paying up to 30 million rials (around $35 USD) for transport.

Despite more than one million Afghan nationals being deported from Iran since March, officials from Iran’s Ministry of Interior say daily repatriation rates have dropped from a peak of 29,000 to 13,000.

Analysts suggest many undocumented migrants are now going into hiding, hoping current enforcement efforts will ease.

Authorities have warned that enforcement is likely to intensify. “Unauthorized migrants must return via official channels,” said Tehran’s head of foreign nationals affairs.
New measures and updates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

US imposes tariffs on India over Russia trade

In a post on his Truth Social account on Wednesday, Trump stated that “India is our friend” but that the US does “relatively little business with them.”

At the same time, he noted that India has continued to buy military equipment and energy from Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.

”All things not good! India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25%, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August first,” Trump wrote.

The US previously imposed 26% tariffs on Indian goods in March as part of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, which included imports of aluminum, steel, and derivative products, before temporarily suspending them.

New Delhi has said it will only enter into a trade agreement with the US from a position of strength and not under deadlines or as a “negotiation tool.”