Jul 25, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Kyrgyzstan that Tehran "will not submit to the US" and "will not tolerate threats," following retaliatory Iranian drone strikes on American targets in Bahrain and Jordan. The Iranian response came after a 13th consecutive night of US strikes against targets in Iran.

Araghchi also criticized US President Donald Trump’s proposal to use seized Iranian funds to cover shipping damages in the Persian Gulf, calling it a "dangerous precedent." He confirmed ongoing consultations with China and Russia. Meanwhile, reports indicate President Trump is growing frustrated as the conflict enters its fifth month, with advisers concerned about upcoming congressional elections.

Separately, Ukrainian drone strikes ignited a major fire at a commercial warehouse in St. Petersburg, according to local authorities.

Sources: Kanal 5, Makfax, MIA (Media Information Agency)

Romania closed its General Consulate in Saint Petersburg on Friday, with diplomatic personnel vacating the building and removing official signage, according to Russian state media reports.

The diplomatic closure occurs amid ongoing security incidents in the region. NATO confirmed that an air defense operation over Romanian airspace occurred under direct alliance command and control. During the response, an Italian Eurofighter missed an initial shot before a Romanian F-16 downed an intruding drone. An investigation remains underway in coordination with Bucharest.

Simultaneously, commercial shipping traffic into Ukrainian Black Sea ports stopped as shipowners voluntarily paused entries due to Russian attack threats. Romanian authorities also deployed search and rescue units to evaluate a Liberian-flagged cargo ship in Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone that issued a distress signal after a suspected collision with a sea mine or maritime drone.

Sources: Digi24, Flux24

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted warehouse facilities and energy infrastructure in the Russian city of Belgorod overnight into Saturday, according to media reports and local officials. Explosions were reported across the city, leading to fires at several logistics centers.

Aleksandr Shuvaev, the acting governor of the Belgorod region, characterized the drone raid as massive and confirmed that several people were injured during the strikes. Ukrainian forces have recently intensified attacks on Russian logistics hubs, including facilities operated by Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries.

Sources: Helsingin Sanomat.

A proposed agreement for the United States to invest in Saudi Arabia's civil nuclear energy program has sparked concern regarding potential nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. Analysts warn that granting nuclear capabilities to the kingdom could trigger a regional arms race among neighboring powers. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman previously stated that his country would seek to acquire nuclear weapons if Iran successfully develops a nuclear arsenal. The prospect of multiple regional actors pursuing non-conventional weaponry has drawn heightened scrutiny from international observers, who caution against escalatory dynamics in an already volatile region.

Sources: Digi24.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his relationship with US President Donald Trump has completely changed following a tense encounter in the Oval Office in February 2025. Describing a subsequent brief interaction as a "historic moment," Zelensky indicated a significant shift in dynamics between the two leaders.

The remarks come amid reports that Zelensky may travel to Washington next Tuesday for a new meeting with Trump. Citing senior officials, reporting indicates arrangements are underway for the potential visit, though official diplomatic confirmation remains pending.

Sources: Digi24.