Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized a US proposal for nuclear talks with Tehran, stating that Iran will not give up enriching uranium in any deal. The criticism comes after American officials, including President Donald Trump and Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, have repeatedly demanded this condition.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/world/irans-supreme-leader/2QKSJSJPAFB23FV5UMDMICYPBY/South Korea's President Lee administration is poised for more diplomatic efforts following the recent military partnership between North Korea and Russia, as both US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un express interest in reviving negotiations. The Lee administration aims to play a more active role in resolving the North Korea issue while navigating the complexities of the US-China rivalry, particularly regarding Taiwan. Mr. Lee's pragmatic diplomacy seeks to balance South Korea's national interests with its alliance with the US and Japan, but this delicate balancing act poses significant challenges for his administration.
https://channelnewsasia.com/commentary/south-korea-election-lee-jae-myung-president-win-democratic-party-snap-insight-5165191South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has emphasized the importance of the country's alliance with the US as the foundation of its foreign policy, following criticism that he had previously tilted towards China and North Korea. Experts, including Ankit Panda and Duyeon Kim, are cautious about how Lee will handle relations with the US, Japan, and China, given his shifting stance. The new administration faces significant external challenges, including US President Donald Trump's tariff policy and North Korea's expanding military partnerships with Russia.
https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-president-lee-a754f6c7fe8f44d15e2898b59b9a5f3cNATO faces pressure to modernize its military capabilities in response to Russia's preparations for potential conflict, with US Permanent Representative Matthew Whitaker warning that Moscow is already taking steps to upgrade its forces.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/976185-us-representative-to-nato-moscow-is-already-preparing-for-a-new-war-we-must-outpace-them-with-our-combat-capabilitiesRussia's top negotiator offered a partial truce of two to three days in some areas of the frontline, but Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga denounced this as "old ultimatums" that don't move towards true peace. US President Donald Trump expressed openness to a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but it is unlikely in the near future. Russia has accelerated its advance in Ukraine's north-eastern Sumy region, targeting civilians and killing four people in a rocket attack on the city of Sumy. The US and Europe are being called upon to take decisive actions to push for a ceasefire.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/06/04/no-quick-peace-russia-rules-out-breakthrough-in-complex-ukraine-talks/179184Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to convene a Joint Boundary Commission meeting on June 14, hosted by Cambodia, following a brief border clash on May 28 between Nam Yuen District in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, and Choam Ksan District in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for calm and dialogue with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to de-escalate tensions and maintain border peace. The two leaders emphasized the importance of accurate public communication to prevent misunderstandings. Thailand had previously occupied land surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple, which was ruled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962 to be on Cambodian territory.
https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/04/thailand-rejects-icj-route-urges-peaceful-talks-with-cambodia-over-border-clash/The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving border issues with Cambodia through peaceful means, as per international law and treaties. This includes the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and General Border Committee (GBC). The dispute escalated after a brief gunfight in Ubon Ratchathani province and Preah Vihear province, resulting in one Cambodian soldier's death. Thailand has requested Cambodia to host a JBC meeting on June 14, which Cambodia has agreed to. The Thai government expressed confidence that the issue can be resolved through good neighbourliness, community safety, and shared Asean values, urging Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint and provide accurate information to prevent misunderstandings.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/06/04/thailand-cambodia-to-meet-june-14-over-deadly-border-clash-seek-peaceful-resolution/179251US President Trump has dampened hopes for a quick trade deal with China after posting on his Truth Social platform that Chinese President Xi is "VERY TOUGH" to make a deal with. The US and China had temporarily de-escalated tensions in May, but Trump's latest remarks suggest a stalemate. The US increased tariffs on aluminum and steel from 25% to 50%, exempting Britain, while the EU has vowed to retaliate against goods from the 27-nation bloc unless it reaches a deal with Washington by July 9. Despite this, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic expressed optimism that a "positive result" could be reached in negotiations.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40366254/trump-says-deal-with-xi-extremely-hard-as-steel-tariffs-doubleUS Trade Representative Jamieson Greer sent a letter to trading partners, reminding them that the deadline is approaching. The letter was part of ongoing talks with key partners, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that countries have been asked to submit their best trade proposals, taking into account each country's unique advantages and challenges. US President Trump signed an executive order increasing tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50% starting Wednesday, following a previous increase to 25%.
https://nypost.com/2025/06/03/us-news/trump-gives-countries-wednesday-deadline-for-best-offer-on-trade-talks/