US President Donald Trump announced plans for talks with Iran, amid tensions following recent strikes on nuclear sites. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of retaliation if the US continues its aggressive actions. UN Undersecretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized the need for diplomacy to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1337286.shtmlUS President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed to resume negotiations on a trade deal by July 21, 2025, following Trump's surprise announcement that the US is terminating discussions with Canada due to the Digital Services Tax imposed on American tech companies. The tax, which applies to companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta, has been in effect since last year and will be halted after June 30, 2025. This deal marks a significant victory for Trump, who has been pushing an "America First" trade policy, and provides him with much-needed momentum ahead of a July 9 deadline to finalize new trade deals with nations around the world or face reciprocal tariffs.
https://gizmodo.com/trump-bullies-canada-into-killing-its-big-tech-tax-2000621923US President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with trade relations with Japan, suggesting that the US will maintain its initial negotiating position on tariffs, which would increase rates to 24% for most Japanese goods starting July 9, up from current levels of 10%.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/06/30/economy/us-japan-impasse/The British foreign secretary emphasized the significance of a potential deal with Türkiye, highlighting its strategic importance in strengthening friendships among key NATO allies. The proposed partnership would leverage existing defense industry ties between the UK and Türkiye, particularly through their cooperation on Typhoon aircraft.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/british-foreign-secretary-says-uk-backs-turkiyes-eurofighter-deal-signals-deeper-nato-ties-210902The UN General Assembly meeting saw disagreement between the US and Spain over issues like gender equality, international trade, debt management, and technology transfer. The US expressed dissatisfaction with Spain's NATO defense spending allocation of only 2.1% of GDP, below the target of 5%. This comes as the Trump administration has reduced humanitarian aid programs by 42%, a significant decrease from its previous share. Germany has also cut its aid budget to focus on military spending, raising concerns among development advocates.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/982327-dozens-of-world-leaders-gather-for-un-international-conference-in-seville-videoUS envoy Steve Witkoff met with Gulf state officials at the White House on Friday, one day before US military strikes against Iran. The meeting discussed a $20-30 billion investment from US-aligned Gulf partners to revamp Iran's nuclear program, including funding a new non-enrichment energy site to replace the recently bombed Fordow facility. In exchange, sanctions relief and access to $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets are being offered. However, these proposals are preliminary and subject to change, with the US not offering unilateral benefits but rather facilitating peace and stability.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/iran-us-nuclear-deal-talks-khamenei-decision-trump-new-nuclear-deal-13901676.htmlUS President Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggests that NATO allies in Europe can increase defense spending, implying a similar expectation for Australia under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is set to discuss this with US counterparts in Washington as part of the 'Quad' talks, amid pressure to secure a tariff carve-out from the 50% steel and aluminium levy imposed by the US.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14859189/China-issues-urgent-warning-Anthony-Albanese-never-question.htmlXu, a Chinese diplomat, emphasizes the importance of international development cooperation to build peace foundations, particularly for countries affected by conflict. He notes that wealthy nations like the US and European countries are increasing defense spending while cutting aid budgets, which is counterproductive. Xu argues that supporting developing nations is in their interest as it reduces migration burdens and global instability. The World Bank predicts 435 million people will live on less than $3 a day in conflict-ridden countries by 2030.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/611633-invest-in-aid-to-build-peace-in-troubled-world-unThe interim administration under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has made significant diplomatic moves without parliamentary oversight, including strengthening ties with China and re-establishing maritime links with Pakistan, raising concerns about their long-term validity and legitimacy due to the lack of an electoral mandate.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/china-bangladesh-pakistan-axis-rattle/