All articles tagged with #diplomacy
Britain evacuated its ambassador and all embassy personnel from Iran, temporarily closing the Tehran mission and moving operations online due to security concerns as tensions with Iran rise and the U.S. weighs possible strikes; the move followed the U.S. evacuation from its Al Udeid base, the UK updated travel guidance, and ministers signaled continued sanctions pressure while keeping allied options open.
At a Nara summit, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung surprised attendees with a drum duet to K-pop hits (including BTS' Dynamite), shared on social media; Lee called it a little clumsy, but both framed the moment as a symbolic boost for closer bilateral cooperation and dialogue.
Direct contact between Iran and the United States has broken down as tensions rise, with Iranian officials saying Foreign Minister Araghchi and US envoy Steve Wittkof have suspended communications. The move complicates efforts to revive diplomacy over Tehran's nuclear program, as Tehran warns of retaliation against US bases and Washington faces regional pressure that undermines any thaw.
This Bulwark analysis argues that Iran’s current unrest is driven by economic collapse and that U.S. airstrikes would likely backfire, strengthening hardliners and worsening civilian suffering. A prudent response should prioritize diplomacy with allies, coordinated sanctions, information and influence campaigns, and intelligence to assess regime cohesion, with military options reserved as a last resort after thorough analysis and war-gaming toward a concrete end state.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney travels to Beijing for a three‑day state visit to reboot Canada–China ties, pursue new trade deals, and press for tariff relief on canola and other goods as U.S. policy shifts push Canada to diversify; talks with Li Qiang and Xi Jinping will weigh economic opportunities against security and human‑rights concerns, with no tariff agreement expected during the trip.
At a two-day summit in Nara, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrapped up with a symbolic drum jam, playing K-pop hits together and exchanging autographs on drumsticks—an upbeat moment meant to signal warmer bilateral ties. Beyond the show, they pursued concrete cooperation on DNA testing for victims of the 1942 Chosei coal mine disaster, scam-crime cooperation, and the launch of economic security talks, while keeping thornier issues like comfort women and territorial disputes off the agenda; they also visited the ancient Horyu-ji temple, underscoring a rhythm of engagement over confrontation.
Amid rising US-Iran tensions, Trump signals possible airstrikes while Washington orders Americans abroad to leave, signaling a shift toward tougher military options.
President Trump says Iran wants to negotiate after threatening strikes as protests across Iran potentially surpass 600 deaths raise the stakes; Tehran says it’s open to diplomacy but insists on mutual interests, while Washington weighs strong options including cyberattacks or direct strikes and imposes 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran amid a nationwide crackdown and internet outages.
Pope Leo XIV condemned the global 'zeal for war' and criticized the decline of diplomatic dialogue, calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty and human rights, while also addressing issues like abortion, euthanasia, and religious discrimination in a fiery speech at the Vatican.
President Trump has expressed strong interest in acquiring Greenland, considering options like paying residents or even military action, despite Greenland's and Denmark's opposition, with historical precedents and strategic interests in the Arctic fueling the controversy.
The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, and the EU have condemned Iran's use of violence and repression against peaceful protesters, calling for an end to lethal force and for Iran to respect human rights and allow peaceful assembly.
A group of 15 former U.S. officials warned the White House against using military force to take Greenland, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic cooperation with Denmark and NATO to address Arctic security concerns, amid recent threats by President Trump.
Greenlandic lawmakers have rejected US efforts, including financial incentives, to persuade Greenlanders to join the US, emphasizing their desire to maintain independence and cultural integrity, and criticizing Trump's approach as disrespectful and threatening to their way of life.
French President Macron criticizes the US for turning away from allies and reflects on France's failure to influence the Mercosur trade deal, highlighting broader concerns about global power dynamics and alliances.
Former CIA director William Burns criticizes imitating autocrats as an ineffective strategy, emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership and diplomacy.