Diplomacy coverage

South Korea will not supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, Yonhap reports, citing a senior official of the South Korean Foreign Ministry. The country remains committed to its policy, after Zelensky effectively called on Seoul to supply Kyiv with air defense systems.

Turkish Erdogan and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker held a joint news conference in Ankara, discussing bilateral cooperation in green energy, critical minerals, defense industry, transport and the Middle Corridor. Stocker praised Erdogan's personal efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and said Türkiye's voice carries weight in the Middle East.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson responded to Trump's recent comments in which he said he was 'low-keying it' and compared talks with Tehran to a chess game, saying Iranians 'have shown they are professional chess players.'

Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky reported a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, during which they discussed security issues and a 'Drone Deal' between the two countries. According to Zelensky, the crown prince also spoke about Saudi Arabia's agreements with Turkey and Pakistan.

Italy and Spain are sparring over Schengen border controls at Ceuta, a dispute that has exposed a deeper migration rift as domestic politics and rising far-right rivals harden both governments' positions.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that the newly signed trilateral defense deal between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan indicates a shift in regional security perceptions, while emphasizing Tehran sees no reason to be concerned given its religious and historical ties with the three signatories.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that fees should be charged for maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Iran-Oman negotiations on a new shipping route are continuing 'smoothly and constructively.' He said the talks would establish mechanisms to ensure safe shipping, address environmental issues and combat crimes in the waterway.

Moldova's Foreign Ministry is recalling its ambassador from Russia for consultations after a drone crashed and exploded on the republic's territory on August 9. Earlier, Russian Ozerov said Moldovan authorities blame Russia for all troubles, following EU directives, without providing evidence.

Mladenov, the Board of Peace's lead envoy for Gaza, says Israel will withdraw area by area once Hamas' weapons are verified as decommissioned and rendered unusable, calling Türkiye and Qatar's roles 'critical' to securing Hamas approval of the roadmap.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met visiting Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Doha on Sunday to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional developments, Qatar's Amiri Diwan said. The Omani leader's visit comes as both countries continue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, and as Oman and Iran reported being 'very close' to a deal on a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz.

European Aquatics chief Antonio Silva told TASS that Russia retains the right to host the 2028 European Aquatics Championships. He also said the federation is ready to admit Russian athletes with their flag and anthem if host countries grant permission.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is not holding direct talks with Washington and is only exchanging messages through mediators, who are 'still trying to find new ways to negotiate'.