Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted again regarding the debates over the tourist project in Zvërnec, bringing to attention a well-known tourist investment in Qatar.
In a post on social media, Rama emphasizes that the luxury island managed by the Anantara brand was developed by the Alkhayatt brothers, co-owners of the Power International Holding conglomerate, who are also involved as investors in the Zvërnec project.
The head of government has rejected criticism of the investment and has praised its potential for the development of tourism in Albania.
"This island is in Qatar and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Middle East, managed by the prestigious Anantara brand.
Do you know who developed it?
The two Alkhayatt brothers, precisely the co-owners of the Power Holding conglomerate, the buyers of private land and the co-investors of the Zvërnec project!
Now who would have thought that a company like Power Holding would come to Albania to ruin its reputation with the nonsense being said about the project, we have nothing to do with it. But the stupidity that has left this country behind the world for 100 years will not be able to hold European and Tourist Albania hostage.
"*Power International Holding is a Qatari conglomerate with more than 400 companies, organized in six main sectors of the economy, with a portfolio estimated at approximately $40 billion. It has more than 65,000 employees and operates in 25 countries around the world," Rama writes.
The EU in Kosovo has called on all political entities and their representatives in electoral bodies, on the eve of the early elections, to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and inclusive voting process.
In its response, the EU emphasized the importance of the functioning and establishment of Kosovo's institutions, as well as the continuation of the integration path towards the European Union.
"The vote must be peaceful, free, fair and inclusive," the EU call states, underlining that Kosovo's institutional consolidation and European integration are essential.
Otherwise, the Kosovo Police and the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor, through a joint press release, emphasized their commitment to protecting the constitutional order, legality and integrity of the electoral process in the Republic of Kosovo.
The announcement states that in recent weeks, law enforcement institutions have received and processed numerous pieces of information related to suspicions of external interference and illegal activities aimed at influencing the free will of citizens during the electoral process.
"Foreign interference in elections poses a serious threat to democracy, independence and the free will of citizens. As a result of investigative and operational actions, on May 19, 2026, seven people were arrested on suspicion of criminal offenses related to the violation of the free determination of voters and the exercise of political pressure in the municipality of Gracanica.
"Also, on June 4, 2026, in the same municipality, another person was arrested on suspicion of receiving and giving bribes in connection with voting," the announcement states.
Lake Shkodra has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an international recognition for one of Albania's greatest natural assets.
The news was announced by the Mayor of Shkodra, Benet Beci, who described this decision as a moment of pride for the city and for the communities living near the lake.
According to Beci, this new status for Lake Shkodra appreciates the extraordinary potential that the territory holds for tourism, the local economy, regional development and increased well-being.
" Good morning with great news for Shkodra and our Lake! Lake Shkodra has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an international recognition for one of the greatest natural assets we have. This is a moment of pride for Shkodra, for the communities living near the lake and for the extraordinary potential that this territory holds for tourism, the local economy, regional development and increased well-being. Lake Shkodra is not just a natural asset. It is identity, history and one of Shkodra's most precious assets ," writes Beci.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran.
Meanwhile, a response has come from Iran, attacking Israel and American military bases in the region.
Thus, although the war has entered its third month since its beginning – so far there are few signs of a major breakthrough that could stop the escalation.
And to find out what's happening there, the Telegraph will keep you informed, MINUTE BY MINUTE.
To find out WHAT HAPPENED UNTIL MAY 28, click HERE.
06/06/2026 12:56-Lebanese President Aoun: Israel can destroy our country, but they will not achieve their objectives
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stated that Israel can occupy and destroy all of Lebanese territory, but according to him, it will never achieve its strategic objective.
"They can occupy the whole country, they can raze the whole country, but they will never be able to achieve their objective," Aoun said... more.
06/06/2026 12:01-Iran accuses UN nuclear watchdog
Iran's deputy foreign minister has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of using its reports as "tools of political pressure" amid the ongoing war with the US.
Kazem Gharibabadi said the UN nuclear watchdog must change its approach to monitoring Iran's nuclear facilities if it wants to contribute to a diplomatic solution.
Iran's nuclear program remains a flashpoint in peace talks, as the US demands the country hand over its highly enriched uranium.
06/06/2026 11:01-Iranian footballers receive visas for the US, staff remain outside
The United States has approved visas for Iran's national soccer team players to participate in the World Cup, a White House official has said.
However, the visas were granted only 10 days before their first match in Los Angeles, and administrative officials have not received them, Iranian media report.
According to these reports, this has created logistical difficulties for the Iranian delegation, as the team can travel, but the support staff remains without entry permits to the US at this stage.
An Israeli attack has killed "several soldiers", including an officer, according to the Lebanese armed forces.
According to the army, the airstrike hit a military vehicle on the Khardali–Nabatieh road in southern Lebanon.
06/06/2026 08:58-US strikes Iranian radars after drone downing over Strait of Hormuz
The United States has carried out attacks on Iranian radars and military facilities after American forces shot down several Iranian drones that, according to American officials, posed a threat to commercial shipping and military forces in the Strait of Hormuz region.
According to US military sources, the drones were intercepted over the strategic waters of the Persian Gulf, while the US responded with attacks on targets considered linked to these air operations... more.
06/06/2026 07:54-Iran launches missiles at US bases, no casualties reported
Iran has fired ballistic missiles at US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain after the United States attacked two Iranian coastal radar stations.
There have been no reports of casualties so far. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), six of the seven missiles launched were intercepted, while the seventh did not reach its target... more.
05/06/2026 22:32-Khamenei's advisor: If the US continues the attacks, we will spread the war
A possible peace deal between the United States and Iran depends on the Trump administration agreeing to release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, a senior Iranian official told CNN, warning that the US would "enter a dark corridor" if fighting resumes.
"The negotiations are at a deadlock and US President Donald Trump must break this deadlock," Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, told CNN.
05/06/2026 22:31-World Cup, Iran players granted visas to enter the US
Iran's soccer players who will participate in the World Cup have been granted visas to enter the United States, a White House official has announced, just 10 days before their first match in Los Angeles amid a conflict between the two countries.
Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said late Thursday that the team had not yet received their US visas, but they were issued overnight.
05/06/2026 14:56-Iranian Navy fires warning shots at US destroyers
Iran's navy has fired warning shots at US destroyers, according to Iranian state media, which cited communications from the Iranian military.
According to them, a naval drone was launched "towards aggressive and disturbing American ships" that were sailing near the coast of Oman.
According to reports, the "hostile" ships then retreated towards the Indian Ocean.
05/06/2026 13:58-Iranian Foreign Minister speaks for the first time about the death of Ayatollah Khamenei
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of Iran's former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, revealing that he refused to go to a shelter during the US-Israeli attacks.
According to Araghchi, Khamenei had the opportunity to flee to a safe place, but did not do so because he did not want to act differently from ordinary Iranian citizens... more.
05/06/2026 12:55-The US military has the "highest strategic position" over the Middle East
The United States military has emphasized the increasingly important role of its space force in military operations in the Middle East, stating that this unit has the "highest strategic position" in the region.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the fighting during the conflict in Iran and the wider Middle East has been largely dominated by drones, ballistic missiles and naval warships... more.
05/06/2026 12:04-Trump: It would be an honor to meet the supreme leader of Iran
US President Donald Trump has stated that he would be open to meeting with Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if an agreement is reached between the two countries, stressing, however, that he is not "his favorite person."
During an interview, he was asked if he would accept a meeting with the Iranian leader... more.
05/06/2026 11:00-Israel says it has killed Hezbollah's engineering commander
The Israeli military has claimed to have killed a Hezbollah engineering commander.
"Last week, the IDF struck and eliminated terrorist Abed Harb," an army post on X said.
05/06/2026 09:58-Oil loading resumes at Oman terminal
According to Bloomberg News, citing traders familiar with the matter, operations have resumed after an explosion halted some loadings earlier today.
At 6:57 a.m., it was reported that oil loading had been suspended at the terminal after an explosion near its single-point mooring (SBM) berths, according to two people familiar with the matter, quoted by Reuters news agency.
The explosion occurred between SBM 1 and 2 positions, as a result of a suspected drone attack, the sources said.
05/06/2026 08:54-Israeli airstrike near a hospital in Lebanon injures 12 civilians
Israel has injured 12 civilians in southern Lebanon after an airstrike near Jabal Amel Hospital, which destroyed the Bank Audi building, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
The agency said several people suffered "moderate" and "light" injuries.
The injured were transported to nearby Jabal Amel Hospital.
05/06/2026 07:52-Khamenei: US and Israel are waging "hybrid war"
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has accused the US and Israel of waging a "hybrid war" against Iran after, according to him, they suffered a "humiliating defeat" on the battlefield.
In statements broadcast by state media Press TV, Khamenei said Iran's enemies are trying to exert pressure through other means and called on Iranians to maintain unity and vigilance to neutralize any plots against the country.
04/06/2026 23:52-Trump: Biden and Obama have pushed Iran towards nuclear weapons
US President Donald Trump has made a new statement regarding US policy towards Iran, accusing his two predecessors in the White House.
Trump said that "Joe Biden and Barack Obama inspired Iran to have a nuclear weapon," returning to his long-standing criticism of the agreements and the diplomatic approach of Democratic administrations towards Tehran.
04/06/2026 23:01-Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich: The idea of a Palestinian state must be extinguished
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has made strong statements regarding settlement policy in the West Bank, calling on Israeli citizens to move there to live.
"I say to the people of Israel: come live in the West Bank. There are many reasons to live in the West Bank," he declared... more.
04/06/2026 21:58-An Israeli army officer is killed in southern Lebanon
Detaching itself from developments in Washington, the Israeli military announced that an Israeli soldier was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon.
Eitan Shmuel Lemberg, 21, a lieutenant in the 75th Battalion, passed away in hospital earlier today.
The officer, originally from Mishmar HaShiv'a, near Tel Aviv, was posthumously promoted to the rank of captain. His family has been notified of his death.
He is the third Israeli soldier whose death in southern Lebanon has been confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) this week.
04/06/2026 21:05-Growing skepticism about the US-Iran deal
Traders at Polymarket are becoming increasingly skeptical.
They see no prospects for a comprehensive peace agreement between the US and Iran in the near future.
04/06/2026 19:58-EU to provide additional 100 million euros for the Lebanese army
The European Union will send 100 million euros in additional financial support to the Lebanese army as it operates under a fragile ceasefire, the bloc's foreign policy chief has said.
Kaja Kallas said the new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon offers "an opportunity" to stop full-scale fighting, but acknowledged that the continued fires show it is "fragile".
“The best way to reduce the threat posed by Hezbollah is to strengthen the Lebanese state, empower its institutions, and restore the monopoly on the use of force,” she wrote in X.
04/06/2026 18:59-Six ships "disabled" during blockade in the Strait of Hormuz
The US military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is continuing, with 127 commercial ships diverted since its inception.
Central Command (CENTCOM) added that six "non-compliant vessels" have been "disabled" and that 36 ships carrying humanitarian aid have been allowed to pass.
The US has imposed a blockade of the strait since April 13, following the failure of the initial round of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad.
04/06/2026 17:56-Israel must withdraw for ceasefire, IRGC warns
To achieve a ceasefire with Hezbollah, Israel must withdraw at least to the positions it held in Lebanon before the war with Iran began.
This is according to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, Esmail Qaani.
This statement comes as Israel is carrying out its deepest incursion into Lebanon since 2000, when it withdrew to the internationally recognized so-called "Blue Line" after a 22-year occupation.
04/06/2026 16:55-More than 3,500 killed in Israeli attacks, says Lebanese Health Ministry
According to the latest figures from Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, at least 3,526 people have been killed in Israeli attacks across Lebanon since March 2.
Also, another 10,733 people have been injured since that date.
The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
More than a million people have been displaced during the war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Iran's Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei made a surprise announcement of Iranian victory in the war with the US against Israel, stating that "the malicious enemy has been defeated in the confrontation with Iran's armed forces."
In a statement released by the Fars news agency on Thursday, Khamenei said: "I tell the beloved Iranian nation that the malicious enemy, having been defeated in its confrontation with your brave sons in the armed forces, is now experiencing a deep and meaningful humiliation, both on the military battlefield and in the public arena, and is now focused on deception," more here .
04/06/2026 14:25- Hezbollah rejects US ceasefire with Israel
Hezbollah has rejected the US-backed ceasefire with Israel.
In a statement, the group says it had "officially informed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun of the rejection of the agreement, insisting that any acceptable agreement must begin with a complete Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory," more here .
04/06/2026 14:24- Trump describes Middle East ceasefires as 'shootings in a more moderate way'
In an odd moment during the night, Donald Trump was asked how he would define a ceasefire while speaking to reporters.
"In that part of the world, a ceasefire is when you shoot in a more moderate way," he said, more here .
04/06/2026 12:25-Rising fuel costs weigh on Pentagon budget
The Pentagon is facing mounting financial pressure from a growing number of unexpected costs, with rising fuel costs among the most significant, a report from ABC News showed.
Defense Department data shows that the average fuel price paid by the military rose from $154.14 per barrel in October to $195.72 in April, marking a nearly 27 percent increase in six months.
04/06/2026 08:20-A ceasefire is reached between Israel and Lebanon - here's what they agreed on
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to “implement a ceasefire,” but it depends on “a complete cessation” of Hezbollah fire and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from southern Lebanon, according to a joint statement issued after the latest round of U.S.-brokered talks on Wednesday.
The agreement comes after the Israeli government threatened to escalate its actions in Lebanon - a move that threatens to derail US-Iran talks.
03/06/2026 23:53-US denies claims of attacks on military assets
The US military has denied reports that one of its destroyers was hit by Iranian attacks, describing them as untrue.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have carried out missile and drone attacks on a US destroyer in the Gulf of Oman, as well as on an air base and a civilian ship.
However, CENTCOM stated that no American assets were hit and that Iranian missiles failed to hit their targets, adding that American forces in the region are operating normally.
03/06/2026 23:01-Trump: I would like to meet the Iranian Ayatollah
US President Donald Trump has stated that he believes the US is maintaining a functional relationship with the Iranian leadership and that a possible meeting with the Ayatollah could occur in the future.
"The Ayatollah is involved; they have a lot of respect for him. It seems like we're getting along quite well with the Ayatollah. I would like to meet him. I will most likely meet him at some point," he said, without giving details about the timing or circumstances of such a meeting.
03/06/2026 22:01-Israel continues attacks on Lebanon
Israel has continued its attacks against Hezbollah today, while the ceasefire continues to fail to curb the fighting.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a post on Telegram, announced that they had struck a "Hezbollah weapons depot" in southern Lebanon overnight.
Using "six tons of explosives," the IDF said it destroyed the facility, claiming that the weapons stored there were going to be used to attack Israeli citizens.
In a separate operation, also in southern Lebanon, the IDF announced that it had struck another weapons depot.
03/06/2026 21:03-Netanyahu admits "tactical disagreements" with Trump on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that there are "tactical disagreements" with US President Donald Trump, although he said the two leaders share the same position on key issues related to Iran.
Speaking to the American media, Netanyahu also referred to reports of a recent phone call with Trump, who told the New York Post that he had called him "crazy." However, Netanyahu stressed that the cooperation between them remains close... more.
03/06/2026 20:06-US naval blockade of Iran diverts 125 ships, 6 more "deactivated"
The US naval blockade of Iran has diverted 125 ships, CENTCOM announced in an update this afternoon.
He added that, to date, his forces have "deactivated" six more ships in an effort to "ensure compliance."
The US naval blockade of Iran is an attempt to confine the country and damage its oil industry – and therefore the economy – while keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed.
Tehran has repeatedly stated that it considers the blockade a violation of the ceasefire.
03/06/2026 18:55-Trump: If it weren't for me, Israel wouldn't exist
US President Donald Trump rejected claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had manipulated him into starting a war against Iran, stressing that the decision was exclusively his.
Speaking on the show "Pod Force One," he said he had not been under the influence of the Israeli leader... more.
03/06/2026 17:59-Kuwait expels Iranian diplomats
Kuwait has expelled two Iranian diplomats after more than 60 people were injured in suspected Iranian attacks on the country.
As we reported in our 12:15 PM post, authorities in the country said an Iranian drone and missile attack hit several facilities, including the international airport.
Bahrain's military also said it had been targeted, as tensions in the region rise.
03/06/2026 16:55-Hezbollah fires rockets at Israeli soldiers
Hezbollah has confirmed that it fired rockets at Israeli soldiers operating in northern Israel.
Earlier, the Israeli military said two rockets were fired from Lebanon by the Iran-backed group.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), they targeted the border community of Misgav Am and were intercepted by air defense systems.
The IDF added that no injuries were reported from the attack.
03/06/2026 15:21- At least 63 injured in Iranian attack on Kuwait
According to Kuwaiti authorities and state media, an Iranian drone and missile attack has targeted sites such as the international airport.
Kuwait's Foreign Ministry said "diplomatic missions" were also damaged, without providing further information, more here .
03/06/2026 15:19- Iran "has already agreed that it will not have nuclear weapons," Trump says
Donald Trump has spoken out about Iran in a podcast as hopes for a peace deal dwindle.
The US president told the podcast that Iran "has already agreed that it will not have nuclear weapons," more here .
03/06/2026 13:54- Iran condemns US attacks and accuses Kuwait and Bahrain of direct responsibility
Iran condemned the latest US military strikes on its territory and accused neighboring countries of allowing the US to use their territory to carry out attacks.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemns the colonial-style use by the United States of the territory and facilities of regional countries to advance aggressive schemes against Iran, and emphasizes the direct and clear responsibility of the rulers of Kuwait and Bahrain regarding last night's aggressive actions," Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, more here .
03/06/2026 13:52- Attackers at UAE nuclear plant "knew exactly what they were doing," says IAEA chief
The attackers at the United Arab Emirates nuclear plant "knew exactly what they were doing," Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Tuesday.
Speaking at a media conference in Abu Dhabi, Grossi said his observation after a visit to the site of the Barakah nuclear plant, which was attacked by a drone last month, was that it was "a very carefully targeted operation," much like here .
03/06/2026 10:29- Iranian drone attack causes severe damage at Kuwait airport, as US and Iran trade strikes
Kuwait said on Wednesday it had suspended commercial flights after an Iranian drone attack severely damaged the country's airport and caused injuries, as Iran and the United States exchanged missile strikes in the latest escalation of hostilities between the two sides.
Kuwaiti Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said that "a number of hostile drones" had targeted the passenger building of Kuwait International Airport, severely damaging the building and injuring "a number of individuals," more here .
03/06/2026 10:27- Iranian and Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministers Talk Diplomacy to End Regional Conflict
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, spoke by phone to discuss the latest diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East, according to the state news agency IRNA.
The pair exchanged views on regional developments and ongoing efforts to achieve stability while reducing tensions, Iran's foreign ministry said, more here .
03/06/2026 08:25-US military says it has "defeated" Iranian missile and drone attacks in the Persian Gulf
The US military said on Tuesday it had "successfully defeated" a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks in the Persian Gulf and carried out self-defensive strikes on Iran's Qeshm island.
US Central Command also denied claims by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that they had struck the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and a separate air base in the region.
"Iran launched several ballistic missiles towards regional neighbors; however, all failed to hit their intended targets," CENTCOM said in a statement, foreign media reported, according to Telegraph.
"Two Iranian missiles launched at Kuwait were 'broken' en route, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by US and Bahraini air defense forces."
Kuwait's military said its air defenses were intercepting "hostile" missile and drone attacks.
02/06/2026 23:49-Americans are pushing Oman to sever all diplomatic ties with Iran
The US administration is pressuring Oman to abandon its traditional policy of neutrality and sever diplomatic relations with Iran, warning of the possibility of imposing sanctions, American and Arab sources told The Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, Washington increasingly sees Muscat's stance toward Tehran as incompatible with American interests. American officials suspect that Oman is taking a stance too close to Iran at a time of high tensions in the region... more.
02/06/2026 22:50-US Treasury sanctions Iranian cryptocurrency company
The US has imposed new sanctions on four Iranian nationals and four financial services based in the country.
The four entities – Nobitex, Bitpin, Ramzinex and Wallex – all use cryptocurrencies to digitally exchange assets, the US Treasury website says.
Foreign financial institutions and individuals that engage in certain transactions with these companies also could face sanctions, the department said.
Sanctions have become a key point of contention in ongoing peace talks between the US and Iran.
02/06/2026 21:58-Trump rejects "false" reports of US-Iran talks breaking down
Donald Trump has denied claims that the US and Iran are no longer holding peace talks, saying the two countries have been in communication "constantly", including today.
Reports that the talks had stopped a few days ago are "false and inaccurate," the US president wrote on Truth Social.
02/06/2026 20:40-Rubio: Iran may discuss nuclear program for the first time in the coming days
Marco Rubio has given an update on peace talks between the US and Iran, which appear to have slowed in recent days after exchanges of attacks between the two countries.
He said that talks with Iran, compared to other countries, are "very different," as they take place through intermediaries... more.
02/06/2026 19:57-Israeli opposition: Netanyahu is allowing the US to shape our military policy
The Israeli opposition has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of giving the United States excessive influence over Israel's military decision-making.
The criticism comes at a time when intense debates are taking place about the strategic relationship between the two allies and Israel's dependence on American military aid... more.
02/06/2026 18:56-Hakan Fidan: US and Iran sincere, doubts about Israel's intentions
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the US and Iran are sincere in talks for a ceasefire and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that he is not sure about Israel's intentions, questioning its interest in stability in the region.
02/06/2026 18:01-Former Israeli intelligence chief: Erdogan convinced Trump to stop US-Israeli plan against Iran
Former Israeli military intelligence chief Tamir Hayman has stated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has managed to convince US President Donald Trump to cancel a planned Kurdish-led operation, which he said would serve as the first step of a broader US-Israeli strategy against Iran.
According to Hayman, the plan involved using Kurdish armed groups to launch a ground operation on Iranian territory, which would then be part of a chain of broader operations coordinated between Washington and Tel Aviv... more.
02/06/2026 17:05-US-Iran talks suspended, no exchange of messages
An informed source says that Iran and the US are currently not exchanging messages, and that talks aimed at reaching an initial understanding have been suspended for several days.
This contradicts Trump's recent statement that negotiations are moving quickly.
The source added that Iran's latest message to Washington was about Lebanon.
02/06/2026 15:23- Germany urges Israel to show restraint in Lebanon as tensions rise
The German Chancellor has urged Israel to show restraint in its campaign in southern Lebanon.
Friedrich Merz said his country viewed the latest escalation in the south with great concern and called on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia to lay down its arms, more here .
02/06/2026 15:17- Iran seeks immediate access to $12 billion in frozen funds once deal with US is signed
Iran is demanding the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen funds once an interim agreement with the United States is signed, the Fars news agency reported, citing a member of the media team accompanying Iran's delegation to Qatar last week.
"Negotiations have progressed in such a way that if Iran feels any disruption in access to the frozen assets, we will be able to withdraw from the agreement. In other words, the structure of access to this $12 billion should serve as a guarantee for the implementation of the agreement," journalist Saeed Ajorlu was quoted as saying, describing discussions between Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Qatari officials, more here .
02/06/2026 15:15- Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire despite Trump announcing a major deal
Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire on Tuesday, just hours after US President Donald Trump said the two sides had agreed to a ceasefire.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had withdrawn troops after a request not to carry out a planned raid on Beirut, more here .
02/06/2026 12:42- If the US resumes the war, everything will be different - IRGC warns
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that Tehran is prepared for "all possible scenarios," according to Iran's state news agency Fars.
This is just the latest in a series of threats and claims made by both sides as talks for an elusive peace deal continue, more here .
02/06/2026 12:39- Kazakhstan open to hosting Iran's uranium reserves if nuclear deal reached
Kazakhstan has said it is willing to preserve Iran's nearly weapons-grade uranium reserves, in a possible solution to one of the main obstacles in ongoing US-Iran peace deal negotiations.
The proposal comes as the US and Iran have continued to exchange fire, with Tehran saying it has halted mediated communication with Washington, further straining the already fragile talks, more here .
02/06/2026 10:01- Why did Trump's phone call with Netanyahu about Lebanon get 'heated'?
Donald Trump's phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday became quite heated, as the US president pressured the Israeli leader to scale back plans for military operations in Lebanon, according to two people familiar with the conversation.
Trump at several points used foul language to express his disapproval of the planned offensive, which threatened to derail his efforts to broker a preliminary agreement with Iran, more here .
02/06/2026 09:22-Iran is considering the US proposal, but has not yet responded, state media report
Iran has yet to respond to a proposed final agreement with the US, aimed at ending the conflict.
Thus, as reported by world media, according to the Telegraph, a source close to the Iranian negotiating team told the state news agency Mehr.
The source added that discussions are taking place in Tehran on the final text of the agreement.
They added that Iran was considering the proposal carefully, reiterating views about the country's distrust of the American side.
"Based on previous experiences, Iran is looking for tangible and real benefits," the source was quoted as saying.
This comes as tensions in the Middle East continue, including between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu over the situation in Lebanon.
As previously reported, the US president is losing patience with the Israeli prime minister, with a view to compromising peace talks with Iran. /Telegraph/
01/06/2026 22:32- Trump says peace talks "are continuing," contradicting Iranian state media claims
President Donald Trump said Monday that talks are continuing with Iran, despite Iranian state media claiming earlier in the day that Tehran had suspended talks over Israel's attacks on Lebanon.
"Negotiations are continuing, at a rapid pace, with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump said on Social Truth, more here .
01/06/2026 22:31- Trump says no Israeli troops will go to Beirut after phone call with Netanyahu
President Donald Trump said Monday he concluded a "very productive call" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose expanding operation in Lebanon is threatening to derail ongoing peace talks with Iran.
"There will be no troops going to Beirut, and any troops that are on their way have already turned back," Trump wrote on Truth Social, more here .
01/06/2026 22:29- Trump says he "doesn't care at all" if talks with Iran are over, as Iran blames US for Israeli attacks
Donald Trump has said in an interview with CNBC that he "doesn't care at all" whether negotiations with Iran are over.
The US president also said he is not worried about oil prices if Iran completely blocks the Strait of Hormuz, as he has threatened, more here .
01/06/2026 22:28- Trump says he hasn't heard from Iran about suspending peace talks
Donald Trump has told NBC that he has not heard from Iran about reports that they are suspending peace talks.
"It's an appropriate thing to say, because they are better negotiators than fighters," he said in a brief phone call with NBC News.
"That doesn't mean we're going to go and start dropping bombs everywhere there," Trump added, more here .
01/06/2026 19:14- Iran threatens to attack northern Israel and issues evacuation warning
Iran has threatened to attack northern Israel if Beirut is hit by Israeli attacks.
Iran's central military command has warned residents in the area to leave, to avoid harm in case Israel carries out its planned attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut, more here .
01/06/2026 19:04- Israeli Prime Minister Orders Strikes on Beirut Suburbs as Conflict with Hezbollah Escalates
Israel's prime minister has ordered strikes on the southern outskirts of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, as its conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group escalates.
Benjamin Netanyahu said "terrorist targets" in Hezbollah's stronghold of Dahieh would be hit in response to its rocket and drone attacks on Israeli civilians and other violations of a ceasefire announced in April that has failed to end the fighting, more here .
01/06/2026 19:02- Iran is threatening another important strait, here's why it matters
Iran and its allies are considering "activating other fronts," including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in response to Israel's attacks on Lebanon, Iranian media reported on Monday.
The closure of the strategic waterway could significantly disrupt global trade and further shake up oil markets. Oil prices rose sharply following the news, more here .
01/06/2026 05:26- At least 3,433 killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March 2, says Health Ministry
At least 3,433 people have been killed and 10,395 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March 2, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said in an update today.
Of this total, at least 21 were killed in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health, more here .
01/06/2026 05:25- A ship is hit by an "unknown" projectile in the North Gulf, says maritime monitor
A cargo ship traveling through the northern Persian Gulf has been hit by an unknown projectile, according to a British military-run maritime security organization.
The incident occurred about 40 miles southeast of the port of Umm Qasr in Iraq, said the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO), which monitors incidents worldwide, more here .
01/06/2026 15:45-Iran suspends peace negotiations with US after escalation in Lebanon
Iran's negotiating team is halting the exchange of messages with the US through intermediaries due to Israel's attacks on Lebanon, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
The news agency reported that Iran's negotiating team will stop "talks and exchanging messages through intermediaries."
01/06/2026 14:15-US unveils plan to reduce tensions between Israel and Hezbollah
Benjamin Netanyahu's order for attacks on Beirut reflects the deterioration of the US-led diplomatic path in recent days, a Lebanese source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The escalating offensive appears to have prompted the US to intervene, with Marco Rubio speaking today to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposing a plan for "gradual de-escalation".
01/06/2026 12:34-US says it has hit Iranian radar sites - Kuwait reports missile and drone attacks
The US said it had struck Iranian military sites over the weekend, while Tehran said it had responded by targeting a US base, marking the third known escalation in a week around the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command (Centcom) said it had launched "self-defensive strikes" in response to "aggressive Iranian actions", which it said included the downing of a US drone over international waters.
On the other hand, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted an air base used by US forces for an attack on southern Iran.
Meanwhile, Kuwait said its air defense system had confronted "hostile" missiles and drones - with its foreign ministry later condemning the "heinous and repeated Iranian attacks".
01/06/2026 09:03-Iranian attacks damaged 20 US military bases since the start of the war, satellite images show
Iran has damaged 20 US military bases since the start of the war, satellite images and videos analysed by BBC Verify show, suggesting the attacks are more widespread than publicly acknowledged.
Iran has targeted key facilities in eight countries in the Middle East since late February, causing millions of dollars in damage to state-of-the-art air defense systems, aircraft refueling and radars, the BBC reported, citing the Telegraph.
01/06/2026 08:23-US and Iran resume airstrikes near the Strait of Hormuz
Airstrikes between the US and Iran resumed over the weekend, after each side claimed to have struck military targets near the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command (Centcom) said it carried out "self-defensive strikes on Iranian radar and drone command and control sites in Goruk, Iran, and Qeshm Island this weekend."
31/05/2026 10:00- President Pezeshkian resigns, says Revolutionary Guard controls country
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sent a letter to the office of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei submitting his resignation, London-based anti-regime media outlet Iran International reported on Sunday.
An anonymous official told Iran International that the letter highlighted the fact that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had effectively taken over large parts of the government, and that the president and other senior officials had been excluded from vital decision-making, more here .
31/05/2026 06:39- Iran's reopened underground missile sites show limits of US bombing plan
Iran is poised to fire many more long-range missiles at Israel and other Middle Eastern countries after rapidly bringing out its buried arsenals - an effort that highlights the limitations of the US bombing strategy, experts said.
For weeks, attacks by the United States and Israel restricted Iran's access to its underground missile sites by destroying roads and burying tunnel entrances, more here .
31/05/2026 09:58- Trump says Iran deal is "on the brink" despite new demands
Trump says a deal with Iran is on the horizon, something he has been saying for weeks.
Now, according to US media reports, he is demanding tougher conditions for his envoys to bring them back to the negotiating table, more here .
31/05/2026 06:34- Trump reversed the text of the Iran deal with changes
President Donald Trump reversed his proposed change to the Iran deal after a meeting with advisers on Friday, officials said, extending negotiations for another week.
The exact changes Trump sought were not immediately clear, but officials said the president has insisted on tougher language about Iran's nuclear commitments and his promise to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, more here .
31/05/2026 12:54-US seizes another ship that attempted to break Iran blockade
The US military stopped a merchant ship that was trying to break the blockade on Iran by firing a missile into its engine room, the US Central Command has announced.
The Gambian-flagged Lian Star ship ignored more than 20 warnings from US forces as it attempted to enter an Iranian port, the military said.
30/05/2026 04:23-Where do the negotiations between the US and Iran stand - including the nuclear deterrent
Talks between the United States and Iran on a possible deal have recently moved closer, but a final understanding has not yet been reached, according to statements from the parties and diplomatic sources.
US President Donald Trump has stated that he is consulting with security officials to make a "final decision" on the current offer on the table, signaling that negotiations have entered a crucial phase... more.
30/05/2026 03:46-Hegseth: Iran is approaching our position in negotiations
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has stated that he is "quite confident" that US President Donald Trump will reach a deal with Iran.
Speaking in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defense summit, he reiterated a stance he had expressed earlier when asked what the US expects from Iran to advance toward peace.. more.
30/05/2026 03:15-The Emirates was the third participant in the aggression against Iran, carried out dozens of attacks
New information and recently published analyses suggest that the United Arab Emirates has not only been a logistical supporter of American-Israeli operations against Iran, but has also directly participated in military attacks, becoming a kind of "third party" in the conflict.
According to military sources and analyses cited by the media, Emirati fighter jets are suspected of having carried out dozens of missions against Iranian targets in recent months... more.
30/05/2026 02:57-The heir to the former throne of Iran has arrived in Odessa
Reza Pahlavi – the head of the Pahlavi dynasty and son of the last Shah of Iran – is visiting Ukraine to attend the Black Sea Security Forum .
The visit was announced by Ukrainian MP Oleksii Honcharenko.
30/05/2026 01:57-Threat from the Strait of Hormuz remains 'CRITICAL'
Strait of Hormuz remains at 'CRITICAL' threat level – as authorities warn of 'devastating fire'
The risk level in the Strait of Hormuz remains "CRITICAL", according to a maritime safety authority.
The UKMTO (United Kingdom Merchant Marine Operations Centre), in an advisory, warned “A military blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, restricting all traffic in and out of these ports. Vessels assisting vessels breaching the blockade by conducting ship-to-ship transfers with them are also in breach of the blockade. Enforcement measures include disabling and destructive fire on vessels that do not show immediate compliance with the forces enforcing the blockade.”
30/05/2026 00:53-Israel will carry out new attacks in Lebanon
Israel has announced new attacks in Lebanon this morning.
Israel Defense Forces spokesman Avichay Adraee has called on residents in five towns and villages to evacuate.
29/05/2026 23:59-Trump withdrew a few hours ago for the "final decision", the White House remains silent
Last night, Donald Trump announced that he was holding a meeting with national security officials to make a "final decision" regarding war in Iran.
Here's what he said in a post on social media:
"I'm meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final decision."
However, several hours later, there is still no signal as to whether or not he has made a decision.
29/05/2026 23:13-Iranian missile attack on air base in Kuwait
An Iranian ballistic missile attack on an air base in Kuwait on May 30 injured several Americans and severely damaged two MQ-9 Reaper drones, despite Kuwaiti air defenses intercepting the missile.
Debris falling from the intercepted Fateh-110 missile hit Ali Al Salem air base, causing minor injuries to about five US personnel and contractors.
One Reaper drone was destroyed and another was severely damaged.
29/05/2026 22:09-Bessent on Iran: US has seized about $1 billion in cryptocurrencies
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that the United States has seized about $1 billion in cryptocurrencies belonging to Iran, saying the funds were "simply taken from digital wallets".
“We have seized about a billion dollars of Iranian crypto — we just took the wallets,” Bessent said.
He added that some of the owners of these accounts may not yet be aware of this action, suggesting that they may still be using their devices without knowing that their funds have been blocked or taken.
29/05/2026 21:09-Southern Lebanon is burning from fighting - Israeli army in a new offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a surprise visit to the Lebanese border, confirmed that Israeli troops had advanced and crossed north of the Litani River, south of the city of Nabatieh. The move marks a significant escalation and expansion of the Israeli ground offensive.
Over the past week, Israeli forces have been exerting heavy pressure in eastern Lebanon, supported by hundreds of airstrikes, artillery bombardments, and drones, with the aim of taking control of strategic positions south of Nabatieh... more.
29/05/2026 17:52-Trump: I am making the final decision on Iran now
Donald Trump has reiterated his demands for Iran and said he is making a final decision in the Situation Room.
Here the president meets with national security officials to discuss covert operations and sensitive government matters.
29/05/2026 15:57-Former Pentagon official: Israel is obstructing the US-Iran peace process
A former Pentagon official has stated that Israeli attacks in Lebanon are constituting the main obstacle in efforts to reach a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, despite both sides' declared interest in dialogue.
Alia Awadallah, a former Pentagon defense official, said in an interview with Sky News that there is a "major obstacle" in the US-Iran negotiations, but it is not directly related to either country... more.
29/05/2026 15:23-Draft peace deal with Iran includes $300 billion investment fund
One of the newest and most unexpected elements of the draft peace deal with Iran is a proposed investment fund for Iran – worth an estimated $300 billion.
Iran initially presented this as compensation for war damages (which it estimates at between $300 billion and $1 trillion). On the American side, this is being rebranded as an “international investment fund” that the US would help facilitate – a softer formulation that avoids the use of the word “reparations.”
The idea, according to reports, originated from Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have proposed promoting real estate projects in Tehran and creating a broader investment instrument as part of the deal's concessions.
29/05/2026 15:06-Words don't bring us concessions, missiles do - Iran's chief negotiator
The speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the head of the country's negotiating team, made a brief statement on social media, highlighting several key points.
He said that Iran gains concessions "not through dialogue, but through missiles," while in negotiations "these positions are only explained."
According to him, Iran does not trust "words", but only "behavior", adding that "no action will be taken before the other side acts first".
He also stated that "the winner of any agreement is the one who is best prepared for war the next day."
29/05/2026 14:09-UNICEF: 77 children killed or injured in Lebanon in one week
In the last week, 77 children have been killed or injured in Lebanon, the UN agency said.
UNICEF spokesman Robert Pires described this toll as "shocking".
Since the ceasefire began in April, 55 children have been killed and 212 injured, UNICEF added.
29/05/2026 12:53-Iran does not plan to transfer enriched uranium abroad
Iran does not plan to transfer its enriched uranium reserves abroad, senior Iranian official Ebrahim Azizi said, the state-run Mizan news agency reported.
Azizi, who heads the National Security Committee in the Iranian Parliament, said on Friday that Tehran "has no intention of transferring its enriched uranium to a third country."
29/05/2026 11:58-Smoke rises in Lebanon
Some of the latest photos from the Middle East.
Israel announced that it will carry out more attacks in Lebanon.
Smoke was seen rising from parts of southern Lebanon, observed from the city of Nabatieh this morning.
Fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia is supposed to be limited by an extension of the ceasefire, but it continues nonetheless, with the people of Lebanon caught in the middle of the conflict.
29/05/2026 11:08-Oil prices fall in international markets
There have been some moments of hope for a US-Iran deal in recent weeks, but if oil markets are any indication, the latest announcement is the most promising.
After US Vice President JD Vance said that a longer-term peace deal was "close" but "not ready yet", oil prices fell to a six-week low.
A barrel of Brent crude, the benchmark, now costs $92.37, near its lowest level since the outbreak of the war.
Before the US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February, a barrel of Brent cost $72.
29/05/2026 09:57-Iranian President Pezeshkian: I repeat, Iran does not want to build nuclear weapons
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that Iran does not want to build nuclear weapons, while directly blaming Israel for regional instability and continued conflicts.
In comments broadcast by the state-run ISNA news agency, Pezeshkian also touched on the intensive negotiations underway with the United States (US), saying that Tehran enters diplomatic processes "with its head held high"... more.
29/05/2026 09:01-Iran thanks Pakistan for mediation efforts
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts, following a conversation with the country's government.
His statements come after Pakistan's foreign minister traveled to Washington today.
Ishaq Dar is expected to hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while the Pakistani prime minister has spoken with Pezeshkian – in an apparent effort to continue pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the war.
29/05/2026 08:31-Pakistan's Minister arrives in Washington
Pakistan's foreign minister has arrived in Washington in the last few hours to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio .
Islamabad has largely led mediation efforts between the US and Iran during the war.
Ishaq Dar had a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump over the weekend and said that this conversation constitutes an "important step towards regional peace."
"The achievements of these negotiations give reason for optimism that a positive and sustainable outcome is within reach," he added, emphasizing that the results of these negotiations give reason for optimism that a positive and sustainable solution is achievable.
29/05/2026 08:02-JD Vance: Iran is negotiating in good faith
US Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States believes that Iran is conducting negotiations in "good faith", while emphasizing that progress has been achieved in the talks between the parties.
"We believe they are negotiating, at least so far, in good faith and we are making progress," Vance said.
He added that he hopes that progress in the negotiations will continue in the coming days, hinting that the US president may support an eventual agreement.
"The president will be in a position where he can approve the agreement, but of course that still remains to be decided," he stated.
29/05/2026 07:50-Iran captures US drone, state media reports
Iran has captured a US drone near Bushehr, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reports, citing a military source.
Earlier, Iranian media reported that Iranian forces launched a missile after hearing explosions coming from the coastal area – see post below.
According to Tasnim, the governor of Jam district in Bushehr province also confirmed that an "enemy plane" had been destroyed and that the country was remaining in a "normal state."
29/05/2026 07:30-Senior American official threatens Oman over the Strait of Hormuz
The US Treasury Secretary has toughened the US stance towards Oman, following reports that it may join Iran in establishing a charging system in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The United States government will not tolerate any attempt to impose a charging system in the Strait of Hormuz,” Scott Bessent wrote on the X platform.
“Oman, in particular, should know that the US Treasury Department will aggressively target any actor involved… in easing tariffs on the Strait, and any willing partner will be punished,” he declared.
The Vatican has become a popular destination for officials from the US state of Illinois since Robert Prevost ascended to the papal throne last year, becoming known as Pope Leo XIV.
Numerous visits by American officials have brought symbolic gifts, and this time Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs presented the Pope with an unusual offering: a certificate for the return of his personal $8.65.
Various officials, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, have brought symbolic gifts from the city and state, such as "Da Pope" beer, local foods and sports equipment from Chicago teams, writes CNN .
462K views · 9.9K reactions | Pope Leo got an unexpected earthly windfall: $8.65 that he left in an old Paypal account in the US The proceeds of the papal Paypal were presented by an official from Illinois. | ABC News www.facebook.com
Frerichs explained that the money was in the Illinois state unclaimed property fund, having remained in a closed PayPal account and not been withdrawn by the owner.
He said that initially an attempt was made to return the money through official church channels, but without success, so it was decided to deliver it to him personally during a visit to the Vatican.
Frerichs also presented the pope with an Abraham Lincoln commemorative coin and a book on the history of Chicago, while his wife brought prayer beads for a blessing.
This case became symbolic and was also used to raise awareness for Illinois' "Unclaimed Property" program, which has returned billions of dollars to citizens since 2015. /Telegraph/
A deepening divide between the United States and Europe over the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina has become apparent after a dispute over a top international post, leading to a threat from Washington to review its role in international peacekeeping missions in the country.
The US Embassy in Sarajevo issued the warning after European countries refused to support the preferred American candidate for the post of international High Representative.
During a meeting of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC), which oversees the implementation of the 1995 Dayton Agreement, the US supported Italian diplomat Antonio Zanardi Landi, while Britain, France, Germany and most European countries lined up behind the French envoy for the Western Balkans, René Troccaz.
In a response to Platform X, the US Embassy in Sarajevo said the US was disappointed by the lack of European consensus and the PIC's failure to elect a new successor. It warned that these divisions were forcing Washington to reconsider its engagement in current international structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, theguardian writes.
Although the US no longer has a large military presence in Bosnia, it continues to have influence through the PIC and bilateral relations, while a small European Union peacekeeping mission operates on the ground.
The PIC is expected to attempt again to reach a consensus on the appointment of the High Representative later this month, with the possibility of compromise candidates emerging.
Some European officials have suggested that a possible US withdrawal from its role would change the balance in the region, especially in a sensitive and polarized political climate in Bosnia. In this context, doubts have also been raised about the motives of the US administration, including recent developments around the lifting of sanctions against Milorad Dodik after lobbying in Washington.
The US has also put pressure on the outgoing High Representative, Christian Schmidt, following his punitive measures against Dodik for violating the Dayton Agreement.
At the same time, reports have also highlighted the growth of business interests linked to the circle of US President Donald Trump in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Donald Trump Jr.'s visit to Banja Luka as a guest of Milorad Dodik's family.
According to reports from the PIC meeting in Sarajevo, the US has been more determined in supporting Landi's candidacy than Italy itself, further deepening divisions with European partners. /Telegraph/
Europe is waiting for a clear answer from Belgrade regarding its strategic orientation, while the messages from Brussels and Berlin are becoming increasingly direct.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić not to try to maintain a balanced policy between Russia, China and the European Union.
According to Merz, such an approach is no longer sustainable in the current geopolitical context, where international tensions and political divisions have deepened. He stressed that countries aiming for membership in the European Union must be clear in their orientation and align themselves with EU policies and values.
"Europe cannot be just one option among many others. If Serbia sees its future in the European Union, then it must clearly demonstrate that it is ready to follow this path unequivocally," said Merz, underlining that the policy of "balancing" between the great powers is being viewed with less and less understanding in Brussels.
He added that the door to the European Union remains open for Serbia, but that this door is not automatic and requires clear political decisions, internal reforms and harmonization with the union's foreign policy.
On the other hand, after the summit where EU enlargement and relations with the Western Balkans were discussed, the Serbian president stated that he had held important and constructive talks with European leaders.
He stressed that Serbia remains committed to the European integration process, but at the same time will continue to protect its national interests and its foreign policy.
This debate reflects the growing pressure on Serbia to more clearly define its position in relation to the EU, especially at a time when the European Union is demanding more political unity and strategic security from candidate countries. /Telegraph/
Scientists have used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a new vaccine that could protect against a wide range of viruses and potentially help prevent future pandemics.
A team of experts from the University of Cambridge has confirmed that this is the first time in history that a key component of a vaccine has been designed entirely with the help of AI and then successfully tested in humans.
The new vaccine is designed to target all coronaviruses, including not only existing variants of COVID-19, but also viruses circulating in animals that could in the future jump to humans, potentially causing a new global crisis.
Traditional vaccines are usually developed based on the current active strain of the virus. However, as viruses constantly mutate and change their structure, vaccines often lose effectiveness and need to be updated regularly.
This time, Cambridge scientists have taken a completely different approach. They have collected the genetic codes of a large number of coronaviruses from global databases used to monitor viral threats.
Artificial intelligence then analyzed this data and identified the common and unchanging parts that exist between all these viruses, writes the BBC .
Then, artificial intelligence designed an artificial "super-antigen," a key component of the vaccine that teaches the immune system what to recognize and attack.
This super-antigen trains the body to identify and fight any virus from that family, even if it mutates or if a completely new infection emerges that jumps from animals to humans.
"We are always one step behind viruses. What we are trying to do is stay ahead of them, and so far ahead that we can protect ourselves from completely new epidemics or pandemics. This represents a fundamental change in the way we prepare for health crises," Professor Jonathan Heeney from the University of Cambridge told the BBC.
The first phase of clinical trials has been conducted on 39 people, with the main goal of verifying the safety of this technology. The results published in the prestigious Journal of Infection show that the vaccine is safe, while the initial impact on the immune system has been assessed as “moderate”. However, the scientific community remains optimistic about further developments.
A second study is currently underway with around 200 participants, which is expected to provide more accurate data on the strength and quality of the immune response.
Although some independent experts, including Professor Andy Pollard from Oxford, urge caution until larger studies in humans are completed (noting that the human immune system is much more complex than that of laboratory models), there is a general consensus that artificial intelligence represents a turning point that could significantly accelerate drug development and contribute to saving millions of lives. /Telegraph
The Administrative Court has rejected the request of the Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution Office, Blerim Isufaj, for the imposition of a security measure aimed at suspending the competition for the position of Chief State Prosecutor until the end of the administrative conflict initiated against the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPK).
"The Administrative Court-General Department, with decision AP.nr.90/2026 dated 05.06.2026, has rejected as unfounded the request of the plaintiff BI, which requested the assignment of a security measure to postpone the execution of the decision of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council KPK.nr.268/2026 dated 18.05.2026 on the announcement of the public competition for the position of Chief State Prosecutor, until the final settlement of the administrative conflict," the announcement states.
The court assessed that the plaintiff had failed to prove the existence of a risk of causing serious and irreparable damage, as a condition for the imposition of a security measure. It was also found that the contested decision concerns the opening of a public competition procedure and does not constitute a final decision for the selection or appointment of any candidate.
"The decision-making also took into account the public interest related to the regular and effective functioning of the prosecutorial system, assessing that the suspension of the competition procedure at this stage is not reasonable. Against this decision, the dissatisfied parties have the right to appeal within 7 (seven) days from the date of its receipt, to the Court of Appeal of Kosovo," the announcement states.
Former US Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, has stated that President Donald Trump's administration has proven to be transactional in its approach towards international partners.
In an interview with Rubikon, which will be broadcast after the end of the central news edition on Klan Kosova, he said that the Trump administration is ready to make agreements with parties that show interest, while the lack of readiness for cooperation could affect the level of American engagement.
“The Trump administration has proven to be transactional. If you are willing to make a deal, do it; if not, you are not interested. If Kosovo does not respond to the Trump administration’s offer for LNG, then the Trump administration will lose even more interest in Kosovo, and any action regarding energy dialogue and partnership strengthens Kosovo as a partner. Any action contrary to this takes the potential elsewhere,” Hovenier declared.
An increasingly common sight in the waters of Orikum Bay is the appearance of the Monaka seal, one of the rarest and most endangered marine mammals in the world.
In recent days, this particular species has been frequently spotted near the coast, attracting the attention of residents, tourists, and tour operators.
Its presence is considered an important indicator of the quality of the marine ecosystem in the Karaburun and Sazan areas.
The Monk Seal finds suitable conditions for food and rest in this marine park, away from the noise and heavy urban pollution.
One of the most important debates of the June 7 election campaign is being held on the "Debat Plus" show, where the vice presidents of the four main political entities in the country face each other.
Confusion about the presidential issue: Vjosa Osmani became a topic from the LDK only when they realized that she is not our choice
The Vice President of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Glauk Konjufca, has stated that Kosovo has been sent to elections by political entities that, according to him, have not offered concrete proposals for overcoming the political situation.
Konjufca, at "Debat Plus" in Dukagjin, stated that the country has faced a "tight political situation", where the Vetëvendosje Movement has been forced to act, as according to him, not proposing a candidate for president would be an even more problematic situation.
Konjufca stated that during the 48 hours before the decisive developments, efforts were made for a political agreement, including meetings between Prime Minister Albin Kurti and representatives of the LDK and PDK.
According to him, discussions with the PDK have been more complicated due to their approach to the election of the president, which he considered to be oriented towards a party figure.
As for the LDK, Konjufca said that initially it seemed easier to reach an agreement, but according to him, the parties have not managed to agree on a common name for president.
He added that the issue of Vjosa Osmani was raised only after, according to him, the LDK realized that it was not VV's choice.
"I think that both last year and this year, Kosovo was sent to elections by those who did not give any concrete proposals to get out of the situation we found ourselves in, and then when time ran out and we came to that 'bottleneck' of the process, then the LVV acted because it would have been even more scandalous for us not to propose a president at all - as the party that received 51% of the citizens' votes. All of this has happened in the last 48 hours - 48 hours before this happened, we have had all the sincere efforts, Prime Minister Kurti has had several meetings with the Democratic League of Kosovo and the Democratic Party of Kosovo. To be honest, the debate with the PDK has been more complicated, the discussion because the form in which the PDK has written the election of the president has been difficult for us to accept because it seemed that the PDK wanted a party president who would directly belong to the PDK, while with the LDK it initially seemed to us "It was easier because they themselves proposed the non-partisan president, but then when we came to opening that topic, it seemed to us that we were unable to come up with a common name because Abdixhiku did not give a specific name - the issue of Vjosa Osmani became a topic only when they realized that it would not be our choice," said Konjufca.
Ismaili: Vetëvendosje attempted to impose Kurti's will in negotiations
The Vice President of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Uran Ismaili, in confrontation with his opponents, vice presidents of political parties from LVV, LDK and AAK, has shown how the country fared in the elections.
Ismaili said that the Vetëvendosje Movement, which had 51% of the votes, wanted to dominate the discourse of the negotiations as well.
"If we call them negotiations, because they invited us as such, they wanted to dominate the discourse with their proposals and with the desire to impose the ever-increasing will of Albin Kurti in that discussion. The Democratic Party of Kosovo has read early on this desire of Mr. Kurti to impose his opinion and we have finally asked you for a letter.
"We have requested that the negotiations not become closed and hidden," he said.
Kica-Xhelili: Kurti's thirst for power led Kosovo to elections
The Vice President of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Doarsa Kica-Xhelili, has accused the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, of leading the country to elections due to, as she put it, "hunger for power."
During the election debate, Kica-Xhelili stated that Kurti intends to concentrate as much power as possible in his hands, claiming that he wants to control the main state institutions.
"Crystal clear, Kosovo has been led to elections by a thirst for power. An incumbent prime minister who wants to be both prime minister, mayor, president, and even chief prosecutor," she said.
According to her, Kurti's recent statements about the prosecutorial system show the intention to violate the independence of justice institutions.
"If you listened to Kurti's latest interview, he makes comparisons between the Kosovo prosecutorial system and the American one, implying that Kosovo does not need an independent prosecutor's office. This accurately shows his intention to control everything," said Kica-Xhelili.
She added that, according to her, the current political crisis suits Vetëvendosje, as it diverts attention from the problems in governance.
"In addition to not wanting to govern, this crisis is suiting them. This crisis is hiding all the theft and atrocities that are happening in state institutions, creating imaginary enemies and using a discourse as if everyone is against them," she declared.
Kica-Xhelili said that the political confrontation should focus on the results of governance and, according to her, on the "hunger for power" of the incumbent prime minister.
Otherwise, tonight one of the most important debates of the election campaign for the June 7 elections is taking place. In the most watched political show in the country, "Debat Plus" on TV Dukagjini, the vice presidents of the four main political parties face each other, discussing the programs, promises and challenges that await citizens after the elections.
Tahiri: The presidential issue was a political spectacle for the LVV
The Vice President of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Besnik Tahiri, has stated that the Vetëvendosje Movement had the right to form a government after the elections, being the winner with 51 percent of the votes.
But Tahiri said that the political process and consultations for the election of the president have been a "political spectacle," adding that from the beginning, a unifying president was not intended.
On Debat Plus, he also mentioned the voting process for the president, saying that there were attempts to impose a vote, which ended with 63 votes.
"LVV won 51 percent and had the full right to take over the government and lead it. Kosovo went to the polls on the day the Assembly was constituted. The entire process of political consultation between LVV and the meetings that took place has been a political spectacle since it was known from the beginning that the goal was not to produce a criteria for a unifying president's profile," he declared.
Tahiri emphasized that on the last day it was announced that Glauk Konjufca was a candidate for president.
Family, friends and relatives of the pilgrims gathered in the early hours of Friday at the airport to welcome them after their several-week stay at the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.
Two groups of pilgrims from Kosovo have arrived at Pristina International Airport "Adem Jashari", having completed the obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
Family, friends and relatives of the pilgrims gathered in the early hours of Friday at the airport to welcome them after their several-week stay at the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.
The atmosphere at the arrivals terminal was characterized by emotions, hugs, and congratulations on the safe return of the pilgrims, who were joyfully welcomed by their families.
On May 15, the first group of pilgrims left Pristina, and this group is the first to return to their homeland.
The return of pilgrims will continue in the coming days, until June 8, when the last group is expected to land in Kosovo.
A total of 1,576 Muslim believers traveled from Kosovo for the 2026 Hajj.
Mira Murati has spoken for the first time about her new artificial intelligence company "Thinking Machine" and the events that took place at OpenAI, providing details about her departure and new professional direction.
In an interview, she explained that the decision to create a new company came after her long experience at OpenAI and the desire to build more advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Murati emphasized that her company's goal is to develop AI that is more understandable, more user-friendly, and safer for widespread use.
She also spoke about the challenges and tensions within OpenAI during her time working there, underlining that the rapid developments in AI have also brought about difficult organizational decisions.
According to her, artificial intelligence is moving from a simple tool to a human "collaborator" in work and daily life.
Murati added that her company's main focus is creating technologies that make this collaboration more natural and beneficial for people. /Telegrafi/
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized that the enlargement of the European Union remains a merit-based process, underlining that countries that meet the required criteria advance towards membership.
She particularly praised the progress of Albania and Montenegro on the path to European integration.
Speaking from Tivat, ahead of the start of the EU-Western Balkans summit, Von der Leyen said that there is currently a favorable momentum to accelerate the integration process of candidate countries.
According to her, the fact that enlargement is based on merit should not necessarily mean a slow process.
She called for this process to be made faster, more reliable and more visible to citizens, both in candidate countries and EU member states.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the governments of aspiring countries must explain to their citizens the benefits of EU membership, while member states also have a responsibility to communicate the values and advantages of enlargement.
"Enlargement means more security, more prosperity and a stronger role for Europe on the global stage. The moment is right and we must now turn this momentum into concrete action, and then into membership," she declared.
Otherwise, Kosovo is being represented at this summit by the acting president, Albulena Haxhiu. /Telegraph/
Montenegrin media have reported that French security services have reportedly warned Montenegrin authorities about the arrival of a charter flight from Belgrade with people linked to criminal circles and the Serbian Progressive Party.
The French company VINCI, which manages the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, was the first to have information about this charter flight.
Through her liaison officer, she notified the French intelligence unit DGSE (Directorate General for External Security), which then alerted Montenegrin authorities, according to the Montenegrin portal Antena M.
The DGSE has alerted Podgorica after receiving information about a flight to Tivat on the eve of the European Union and Western Balkans summit, which is also attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, reports the Telegraph.
Although French authorities have not officially commented on these claims, the very fact that the DGSE is mentioned indicates the seriousness of the situation.
It is a service often called the "French CIA", an organization tasked with collecting intelligence information abroad, combating terrorism, counterintelligence operations, and protecting French national interests around the world.
DGSE – the French answer to the CIA and MI6
The DGSE was founded during World War II and took its current form in 1982. Its role can be compared to the American CIA or the British MI6. The service is headquartered in Paris and, according to available data, employs around 7,000 people and has a budget of almost one billion euros per year.
Unlike the internal DGSI service, which operates within the territory of France, the DGSE focuses on external threats, writes nova.rs.
Its agents operate worldwide, collecting information through networks of collaborators, intercepting communications, analyzing satellite images, and carrying out covert operations in the interests of the French state.
Macron's security a priority
The possible involvement of the DGSE in the Tivat case would not be unusual. French President Emmanuel Macron is considered one of the most protected leaders in Europe, and each of his visits abroad involves multiple security preparations.
According to Antena M, the French company Vinci, which manages Belgrade's Nikola Tesla airport, was the first to register information about the suspicious charter flight. Through the liaison officer, the DGSE was notified and then reportedly passed the warning on to security structures in Montenegro.
Such cooperation is not unusual, as French services often exchange data with partner agencies when they assess that there is a potential risk to French officials or to international events.
Known service for covert operations
Over the decades, the DGSE has been involved in numerous controversial operations. The most famous case occurred in 1985, when its agents sank the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand to prevent protests against French nuclear tests. The operation caused an international scandal and led to the resignation of the then French defense minister.
The service was later involved in the fight against al-Qaeda, in the rescue of French hostages in Iraq and Africa, as well as in a series of anti-terrorist operations in the Middle East and the Sahel.
In recent years, it has significantly increased its activities in the field of cybersecurity, electronic surveillance, and monitoring foreign influences in European elections.
Montenegrin police and the National Security Agency have announced that they have increased controls at Tivat Airport and have carried out detailed checks on passengers who arrived on a charter flight from Belgrade. Out of a total of 87 Serbian citizens, several persons considered to be of security interest were denied entry to Montenegro.
Although there is currently no official confirmation that it was the DGSE that initiated the action, the fact that the summit was held in the presence of Macron and other senior European officials makes it plausible that French services were involved in assessing security risks. /Telegraph/
As tourism continues to grow across Europe and become a major pillar of many countries' economies, social tensions between the sector and local communities are increasingly emerging. The problems are mainly related to access to housing, rising rents and the general cost of living in the most visited cities .
In many tourist destinations, especially in historic and coastal cities, the increased demand for short-term accommodation has led to a large proportion of housing being converted into tourist apartments. This has led to a reduction in supply for local residents and, as a result, a significant increase in rental prices. For many families, especially young people and those with middle or low incomes, this is making it increasingly difficult to afford living in their cities, reports the Telegraph.
Meanwhile, the costs of basic services and products in tourist areas are also rising, driven by high seasonal demand and the orientation of the local economy towards foreign visitors. This situation has fueled growing dissatisfaction among residents, who often feel marginalized in the cities where they live, while the economic benefits of tourism are not distributed equitably.
As a result, public reactions and protests against "excessive tourism" are also being observed in some European countries, with calls for stricter regulation of the short-term rental market and policies that protect local residents, euronews writes.
In this context, the question is increasingly being asked: which countries and cities are facing this backlash the most and how are they balancing economic development from tourism with the needs of their residents?
Spain, Italy and France are the three European countries where the backlash against mass tourism is most pronounced, according to a new study published by digital entertainment platform JB.com.
Official data shows a clear trend of continued growth in tourist flows, which helps explain the growing dissatisfaction of local communities.
In Spain, for example, in the first four months of 2026 alone, the number of tourists has increased by 3.4 percent compared to the same period last year. This trend is expected to strengthen further, as according to the Ministry of Tourism, the country is expected to register a 7.1 percent increase in passengers on incoming international flights during June of this year.
This rapid increase in visitor numbers, while providing a significant boost to the economy and employment, is also putting significant pressure on urban infrastructure, the housing market and the cost of living in major tourist cities. As a result, there is growing criticism of mass tourism in some regions, with calls for more balanced policies that aim to maintain a balance between economic development and the quality of life of local residents.
Italy and France are also expected to see significant increases in tourist arrivals during the month of June, by 12 percent and 2.6 percent respectively compared to the same period in 2025, according to a press release published by the Spanish Ministry of Tourism.
These figures show that, despite the debates and discontents expressed in some European cities, the demand for travel to the continent's most popular destinations remains steadily growing. This growth, however, continues to fuel discussions about the management of tourism and its impact on the daily lives of local residents, especially in areas where the number of visitors significantly exceeds the capacity of urban infrastructure.
In contrast, Cyprus and Albania rank among the most welcoming countries to visitors in Europe, according to the same JB.com report. No organized protests against tourism have been documented in these countries, while the level of regulatory pressure on travelers and the tourism sector remains relatively low. This makes them quieter destinations in terms of public debate about mass tourism, despite the continued growth of interest from international visitors.
The JB.com study analyzed a number of factors to reach these conclusions, including the intensity of anti-tourism protests, media attention to them, the level of tourist taxes, and the ratio between the number of visitors and the resident population in 30 different countries around the world.
Which cities have seen the most anti-tourism protests?
Spain, which ranks first among the 30 countries analyzed in the study, is also the country where the largest number of protests against mass tourism have been recorded. According to the data, these reactions have spread to more than 40 cities across the country, starting from Barcelona to the Canary Islands, two of the most frequented tourist destinations in Europe.
The Catalonia region, where Barcelona is located, remains one of the busiest areas in terms of international visitor arrivals. In 2025 alone, the region welcomed around 20.1 million tourists, an increase of 0.6 percent compared to 2024. After Catalonia, the other main tourist destinations in Spain are the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, which also face high seasonal pressure from mass tourism.
Residents’ discontent has also been expressed in visible forms of protests on the ground. In June last year, hundreds of protesters marched through the center of Barcelona, holding banners with the message “Tourism is killing Barcelona.” In some cases, the tensions were accompanied by symbolic actions, where protesters sprayed tourists with water pistols in the city’s busiest areas, as a way to draw attention to the impact that, according to them, mass tourism is having on the daily lives of local residents and on the city’s urban identity.
Italy has also faced a wave of similar protests in some of its most visited cities, including Venice, Rome, Florence, Naples and Milan. In these areas, residents' discontent has been linked mainly to the impact of mass tourism on the housing market and the quality of urban life.
In some cases, local activists have gone even further, sabotaging key boxes used for short-term rentals. These symbolic actions aim to denounce the lack of affordable housing for residents, who are increasingly facing high prices and displacement from historic city centers.
As part of efforts to curb overtourism, Venice has reinstated a special regulatory measure, establishing specific days during weekends in April, May, June and July when day visitors are forced to pay an entrance fee.
This measure aims to better manage the large influx of tourists during peak periods and relieve pressure on the city's infrastructure.
Meanwhile, France has also seen protests in some of its major cities, including Marseille, Nice and Paris. In addition to the urban protests, there has also been a rise in activism against cruise ships, particularly in coastal areas, where their environmental and social impact has become an increasingly contentious issue. These developments indicate a growing resistance by local communities in both continental and coastal destinations to the pressure of mass tourism. /Telegraph/
Although Cuba has been facing severe fuel shortages, an increasingly deep economic crisis and tougher sanctions from the United States for months, authorities in this Caribbean country continue to keep the situation under control.
Meanwhile, citizens struggle every day to cope with the difficulties of daily life, characterized by frequent power outages, food shortages, and the continued deterioration of public services.
In an extensive report, Reuters writes that millions of Cubans have been forced to adapt to conditions reminiscent of the most difficult periods of isolation and poverty in the country's modern history.
The photographs show that many Cubans are forced to sell everything they can on the streets to provide income and survive in difficult economic conditions, the Telegraph reports.
A wide variety of products can be found at the makeshift stalls – from fruits and vegetables, to everyday items, such as old phones, household appliances, and even used combs.
One of them is 64-year-old Felicia de la Caridad Alvarez from Old Havana. The former hospital employee lives in difficult conditions, without regular water and electricity, and faces daily challenges brought about by the country's deep economic crisis.
Due to frequent power outages, the food she was storing has spoiled, her television has been damaged and no longer works, and every day she is forced to carry water in plastic buckets from springs located several streets away from her apartment.
"To survive, I have to keep fighting. What other choice do I have?" Alvarez said in a statement to Reuters, describing the daily hardships faced by many Cuban citizens amid the ongoing economic crisis.
The crisis has worsened further after the administration of US President Donald Trump tightened sanctions on Cuba, restricted oil supplies and made it difficult for foreign currency to enter, as well as the arrival of American tourists, an important source of income for the country's economy.
As early as early January, Trump declared that Cuba was “on the brink of collapse.” However, despite hours-long power outages, the degradation of the healthcare system, and a significant decline in tourism, Cuban authorities have managed to maintain political stability and control over the situation.
According to Reuters, the Cuban leadership has for decades promoted among its citizens the concept of "resistance" - the ability to adapt to hardship and survive despite international isolation, economic sanctions and a constant lack of resources.
This message continues to be an important part of the official narrative, as millions of Cubans face one of the most difficult economic periods in recent years.
Many Cubans, long accustomed to prolonged absences, have found different ways to cope with daily hardships.
Farmers still use oxen instead of tractors due to the lack of oil, while electric tricycles have almost completely replaced gasoline-powered vehicles. Solar panels and batteries have also become vital sources of energy for families and small businesses.
However, fear of repression continues to limit open protests against the government. Alvarez says she does not plan to participate in demonstrations, as she fears that the authorities may retaliate against her or her family.
"Maybe they would take revenge on my children," she said.
International human rights organizations, as well as the United States, have for years accused Cuban authorities of suppressing freedom of expression and repressing political opponents. On the other hand, official Havana claims that Washington is behind efforts to destabilize the country.
German researcher of Cuban politics, Bert Hoffmann, believes that the resilience of Cuban society has surprised Washington.
"The quality of life has deteriorated significantly, but the political consequences are not so clear," Hoffmann said.
He added that even much more developed countries would find it difficult to cope with a near-total blockade of fuel supplies lasting for months.
However, discontent among citizens is growing. Reuters reports that in recent weeks there have been protests over power outages, which in some areas of Havana last up to 18 hours a day.
Havana resident Rodolfo Alonso said he had come out to protest after his neighborhood was left without electricity for more than 40 hours.
"This is not a political issue. We hit the pots just to get three hours of electricity. That's all we're asking for," Alonso said.
The situation is particularly dire in the healthcare system, where doctors are abandoning the profession due to a lack of basic equipment and essential medicines. At the same time, the devaluation of the Cuban peso is making it even more difficult for citizens to buy food and essential goods.
The United Nations warned last month that the US blockade of fuel supplies had "dramatically worsened" the effects of the decades-long embargo on Cuba, calling the measure illegal and in violation of human rights.
On the other hand, the Trump administration accuses the Cuban communist authorities of systematic human rights violations, imprisonment of political opponents and maintenance of an economic system that, according to it, has left millions of people in poverty.
Cuban sociologist Luis Emilio Aybar estimates that society has shown great resistance, as for years there have been no other alternatives.
"But a country without fuel cannot survive forever," Aybar warned. /Telegraph/
In a major international police operation, led by France with strong support from Spain and Europol , a highly sophisticated laboratory for the production of forged documents has been dismantled in Alicante, Spain.
The operation, carried out on May 27, dealt a serious blow to organized crime groups involved in smuggling migrants into the European Union.
During the operation, one person was arrested and around 800 forged European documents, advanced equipment for their production, electronic equipment, vehicles and cash were seized.
During a search of an apartment rented under a false identity, police discovered a fully functioning illegal workshop. Investigators said the facility operated on an “industrial scale,” indicating a new trend of criminal groups using the mass production of fake documents for huge financial gain.
It is suspected that the arrested man managed a sophisticated online platform through which he sold counterfeit identification documents and administrative documents, both in physical and digital form, to clients across Europe.
According to the investigation, the network directly facilitated migrant smuggling by supplying criminal groups with false documents that were used to evade border controls, fraudulently obtain the right to reside and facilitate movement within the EU.
The investigation began after authorities discovered a website openly advertising forged documents. With the analytical help of Europol, French and Spanish authorities were able to locate the suspect in Alicante, where he had been hiding since 2024.
European authorities estimate that document forgery is one of the main factors that encourages migrant smuggling and illegal legalization of residence in the Schengen area, generating millions in profits for criminal networks and endangering security throughout Europe. /Telegraph/
German customs officials at the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven have made one of the largest cocaine seizures in recent years.
More than 8 tons of drugs, with an estimated market value of around 500 million euros ($581 million), were seized, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Aurich Public Prosecutor's Office and the General Directorate of Customs in Cologne.
The discovery at the Jade-Weser port was made on February 9 and has been kept secret until now for tactical reasons, writes Yahoo .
Thanks to subsequent international cooperation, two suspected ringleaders were arrested by Spanish authorities in mid-May during a staged delivery of a container in the Spanish province of Almeria. One of the accused is the managing director of an import company.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil praised the success of the investigation. "Eight tons of cocaine in a single seizure - this is a major blow to international drug trafficking," Klingbeil said.
He thanked the investigators and announced that he will soon present to the cabinet the Law on Customs Financial Justice, which aims to equip customs with new technical and legal tools in the fight against organized crime.
According to customs and the public prosecution, the drugs were found in a shipping container from West Africa, which according to the shipping documents was loaded with cocoa beans and was destined for Spain.
During an X-ray scan, the inspection unit at the Oldenburg Central Customs Office had noticed irregularities, after which officers discovered over 400 packages wrapped in black foil.
Each package contained around 20 tightly packed blocks of cocaine. To prevent any violent attempts by criminals to recover the drugs, the narcotics were destroyed in Germany under strict security measures.
The perpetrators had also placed GPS transmitters in the packages to monitor the location of the cargo at all times. /Telegraph/
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