A dramatic diplomatic moment is unfolding as Donald Trump reaches out directly to Vladimir Putin amid the rapidly escalating Iran war and rising tensions across West Asia. According to the Kremlin, the call was initiated by Trump and focused on multiple global flashpoints, from the Iran crisis to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. During the discussion, Putin reportedly briefed Trump about his recent diplomatic contacts, including conversations with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and several Gulf leaders as regional tensions spiral. Moscow has also signalled clear support for Iran’s leadership, with Putin extending greetings to the country’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. WATCH

Hungary and Slovakia have blocked a new round of EU sanctions against Russia, citing disputes over the Druzhba pipeline and energy security. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas expressed deep regret over the failed sanctions agreement, signaling challenges in maintaining a unified European response. Despite these diplomatic setbacks, the EU continues to work on a new sanctions package targeting Russia, as Moscow’s war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, outlasting the entire Eastern Front of the Second World War. WATCH