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

Concerns over Iran’s internal stability are rapidly escalating as multiple U.S. allies take emergency diplomatic action. New Zealand and Slovakia have temporarily closed their embassies in Tehran, evacuating all staff on commercial flights amid what officials describe as a sharply deteriorating security environment.