#Middle East

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the end of the conflict with Iran is nearing, hinting at potential direct talks. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reportedly gearing up for ground operations as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls the upcoming days "decisive."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured him American military aid intended for Ukraine will not be redirected to the Middle East. The statement follows concerns raised by recent reports of potential shifts in US defense priorities amid the conflict in Iran.

Pakistan is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to mediate between the US and Iran, aiming to stabilize the region and protect its own fragile economy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for maintaining a neutral stance between Kyiv and Moscow, despite evidence of Russia supplying Iran with critical military intelligence and drone tactics.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry strongly rejected claims by Iran's UN envoy that Kyiv is complicit in US and Israeli aggression in the Middle East. Ukrainian spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi called the accusations a lie, noting that Russia has attacked Ukraine with nearly 60,000 Iranian-supplied drones since 2022.

Damascus authorities have banned the sale of alcohol in most of the city, restricting it to takeaway bottles in Christian neighborhoods. The move has sparked widespread debate over Syria's secular identity, economic stability, and growing moral policing.

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia met in Islamabad to discuss de-escalation in the Middle East. Pakistan also announced its readiness to facilitate upcoming talks between the US and Iran.