Its Xavier Blog

  The expanded bloc of BRICS nations convened in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia this week for their first foreign ministers meeting since admitting new members the UAE, Egypt and Iran earlier this year. Against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, representatives recommitted to deepening collaboration across a wide range of economic and political issues. Attended by foreign ministers and senior diplomats from 22 countries, the two-day gathering featured robust discussions on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. In their joint statement, the ministers called for greater cooperation in areas like energy security, climate action and food supply chains. They also pushed for "comprehensive reform" of international bodies like the UN Security Council to increase developing nation representation. On the sidelines a number of important bilateral meetings took place. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed his country's support for Iranian sovereignty, while Russia propose...

  The Revolutionary Guards navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran showcased new vessels equipped with 600 km range missiles on Tuesday, amid escalating tensions with the United States in the Gulf, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency of Iran. Revolutionary Guards’ Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri said, “The islands of the Gulf are part of Iran’s honour and we will defend them. The Gulf belongs to all of the region’s countries ... These states must prevent themselves from falling into the conspiracies and divisive plans of extra-regional countries.” During a military exercise off the coast of Abu Musa island, Alireza Tangsiri reportedly promised to safeguard the islands of the Gulf. Following the Islamic Republic of Iran's seizure of commercial maritime vessels in recent months, the United States authorities reportedly sent more F-35 and F-16 fighter fighters, as well as a cruiser, to the Middle East in order to monitor important waterways in the region. Last month, the U...