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Russian forces are urgently redeploying thousands of troops toward the Lyman frontline in eastern Ukraine, as Ukraine's 3rd Corps continues advancing in the area. War monitoring reports describe a degree of panic within the Russian command over the situation there, with Moscow scrambling reinforcements to slow Ukrainian gains around the contested frontline town.

Pope Leo has called for concessions from both sides to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, according to Reuters. The appeal comes as the conflict, now in its fourth year, continues with no clear path to a negotiated settlement. The pontiff's intervention adds a moral voice to ongoing international debate over whether compromises on territory or security guarantees could pave the way to peace.

Oil prices declined as hopes grew for renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran. Markets responded to expectations that eased tensions could reduce the risk of supply disruptions from a major oil-producing region. Traders often move prices on signals of de-escalation between Washington and Tehran, whose disputes have repeatedly affected global energy markets.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to begin raising its key interest rate again, according to Bloomberg, as policymakers' patience with stubborn inflation wears thin. The move would mark a return to monetary tightening after a pause, with markets and borrowers watching closely for the timing and size of the next increase.

A senior Ukrainian commander says his forces are advancing in a key eastern battlefield, according to Reuters. The claim points to continued fighting along the eastern front, where control of ground has shifted back and forth during Russia's invasion. Details on the location, scale of the advance, and Russian response were not immediately given, and the report has so far drawn limited engagement as observers await independent confirmation from the front lines.

Oil and fuel prices are climbing as markets react to Donald Trump's threats and ongoing conflicts in key regions. Supply concerns from war zones and political pressure on major producers have pushed costs up worldwide. Analysts are tracking where prices stand and what further escalation could mean for petrol, diesel and energy bills globally.

Oil prices have climbed above $108 a barrel as markets react to fears that conflict between the United States and Iran could resume. Traders are pricing in the risk of supply disruptions from the region, and analysts warn further escalation could push prices higher still. Markets remain on edge awaiting any signal of renewed hostilities.

Iran is being pressed to make concessions on its nuclear program as a condition for reviving stalled peace talks with the United States. The reported pressure suggests Washington and its allies want concrete movement on uranium enrichment and inspections before diplomacy can resume. The development keeps attention on whether Tehran will accept terms that could ease tensions or risk further confrontation.

Mediators involved in talks over Iran's nuclear program are urging Tehran to make concessions, according to a Wall Street Journal report carried by SBS. The push comes amid growing fears that the standoff over Iran's nuclear activities could escalate into an all-out war. The mediation effort reflects mounting international pressure on Iran to compromise before tensions boil over further.

Israeli forces have killed a global jihadist terrorist involved in the kidnapping of Noa Argamani during the October 7 attacks, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. Argamani became one of the most recognisable hostages of the Hamas-led assault before being rescued in June 2024. The killing of the abductor is drawing attention as Israel continues operations against those responsible for the attacks.

The UK's foreign minister publicly condemned Israel's government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and pledged stronger measures over its conduct of the war in Gaza. The statement marks a sharper tone from London toward a close ally, amid mounting international pressure over the humanitarian situation in the territory.

Ukraine says its forces have recaptured another 51 square kilometres of territory in northern Donetsk as part of Operation Vivaldi. The latest gains reportedly bring the total territory retaken in the operation to 176 square kilometres, with five settlements also coming under Ukrainian control. The claims have not been independently verified, and Russia has not commented on them.

Forces aligned with Ethiopia's federal government say they have taken control of a strategically important town in the Tigray region. The claim, reported by Reuters, comes amid the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia, where control of towns has repeatedly shifted between federal-aligned forces and Tigrayan authorities. The development could affect supply routes and the balance of power in the war.

Bank Indonesia has reduced its interventions in the foreign exchange spot market, according to the central bank governor. The move suggests officials see pressure on the rupiah as easing, or a shift toward managing the currency through other tools. Traders and analysts will be watching whether the change affects the currency's stability in coming sessions.

A group of Israeli rabbis has publicly called for the current Gaza peace plan to be abandoned, voicing opposition to the deployment of international forces in the territory. The declaration adds a religious-orthodox voice against the international framework being discussed for Gaza's postwar arrangements, and is being circulated by regional outlets covering reactions to the plan.

Regional media are examining why ceasefire agreements in Sudan's civil war, from the US- and Saudi-brokered Jeddah talks to diplomatic efforts raised at the United Nations in New York, have repeatedly collapsed. Commentators point to continued fighting between the army and paramilitary forces, lack of enforcement, and weak international leverage over the warring parties.

Counter-terror police have arrested five men on suspicion of explosives offences near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, the UK airbase used by the United States to strike Iranian targets. Around 85 homes in the nearby village of Whelford have been evacuated as an investigation led by counter-terrorism officers continues.

United States forces are preparing to withdraw from Iraq, ending a military presence of more than two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. The move marks a major shift in the American footprint in the Middle East and closes a long chapter of US involvement in Iraqi security affairs.

British police are investigating a suspected terrorist plot near a military base used by U.S. forces in the United Kingdom. Details of the alleged plot, including any suspects or arrests, have not been widely reported. The case has drawn international attention given the site's connection to American military personnel and ongoing security concerns in Britain.

Ukrainian officials say food supplies are being airdropped by drone into a city besieged by Russian forces, as ground delivery routes remain cut off. The effort highlights the growing role of drones in sustaining trapped civilians and the worsening humanitarian conditions in encircled areas of the front line.

British authorities are investigating a suspected terror plot targeting a U.K. military base that hosts U.S. forces, and are examining whether Iran was connected to the scheme. The probe comes amid heightened tensions with Tehran and ongoing concern about threats to American and British personnel stationed on British soil. Few details about the suspected plot or any suspects have been made public so far.