Foreign Policy

Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief who grew up in Soviet-occupied Estonia, is warning European leaders against giving Russia what it wants in negotiations over the war in Ukraine. Drawing on her personal experience of Soviet rule, she argues that yielding to Moscow's demands would only embolden further aggression. Her remarks are resonating in ongoing debates over Europe's stance toward Russia.

Donald Trump and other world leaders are delivering addresses at the United Nations General Assembly's 2026 session, with speeches broadcast live worldwide. The gathering is drawing broad attention as leaders use the annual forum to lay out their foreign policy positions and respond to ongoing international crises. Viewers are following the full speeches as they are streamed.

Canada has announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, citing human rights abuses. The measures were reported as a lead story in national news coverage on September 23, 2026. Details on the specific individuals or entities targeted have not been widely circulated yet, and the Iranian government's response is not yet known. The move signals continued Canadian pressure on Tehran over its rights record.

President Trump has rejected a proposed deal with Iran following a week of high-stakes meetings with advisers and officials, according to The Hill's Sunday shows preview. At the same time, Republicans are scrambling to keep control of Congress ahead of upcoming elections. The weekend talk shows are expected to weigh both the collapsing diplomatic track with Tehran and the GOP's legislative and electoral prospects.

DW News reports that Australia is being forced to reassess its longstanding reliance on the United States as a security and strategic partner. The report reflects growing debate in Canberra about whether the US alliance remains dependable amid shifting American priorities, prompting discussion about diversifying Australia's defence and foreign policy relationships, including with regional neighbours.

Cuba's Foreign Minister denounced United States pressure on his country at the United Nations, warning that international relations risk becoming a 'law of the jungle' if powerful states impose their will on smaller nations. The speech renews Havana's long-standing criticism of the American embargo and broader coercion, framing US policy as a violation of international law and the UN Charter.

At the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Niger thanked Algeria, Sweden highlighted its commitment to women's rights, and China addressed the situations in Gaza and Cuba. The remarks came during the annual general debate, where member states set out their foreign policy priorities. Niger's gratitude to Algeria points to regional diplomacy in the Sahel, while China's statements underscore its positions on the Gaza conflict and Cuba.

Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping, prompting questions about what the warm reception means for US diplomacy and Washington's stance toward Beijing. Observers are weighing whether the gesture signals a thaw in US-China relations or a shift in America's broader foreign policy positioning toward its chief strategic rival.

Al Arabiya says it has obtained a 14-point draft of a US-Iran agreement dated June 16, 2026. The reported text has drawn sharp reactions, with critics calling the document a complete and unprecedented disaster for US foreign policy if authentic. Details of the draft's provisions remain limited as observers await confirmation from Washington and Tehran.

China has called on the United States to immediately lift its blockade and sanctions against Iran and Cuba. The demand was reported by BRICS News, which covers developments involving the BRICS bloc. Beijing has long opposed unilateral American sanctions, arguing they violate international law and harm civilian populations, and it maintains close economic and diplomatic ties with both Tehran and Havana.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia addressed the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly during its general debate in New York. The speech forms part of the annual gathering where member states outline their positions on global issues. Details of Indonesia's specific remarks were not available, but the address underscores the country's continued engagement with the UN.

President Donald Trump has publicly contradicted US intelligence assessments on Iran and, unlike on previous occasions, did not raise the prospect of regime change in Tehran. The remarks mark a shift in his rhetoric toward Iran and put him at odds with the intelligence community's read on the situation.

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs took the floor at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, delivering an address as part of the annual general debate in New York. The speech forms part of Canada's diplomatic engagement on multilateral issues, though the specific policy positions raised in the address have not yet been detailed.

Japan's government is moving to tighten regulations affecting foreign residents, according to Al Jazeera, which reports the shift is throwing people's futures into doubt. The report frames the policy as having significant consequences for foreigners living and working in Japan, though details of the specific measures are not provided in the headline.

Malaysia's Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered an address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly during its general debate in New York. The remarks form part of the annual gathering where member states outline their positions on global issues. Details of Malaysia's specific statements have not yet been widely reported.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that giving in to Russia's intimidation campaign would only encourage further aggression. She urged European governments and allies to stand firm against pressure from Moscow rather than reward it with concessions. The warning comes amid ongoing tensions over Russia's war in Ukraine and its efforts to test Western resolve.

Swiss voters are going to the polls on a proposal from the country's right-wing party to enshrine stricter neutrality rules, a move that would limit Switzerland's ability to align with Western sanctions or security cooperation. The vote touches on a long-running national debate over whether traditional neutrality should remain flexible or be legally tightened.

The Economist examines how climate change is becoming a core national security concern, as rising temperatures, extreme weather and resource pressures strain militaries, borders and governments worldwide. The argument is that defense planning can no longer treat climate as a distant environmental issue but as an immediate driver of conflict, migration and instability that security institutions must prepare for.

Iran's diplomatic activity and the Trump administration's moves on fuel efficiency standards are among the leading political stories of the week. Other items in the weekly roundup cover Washington policy developments as the news cycle remains dominated by foreign policy outreach and regulatory changes affecting the US auto sector.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed creating a Congress of Europe, framing it as a step in the right direction given the scale of the continent's geopolitical challenges. The idea, reported by international media including the Japan Times, is being debated as a possible way to strengthen European unity and coordination on security and foreign policy.

The UN General Assembly's annual general debate has continued into its fourth day, with world leaders delivering speeches at UN headquarters in New York. The event draws global attention each September as heads of state and government set out their foreign policy priorities before the assembled international community.

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to write the country's long-standing neutrality into the Constitution. The referendum would have obliged Bern to maintain permanent neutrality in law, a move supporters said would protect Switzerland's traditional stance, while opponents argued it would limit the government's flexibility in foreign policy. The outcome keeps neutrality as established practice rather than constitutional rule, and reflects ongoing debate about Switzerland's place between Western partners and its historic non-alignment.

Thirty-eight international organisations have backed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's sanctions regime targeting International Criminal Court officials and those assisting the court. The suit was originally filed by four US organisations, which argue the sanctions are unlawful. The broad international support highlights growing opposition to measures that critics say hinder war crimes accountability.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov used his address at the 81th UN General Assembly to sharply criticize United States policy and to present Moscow as a possible mediator in the Gaza conflict. The remarks position Russia as a counterweight to Western diplomacy and renew its bid for influence in Middle East peace efforts.

The Central Bank has announced six key measures aimed at facilitating foreign trade. The steps are intended to simplify procedures for importers and exporters, according to the announcement reported by Tehran Times. Details of the individual measures have not been widely discussed yet, so their practical impact on businesses and trade flows remains to be seen.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, and the full text of his speech has been widely shared. Observers in India and abroad are watching closely for his remarks on global conflicts, multilateral reform and India's foreign policy positions at the annual gathering of world leaders.

Italy's Foreign Ministry has approved more than 55 million euros in new funding for humanitarian emergencies in Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine and Haiti. Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli made the decision in agreement with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The money is aimed at supporting populations affected by conflict and crisis in the four countries.

The American Conservative has published a piece framed as 'Putin's Absurdist War,' arguing that Russia's war in Ukraine has taken on an absurd character. The framing reflects ongoing debate in American foreign policy circles about the war's purpose, costs, and apparent lack of a coherent endgame. Commentary across the political spectrum continues to dissect Moscow's strategy and the West's response as the conflict grinds on.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan delivered an address during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The speech forms part of the annual gathering where UN member states outline their foreign policy priorities. Further details of the minister's remarks have not been made available.

European policymakers are weighing the creation of a payment system made in Europe, reducing reliance on US-dominated networks like Visa and Mastercard. The Council of the EU is highlighting the debate as calls grow for greater strategic autonomy in financial infrastructure, especially following pressures on cross-border payments and digital sovereignty within the eurozone.

Switzerland is set to hold a referendum on adopting a stricter form of neutrality, a move that would limit the country's flexibility in foreign and security policy. The vote touches a core question of Swiss identity, as the country has maintained neutrality for centuries while recently aligning more closely with European sanctions regimes. Debate centers on whether tighter neutrality rules would protect Swiss independence or isolate it diplomatically.

India's Minister for External Affairs addressed the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The address puts India's positions on global issues before the annual gathering of world leaders. The specific content of the speech was not immediately detailed, but the general debate is traditionally where major powers outline their foreign policy priorities to the international community.

Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs took the floor at the United Nations in New York to address the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The address forms part of Germany's annual statement of its foreign policy positions before the international community, delivered alongside speeches from other member states during the assembly's high-level week.

Qatar is using its broad energy portfolio, spanning natural gas exports and international investments, as a tool of foreign policy. Commentary in regional and global outlets is asking whether this diversification can convert economic weight into lasting diplomatic influence, particularly as global demand shifts toward cleaner sources and Gulf states compete for strategic relevance.