Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on the final day of his trip for the UN General Assembly’s 81st session. 

According to a readout published by Iranian state media, Araghchi briefed Guterres on the latest developments in West Asia following the “military aggression” by the United States and the Israeli regime against the country.

He said that as a founding UN member, Iran expects the organization and its member states not to remain indifferent to “flagrant violations of the UN Charter” by a permanent Security Council member, and to explicitly condemn continued US “interference and illegal threats.”

Citing two rounds of “illegal US and Israeli attacks” on Iran within less than a year, occurring amid negotiations, along with an ongoing naval blockade and economic pressure, Araghchi stressed Iran’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity with full capability.

He said Iran would continue to pursue “accountability and justice for those responsible for war crimes by the US and the Zionist regime.”

Araghchi said Iran has consistently favored diplomacy to safeguard its national interests and regional peace, but said the United States repeatedly abandoned diplomatic commitments over the past decade, contributing to regional instability.

“He also raised continued violence and mass killing by the Israeli regime in Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Syria and elsewhere in the region, urging the UN and Security Council to act to end Israeli impunity and stop the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank,” the Mehr news agency reported.

Guterres, for his part, condemned violations of core principles of the UN Charter, particularly the use of force by major powers, and stressed the need for all countries to abide by international law and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

The meeting also addressed “continued US violations” of the UN Headquarters Agreement and obstruction of the normal functioning of Iran’s mission. Araghchi conveyed Iran’s formal protest over the host government’s conduct and asked Guterres to take necessary measures to ensure US compliance with its obligations.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met with Qatari mediators in New York to discuss a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while a United States official said there would be no agreement to end the war unless Tehran’s nuclear programme is addressed, Al Jazeera reported.

Araghchi told Iranian state media on Monday that the Qatari mediators would carry the ideas discussed at the meeting to the US and that he hoped to receive Washington’s final response by Tuesday.

“We talked about ideas and how to find solutions to fulfil Iran’s conditions and how to implement those conditions,” he said. “They had some ideas, and we had a discussion that they will also present to the American side.”

Asked whether he would stay in New York to await the reply, Araghchi said he would fly to Tehran within hours.

“Whenever the Qataris have a response, they know how to get it to us,” he said.

He described the meetings as part of an existing exchange of messages through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, which he said had taken on “a more serious form” since Iran submitted its proposal.

The Iranian plan, announced on Friday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, calls on the US to release frozen Iranian funds, lift sanctions and end its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Araghchi said those steps could be completed within four or five days, allowing the strait to reopen and negotiations on a final agreement, including on Iran’s nuclear programme, to begin by the seventh day.

US President Donald Trump, however, rejected the proposal on Saturday, calling it “unacceptable”.

The US official, who spoke to Al Jazeera, said indirect discussions were continuing.

The talks were “positive and constructive”, the official said, but stressed there would be no agreement unless Iran’s nuclear programme is addressed.

US President Donald Trump believes that the US war against Iran will end very soon.

According to TASS, Trump expressed this view during a speech at a conference on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in Washington.

“Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. They are doing very badly. It will end very soon,” Trump said, adding that he believes oil prices will begin to fall after an agreement is reached with the Islamic Republic.

The US President also expressed the view that the war against Iran would go down in history as one of the most important things achieved under his administration. “Actually, it is one of the most important things,” he added.

The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, on the night of July 8, the US resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing it of violating the terms of agreements reached concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Before the conflict, around 25% of global oil trade and approximately 20% of liquefied natural gas were transported through the strait.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident at RAF Fairford in the UK — used by the US military — “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor”.

Five men who were arrested on suspicion of terror offences near the base were released on bail on Monday.

The men – all UK nationals in their 20s who live in London – had been arrested under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, the BBC reported.

Marco Rubio told Fox News’ “Hannity” programme that it was clear a “foreign actor” had been involved.

Without providing evidence or giving further details, he told the TV show: “I have to be careful, there are some things I cannot say on the air for a lot of different reasons. Suffice it to say, that what happened, what almost happened, what could have happened, in the UK over the weekend, is a very serious situation. It’s one that clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor.”

“I won’t get into great detail about that yet. I do want to thank the authorities in the United Kingdom who have been very co-operative and on top of it. I know a lot of people are disturbed by the news that some of these people have been released on bail, some of the people are being investigated. Obviously we’re engaging with them on all of that. But suffice it to say, beyond that I would argue that they’ve been very co-operative and very helpful, on something that’s a very serious incident,” he added.

Officers detained the men in the early hours of Sunday after they received a tip-off that three large white vans had been seen heading to the military airfield of RAF Fairford in the west of England.

British counterterrorism detectives have not yet publicly stated who they assessed was involved but a source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive was considered the most likely, while a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot were also being looked at as possibilities, according to Reuters.

Political scientist Edgar Vardanyan believes that humanity is witnessing the emergence of a new world order, one in which force plays a much more decisive role than established rules, while the world order built on the previous rules is clearly facing a serious crisis.

In an interview with Armenpress, Edgar Vardanyan addressed one of the most intense conflicts on the international stage—the Russian-Ukrainian conflict—and linked the future nature of the new world order to the nature of the conflict and its possible resolution.

“The transformational processes taking place in the world are unprecedented in nature, but to some extent there is an understanding between the current US administration and the authorities of the Russian Federation, which did not exist during the tenure of former US President Joe Biden, whose approaches were more confrontational in nature. Therefore, the factor of mutual understanding may, to some extent, contribute to the resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian war,” Vardanyan said.

In his view, the negotiation process may also be significantly affected by the fact that elections are expected to be held in the United States, and therefore, ahead of them, the Trump administration needs to demonstrate positive developments in the negotiation process.

“Donald Trump has quite little time, therefore, he will make every effort to reach some kind of resolution, even if it means reaching a preliminary agreement. The problem is also that although Russia says it is ready for negotiations, it is guided by its own agenda, which is diametrically opposed to the Ukrainian agenda. The conflicting sides are unable to reach a compromise due to sharp disagreements. The demands of both sides are unacceptable, so it is difficult to say whether the United States, even at the cost of great effort, will succeed in persuading the Russian Federation to make concessions and soften its position,” Vardanyan noted.

The political scientist emphasized that today a stalemate has emerged on the battlefield, but this does not mean that the search for solutions will not intensify.

“Ukraine continues to put up serious resistance to the Russian Federation, taking advantage of the support of Western countries. Kyiv, unexpectedly for many, was able to strike military and industrial targets in different Russian cities as a result of putting its defense industry on new tracks and effectively using new technologies, which significantly changed the nature of the war,” he said.

Addressing the question of whether, specifically against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and in the context of the search for ways to resolve it, the United States and the European Union continue to remain partners, Vardanyan emphasized that although the two poles do not have unified approaches and positions at this stage, they nevertheless continue to remain partners.

“In terms of military potential, the position of the United States is unequivocally stronger than that of the EU, which cannot fail to affect the negotiation process. The number-one player here is the United States, which has the ability to persuade European countries to accept some option that may not be so preferable for the EU. There are certain ‘red lines’ for both the EU and Ukraine. If those lines are not crossed, solutions are possible precisely between the United States and European countries, which are also allies within the framework of the North Atlantic Alliance, NATO,” Vardanyan elaborated.

In his observation, although the new world order has not yet been fully formed, it is undergoing intensive transformations; therefore, the resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian and Iranian-American conflicts may lead to the institutionalization of the new world order.

“Nevertheless, in the newly emerging world order, which is based on the application of force rather than rules, international institutions will nevertheless have a very serious influence and importance. Today, arguments can be made simultaneously in favor of unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar world orders, so it is difficult to say to what extent the resolution of conflicts may clarify the issue. One thing is clear: the debates will continue, but the most important role of the United States in that world order will remain indisputable,” the political scientist concluded.

Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan met with members of the delegation of the Council of the European Union’s Working Party on Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The meeting was attended by Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, ambassadors of EU member states, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and diplomatic representatives.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a press release that Arpine Sargsyan thanked the delegation members for their continued efforts aimed at advancing Armenia-EU cooperation.

The minister noted that the close and constructive cooperation established with the European Union and the joint agenda provide an opportunity to ensure tangible results.

Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Vassilis Maragos thanked Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan for her leadership in the visa liberalization process, as well as for the reforms being implemented in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police.

Arpine Sargsyan, as the Armenian side’s lead negotiator in the visa liberalization process, emphasized the importance of the successful progress of the process, considering it one of the Government’s priority areas.

The minister emphasized Armenia’s commitment and determination to fully implement the Armenia-EU Visa Liberalization Action Plan.

Speaking about the timeline for implementing the Visa Liberalization Action Plan, Arpine Sargsyan noted that the Armenian side has set 2029 as the deadline.

In her assessment, proper implementation of the Action Plan will ensure tangible results in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring a visa-free regime.

Addressing the priorities of the Visa Liberalization Action Plan, Minister Sargsyan also considered migration management to be key. According to her, one of the most important steps in this area is the introduction of a new biometric system through a public-private partnership, which will be launched on November 1.

Speaking about integrated border management, the minister emphasized that Armenia is committed to introducing an integrated system with the aim of transitioning to a new model of ensuring security. A strategy for integrated border management is also being developed, which is planned to be submitted to the Government for approval by the end of the year.

The Minister of Internal Affairs also answered questions from the delegation members.

Russia’s Rosatom is working with Armenia to eliminate the “legacy” left by the now-defunct Nairit synthetic rubber plant, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We are working with our Armenian partners on the Nairit project, and I hope we will be able to help,” he said, according to the TASS news agency.

The safe remediation of hazardous substances at the defunct Nairit chemical complex and the transformation of the site into a safe and usable area remain a priority in Armenia. In June 2025, the government approved a proposal for a $1.5 million World Bank grant to prepare an environmental remediation and regeneration project for the Nairit plant.

At the meeting with Putin, Likhachev also added that work is continuing at Armenia’s nuclear power plant. “We can’t overlook Armenia, because we are extending the plant’s operation. The leadership there will decide which path to take, but we are present there,” Likhachev said.

Armenia is working to extend the operating life of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant until 2036, while steps will be taken in the meantime to build a new nuclear power plant.

It has been decided that the new nuclear power plant will be of a modular type, and talks are ongoing with several countries.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting with a delegation led by Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia’s Rosatom State Corporation.

The Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout that PM Pashinyan and Director General Likhachev discussed issues related to the work to extend the operating life of the second power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, as well as proposals from the Russian side regarding the construction of a new nuclear power unit in Armenia.

The Prime Minister said that the Armenian government continues discussions on proposals received from international partners regarding the construction of a new nuclear power unit, and a decision will be made in the near future. Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that the final decision will be based exclusively on economic considerations, taking into account the price, quality, safety, timelines and guarantees.

Alexey Likhachev said that Rosatom has constructive cooperation with its Armenian partners, including on extending the operating life of the existing power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The Rosatom Director General then presented details regarding proposals for the construction of a new nuclear power plant, as well as small- and medium-capacity power units, and possible mechanisms for their implementation.

A total of 1,141 Armenian graduates of leading universities worldwide applied for the first phase of the Armenian government’s Talent Bank program, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

“Dear people, on June 15, I invited graduates of leading universities around the world to put their knowledge and professional experience at the service of the state administration system of the Republic of Armenia. Today, we can summarize the results of the first phase of the ‘Government [Talent] Bank’ program. A total of 1,141 applications were received. Following their review, interviews, and professional assessment, 269 candidates from 29 countries were included in the Government [Talent] Bank,” Pashinyan said on social media.

The average age of the selected candidates is 33.3, while women account for 42 percent.

According to the available data, around 93 percent of the candidates have Armenian roots, while 7 percent are professionals without Armenian ancestry.

“This means that the program has attracted not only our compatriots from the Diaspora, but also foreign professionals interested in professional cooperation with Armenia. As of now, decisions on employment or appointment have been made regarding more than 30 candidates, 16 of whom have already been appointed to senior government positions, including deputy ministers, heads of committees, and other positions involving high levels of responsibility. The Government already has a closed electronic platform through which ministries and other state bodies can review the professional profiles of candidates and directly contact specialists who meet their needs,” the Prime Minister said.

Nikol Pashinyan said the Talent Bank will continue to operate and expand. The next phase of the program is planned for 2027.

“Thank you to all 1,141 participants who applied to the program for your interest in and trust in this initiative. I love you all,” Pashinyan concluded his post.

The Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, Lilit Makunts, attended an anniversary concert dedicated to composer and Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia Konstantin Petrosyan.

The Prime Minister’s Office said that the concert featured performances by the Armenian State Chamber Orchestra, the Armenian State Jazz Orchestra, the Public Radio’s Arevik Children’s and Youth Ensemble, and other performers.