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Iran-Russia relations

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is in Iran on a two-day official visit as Tehran and Moscow seek to boost ties in the wake of western sanctions on both nations. Upon arrival, the top Russian diplomat met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi. Lavrov will also meet with other senior officials including his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian. The talks will revolve around bilateral relations, the 2015 deal, the situation in Syria and Afghanistan as well as the Ukraine crisis. The Iranian government has time and again stressed that promoting ties with neighbors is its foreign policy priority.

France political deadlock

The French president is in hot water after his party loses the majority in Sunday’s parliamentary elections. Now, Emmanuel Macron is asking political groups to make compromises and end the political deadlock caused by his failure. Macron however ruled out any attempts to create a government of national unity that would include all political forces. Macron said such a move is not justified. He admitted that there are deep divisions in the country. Macron called on the opposition parties to leave in-fighting behind and move beyond politics. Earlier this week, the new left-wing alliance NUPES which is now the main opposition force along with its allies, said it will bring a motion of no-confidence vote against the Macron government next month. Macron's centrist alliance won most parliamentary seats in the elections but fell 44 seats short of a straight majority. French media have called the results a slap in Macron’s face.

Ecuador protests

Tensions are escalating in Ecuador following days of anti-government protests. Officials say the state of emergency will remain in place after 18 police officers went missing following an attack by Indigenous protesters. The officers were reported missing after their station in the eastern Amazonian city of Puyo came under attack. Two people have died in the 10-day protest following violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The government has declared a state of emergency in six of Ecuador's 24 departments. Around 90 civilians and 100 members of the security forces have been injured in clashes. Six officers have been seriously injured and three more detained by the protesters. According to the latest reports protesters have taken control of Puyo, with the government trying to retake control of the city. Protesters are angry at rising fuel price and the economic policies of President Geeyermo Lasso.

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