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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a potential prisoner exchange involving Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian detained in France, and French citizens held in Iran. The deal aims to resolve long-standing detention issues amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, with negotiations reportedly nearing final stages.
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Japan has decided not to support Palestinian state recognition at the UN General Assembly, citing regional stability and diplomatic relations. Despite several allies planning recognition, Japan emphasizes a comprehensive assessment amid ongoing Gaza conflict and humanitarian concerns. The decision aligns with US opposition and reflects Japan's cautious diplomatic stance.
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French President Macron plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN, prompting protests and political tensions. Local authorities are divided over flying Palestinian flags, with some cities defying government orders. Macron emphasizes peace and a two-state solution, while debates over neutrality and political symbolism intensify.
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Israeli forces have intercepted the last vessel of the Gaza humanitarian flotilla, the Marinette, which was approaching Gaza in international waters. Several vessels with activists, including Greta Thunberg, were seized or harassed. The flotilla claims the interception is illegal, sparking international condemnation and protests.
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France faces ongoing political instability as Prime Minister Lecornu's new cabinet struggles to pass a 2026 draft budget amid opposition and deadlock. Macron's efforts to stabilize government are challenged by opposition parties demanding elections or resignation, with the parliament divided and support uncertain.
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Lennart Monterlos, a 19-year-old French-German cyclist, has been released from Iranian custody after being detained since June. The Iranian judiciary announced the espionage charges against him would be dropped, and he has returned to France. France continues to advocate for the release of two other detained nationals, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris.
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France's new government, led by Prime Minister Lecornu, struggles to pass a budget amid opposition threats of no-confidence votes. Macron's declining approval and fractured parliament threaten further government collapses, risking market instability and economic setbacks. The cabinet aims to navigate political deadlock before looming deadlines today, October 13, 2025.
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Iran has sentenced two French nationals, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, to prison terms for espionage, amid ongoing negotiations for a prisoner exchange with France. The sentences follow their arrest in 2022 during a tourist trip, with Iran accusing them of spying for France and Israel. France denies the charges and calls their detention arbitrary.
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French President Macron announced the release of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, detained in Iran since 2022 on espionage charges. They are now en route to the French embassy in Tehran, with talks ongoing for their return to France. The release marks a significant diplomatic development amid tense Iran-West relations.
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The US has conducted at least 19 military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, claiming they are drug trafficking narco-terrorists. The campaign, justified by the US as a conflict with drug cartels, faces widespread legal and regional opposition, with critics calling the strikes illegal extrajudicial killings.
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As of November 24, 2025, Iran is pushing for a resumption of stalled nuclear negotiations with the U.S., using Saudi Arabia as a mediator amid fears of renewed Israeli strikes and economic strain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting France to urge compliance with IAEA obligations, while Tehran denies undeclared enrichment and insists on its right to peaceful nuclear energy.
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The U.S. and Russia have reportedly drafted a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, excluding Ukrainian and European input. European leaders emphasize the need for Ukraine's involvement, amid ongoing tensions and recent battlefield setbacks. The plan's details and implications remain uncertain, raising questions about its legitimacy and potential impact on Ukraine's sovereignty.
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The US has proposed a 28-point peace plan involving territorial concessions by Ukraine, military reductions, and Russia's reintegration into the global economy. Zelensky plans to discuss it with Trump, amid skepticism from European allies and ongoing fighting on the ground. The plan aims to end the conflict but faces significant opposition.
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U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Rubio and envoy Witkoff, are engaging Ukraine and European allies in Geneva to discuss a 28-point peace plan proposed by Trump. The plan involves territorial concessions and military limits for Ukraine, with deadlines set for Kyiv's response amid ongoing Russian advances and international skepticism.
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A 20-year-old man, Mehdi Kessaci, was shot in Marseille last week, believed to be ordered by drug gangs to intimidate his activist brother. The incident highlights ongoing violence linked to organized crime, with authorities increasing efforts to combat drug trafficking and gang-related murders in France.
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Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris this week to urge Iran to resume cooperation with the IAEA amid ongoing tensions over nuclear inspections. The meeting follows increased sanctions and Iran's recent suspension of IAEA cooperation after a war with Israel. Iran emphasizes regional shifts and rejects US conditions for talks.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited China for a three-day trip focused on trade and diplomacy. Key topics included involving Beijing in pressuring Russia for a Ukraine ceasefire, strengthening bilateral ties, and addressing trade imbalances. Xi pledged support for peace efforts and announced economic cooperation, while trade disputes and geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.