Iran was plunged into a near-total internet blackout as nationwide protests over soaring prices and economic hardship spread across all 31 provinces. Authorities have not officially explained the shutdown, but Iran has repeatedly cut internet access during periods of unrest in the past. Rights groups report that dozens of protesters, including children, have been killed since demonstrations began, as security forces intensified crackdowns in multiple cities.  

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia is ready to end the war in Ukraine, but his comments reveal a critical condition: no compromises on Moscow’s core demands. Speaking after recent talks tied to a U.S. peace framework developed with President Donald Trump, Putin claimed he had “practically agreed” to proposals discussed at a high-level summit, while rejecting changes sought by Kyiv and European leaders.