Pakistan has welcomed a joint religious declaration by more than 1,000 Afghan clerics in Kabul condemning cross-border militancy, but insisted that such commitments will only be meaningful with a written assurance from the Taliban leadership. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Islamabad has repeatedly sought written guarantees that Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan, but has yet to receive one.

The declaration, viewed as a religious endorsement against cross-border terrorism, warned that any military action beyond Afghanistan’s borders would be treated as rebellion against the Amir’s orders. While Pakistan was not named, the statement is widely seen as directed at the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups. Andarabi noted that past Taliban promises had gone unfulfilled, and Pakistan would assess the new declaration before deciding on further steps.

Tensions remain high following deadly attacks in Pakistan allegedly launched from Afghan territory. Islamabad has also criticized Kabul’s rejection of humanitarian aid and warned that only the Taliban’s top leadership can effectively rein in militant networks. Diplomatic observers see the clerics’ statement as a potential shift within Afghanistan, though its practical impact remains uncertain.

Iran is set to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government following renewed border clashes that have strained relations between the two neighbors. Tehran is preparing to host a high-level meeting on December 16–17, aiming to de-escalate tensions and restore dialogue after months of military and diplomatic standoffs.

According to Islamabad Post, this initiative is viewed as the most significant diplomatic effort yet to resolve the deadlock. Previous rounds of talks in Doha, Istanbul, and Jeddah failed to produce tangible progress. Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, will represent Islamabad in the upcoming discussions. Diplomatic sources indicate that both China and Russia are expected to participate, signaling broader regional concern over the instability.

Analysts note that the involvement of major powers underscores the strategic importance of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations for regional security. Observers will watch closely whether Tehran’s mediation can achieve a breakthrough where earlier efforts faltered.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed firm support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro despite mounting pressure from the United States. According to the Kremlin, Putin conveyed his backing for Maduro’s government policies during a phone call on Thursday, signaling Moscow’s continued alliance with Caracas at a time of heightened geopolitical tension.

On the same day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with Venezuela’s ambassador to Minsk, Jesús Rafael Salazar Velásquez, for the second time in 17 days. Belarus’ state news agency reported Lukashenko’s assurance that Maduro would always be welcome in Belarus. Reuters sought clarification on whether Minsk might offer asylum to Maduro if he stepped down, but received no response.

The Trump administration has refused to recognize Maduro’s presidency since his disputed 2018 re-election, labeling it fraudulent. Washington has tightened sanctions and increased military presence in the Caribbean. Analysts say Putin’s gesture underscores Russia’s intent to counter U.S. influence in Latin America and maintain strategic partnerships with allied regimes.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on six ships linked to Venezuela and three nephews of President Nicolás Maduro, according to the US Treasury Department. The move follows escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas after the US Navy deployed warships in the Caribbean and seized a Venezuelan oil tanker accused of carrying sanctioned crude.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the seized tanker would be taken to a US port, describing the cargo as illegally transported oil. The sanctions are part of a broader effort to tighten economic pressure on Maduro’s government, which has already faced restrictions on more than 30 oil vessels, Reuters reported.

Venezuela’s government condemned the actions, accusing Washington of “theft” and “international piracy.” Caracas claims the US is attempting to seize control of its energy assets. Analysts warn that the new sanctions could further strain diplomatic relations and complicate oil trade routes in the Caribbean region.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying that failure to take stronger action against the cocaine trade could lead to serious consequences. Speaking at a White House meeting with business leaders, Trump accused Colombia of producing large quantities of cocaine that end up in the United States, urging Petro to act decisively.

The warning comes amid ongoing tensions between the two leaders, who have clashed over drug policy, migration, and trade. Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, responded by asserting that his government has already destroyed around 18,400 drug laboratories and cautioned that any interference with Colombia’s sovereignty would amount to a declaration of war. He also invited Trump to visit Colombia and witness anti-narcotics operations firsthand.

The dispute adds to broader regional friction, as Petro has criticized U.S. naval actions in the Caribbean and Trump’s sanctions on Venezuela and Iran. UN human rights experts have condemned those operations as extrajudicial, intensifying diplomatic strains between Bogotá and Washington.

Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu has reportedly made a secret visit to Israel, according to three sources cited by Reuters. The trip, said to have taken place earlier this month, underscores the discreet nature of Taiwan’s foreign engagements due to Beijing’s pressure on countries to avoid formal ties with Taipei. Israel, like most nations, officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, making such a visit highly unusual.

Sources did not disclose whom Wu met or what was discussed, though speculation surrounds potential talks on Taiwan’s new multi-layered air defense system, the T-Dome, modeled partly on Israel’s Iron Dome. Taiwan’s foreign ministry declined to confirm the visit but emphasized that both sides share democratic values and will continue practical cooperation in trade, technology, and culture. Israel’s foreign ministry did not comment.

The visit, if confirmed, signals Taipei’s effort to deepen ties with democratic partners amid rising cross-strait tensions and ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Taiwan has expressed support for Israel since October 2023.

Saudi Arabia has further relaxed its alcohol restrictions, permitting high-income non-Muslim foreign residents to legally purchase alcohol in Riyadh. According to Bloomberg, foreigners earning at least 50,000 riyals (around USD 13,300) per month can now access the kingdom’s only licensed liquor store by presenting proof of income. The store, initially opened last year for foreign diplomats, has now extended access to non-Muslims holding premium residency status.

The Saudi government has not issued an official statement on the policy change, and no immediate comment was provided to media inquiries. Purchases are reportedly managed through a monthly point-based allowance system. Bloomberg also reported that two additional liquor stores are under construction in other Saudi cities.

Analysts suggest the move aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader efforts to modernize Saudi society and attract skilled expatriates. The policy shift also comes as the kingdom prepares to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, when an influx of international visitors is expected to seek greater social freedoms.

Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately sabotaging ongoing peace talks by presenting conditions that Moscow deems unacceptable. Rodion Miroshnik, Russia’s special envoy to the Foreign Ministry, told Izvestia that Kyiv is intentionally setting terms designed to collapse the dialogue and then blame Russia for the failure. He described Ukraine’s approach as a waste of time and a political bluff aimed at reshaping proposals linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace framework.

The accusation follows the conclusion of three days of U.S.-mediated discussions in Florida between Ukrainian and American officials, which ended without tangible results. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a constructive phone conversation with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, emphasizing that real progress toward peace depends on Moscow’s willingness to engage sincerely. Analysts note that both sides continue to trade blame, underscoring the deep mistrust that has stalled diplomatic efforts since the start of the conflict.

Observers suggest that without renewed commitment from both Kyiv and Moscow, future negotiations may remain symbolic, prolonging uncertainty in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged that Kyiv currently lacks the military capacity and allied support to retake territories under Russian control, including Crimea. His statement marks a significant shift in tone after four years of war, signaling a possible softening of Ukraine’s long-held goal to fully restore its 1991 borders.

The admission comes as Washington intensifies pressure on Kyiv to accept former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan, which aims for a deal before Christmas. According to reports, U.S. envoys held a two-hour meeting with Zelensky, urging him to respond within days. Analysts view this as a turning point, reflecting both battlefield fatigue and the limits of Western military and financial backing.

Zelensky’s remarks also highlight growing uncertainty over Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and the fragility of European support without U.S. leadership. The coming weeks may determine whether Kyiv can secure credible security guarantees and reconstruction commitments in exchange for accepting the new geopolitical reality.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that the ongoing violence in Gaza, which he said has claimed over 70,000 lives, demonstrates that the core values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been 'severely damaged.' He made the remarks on December 10, Human Rights Day, emphasizing the continued suffering in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories despite international efforts to halt the violence.

Erdogan extended greetings to the Turkish people and the global human rights community on the 77th anniversary of the UN declaration, calling it a vital document that still upholds humanity’s shared values. However, he lamented that the principles enshrined in it are being violated in many parts of the world, weakening notions of peace and justice.

He urged the international community to take collective responsibility for rebuilding Gaza and to strengthen the ceasefire. Erdogan reiterated that a just and lasting peace requires the implementation of a two-state solution and increased pressure on Israel to prevent further escalation.

Continuous rainfall triggered severe flooding across southern Gaza on Wednesday, inundating makeshift tents sheltering displaced residents in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis. Arab media reports said many families were trapped inside their tents as floodwaters rose, prompting urgent calls for help to Palestinian Civil Defense units in Rafah.

Officials said the flooding compounded the misery of Gaza’s displaced population, already suffering from months of conflict and destruction. Nearly the entire population has been uprooted by Israel’s military campaign, and reconstruction costs are estimated at around $70 billion. Despite a two-month ceasefire, no significant progress has been made toward building sustainable temporary housing for those left homeless.

Humanitarian agencies warn that without immediate infrastructure and drainage support, further rainfall could worsen living conditions, heighten disease risks, and delay recovery efforts across the enclave.

Heavy artillery and rocket fire have resumed along the Thailand–Cambodia border, forcing mass evacuations just five months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The Thai military accused Cambodian troops of firing on an engineering team building an access road in a disputed area, injuring two soldiers. The fragile truce, mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump in July, has collapsed amid rising tensions and mutual suspicion.

Analysts say deep-rooted mistrust between the two neighbors undermined the ceasefire from the start. Thailand reluctantly accepted the July truce under U.S. tariff pressure, while Cambodia welcomed international involvement. Since then, new landmines allegedly laid by Cambodian forces have maimed several Thai soldiers, prompting Bangkok to accuse Phnom Penh of bad faith.

Thailand’s weakened coalition government has given its military broad authority to act, while domestic anger toward Cambodia has grown. Although Trump may attempt renewed mediation, both sides now demand concrete proof of goodwill before talks resume, leaving the border conflict at risk of further escalation.

Venezuela has sharply condemned the United States after Washington seized a large oil tanker near the Venezuelan coast. Caracas labeled the move as 'theft' and 'international piracy,' accusing the U.S. of pursuing a deliberate plan to seize the country's energy resources. The Trump administration confirmed the operation, describing it as the largest tanker seizure to date, and hinted at further similar actions.

In an official statement, the Venezuelan government alleged that the U.S. was abusing power in an imperialist manner, arguing that the long-running campaign against President Nicolás Maduro was not about democracy or human rights but about controlling Venezuela’s oil. A U.S. official told CBS News that the mission was conducted by the Coast Guard with naval and Marine support, under the supervision of the Pentagon.

Venezuela vowed to raise the issue in international forums, calling it a serious violation of sovereignty. Analysts say the incident could further strain U.S.–Venezuela relations and complicate global oil diplomacy amid already tense geopolitical conditions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has seized a foreign vessel in the Persian Gulf on allegations of fuel smuggling. The ship, reportedly carrying 350,000 liters of contraband diesel, was intercepted following intelligence surveillance and brought to a southern Iranian port under court order, according to IRGC officials.

The vessel was identified as flying the flag of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Authorities stated that 13 crew members—comprising Indian nationals and citizens of a neighboring country—were detained for investigation. The confiscated fuel has been returned to Iran and is currently being offloaded under judicial supervision.

The seizure underscores Iran’s ongoing campaign against fuel smuggling, a persistent issue driven by the country’s heavily subsidized domestic fuel prices. The IRGC frequently announces similar operations in the Persian Gulf, reflecting both economic and security dimensions of Iran’s maritime enforcement strategy.

Three members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in what authorities described as a terrorist assault near the southeastern city of Zahedan, close to the Lar border region, on Wednesday. According to state-run Press TV, the attack targeted troops stationed to protect Iran’s frontier areas.

A statement from the IRGC’s Quds regional headquarters confirmed that the soldiers were ambushed while performing border security duties. Iranian forces have since launched a counter-operation to locate and confront the attackers. The Sistan and Baluchestan province, where the incident occurred, has long been a hotspot for militant activity against both civilians and security personnel.

Officials in Tehran have previously accused foreign intelligence agencies of supporting armed groups operating in the region. The latest attack underscores persistent security challenges along Iran’s volatile southeastern border, raising concerns about cross-border militancy and regional instability.