Category: Azer News

The United States Department of State sanctioned over 100 Nicaraguan officials who “continue to carry out the dictatorship” of the country’s co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday, AzerNEWS reports.

“The Murillo-Ortega dictatorship is an enemy of humanity,” Rubio wrote on X, adding that “the [US President Donald] Trump Administration will not ignore their crimes and brutality, including the dictatorship’s singular role in the death of political opposition leader Brooklyn Rivera.”

Last month, 73-year-old Rivera, leader of the Nicaraguan indigenous movement Yatama, died in prison due to “physical and neurological deterioration” linked to a Covid-19 infection. Opposition media reported that it took authorities 15 hours to confirm the death, refusing to release Rivera’s remains to his family.

At the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Economy, Elnur Aliyev, conducted a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and transport cooperation, AzerNEWS reports.

During discussions with Dagestan officials, including Acting Head Fyodor Shchukin and Chairman of the Government Magomed Ramazanov, the parties explored ways to enhance regional logistics and reinvigorate the work of their Joint Intergovernmental Commission. Aliyev also met with Russia’s Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Vladimir Ilichev, to review investment opportunities and present a selected range of Azerbaijani products intended to increase export volumes.

Transport connectivity and commercial ties featured prominently in talks with Turkish Deputy Trade Minister Sezai Uçarmak, where both sides discussed expanding e-commerce and advancing key transit projects. In a separate meeting with Astrakhan Governor Igor Babushkin, discussions focused on strengthening transport and logistics routes and deepening economic collaboration in the Caspian region.

Aliyev’s meetings with Karelia Head Artur Parfenchikov and Krasnoyarsk First Deputy Governor Sergey Ponomarenko centered on identifying new industrial cooperation prospects and creating additional mechanisms to foster stronger business-to-business links between the regions.

The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, JSC ‘National Geological Survey,’ and Shell Kazakhstan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of hydrocarbon data research and analysis, AzerNEWS reports.

The practical core of the agreement will be the launch of a pilot project aimed at developing a modern geographic information system that will integrate and structure dispersed geological datasets into a unified digital platform.

The partnership focuses on the exchange of global best practices and the digitalization of archival geological information. The document also establishes a framework for joint specialist training, the implementation of advanced analytical tools, and comprehensive subsurface studies.

A key added dimension of the initiative will be the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies for processing geological data. This is expected to improve the accuracy of predicting prospective hydrocarbon deposits and accelerate investment decision-making processes.

Overall, the digital transformation is expected to significantly enhance understanding of the country’s resource potential, increase the efficiency of exploration activities, and strengthen the investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas sector.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov has met with athletes who successfully represented Azerbaijan in international competitions throughout the month of May, AzerNEWS reports.

A video highlighting the achievements secured on international arenas over the past month was screened during the meeting held at the Baku Youth Centre.

Farid Gayibov noted that Azerbaijan’s national anthem was played in 15 different countries during May.

He highlighted that Azerbaijani athletes claimed a total of 231 medals, which included 70 gold, 58 silver, and 103 bronze medals.

Following the minister’s address, representatives from various sports disciplines shared updates regarding the tournaments they competed in and the results they achieved.

The Azerbaijani athletes have consistently shown great skill, strong discipline, and determination in international tournaments.

Much of this success stems from the close collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan (NOC).

The NOC plays a direct role in preparing national athletes for the global stage, ensuring they have access to the high-level training, resources, and international experience needed to compete at the highest levels.

Since 1992, the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee has worked purposefully and consistently for the dynamic development of sports in the country.

Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev, who has headed the committee since 1997, Azerbaijan has witnessed a rapid development of the Olympic movement.

Much attention is being shown in Azerbaijan to holding international sports competitions.

Major sports events, including the first European Games (2015), Islamic Solidarity Games (2017), and the European Youth Olympic Festival (2019), were organized in Azerbaijan.

The world’s nine nuclear-armed states continued to modernize and expand their nuclear arsenals in 2025, while increasingly treating nuclear weapons as instruments of national power, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

As of January 2026, the global nuclear inventory stood at 12,187 warheads, of which 9,745 were retained in military stockpiles for potential use. Among them, 4,012 warheads were deployed on missiles and aircraft, while an estimated 2,100 to 2,200 were maintained in a state of high operational readiness.

“Almost all of these warheads belonged to either Russia or the United States, with smaller numbers held by France and the United Kingdom. However, China and India are now capable of periodically deploying a limited number of missiles during peacetime,” SIPRI experts noted.

The report’s authors said that since the end of the Cold War, the gradual dismantlement of warheads in Russia and the United States had generally outpaced the deployment of new systems, leading to an overall decline in the global nuclear stockpile.

“That trend is likely to reverse in the coming years as the pace of retirements slows and the deployment of new nuclear weapons accelerates,” the report stated. “Nuclear-armed states are increasingly sidelining, and in some cases abandoning, their disarmament commitments. Instead, there is growing evidence that they are placing greater emphasis on demonstrating and strengthening their nuclear capabilities.”

According to SIPRI, Russia and the United States together possess approximately 83 percent of the world’s operational nuclear warheads. China is estimated to have around 620 nuclear warheads and has expanded its arsenal at a faster pace than any other country. Beijing also showcased several new nuclear-capable systems during a military parade in 2025.

The report noted that both the United Kingdom and France are expected to increase their nuclear warhead stockpiles in the coming years.

India and Pakistan also modestly expanded their nuclear arsenals in 2025 and continued developing new delivery systems for their weapons.

SIPRI estimates that North Korea possesses around 60 nuclear warheads and has sufficient fissile material to produce at least 30 more. Israel, which has never publicly acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons, is also believed to be modernizing its nuclear arsenal.

From June 19 to 24, the historic center of Baku-Icherisheher will be filled with music, dance, live concerts, open classes, gastronomy, and the atmosphere of an Argentine celebration, AzerNEWS reports.

For the first time in the capital, Baku will host the international tango and culture festival El Calor en Baku – Azerbaijan Tango Festival.

This event is created not only for professional dancers. The main idea of the festival is to introduce tango, Argentine culture, and the atmosphere of a large urban celebration to everyone: residents of Baku, families, couples, friends, tourists, and visitors to the city.

Over the course of six days, everyone will be able to attend open festival venues free of charge, try their first tango steps, listen to live music, watch performances by artists, meet dance schools, spend evenings with loved ones, and experience the unique atmosphere of Icherisheher.

Six days of music, dance, flavor, and summer atmosphere in the heart of Baku-El Calor en Baku – Azerbaijan Tango Festival invites residents and guests of the city to a major open celebration.

The festival will become one of the brightest summer events in Baku: during the day there will be open lessons, masterclasses, a gastronomic fair, lectures, and film screenings; in the evening-concerts, dance evenings, open-air milongas, show programs, and live music.

For guests who have never danced tango before, the festival will be an opportunity simply to try it. No experience, special training, or partner is required-visitors can come alone, with friends, family, or a partner. At the festival venues, professional instructors will help participants take their first steps, feel the music, and understand why tango connects people around the world.

A special part of the program includes Argentine folklore, open dance lessons, musical performances, and the festive atmosphere of open-air venues. This will not only be a tango festival but also a full week of Argentine culture in Baku-featuring music, flavors, dance, communication, and a lively urban spirit.

The gastronomic fair will be a separate attraction of the festival. Guests will be able to spend time outdoors, taste dishes and drinks, get acquainted with the atmosphere of Latin America, and enjoy evenings in one of the most beautiful historical areas of the city.

Main events of the festival:

June 20 – official opening ceremony of the festival, dedicated to Argentina’s Flag Day

June 21 – large open-air milonga with a live orchestra and international artists

June 22 – final of the international tango championship and gala show at the square near Gosha Gala Gate

June 24 – closing concert dedicated to the memory of Carlos Gardel, a legendary artist and one of the symbols of world tango

International maestros, artists, dancers, and musicians from various countries will participate in the festival. The musical program will feature Solo Tango Orquesta and La Argenta Ensamble, and among the invited artists are Neri Piliu and Yanina Quiñones, Maxim Gerasimov and Ornella Simonetto, Utku and Iris Kuley, Jesús Gorgone and Victoria Lizunova, and many others.

El Calor en Baku – Azerbaijan Tango Festival is an event that transforms the city into an open cultural space. It is an opportunity to spend time beautifully and unusually: to come in the evening to Icherisheher, watch live performances, try dancing, meet friends, have a romantic evening, discover a new culture, and become part of a major international celebration.

For Baku, this festival is more than just a few days of events. It is something that creates a vibrant urban atmosphere, attracts tourists, brings people together, and presents the capital of Azerbaijan as a modern, open, and hospitable cultural center.

The festival is held with the participation of the Azerbaijan Dance Council (AzDC), the Administration of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve, and with the support of the Embassy of Argentina in Azerbaijan, MetropoliTanGo World, the international tango community, invited artists, and project partners.

It is also important to note that thanks to this festival, Baku is entering the global professional tango stage. The Azerbaijan Tango Festival will become a new focal point for the international tango community.

Starting in 2026, Baku will become an official stage of the MetropoliTango World Cup Official Stage-a prestigious international series that gives participants a last chance to qualify for the finals in Italy. This makes the festival in Baku one of the key points of the season for professional dancers, instructors, judges, and tango couples from different countries. From 2027 onward, the professional significance of the festival is planned to be further strengthened: Baku will host two major international tango circuits-MetropoliTango and Mundial de Tango. This will allow Azerbaijan to establish itself as a new international hub for professional tango, annually welcoming world-class participants.

Within the festival, the first-ever Baku Tango Trophy will also take place. It will serve as a platform for developing the local and regional tango scene, giving dancers from Azerbaijan and neighboring countries the opportunity to perform on a professional stage, receive international evaluation, and become part of a major festival movement.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az,Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.

The Saudi Arabian Defense Ministry said on Monday that a ballistic missile was launched toward the country’s territory from Yemen earlier in the day, AzerNEWS reports.

In an official statement, the department’s spokesperson, Major General Turki al-Maliki, noted that the missile “disappeared near the border.” He said that the launch briefly activated the air-raid sirens in the Al-Kharj Governorate in central Saudi Arabia. Al-Maliki added that an investigation is underway to examine the details of the incident.

Furthermore, Al-Maliki insisted that earlier allegations that the missile targeted the Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj Governorate were false.

About 750 million people in the world still do not have access to electricity, AzerNEWS reports.

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the clean energy transition is not limited to technological changes alone. It also involves behavioral and structural transformations. In this context, coordinated actions are needed in three key areas: policy, society, and sectors.

In the policy area, the report recommends the combined use of incentive mechanisms, regulations, and awareness campaigns. From a societal perspective, it emphasizes educational activities, the involvement of local communities in decision-making processes, and increasing the role of women and youth in the energy sector. It also highlights the importance of improving energy efficiency in buildings, transport, and household appliances, which are responsible for a significant share of global carbon emissions.

The report reviewed 55 best practice examples from various countries and outlined recommendations for policymakers.

China is noted for expanding transport electrification through pilot city projects and strengthening energy efficiency standards. Its energy labeling system has reportedly saved more than 4.28 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity over the past 20 years.

The social dimension of the energy transition is also addressed. The European Union’s Social Climate Fund, which will be implemented between 2026 and 2032, aims to support households experiencing energy poverty and small businesses.

The report also notes that around 750 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, and more than 2 billion people do not have access to clean cooking technologies. It emphasizes that efforts to expand access to clean energy are particularly important in Africa.

Azerbaijan is set to open an embassy in Portugal, AzerNEWS reports.

The issue was reviewed during a meeting of the Parliament’s Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Ties held on June 5.

?Thus, the bill “On the establishment of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Portuguese Republic (in the city of Lisbon)” was discussed at the committee meeting and recommended to the plenary session of the parliament.

Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro, in a congratulatory letter addressed to President Ilham Aliyev on June 5, emphasized that the opening of the embassies will contribute to the development of bilateral ties.

United States President Donald Trump underscored on Sunday that the US will destroy stockpiles of enriched uranium with or without Iran, AzerNEWS reports.

“If we make a deal that now we’re friendly, we’ll all go together. It’ll be our equipment. We’ll take it out and destroy it, whether it’s on-site or whether we take it off-site,” Trump told NBC in an interview.

“And we will go with them, or without them [the Iranians]. But we won’t have people shooting at us, OK?” Trump said. He warned that if no deal is reached, the US is going to take Iran out “militarily very harshly.”

Iran’s Parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission spokesperson, Ebrahim Rezaei took to X on Sunday to share that Tehran is preparing a response to Israel’s attack on Lebanon today.

“We will deliver a decisive and painful response to the Zionist regime’s attack on Dahiyeh. These rabid dogs must be disciplined and put back in their place. Look at the sky over the occupied lands tonight,” Rezaei wrote.

Israel today targeted two buildings in the Shia-majority Beirut suburb, with Lebanese authorities confirming two deaths and 11 injuries.