Category: Azer News

The military situation in the Middle East remains tense, continuing to influence oil prices on global energy markets, AzerNEWS reports.

Compared with previous days, oil prices have edged higher today. On the London Stock Exchange, the price of Brent crude rose by $3.18 to $87.27 per barrel, while Light crude increased by $2.76 to $82.02 per barrel.

The main factor behind the stabilization of oil prices is the passage of five vessels through the Strait of Hormuz with the assistance of the U.S. Navy. Two of the vessels were crude oil tankers. Meanwhile, 37 vessels have passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, approximately 12 of them oil tankers. However, the volume of crude oil carried by these tankers is unknown, meaning that their passage has not had a significant impact on market prices.

Analysts believe that, in some cases, oil transported from the Middle East with the assistance of U.S. military forces has been delivered directly to buyers under existing orders rather than being traded on exchanges. Any major oil refinery could potentially carry out such an operation, although it would come at a very high cost.

According to Kpler, there is currently no significant vessel traffic through either strait. It is also difficult to determine the cargoes carried by the small number of vessels passing through the straits intermittently.

An agreement on the flagship Development Road Project between Iraq and Trkiye was briefly delayed during an official signing ceremony in Ankara after Iraqi Transport Minister Razak al-Sadawi reportedly refused to sign the document, prompting a public intervention by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, AzerNEWS reports.

The incident occurred on Tuesday after al-Zaidi and his delegation held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace. Following the leaders’ meeting and broader delegation talks, the two sides proceeded to a ceremony to sign several bilateral agreements.

The first agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on Education and Academic Cooperation, was signed by Murat Balci, head of Trkiye’s Police Academy, and Iraqi Chief of Staff and Commander of the Armed Forces General Abdulemir Shammari.

However, as the ceremony continued, confusion emerged when the agreement on the Development Road Project was not signed.

According to Turkish media outlets, President Erdogan noticed the missing agreement and asked, “Weren’t there five agreements?”, before calling Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to the stage.

At the same time, al-Zaidi confronted Transport Minister al-Sadawi over the delay.

According to one putlet, OdaTV, the exchange unfolded as follows:

Al-Zaidi: “Why don’t you sign the Development Road agreement?”

Minister: “I’ll write to you on WhatsApp.”

Al-Zaidi: “Come and sign.”

The prime minister then turned to his interpreter and instructed:

“Tell the President I instructed him to sign it.”

The agreement was subsequently signed, allowing the ceremony to proceed.

According to Turkish media reports, the delay was linked to internal political disagreements within Iraq. Al-Sadawi is reportedly affiliated with the Badr Organization, a political and military movement considered close to Iran.

The reports claim that factions aligned with Iran oppose the Development Road Project because it could weaken Iran’s geopolitical importance as a regional transit corridor while reducing its political and economic influence in Iraq.

The Development Road Project is one of Iraq’s largest infrastructure initiatives, aiming to connect the Grand Faw Port on the Persian Gulf to Trkiye through an integrated rail and highway network, creating a new trade corridor linking Asia with Europe. Baghdad and Ankara view the project as a strategic initiative to boost regional trade, diversify Iraq’s economy, and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

Apple Inc. launched on Tuesday its new device leasing program, called Apple Upgrade, provided by Klarna and available in the United States, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the iPhone maker, the new program will be accessible to eligible customers for Apple devices, including iPhones starting at $17.99 per month and Apple Watches starting at $11.99 per month. The program’s monthly payment offers include 12-month and 24-month leasing options for iPhones and Apple Watches and 24-month and 36-month leasing options for Macs and iPads.

“At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we do, and we’re thrilled that Apple Upgrade offers our customers, both online and in-store, a more flexible way to pay for the products they love,” the company’s vice president of the Apple Store online, Karen Rasmussen, said.

On July 28, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Finance Himalay Mamishov met with a delegation from the Korea Fiscal Information Service (KFIS), AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s Press Service, the meeting focused on reforms aimed at the digital transformation of public financial management in Azerbaijan, the study of Korea’s advanced experience in this field, and the design of digital financial control and treasury systems, as well as the preparation of a roadmap for their implementation.

The project is expected to include an assessment of existing public financial management processes and information systems, the study of international best practices, and the development of modern digital solutions tailored to Azerbaijan’s needs.

Mamishov said that digital transformation in public finance management is one of the important directions of institutional reforms being carried out in the country. He highly appreciated the expert and consulting support of the Korean side and emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation towards concrete results, knowledge and technology transfer, increasing institutional capacity, and forming a modern digital public finance management model.

It was noted that in April this year, a delegation from the Azerbaijani Ministry of Finance visited the Republic of Korea, where it studied the country’s experience in digital public financial management based on the dBrain+ system.

Earlier, during a meeting between Azerbaijani Finance Minister Sahil Babayev and a KFIS delegation led by its President Seok Ho Yoon, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the digitalization of public financial management was signed.

As part of this cooperation, Azerbaijan plans to draw on Korea’s experience with the dBrain+ system to establish a unified Digital Public Finance Information System, centralize financial data, and improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in public financial management.

During the meeting, the application of artificial intelligence-based solutions in public finance management, the formation of data-based decision-making mechanisms, budget forecasting and early identification of fiscal risks, the improvement of audit and control infrastructure, as well as strengthening the cybersecurity framework of public financial information systems were identified as priority areas for future cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Digital Finance Center of the Ministry of Finance and KFIS on “Designing and preparing a roadmap for Azerbaijan’s digital financial control and treasury systems”.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) are reportedly preparing to announce their dissolution within weeks as part of an ongoing political transition in northeastern Syria, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports, Kurdish officials are expected to make the announcement during a joint press conference to be covered by both Syrian government and Kurdish media outlets.

The event is reportedly expected to take place in early August, although the exact date has yet to be finalized.

Sources cited in the reports said preparations are underway ahead of the anticipated announcement, with the completion of administrative appointments in Hasakah and surrounding areas viewed as one of the final steps before the process is formally unveiled.

If confirmed, the move would mark a significant development in the implementation of agreements between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led authorities aimed at restructuring governance and security institutions in northeastern Syria.

Neither the SDF nor the Autonomous Administration has officially confirmed the reported timeline or publicly announced plans for dissolution.

Azerbaijan continues to expand its reputation as a trusted host of major international sporting events, welcoming athletes and officials from around the world to compete at the highest level, AzerNEWS reports.

The U-17 World Wrestling Championships in Baku are the latest example of the country’s efforts to strengthen its presence on the global sports stage.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the U-17 World Wrestling Championships in Baku, President of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation Mikayil Jabbarov stressed that hosting major international sporting events has become a successful tradition for Azerbaijan.

Mikayil Jabbarov welcomed members of the participating national teams and wrestling federation representatives to the Azerbaijani capital, noting that the country has become a reliable venue for prestigious international competitions in recent years.

He said the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation maintains close and productive cooperation with United World Wrestling (UWW), adding that the partnership will continue in the future.

“We are grateful to UWW and its President Nenad Lalovic for the trust they have placed in us. Azerbaijan is strengthening its position in the international arena year by year, and the World Championships that begin today are a clear example of that,” Jabbarov said.

The federation president added that nearly 700 wrestlers from more than 60 countries are competing for medals at the championships.

The U-17 World Wrestling Championships, being held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, will conclude on August 2.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to resolve restrictions affecting exports of Armenian goods to the Russian market, arguing that the measures contradict bilateral agreements and the legal framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Armenian government’s press service, Pashinyan raised the issue during a telephone conversation initiated by the Armenian side, calling for practical steps to resolve the trade-related problems as part of broader discussions on Armenian-Russian economic relations.

The Armenian prime minister emphasized that the restrictions imposed on goods of Armenian origin are inconsistent with the legal obligations governing trade between the two countries and within the EAEU.

The two leaders also discussed Armenia’s possible future membership in the European Union.

According to Yerevan, Pashinyan said that a national referendum on EU accession would only become relevant after Armenia formally submits an application to join the bloc, making the issue substantive.

He reiterated the Armenian government’s readiness to address outstanding issues with Russia through what he described as an open, partnership-based and friendly dialogue.

The Kremlin, in its readout of the conversation, said Putin reaffirmed Russia’s position outlined in the Joint Statement of the Leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, adopted during the EAEU Summit in Astana on May 29, 2026.

According to the Kremlin, Putin stressed the need for Armenia to hold a national referendum “as soon as possible” to determine whether it intends to pursue European Union membership or remain within the Eurasian Economic Union.

The issue has become a growing source of tension between Moscow and Yerevan.

On May 9, Putin said Armenia should decide “as soon as possible” whether it intends to remain in the EAEU or pursue EU integration, adding that Russia would be prepared to begin a “civilized divorce” if necessary. Armenian officials responded that Yerevan would leave the EAEU whenever it considered it appropriate.

Later, on May 29, four of the five EAEU member states adopted a declaration recommending that Armenia hold a referendum on its continued membership in the bloc.

Armenia has gradually advanced its European integration agenda since January 2025, when the government approved draft legislation launching the country’s EU accession process following an initiative by the Eurakve civic movement. The Armenian parliament adopted the legislation in March 2025, and it was signed into law by President Vahagn Khachaturyan on April 4, 2025.

Russia has repeatedly stated that simultaneous membership in both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union is incompatible, urging Armenia to make a strategic choice between the two integration projects.

Azerbaijan has once again brought together the international sports community by hosting one of the most important events on the youth wrestling calendar, AzerNEWS reports.

The opening ceremony of the U-17 World Wrestling Championships in Baku highlighted the country’s growing experience in organizing major sporting competitions and brought together representatives of national teams, sports officials, and international wrestling authorities.

The opening ceremony of the U-17 World Wrestling Championships was held in Baku.

The event, organized at the National Gymnastics Arena, began with the performance of Azerbaijan’s national anthem.

President of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation Mikayil Jabbarov welcomed members of the participating national teams and representatives of wrestling federations to Baku.

“Azerbaijan has become a reliable venue for prestigious international sporting events in recent years. The Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation maintains close and effective cooperation with United World Wrestling (UWW), and this partnership will continue in the future. I would like to thank UWW and its President Nenad Lalovic for the trust placed in us. Azerbaijan is strengthening its position in the international arena year by year. The World Championships starting today are a clear example of this. Hosting major international sporting competitions and events has already become a successful tradition for Azerbaijan,” Jabbarov said.

He noted that nearly 700 wrestlers from more than 60 countries are competing for medals at the championship.

Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov recalled that the National Gymnastics Arena has hosted various competitions throughout 2026 and that this will continue until the end of the year.

“Sport receives a high level of attention and support from the state. Baku was selected as the World Sports Capital for this year. This title was not given to us as a gift. It is the result of the successful sports policy of our head of state,” Gayibov said.

The minister emphasized the high level of organization of the wrestling world championship, noting that athletes from different countries are taking part in the competition.

“I believe this tournament will be successful for Azerbaijan’s representatives. I wish success to all wrestlers participating in the World Championships,” he added.

Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan Chingiz Huseynzade expressed confidence that the competition would have a positive impact on the development of sport in the country.

“President Ilham Aliyev has always supported the development and promotion of wrestling in Azerbaijan. The activities of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation have always been highly appreciated by the head of state. The majority of medals won at the Olympic Games belong to our wrestlers. The athletes participating here are our future. They will represent Azerbaijan with dignity at the Olympic Games as well,” Huseynzade said.

He added that Azerbaijan is once again hosting a major sporting event and stressed that the competition is an important occasion for the country.

“The athletes competing here will participate in the Olympic Games several years from now,” Huseynzade said, expressing hope that the championship would once again demonstrate Azerbaijan’s high standards in organizing international sporting events.

President of United World Wrestling Nenad Lalovic also addressed the participants, encouraging young athletes to preserve their passion and ambition.

“My wish for the athletes competing in the youth category is that they draw inspiration from Azerbaijan’s fire and energy, and always keep the flame in their hearts, spirits, and ambitions alive,” Lalovic said.

He added that the wrestlers competing in Baku could become future Olympians.

“The athletes performing here are at an age where we may see them again at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. We believe that there you will be rewarded for the determination, hard work, and experience you are gaining today,” the UWW president said.

The opening ceremony continued with an artistic program. The U-17 World Wrestling Championships are being held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku and will conclude on August 2.

France remained the European country most affected by data breaches during the first half of 2026, with 43.4 million user accounts compromised, according to a new study by cybersecurity company Surfshark, AzerNEWS reports.

The report found that the number of breached French accounts increased by 62.3% compared with the second half of 2025, making France the second-most affected country globally, behind only the United States.

According to the study, France accounted for 58% of all compromised accounts recorded in Europe during the January-June period.

Globally, France and the United States together represented nearly half of the 313.4 million compromised accounts reported worldwide in the first six months of the year.

The study also found that France recorded the highest density of breached accounts relative to its population, with 69.1 million compromised accounts per population-based measure, placing it at the top of the global ranking in that category.

Surfshark noted that France has remained among the countries most exposed to cyberattacks and data breaches for more than two decades. Since 2004, approximately 756.6 million French accounts have reportedly been compromised, including 486.5 million passwords.

The “Agreement between Azerbaijan and Ukraine on legal assistance in civil and commercial matters” has been approved, AzerNEWS reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev approved the relevant law. The document text was published on the official website of the President of Azerbaijan.

The “Agreement between Azerbaijan and Ukraine on legal assistance in civil and commercial matters” was signed on April 25, 2026, in Gabala city.