Donald Trump is not happy with the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader of Iran. In an interview with the New York Post, the president did not reveal his plans for Ali Khamenei’s son: “I won’t tell you. I’m not happy with him.” In recent days, Trump had threatened to kill any successor to Ali Khamenei who assumed power without his advice.
Putin, ready to supply energy to European countries
Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured that Moscow is ready to supply hydrocarbons to European countries that request them, against the backdrop of the crisis generated by the war in the Middle East. “If European hydrocarbon buyers provide Russia with long-term contracts without political pressure, Russia will be ready to cooperate with them,” he said.
Macron: “The attack on Cyprus is an attack on all of Europe”
Emmanuel Macron said he is preparing with his partners a future “purely defensive” mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and escort ships “after the end of the hottest phase of the conflict” in the Middle East, in order to allow the circulation of oil and gas. Visiting Cyprus, the French president also announced that France will contribute “in the long term” with “two frigates” to the operation launched in 2024 by the European Union in the Red Sea. French President Emmanuel Macron said an attack on Cyprus was equivalent to an attack on all of Europe. He said this while speaking during a visit to Cyprus. “When Cyprus is attacked it is Europe that is attacked,” Macron said. “The defense of Cyprus is obviously a key issue for your country, for your neighbors, partners and friends, Greece, but also France and with it the European Union,” he added.
Europe reduces the decline with oil below 100 dollars
European stock markets reduce the decline, while oil drops below 100 dollars a barrel. Tension on government bonds is reducing, with the spread between BTPs and Bunds standing at 76 points and the yield on the Italian 10-year bond at 3.63%. The Stoxx 600 index is down 0.7%. Limited drops for Milan (-0.4%), Frankfurt and Madrid (-0.7%), London (-0.5%). Bad Paris (-1%). On the raw materials front, the WTI gains 4.2% to 94.91 dollars a barrel and Brent rises by 5.4% to 97.69 dollars. Gas is increasing by 6.3% to 56.76 euros per megawatt hour. Cucinelli (-3.6%), Prysmian (-3.3%), despite Intesa Sanpaolo analysts confirming Buy ratings and raising target price to 115.5 euros, Stellantis (-2.9%) slipped on Piazza Affari. Leonardo (+5.2%), Saipem (+4.9%), Nexi (+2.7%) and Eni (+2.4%) are driving.
The parish priest of Qlayaa was killed by bombs in Lebanon
In Lebanon, Father Pierre El Raii, the 50-year-old parish priest of Qlayaa, was killed in a bombing. The news was given to the Vatican media by Father Toufic Bou Merhi, Franciscan of the Custody of the Holy Land, parish priest of the Latins in Tire and Deirmimas. There had been a first attack that had hit a house in his area, in the mountains of the south of the country, and Father Pierre had gone to help a wounded parishioner. In a subsequent attack, on the same place where help had arrived, the priest was also injured, “but he didn’t make it”. The deadly attack occurred today at 2pm in Beirut.
Mitsotakis: “Every centimeter of European territory is inviolable”
“The time has come to make it clear that every centimeter of European territory is inviolable; if not now, when?”: this was stated by the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in joint statements to the press after his meeting with the French President Emmanuel Macron and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidis in Paphos, on the island of Cyprus. Mitsotakis reiterated that “the Cyprus of the European family is not and will never be alone”, and clarified that the initiative of some EU states, such as Greece, to strengthen the protection of the island has “defense as its sole objective” and is “far from any war involvement”.
Mitsotakis thanked Macron for France’s prompt mobilization, and recalled the contribution of Italy and Spain who in turn decided to send frigates to protect Cyprus.
NATO confirms: “Missile headed for Turkey intercepted”
“NATO has once again intercepted a missile headed towards Turkey. The Alliance is firmly ready to defend all allies from any threat.” The NATO spokeswoman confirms this.
Pezeshkian: “Mojtaba’s election is a manifestation of the people’s will to govern”
«The precious election of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is a manifestation of the people’s will to govern». This was stated by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on X. «The solution to the country’s problems can be achieved with its wise leadership and by creating a climate based on trust and participation of the people. I ask God to preserve sacred unity and build a progressive and independent Iran,” he adds.
EU leaders: “Iran ready to facilitate the return to negotiations”
“The European Union is a long-standing and reliable partner for the region in these difficult times and stands ready to contribute in any way possible to help de-escalate the situation and facilitate a return to the negotiating table: although the rules-based international order is under pressure, we firmly believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable way forward.” This can be read in the joint statement issued by EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen at the end of the call with the leaders of the Gulf region.