ICC vs U.S. sanctions: The Trump administration sanctioned International Criminal Court officials, including ICC President Tomoko Akane, escalating a broader push to weaken the court and drawing condemnation from the ICC and European leaders. Middle East diplomacy: Qatar’s prime minister met Saudi officials in Riyadh to back diplomatic de-escalation and protect maritime navigation in the Gulf and Red Sea. Syria–Pakistan ties: Syria’s foreign minister began a two-day visit to Pakistan, with both sides promising talks across bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Regional security tensions: Reporting says Israel’s spy chief discussed Turkey’s military deployments in Syria with the Syrian foreign minister shortly before Israeli strikes on a Syrian airbase. Agriculture & environment policy: New Zealand’s Horizons farming rules are being changed, removing prescribed nitrogen reductions under Plan Change 2 as the country transitions to a new planning system. Maritime economy: Pakistan’s maritime minister said a national fisheries and aquaculture policy is in progress to unlock up to $10bn, including a “one-window” service model for businesses. Humanitarian systems: MSF South Asia held a summit in Colombo focused on how humanitarian action can stay principled as geopolitics and health priorities shift. Local disaster response: Nigeria’s NEMA said it is shifting toward empowering community first responders ahead of World Humanitarian Day. EU tourism funding push: Seven EU countries asked for MFF support for tourism sectors hit by security concerns tied to the war in Ukraine and nearby conflicts. Housing affordability debate: A New Zealand party backed universal basic income funded by a land tax, arguing it could cool house prices. Venezuela earthquake funds: A deputy minister said Venezuelan assets abroad will be monetized for reconstruction and quake victims, with oversight to reduce misuse claims.