Iraq approves 3-month mechanism to export crude via local, international firms

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for Brazil’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and resist foreign interference during a phone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, according to Chinese state media. The discussion took place just months before Brazil’s closely watched presidential election and against the backdrop of growing trade and diplomatic tensions with the United States. According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Xi praised Brazil’s role on the international stage and said Beijing values the country’s influence in global affairs. He stated that China supports Brazil in defending its independence, rejecting outside interference, and contributing to regional and international peace and stability. The phone call comes less than three months before Brazilians head to the polls in an election expected to be highly competitive. President Lula is seeking another term and faces a challenge from right wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The Brazilian presidency said the two leaders also discussed strengthening economic cooperation. Both sides agreed on the importance of accelerating negotiations for a trade agreement between China and Mercosur, the South American trade bloc that includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Such an agreement could expand trade opportunities between the region and the world’s second largest economy. During the conversation, which lasted more than an hour, Lula reaffirmed his commitment to expanding Brazil’s international trade network. He said his government is working to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on a limited number of trading partners, particularly as Brazil faces increased tariff pressure from the United States. Relations between Brasilia and Washington have become more strained in recent months. The United States introduced two additional rounds of tariffs on a range of Brazilian products this month, following a significant tariff increase imposed last year. The measures were linked to political tensions surrounding the legal case that resulted in former president Jair Bolsonaro being sentenced to prison over an alleged coup plot. Lula has strongly criticized the tariffs, arguing that they amount to political pressure during an election year. He has accused Washington of attempting to influence Brazil’s domestic affairs through economic measures, an allegation the United States has rejected. Diplomatic tensions have also surfaced over election related issues. According to diplomatic sources, Brazil recently refused entry visas for two American officials who planned to visit the country’s election authorities ahead of the October vote. The move reflected growing sensitivity within the Brazilian government over foreign involvement in electoral matters. Meanwhile, Flavio Bolsonaro has continued to question the reliability of Brazil’s electronic voting system despite repeated assurances from election officials that it is secure. His claims have echoed similar allegations made by US President Donald Trump regarding American elections, although no credible evidence has supported those accusations. While the Chinese government highlighted Xi’s support for Brazil in resisting external interference, the official statement released by the Brazilian presidency did not specifically mention that part of the discussion. Instead, it focused on economic cooperation and the importance of strengthening trade ties between Brazil, China, and the Mercosur bloc. The conversation underscores the increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Brasilia at a time when Brazil is balancing political challenges at home with shifting economic and diplomatic dynamics on the global stage.

North Korea has issued a fresh warning to Japan, saying it could adopt new military measures in response to Tokyo’s growing defence capabilities. The statement came after Japan conducted a test of a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile, a move Pyongyang described as a serious security threat. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Japan of abandoning its traditional defensive military posture and moving toward offensive capabilities. In a statement released through North Korea’s state media, she claimed Tokyo is developing the ability to carry out pre-emptive strikes and military operations beyond its borders. She pointed to Japan’s recent Tomahawk missile launch from the Aegis destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean, along with other missile tests and its participation in joint military exercises led by the United States in the Philippines earlier this year. Kim warned that North Korea would take additional military steps if Japan continued strengthening its armed forces. Although she did not specify what actions Pyongyang might take, she said Japan would face greater security risks as a consequence of its military expansion. The North Korean official also blamed the United States for supporting Japan’s military modernisation. She accused Washington of supplying Tomahawk missiles, upgrading Japanese naval vessels to operate the weapons, and backing missile tests, arguing that the US is encouraging policies that increase tensions in the region. According to Kim, Japan’s acquisition of long-range strike capabilities places North Korea and other neighbouring countries within potential missile range, raising concerns over regional stability. The latest remarks are part of a broader campaign by Pyongyang against growing security cooperation between the United States, Japan and South Korea. North Korean state media has repeatedly criticised joint military exercises and defence partnerships, describing them as provocative and a threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula. Regional analysts believe the statement is aimed at portraying Japan’s military modernisation as justification for North Korea’s continued weapons development. Experts also suggest the rhetoric could signal preparations for future military demonstrations, including missile launches or other strategic weapons tests, as Pyongyang seeks to reinforce its deterrence strategy amid rising regional tensions.

Attention has shifted to Karyna Shuliak, the longtime girlfriend of convicted sex offender and disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein. The development comes years after Epstein died in a federal prison in 2019. His death brought an end to his criminal case but left behind a complicated estate and several legal disputes. Shuliak is now being described as a potential major beneficiary of Epstein’s remaining wealth. According to court documents, Epstein signed a new will just two days before his death. The document created a private trust known as the 1953 Trust. Recent court records reportedly show that Shuliak was included among the important beneficiaries of the trust. However, the exact amount she could receive remains uncertain. US Department of Justice records reportedly indicate that Shuliak was the last person Epstein spoke to outside prison before his death. Reports also say that Epstein made some of his final telephone calls to her while he was in custody. At the time of his death, Epstein’s estate was estimated to be worth around $600 million. A significant portion of that wealth has since been used to compensate people who accused Epstein of sexual abuse. More than $170 million was reportedly paid to over 200 victims through compensation arrangements. The estate has also faced several legal claims and settlements with government authorities. These matters have complicated the distribution of Epstein’s remaining assets. After a recent tax refund, the value of the estate’s remaining assets is estimated at between $120 million and $150 million. Despite being named as a potential beneficiary, Shuliak has not yet secured the inheritance. Payments connected to the trust remain suspended while legal proceedings continue. Richard Kahn, the executor of Epstein’s estate, has reportedly raised concerns about the wording of the trust agreement. He described the document as unclear and poorly prepared. The uncertainty has made it difficult to determine exactly how Epstein intended his remaining fortune to be divided. Legal experts say Shuliak’s potential inheritance cannot be confirmed until outstanding claims and court proceedings are resolved.