Oil prices slide as US-Iran tensions ease

The six candidates competing to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations are set to take part in a televised debate ahead of the official selection process, offering diplomats, UN staff, and the public a chance to hear their plans for leading the organisation through one of the most challenging periods in its history. The debate will be held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York and comes just one week before the Security Council begins formally considering candidates to succeed Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose term ends later this year. The 90 minute event will feature questions from diplomats, United Nations employees, and representatives of civil society, and will be broadcast live. The six candidates are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, Costa Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan, Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. Each is seeking to lead the global organisation at a time when it faces financial pressures, political divisions, and increasing criticism from member states. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the debate provides a valuable opportunity for the candidates to present their leadership vision and priorities before the selection process begins. She stressed that the next Secretary General must not only improve the efficiency of the United Nations but also defend the principles of the UN Charter, including peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. The organisation is currently facing one of its most difficult periods in recent years. The administration of US President Donald Trump has criticised the United Nations for what it describes as excessive spending, expanding beyond its core responsibilities, and failing to produce effective results. Washington has called for the organisation to focus more closely on maintaining international peace and security, while many other member states argue that protecting human rights and promoting development remain equally important responsibilities. Over recent weeks, each candidate has already answered several hours of questions from representatives of the UN’s 193 member states. During those discussions, most pledged to continue reform efforts aimed at making the organisation more efficient, transparent, and responsive to global challenges. Many also emphasised the need for a more active diplomatic role for the Secretary General in preventing conflicts and supporting peace negotiations. The formal selection process begins on July 30 when the 15 members of the UN Security Council hold their first confidential straw poll. During these informal votes, council members anonymously indicate their preferred candidates. Several rounds of voting may take place until one candidate secures the required support of at least nine council members without being vetoed by any of the five permanent members, namely the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France. Once the Security Council agrees on a candidate, the recommendation will be sent to the General Assembly for final approval. The successful candidate will officially begin serving as Secretary General on January 1, 2027. Diplomats say the race remains highly competitive with no clear favourite. Rafael Grossi is widely viewed as one of the strongest contenders because of his international profile and experience leading the International Atomic Energy Agency. However, several diplomats believe Rebeca Grynspan and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett also enjoy significant support among member states. Speculation continues over whether another candidate could still emerge before the final decision is made. Reports have also mentioned the name of FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a possible outsider, although he is not among the officially declared candidates. This year’s contest has also renewed calls for the United Nations to appoint its first female Secretary General. Many member states argue that after eight decades of male leadership, the organisation should choose a woman for its highest office. Latin American countries are also pressing their case under the informal tradition of rotating the position among different world regions, making the current race one of the most closely watched leadership contests in recent UN history.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said the government will continue working through diplomatic and political channels to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. His remarks came during a visit to the village of Zawtar al Gharbiyah where the Lebanese army has recently expanded its deployment following a new security agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the border. Speaking to residents and military personnel, Salam said Lebanon remains committed to restoring full control over all its territory. He stressed that the government would continue its efforts to ensure Israeli forces leave the remaining occupied areas in the south while supporting the Lebanese army as it strengthens its presence in the region. The prime minister’s visit followed talks between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Aoun urged the United States to support Lebanon’s demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from its territory as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the border. Last month, Lebanon and Israel agreed to a US backed framework under which the Lebanese army would gradually deploy in designated areas while Israeli troops would withdraw from selected locations. The agreement also calls for the Lebanese military to take responsibility for disarming Hezbollah in those zones. Hezbollah has rejected the deal and insists it will not surrender its weapons. Tensions remain high despite the agreement. Lebanon’s army said Israeli forces opened fire near soldiers who were deploying in Zawtar al Gharbiyah on Tuesday. The Israeli military responded by saying its troops fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers entered an area outside the agreed deployment zone. The border region has remained unstable since Hezbollah entered the regional conflict by launching attacks against Israel in support of Iran earlier this year. Israel responded with large scale airstrikes and a ground offensive that caused widespread destruction across southern Lebanon. Although violence has eased following recent diplomatic agreements, occasional military exchanges continue. During his visit, Salam raised the Lebanese flag in the village and promised that the government would focus on rebuilding damaged communities. He said authorities would work alongside the army to reopen roads, clear rubble, restore essential public services, and create conditions that allow displaced residents to return home safely. Many local residents gathered near the village hoping to receive permission to inspect their homes after months of conflict. Some expressed relief over the arrival of the Lebanese army, saying its presence gave them confidence that life could gradually return to normal. However, military officials advised civilians to wait until security operations in the area are completed before returning. The army is currently conducting security sweeps in villages close to Israeli controlled positions to ensure the areas are safe for returning residents. Officials say these operations are necessary because of the continued risk of military activity near the border. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state news agency reported additional Israeli drone strikes and artillery shelling in nearby areas on Wednesday. It also said Israeli troops entered the Dubieh area near the border town of Shaqra and raised an Israeli flag over the historic Dubieh Castle. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame strongly criticised the move, describing it as a provocative action that violates Lebanon’s sovereignty. He said the government remains committed to regaining control over all historic sites and national territory in the south. The latest incident follows Israel’s seizure of the historic Beaufort Castle in May. International attention has also turned to the condition of several historic castles in southern Lebanon. The United Nations is expected to consider adding five of these sites, including Beaufort Castle and Dubieh Castle, to its list of cultural landmarks at risk due to ongoing conflict. Lebanese officials hope international support will help protect these important heritage sites while diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation along the border.