Cyprus Says It Has Been Asked by Iran to Convey ‘Some Messages’ to Israel

Reuters,

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Sunday that Iran requested Cyprus to relay “some messages” to Israel, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Christodoulides, who recently spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as leaders from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Greece, did not specify the content or sender of the messages. Cypriot officials also declined to clarify further, noting the messages followed a conversation between the Cypriot and Iranian foreign ministers on Friday night. As the EU member nation closest to the Middle East, Cyprus has appealed for restraint and offered to assist with the evacuation of third-country nationals. The president criticized the European Union’s slow response to the unfolding crisis, urging for an urgent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. Christodoulides also highlighted that projectiles launched by Iran toward Israel were visible from Cyprus. He reiterated the importance of the EU assuming a more decisive geopolitical role and called on all parties to avoid actions that could intensify the conflict.

China’s May Retail Sales Grow at Fastest Pace Since December 2023 as Subsidies Help Boost Consumption

CNBC,

China’s retail sales surged 6.4% in May from a year earlier, marking the fastest growth since late 2023, buoyed by government subsidies and an uptick in online shopping ahead of the “618” e-commerce festival. The National Bureau of Statistics highlighted that consumer spending was stimulated by a trade-in program and increased foreign tourism due to relaxed visa policies. Despite this rebound, industrial output growth slowed to 5.8%, and fixed-asset investment expanded by just 3.7% in the first five months of the year, reflecting ongoing challenges in real estate, with property investment contracting by 10.7%. While China’s export data showed resilience, particularly in markets outside the U.S., deflationary pressures persist, and consumer prices continued a year-on-year decline. Analysts cautioned that without further stimulus, the recovery may be short-lived. The government is expected to consider expanding fiscal measures if growth weakens further, as domestic demand remains a key concern for policymakers.

‘We Could Get Involved’: Trump Leaves Door Open for U.S. Entering Iran-Israel Conflict

The Daily Wire,

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with ABC News, suggested that while the United States is not currently involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran, he would not rule out future involvement if tensions escalate. Trump indicated openness to Russian President Vladimir Putin serving as a mediator between the two nations, mentioning that Putin had recently contacted him to discuss the situation. Trump confirmed there is no deadline for Iran to enter negotiations but noted ongoing discussions aimed at reaching a deal. He stated, “We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved.” Trump also reiterated that both Israel and Iran are motivated to seek negotiations, and expressed hope that the situation would be resolved diplomatically, potentially with external mediation.

Saudi Arabia Executes a Journalist After 7 Years Behind Bars. Activists Say It Was Over His Tweets

AP News,

Saudi Arabia has executed journalist Turki Al-Jasser, who had been detained since 2018 on charges of terrorism and treason. Activists contend that the charges were politically motivated and stemmed from Al-Jasser’s critical tweets and posts about the Saudi royal family and militant groups. Authorities arrested Al-Jasser in a 2018 raid, confiscating his electronic devices; details about his trial remain undisclosed. International advocacy groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reprieve, condemned the execution, linking it to the broader crackdown on dissent under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Critics argue that the lack of accountability for the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has emboldened further repression of the press in the kingdom. Al-Jasser, who blogged on issues such as the Arab Spring, women’s rights, and corruption, was executed after his death penalty was upheld by Saudi Arabia’s top court. Human rights groups have also noted a sharp rise in executions in the kingdom, with 330 reported in 2024, and increasing use of capital punishment for political offenses and social media activity.