Mexico opposes new US border wall
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday voiced firm opposition to the US decision to build a new segment of the border wall in New Mexico, calling it unilateral and unsupported by Mexico.
She stressed that Mexico is not involved or funding the project, and reaffirmed that border security should be achieved through cooperation, not barriers. The Trump administration began constructing a 9.6-km secondary fence near Santa Teresa, bordering Ciudad Juarez, according to Xinhua.
Trump signals imminent trade deals, confirms tariff deadline
US President Donald Trump on Friday hinted that major trade agreements could be announced soon, suggesting they are nearly finalized.
Speaking at the signing of the Stablecoin Act at the White House, Trump emphasized the impact of US tariffs in driving negotiations. “When I send out the paper that you’re paying 35 to 40 percent tariff, that’s a deal,” he said, adding that such measures often prompt countries to return to the table, according to Reuters.
Trump also confirmed that the 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs, previously extended to August 1, will not be delayed further. Tariffs will take effect as scheduled if no agreements are reached.
EU adopts tougher sanctions on Russia
The EU has approved a new round of sanctions against Russia, described as one of its toughest yet, according to foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The package includes a lower price cap on Russian oil exports—cut from $60 to $47.60 per barrel—and measures to permanently block the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. It also targets a Russian-owned refinery in India and blacklists over 100 vessels linked to sanction evasion, according to Xinhua.
Slovakia, which had delayed the deal over energy concerns, backed the move after receiving assurances from the European Commission.
Israel calls on UN to disband Gaza rights commission
Israel has urged the UN Human Rights Council to dismantle a commission probing alleged rights violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, calling it biased and discriminatory.
In a letter, Israeli envoy Daniel Meron accused the commission of one-sided reporting, particularly over its criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attacks. He said the body reflects institutional prejudice against Israel, according to Reuters.
The commission, created in 2021, has authority to gather evidence for international legal proceedings. A Council spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter but noted that only its 47 member states can dissolve the commission.
Israel left the Council in February, Reuters reported.
