Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, global diplomacy intensified across the G7 summit, US–Iran interim agreement, EU strategy, US ‘NATO 3.0’ review, and expanding multilateral partnerships worldwide.

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G7 leaders adopt nine declarations at Évian summit on security, AI and global cooperation

The 2026 Évian G7 Summit concluded with leaders adopting nine declarations covering international security, economic cooperation, artificial intelligence, health and migration. French President Emmanuel Macron said the summit took place amid “fragmentation and disagreements,” but described it as “a success,” highlighting unity and cooperation among leaders.

G7 members reaffirmed support for Ukraine, pledging additional military assistance, strengthened air defence and energy resilience measures, alongside increased sanctions pressure on Russia. On the Middle East, leaders called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and backed efforts addressing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes, while supporting a ceasefire and state authority in Lebanon.

Leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation on AI, critical minerals, global health, counter-narcotics and migration, including joint statements on digital safety, supply chain resilience and international efforts against migrant smuggling.

US and Iran sign 14-point interim agreement as 60-day negotiation window opens for comprehensive settlement

Earlier this week the United States and Iranian presidents signed a 14-point interim agreement brokered by Pakistan, establishing a ceasefire across multiple fronts and opening a 60-day window for negotiations on a comprehensive settlement.

Building on the framework, US and Iranian delegations are set to begin follow-up talks in Switzerland aimed at implementing the agreement and addressing outstanding disputes. The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran is represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir acting as mediators.

The talks take place amid conflicting claims over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian officials announcing a closure in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, while US military sources say commercial shipping continues uninterrupted. Tensions remain elevated following renewed violence in Lebanon involving Israel and Hezbollah, despite the ceasefire framework underpinning the negotiations.

ASEAN-Russia Summit strengthens partnership with Kazan declaration and action plan

ASEAN and the Russian Federation agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, energy, security, technology and cultural exchanges after adopting the Kazan Declaration 2026 and the ASEAN–Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action 2026–2030 at the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit. The meeting, co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marked 35 years of ASEAN–Russia relations.

Leaders committed to expanding collaboration on trade, investment, food and energy security, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and scientific research. They also strengthened cooperation on maritime security, counterterrorism, cybercrime and transnational crime, while reaffirming support for the UN Charter, ASEAN Centrality, international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, alongside closer engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

EU moves closer to 2028 budget and Ukraine accession milestone as Costa stresses unity

European Council President António Costa said EU leaders strengthened cooperation on the bloc’s long-term budget, competitiveness, security and enlargement during the 18–19 June European Council meeting. He said the EU had moved closer to agreeing a post-2028 budget, advanced measures to improve global competitiveness and marked the opening of the first Ukraine EU accession negotiation cluster, describing unity as the foundation of the discussions.

European Council conclusions reaffirmed continued military, financial and humanitarian support for Ukraine, backed tougher sanctions on Russia and supported Ukraine’s EU membership process. Leaders also addressed defence readiness by 2030, migration, competitiveness, enlargement involving Moldova and the Western Balkans, and reiterated support for a two-state solution amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.

US launches ‘NATO 3.0 review’ of military posture in Europe

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a six-month “NATO 3.0 review” to assess US military force posture and basing in Europe on Thursday (18 Jun) as the Trump administration seeks greater European responsibility for continental defence. The review will involve the US military, US European Command, Congress and consultations with NATO allies.

Speaking at the 2026 NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels , Hegseth said the assessment would examine whether European allies are assuming a greater defence role while ensuring US forces remain aligned with global priorities. He also said future US financial contributions to NATO would be linked to allies meeting agreed defence spending targets. The review comes ahead of next month’s NATO summit in Ankara.

UK and Japan launch Frontier Technology Partnership; Japan and Italy deepen strategic cooperation

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to London, where they launched a UK–Japan Frontier Technology Partnership to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, defence technology and civil nuclear energy. The leaders also announced major Japanese investment commitments supporting UK infrastructure, offshore wind, clean energy and economic growth.

Meanwhile, Takaichi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed in Rome to strengthen Japan–Italy cooperation on defence, economic security, critical minerals, semiconductors and space technology. They reaffirmed support for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), expanded collaboration on energy security and lunar exploration, and coordinated on regional security, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

India deepens cooperation with France; Slovakia relationship elevated to Comprehensive Partnership

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava, strengthening India’s strategic partnerships with both countries. India and Slovakia elevated ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, signing agreements on defence, digital technology, education, labour mobility and security while expanding cooperation on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity and counter-terrorism.

Modi and Macron reviewed progress under the India–France Special Global Strategic Partnership, agreeing to deepen defence collaboration, launch a Joint India–France AI Working Group and implement an Innovation Roadmap 2030. They also expanded cooperation in space, civil nuclear energy, critical minerals and trade, reaffirming support for international peace, stability and multilateral cooperation.

China expands regional diplomacy with Myanmar and Mongolia

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing met in Beijing, agreeing to deepen China–Myanmar strategic cooperation across economic, infrastructure and security sectors. Xi reaffirmed support for peace and stability in Myanmar as the two countries signed 18 agreements covering trade, transport, health, media and disaster assistance. They also pledged stronger action against telecommunications fraud, online gambling and drug trafficking while advancing Belt and Road Initiative projects.

Meanwhile, Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China–Mongolia ties in Ulaanbaatar, expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, critical minerals and the digital economy. Mongolia also reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle.

Canada and Italy strengthen strategic partnership; Russia and Madagascar expand bilateral cooperation

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met during the 2026 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Évian, France, agreeing to expand Canada–Italy cooperation on defence, energy, critical minerals and secure supply chains. They reaffirmed support for Ukraine, maintaining pressure on Russia, and discussed the Middle East. Canada also welcomed Italy’s interest in critical minerals stockpiling and launched negotiations to acquire Leonardo M-346 jet trainers.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Madagascar Foreign Minister Alice N’Diaye agreed in Moscow to strengthen political, economic, humanitarian and educational cooperation. The two countries committed to expanding trade, energy, transport, natural resource development and collaboration through the United Nations ahead of the Russia–Africa Summit.

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