Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that only a negotiated solution can end the conflict with the United States after President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Araghchi said Iran is waiting for a definitive US response through mediators before deciding its next move. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the conflict began in February, disrupting a major route for global energy supplies.
Trump had said Iran's proposal was unacceptable and claimed Tehran wanted an agreement within seven days because it was "losing so badly". Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian separately told CBS that talks could resume if Washington demonstrated it was not seeking to overthrow his government. Pezeshkian accused Washington of abandoning the earlier understanding when it resumed bombing Iran. Rebuilding trust would be essential for any future agreement.
A helicopter crash near Montreal, Quebec, has resulted in the deaths of four people. The helicopter, which appeared to be privately operated, was found on fire, and all four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims had not yet been identified, and the process could take several days. The Sûreté du Québec is leading the investigation with support from crime scene technicians and investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
In Nepal, at least 10 Nepalese climbers are missing after an avalanche struck a staging camp near Himlung Himal in Nepal's Manang district. The climbers, who were preparing routes and fixing ropes ahead of an expedition, were reportedly caught by the avalanche on Sunday morning. Heavy snowfall around the 7,126-meter peak has made rescue operations difficult, with helicopters and rescue teams unable to reach the site.
Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to enshrine stricter neutrality rules in the constitution, including restrictions on economic sanctions and cooperation with NATO. About 70 percent of voters and all cantons rejected the proposal, according to final results from the Federal Statistical Office. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said the result did not represent a rejection of neutrality, which he said would remain central to Switzerland's foreign policy.
Venezuela has released 39 political prisoners following a second round of talks between the interim government and opposition groups, backed by Washington. Human rights organization Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón said the detainees were released between Friday and Saturday from several prisons. Those freed included eight women accused of "narco-terrorism" and six people accused of involvement in a 2020 attempt to overthrow former President Nicolás Maduro.
Moody's has downgraded Botswana's sovereign credit rating for the second time in less than a year, citing deteriorating public finances as the country faces a prolonged downturn in the diamond industry. The ratings agency lowered Botswana's domestic and foreign currency long-term issuer ratings to Baa2 from Baa1, leaving the country two notches above junk status. The downgrade comes days after Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe said Botswana expected a significantly smaller budget deficit, supported by higher-than-expected central bank revenue and spending controls.
Key points
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says only negotiations can end conflict with US
- Swiss voters reject stricter neutrality rules and limits on NATO ties
- Moody's downgrades Botswana's sovereign credit rating amid diamond industry downturn
