Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: June 12, 2025
Trump says he’s less confident about nuclear deal with Iran
In a “Pod Force One” podcast, President Trump expressed diminishing confidence in reaching a nuclear deal with Iran, citing Tehran’s delays and skepticism around halting uranium enrichment. He emphasized that the U.S. won’t allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons and highlighted tough discussions with Israeli PM Netanyahu.
Insight
Trump’s candid tone reflects growing frustration with prolonged diplomacy. The rising pessimism may signal a shift toward pressure tactics, possibly bolstering regional security alliances but risking escalation if talks collapse.
Russia says it’s ready to remove highly enriched uranium from Iran
Russia’s Deputy FM Ryabkov announced that Moscow could remove excess highly enriched uranium (HEU) from Iran and convert it to reactor fuel, offering a tangible mechanism to bridge U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiation gaps.
Insight
Russia steps into a potential mediator role, offering a practical deal‑maker option. If implemented, it could reduce tensions—but hinges on U.S., Iran, and Russia reaching alignment on nuclear thresholds and incentives.
Pakistan’s plan to sharply increase growth faces headwinds, analysts say
Pakistan’s FY2026 budget aims to boost growth from 2.7% to 4.2%, raising revenues via expanded taxation and cutting deficit from 5.9% to 3.9% of GDP. Defense spending rose 20%, though analysts caution that revenue targets and growth assumptions may be overly optimistic.
Insight
The plan underscores Islamabad’s intent to reform under IMF guidance. But with historical tax collection weaknesses and a spike in defense outlays, implementing such aggressive targets could prove challenging without derailing fiscal stability.
Sudan paramilitaries overrun key zone bordering Egypt, Libya
The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized a critical border area connecting Sudan with Egypt and Libya. The regular Sudanese Armed Forces claim to have strategically redeployed, while accusing Libyan forces allied with Khalifa Haftar of supporting the RSF offensive.
Insight
The capture marks a significant expansion of RSF influence and may further destabilize the region by drawing in external actors, intensifying Sudan’s internal conflict and complicating diplomatic efforts.
US preparing to evacuate embassy in Iraq over security risks, sources say
U.S. sources report that the State Department is preparing an ordered departure of non-essential staff from its Baghdad embassy and other regional posts (e.g., Bahrain, Kuwait) over unspecified security concerns tied to rising Iran tensions.
Insight
This preemptive evacuation underscores U.S. unease over regional escalation, particularly if diplomacy fails. It may also heighten pressure on Tehran, but could strain relations with host nations dependent on U.S. presence.
