Meloni: Europe Should Ease Sanctions on Iran if It Enters Negotiations
ARK News.. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that Europe must be prepared to ease sanctions on Iran if it shows a willingness to engage in negotiations, while warning that pressure should be increased if Tehran continues its current course.
Speaking before parliament, Meloni said that if Tehran continues “its wrong path, threatening freedom of navigation, carrying out attacks, supporting militias, and violating its international obligations,” then the European Union must be ready to increase pressure, including through new targeted measures.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, she stated that European allies of Kyiv should appoint a single representative for talks with Moscow to end the war, stressing that small groups of states cannot represent the entire bloc.
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Ahmed al-Sharaa Receives Invitation to Visit the United States
ARK News.. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has received an invitation to visit the United States on June 14, coinciding with the 80th birthday of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to the France Press Agency (AFP), a diplomatic source said that “Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has received an invitation to visit the United States on June 14,” without confirming whether he will make the trip.
The diplomatic source indicated that Washington has been pressing Syria since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon on March 2 to take action against the group.
The invitation coincides with Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, during which he reportedly plans to host mixed martial arts events at the White House.
If the visit takes place, it would be al-Sharaa’s second trip to the United States since assuming power in December 2024.
Al-Sharaa was previously the first Syrian president to visit the White House since Syria’s independence in 1946, meeting Trump during that visit in November 2025.
He also met Trump for the first time in Saudi Arabia during a Gulf tour in May 2025. Trump later described him as a “very strong leader,” saying he has the potential to rebuild his country.
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KDP Spokesperson: Efforts Ongoing to End Political Deadlock in Kurdistan Region
ARK News.. The spokesperson for the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) said that efforts are ongoing to end the political deadlock in the Kurdistan Region, confirming the party’s readiness to hold meetings with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), while calling on political parties to strengthen unity in order to confront regional challenges.
Mahmoud Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Democratic Party, said in a statement to journalists on Thursday, June 11, 2026, that following the elections and upon an initiative by President Masoud Barzani, the party conducted a series of visits to Kurdish political parties aimed at resolving the ongoing political stalemate in the Kurdistan Region.
He dismissed reports suggesting the party is unwilling to meet, stating: “What is being circulated in the media is not true; we are ready for dialogue, and we have nothing to hide. We must meet and create an appropriate ground to resolve existing problems.”
Mohammed added that contacts and discussions are ongoing to prepare the appropriate conditions for such a meeting, stressing the party’s commitment to ensuring proper preparations so that the talks yield productive outcomes.
Highlighting regional developments, he stressed the importance of unity, saying: “The region is witnessing very significant events and changes. To withstand these challenges and protect the Kurdistan Region from risks, we urgently need internal cohesion and unity.”
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Drone Attack Targets Grain Storage Warehouse on the Outskirts of Erbil Province
ARK News.. The Counter-Terrorism Service in the Kurdistan Region announced on Thursday, June 11, 2026, that a grain storage warehouse in the Qoshtapa district of Erbil Province was targeted by two explosive-laden drones.
In a statement, the Counter-Terrorism Service said the attack occurred at 12:55 p.m. and was carried out using two drones identified as the “Hadid 110” model.
The statement confirmed that the strike caused significant material damage to the warehouse, with no human casualties reported.
The service strongly condemned the attack, stating: “We strongly denounce these terrorist attacks that deliberately target civilian sites and facilities.”
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Turkey and Russia Call on the U.S. and Iran to Return to the Negotiating Table
ARK News.. Turkey and Russia have called on Iran and the United States to halt their attacks, exercise restraint, and return to the negotiating table to continue talks aimed at ending the war between them.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday, June 11, 2026, that Iran and the United States must stop their attacks and return to negotiations in order to avoid any further escalation.
Fidan added that the recommendation put forward to both sides by Turkey—which maintains close contacts with Washington and Tehran—and by Pakistan, which is playing a mediating role, is to pursue the talks and work toward reaching a peace agreement.
For its part, the Kremlin called on the United States and Iran to exercise restraint and continue negotiations to end the war between them after the two sides exchanged attacks and U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further escalation.
The overnight strikes carried out by the United States marked the latest development in an escalating cycle of reciprocal attacks that threatens to reignite a full-scale war after hostilities had temporarily subsided in April when the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire.
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Kurdistan Democratic Party Congratulates Kurdistan Democratic Party–Syria on Its 69th Anniversary
ARK News.. The Duhok Governorate Organizing Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has extended its congratulations to the Kurdistan Democratic Party–Syria (KDP-S) on the occasion of the party’s 69th anniversary.
The congratulatory message reads as follows:
Greetings and appreciation,
On the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the founding of your party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party–Syria, we extend our warmest congratulations to the secretary, the leadership, cadres, members, and supporters of your party.
We wish you continued success and progress in serving the Kurdish people and in advancing the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people in Western Kurdistan.
Duhok Governorate Organizing Bureau
June 11, 2026
The message reflects the longstanding ties between the two parties and their shared commitment to supporting Kurdish political and national aspirations.
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President Barzani Discusses Regional Developments with Zalmay Khalilzad
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, with Zalmay Khalilzad, the American diplomat and former U.S. ambassador to Iraq, to discuss the latest developments in the region.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views and assessments regarding ongoing political and security developments across the region, as well as the potential challenges and threats facing Iraq and the wider Middle East.
The discussions also focused on regional changes and their possible implications for stability and security, with both sides reviewing current trends and future prospects in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The meeting comes amid continued regional developments and growing international attention to political and security issues affecting Iraq and neighboring countries.
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Masrour Barzani Inaugurates the Largest and Most Advanced Youth Center in the Kurdistan Region
ARK News.. Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani inaugurated the largest and most advanced youth center in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq on Wednesday, in a move aimed at empowering young people and providing a modern environment for developing their skills, talents, and creativity.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Barzani emphasized that “young people are the hope of today and the leaders of our nation’s future,” praising the new facility, which is owned and operated by the Kurdistan Foundation.
He described the center as a state-of-the-art institution that represents a source of pride for the people of Kurdistan and serves as an important platform for supporting and nurturing the potential of young generations.
Barzani noted that the center will play a significant role in enhancing youth skills, preparing them for future opportunities, and fostering positive social engagement within the community. He also commended the efforts of all those who contributed to the development and completion of the project.
The center is considered a strategic initiative offering a wide range of opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, education, professional development, and innovation. It operates in accordance with advanced international standards.
According to official statistics, the center attracted more than 1,400 members during its pilot phase. It houses a library containing over 12,000 books across various fields of study and has already welcomed approximately 129,000 visitors.
All services, programs, and activities offered by the center are provided free of charge, with the objective of empowering young people and enhancing their contribution to the development and reconstruction of society.
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Macron: France Supports an Inclusive Syria That Respects the Rights of All Components of Syrian Society
ARK News.. French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon during a meeting with Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy of President Donald Trump for Syria and Iraq.
According to a statement issued by the French Presidency (Élysée Palace), Macron stressed that France remains committed to supporting the establishment of an inclusive Syria that embraces all its citizens and respects the rights of all components of Syrian society.
The French president emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s unity and promoting a political framework that guarantees equal rights and representation for the country's diverse ethnic, religious, and social communities.
During the meeting, both sides also expressed their desire to continue close coordination between France and the United States in support of regional stability and security.
The discussions formed part of ongoing consultations between Paris and Washington on developments in Syria, Iraq, and the wider Middle East, amid continued efforts to strengthen security, stability, and political cooperation across the region.
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Moscow: We Are Discussing the Restructuring of Our Military Bases in Syria with Damascus
ARK News.. Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that Moscow is engaged in discussions with the Syrian government regarding a "possible restructuring" of its military facilities in Syria.
According to Reuters, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, that Moscow remains committed to maintaining its bilateral relationship with Syria and is currently discussing with Damascus the future structure of its military bases on Syrian territory.
Russia's military presence in Syria is currently concentrated in two main facilities located along the Syrian coast: Himeimim Air Base in Latakia Governorate and the Tartous Naval Base on the Mediterranean coast.
Zakharova did not provide further details regarding the scope or nature of the proposed restructuring but emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries.
Russian forces had previously withdrawn from all other military positions and installations across Syria's provinces following the major political and military changes that took place after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
The discussions come amid ongoing efforts by both Moscow and Damascus to redefine their strategic and military cooperation in light of evolving regional and domestic developments in Syria.
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