Iran’s judiciary announced the execution of Mohsen Langarneshin on Wednesday morning, accusing him of espionage on behalf of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. According to the official news agency Mizan, Langarneshin provided extensive logistical, technical, and operational support to Mossad from 2020.

He was further implicated in the May 2022 assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Colonel Sayyad Khodai. The judiciary claims Langarneshin provided intelligence and surveillance that facilitated the killing, for which Israel reportedly claimed responsibility to the United States. He was also accused of aiding an attack on an industrial site in Isfahan linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics.

Iranian authorities cited “extensive intelligence and technical evidence” and a full confession from Langarneshin as justification for the execution. This event underscores the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel and the severity with which Iran addresses perceived threats to its national security.

The European Union High Court has ruled against Malta’s controversial “golden passport” scheme, demanding its immediate cessation. This decision, delivered Tuesday, stems from a 2020 application by the European Commission challenging the legality of Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program.

The Court determined the scheme constitutes “transactional naturalisation,” violating the principle of sincere cooperation among EU member states. While acknowledging national sovereignty in defining citizenship requirements, the Court emphasized that such powers cannot undermine the integrity and value of EU citizenship itself. Malta’s scheme, allowing citizenship acquisition through fixed payments, was deemed a “commercialisation” of EU nationality, contravening Articles 20 TFEU and 4(3) TEU.

Transparency International hailed the ruling, asserting its impact extends beyond Malta, preventing other member states from potentially exploiting similar schemes that offer haven to corrupt actors.

Malta has acknowledged the verdict and is reviewing its legal implications, pledging to revise citizenship regulations accordingly. Existing passports granted under the scheme, reportedly generating €1.4 billion for the nation, remain valid. The program previously offered residency, work, and study rights within the EU, extending citizenship to family members based on investments ranging from €600,000 to €750,000, property purchases, and philanthropic donations.

Recent statements emanating from Beijing have cast doubt on assertions made by US President Donald Trump regarding direct communication with President Xi Jinping and ongoing tariff negotiations. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that no such conversation had taken place recently, nor were bilateral consultations underway concerning tariffs.

This contradicts President Trump’s recent interview with Time magazine, where he claimed direct contact with President Xi and the existence of negotiations aimed at resolving the tariff dispute. Beijing has repeatedly denied these claims, accusing Washington of public misrepresentation.

While speculation regarding potential tariff reductions by the US side has circulated, China maintains that a resolution necessitates the complete removal of all unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States. The escalating tariff war has demonstrably impacted global markets and commercial operations, prompting China to exempt select US imports and downplay the overall impact on its economic growth. The discrepancy in narratives underscores the complexities inherent in the current US-China trade relationship.