Progress in mediation for a ceasefire between the US and Iran

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a whirlwind visit to London on Monday. There he met with the new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, the fifth tenant of Downing Street since the beginning of the conflict with Russia. Burnham ratified “unwavering” support for kyiv and announced the transfer of intellectual property for advanced electronic warfare technology.

The Stone Cloak System

The main agreement was to share Stone Cloak technology, a portable electronic jamming system designed to protect Ukrainian drones. London presented the device as a tool to increase the effectiveness of unmanned vehicles, not just as a defensive shield. The meeting took place at the Portsmouth naval base, where both leaders boarded the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.

Zelensky also met with Ukrainian military personnel participating in the Sea Breeze exercises. The meeting occurs before another key meeting with Donald Trump, and in the midst of an escalation of attacks with Russia that has increased the number of civilian deaths in the last month.

British support seems solid despite changes in government. Zelensky highlighted that the strategic agreement signed last year made bilateral relations “the strongest in history.” For future cooperation, he mentioned three priorities: air defense, maritime security and joint weapons production.

Milei’s accusations

The Argentine president, Javier Milei, accused the governments of Brazil and Mexico, as well as the Democratic Party of the United States, of financing an alleged campaign against Argentina. He did so during an interview with Radio Miter, without providing evidence.

According to Milei, the Brazilian government would have contributed 25% of the resources for that campaign. “Who invested the most money in this anti-Argentine campaign? The Brazilian government,” he stated. “And then they talk about interference,” he added.

Diplomatic tension on the rise

The statements occur in a climate of growing bilateral friction. Hours earlier, Brazil called its ambassador in Buenos Aires for consultations, in response to what it described as “offensive statements” by Milei. The Brazilian annoyance originated from comments by the Argentine president during an event in support of Flávio Bolsonaro, ahead of the presidential elections in October.

Milei also mentioned Mexico and the United States Democratic Party as alleged funders of the campaign, but did not offer concrete evidence. The episode deepens the distance between Argentina and Brazil, two key partners in Mercosur.

Pause in military actions

The United States and Iran maintain a de facto truce for the second consecutive day. The ceasefire was not officially announced by Washington, but the US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, indicated that it seeks to give space for diplomatic efforts. Tehran also confirmed the suspension of its operations during the same period.

Negotiations in progress

Both parties are trying to resume the provisional agreement reached in June. The talks, mediated by Oman and other actors, focus on ensuring safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the global oil trade. Differences persist over the Iranian nuclear program.

Uncertainty extends to other routes such as the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, due to threats from the Houthis against Saudi maritime transport. The US Navy maintains surveillance in the area to protect commercial traffic.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Washington to meet with Trump. Netanyahu backed the diplomatic efforts, although he warned that he would respond firmly if Iran or its allies attack Israel.