U.S. trade deficit in goods hits record high in 2025

The United States posted a record 1.24 trillion U.S. dollar trade deficit in goods in 2025, up 2.1 percent from the previous year, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Statistics show that the United States' annual exports and imports of goods stood at 2.19 trillion dollars and 3.43 trillion dollars in 2025.

Among main trading partners, the U.S. trade deficit in goods with the European Union dropped by 17.12 billion dollars year on year, while the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico and Vietnam increased by 25.42 billion dollars and 54.73 billion dollars year on year, respectively.

Iran, Russia hold joint drill as Trump hints at 15-day deadline

Naval forces of Iran and Russia held a joint drill on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, amid growing speculation about an impending U.S. military strike against Iran.

Special operation teams from Iran's army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Russia conducted an operation to liberate a hijacked ship during the exercise, according to a report on the Iranian army's website.

The drill involved Iran's Alvand destroyer, missile-launching warships, helicopters, landing craft, special operation teams, and combat speedboats, among others, the report said.

Uganda sees 70 pct surge in reported mental health cases over 4 years: study

A new study published here on Thursday shows that in Uganda, mental health cases reported to health facilities have increased by more than 70 percent over the past four years.

Speaking at the launch of the State of Uganda Population Report 2025, Minister of Health Ruth Aceng said the evidence presented is deeply concerning, with cases rising to 843,295 from 494,326.

Aceng said fewer than one in 10 people who need care receive appropriate support due to infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages, stigma, among other factors.

Belarus rejects Western troop deployments along its borders

Belarus firmly opposes any deployment of Western military contingents along its borders, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

Speaking to accredited diplomats from over 20 countries, Assistant to the Defense Minister for Foreign Military Cooperation Valery Revenko said Belarus categorically rejects foreign troops near its territory.

He criticized rising defense budgets, arms production, and military modernization by neighboring states -- actions he said signal hostility, not dialogue.

France says EC has no mandate to attend "Board of Peace" talks

France on Thursday voiced surprise over reports that the European Commission (EC) took part in a meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's so-called Board of Peace, stating that the commission had not been authorized by the European Council to attend.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said the Board of Peace should concentrate on the situation in Gaza. He noted that France would refrain from participating as long as uncertainties remain regarding the board's mandate and scope.

Confavreux added that France was "surprised" by the EC's reported attendance, emphasizing that the commission "does not have a mandate from the European Council to attend and participate in this meeting." He said the EC would be expected to clarify its involvement after returning.