INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 26TH JULY 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-48

INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 26TH JULY 2025.

1.     France to Recognise Palestinian State, Draws Fire from Tel Aviv, Washington

France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025. Macron declared the decision in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, emphasizing France’s historic commitment to a just Middle East peace. France's move, the first by a major Western power, is intended to mobilize other nations, especially within the EU, to follow suit. However, this has provoked sharp criticism from Israel and the US. Israeli PM Netanyahu called it a reward for terrorism and a risk to Israel’s existence, while US Secretary of State Rubio denounced it as aiding Hamas propaganda. The announcement may pressure countries like the UK, Germany, and Japan to reconsider their stance. The development signals growing rifts within the Western alliance on Israel-Palestine policy and adds complexity to ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.

2.     Iran Holds N-Talks with E-3 Countries Over UN Sanctions

Iranian and E3 (UK, France, Germany) diplomats resumed nuclear discussions in Istanbul, aiming to avoid the reimposition of UN sanctions under the “snapback” mechanism. This marks the first high-level engagement since Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel and subsequent US bombing of nuclear-linked sites. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi described the talks as serious and detailed, with both sides agreeing to continue consultations. Europe has indicated that sanctions will be restored by August-end if Iran does not show progress in curbing its nuclear program. Iran maintains that the US must rebuild trust, having withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear deal under President Trump. The talks highlight tensions in transatlantic diplomacy and Tehran’s deep mistrust of Washington. Despite some optimism, the absence of tangible outcomes leaves uncertainty looming over Iran’s nuclear commitments and the broader regional security architecture.