Morning Briefing: July 24, 2025

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday, including Russia and Ukraine conducting their third round of Istanbul peace talks, US House Speaker Mike Johnson pushing back against allegations that Republican lawmakers are obstructing efforts to release files related to disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, heading to Europe for "very sensitive negotiations" over a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

TOP STORIES

• Russia, Ukraine agree on new prisoner swap at Istanbul talks

Russia and Ukraine concluded a third round of peace talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, during which they agreed on a new prisoner exchange with at least 1,200 people from each side.

The meeting between the two countries’ delegations began around 8.37 pm local time (1737GMT) and ended around 9.16 pm (1816GMT).

Following the talks, Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation, said Russia suggested forming three online working groups, each of them addressing different subject areas – political, humanitarian and military.

• US House speaker denies blocking Epstein documents

US House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed back against allegations that Republican lawmakers are obstructing efforts to release files related to disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"No one in Congress is blocking Epstein documents. No one in Congress is doing that," Johnson told reporters.

It came a day after Johnson announced that he would shut down the chamber early for August recess, blocking Democratic efforts to force votes on releasing investigation files on Epstein.

• US Mideast envoy heading to Europe for Gaza ceasefire talks

Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, is heading to Europe for "very sensitive negotiations" over a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, the White House said.

During the visit, Witkoff "will meet with key leaders from the Middle East to discuss the ongoing ceasefire proposal to end this conflict in Gaza and to release the hostages," spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

"The president and special envoy Witkoff (have) made the administration's goals clear. We want this ceasefire to happen as soon as possible, and we want these hostages to be released," Leavitt added.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• At least 53 Palestinians, including children and a pregnant woman, were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shelling across the Gaza Strip.
• Ukraine proposed Russia organize a meeting between the presidents of the two countries by late August, the head of Kyiv's delegation said.
• The Turkish Foreign Ministry said a motion voted on in the Israeli Knesset (parliament) to annex the occupied West Bank is “null and void” under international law and “has no legal validity.”
• The US State Department approved the possible sale to Ukraine of the HAWK Phase III Missile System and Sustainment and related equipment, the Pentagon said.
• French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron filed a lawsuit against a right-wing podcaster, alleging the conservative influencer engaged in defamation.
• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his willingness for “meaningful dialogue” with longtime rival India on all outstanding issues, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
• Jordan said a 36-truck aid convoy was allowed into the Israel-blockaded Gaza Strip.
• Iran said it has agreed to a visit by a technical team from the UN nuclear watchdog to the capital, Tehran.
• Italian far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini is facing criticism from opposition parties after he accepted the "Best friend of Israel in Italy" award, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.
• The Israeli Knesset (parliament) voted for a non-binding motion for the agenda to annex the occupied West Bank.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) chief warned that Gaza is now facing "mass starvation" with a sharp rise in malnutrition-related deaths – including children – amid severe aid restrictions and an ongoing conflict.
• France condemned Israel’s expanding military offensive into central Gaza, warning that the operation is worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis marked by widespread malnutrition and an imminent risk of famine.
• Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba denied discussing his resignation after electoral losses suffered by the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito.
• Israeli police arrested an elderly woman two weeks ago on suspicion of plotting to attack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with an explosive device, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• China confirms US trade talks in Stockholm as tariff 'truce' continues

China confirmed that it will hold trade talks with the US in Stockholm next week as the deadline for a tariff deal approaches.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead the talks from Beijing's side in Sweden on July 27-30, the Commerce Ministry said.

The remarks came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that he expects to negotiate an extension of President Donald Trump’s tariff deadline with China during meetings in Stockholm next week.

• Indian premier to visit London for landmark free trade deal with UK

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in London for a two-day visit to sign a landmark free trade agreement with the UK.

The pact, in what is being hailed as a major political and economic achievement for both nations, is seen as a significant prize amid global trade tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump.

For Britain, the deal represents its most economically significant trade agreement since its departure from the European Union. For India, it marks that country’s first major free trade pact outside Asia.

• US tariffs on Japanese steel, aluminum to remain unchanged

The US will maintain its 50% tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum for now, Japan's government confirmed, as the two countries finalized a broader trade deal that includes reciprocal tariffs and major Japanese investment.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters in Tokyo that steel and aluminum duties were not part of the tariff agreement announced earlier by US President Donald Trump. However, he said there would be “a robust discussion” between the two sides “going forward for steel and aluminum and a series of tariff measures.”

The deal will see Japan pay 15% reciprocal tariffs on a range of US goods. Trump also announced on Truth Social that Japan would invest “$550 Billion Dollars into the United States, which will receive 90% of the Profits.”

SPORTS

• Barcelona sign Rashford on loan from Man U

FC Barcelona have signed England international Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United for the 2025-26 season, the Spanish club announced.

The agreement, which runs through June 30, 2026, includes an option for Barcelona to make the transfer permanent.

"I'm very excited. It’s a club where dreams come true. What the club stands for really means a lot to me," said Rashford in remarks to the Spanish club’s media.