Middle East Crisis

Situation in Iran
Reza Pahlavi exposed to paint attack during Berlin visit

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last Shah, was attacked with red liquid as he left a press conference in Berlin on Thursday, writes AP. The person suspected of carrying out the paint attack was quickly arrested by police.

Pahlavi waved and left the scene without being visibly affected by the incident.

Pahlavi has been living in exile since the 1979 revolution and is trying to position himself as a future leader. During his visit to Germany, he urged Europe to increase support for Iranian democracy movements and warned of a wave of executions in Iran. 

NATO's Future
Sources: US produces list of "naughty" NATO countries

The White House has produced what Politico describes as a list of "naughty and kind" NATO countries, American and European sources tell the site.

The list is said to be part of the threats to punish countries that have not supported the US war on Iran, and was prepared ahead of NATO leader Mark Rutte's visit to Washington in April.

What this could involve in practice is not clear, but according to sources it could involve moving US troops from countries that have not supported the US to those that have.

- They don't seem to have very concrete ideas when it comes to punishment. Moving troops is an option, but doesn't that primarily punish the US? asks a European diplomatic source.

There is no information on where different countries are placed on the list, but according to Politico, Poland and Romania could be high up - while Spain is likely to be far down.

Summit in Cyprus
Cyprus wants to clarify the EU's crisis rule in the event of an attack

The EU needs a clear plan for how member states should help each other in the event of an attack. This is what Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides says ahead of today's informal summit in Ayia Napa.

The issue is Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty, which requires member states to help each other in times of crisis, but where there is currently a lack of clear guidelines.

The EU heads of state and government are participating in the meeting, as is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Middle East war, rising energy prices and concerns about the Strait of Hormuz are also on the agenda.