Italy's economy minister said Italy may achieve 1% GDP growth this year.

Lebanon's president said the attack on the Finance Ministry building indicates a sustained pattern of assaults and reflects an intent to target state institutions.

A three-day reciprocal pause in strikes on each other's capitals—officially to safeguard a US delegation's travel—reflects continued intense maneuvering between Russia and Ukraine, commentator Su Xiaohui said. Both sides are seeking to shift US pressure onto their opponent and to court Washington: Kyiv's earlier proposal to halt strikes on Moscow aimed to put the onus on Moscow and accuse it of derailing talks, while Russia's rapid acceptance redirected the diplomatic move back. With the Middle East stalemate unresolved, the US European diplomatic tour is intended to signal Washington can still advance major agendas.