Moody's upgraded Montenegro's sovereign rating to BA2 and maintained a positive outlook.

Iran foreign minister Araghchi met UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband on Thursday. Araghchi said current insecurity in the region and in the Strait of Hormuz is a consequence of US and Israeli military actions, which he accused some European states of supporting, and that these actions have had serious effects on Iran, the region and global stability. He said long-term regional stability requires ending occupation and securing Palestinian peoples’ legitimate rights, notably self-determination, and argued the UK and certain European countries should bear responsibility for their roles in the region. He urged those European states to reverse what he called unconstructive and irresponsible policies toward Iran and warned against interference in domestic affairs and the instrumental use of human-rights rhetoric.

A Greek ferry caught fire in the Aegean Sea; the blaze originated in the cargo hold. All crew and passengers were safely evacuated.