July 4, 2026 — China foreign minister met Sweden’s foreign minister in Stockholm. Beijing said bilateral ties, which were strained in recent years, have warmed since the Swedish minister’s visit last year and signalled a push to improve mutual trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and focus on a positive agenda. China urged Sweden to continue upholding the One China principle to consolidate the political basis for the relationship.

TASS reports President Putin signed a law amending tax legislation to support Russia's domestic fuel market.

Iran's Intelligence Ministry said on the 4th that security forces, working with the IRGC and national police, dismantled four cells it says were linked to US and Israeli intelligence agencies in Sistan‑Baluchestan province, including Zahedan. Five principal members were arrested and two armed suspects killed. Authorities also said they uncovered and dismantled an additional five‑person cell suspected of plotting attacks on military units and judicial institutions; those suspects were detained. Security forces seized firearms, multiple hand grenades, four radio units, a Starlink satellite communications kit and large quantities of ammunition. Iran said the suspects received military and explosives training abroad and had planned sabotage, assassinations and terrorist attacks but were arrested before acting and the network has been dismantled.