U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Thursday in a new but narrower attempt to curtail birthright citizenship, once again challenging a provision of the U.S. Constitution even though the Supreme Court rejected his previous effort, Reuters reports.

Limiting birthright citizenship has been one of the top priorities in the Republican president’s crackdown on immigration, with the ‌White House taking particular aim at what it calls “birth tourism,” in which pregnant foreigners travel to the U.S. to give birth.

After his June 30 setback in the Supreme Court, Trump called on Congress to act, but on Thursday he opted for executive orders, which set policy but do not carry the same weight as laws passed by Congress.

The Supreme Court had struck down as unconstitutional Trump’s earlier executive order, which targeted a wide swath of immigrants in the country illegally or temporarily.

The administration argues the new directive falls outside the purview of the Supreme Court ruling, as it seeks to reinterpret the narrow, historical exceptions to citizenship at birth and expand who is ineligible.

“That practice of birth tourism is, as of the signing of this order, hereby banned,” White House aide Stephen Miller said ⁠at the Thursday signing ceremony in the Oval Office.

The Center for Immigration Studies, which supports lower levels of immigration, estimated in an analysis in 2020 that between 20,000 and 25,000 mothers came to the U.S. for birth tourism in a year-long period between 2016 and 2017.

There were 3.6 million births in the U.S. in 2025.

The executive orders also limit the rights of children born to foreign government employees in the U.S. and children of people who are classified as alien enemies.

The orders could also affect people born in U.S. territories, should Congress enact a proposed law to end automatic citizenship there.

Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan will sign a joint defense agreement in Saudi Arabia on Friday, two regional sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Meanwhile, AFP, citing its sources, reported that the agreement had been under discussion for a long time.

“It was under discussion for a long time, but the latest developments in the region expedite it,” the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet in Jeddah to formalize the joint agreement.

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have signed a joint defense agreement, saying an attack on one of them would be seen as an attack on all three, the BBC reported.

The pact was announced at a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif in the Saudi city of Mecca.

The three countries have been looking to strengthen security ties as the war between the US and Iran has drawn in Saudi Arabia and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

An attack by Yemen’s Houthis on southern Saudi Arabia wounded 11 civilians on Thursday, a military official said, as the kingdom warned that coordinated attacks by ‌the Houthis and Iran-backed Iraqi militias were imminent, Reuters reported.

Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, said early Friday the attack in southern Najran Province injured seven Saudis, one Yemeni, two Egyptians and one Pakistani national.

The victims included a 4-year-old child who suffered second-degree burns.

Maliki accused the Iran-aligned Houthis of indiscriminately shelling civilian areas in violation of international humanitarian law and said the coalition would continue taking all necessary measures to protect civilians.

There was no immediate comment from the Houthis ⁠or Iran on the coalition’s statement.

A senior Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Saudi, U.S. and other Middle Eastern countries’ intelligence found that the Houthis and Iraqi militias under the supervision of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could soon launch coordinated attacks on Saudi civilian sites including energy infrastructure, ports and airports.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session in Kyrgyzstan, where he delivered remarks.

Representatives of Iran, Uzbekistan, and Cuba joined the meeting in addition to the prime ministers of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The Prime Minister’s Office published the transcript of his remarks:

Dear Heads of Government,

Distinguished participants of the meeting,

First of all, allow me to sincerely thank the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adylbek Kasymaliev, for the traditionally warm hospitality and for the high-level organization of the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.

I would also like to welcome the distinguished representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Cuba.

For the Republic of Armenia, strengthening cooperation with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union continues to be one of the priorities of our foreign policy and foreign economic policy.

This approach will also be reflected in the program of the new Government, the leadership of which has been entrusted to me.

At the same time, I would like to emphasize that Armenia consistently advocates adherence to the principles underlying the Eurasian Economic Union.

One of the fundamental principles of the Eurasian Economic Union is ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor.

Unfortunately, in practice these principles are not being fully implemented.

Certain restrictions and administrative measures continue to impede the full functioning of the common market, reducing the predictability of the business environment and the effectiveness of integration processes.

The Republic of Armenia consistently ensures the most favorable, equal, and non-discriminatory conditions possible for the activities of economic operators from all EAEU member states. We consistently proceed from the principle that the same approach should be applied throughout the entire territory of the Eurasian Economic Union.

For precisely this reason, we consider it fundamentally important that any measure capable of affecting the access of the goods and services of member states to the common market be adopted exclusively in accordance with EAEU law, on the basis of agreed procedures, and within the framework of constructive cooperation among the competent authorities.

Ignoring such issues may not only hinder the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union but may also negatively affect the attitude of our countries’ citizens and the business community toward it.

Ultimately, such issues cease to be the problems of an individual member state. They become the common problem of the Union as a whole.

For precisely this reason, we need to eliminate emerging obstacles in a timely manner, prevent the deterioration of trade and economic relations within the EAEU, minimize business risks related to reputation, and consistently strengthen mutual trust.

It must also be acknowledged that, in a number of areas, the strategic objectives set by the EAEU have not yet been fully achieved. This means that today we need to focus not only on discussing new initiatives but also on the practical implementation of decisions already adopted, accelerating coordination procedures, and improving the effectiveness of the EAEU institutions.

Dear colleagues,

I would also like to address the objective economic indicators, which convincingly demonstrate that the Republic of Armenia’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union is based on the fulfillment of mutual obligations rather than on obtaining unilateral advantages.

In 2025, Armenia transferred approximately USD 319 million to the common budget of EAEU import customs duties, while the amount allocated in Armenia’s favor totaled approximately USD 175 million.

Thus, Armenia contributed significantly more resources to the Union’s common budget than it received, which is direct confirmation of our responsible position and the conscientious fulfillment of our obligations within the framework of the EAEU.

The dynamics of mutual trade are no less telling.

According to the results of 2025, imports from the EAEU member states amounted to approximately USD 5 billion, while exports of Armenian products to the Union’s market during the same period amounted to approximately USD 3.2 billion.

These figures show that the Republic of Armenia is not only a participant in the EAEU common market but also an important consumer of the goods produced and services provided in the Union’s member states.

Dear colleagues,

The Republic of Armenia has taken note of the statement of the leaders of the four EAEU member states of May 29, 2026, which expressed support for the idea of holding a referendum in Armenia on accession to the European Union.

As you know, in 2025 Armenia adopted the Law “On Launching the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union.” The strategic objective of adopting such a law is to create an alternative for our country.

We understand that simultaneous membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union is impossible.

However, the very fact of adopting the above-mentioned law does not in itself mean that Armenia has the opportunity to become an EU member today. Even when Armenia is qualitatively ready for EU accession in the future, this likewise will not mean that our country will automatically become a member of the EU. This will still require the agreement of the EU member states and the approval of the citizens of Armenia.

On the other hand, it is obvious that it is impossible to submit this issue to the decision of the citizens of Armenia without first carrying out institutional preparatory work. And even after that, it will be necessary to submit an official application to the EU for accession to the European Union.

After that, it will also be necessary to obtain the status of a candidate country for accession to the EU.

Without passing through at least the greater part of the stages listed above, holding a referendum on this issue would be devoid of substance and would mean that we expect our citizens to answer a question that simply does not exist at this stage.

This would mean that we expect the citizens of Armenia to make a choice between two alternatives, one of which does not exist.

This would be disrespectful toward our people and, in practical terms, illegitimate. I thank my colleagues in the EAEU for recognizing the legitimate right of Armenia, as well as of any other EAEU country, to develop relations with different partners and to create alternative trade and economic opportunities for its own country.

Moreover, I consider such an approach beneficial for the EAEU, because the existence of possible alternatives is a factor that will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the EAEU.

And I believe that no one will deny that in this respect we have work to do within the EAEU. We are ready and propose to work in that direction.

On the other hand, I should note that in the current relations between Armenia and the European Union there are no legal, economic, or political obligations that contradict the status of our relations within and in the framework of the EAEU.

Dear colleagues,

The Republic of Armenia proceeds from the principle that the Eurasian Economic Union should not be viewed as a space of restrictions. We are convinced that cooperation between the EAEU member states and third partners should not be perceived as a zero-sum game.

The Republic of Armenia consistently advocates preserving the fundamental principles of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, the equality of the member states, and the further development of practical, mutually beneficial cooperation.

The EAEU will be more attractive the more consistently we uphold our own agreements and respect each other’s sovereign rights.

It is precisely in this that we see the foundation of trust, stability, and long-term success.

Thank you for your attention,” he said.

During the session, protocols on the discussed and adopted issues were signed. They concern cooperation and regulations in the areas of transport, e-commerce, and education.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Sadyr Japarov, President of Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of his visit to the town of Cholpon-Ata for the session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.

According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office, President Japarov welcomed Pashinyan and congratulated him on the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections and his reappointment as Prime Minister.

“I wish you success in implementing the tasks aimed at the further development of the country and improving the well-being of the Armenian people. Under your leadership, Armenia has achieved significant results in the fields of socio-economic development and the implementation of important transformations in recent years, as well as consistently increasing its role in the international arena,” said the President of Kyrgyzstan.

President Japarov emphasized the efforts of the Prime Minister of Armenia aimed at forming an atmosphere of friendship and good-neighborliness in the South Caucasus and expressed the conviction that ensuring peace and stability is an important condition for sustainable growth and improving the well-being of the people.

“In this context, Kyrgyzstan attaches importance to the further development of Kyrgyzstan-Armenia relations based on traditional friendship, mutual respect, and the shared values of our countries. Our cooperation is characterized by constructive political dialogue and a desire to expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. I expect that today’s meeting will give new impetus to Kyrgyzstan-Armenia friendship and will allow us to outline promising steps for the further development of partnership between the two countries,” the President of Kyrgyzstan said.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and congratulated Sadyr Japarov on Kyrgyzstan’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

“I hope that in this format we will be able to deepen our relations and cooperation. I also congratulate you on the successes that are already apparent. It is truly very impressive,” said the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

Speaking about the high economic growth recorded in Kyrgyzstan, PM Pashinyan emphasized that it would contribute to improving the standard of living in the country, which is a success of the Kyrgyz government and Sadyr Japarov personally.

“And, of course, this creates new opportunities for economic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. Unfortunately, despite the fact that both our countries are members of the Eurasian Economic Union, due to logistical problems, the volume of our mutual trade is not very large, but recently some movement has been observed. I am confident that we will be able to develop cooperation in the field of transport. This will contribute to the expansion of mutual trade between Kyrgyzstan and Armenia,” Prime Minister Pashinyan said.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reiterated that the Armenian government is pursuing a foreign policy of diversification and creating alternatives for Armenia, which is the “sovereign and legitimate right” of every country.

Speaking to Russian media during a press briefing in Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting, Pashinyan was asked whether it is important for him that Armenia remain a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

“I have already said that our goal is to create alternatives for Armenia. I believe that this is the legitimate right of every country. All countries are working in this direction in order to have alternatives. I think that, at this point, the best course for the EAEU would be not to torpedo this process but, on the contrary, to work to increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of the EAEU. I believe this is the right approach, and I have already said that Armenia is ready to work in that direction.”

Asked whether it would not be more appropriate simply to make a choice, Pashinyan replied:

“First, that choice has to be created. Of course, I have taken note of my colleagues’ May 29 statement. I treat it with respect. By the way, it is very interesting that our colleagues support the idea of holding a referendum in Armenia on EU membership. I also support that approach,” Pashinyan said, referring to the statement by fellow EAEU member state leaders calling on Yerevan to hold a referendum on whether to remain in the EAEU or pursue EU membership.

Asked whether such a referendum would take place, the Armenian prime minister replied:

“A referendum, of course, will take place, but only after Armenia officially applies for EU membership, and institutional work must be carried out in that direction. Holding a referendum today is impossible because the subject of such a referendum does not exist. Let us imagine that we organize a referendum now and say that it is necessary to choose between the EU and the EAEU. What would our citizens’ reaction be? They would ask: what prospects do we have for becoming an EU member, what would our roadmap be, and so on. There would be many questions to which we have no answers, and no one else does either.”

Pashinyan also addressed the restrictions imposed by Russia on the import of Armenian goods, stressing that, in this context, what is happening within the EAEU creates only a negative perception of the union in Armenia.

“I mean the restrictions that our respected Russian partners are imposing on Armenian goods,” Pashinyan stressed.

Asked whether he had compared the prospects for Armenian goods in the EAEU and the EU markets, Pashinyan replied that raising the competitiveness of products and production standards is a very important issue for every country.

“We are working in that direction, all our partners in the EAEU are working in that direction, and so is everyone else. Because the competitiveness of every product and every economy is the most important thing. The main idea I raised in my speech was that we should not make this process negative. This is actually a very good opportunity for the EAEU to work together to increase its attractiveness and competitiveness. But it is very important to understand that without fundamental principles and without the ability to implement them, the EAEU will find itself in crisis. What is happening now with Armenian goods is, of course, a problem for Armenia, but it is also a major problem for the EAEU, because in practice it now turns out that the EAEU is not functioning. If the principles do not work, then the EAEU does not work either. All states and all governments pursue diversification policies. That is their sovereign and legitimate right.”

Asked whether he had compared Armenia’s trade turnover with the EAEU and the EU, Pashinyan said he had not made such a comparison because it is not on Armenia’s agenda.

“The issue now is not to make such a comparison. The issue is creating alternatives for Armenia. By the way, some of our partners in the EAEU provoked this process by saying that Armenia is not needed by anyone and that no one is waiting for Armenia anywhere. We did not take that message negatively. On the contrary, we took it positively and began working to show that the reality is completely different,” Pashinyan said.

Asked whether the EU is forcing Armenia to sever ties with Russia, Pashinyan replied:

“If anyone has the leverage to force Armenia to do something, that leverage is certainly not in Brussels, not in the West, not in the South, and not in the East.”

President of the National Assembly of Serbia Ana Brnabić has congratulated her Armenian counterpart, Ruben Rubinyan, on his election to office.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Rubinyan, Brnabić wished him success in carrying out his high and responsible mission, and wished the Republic of Armenia progress and prosperity.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia expressed confidence that, through joint efforts, the two countries would continue to strengthen their close friendly relations for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

Speaker of the Riksdag of the Kingdom of Sweden Andreas Norlén has sent a congratulatory message to Ruben Rubinyan on his election as Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, according to the National Assembly’s website.

In his congratulatory message, the Riksdag Speaker said Sweden and Armenia enjoy excellent relations, highlighting the history of cooperation and exchanges between the two countries at all levels of society.

Andreas Norlén expressed confidence that the productive cooperation established between the two parliaments, based on shared fundamental values and principles, would continue to develop in a constructive and positive manner.