19:00 News in Brief: Iran's Call to 'Cut Off Lights', Damage to US Bases, Beijing's Threat to Europe

Here are the latest news highlights from the past hour:

• Leading weightlifters from Armenia are entering the competition at the European Championship underway in Batumi.
• A new sports school named after wrestlers Malxas and Roman Amoyan has been launched in Aragatsotn.
• Robert Kocharian has criticized the decision to increase pensions, labeling it a political move without a budgetary basis.
• French writer Sylvain Tesson has characterized Armenia as an integral and strategically important part of European civilization.
• Azerbaijan and Ukraine have agreed to establish a joint military production facility within their territories.
• The European Union may be forced to take out new loans to cover Ukraine's growing budget deficit.
• British fighter jets have spotted Russian drones near Romania's border, though no engagement occurred.
• Iran's Foreign Minister has conveyed demands for negotiations regarding Tehran and the US through Pakistan.
• The Iranian President has urged citizens to reduce electricity consumption due to attacks on infrastructure.
• Media reports claim that the damage inflicted on American military bases by Iranian strikes significantly exceeds official figures.
• Beijing has warned the EU against targeting Chinese companies in a new sanctions package against Russia.
• An 18-year-old faces a fine and expulsion for making Russian-language inscriptions near the Eiffel Tower.
• Due to raging massive forest fires in Japan, more than three thousand people have been evacuated.
• Rain, thunderstorms, and strengthened winds are expected in Armenia and its capital.