French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner has apologized to his Iranian counterpart over a media “misportrayal” of his recent warning about bracing for war with Iran over its nuclear program.

The leaders of Iran and Venezuela cemented an alliance aimed at countering imperialism while the Iranian president said he is pleased with a new ally in Bolivia and declared that together, “no one can defeat us.”

A tender was held for the Kars-Tbilisi-Baku railway project, also known as the “Iron Silk Road,” in Ankara on Sept. 20. The railway will provide a direct connection between Turkey and Georgia, from where the line will also extend to Azerbaijan, Central Asia, China and Mongolia.