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Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “The war in Ukraine is still fought chiefly by soldiers. But the use of unmanned systems, many of them powered by AI, is growing exponentially, and helping the country resist Russia’s relentless onslaught.” Via The Economist

• Russian troops have raped and tortured children in Ukraine, carried out a “large number” of executions and committed other war crimes, according to a United Nations investigation by legal experts. Via NBC Boston

• "A study by Ukraine's military ombudsman found that soldiers deployed for over 40 days on front-line positions develop apathy and 'stop caring whether they survive or not,' Ombudsman Olha Reshetylova said on April 27. The findings come amid broader concerns over Ukraine's mobilization system, which has faced persistent challenges in recruitment and rotation during the full-scale war. Ukraine's military has struggled with manpower shortages and prolonged deployments, with some troops remaining on positions for months due to a lack of replacements. The research by the Office of the Military Ombudsman indicates that prolonged deployments lead to severe psychological strain, decreasing combat effectiveness. 'Everything beyond 40 days cannot be considered effective,' Reshetylova said in an interview to Ukrainska Pravda, adding that commanders should take the findings into account. She noted that existing regulations limit time on position to 15 days, but the rule is widely ignored, leaving some troops deployed for months or longer without rotation. 'This is a dead norm that no one follows, which in turn means there are effectively no limits,' she said." Via Kyiv Independent and Ukrainian Pravda

• “Russia will stage its May parade marking the defeat of Nazi Germany without heavy military equipment, as the war in Ukraine takes its toll on Putin’s army.” Via Bloomberg

• “Pentagon officials confirmed the release of $400 million in funds for Ukraine that already had been authorized by Congress, after the top Senate Republican overseeing defense spending criticized Pentagon leaders for withholding the money.” Via Bloomberg

• “Israeli grain importer Zenziper Grains and Feedstuffs Importers Ltd. has cancelled 25,000-ton grain shipment aboard Russian ship PANORMITIS after controversy over stolen Ukrainian grain.” Via The Marker

Middle East

• “German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday Iran's leadership was humiliating the United States and getting U.S. officials to travel to Pakistan and then leave without results, in an unusually abrupt rebuke over the conflict.” Via Reuters

• “Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of 69 people over what it described as sympathy with Iran's hostile acts and collaboration with foreign entities, the kingdom's interior ministry said in a statement.” Via Reuters

• “Vessel carrying grain from occupied territories of Ukraine headed for Israeli port of Haifa. This is the second consecutive voyage of this kind to Haifa. Ukraine has launched criminal proceedings over the export of grain from the occupied territories.” Via The Insider

• “The United Arab Emirates said it has quit OPEC and the wider OPEC+ alliance, in a major blow to the producer group.” Via Reuters

• “Gas prices in the U.S. have hit their highest level in four years. Tuesday's jump was the biggest increase in more than a month, as negotiators deadlocked over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.” Via NYT

• “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy threatened to sanction Israeli individuals and businesses buying grain produced in regions occupied by Russia.” Via Politico

• “US officials say the conflict with Iran is unlikely to end with a nuclear deal, and a resumption of the war is unlikely. Trump is comfortable with an indefinite blockade.” Via WSJ

• “Iran's currency dropped to a record low of 1,810,000 rials to the U.S. dollar on Wednesday and has seen its value fall by nearly 15% in the last two days, according to the Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA). In 2025, various factors such as geopolitical uncertainty led to Iran's currency losing around 70% of its value to the dollar, which was the spark for nationwide anti-government protests with merchants from Tehran's bazaar being the first to complain about unpredictable currency fluctuations and the difficulty of doing business.” Via Reuters

• "According to two people familiar with the matter, Israel rushed over a lightweight surveillance system called Spectro, which helped the UAE to detect incoming drones, especially Shaheds, from as far as 20km away." Via Financial Times

• “Iran has eased its stance to restart peace talks with the U.S., dropping its demand that Washington lift the blockade before negotiations begin. Instead, it proposes discussing key issues like the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions relief at the same time. The two sides remain far apart, especially on Iran’s nuclear program, and Trump said he isn’t satisfied with the proposal.” Via WSJ

• “US to close the Civil-Military Coordination Centre, a US military-run center in Israel created in 2025 to monitor the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.” Via Reuters

• “Restaurants in Dubai have downsized their menus to reduce costs as the tourism sector reels under the impact of the Middle East war. The disruption in trade has also made it difficult for some to source imported ingredients such as avocados and scallops.” Via Reuters

Indo-Pacific

• “Japan eyes expanded warship exports with Mogami-class frigate as template.” Via Nikkei Asia

• “Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is arranging to deliver a major foreign policy speech during her visit to Vietnam in early May 2026.” Via The Japan Times

• “Russia’s Defense Minister Andrey Belousov arrived in North Korea to meet political and military leaders as the two nations deepen strategic ties.” Via Bloomberg

• “A Taiwanese court has sentenced a former Tokyo Electron employee to 10 years in prison for stealing TSMC's proprietary data, highlighting the growing threat of industrial espionage in the island’s most strategic sector.” Via Bloomberg

• “Pyongyang unveils memorial for participants in the war against Ukraine, Russia’s defense minister and State Duma speaker in attendance. North Korea sent around 11,000 troops to take part in the fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region.” Via The Insider

• “The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) implemented a major organizational reform at the end of March 2026. As part of this restructuring, it established the Patrol and Defense Group (哨戒防備群) and assigned some of its most modern surface combatants, including the Mogami-class frigates, to this formation.” Via Naval News

• “North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed a policy that requires soldiers to commit suicide on the battlefield to avoid capture, while fighting Russia’s war against Ukraine.” Via Bloomberg

• “The head of the U.S. military in South Korea has outlined a new concept to link the military capabilities of Seoul, Tokyo and Manila into a "kill web" in order to enable a more coordinated response to regional security.” Via The Japan Times

• “Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam will deliver the keynote address at Asia’s top security summit this year, giving the leader a high-profile opportunity to address long-standing territorial tensions with Beijing.” Via Bloomberg

• “Germany and the Czech Republic denied requests for Taiwan President Lai Ching-te to transit through Europe earlier this month, dooming his last-minute effort to circumvent a China-backed blockade of his first diplomatic trip to Africa.” Via Bloomberg

• “China ordered companies in the country not to comply with US sanctions on five domestic refiners linked to the Iranian oil trade, a move aimed at softening the impact of penalties.” Via Bloomberg

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “Pakistan accused of attacking Afghan university.” Via BBC

• “India is set to receive its fourth S-400 air defence system from Russia by mid-May, with deployment expected by the end of the month. A fifth S-400 unit is scheduled to arrive in November. The government has also approved buying five more systems to strengthen air defence.” Via Hindustan Times

Americas

• “U.S. Funds $4.6 Billion Sentinel ICBM Ballistic Missile To Replace Minuteman III Nuclear Missiles.” Via Army Recognition

• “Mexican President Sheinbaum is trying to cooperate with Trump, but it’s putting her under pressure at home. She has made concessions to the U.S. (on border security, trade, and cartel crackdowns) to avoid conflict and protect Mexico’s economy. However, Trump keeps demanding more, including possible U.S. military action against cartels. A recent incident involving CIA agents in Mexico increased tensions, and her restrained response drew criticism. Meanwhile, her approach is upsetting parts of her political base. Overall, she is stuck balancing avoiding conflict with the U.S. while maintaining support at home, and her strategy may be weakening her politically without satisfying Trump.” Via WSJ


Africa

• “Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approved the appointment of the Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.” Via Bloomberg

• “Tuareg rebels have announced an agreement with Russian soldiers from the Africa Corps to withdraw from the city of Kidal in northern Mali.” Via RFI

• “Islamist militants and separatists launched attacks across the West African nation of Mali, in what analysts say constitute the biggest strikes since militants overran much of the country in 2012.” Via Washington Post

• “The Democratic Republic of Congo will create a paramilitary unit to police its mines with funding from the US and United Arab Emirates.” Via Bloomberg

• “Nigerian defense-tech startup Terra Industries unveiled its latest autonomous defense systems including interceptor drones, mine-detection vehicles and battlefield intelligence software.” Via Reuters

Europe

• “China said it will take necessary measures after the European Union added Chinese entities to its latest Russia sanctions package, warning that all consequences would be borne by the EU.” Via Bloomberg

• “After Viktor Orbán’s election defeat, allies linked to his party are scrambling to protect their wealth. Private jets allegedly carrying fortunes built during his 16 years in power have been departing from Vienna, while others rush to move assets abroad. Some senior figures are also exploring US visas and jobs at MAGA-linked institutions. Incoming PM Péter Magyar says oligarchs tied to Fidesz are shifting billions to places like the UAE and US to avoid accountability.” Via The Guardian

• “Germany is embedding a senior U.S. officer deep into its military command structures. The move is sign of close cooperation that comes despite worsening political ties.” Via Politico

• “Pete Hegseth orders withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, to be completed over the next six to 12 months.” Via Reuters

• “Washington has warned European allies, including the UK, Poland, Lithuania and Estonia, to expect long delivery delays for US weapons — including Nasms and Himars — as it scrambles to replenish stockpiles depleted by the Iran war. Deliveries to Ukriane have already been delayed.” Via Financial Times

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Stockholm’s military intelligence head said Moscow is systematically manipulating data to fool Ukraine’s western allies into believing its economy has withstood the strain of its lavish war spending and western sanctions.” Via Financial Times

• “Russia to cut oil production in April by 300-400,000 barrels per day due to Ukrainian drone attacks, the largest cut since the COVID pandemic.” Via Reuters

• "Ukraine will finally start receiving noa €90 billion ($106 billion) loan from the European Union after Hungary lifted its veto, ending months of wrangling over the vital cash injection for the war-torn country. EU ambassadors gave preliminary approval for the loan’s disbursement during a meeting on Wednesday, according to the EU’s rotating presidency, held by Cyprus. The move came shortly after Ukraine announced it repaired the Druzhba pipeline and resumed Russian oil flows to Hungary and Slovakia. Ambassadors also approved a fresh package of Russian sanctions at the meeting, which Hungary and Slovakia had separately been blocking over the pipeline spat. The loan will deliver Ukraine a much-needed financial lifeline, with the country set to run out of money within weeks. The EU funds will stabilize both the country’s military and government." Via Bloomberg

• “Russia is believed to have suffered roughly 35,000 casualties in March, a grisly record. According to Ukraine’s defence ministry, 96% of them were caused by drone strikes.” Via The Economist

Middle East

• “The world has lost over $50 billion worth of crude oil that has not been produced since the Iran ‌war began nearly 50 days ago and the aftershock of the crisis will be felt for months and even years to come.” Via Reuters

• "Abu Dhabi is considering plans to consolidate Chinese assets housed within two of its wealth funds under a new entity, setting the stage for a radical overhaul of its investment strategy for the world’s second-largest economy." Via Bloomberg

• “The US has suspended all funding and security coordination with Iraq's government, and suspended dollar shipments to Iraq's central banking system.” Via Al Hadath

• "According to at least one Saudi assessment, up to half of the nearly 1,000 drone attacks on the kingdom came from inside Iraq. They included strikes on a refinery in the sensitive Yanbu oil hub on the Red Sea and oil fields in the eastern province." Via WSJ

• "Even if the Strait were to open tomorrow, energy markets will show the scars of war for years... it might be 2030 before the market for refined products returns to the old equilibrium." Via Financial Times

• “Pentagon tells Congress clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take up to 6 months, warning oil and gasoline prices may stay elevated.” Via Washington Post

• “Mojtaba Khamenei has undergone three surgeries on one leg and may require a prosthetic. He is recovering from hand surgery, while severe burns to his face and lips have made speaking difficult. Plastic surgery is expected.” Via NYT

• “The U.S. has burned through a massive volume of advanced munitions in the war with Iran, significantly straining its stockpiles and raising concerns about readiness. Since late February, U.S. forces have used roughly 1,100 JASSM-ER cruise missiles—each costing about $1.1 million—leaving around 1,500 in reserve. They have also launched more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles, over 1,200 Patriot interceptors (each priced above $4 million), and more than 1,000 ATACMS and Precision Strike missiles. In just the first two days, about $5.6 billion worth of munitions was expended. To sustain operations, the Pentagon has redirected weapons and systems from Europe and Asia, reducing readiness in both regions. In Europe, this has depleted stockpiles important for NATO’s eastern flank and limited training and drone availability.” Via NYT

In Asia, the impact is even more pronounced, with Patriot and THAAD systems moved from key areas like South Korea and naval forces redeployed, weakening deterrence against regional threats.

Indo-Pacific

• China said it had dispatched warships to test “operational capabilities” in the western Pacific on the same day that Japan for the first time joined a massive annual display of military strength by the US and Philippines. The route taken by the Chinese ships is much closer to the Japanese mainland than the one usually taken to pass between the East China Sea and the western Pacific and is part of a pattern of increasing military assertiveness around Japanese territory. The timing of China’s deployment, said military experts in Tokyo, is significant. On Monday, Japanese combat troops joined the Balikatan drills held by the US and Philippine militaries for the first time. Via Financial Times

• “Japan removed most of its restrictions on weapons exports as it seeks to create a larger market for companies in the arms business while building a more robust base of suppliers for its own military.” Via Bloomberg

• “The Presidential Office announced that President Lai Ching-te will postpone his trip to Eswatini due to Chinese pressure interfering with his travel plans. Officials said multiple countries, including Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, abruptly revoked overflight permissions after China used economic coercion to pressure them.” Via Taiwan Plus News

• “Russia’s government expects to sell natural gas for several years to China at about a third less than the price paid by Europe, underscoring how a pivot to Asia hasn’t fully offset the loss of most of the country’s Western markets.” Via Bloomberg

• “Japan government must lead arms production push: defense minister.” Via Nikkei Asia

• “USFK aims to transfer wartime operational control to ROK by 2029.” Via NK News

• “Vietnam taps South Korea for renewed nuclear power plan.” Via Nikkei Asia

• “Taiwan minister makes rare visit to South China Sea island for drills.” Via Nikkei Asia

• “Japan wants to mass-produce its own drones for national security and the Defense Ministry is looking for startups to make it happen.” Via Nikkei Asia

• “Hanwha Ocean and Leidos Gibbs & Cox are designing a high-capacity vessel capable of carrying up to half a brigade combat team and conducting drone mothership or arsenal ship roles ahead of the company’s plans to expand its American operations.” Via Naval News

• “Iran war exposes Japan's dependence on medical supply imports.” Via Nikkei Asia

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “The UN estimates about 12,000 schoolchildren in Afghanistan have been displaced or had their education severely disrupted due to the ongoing conflict with Pakistan.” Via AFP

Americas

• “Two Americans killed in a crash in Mexico were CIA members. They died returning from an anti-drug operation targeting meth labs. The incident raises questions about U.S. intelligence involvement in Mexico’s cartel war.” Via NYT

• “United Airlines CEO said ticket prices may need to rise by as much as 15% to 20% to offset a surge in jet fuel costs, signaling a significant test of consumers' willingness to absorb higher fares as the industry grapples with volatile oil prices.” Via Reuters

Africa

• “Boko Haram is holding 400+ women and children kidnapped from Ngoshe in Borno State and has given Nigeria 72 hours to pay about £2.7 million in ransom, threatening to execute them if the government refuses.” Via The Telegraph

• “Ugandan and Congolese troops free 200 captives from Islamic State after a raid on one of the jihadi camps in Eastern DRC.” Via Reuters

• “Africa's largest carrier Ethiopian Airlines said on Monday it is buying six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets as it looks to expand its long-haul flights across Africa and to the United States and Asia.” Via Reuters Africa

• “President Trump is said to be in talks to send Afghans who helped the U.S. war effort to the Democratic Republic of Congo.” Via NYT

• “Russia is expanding its military logistics network in West Africa, using the port of Conakry in Guinea as a key transit hub for equipment bound for Mali, an investigation by The Sentry has found.” Via Bloomberg

• The US has informed other countries that it will begin lifting some sanctions on Eritrea in an effort to restore high-level diplomatic relations and potentially "reset US-Eritrea ties.” Via WSJ

Europe

• “Germany is redirecting parts of its struggling industrial base—especially automotive suppliers—into defense production. Facing stagnation and rising competition (notably from China), Berlin is pushing factories, workers, and expertise toward weapons manufacturing. Firms like Rheinmetall are expanding rapidly, and auto suppliers are partnering on drones, ammunition, and military systems. The goal is to turn economic weakness into strength by making Germany a central hub for Europe’s rearmament.” Via WSJ

• “French and Polish leaders discussed holding joint exercises today as part of a French-led effort to include allies in its nuclear deterrent.” Via Politico

• “Hungary must arrest Netanyahu if he visits, Magyar says.” Via Politico

• “Norway’s government will take over the planning from local authorities for what is touted to be Europe’s largest documented occurrence of rare earth elements.” Via Bloomberg

• “Finland’s government agreed on a package of $609 million in austerity measures as it hammered out a four-year fiscal plan for the European Union nation with the fastest-worsening public finances.” Via Bloomberg

• “Lithuania’s parliament gave final approval to build a military training ground near a strategically vital stretch of NATO territory.” Via Bloomberg

• “Hungarian outgoing foreign minister Peter Szijjarto, whose ties to Moscow triggered speculation about his allegiance during the election campaign, said he had no regrets about cultivating relations with Russia.” Via Bloomberg

• “NATO selects Swedish Saab GlobalEye to replace 14 E-3 AWACS planes in historic shift from the U.S.” Via Army Recognition

• “The UK will keep armour in Estonia for the foreseeable future, with the Forward Land Forces battlegroup continuing to draw on lessons from Ukraine as part of NATO's eastern flank deterrence.” Via UK Defence Journal

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Russia is remaking the demographic structure of cities such as Mariupol, with implications that extend far beyond the current phase of the war.” Via Englesberg Ideas

• “Production of Russia’s Su-57 may have halted following a major fire at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant on April 11th, with satellite imagery showing collapsed and scorched roofing. The blaze hit a facility producing roughly 300 polymer composite components including wingtips, control surfaces, and air intakes. These parts are critical to maintaining low radar cross-section stealth and are extremely difficult to manufacture elsewhere.” Via Defence Blog

• “The Ukrainian army captured a Russian position using only ground robotic systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.” Via Politico

• “Ukraine's military to get biggest-ever shipment of UK drones.” Via BBC

• “Russia-linked hackers broke into more than 170 email accounts belonging to prosecutors and investigators across Ukraine during the last several months, a campaign that shows how Moscow’s spies are keeping tabs on the Ukrainian officials tasked with rooting out corruption and Russian collaborators.” Via Reuters

• “Russia’s tight monetary policy has landed it in an unlikely club of countries usually comprised of economies battling debt distress or runaway inflation, laying bare the economic costs from the war in Ukraine beyond the swelling military-spending bill…The sheer scale of defense spending is a direct threat to price stability. Had the central bank ignored inflation, it could have reached as much as 30% last year, Governor Elvira Nabiullina told lawmakers last month. Though the bank has been cutting its key rate for nine months, lowering it to 15% at its last meeting, little of that easing has filtered through to businesses or the broader economy. Real borrowing costs remain near historic highs, exceeding 9%. In March, annual price growth stood at 5.9%, according to Economy Ministry data published late Friday. The cost of money now dominates economic debates, public forums and closed-door meetings. If current trends persist, growth could slow to zero and investment could fall more than expected, Alexander Shokhin, head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, told reporters earlier this month, according to the Interfax news service.” Via Bloomberg

• "Vadym Skibitskyi, the deputy head of Ukraine’s defence intelligence directorate, known by its acronym GUR, told the FT in an interview in Kyiv on Friday that Russian forces were stepping up ballistic missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. Moscow is producing about 60 Iskander missiles a month and has expanded its launcher capacity, while Ukraine lacks sufficient advanced air-defence systems such as the US-made Patriot system to cover the entire country, Skibitskyi said. He warned that critical infrastructure, especially energy facilities badly damaged by Russia’s winter air-strike campaign that brought the country close to catastrophe, remains highly vulnerable as a result while Moscow refines its strike tactics...Russia is readying a fresh ground assault in south-eastern Ukraine, dipping into its strategic reserve to add 20,000 fresh troops to its force inside the country, he said. With some 680,000 soldiers now on the ground, Russia is aiming to capture the entire Donbas region by September, he said, citing a GUR assessment shared with the FT." Via Financial Times

Middle East

• “UK will not take part in any U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump claimed NATO allies, including Britain, were sending minesweepers.” Via Financial Times

• “The United States' NATO allies said on Monday they would not get involved in President Donald Trump's plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, further ratcheting up tensions within the increasingly fragile alliance.” Via Reuters

• Turkey’s president accused Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, of being “blinded by blood and hate” and said there was “no reason” not to attack. Via The Telegraph

• “The US sanction pause on Iranian oil is likely to generate Iran at least $1 billion in revenue they would not have seen otherwise. The sanction pause is due to expire on Sunday, and the US is under pressure from Asian allies to extend it.” Via Washington Post

• “A Chinese tanker sanctioned by the United States passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite a US blockade on the chokepoint, shipping data showed.” Via Reuters

• “Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, the highest number since 1989, NGOs say. The number of executions represented an increase of 68% on the 975 people Iran put to death in 2024.” Via AFP

• “Iran used Chinese spy satellite to target US bases last month. IRGC has contract with China’s Emposat that allows it to control a satellite launched by China’s Earth Eye.” Via Financial Times

• “In a sudden reversal, the U.S. is allowing the sale of some Russian oil for an additional month to ease gas prices during the war in Iran.” Via NYT

Indo-Pacific

• “Japan has approved $69.7 million to buy five wide-area UAVs for the Ground Self-Defense Force, marking a major step in replacing its AH-64D Apache and AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters with unmanned systems.” Via Defence Blog

• Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pushes for constitutional reform, declaring “the time has come.” Speaking at a major party gathering, Takaichi signaled intent to accelerate debate and move toward formally proposing amendments in parliament. The move could mark a historic shift in Japan’s post-war framework as security concerns continue to rise. Via Asahi

• South Korea's president has angered the Israeli government by sharing video on social media from 2024 that shows Israeli soldiers pushing a body off a building in the occupied West Bank “We need to check if this is true, and if it is, we should find out what measures were taken,” President Lee Jae Myung said in the post on X on Friday that triggered a rare public spat between two nations with diplomatic relations spanning 60 years. Via CNN

• “The French Navy will scale down its participation in the upcoming iteration of the largest joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, citing a shift in deployment due to the Middle East crisis.” Via Naval News

• “Japan will join the largest military exercises hosted by the Philippines and the United States for the first time as an active participant, deploying around 1,400 combat troops and introducing its Type 88 surface-to-ship missile system along with an array of weaponry as part of the drills, signaling deepening cooperation among allies seeking to uphold stability in the region.” Via Naval News

• North Korea is showing a "very serious increase" in its ability to produce nuclear weapons, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency says. Via AFP

• “Japan's imminent easing of arms export rules has sparked strong interest from Warsaw to Manila, Reuters reporting found, as President Trump wavers on security commitments to allies and the wars in Iran and Ukraine strain US weapons supplies.” Via Reuters

• “Former Philippine Army vice commander Leodevic B. Guinid, in a recent interview, called for regional interoperability mechanisms for the evacuation of international noncombatants in the event of a Chinese attack against Taiwan.” Via Focus Taiwan

• “Former US Marines pilot loses appeal in an Australian court against his extradition to the United States. He has been accused of illegally training Chinese military pilots to land on aircraft carriers.” Via AFP

• “Japan should urge Iran to stay in nuclear weapons treaty: ex-PM Kishida.” Via Nikkei Asia

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “None of the U.S. delegation remained in Islamabad following the talks with Iran, with Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and the technical team all departing.” Via CBS News

• “Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days before the ceasefire ends.” Via AP

Americas

• “Canada's Mark Carney solidifies his hold on power after special elections give him a parliamentary majority.” Via BBC

Africa

• “The USS George HW Bush carrier strike group is currently off the coast of Namibia as it takes the long route to avoid the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Houthis.” Via United States Naval Institute

• “Senegal, Mozambique and Malawi could default on their debts in the next two years, Citi's Chief Africa Economist David Cowan said on Thursday, as governments reel from the impact of the Iran oil price shock on their finances and economies.” Via Reuters Africa

Europe

• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán concedes defeat to Peter Magyar after "painful" election result, ending 16 years in power. Via AP

• “Hungary’s next leader Peter Magyar says he won’t stand in the way of Ukraine receiving a €90 billion loan from the EU that was blocked by the outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban.” Via Bloomberg

• “South Korea and Poland to upgrade ties as Tusk calls Seoul key ally after US.” Via Reuters

• “Norway will lift its ban on its $2.2 trillion sovereign wealth fund investing in Syrian government bonds. At the same time, Norway plans to add Iran to its exclusion list for such investments.” Via Reuters

• “Hungary's new Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar said his government would suspend state media broadcasts until they adhered to 'objective and impartial reporting', as he slammed the public media of being a mouthpiece of outgoing prime minister Viktor Orban.” Via Reuters

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Moscow’s windfall profits from the Iran war remain high as Brent crude trades above $100 a barrel, but attacks on Russia’s two main export locations in the Baltic Sea may cut into the Kremlin’s windfall. Five attacks on Primorsk and Ust-Luga since early last week have cost Russian energy exporters about $970mn in revenues in the week to March 29, according to Kyiv School of Economics head of energy and climate studies Borys Dodonov. Primorsk and Ust-Luga account for more than 40 per cent of Russia’s seaborne crude export capacity. At Primorsk alone, the attacks have burnt $200mn worth of oil, according to a western security official.” Via Financial Times

• “A senior Russian air force commander was killed when a military transport aircraft crashed in Russian-controlled Crimea last week killing 30 people, according to ‌a senior official cited by Russian media on Monday. Alexander Otroshchenko, commander of the 45th Army of the Northern Fleet's Air Force and Air Defence, died in the crash, Andrei Chibis, governor of the northern Murmansk ⁠region where the fleet is based, was quoted as saying.” Via Reuters

• "Presidential Office Head Kyrylo Budanov has warned that widespread draft evasion poses a serious problem for Ukraine's war effort and long-term stability, saying 'wars are not won without people.' Budanov said Ukrainian society faces a 'huge, enormous problem' in reconciling its public support for victory with reluctance to serve. 'On the one hand, everyone says we must fight until victory — and on the other hand, everyone is running away from mobilization. And all of this is happening at the same time. This is a huge, enormous problem,' he said...'Our guys are on the front line, and they need to be replaced by someone. And those avoiding service definitely don't understand that,' he said, adding that tensions could worsen after the war when soldiers return home." Via Kyiv Independent

Middle East

• “Iran has refused to compromise on its demands and has rejected a proposed Hormuz opening for ceasefire deal. The foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan held phone calls with Iran's foreign minister and Witkoff on Sunday, but no breakthrough was reached.” Via WSJ

• “Iraq has told Asian traders and refiners they can load its crude as vessels carrying the country’s oil are now able to transit the Strait of Hormuz thanks to an Iranian exemption, testing buyers’ confidence in the security guarantee.” Via Bloomberg

• “Iraq could restore crude oil exports to around 3.4 million barrels per day within a week provided the Iran war ends and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, the head of the ‌country’s state.” Via Reuters

• “The UK will refuse U.S. requests to use British bases for strikes on Iranian bridges or power plants. UK officials argue these targets are civilian infrastructure and could make such attacks a potential war crime, so permission will not be granted.” Via The I Paper

• “Japan is relying on ship‑to‑ship oil transfers far from the Middle East to secure crude supplies while keeping its tankers out of the conflict zone.” Via Bloomberg

• “The US and Israel are intensifying attacks in an effort to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a ceasefire deal.” Via NYT

• Iran has cut off direct communications with the U.S. over President Trump’s threat to destroy Iran’s “whole civilization.” Via WSJ

• “Iran and Oman will charge fees to ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz under the current ceasefire plan.” Via AP

• “Saudi Arabia’s vital east-west oil pipeline carrying crude from the Gulf to the Red Sea for export has been attacked, according to two people familiar with the matter.” Financial Times

• “Iran demands $1 per barrel on oil transiting the Strait of Hormuz — payment to be made in cryptocurrency.” Via Financial Times

• “Israel, which wasn’t formally part of the Iran negotiations, wasn’t happy that it got word that a deal was finalized at a late stage and wasn’t consulted, according to mediators and a person familiar with the matter.” Via WSJ

• “Iran has told mediators that further negotiations are conditional upon a full ceasefire in Lebanon. Iranian officials also warned they would continue to carry out attacks on regional countries, including Israel, if attacks on Lebanon continue.” Via WSJ

• “No oil tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire began, according to Kpler, a global ship-tracking firm.” Via NYT

• “The US wants specific commitments from European allies on their pledge to help secure the Strait of Hormuz after the fighting in Iran stops, requesting that the countries present concrete plans to ensure navigation through the waterway within days, according to a senior NATO official.” Via Bloomberg

• “German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today that Berlin won't participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz before the U.S.-Israel war with Iran ends, ruling out concrete steps in the coming days despite pressure from the Trump administration.” Via Politico

• Zelenskyy confirmed for first time that Ukrainian electronic warfare systems & interceptors were used to take down Iranian Shahed drones in “several” Gulf countries hosting US military infrastructure. Via Financial Times

• “Trump's Board of Peace has received only a tiny fraction of the $17 billion pledged for Gaza, preventing the U.S. president from ​pushing ahead with his plan for the shattered Palestinian enclave's future.” Via Reuters

• “Talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan have reached a stalemate over control of the Strait of Hormuz, two sources briefed on the negotiations say, with Iran insisting it retain authority over the waterway and rejecting joint control proposal.” Via Financial Times

Indo-Pacific

• “China has taken the unusual step of reserving swaths of offshore airspace without explanation for a period of 40 days, issuing alerts similar to those used to warn aviation authorities of Chinese military exercises, which typically last no more than a few days.” Via WSJ

• “Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of war-crime murder over the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.” Via Reuters

• “Vietnam's lawmakers unanimously elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as the country's state president for the next five years, making him the most powerful Vietnamese leader in decades.” Via Reuters

• “North Korea conducted a slew of tests of new armaments this week including an electromagnetic weapon system and an antiaircraft missile, as it ramps up efforts to upgrade its conventional arms.” Via Japan Times

• “The government has decided to add 17 airports and ports to its list of designated facilities to allow the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard to use them even in peacetime.” Via Japan Times

• China pushed Iran towards a ceasefire in order to score diplomatic capital with the Trump administration, and hopes to use that credit to begin shifting U.S. policy toward the position that Taiwan is a "breakaway province that should reunite with the mainland." Via WSJ

• “Chinese President Xi Jinping tells Taiwan opposition leader 'full of confidence' Chinese and Taiwanese people will be united.” Via AFP

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “Singapore set to be hit by global energy crisis as it unveils countermeasures.” Via South China Morning Post

Americas

• “Sheinbaum announces fracking plan as Mexico seeks to curb US gas reliance.” Via Financial Times

• “Canada pushes to join UK-Italy-Japan advanced fighter jet project.” Via Financial Times

Africa

• “Nigeria’s Dangote refinery boosts exports to ease Africa’s crunch.” Via Reuters

• “Mali supports Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said on Friday, becoming the latest African country to endorse Rabat's plan to end the 50-year conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.” Via Reuters Africa

Europe

• “Germany’s power prices slid on Easter Monday as a surge in renewable energy collided with unusually weak demand, sending electricity costs to deeply negative levels.” Via Bloomberg

•”The Finnish Ministry of Defence and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) signed a government-to-government contract on 9 April 2026 regarding the purchase of surplus K9 self-propelled howitzers.” Via Finnish Defence Ministry

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Ukrainian forces, with the help of military intelligence, struck multiple Russian military targets at the Kirovske airfield in occupied Crimea overnight on April 2, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces said.” Via Kyiv Independent

• “An-26 crash in occupied Crimea kills Russian general.” Via BBC

• “Estimates show Russian forces have suffered more than one million casualties in the war against Ukraine. At the same time, its territorial gains have been some of the slowest in modern history.” Via PBS

Middle East

• “US government officials and Wall Street analysis are starting to consdier the prospect that oil prices might surge to an unprecedeted $200 a barrel.” Via Bloomberg

• “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he had instructed ‌the military to further expand the existing security buffer zone in southern Lebanon, vowing to fundamentally change the ⁠security situation there.” Via Reuters

• “Iran is pushing the Houthis to prepare for a renewed campaign against Red Sea shipping, contingent upon any further escalation by the US in its war on Iran.” Via Bloomberg

• “Kuwait said an Iranian attack damaged a desalination plant. The attack came after an oil refinery was hit by drones Friday morning. About 90% of drinking water in Kuwait comes from desalination.” Via AP

• “A container ship signaling French ownership has exited the Strait of Hormuz, in what appears to be the first known transit by a vessel linked to Western Europe since the war all but shuttered the vital waterway.” Via Bloomberg

• "In a final twist after the weapons officer was rescued, two transport planes that would carry the commandos and the airmen to safety got stuck at a remote base in Iran. Commanders decided to fly in three new planes to extract all the U.S. military personnel and the airmen, and they blew up the two disabled planes rather than have them fall into Iranian hands." Via NYT

Indo-Pacific

• “Beijing summoned the US’s top envoy to Hong Kong after the consulate posted an alert about new rules giving authorities power to demand passwords for smartphones or other devices in national security investigations.” Via Bloomberg

• “China has invited the leader of Taiwan’s opposition party to visit the mainland next month, the first such trip by a sitting leader of the Kuomintang since 2016.” Via Bloomberg

• “Allies and partners of the U.S. in Asia are steeling themselves for what they see as the nightmare scenario of a long American war in the Middle East that would distract from their own security concerns about China.” Via Washington Post

• “South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung says he is losing sleep over the global energy crisis, warning the situation is worse than expected and calling for a rapid shift to renewable energy.” Via YNA

• “Japan’s $2.35 billion order for about 400 U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles is at risk of delays because the U.S. has burned through large portions of its stockpile during the war with Iran.” Via Bloomberg

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “Myanmar installed former spymaster Ye Win Oo as new military commander in chief on Monday, reports say, replacing junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.” Via AFP

• “Malaysian tankers allowed to sail through the Strait of Hormuz won’t be subject to a toll imposed by Iran.” Via Bloomberg

• “Indonesia announces fuel rationing, orders civil servants to work from home one day a week, amid price hikes due to Mideast war.” Via AFP

• “Malaysian civil servants to work from home starting April 15 to conserve energy while the Middle East war rages, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.” Via AFP

• “Indian refiners have resumed purchasing Iranian oil for the first time since 2019, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz strain supplies.” Via Reuters

Americas

• “The U.S. is allowing a Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba, easing months of strict pressure that had effectively blocked fuel shipments. The tanker carries about 730,000 barrels of crude oil and is expected to arrive soon, giving Cuba temporary relief from severe fuel shortages, blackouts, and economic strain.” Via NYT

• “The Cuban government said Thursday it had pardoned 2,010 people in a humanitarian gesture that comes while the island is under extreme pressure due to a U.S. oil blockade.” Via AP

Africa

• “Ethiopia’s government has instructed all public institutions and state-owned enterprises to put non-essential employees on annual leave in an attempt to mitigate the fuel shortage suffocating transportation across the country.” Via The Report Ethiopia

• “Irked by U.S. sanctions, Rwanda is threatening to stop protecting an Exxon Mobil project from Islamic State.” Via WSJ

• “Burkina Faso must 'forget' about democracy, military leader says.” Via BBC

Europe

• The European Commission is asking member countries to consider cutting back on oil and gas use, especially in the transport sector, in preparation for "prolonged disruption" to energy supplies from the Iran war. Via Politico

• “Tensions between Trump and Starmer over Iran are starting to strain US-UK security co-operation. US officials are sometimes excluded from sensitive UK meetings, and Britain is taking longer to approve American use of its military bases. Disagreements over Iran—especially the UK’s reluctance to support initial US strikes—have added to the tension. At the same time, UK diplomats say access to decision-makers in Washington has become more limited under Trump’s tighter inner circle.” Via Financial Times

• “Poland has no plans to relocate its Patriot air defense systems to the Middle East, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.” Via Politico

• “The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to begin studying a next-generation air-to-air missile to succeed Meteor, one of Europe’s most advanced beyond-visual-range weapons.” Via UK Defence Journal

• “Switzerland is threatening to cancel its U.S. Patriot missile defense order and has already stopped payments, because the U.S. pushed Swiss deliveries back.” Via Breaking Defense

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Madyar” Brovdi has pioneered unmanned warfare methods NATO is yet to learn. Via The Economist

• “The Russian army has sustained over 6,000 casualties in the last four days as it attempted a renewed offensive that was beaten back by the Ukrainian military (3/24).” Via Politico

• "Ukraine is preparing 'key changes' to both mobilization and the prevention of soldiers going AWOL in an effort to address the military's chronic manpower shortage and better resist Russia's war on the front line, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on March 25. The announcement came after Fedorov met with assault soldiers and infantrymen from 13 different units fighting across the front line, he wrote on Facebook. 'We discussed the real situation at the front and recorded problematic issues;' Fedorov wrote, 'the duration of stay in positions, the complexity of entries and exits, complicated logistics under constant drone attacks, shortage of people, the quality of training of servicemen, provision of drones and necessary equipment, morale and communication on the front line.'" Via Kyiv Independent

• "Ukraine intensified drone attacks on Russia's oil and fuel export infrastructure ⁠this month, hitting all three of Russia's major western oil export ports, including Novorossiysk on the Black ​Sea and Primorsk and Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea. According to Reuters calculations, about 40% of Russia's crude oil ​export capabilities - or around 2 million barrels per day, were shut as of Wednesday after the most recent attack. That includes Primorsk and Ust-Luga as well as the Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia." Via Reuters

• The UK will let its military board and detain Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers to enforce sanctions and cut funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Via Reuters

• “Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure on the Baltic Sea are undermining Moscow’s ability to benefit from a crude rally driven by the Middle East conflict.” Via Bloomberg

• "Vladimir Putin has asked oligarchs to donate to Russia’s budget in a bid to stabilise the country’s finances as he presses on with his invasion of Ukraine, according to three people familiar with the matter. The comments by Russia’s president to a large group of prominent businessmen on Thursday made it clear that he is intent on pursuing the war to a victorious end despite the growing strains on the Kremlin’s budget. Russia will fight on, Putin said, until it captures the remaining areas of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region not under its control, according to two of the people." Via Financial Times

• “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he’s using a Middle East trip to lock in lucrative long-term agreements on military cooperation and seek secure fuel supplies.” Via Bloomberg

Middle East

• “American-operated Patriot air defense battery likely fired the interceptor missile involved in a pre-dawn explosion that injured dozens of civilians and tore through homes in U.S.-ally Bahrain 10 days into the war on Iran. Both Bahrain and Washington have blamed an Iranian drone attack for the March 9 blast, which the Gulf kingdom said injured 32 people including children, some seriously. Commenting on the day of the attack, U.S. Central Command said on X that an Iranian drone struck a residential neighbourhood in Bahrain. In response to questions from Reuters, Bahrain on Saturday acknowledged for the first time that a Patriot missile was involved in the explosion over the Mahazza neighborhood on Sitra island, offshore from the capital Manama and also home to an oil refinery.” Via Reuters

• “Iran war halts Qatar helium output, threatening global tech supply chains.” Via AP

• “Gulf Arab countries are warning the US that targeting Iran’s power plants would put their energy and water facilities at risk for attacks and endanger the world economy, according to officials familiar with the matter.” Via WSJ

• Trump and his aides refer to Reza Pahlavi as the “loser prince.” Via The New Yorker

• “Saudi Aramco, the world's top ‌oil exporter, has cut crude supply to Asian buyers in April, ⁠two sources with knowledge of the matter said on Monday, after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran ‌disrupted ⁠trade via the Strait of Hormuz.” Via Reuters

• “The Royal Navy will lead efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A UK–France plan aims to secure merchant shipping, but will require U.S. support.” Via The Times

• “The USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in Crete after leaving the Middle East when a fire broke out onboard, sending over 200 sailors for treatment. But the incident highlights deeper problems: Despite costing $13.2 billion and entering service in 2017, the carrier still has unresolved issues with key systems like aircraft launch, radar, and weapons elevators. The Pentagon says there isn’t enough data to confirm its combat effectiveness. The ship has also been deployed longer than usual — about 9 months — raising concerns about strain on both equipment and crew.” Via Bloomberg

• “Turkey is conducting intensive diplomatic efforts to try and prevent Gulf Arab countries from joining the US-Israeli war against Iran.” Via Bloomberg

• In a long phone call with British PM Keir Starmer, Cyprus told the UK that a joint defense agreement from 1960 is "no longer fit for purpose," demanding new and improved UK security guarantees for Cyprus. Via The Telegraph

• “Hardliners in Iran are increasingly pushing for the country to pursue a nuclear bomb and possibly withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This shift comes after the death of Ali Khamenei and ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks, which have strengthened the influence of the Revolutionary Guards. While Iran has not officially changed its nuclear policy, debate within the leadership is growing, with some arguing a bomb is now necessary for survival. Others remain cautious, and it’s unclear whether this rhetoric signals a real policy shift or negotiating pressure.” Via Reuters

• “The Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 more ground troops to the Middle East, on top of the 6,000 already ordered to the region.” Via WSJ

• “After damage to a major gas facility in Qatar, Airgas Inc. is cutting helium deliveries—some customers may get only half their usual supply and face added fees. Helium is critical for hospital MRI machines and for manufacturing advanced chips like those from NVIDIA Corp. To manage shortages, suppliers are prioritizing healthcare over other industries, while the global supply chain faces added strain.” Via Bloomberg

• “10 US service-members were wounded in an Iranian attack on the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, according to multiple U.S. and Arab officials. Two of the service-members are considered seriously wounded, the officials said.” Via WSJ

• “Emirates Global Aluminium said its Al Taweelah site in Abu Dhabi sustained significant damage during Iranian missile and drone attacks.” Via Bloomberg

Indo-Pacific

• “Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the nation isn’t considering unilateral negotiations with Iran to secure passage for its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, following a report that Tehran is prepared to grant the access.” Vi Bloomberg

• “Taiwan is increasingly concerned that the ongoing Iran war is rapidly depleting key US missile stockpiles, which would be critical in a potential conflict with China. Heavy use of Tomahawk cruise missiles and air defense interceptors (Patriot, SM-series) in Middle East operations. These same systems are essential for defending Taiwan and striking Chinese forces early in a conflict. US production capacity is limited, meaning replenishment could take months or years.” Via Financial Times

• On March 23, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) formally disbanded its long-standing “Fleet Escort Force” (護衛艦隊) and established a new “Fleet Surface Force” (水上艦隊), marking its most sweeping organizational overhaul since 1954. Via Naval News

• “The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in partnership with the JMSDF, successfully conducted the first live target tracking exercise using the SPY-7 radar meant to go aboard the ASEV ships.” Via Naval News

• “Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae says the country is expected to start releasing oil from its national reserves on Thursday.” Via NHK

• “Taiwan has about 11 days of liquefied natural gas reserves—a limited buffer that has become critical after Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off key supplies from Qatar. Because Taiwan relies heavily on LNG to power its grid and semiconductor industry, any prolonged disruption could force energy rationing and threaten chip production.” Via Politico

• “Japanese troops will set foot on Philippine soil for the first time since World War II to take part in the largest joint drills between the Philippines and the United States.” Via Naval News

• “South Korea has begun rolling out its homegrown fighter jet, positioning the aircraft as a cheaper alternative to Lockheed's F-35.” Via Bloomberg

• “China is conducting a vast undersea mapping and monitoring operation across the Pacific, Indian and Arctic oceans, building detailed knowledge of marine conditions that naval experts say would be crucial for waging submarine warfare against the United States and its allies.” Via Japan Times

• “Japan's defense chief on Tuesday dismissed a claim by the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. that Tokyo had committed to sending naval ships to the Middle East amid the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.” Via Japan Times

• “Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to restarting talks with Beijing on a joint oil and gas project in a disputed area of the South China Sea.” Via Bloomberg

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the Philippines will run out of oil in three weeks, a US-based diplomat says.” Via Politico

• “Two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas are making their way through the Strait of Hormuz, taking a route that hews closely to the Iranian coastline.” Via Bloomberg

• “India and Russia verbally agree to resume direct sales of Russian LNG to India for the first time since the start of the Ukraine war, violating Western sanctions. Negotiations on the deal expected to conclude in the coming weeks.” Via Reuters

• “India cleared the purchase of 2.38 trillion rupees ($25 billion) of weapons including more Russian-made missile systems, according to the Ministry of Defence, a move that could potentially annoy the US.“ via Bloomberg

Americas

• The US attorney's office in South Florida is preparing indictments against Cuba's political and military leadership. A Trump administration official says "regime change is lined up...we don't believe in diplomacy. Via The Atlantic

• “NASA plans to invest $20 billion over the next seven years to develop a base on the surface of the moon, part of its goal to not only send humans back to the lunar surface, but allow them to live there.” Via Bloomberg

• “The U.S. has sent about 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba’s private sector in 2026, despite a broader oil blockade targeting the Cuban government. The policy, led by the Trump administration, aims to support private businesses while restricting state-run entities. Shipments are small compared to Cuba’s needs but are increasing, helping some businesses resume operations.” Via Reuters

• “US-backed interim president Delcy Rodríguez has promoted Gustavo González López, who oversaw Venezuela’s torture dungeons and spy networks, to defence minister.” Via Financial Times

Africa

• “64 killed in attack on Sudan hospital: WHO.” Via AFP

• “The UAE is reshaping how it supplies weapons to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces by creating new routes through nearby countries like Ethiopia and the Central African Republic. Cargo flights linked to Emirati networks have been repeatedly traveling to the region, often avoiding detection.” Via Le Monde

• “Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has begun exporting fuel across Africa after reaching full production.” Via Bloomberg

• “Ghana is the first African country to sign a security and defense partnership with the European Union, according to EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.” Via Reuters

Europe

• “Germany wants a new defense deal with Japan to make it easier for both countries’ troops to operate on each other’s territory. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius proposed a “Reciprocal Access Agreement” during talks in Japan. The agreement would simplify legal and bureaucratic processes for joint training, exercises, and deployments.” Via Politico

• “Slovenia limits fuel purchases as pumps run dry.” Via Reuters

• British cabinet minister Steve Reed said on Sunday that there was no assessment that backed claims Iran is planning to strike Europe with ballistic missiles, or that it even has the capacity to do so. On Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces posted on social media that Iran has missiles "that can reach London, Paris or Berlin". "There is no assessment to substantiate what's being said," British Housing Secretary Reed told the BBC. "I'm not aware of any assessment at all that they are even trying to target Europe, let alone that they could if they tried." Via Reuters

• “EU countries are increasingly sidelining Hungary from sensitive discussions over fears it may be leaking information to Russia. Diplomats say smaller, closed-door formats are being used to avoid sharing details with Budapest.” Via Politico

• “Slovenia becomes first EU country to introduce fuel rationing.” Via BBC

• “Britain sees no evidence that Iran is targeting Europe with missiles.” Via Reuters

• “Belgium deploys soldiers to city streets to provide extra security to the Jewish community following what officials said were antisemitic attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.” Via Reuters

• Denmark's chief of defense staff has warned that European countries are not yet ready for war. "We have to change our mindset from diagnosis to delivery. We’re no longer very surprised but we’re not also really ready," he said. Via Politico Europe

The Italian flag was raised in the Dodecanese isles after the Kingdom of Italy won possession over the islets after defeating the Ottoman Empire in 1911. Originally after the war, they were to be later ceded to the Kingdom of Greece as the isles had an overwhelming 90% ethnic Greek majority.

However Greece had a catastrophic war against Turkey in Asia Minor and under the Kemalist-backed Treaty of Lausanne, Italy would keep possession of the isles.

During WWII, Italy, which was part of the Axis powers under Benito Mussolini, would use the isles as a standing point to invade Crete, along with Nazi Germany. The Axis deport and executed much of the Jewish population and Greek partisans of the Dodecanese.

When Italy surrender, the isles would be given to Greece much to the dismay of Turkey, who still laid claims over them.

Today the isles are the flashpoint of a potential Mediterranean-wide conflict between Athens and Ankara as Turkey refuses to acknowledge Greece’s maritime borders and EEZ rights around the islets, even before Erdogan took authoritative power. As Turkey moved most of their military bases close their western borders, Greece has remilitarized the isles, keeping the Martin’s region a major flashpoint.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• The US-led peace process in Ukraine is fizzling out because Trump is losing interest and his war against Iran is easing pressure on Russia. “A pause has indeed appeared in the talks. The Americans have other priorities,” Kremlin spox Peskov says. Via Financial Times

• “Putin offers to stop sharing intelligence with Iran if Washington stops providing intelligence to Ukraine. The US rejected the Russian offer.” Via Politico

• “Ukraine has notched its biggest domestic territorial gains in more than two years after Russia lost the use of Elon Musk’s Starlink.” Via WSJ

Middle East

• “The realization that regime change isn’t immediately in the cards has also changed the calculus of Kurdish armed groups based in the border area between Iraq and Iran. After weighing an uprising in the Kurdish-majority areas of western Iran, the Kurds put their plans on hold, deterred by the government’s strength and the lack of foreign military commitment to push for change, according to representatives of several Iranian Kurdish groups.” Via WSJ

• “Iran war could trigger the worst Gulf economic downturn since the 1990s Gulf War, especially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Qatar and Kuwait could see GDP shrink by up to 14% if the strait stays shut for two months. Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates may see GDP drop about 3–5%, though they can reroute some oil exports.” Via Bloomberg

• “At a meeting in the Oval Office last week, a frustrated Mr. Trump pressed Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about why the United States could not immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz.” Via NYT

• “Oil industry leaders are warning the Trump administration that the global energy crisis is likely to worsen.” Via WSJ

• “UK, France, Germany, Japan and South Korea have no desire to send warships to unblock Strait of Hormuz.” Via The Guardian

• “The United Arab Emirates' daily oil output is down by more than half as the Iran conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz forced state oil giant ADNOC to implement widespread production shut-ins.” Via Reuters

• “U.S. oil executives warned the Trump administration that the energy crisis caused by the Iran conflict could worsen, mainly because disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten global oil supply. Prices have already risen to about $99 per barrel and could climb higher if markets tighten. Executives fear prolonged high prices could damage the global economy, even if oil companies benefit in the short term.” Via WSJ

• “The number of U.S. troops who have been wounded or injured during the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran now exceeds 200 across seven countries, U.S. officials say, providing the most detailed accounting yet of how American personnel have been put in harm’s way.” Via Washington Post

• “Iran is earning about $140M per day from oil exports as prices rise above $100/barrel, driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite sanctions, the US is effectively allowing these shipments to avoid worsening global supply shortages. Since recent strikes, Iran has exported around 1.5–1.6M barrels daily, with tankers continuing to load at Kharg Island. Most Iranian oil goes to China, often at a discount.” Via Financial Times

• “Iran’s de-facto wartime leader Ali Larijani was killed last night in Tehran, Israeli Defense Minister Katz says.” Via Iran International

• “The United States has encouraged Syria to consider deploying forces into eastern Lebanon to help disarm Hezbollah, according to sources briefed on the matter. Damascus is reportedly reluctant, citing fears of being drawn deeper into the regional war and inflaming sectarian tensions.” Via Reuters

• “Russia has been expanding its intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Iran, providing satellite imagery and improved drone technology to aid Iran's targeting of U.S. forces in the region.” Via WSJ

• Israel is publicly urging Iranians to revolt, but privately admits protesters would likely be “slaughtered.” Israeli officials say Iran’s regime is “not cracking” and will “fight to the end” If protests erupt, the IRGC “has the upper hand” and would crush them. Despite this, Israel still hopes for an uprising and wants the U.S. ready to support it. U.S. officials now also acknowledge protesters face extreme risk from armed security forces. Via Washington Post

• “Airlines have been warned to expect cancellations and some jet fuel rationing starting next month due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.” Via The Times

• “Oil prices jumped on Thursday, with benchmark Brent rising to its highest in more than a week to more than $115 a barrel, after Iran ‌attacked energy facilities across the Middle East following Israel's strike on its South Pars gas field.” Via Reuters

• "The U.S. may soon remove sanctions from Iranian ​oil that is stranded on tankers to help lift global supplies and reduce ‌prices, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday." Via Reuters

• “Iran’s strike wiped out 17% of Qatar’s natural gas export capacity, repairs are expected to take three to five years.” Via Reuters

• “A U.S. F-35 stealth fighter made an emergency landing late Wednesday night after being believed to have been hit by Iranian fire.” Via ABC News

• “Some 65% of Americans believe U.S. President Donald Trump will order troops into a large-scale ground war in Iran but only 7% support the idea, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Thursday.” Via Reuters

• “Saudi officials warn oil could surge past $180 a barrel by late April if the Iran War continues to disrupt supply.” WSJ

• “Ukrainian air defense experts arriving in the Middle East to assist Gulf countries were shocked to find that some PATRIOT batteries had been firing up to 8 missiles at a single target.” Via The Times

• “The U.S. is set to deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East.” Via Reuters

• “Trump is considering several limited military options that could involve sending U.S. troops into Iran, but no decision has been made. The ideas being discussed include securing shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, seizing key oil facilities to pressure Iran economically, or recovering enriched uranium. Any operation would likely be relatively small—ranging from hundreds to a few thousand troops—rather than a large-scale invasion like Iraq or Afghanistan.” Via NBC News

• “US pauses sanctions on Iranian oil stranded on tankers at sea until April 19, as Washington seeks to curb soaring prices.” Via AP

Indo-Pacific

• “Taiwan reports large-scale Chinese military aircraft presence near island.” Via Politico

• “Japan is considering the possibility of purchasing Ukrainian UAVs for the Japan Self-Defense Forces.” Via Kyodo News

• “South Korea's presidential office said on Sunday that it would carefully review U.S. President Donald Trump's calls on allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz.” Via Reuters

• “With an East Coast expeditionary unit supporting the war in Venezuela and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit deploying to the Middle East (the 31st is usually based out of Okinawa, Japan), there will be no quick response force to aid operations in the Pacific theater, including Korea and Taiwan, the former senior U.S. defense official said.’” Via NYT

• Japan says it is "not considering" maritime security operations after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz. Via AFP

• “Donald Trump says he could delay his trip to China later this month if Beijing doesn’t help in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.” Via Financial Times

• “Australia will not send naval ships to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a government minister said on Monday.” Via Reuters

• “Japan says it is beginning the release of its strategic oil reserves after the International Energy Agency indicated that the release would begin in Asia and Oceania before other regions. Japan depends on the Middle East for 95% of its oil imports.” Via AFP

• “China offered what it said would be energy stability to Taiwan if it agreed to Beijing's rule, part of a campaign by China to convince the island of the ‌benefits of "reunification", which it has long rejected. Governments around the world are scrambling for alternative energy supplies during the Middle East War and severing of shipping lanes through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Via Reuters

• “China’s military is studying Trump’s war on Iran for lessons that could prove helpful in any future conflict of its own, scrutinizing US offensive capabilities as it sees the strategic balance shifting in its favor in the Indo-Pacific, according to Western officials familiar with the matter. Beijing is likely closely observing America’s military performance on display in Iran and gaining highly valuable information that it would almost certainly factor into its plans for any potential conflict over Taiwan, said the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. While China is still gaming out the economic and diplomatic consequences of the war, Xi Jinping would likely welcome the diversion of US attention and resources toward the Middle East and away from the Indo-Pacific, the officials said. They cited the Pentagon’s redeployment of military assets from Asia to Iran as a tangible reason for China’s military to draw positives from the conflict. The perceived advantage for China’s military suggests a second US adversary is benefiting from Trump’s war, after America’s allies warned Russia is emerging as the winner thanks to the rising oil price and easing of US sanctions.” Via Bloomberg

• “Asian buyers are snapping up U.S. oil at a three-year high as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz chokes off Persian Gulf supplies. With roughly 60 million barrels set for April loading, this massive shift is forcing nations like China and Australia to take emergency measures to secure their fuel needs.” Via Bloomberg

• “South Korea considers importing Russian oil.” Via Reuters

• “Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the nation is prepared to allow Japanese-related vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after consultations between the countries’ officials.” Via Kyodo News

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “Iran and India are discussing a package deal under which India would release three Iranian oil tankers seized in February, in exchange for safe passage for Indian-linked tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran is also seeking medicines and medical equipment as part of the deal.” Via Reuters

• “At least 400 people were killed and 250 injured in an air strike by Pakistan on a drug users rehabilitation hospital in the Afghan capital of Kabul, the deputy spokesman of the Afghan Taliban government said on Tuesday.” Via Reuters

Americas

• “Aircraft carrier Nimitz gets service life extension, won’t be decommissioned until 2027.” Via Breaking Defense

• "The Cuban government is expected to announce as early as next week economic reforms to allow Cuban Americans living in South Florida and elsewhere in the U.S. and around the world to invest and own private businesses on the island.” Via Miami Herald

• “U.S. seizures of sanctioned oil tankers are costing millions to maintain, undercutting claims they would be profitable. One seized tanker, Skipper, has already cost $47M in repairs and maintenance in just three months, despite being worth only about $10M. The ship was carrying ~1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan oil valued at $120M–$135M. Keeping the cargo stored costs the U.S. about $15,000 per day (~$450K per month). The government cannot sell the tanker or oil without a court ruling, leaving taxpayers covering the costs. The U.S. has seized about 10 tankers linked to Venezuela and Iran, including some without oil onboard, meaning maintenance costs still apply.” Via NYT

• The U.S. Army is “very close” to fully fielding its first hypersonic missile, Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano says, with initial batteries expected to be operational within weeks. This comes despite Pentagon assessments that additional testing is still needed before deployment. Via Bloomberg

Africa

• “Sudanese authorities have arrest islamist militant Al-Naji Abdallah, a commander in the Al-Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade, after he repeatedly voiced support for Iran in its war in the Gulf.” Via Sudan Tribune

• “Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s refinery is being flooded with inquiries as African governments scramble to secure fuel supplies.” Via Bloomberg

Europe

• PM Mette Frederiksen: The United States is no longer Denmark’s closest ally. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Sunday evening for the first time that the United States should no longer be considered Denmark’s closest ally. “When you ask who our closest allies are today, it is Europe, the Nordic countries, and partners such as Canada,” Mette Frederiksen said. Via Berlingske

• “The UK and Germany have held talks on jointly developing a new deep precision strike missile capable of ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometres.” Via UK Defence Journal

• Brexit was “a colossal mistake” and the U.K. should rejoin the EU, Finland's President Alexander Stubb said. Via Politico

• “The USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to return to Crete next week, likely for refueling and possibly to investigate a fire that broke out on March 12. One scenario under review is that the fire may have been deliberately set by crew members seeking to end the prolonged deployment.” Via Kathimerini

• “European gas jumps more than 30% after strikes on Qatar LNG hub.” Via AFP

• “The Danish military sent explosives and blood supplies to Greenland in January as part of contingency planning for a US attack, as tensions with Donald Trump escalated over his push to take control of the Arctic island.” Via Financial Times

• “Cyprus’ Nikos Christodoulides and Greece’s Kyriakos Mitsotakis have asked the EU to consider drafting a roadmap to enact the bloc’s mutual defence clause.” Via Politico

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Europe may buy Russian gas and oil again in droves due to Trump's conflict with Iran - a serious blow for Ukraine.” Via WSJ

•”The Trump administration is weighing further easing sanctions on Russian oil to help cool a surge in global energy prices, according to 3 sources familiar with the planning, a move that could complicate U.S. efforts to deprive Moscow of revenue for its war in Ukraine.” Via Reuters

• “Germany persuades several European partners to club together to provide scarce air-defense missiles for Ukraine.” Via Bloomberg

• "Ukrainian forces have pushed Russian troops out of most occupied areas in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast after several weeks of counterattacks along the section of the front where Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts meet." Via Kyiv Independent

Middle East

• “Iran war’s first week cost the U.S. about $6 billion, including roughly $4 billion spent on munitions and missile interceptors.” Via NYT

• “Pete Hegseth and other military leaders warned lawmakers that gaps in counter-drone technology could leave U.S. forces and assets increasingly vulnerable.” Via Defense News

• To help make the case on Iran, Graham traveled several times to Israel in recent weeks, meeting with members of the country’s intelligence agency. “They’ll tell me things our own government won’t tell me,” he said. He spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coaching him on how to lobby the president for action. Via WSJ

• “Tehran residents warned of acid rain after oil storage attack.” Via Financial Times

• “Iraq’s oil production has collapsed by about 60% as the Iran war means there aren’t enough tankers to load the nation’s crude. The country is now pumping about 1.7 million to 1.8 million barrels of oil every day, down from about 4.3 million a day before the conflict began, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified because the output levels aren’t public.” Via Bloomberg

• “U.S. officials say Iran is fighting back more effectively than the Trump administration expected, showing stronger military capability and continuing attacks on U.S. targets. Because of this, officials warn that more American casualties are likely as the conflict continues.” Via NYT

• “Syria's Kurds caution Iran's Kurds against aligning with US against Tehran.” Via Reuters

• “State Department orders U.S. diplomats to evacuate Saudi Arabia.” Via NYT

• “Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah, has been elected Iran's new Supreme Leader, according to State-run Tasnim News Agency.”

• “U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday ‌that when to end the war with Iran will be a "mutual" decision made ⁠with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.” Via Reuters

• “Bahrain’s state oil company declares force majeure for its shipments after an Iranian attack set its only refinery ablaze.” Via AP

• “QatarEnergy has delayed its major LNG expansion after a drone attack forced the shutdown of the Ras Laffan plant. The North Field East project is now expected to begin exports in early 2027, assuming the facility reopens within about a month. A longer outage—amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf—could push the timeline back further.” Via Bloomberg

• “If the Strait of Hormuz disruption persists, oil prices could surge toward an inflation-adjusted record near $215 per barrel.” Via WSJ

• “Saudi oil giant Aramco has begun reducing production at two oilfields. It is unclear which fields are affected or how much output is being cut.” Via Reuters

• Iran will continue missile attacks for as long as necessary says foreign minister, adding negotiations with US 'no longer on the agenda.’ Via AFP

• “Israeli officials are preparing for an extended campaign against the Lebanese militant group Hizbollah that is likely to continue beyond the end of the war against Iran, people briefed on the discussions said.” Via Financial Times

• “U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran are being accelerated by military AI systems that help gather intelligence, select targets, plan bombing missions and rapidly assess battle damage.” Via WSJ

• “Trump hoped that killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would either cause the regime to collapse or push more moderate officials to cooperate with the U.S. Instead, his hard-line son Mojtaba Khamenei took power and vowed revenge, and no internal uprising has challenged the regime.” Via WSJ

• “Saudi Arabia's Aramco, the world's ‌top oil exporter, said on Tuesday that there would be "catastrophic consequences" for global oil markets if the Iran war continues to disrupt shipping in the Strait ​of Hormuz.” Via Reuters

• “US Navy tells shipping industry Hormuz escorts not possible for now.” Via Reuters

• “U.S. intelligence assets have begun to see indications Iran is taking steps to deploy mines in Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. Iran is using smaller crafts that can carry 2 to 3 mines each. While Iran’s mine stock isn’t publicly known, estimates over the years have ranged from roughly 2,000 to 6,000 naval mines of Iranian, Chinese and Russian-made variants.” Via CBS

• “Iran has shipped about 11.7–12 million barrels of crude oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on Feb. 28, despite attacks and heavy disruption in the key waterway. Many tankers have turned off tracking systems to avoid detection. Iran is also using the Jask terminal on the Gulf of Oman as an alternative export route, though it is slower and less efficient.” Via CNBC

• “About 140 U.S. troops have been wounded in the Iran war, including eight severely, the Pentagon says.” Via AP

• “The war in Iran is creating a fertilizer crisis.” Via Bloomberg

• “Spain permanently withdrew its ambassador to Israel on Tuesday as a diplomatic standoff worsened between the two countries over Spain's opposition to the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.” Via Reuters

• “A preliminary U.S. military investigation found that a U.S. Tomahawk missile mistakenly struck an Iranian elementary school on Feb. 28, killing at least 175 people, mostly children. The strike happened because outdated targeting data labeled the building as part of a nearby Iranian naval base. Officials say multiple agencies failed to verify the information.” Via NYT

• “The Pentagon told Congress the first six days of the Iran war cost over $11.3 billion, with the total expected to rise as more operational costs are calculated.” Via NYT

• “U.S. intelligence assesses Iran’s leadership remains largely intact and the regime is not at risk of collapse after nearly two weeks of U.S. and Israeli bombardment.” Via Reuters

• “US intelligence says the biggest threat to oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz is direct Iranian attacks, not sea mines. While the US recently struck Iranian mine-laying vessels, officials believe Iran is more likely to use drones or shore-launched missiles to hit ships. Even a single successful strike could sink a tanker and disrupt global oil trade.” Via The Guardian

• “Military analysts say reopening the Strait of Hormuz may require a ground operation to seize parts of Iran’s coastline.” Via WSJ

• “The UN refugee agency says up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced by the ongoing war.” Via AP

• “The U.S. has turned down repeated requests for tanker escorts from oil companies, said officials from Gulf countries.” Via WSJ

• “Six French soldiers were wounded in a drone attack on a joint Peshmerga-France military base in Makhmour, northern Iraq, according to a statement from the Erbil governor and a security source.” Via Reuters

• “The U.S. has used years’ worth of key munitions, including expensive Tomahawk missiles, since the start of the Iran War. The rapid depletion is raising concerns about military stockpiles, high war costs, and the ability to replenish weapons. The Pentagon plans to request up to $50 billion in additional funding, which could trigger a major political fight in Congress.” Via Financial Times

• “Israeli officials think Iran’s regime is unlikely to fall soon. Despite heavy military strikes, Iran’s leadership is still functioning and security forces are keeping tight control of the streets, discouraging protests. The U.S. and Israel are expected to continue pressuring Iran through economic sanctions and covert operations even after the fighting stops.” Via WSJ

• “Gulf states lose $15bn in energy revenues since start of war.” Via Financial Times

• “After the Iran War, Gulf Arab states will rethink everything from defense and regional alliances to overseas investment and their role in global markets.” Via Bloomberg

• “The Pentagon is weighing the deployment of additional warships to the Middle East to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials say the mission is unlikely to begin until the threat from Iran decreases, which could take about a month.” Via WSJ

• “European countries including France have opened talks with Tehran seeking to negotiate a deal to guarantee safe passage for their ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to people briefed on the efforts.” Via Financial Times

• “The US Army has sent 10,000 interceptor drones developed in Ukraine to the Middle East as it looks to repel Iranian attacks without using up high-cost missile defenses.” Via Bloomberg

• “The US Army has sent 10,000 interceptor drones developed in Ukraine to the Middle East as it looks to repel Iranian attacks without using up high-cost missile defenses.” Via NBC News

• “Five U.S. Air Force refueling tankers were struck and damaged on the ground at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia during an Iranian missile strike in recent days, two U.S. officials say. No casualties reported. At least seven U.S. tanker aircraft now damaged or lost since the war began.” Via WSJ

• “Gulf allies are privately angry at Washington, blaming the U.S. for triggering a conflict that put them at risk. Trump has been calling regional leaders this week to reassure them, according to people familiar with the talks.” Via WSJ

Indo-Pacific

• “Taiwan has set a weekly cap on oil-price increases as it seeks to cushion the economy from the impact of the Middle East war.” Via Bloomberg

• “Japan has directed preparation for possible release of strategic oil reserves.” Via Nikkei Asia

• “US military transport planes have flown out of South Korea, after Seoul confirmed it was discussing the possible redeployment of American military assets.” Via Bloomberg

• “A prolonged war with Iran would delay a refocusing of U.S. resources to the Indo-Pacific from the European and Middle Eastern theaters, constraining Indo-Pacific deterrence resources, cautions the memo, a copy of which was seen by Nikkei Asia.”

• “China’s exports surge 21.8% in first 2 months of this year.” Via Financial Times

• “The U.S. has likely moved Patriot and THAAD air defense systems from Korea to the Middle East.” Via Yonhap News

• “Vietnam’s trade ministry urged businesses to let employees work from home to reduce fuel use as supply disruptions and price spikes linked to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran hit the country. Vietnam, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern energy imports, has been among the hardest hit. Since late February, gasoline prices have risen 32%, diesel 56%, and kerosene 80%, according to fuel trader Petrolimex.” Via Reuters

• “North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test launch of strategic cruise missiles from a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, the country's state media said.” Via Reuters

• “China sent five military aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense zone from Wednesday to Thursday, ending an unexplained lull in flights. Three planes crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, an informal boundary between China and Taiwan. Analysts suggest the earlier pause may have been linked to a possible upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.” Via Bloomberg

• “North Korea fires around 10 ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan.” Via AFP

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “Bangladesh will close all universities from March 9, bringing forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures to conserve electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis linked to the conflict in the Middle East.” Via Reuters

• “Restaurants and hotels across India say they may shut down because supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been disrupted by the U.S.–Israel war with Iran, which has halted shipping through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. India, the world’s second-largest LPG importer, has invoked emergency powers to boost domestic production, but the hospitality sector says it is struggling to obtain fuel.” Via Reuters

Americas

• “Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado met privately with Trump at the White House while struggling to maintain influence.” Via Bloomberg

• “Chevron and Shell are close to signing the first major oil production deals in Venezuela since the U.S. captured President Maduro in January. Chevron plans to expand production in the Orinoco Belt (Ayacucho 8 area), while Shell is targeting the Carito and Pirital fields in Monagas North. Venezuela recently changed its oil law to give foreign companies more control over operations and exports. The government may finalize contract reviews by the end of March.” Via Reuters

• “An Iran-linked hacker group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack of a medical tech company, Stryker, in what appears to be the first significant instance of Iran hacking an American company since the start of the war.” Via NBC News

• “Trump administration set to suspend the Jones Act with temporary waivers in an effort to reduce oil prices, which will allow foreign-built ships to transit goods between US ports.” Via Bloomberg

Africa

• “Israel is quietly exploring a possible military foothold in Somaliland to better target the Iran-backed Houthi movement. After recognizing Somaliland in December, Israel is discussing a strategic security partnership that could include intelligence operations and potentially a covert base along the Red Sea.” Via Bloomberg

Europe

• “Norwegian police searching for suspects after an explosion at U.S. embassy in Oslo, believed to have been caused by a bomb at the entrance.” Via NRK

• “Spain accuses Germany of acting like a ‘vassal’ to United States.” Via Bloomberg

• “Germany releases part of its strategic oil reserves due to increased oil and fuel prices caused by Iran war.” Via DPA

• “Slovakia’s largest fertilizer producer said it’s curbing ammonia output after natural gas prices surged, in another sign that the Middle East conflict is starting to hit the industry in Europe.” Via Bloomberg

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Ukraine struck Rubikon, Russia's most elite unit, operating across occupied Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. The center, backed directly by Russian Defense Minister Belousov, has roughly 5,000 fighters.” Via Euromaiden Press

• “The EU is urging Ukraine to allow inspectors to access the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Kyiv says a January Russian air strike severely damaged the pipeline and repairs take time, while Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of exaggerating the damage and deliberately blocking supplies.” Via Financial Times

• “Finland becomes the eighth NATO country to sign a mutual defense quality assurance deal with Ukraine, the Defense Ministry reported on 3 March.” Via Euromaiden Press

• “Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets didn't have enough missiles to shoot down Russian drones and missiles for more than three weeks after supplies from Kyiv's partners dried up just as Moscow was preparing a massive winter air campaign.” Via Reuters

• “Russia is one of the biggest winners early in the largest U.S. military confrontation in decades, as Iranian missiles deplete stocks of Patriot interceptors that Ukraine needs.” Via WSJ

Middle East

• UK Defence Secretary says two missiles launched from Iran were fired toward Cyprus, where Britain maintains strategic military bases. He adds UK believes the missiles were not aimed directly at British bases, but says the launch highlights the “indiscriminate” nature of Iran’s retaliation. Via The Independent

• The CIA tracked Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for months and shared “high fidelity” intelligence with Israel indicating he would attend a Saturday meeting of senior Iranian officials in Tehran, sources said. Israeli intelligence independently confirmed details of the gathering at the leadership compound, where top defense figures were set to convene. The U.S. and Israel advanced a planned strike to exploit the opportunity. Via NYT

• Iranian state media publish a statement on behalf of President Pezeshkian on the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei. He calls it an “open war” against Muslims and says Iran views retaliation against those responsible as its “duty and legitimate right.” Via Mehr News

• “Maersk says it is suspending all vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions.” Via Bloomberg

• “Former President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad killed in Israeli airstrike.” Via N12

• The U.S. military says it has sunk an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette, adding that it is now “sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman.” Via Reuters

• The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) says three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously wounded in Operation Epic Fury as of 9:30 a.m. ET (3/1).

• “Four B-2 bombers flew round trip from the United States, dropping dozens of 2,000-pound bombs on underground ballistic missile sites in Iran.” Via Fox News

• “France’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is cutting short its Baltic Sea deployment and heading toward the eastern Mediterranean amid the war with Iran.” Via BFMTV

• “Trump estimates that the campaign against Iran will last around 4 weeks.” Via Daily Mail

• “Admin briefed congressional staff on Sunday, but officials did not present clear evidence that Iran was preparing an imminent attack on U.S. troops, according to two people who attended the briefing.” Via Politico

• “Permission is granted for Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford to be used by the U.S. to strike Iranian missile facilities.” Via Bloomberg

• “There has been an explosion caused by Iranian drone at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.” Via UK Defence Journal

• “Trump says he would consider lifting sanctions on Iran if its new leadership proves to be a pragmatic partner.” Via NYT

• “Ali Larijani is overseeing Iran’s security and military response as the war with Israel and the U.S. continues and Tehran looks for an exit, but he is not part of the leadership triumvirate formed after Khamenei’s death.” Via WSJ

• Lebanon’s prime minister calls rocket fire on Israel by Hezbollah “irresponsible and suspicious.” Via AFP

• Lebanon's Minister of Justice orders the arrest of "those firing rockets at Israel.” Via Reuters

• “The British Ministry of Defense announces that family members who live at RAF Akrotiri will be moved off base.” Via BBC

• “Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia shut down due to drone strike, situation under control.” Via Reuters

• 'No indication' any nuclear installations in Iran damaged or hit, says IAEA (3/2). Via AFP

• “QatarEnergy says that it will stop all natural gas production following Iranian drone attacks on its facilities. The company, Qatar’s state-owned oil and gas enterprise, is responsible for nearly 20% of global LNG exports.”

• “Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles were downed over Kuwait in an apparent friendly fire incident during Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM says. The jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses amid active combat. All six aircrew ejected safely and are in stable condition.”

• “The number of US service members who have been seriously wounded during the operations against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, has been increased to 18 as of this morning, up from 5 previously reported yesterday. (3/2)” Via CNN

• “China's foreign minister tells Iran counterpart Beijing 'supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity': state media.” Via AFP

• “The UAE is projected to exhaust its interceptor missile stock within one week at the current rate of fire, and Qatar within four days; both are urgently seeking additional military support from the United States.” Via Bloomberg

• “Hegseth doesn't rule out U.S. troops in Iran.” Via Politico

• “China is pressuring Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and avoid attacking oil and LNG shipments, as Beijing relies heavily on Gulf energy supplies — especially Qatari gas. After regional attacks disrupted tanker traffic and Qatar briefly halted LNG production, Chinese officials urged Tehran not to target energy routes critical to global and Chinese markets.” Via Bloomberg

• “Rubio says US launched strikes on Iran because Israel planned to attack.” Via Financial Times

• “Flying slow and low to the ground, the one-way attack drone evaded U.S. air defenses and hit the Shuaiba port on the Persian Gulf, according to two U.S. officials, killing at least six American servicemembers and seriously wounding others. The facility struck was a large trailer with walls protected by concrete slabs, but wasn’t fortified from the top.” Via WSJ

• “Russia is upset by US and Israeli attacks on Iran but is unable to offer much help. However, Moscow sees possible advantages for its war in Ukraine. If Middle Eastern countries demand more air-defense systems, fewer weapons — especially US-made Patriot missiles — may be available for Ukraine. At the same time, rising oil prices due to the conflict could boost Russia’s revenues and help fund its war.” Via Bloomberg

• Rubio says the US "is stepping its military campaign" in Iran, forecasting "a widening scope and greater use of force.” Via NYT

• “A Kuwaiti F/A-18 fighter jet was the cause of the accidental shootdown of three American F-15s on Sunday, sources say.” Via WSJ

• “About 50,000 U.S. troops in the Middle East are now assigned to the war against Iran, with more forces and fighter jets flowing into the region.” Via NYT

• “A British F-35B has shot down a hostile drone over Jordan, marking the first time a British F-35 has destroyed a target on operations.” Via UK Defence Journal

President Trump is open to supporting groups in Iran "willing to take up arms" and "turn them into ground forces" backed by the US. Via WSJ

• “Israel is airstriking Iran’s internal security forces—including the IRGC, Basij militia, police units, and intelligence agencies—to weaken the regime’s ability to suppress protests and encourage a popular uprising against the government. However, analysts say airstrikes alone are unlikely to cause regime change, since Iran’s government still controls most weapons and security forces.” Via WSJ

• “Qatar will fully shut gas liquefaction, two sources say. Initial estimates suggest it would take about two weeks to restart operations and at least another two weeks to return to full capacity.” Reuters

• "JPMorgan Chase, a bank, estimates that Iraq and Kuwait have about three and 14 days, respectively, as of March 3rd, before hitting storage limits and shutting in the crude supply they usually export via Hormuz.” Via The Economist

• “Maersk said on Wednesday it is temporarily suspending most cargo bookings in and out of the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia until further notice.” Via Reuters

• The presence of American aircraft has been authorized "on a temporary basis" at French bases in the Middle East. Via AFP

• “Some administration officials have also floated using the U.S. military to defend energy infrastructure in the Middle East. But that idea isn’t likely to win over Saudi Arabian officials, who are cool on it given the sensitivities around American boots on the kingdom’s soil.” Via Politico

• Trump administration is scrambling to manage the fallout of the Iran war. The Pentagon is requesting additional intelligence officers for at least 100 days, suggesting the war could last far longer than the initially suggested four-week timeline. Officials say planning was limited. A State Department source said “too few people were read in on the war plans,” which slowed evacuation preparations and travel alerts for Americans in the region. Critics say the response looked improvised, with one former U.S. diplomat calling it “a completely ad hoc operation… like they woke up on Saturday and decided to start a war.” Via Politico

• “The Pentagon and some Gulf countries are considering buying Ukrainian interceptor drones to defend against Iranian Shahed drones. Ukraine developed cheap, mass-produced interceptor drones costing a few thousand dollars, far cheaper than Patriot missiles (~$13.5m each) currently used to shoot down Shaheds (~$30k each). Because Iran may have tens of thousands of Shahed drones, countries want a cheaper defense method. Ukraine’s technology has become highly sought after due to its experience countering Russian drone attacks.” Via Financial Times

• “Trump says President Herzog should grant Netanyahu a pardon, and I don’t want anything to occupy Netanyahu’s mind except the war.” Via N12 News

• “US military investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls' school that killed scores of children on February 28 but have not yet reached a final conclusion or completed their investigation.” Via Reuters

• “Major Gulf economies — including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait — are reviewing overseas investments as the Iran war strains their finances. Missile attacks, disrupted oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, falling energy income, tourism losses, and rising defense costs are forcing governments to reconsider foreign investments, contracts, and sponsorship deals.” Via Financial Times

• “Ukrainian military drone experts are expected to arrive in the Gulf soon. (3/6).” Via AFP

• “Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack American forces in the Middle East, the first indication that another major U.S. adversary is participating — even indirectly — in the war, according to three officials familiar with the intelligence. The assistance, which has not been previously reported, signals that the rapidly expanding conflict now features one of America’s chief nuclear-armed competitors with exquisite intelligence capabilities. Since the war began Saturday, Russia has passed Iran the locations of U.S. military assets, including warships and aircraft, said the three officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matter’s sensitivity.” Via Washington Post

• “Iran rejects cease-fire negotiations, says ready for U.S. ground invasion.” Via Time Magazine

• “Saudi Arabia has intensified direct backchannel talks with Iran to try to de-escalate the growing Middle East conflict and prevent it from turning into a wider war. European and regional officials say several countries are supporting these diplomatic efforts amid rising tensions and market instability.” Via Bloomberg

• “The U.S. Army abruptly canceled a major training exercise for the 82nd Airborne Division’s headquarters element, fueling speculation within the Pentagon that the unit’s rapid-response force could be deployed to the Middle East, potentially including ground operations.” Via Washington Post

• “German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the US and Israel against waging an “endless war” against Iran that could lead to the disintegration of the whole Middle Eastern state, a new migration crisis in Europe and lasting economic damage.” Via Bloomberg

• “Kuwait is cutting oil production after running out of storage room, signaling a broader crisis that poses new risks to the global market.” Via WSJ

• “The radar for a THAAD system was struck and apparently destroyed in Jordan while two other THAAD radar systems may have been hit in the UAE, satellite images show.” Via CNN

• Iran determined the 12-Day War was a "strategic mistake" and "the most one-sided war they had ever fought," causing them to decide to change to a "mosaic strategy" where individual commanders were given the autonomy to keep striking, even if cut off from their superiors. Via WSJ

Indo-Pacific

• “At a time when Tokyo and Beijing appear to be drifting further apart politically, Japanese capital is moving in the opposite direction…Japanese foreign direct investment into China surged by 55.5% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025.” Via Lowy Institute

• The Chinese Navy has “dramatically increased” submarine production and could soon deploy a new vessel that’s able to hit “large portions” of the US with nuclear missiles from Chinese waters. Via Bloomberg

• “The United States is considering the relocation of air defense systems and other military assets from South Korea to the Middle East, amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.” Via Chosin Sun

• “South Korea's benchmark Kospi index tumbled more than 12% on Wednesday as Middle East turmoil sparked a prolonged sell-off across world markets.” Via AFP

• “China to lean on Russian oil as Iran crisis chokes supply.” Via Financial Times

• “Fighting in the Middle East is likely to delay MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3 MSE missile deliveries to Taiwan.” Via Liberty Times

• “Japan in talks to use NATO's defense-tech accelerator.” Via Nikkei Asia

• “South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun says Seoul is in talks with United States Forces Korea about the possible redeployment of weapons including Patriot air defense systems, as Washington’s conflict with Iran escalates.” Via Bloomberg

• “The U.S. moved 1,000+ Paveway guided-bomb kits from Osan Air Base to the U.S. in Dec 2025, possibly later used in strikes on Iran. Seoul says the transfer happened without prior consultation.” Via Chosun

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “Police say at least 6 people have been killed in clashes as hundreds of protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan following the killing of Iran's supreme leader.” Via AP

• “U.S. Marines, assigned to Marine Corps Embassy Security Group based out of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, opened fired on crowds of rioters that were attempting to storm the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. At least 10 rioters were killed during the incident, while dozens of others were injured, with it initially believed that the gunfire had originated from Pakistani Security Forces.” Via Reuters

• “Indian energy companies have cut natural gas supplies to industrial customers by 10% to 30% after Qatar halted LNG production. India, a major LNG importer reliant on the region, is seeking spot cargoes to offset the shortfall, though rising prices and shipping costs are complicating efforts.” Via Reuters

• “India has 25 days of crude oil and refined oil stocks. Scouting for alternative sources for importing crude oil, LPG and LNG (3/3).” Via ANI

• “101 missing and 78 wounded following a submarine attack on an Iranian ship near Sri Lanka.” Via Reuters

• “Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry accuses Iran of a drone attack against its exclave of Nakhchivan. Iran has not acknowledged targeting Azerbaijan, but its attacks have spread erratically as the war has gone on involving regional countries and beyond.” Via AP

• “The US won’t give India the same kind of economic advantages it gave China, which allowed that country to emerge as a major competitor, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said.” Via Bloomberg

• “The US is temporarily easing sanctions on Russian oil sales to India to address supply shortages and reduce the impact of the surge in prices in the wake of US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The decision to ease sanctions represents a major shift in policy.” Via Financial Times

Americas

• President Trump is eyeing his next target for US military intervention oversees: Cuba. “The president is feeling like, ‘I’m on a roll’; like, ‘This is working,’” one administration official told me. Via The Atlantic

• “Ottawa weighs splitting submarine contract between Europe and South Korea.” Via the Globe & Mail

• “US and Venezuela agree to re-establish diplomatic relations.” Via AP

Africa

• “Ethiopia and Sudan trade barbs over RSF support.” Via BBC Africa

Europe

• Belgium has intercepted an oil tanker from the Russian "ghost fleet.” Via AFP

• “The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has triggered security fears in Berlin after officially requesting information on vulnerabilities in NATO defenses — insight that would prove useful to the Kremlin.” Via Politico Europe

• “The Hellenic Defense Council has activated the unified defense doctrine of Greece and Cyprus.” Via Philenews

• “Europe gas prices surge 50% after Qatari LNG production halts.”

• “Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez has barred the U.S. from using Spanish military bases for attacks on Iran.” Via Reuters

• “France offers to station nuclear weapons in Europe for the first time.” Via Financial Times

• “France will increase its number of nuclear warheads from the current level of below 300, French President Emmanuel Macron said. It will be the first time France increases its nuclear arsenal since at least 1992.” Via AP

• “Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signaled his country will eventually try to obtain its own nuclear weapons as Europe strengthens deterrence.” Via Bloomberg

• “The Iran war is pushing Europe toward a new energy crisis. Gas prices in Europe have jumped about 53% in just a few days, driven by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian strikes affecting Qatar’s LNG production. Competition for LNG is intensifying as Asian buyers outbid Europe, even causing tankers originally headed for Europe to reroute to Asia. At the same time, EU gas storage is under 30% full, far below the normal ~45% for this time of year, raising concerns about refilling supplies before next winter. If the conflict continues, energy costs, inflation, and economic pressure could rise across Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy, which rely heavily on LNG imports.” Via Financial Times

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “A senior Nato military source estimates that to win or substantially turn the tide against the Russian invasion, Ukraine would need at least 250,000 more soldiers and significantly more powerful weapons.” Via The Times

• Russian military recruiters have received a “stop-list” that bans them from enlisting citizens from more than 40 countries. Via Meduza

• "Kostiantyn Milevskyi, Deputy Head of the Department for Coordination of Foreign Military Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that volunteer soldiers from 75 countries have joined units of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, with around 600 volunteer soldiers signing contracts each month. According to Milevskyi, the total number of foreign volunteer soldiers who have served or continue to serve in Ground Forces units exceeds 10,000." Via Pravda

• “British and French paratroopers have made their final preparations before a possible peacekeeping mission to Ukraine.” Via The Telegraph

• “Russian officials consider there's no point to continue US-led peace talks with Ukraine unless Kyiv is willing to cede territory to reach a deal, according to people familiar with the negotiations.” Via Bloomberg

Middle East

• “Iran is operating on the basis that U.S. military strikes are inevitable and imminent, even as both sides continue to engage diplomatically and negotiate on a nuclear deal, six senior Iranian officials and three members of the Revolutionary Guards said. They said Iran had placed all of its armed forces on the highest state of alert and was preparing to resist fiercely.” Via NYT

• “With U.S. consent, Israel will not contribute funds to President Donald Trump’s Peace Council, unlike other member states that are required to finance its operations.” Via Kan News

• Iran agreed a secret €500mn arms deal with Russia in December to acquire 500 man-portable “Verba” launch units and 2,500 “9M336” missiles over 3 years. Via Financial Times

• “Indonesia says 8,000 troops ready for possible peacekeeping mission in Gaza by June.” Via AP

• “The Pentagon’s top general has cautioned President Trump from an attack on Iran, saying that shortfalls in critical munitions and a lack of support from allies will add significant risk to the operation and to U.S. personnel.” Via Washington Post

• “Israel has sent an indirect message to Lebanon warning it would strike the country hard, including civilian infrastructure, if Hezbollah joins any U.S.–Iran war.” Via Reuters

• "Israeli intelligence has concluded that even with the imminent arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford later this week, the US has military capacity to sustain just a four to five day intense aerial assault on Iran, or a week of lower-intensity strikes." Via Financial Times

• “Turkey is updating contingency plans in case of a US-Iran conflict, preparing for a potential refugee surge from Iran. Measures reportedly include setting up border camps or, in an extreme scenario, moving into Iranian territory to block crossings if chaos erupts.” Via Bloomberg

• “The Australian government has told dependents of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon to leave the two Middle East countries, citing a deteriorating security situation in the region, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.” Via Reuters

• “The U.S. has urged Syria not to adopt Chinese telecom technology, warning it poses security risks and conflicts with U.S. interests. The message was delivered during a meeting between U.S. officials and Syria’s Communications Minister in San Francisco. Syria is considering Chinese equipment to rebuild its war-damaged telecom sector but says U.S. export controls limit access to American technology. While Washington encouraged Syria to buy from the U.S. or its allies, it’s unclear if any support was offered. Much of Syria’s current telecom infrastructure already relies on Chinese technology due to past U.S. sanctions.” Via Reuters

• "The Trump administration has debated two plans. One would be a major strike aimed at hitting a huge number of targets over a sustained period of time. Critically, it would also try to decapitate the government by forcing the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, from power. But Mr. Trump seems to favor a targeted, limited strike on the missile and nuclear sites. The purpose, in addition to damaging missile stocks and production, would be to force the Iranians to negotiate. American officials have said that if Iran did not accept their demands after a targeted strike, Mr. Trump would then consider the larger strike as a follow-on mission." Via NYT

• U.S. intelligence does not support Trump’s claim that Iran will soon have missiles capable of reaching the United States. A 2025 Defense Intelligence Agency assessment says Iran is unlikely to develop a viable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) before 2035, even with possible foreign assistance. While Marco Rubio said Iran is “on a pathway” to eventually developing such weapons, intelligence officials reportedly see no evidence of an imminent threat. Via Reuters

• “Emirati officials say Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked Trump to impose sanctions on the UAE over its support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Saudi officials deny this, saying they only requested sanctions against the RSF itself. When Trump conveyed the message to the Emirati President, the UAE leadership believed Saudi Arabia had pushed for U.S. sanctions against them, triggering anger and a sharp deterioration in relations.” Via NYT

• “The U.S. participated in the attack and was also carrying out strikes, a U.S. official says.” Via WSJ

• “Israel will target missile storage sites, production facilities and launchers, while the U.S. will focus on the Iranian nuclear project and additional targets related to the IRGC and Iranian Government, according to a plan presented to Trump.” Via NYT

• “NYT satellite images show Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei's residence in Tehran has been destroyed with significant damage visible. Khamenei's whereabouts are currently unknown. (2/28).”

• “The Houthis will resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor.” Via AP

• “Several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political officials killed in U.S.-Israel strikes.” Via Reuters

• “A U.S. official says the U.S. has not previously faced such a wide range of simultaneous strikes targeting its overseas bases.” Via WSJ

• “Several major oil companies and trading houses have suspended oil and fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing U.S.–Iran conflict.” Via Reuters

• “Canada and Australia support the U.S. action against Iran.” Via Reuters

• “Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed and his body has been retrieved.” Via Kann News

• “Behind the scenes, a lobbying alliance of Saudi Arabia's MBS and Israel's Netanyahu urged Trump to level a major strike against Iran in the days before the president's decision (even as as Riyadh publicly advocated for diplomacy).” Via Washington Post

• “Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead.” Via Iranian state media

Indo-Pacific

• “A US delegation will meet Chinese officials in Geneva this week to discuss nuclear weapons, as the Trump administration pushes for a new round of arms control talks with both China and Russia.bThe meetings come just weeks after the New START treaty between the US and Russia expired. US officials say future negotiations should include China, though Beijing has previously declined to participate.” Via Bloomberg

• “China’s new nuclear submarine breaks cover amid shipbuilding spree.” Via Defense News

• “Philippine Navy commissions new patrol vessel, missile boat.” Via Naval News

• “New Philippine OPV to Deploy Service’s First LRAD System.” Via Naval News

• “The Trump administration has delayed arms sales to Taiwan valued at $13 billion that had been approved by lawmakers. US officials say Trump wants to ensure a smooth summit in April with Xi. The US war in Iran will also cut into military resources for Asia.” Via NYT

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “PM Modie pledges billions in undisclosed defense deals with Israel.” Via Reuters

• “Pakistan defense minister declares 'open war' with Afghan Taliban.” Via AFP

Americas

• “Donald Trump’s new 15% global tariff will most greatly benefit countries he has singled out for heavy criticism, including China and Brazil. Long-standing US allies including the UK, the EU and Japan will suffer the largest hit from the new levy.” Via Financial Times

• “Four dead, six injured after Cuban forces engaged in firefight with a US-registered speedboat off the Cuba's coast, Havana says. The Cuban government claims that the boat violated Cuba's territorial waters and opened fire at its coast guard ship that approached the intruding vessel to identify it. The Cubans then allegedly returned fire, killing four and injuring six.” Via Bloomberg

Africa

• “Ethiopia ramps up rhetoric on Eritrea as both countries come closer to war.” Via Africa News

Europe

• “Portugal charges man with espionage for stealing NATO officer’s digital devices.” Via Politico

• “The U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, has been barred from meeting members of the French government after failing to appear at the Foreign Ministry when summoned. Kushner was called in over comments by the U.S. Embassy regarding the killing of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, who was beaten to death in a clash with alleged hard-left activists. The embassy had warned that “violent radical leftism” was on the rise. French officials said the case was a domestic matter and accused the embassy of interfering in national debate.” Via Reuters

• The Pentagon has received no orders to deploy any U.S. Navy vessels to Greenland, according to U.S. officials, despite President Trump’s claim that a hospital ship is “on its way” to the self-governing Danish territory. Via WSJ

• “Poland withdraws from treaty banning antipersonnel mines and will use them to defend against Russia.” Via AP

• “A Russian drone launched from a nearby Russian ship approached France’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while it was docked in Malmö. Sweden’s Armed Forces detected and jammed it; the drone then disappeared. It’s unclear if it returned or crashed into the sea.” Via SVT Sweden

• “Several Hungarian opposition parties have withdrawn from the April elections to avoid splitting the vote and boost Magyar’s Tisza party, which is currently leading Orbán’s Fidesz in the polls.” Via Financial Times

• “Sweden could allow nuclear weapons on its territory in wartime, Defense Minister Pal Jonson said.” Via Bloomberg

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Western officials believe that it’s probable that Russia can sustain its combat operations in Ukraine throughout 2026 as a result of its recruitment campaigns, industrial production and support from other nations like China.” Via Bloomberg

• “Russia is becoming increasingly reliant on foreign fighters in the war on Ukraine as its forces sustain more losses than they’re able to replace, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.” Via Bloomberg

• “Russia’s Wagner Group pivots to European sabotage, say western officials.” Via Financial Times

• “Ukraine crushed Russia in the battles for Kupiansk. Losses 27:1.” Via the Times

• “The Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated combined territory of more than 200 km² last week, the largest in 2.5 years.” Via AFP

• “President Vladimir V. Putin believes he is winning, military and intelligence officials from several Western countries said in recent days. And he is convinced that even if it takes 18 months to two years to complete his hold on the Donbas region, each day of fighting and each night of Russian missiles and drones raining down on energy infrastructure and apartment buildings secure him more leverage.” Via NYT

• “Ukraine peace talks have been little more than a mafia-style shakedown by the US and Russia.” Via the Independent

"The U.S. is also pressing allies not to invite Ukraine and the alliance’s four official Indo-Pacific partners — Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea — to the formal meetings at NATO’s July summit in Ankara, the four diplomats said. The countries could still be invited to side events, they added, with the request partly justified as reducing the number of summit meetings." Via Politico

• “European intelligence chiefs are pessimistic about the chances of an agreement being reached this year to end Russia's war in Ukraine, despite Donald Trump's assertions that U.S.-brokered talks have brought the prospect of a deal ‘reasonably close’. The heads of five European spy agencies, who spoke to Reuters in recent days on condition of anonymity, said Russia did not want to end the war quickly. Four of them said Moscow was using the talks with the U.S. to push for sanctions relief and business deals…‘Russia is not seeking a peace agreement. They are seeking their strategic goals, and those have not changed,’ one of the European intelligence chiefs said. These include the removal of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and for Ukraine to become a ‘neutral’ buffer to the West. The main issue, a second intelligence chief said, is that Russia neither wants nor needs a quick peace and its economy is ‘not on the verge of collapse’.” Via Reuters

• Hungary accuses Ukraine of "blackmail" and blocks the €90 billion loan in the very last stages of the legislative process, escalating the confrontation to an unprecedented height. Via Euronews

• "Hundreds of Ukrainian women and girls have reported sexual violence by Russian troops during the nearly four years of full-scale war in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian authorities and aid groups. The actual number of victims, advocates say, is most likely far higher. Some of the women say they have been impregnated by Russian soldiers and live with children who will forever remind them of their attackers. Others have told of being forced to serve as sex slaves for entire companies of Russian troops. Still others say their life became a waking nightmare after they were incapacitated and raped by Russian forces. The New York Times spoke with more than a dozen women who said they had been sexually abused by Russian troops." Via NYT

Middle East

• “Iran is seeking a nuclear deal with the U.S. that brings economic benefits to both sides, an Iranian diplomat says, ahead of a second round of talks between Tehran and Washington.” Via Reuters

• “Indonesia says up to 8,000 troops will be ready by June for a possible humanitarian peacekeeping mission in Gaza, supporting Trump’s postwar reconstruction plan. About 1,000 troops could deploy as early as April, pending government approval and international coordination. Officials say the mission would focus on aid and civilian protection, not combat.” Via Politico

• “The U.S. is withdrawing all 1,000 troops from Syria, ending its 10-year military mission there. Troops have already left key bases, and the full pullout should be completed within two months. Officials say the move is not related to tensions with Iran. The Trump administration believes a U.S. military presence is no longer necessary after SDF/YPG largely disbanded and agreed to integrate into Syria’s army under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.” Via WSJ

• “British officials would not confirm or deny whether PM Keir Starmer refused to let Trump use UK airfield facilities for a strike on Iran, but signaled they were aware of Trump’s plans.” Via NYT

• “U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that 15,000 to 20,000 people, including Islamic State affiliates are now at large in Syria, after an exodus from a camp that held jihadists’ families.” Via WSJ

Indo-Pacific

• “U.S. to deploy more missile systems to Philippines to deter South China Sea aggression despite China's alarm over existing Typhon launchers. Type and timeline unclear.” Via Military Times

• “Hankyoreh reports that leading international political scientists have nominated South Korea's citizens for the Nobel Peace Prize for peacefully stopping Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law.”

• “A major U.S. arms-sales package for Taiwan is in limbo following pressure from Chinese leader Xi Jinping and concerns among some in the Trump administration that greenlighting the weapons deal would derail President Trump’s coming visit to Beijing, according to U.S. officials.” Via WSJ

• "Russians made up the largest share of asylum seekers in South Korea for the third consecutive year in 2025 amid the war in Ukraine, justice ministry data showed Wednesday." Via YNA

• “Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun found guilty of insurrection aimed at subverting the Constitution.” Via Yonhap

• “The UK has blocked U.S. use of RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for Iran strikes, citing international law, leading Trump to withdraw support for Starmer's £35B Chagos Islands handover deal with Mauritius. Senior UK officials privately called the situation 'bleak.'” Via the Times

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “The speaker of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan just told TV Rain that Armenia will no longer deport Russian citizens upon Moscow's request over political matters.” Via Moscow Times

• “India has reportedly approved ~$8.6–8.7 billion in arms purchases from Israel, making Israel one of its top defense suppliers (second after France).” Via Forbes India

• “India has seized three U.S.-sanctioned tanker ships linked to Iran this month and stepped up surveillance to curb illicit trade.” Via Reuters

• "Women and girls were all but invisible on the journey save for a few glimpsed in the back of passing taxis and buses. The Taliban have effectively erased them from public life, banning them from most jobs and school beyond sixth grade, and forbidding them to travel long distances without a male companion. The Afghan economy may be losing $1.4 billion every year because of it, according to World Bank estimates." Via NYT

• Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet says Thailand is still occupying Cambodian territory despite a Trump-brokered ceasefire, calling the situation “fragile” and a “violation of our sovereignty.” In an interview in Washington, Hun Manet said: We still have Thai forces occupying deep into Cambodian territory in many areas. This is not an accusation but it’s a statement of the facts on the ground. Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet says Thailand is still occupying Cambodian territory despite a Trump-brokered ceasefire, calling the situation “fragile” and a “violation of our sovereignty.” In an interview in Washington, Hun Manet said: “We still have Thai forces occupying deep into Cambodian territory in many areas. This is not an accusation but it’s a statement of the facts on the ground.” Via Reuters

Americas

• “U.S. military posture in the Caribbean is costing billions, according to a Bloomberg analysis. The White House has said operations around Venezuela didn’t cost taxpayers extra, because the forces involved are already deployed.”

• “Canada aims to create 125,000 jobs by increasing military spending to 5% of GDP over the next decade and shifting away from US arms manufacturers, according to a new strategy paper.” Via Financial Times

Africa

• One year after kicking out French troops, Chad is reconciling with France, and a quiet military comeback is now possible. After expelling 1,000 French soldiers in January 2025, President Mahamat Idriss Déby met Emmanuel Macron in Paris in late January 2026, signaling a reset. Officially, cooperation will focus more on economic and social ties, but security talks included French intelligence support and training for Chadian forces, which could mean French troops returning discreetly. Tensions had exploded after a French corruption probe into Déby and a diplomatic clash that led Chad to abruptly end defense agreements. Via Le Monde

Europe

• “Germany plans to massively expand its foreign intelligence agency’s powers, fearing the U.S. could halt intelligence sharing under Trump. Berlin wants the BND to gain authority for sabotage, offensive cyber ops, AI surveillance and broader espionage, rolling back strict post-WWII limits.” Via Politico

• The Pentagon warned the EU it will retaliate if Brussels adds a strong “Buy European” clause to defense procurement rules, saying it “strongly opposes” limits on U.S. firms and rejects “protectionist and exclusionary policies” that “strong-arm American companies out of the market.” If Europe moves ahead, Washington may review waivers under existing defense trade deals, potentially restricting EU firms’ access to U.S. contracts even as nearly two-thirds of EU imported weapons come from the U.S. Via Politico

Why did the Vietcong wear rubber sandals in the jungle during the Vietnam War?
The deep sandal was not produced due to socioeconomics or poverty of the North. It was designed as it was more effective in jungle warfare. The soldiers analyzed their problem and selected the easiest way out.

To begin, there was a massive issue of supplies during the Indochina Wars. Boots were not easily available to the Vietcong and Viet Minh. Roads were ruined, factories were restricted and boots were difficult to substitute. It was a hassle to wait until new boots were made.

Instead, the Vietcong made use of what was at hand. There were old American truck tires everywhere. Trucks were destroyed by bombs and the tires were still good. The tires were cut into sandals by soldiers. Scrap material was free, easy to utilize and readily available material.

Another problem was water. Heavy boots became wet and remained damp due to the jungle conditions and humidity. Jungle foot brought about infections and helped slow and infect sick American soldiers. The dep lop sandal's were rubber and water flew off. Soldiers were able to pass through rivers and continue.

The sandals were also quiet. Soles of rubber did not produce loud sounds on dirt or leaves. This assisted soldiers to move without being detected, particularly in jungles.

In case of a break, it could be fixed. Within a few minutes, a strap could be fixed using wire or rubber. No special tools were needed. Soldiers did not need to pause or wait to be assisted.

The deep lop was not just a sandal. It was a smart solution. It demonstrated that big problems can be solved by simple ideas when individuals are aware of their circumstances and change.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “Ukraine plans presidential elections and a referendum on a Russia peace deal by May 15, under pressure from the Trump administration, which has tied US security guarantees to the vote and a deal. Zelensky is expected to announce the plan on February 24th.” Via Financial Times

• “The Trump administration has told Kyiv to hold elections by May 15, or risk losing US security guarantees proposed in a peace deal.” Via the Telegraph

• Russia's losses since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine amounted to 1.3 million people, of whom 350 thousand were killed, — NATO official told a DW correspondent at a briefing. During 2025 alone, 400,000 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded, he noted. "We are surprised by the proportion of deaths in Russian losses. The Russians are suffering disproportionately high losses, they are suffering extremely heavy losses," the alliance representative noted.

• “The Ukrainian Armed Forces defeated 2 NATO battalions in just one day during exercises. Last ​​year, 16,000 soldiers from 12 NATO countries underwent training in Estonia. In one scenario, a British brigade and an Estonian division attacked the Ukrainians: the Ukrainian Armed Forces defeated the opponents so much that the NATO army could no longer fight.“ Via WSJ

• Russia is suffering "crazy losses" in Ukraine, tallying around 65,000 soldiers over the last two months, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. Via Reuters

Middle East

• “U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar have moved Patriot missiles onto mobile truck launchers amid rising tensions with Iran, satellite imagery shows, boosting survivability and rapid redeployment, analysts say.” Via Reuters

• Trump administration talked about seizing more Iranian oil tankers to squeeze Tehran, but backed off over fears Iran would retaliate, spike oil prices, or treat it as an act of war. Iran could respond by seizing allied tankers or mining the Strait of Hormuz (≈25% of global oil). Officials fear retaliation would “drive up oil prices sharply.” Over 20 Iranian-linked ships are already sanctioned and potential targets. Via WSJ

• “Turkey would consider joining a regional nuclear arms race over concerns about Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions.” Via Bloomberg

• “Pentagon orders second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare to deploy to Middle East, as U.S. considers another attack on Iran.” Via WSJ

• “U.S.-led coalition forces against Islamic State have withdrawn from Syria’s al-Tanf base and redeployed to Jordan.” Via Reuters

• “Syria says its economy could grow close to 10% in 2026, nearly double last year’s pace, after the US eased sanctions. Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh cited improved stability, the return of skilled Syrians and new investment opportunities as key drivers. Growth in 2025 was about 5%.” Via Bloomberg

• “As the Iranian regime imposes a forced forgetting of the massacres in January, it has begun targeting not only wounded protesters but medical workers, who have borne witness to some of the worst atrocities.” Via the New Yorker

• “The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships will be sent to the Middle East from Venezuela.” Via NYT

• “The U.S. military has nearly completed the transfer of thousands of suspected ISIS fighters to the Iraqi government, setting the stage for the expected withdrawal of many — perhaps even all — American troops from Syria within months, officials said.” Via Washington Post

• “The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack.” Via Reuters

Indo-Pacific

• “Sanae Takaichi’s LDP wins major Parliamentary Majoirty.” Via Nippon

• “U.S. won’t abandon the Phillipines in fighting China’s assertiveness at sea, Manila’s envoy says.” Via AP

• “Kim Jong Un has selected his daughter as his heir.” Via Yonhap

• U.S. finalizes deal to sell Taiwan $44.4 billion of natural gas and crude oil, $15.2 billion of "civil" aircraft and engines, and $25.2 billion of "power grid equipment," generators, marine equipment, and steelmaking equipment through 2029. Via WSJ

• With a new two-thirds “supermajority” in the lower house, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is moving to restart efforts to amend Japan’s Constitution — especially to clarify the legal status of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Via Nikkei

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “Afghanistan has plunged deeper into a crisis marked by levels of child hunger unseen in 25 years and the closure of almost 450 health centers.” Via NYT

• "Pakistan says Afghanistan has created conditions ‘similar to or worse than’ pre-9/11 attacks.” Via ABC News

• “The Defence Acquisition Council of India has approved an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of up to 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets worth 39 billion USD.” Via Aerotime

Americas

• “Venezuela sends its first crude oil cargo to Israel in years as its oil exports reopen following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, with the shipment heading to Mediterranean refiner Bazan Group, sources say.” Via Bloomberg.

• “The flight shutdown in El Paso is reportedly tied to U.S. military counter-drone technologies targeting Mexican cartels.” Via AP

• “President Trump is privately considering exiting USMCA, the North American trade pact.” Via Bloomberg

• “Turkey will jointly explore for gas and oil with Chevron in Venezuela, Turkish Energy Minister says.” Via Bloomberg

• “Pentagon used Anthropic’s AI tool Claude in the military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro.” Via WSJ

Africa

• “Eric Prince’s Blackwater plays role in Congo operations.” Via Reuters

• “Ethiopia hosts RSF training camp.” Via Reuters Africa

• “The U.S. is sending 200 troops to Nigeria to train local forces against Islamist militants, a U.S. military official says, adding to existing U.S. personnel already supporting targeting and intel efforts.” Via WSJ

• “Ethiopia has canceled accreditation for three Reuters journalists, days after the news agency reported that rebel fighters from neighboring Sudan were training at a secret military camp in the Horn of Africa nation.” Via Reuters

Europe

• “Germany considers joining GCAP fighter project with Japan, U.K. and Italy.” Via Japan Times

• “Hypersonica, an Anglo-German defence start-up developing what it describes as a sovereign European hypersonic strike capability, has completed its first successful hypersonic test flight in Norway.” Via UK Defence Journal

• “NATO has agreed a shake-up of its command, with the UK set to take over Joint Force Command Norfolk, Italy to lead JFC Naples, and Germany and Poland to rotate command of JFC Brunssum, while the US retains MARCOM, AIRCOM and LANDCOM.” Via UK Defence Journal

• “Keir Starmer has confirmed that the UK will deploy its Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and High North regions later this year, with HMS Prince of Wales set to lead the deployment.” Via UK Defence Journal

A modern-day hell on earth, Bashar al Assad’s notorious Sednaya prison was closed for good as the rebel and HTS advance collapsed the Syrian regime. Sednaya, which can hold tens of thousands of prisoners at one time, is known for its plethora of abuses, which numerous human rights organizations documented and condemned.

During the five-decade rule of Baathist Syria, thousands of Syrians and Lebanese alike were unlawfully detained, tortured, sexually abused, and executed in the Sednaya prison. Now, with international attention and the media blackout lifted, the secrets and horrors of the Sednaya prison are being revealed.

Sednaya Prison Foundations

The Assad family used to head the then Syrian Ba’ath Party—a brutal military junta that enacted the world's longest continuous periods of martial law in modern history. Under martial law, citizens were seldom given rights, and Hafez’s and Bashar’s ruthless intelligence services could abduct and detain any Syrian at will.

Detainees needed a place to be held, and because of numerous acts of dissent, with the Hama uprising at its height, the Syrian regime needed a place to have all detainees. Assad’s Baathist Syria was modeled after Nazism with a hybrid of totalitarianism from North Korea, and the prison system was meant to model both of the aforementioned regimes.

Notorious SS official Alois Brunner, the right-hand man of Adolf Eichmann, would escape his crimes against humanity and flee to Syria, eventually becoming one of the top advisors of the Assad family. Learning from the concentration and death camps Brunner helped facilitate, the idea of Sednaya prison as a similar structure would soon be fostered.

Utilizing the vast space of the prison and building underground labyrinths, the Baathist police and intelligence services could hold tens of thousands people at a time, and the prison itself held locations for mass burials and clothes disposal to conceal all evidence.

Reports, Forensic Details, and Prior Investigations

The Sednaya prison would be consecrated sometime in the early 1980s, subsequent to the Hama Massacre and Syrian intervention in the Lebanese Civil War. Dissidents in Syria and Lebanon, Christian and Muslim alike, were detained for dozens of years in the prison that was only thirty kilometers away from the center of Damascus.

Prior to the Syrian Civil War, Sednaya was notorious for extrajudicial killings and executions, especially in 2008. On July 4th, 2008, a major riot broke out after correctional officers incited detainees and prisoners after purposely trampling on Qurans. As the situation became out of control, the guards opened fire, killing nine prisoners and would later torture hundreds of others in reprisal.

Documentaries were made about the horrid conditions of detention, and Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other prominent NGOs would continuously report and lobby the Syrian government to allow access to immediate aid. According to a 2017 Amnesty International report, potentially upwards of 13,000 people were executed in Sednaya—the majority of which were without free and fair trial.

In 2014, Sednaya became internationally known thanks to the release of the Syrian Detainee/Caesar Report. The report was created by prominent legal experts Sir Desmond Lorenz de Silva, Sir Geoffrey Nice, and Professor David Crane, who helped major tribunals in Yugoslavia and Sierra Leone.

The report detailed over 55,000 leaked photos of torture from over 11,000 Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian civilians. In the aftermath of the report, the Caesar Act came into effect, which weakened Bashar al-Assad’s economy and would start the downfall of his reign.

How Assad Used Sednaya to Alter the Civil War

Under international pressure over the rampant human rights abuses along with the onset of the Syrian Civil War, Assad took drastic measures in not just the Sednaya prison but the war in general.

Aside from dissidents and political opposition, Sednaya also hosted high-value extremists—many of which were purposely released on purpose by the Assad regime in an effort to discredit the uprising and ignite infighting amongst various armed factions—which indeed happened frequently.

Zagreb Alloush, the slain leader of Jaysh al-Islam, Hassan Abboud, founder of Ahrar al-Sham, Abh Janet Shaykh, commander of HTS, and Abu Luqman, ISIS emir of Raqqa province, were all purposely released in Sednaya prison by Syrian intelligence knowing they would wreak havoc amongst moderate civilians. Meanwhile, dissidents continued to be kept and brutally beaten and tortured to death, such as Mazen al-Hamada.

Modern Revelations in Sednaya

Against the backdrop of the capture of Damascus and the fall of the Assad regime, rebel groups, HTS, and civilians breached the gates of the structure; they prepared for the worst but could not fathom the ghastly sites they witnessed. Sednaya prison held some of the most gruesome sites of any hardline regime in modern history.

Scenes showed years or even decades-old clothes stuffed in rooms in a disregarded manner. Videos taken by rebels and civilians showed women and even children, possibly as young as five, being released.

Prisoners were found beaten and malnourished, including missing Lebanese prisoners from the Syrian Baathist military occupation who were continuously tortured for 30 years. Other prisoners were found to be in shock, with many being despondent and dismayed that their horrors were over.

Sednaya also held rooms potentially used to dissipate and destroy evidence of detainees who were unlawfully executed. Many Syrians still haven't found their loved ones or their remains in Sednaya prison, as an imaginable and incalculable number of dissidents may have been executed.

The dark history of the Sednaya in Damascus, Syria, continues to unravel, and the world may have only seen a fraction of its horrors. A push towards a major international inquiry and physical on-boot investigation will need to take place to discover the depths the Assad regime was willing to take in prison to remain king of the ashes.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

• “168,000 dead Russian soldiers, confirmed by name. Plus a massive cover-up of the missing in state registries.” Via Mediazona

• “Ukraine agrees multi-tier plan for enforcing any ceasefire with Russia. Crucially, the security guarantees and this Ukraine-Euro-US plan depends on a lasting ceasefire that has yet to materialize. And the Russians are showing no true interest in a peace deal to end their war.” Via Financial Times

• “Beijing’s huge support for Russian aggression against Ukraine part of larger threatening posture, air marshal tells Commons committee.” Via the Telegraph

• “Russia spent about half of its state budget on its military last year, according to an analysis by Germany’s foreign intelligence agency.” Via the Telegraph

• “Ukraine’s Gripen jets likely to come with long-reach Meteor Missiles.” Via Defense News

• “The U.S. military says Washington and Moscow agreed Thursday to reestablish high-level military-to-military dialogue after talks in Abu Dhabi, ending a suspension that lasted more than four years.” Via Reuters

• “Gen. Vladimir Alexeev, the senior most GRU commander in charge of the war on Ukraine, reported shot multiple times in Moscow on February 6th. Alexeev, himself born in Ukraine, was seen as the most sophisticated and capable architect of the invasion of Ukraine.” Via BBC

• “Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the US is urging Ukraine and Russia to end their war before the start of summer, reflecting growing pressure in Washington for a negotiated settlement as midterm elections approach.” Via Financial Times

• “North Korean troops in Kursk are being rotated regularly under a bilateral agreement with Moscow to gain combat experience.” Via WSJ

Middle East

• “Iran is willing to suspend or shut down its nuclear program to ease tensions, but prefers a U.S.-backed plan for a regional nuclear power consortium. Officials said Ali Larijani recently delivered a message from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Vladimir Putin, offering to send Iran’s enriched uranium to Russia, as under the 2015 deal.” Via NYT

• “The US warned Iraq it may restrict access to oil revenues if it appoints Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister, saying he is too close to Iran.” Via Bloomberg

• “Iranian gunboats approached a U.S. oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday and ordered it to stop, a provocative move at a time when Washington is building up forces in the region for a possible strike on Iran.” Via WSJ

• “US Central Command said American forces carried out five strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria between 27 January and 2 February, destroying what it described as a communications site, logistics node and weapons storage facilities.” Via UK Defence Journal

• The German armed forces have significantly reduced their presence in northern Iraq due to the "escalation of tensions between the US and Iran.” Via Spiegel

• “Iran refused to end nuclear enrichment in talks with the US, with people familiar saying "neither side moved much" during the negotiations.” Via WSJ

Southwest and Southeast Asia

• “President Trump announced a trade deal with India, saying the U.S. will cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18% and that India will stop buying Russian oil and sharply increase purchases of American energy, technology, agriculture and other products.” Via NYT

• “According to the UN monitoring group, al Qaeda is now 50x larger than it was on 9/11.” Via the Times

Indo-Pacific

• “Taiwan’s opposition parties have advanced a bill that would slash a special military budget, potentially jeopardizing the purchases of billions of dollars of US weapons aimed at deterring the threat of invasion by China.” Via Bloomberg

• “China's anti-corruption probe into top general Zhang Youxia and other senior officials will "remove roadblocks" and strengthen the country's military, state media said Monday.” Via AFP

• “A two-month series of military drills between the Philippines and US, together with defense allies, began in late January in the West Philippine Sea, a navy official said on Tuesday, Feb. 3, as Manila countered Beijing’s accusation of stoking tensions in the maritime flashpoint.” Via News Watch Philippines

• “Taiwan must look to democracies, not China, for trade cooperation, president says.” Via Reuters

• “Three Chinese lawmakers with ties to the defense sector have been detained and are under investigation. The lawmakers include two nuclear-weapons researchers and the former head of China's state-owned aircraft and drone manufacturer.” Via Xinhua

Americas

• “The last nuclear arms control pact between the United States and Russia is set to end not with a bang, but with a whimper….New START’s expiration next Thursday, a day that will mark the end of a half-century of collaboration between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.” Via NYT

Africa

• “Somaliland says it expects to sign a trade partnership with Israel, the first nation to recognise its independence, and may offer access to mineral resources such as lithium in return for Israeli technology and investment. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said talks are ongoing but no deal is final yet.” Via Reuters

• “Ghana suspends citizenship processing for people with African descent.” Via BBC Africa

Europe

• “US ambassador to Turkey sees resolution on S-400 dispute within months.” Via EKathermi

• “Poland to probe possible links between Epstein and Russia, PM Tusk says.” Via Reuters

• “The Ministry of Defence has for the first time officially confirmed that Type 26 frigate build slots currently allocated to the Royal Navy are being assessed for potential transfer to Norway.” Via UK Defence Journal

• “Only 17 percent of Danes see the United States as an ally, according to a new opinion poll. Sixty percent of Danes now view the United States as an adversary, while one in five Danes simply no longer knows what to think of the U.S.” Via DR DK

• "The US state department is set to fund Maga-aligned think-tanks and charities across Europe to disseminate Washington’s policy positions and challenge perceived threats to free speech." Via Financial Times

• “A 54-year old Colonel in the Air Force of Greece has been arrested for supplying classified NATO information to China, prosecutors allege. The data included troop movements. He faces up to 20 years in prison on conviction.” Via EKathimerini

Abstract: The Sumerian civilization has been a mystery of the ancient world. They are credited with being among the early pioneers in the cradle of civilisation in modern-day Iraq. Using their geography and knowledge, the city-states of Sumer became effective regional rulers and mentors for future empires in early human civilisation.

The Sumerian civilisation was largely based in Southern Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The first documented history of the Sumerians dates to 2,700 BC. They were a confederation of different tribes and ethnic groups within Mesopotamia. Sumerians referred to themselves as sag-gi-ga (black headed people), and their settlements were called the ‘land of the civilised lords.’

The Sumerian civilisation was vastly different from the previous Ubaid period, as people in Mesopotamia began to move into more walled and fortified urban centres rather than open villages. Sumerians lived in city-states, the most well-known being Ur, Uruk, Lagash, and Kish. There was a negative effect of the city-states, as they became stratified. With the stratification of the city-states, kings were firmly established in the hierarchical system.

The Sumerians were the forefathers of many innovations in the ancient world, which enabled their system of government to run smoothly. Their most well-known innovation was the cuneiform script, the first writing system in human civilisation. The primary use of the cuneiform script was for administrative and agricultural purposes, something the Sumerians were masters at.

Later in history, cuneiform would be used for literary texts. Sumerians would write ok clay tablets and dry them in the sun to preserve the texts. Arithmetic was also developed by the Sumerians and was represented on clay tablets. In parallel with its innovation, the calendar and clock were also developed. In the Sumerian clock, the system used was 60 seconds, 60 minutes, and 12 hours, as well as a calendar with 12 months. The impact of this is still felt to this day in the regular calendar and clock system. Other major innovations include the wheel, astronomy, maps, irrigation, farming techniques, and medical drugs and surgery.

Though the Sumerians were masters of innovation, they were never a unified society, which led to disputes and conflicts with rival city-states. This led to innovations in warfare, such as siege warfare and the phalanx formation. When the Sumerians established the Neo-Sumerian Empire, also known as the Third Dynasty of Ur, around 2112 BC, they created the Code of Ur-Nammu, the oldest surviving law code in the world. When their dynasty ended, the Sumerian language eventually died out and was gradually replaced by Akkadian, and later by Assyrian and Babylonian. Even though their society gradually died out and was assimilated by emerging empires in Mesopotamia, their lasting effects on mankind are felt to this day. Teaching humanity how to farm, count time, perform surgery, and write laid the foundations for a modern human civilisation in the Fertile Crescent.

Further Notes

1. Bertman, S. Handbook to Life in Ancient Mesopotamia. Oxford University Press, 2005.

2. Black, J., et. al. The Literature of Ancient Sumer. Oxford University Press, 2006.

3. Buttaro, J. Everyday Life in Ancient Mesopotamia. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.

4. Jacobsen, T. The Treasures of Darkness. Yale University Press, 1978.

5. Kramer, S. N. History Begins at Sumer. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1988.

6. Kramer, S. N. The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Chicago Press, 1971.

7. Kriwaczek, P. Babylon: Mesopotamia and the Birth of Civilization. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2012.

8. Leick, G. Mesopotamia: The Invention of the City. Penguin Books, 2003.

9. Leick, G. The A to Z of Mesopotamia. Scarecrow Press, 2010.

10. Van De Mieroop, M. A History of the Ancient Near East ca. 3000 - 323 BC, 2nd Edition. Blackwell Publishing, 2006.

11. Von Soden, W. The Ancient Orient: An Introduction to the Study of the Ancient Near East. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1994.

12. Wise Bauer, S. The History of the Ancient World. W. W. Norton & Company, 2007.

The majority of Australia’s war veterans can name every single beach and major town of the Normandy D-Day campaign. Yet very few Australians know the names of the harrowing beaches of Tarakan, Brunei Bay, Labuan, and especially Balikpapan that hold some of the deepest blood and horrors of WWII.

The battles are considered to be Australia’s D-Day moments, as major amphibious assaults carried out at a scale equal to the largest Pacific landings of the late war. Despite Borneo seeming like a low-level campaign, the forces involved, the scale of the battles, and the strategic weight of the objectives taken. The Borneo campaign was a major Allied operation led and fought by Australians and it deserves full recognition across the wider Allied effort.

In 1945 the Australian Army was one of the most experienced in jungle and amphibious warfare amongst allied forces in the Pacific. Its combat record stretched from the Kokoda Track, Buna, Gona, Salamaua, Lae, Finschhafen, and Aitape, through to the operations in the Solomon Islands that supported and followed the Guadalcanal campaign. These were battles that helped halt and reversed the Japanese advance. Canberra forged an army that understood amphibious coordination, jungle combat, and combined arms warfare at a world class level.

During the Borneo campaign, Australia committed more than 30,000 troops across the three major landings. Tarakan, Brunei Bay, Labuan, and Balikpapan each required entire brigades, with armour, artillery, engineers, medical units, and RAAF squadrons. On the Axis side were more than 32,000 Japanese defenders across Borneo, including heavily fortified regiments, naval infantry, and garrison units. Japanese losses were devastating with more than 10,000 killed in the fighting and thousands more captured once resistance collapsed.

Australian casualties were comparatively light for offensive jungle warfare, but still serious, with more than 600 killed and more than 2,000 wounded across the campaign. These were not the numbers of a small diversion. These were the numbers of a major, full scale allied offensive.

The campaign also relied on a strong Australian naval presence. The Royal Australian Navy played a central role. RAN cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and corvettes swept mines, landed troops, escorted convoys, patrolled the coast, and pushed into shallow waters where larger American ships could not operate. The naval contribution was dangerous, direct, and essential.

The Borneo campaign opened with the landing at Tarakan in May 1945. The U.S. Navy supported the operation with transports, cruisers, destroyers, and command ships of the Seventh Fleet. The Royal Australian Navy worked beside their American counterparts, clearing the approaches, marking safe lanes, escorting the landing craft, and taking fire in close support.

Once ashore, the battle became entirely Australian. Australian infantry stormed the beaches and fought their way inland through some of the hardest ground of the campaign. The Japanese resisted with fanatic determination, fighting until the death attitude, yet the Australian brigades broke each defensive line through relentless pressure and disciplined coordination.

The next stage came at Brunei Bay and Labuan. Here, the United States provided offshore lift and bombardment while the RAN handled the dangerous inshore work. The 9th Division carried the inland advance with the same precision and toughness it had displayed in North Africa. The RAAF flew constant close air support. Australian engineers opened ports, repaired airfields, and restored key infrastructure with speed and skill.

The final stage was the Balikpapan landing in July 1945, the largest amphibious assault ever commanded by Australia. The American Navy delivered a massive bombardment and transported the assault force, but the RAN cleared the mines, marked the channels, and guided the landing waves. When the ramps dropped, the battle was entirely Australian.

The 7th Division advanced through mine belts, oil soaked beaches, and heavily fortified Japanese positions. Unit coordination of infantry, tanks, artillery, and the RAAF was exceptional. When the campaign ended, the Japanese surrendered directly to Australian commanders.

Overall tens of thousands of Australian troops, dozens of RAN warships, entire RAAF wings, and the full weight of Japanese garrisons were engaged. Fortified beaches were taken. Cities were liberated. Airfields and ports and most importantly the oil infrastructure were secured.

The campaign shaped the final phase of the war in the Southwest Pacific and it was led and won by Australians. These landings were Australia’s D-Day moments. They were our beaches, our ships, our victories, our sacrifices. They should be known not only in Australia but across every allied nation that values honest history.

Furthermore, Australians had been engaged in combat in Europe pre-Battle of Britain. Australian aircrews fought over England, France, Germany, Malta, and North Africa. Australian soldiers fought in Greece, Crete, Tobruk, El Alamein, and across the Mediterranean and Middle East. Before fighting in Papua and the Solomons, and long before they stepped onto the beaches of Borneo, Australians had served in every major theatre of the war.

Borneo was Canberra’s final great offensive. It was Australia’s D-Day, and it deserves to take its proper place among the major Allied landings of the Second World War.

Russian invasion of Ukraine:

• “The UK/French led multinational force (MNF) being assembled for Ukraine will be a three star command headquartered in Paris. A forward coordination cell in Kyiv is also planned. - UK Defence Journal

• “The Trump administration has indicated to Ukraine that US security guarantees are contingent on Kyiv first agreeing a peace deal that would likely involve ceding the Donbas region to Russia, according to eight people familiar with talks. Washington has also suggested it would promise Ukraine more weaponry to bolster its peacetime army if — as the price of peace with Russia — it agreed to withdraw its forces from the parts of the eastern region it controls, two of the people said.” Via Financial Times

• “Russian and Ukrainian military casualties near 2 million. About 1.2 million are Russian military personnel, about 600 thousand are Ukrainian. In 2025, Russia lost about 415 thousand people killed and wounded, an average of 35,000 per month.” Via NYT

• “More than 1 million residents of Kyiv's left bank continue facing the most adverse conditions in the city, with many living without electricity or heating during the toughest weeks of the year as temperatures regularly plunge below minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).” Via Kyiv Independent

• “The number of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine has sharply increased in recent weeks (thanks to more effective Ukrainian drones, the killed/wounded ratio has shifted in favor of the killed). According to European intelligence estimates, monthly losses in killed personnel have already reached a level that Russia can only compensate for with contract soldiers (without a new mobilization wave). If this trend continues, it will be difficult for the Kremlin to replenish the army without forced mobilization, which Putin is avoiding due to its extreme unpopularity.” Via Bloomberg

• “Ukrainian soldiers say the situation has forced them to wage war like firefighters — rushing to contain a flare-up in one sector, only to see another ignite elsewhere, then running back as the first combusts again.” Via NYT

Middle East:

• "As many as 30,000 people could have been killed in the streets of Iran on Jan. 8 and 9 alone, two senior officials of the country’s Ministry of Health told TIME."

• “The United Arab Emirates said on Monday it would not let its airspace, territory or territorial waters be used for any hostile military actions against Iran, the foreign ministry said, reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and regional stability.” Via Reuters

• “EU adds IRGC on list of terrorist designations.” Via BBC

• “Iran told Egypt that they "strongly object" to US terms and warned they may strike targets across the region.” Via WSJ

• “UK unlikely to join any U.S. strike on Iran, British sources say, citing legal constraints. RAF Typhoons were deployed to Qatar last week at the request of the Qataris to help defend regional allies if Tehran retaliates or seeks to widen the conflict.” Via The Guardian

Southwest Asia and Southeast Asia

• “IndiGo has cancelled its flights to and from Tbilisi, Almaty, Tashkent, and Baku until January 28, according to the Times of India. Air India is evaluating whether to continue flying over eastern Iran.” Via Times of India

• Myanmar junta imports jet fuel for deadly airstrikes via "ghost ships" using Russia/Iran/NK sanction evasion tactics like AIS off, spoofing, and STS transfers. 109k+ tons delivered in 2025, up 69%. Via Amnesty International

• “India and EU to explore defense cooperation.” Via Reuters

Americas:

• "Venezuela provided Cuba with about 70,000 barrels per day of crude oil and refined products worth as much as $1.3 billion from approximately late 2024 through late 2025, the official said, citing information from a previously undisclosed analysis by the U.S. government.
Cuba then sent about 40,000 barrels each day — about 60% — to Asia for resale, the official said." Via Miami Herald

• “U.S. intelligence reports have raised doubts that interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez will cooperate with the Trump administration’s demands, including formally cutting ties with U.S. adversaries.” Via Reuters

Indo-Pacific:

• “ Chinese leader Xi Jinping placed his most senior general under investigation, defenestrating a longtime ally and escalating a crackdown on military corruption and disloyalty into Beijing’s biggest shake-up of its armed forces in decades. Gen. Zhang Youxia, the senior of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China and the de facto commander-in-chief of the army, has been put under investigation. He is suspected of "serious violations of party discipline and state laws." Via WSJ

Africa:

• “Burkina Faso's military government disbands all political parties, seizes their assets.” Via Reuters

Europe:

• “German investment in the U.S. fell about 45% in Trump’s first year back in office, as companies were spooked by tariffs, trade uncertainty, and a weaker dollar. German exports to the U.S. also dropped sharply, marking their biggest decline since 2010.” Via IW

• “Ten European nations agree to Hamburg Declaration. A North Sea offshore wind grid with 100GW capacity will be jointly constructed. Signing Monday. Will power 143 million homes.” Via The Guardian

• “Sweden weighs Franco-British nucelar weapons cooperation.” Via Breaking Defense

• Slovak PM Robert Fico told EU leaders he was alarmed after meeting Donald Trump on Jan. 17 at Mar-a-Lago, calling Trump’s state of mind “dangerous” and raising concerns about his “psychological state,” according to EU diplomats. The White House rejected the account, saying “This is absolutely total fake news… The meeting at Mar-a-Lago was positive and productive.” Via Politico