military aid to israel

In a bold move, Israel has expelled two foreign activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were intercepted during their participation in a Gaza-bound flotilla. Advocates for human rights have denounced this decision, labeling it as a deliberate strike against a peaceful initiative.

Stripe co-founder Saikat Chakrabarti is launching a political revolution, aiming to unseat Nancy Pelosi's successor in San Francisco. He criticizes Democratic leadership, advocating for an end to US military aid to israel, a wealth tax, and free healthcare. Despite significant personal investment and progressive backing, Chakrabarti faces a challenging local political landscape.

US intelligence suggests Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones, raising security concerns about potential attacks on American targets like Guantanamo Bay and Key West. CIA chief visited Havana, warning against hostilities and urging an end to its "totalitarian government." Cuba denies threatening war, asserting its right to self-defense amid growing defense ties with Russia and Iran.

The diplomatic cable published by independent news outlet Drop Site has revived Khan’s long-standing claims of a foreign-backed conspiracy, once again placing Pakistan’s fragile civil-military balance under scrutiny

This week, US President Donald Trump will embark on a pivotal journey to China, where his host expects 'more stability' in terms of trade disputes and the turbulence in the Middle East. A day before his visit, key economic advisers and trade negotiators will meet in Seoul to finalise critically important negotiations.

Presidents Putin and Trump held a 1.5-hour call discussing the Middle East war and Ukraine. Putin backed Trump's Iran ceasefire extension, viewing it as a stabilizing move. He also proposed a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day, aiming to advance peace negotiations.

President Trump is considering reducing US troop presence in Italy and Spain, citing their lack of support for the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz efforts. This move signals a widening rift with European allies over military objectives and burden-sharing within Nato.

In a significant shift, Israel has deployed its advanced Iron Dome air defence system to the UAE amid sustained Iranian attacks. This marks the first operational deployment outside Israel, highlighting deepening regional military ties. The system successfully intercepted numerous projectiles, bolstering UAE defenses and solidifying alliances against common threats.

US Central Command reports 41 tankers carrying 69 million barrels of oil are blocked from offloading due to US enforcement measures, cutting off Iranian trade. President Trump has directed aides to prepare for an extended blockade, viewing it as a high-risk, effective strategy to pressure Tehran on its nuclear program.

United States President Donald Trump has declared Israel is prohibited from conducting further airstrikes in Lebanon. This statement surprised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Iran announced it is reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. This move signals potential progress in broader United States-Iran diplomacy. Despite the ceasefire, some military activity was reported.

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has reportedly refused to speak with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes after US President Donald Trump suggested the leaders would hold talks. Lebanese officials informed the US and Israel that negotiations will not proceed until a ceasefire is achieved. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues despite recent discussions.

Gravely wounded in the strike that killed Ali Khamenei, but still mentally sharp, Iran’s new supreme leader remains unseen and unheard. As he recovers from multiple surgeries and severe burns, how much of a role does he really have right now?

Iran reportedly used a Chinese-built spy satellite, TEE-01B, to monitor US military bases in the Middle East during recent conflicts. Leaked documents suggest the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps utilized the satellite for targeting and assessing strike success. China denies providing military support, calling the accusations fabricated.

The Middle East's conflicts are analyzed through the lens of 'proxies and levers,' where state actors use non-state groups to project power and achieve strategic goals. This approach, while avoiding direct military costs, often results in prolonged violence, instability, and humanitarian crises, complicating peace efforts in the region.

Donald Trump's recent AI-generated images, including one mistaken for Jesus, sparked controversy. He clashed with Pope Leo over foreign policy and war, while also promoting diet soda for cancer prevention. Amidst concerns about his fitness for office and promises of mass pardons, Trump's actions continue to draw global attention.

For weeks, the Trump administration relied on Pakistan to act as an intermediary, urging it to persuade Iran to agree to a pause in hostilities that would allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Islamabad’s role as a Muslim-majority neighbour was seen as key to making the proposal acceptable to Tehran. Back-channel diplomacy spearheaded by Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir culminated late Tuesday with the US, Iran and Israel announcing a two-week ceasefire.

After a delicate two-week truce, President Trump announced a "strategic shift" in Tehran, highlighting enhanced US-Iran cooperation to dismantle nuclear arsenals. He revealed intentions for both sanctions relief and potential tariffs on countries that supply weaponry to Iran. This interim measure is designed to create room for expansive talks on nuclear limitations and regional stability.

Trump has paused the bombing. That does not mean the war is winding down. But it may suggest that it is becoming harder to keep going — not only because of oil and strategy, but because support is beginning to fray

US President Trump has threatened to cripple Iran's power infrastructure and bridges in response to the Strait of Hormuz closure. This tactic, historically used to degrade enemy capabilities, could prolong the conflict and impact Iranian civilians, potentially undermining US claims of targeting the regime, not the people.

President Trump asserted that Israel would follow his lead in ending the Iran war, stating they would stop military action when he decides. This comes after a Trump-directed operation, Operation Epic Fury, led to the elimination of Iran's supreme leader. Despite Netanyahu's push for a sustained offensive, Trump acknowledged Iran's resilience and sought an off-ramp amid declining domestic support.

Iran claims a "bitter defeat" for the US after downing a jet and a C-130, while rescuing a downed F-15 crew member. President Trump, however, hailed the operation as a "daring" rescue, showcasing US "Air Dominance." The clash escalates regional tensions, disrupting vital aid and raising fears of widespread hunger.

President Trump is reportedly willing to end the conflict without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead to weaken Iran's military capabilities and increase diplomatic pressure. This shift comes as an operation to unblock the strait was deemed likely to extend the conflict beyond his preferred timeline.