American think tank of international affairs
Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi with US mediators have resumed. Ukraine and Russia are pressing for security guarantees and territorial positions, while Washington seeks a post-war framework. Officials say both sides remain far apart publicly, yet privately show some flexibility on territory as negotiations focus on security guarantees and a possible NATO-style commitment.
Syria has signed an agreement with Russia that transfers civilian management of Hmeimim airport and Tartus’ commercial berth to Damascus and converts military areas at both sites into joint Russian–Syrian training centres. The memorandum sets a three‑month deadline for the transition and preserves Russian access for transit and operations.
President Donald Trump has submitted a 30-year civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress, starting a 90-day review. The deal would allow U.S. firms to export civilian nuclear technology and build AP1000 reactors. The White House says the pact will only move forward if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
Israeli airstrikes in south Lebanon have killed civilians and damaged infrastructure, including a hospital and homes in Nabatieh, Kfar Rumman and Nabatieh al-Fawqa, despite a US-brokered truce. The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands and renewed calls for Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli withdrawal.
The White House has faced mounting pressure to escalate actions against Iran following the November 3 elections. Officials say the administration is maintaining pressure while considering a calibrated ramp-up in military action if domestic and regional conditions evolve, with a focus on economic leverage to secure concessions in diplomacy.
Israeli strikes hit multiple Lebanese towns including Arab Salim and Nabatieh al-Fawqa, killing several civilians and injuring others. Israel maintains a self-declared security zone in southern Lebanon and has stated the strikes are in response to Hezbollah actions. Ceasefire tensions persist as clashes continue and regional leaders call for de-escalation.
The Defense Secretary has faced resignations and blocked promotions amid a broader clash over modernization and culture-war priorities. Critics say leadership is being hollowed out as top brass depart and the Pentagon reshapes itself.
Global AI governance discussions are accelerating as U.S. and China emphasize competitive dynamics and safety concerns. Amodei warns of a Chinese lead posing grave risks, while officials push for a cooperative framework on AI incidents and governance, amid divergent signals from Beijing and Washington.
US and Iranian officials have held three hours of indirect talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. President Trump has described the session as "very productive" and said he faces a "big decision" about whether to pursue a deal or escalate military action. Gulf states are pressing for a route to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and plan further diplomacy.
The United States has signalled it will avoid direct military action in Yemen while expanding intelligence and support to Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have seized the Perim island and advanced toward the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, threatening global shipping. Washington is prioritising Iran and the Strait of Hormuz while urging regional stability.
Syrian President al-Sharaa has told the UN that Israel’s strikes in Syria are unacceptable and that the Golan Heights will remain Syrian. He has urged withdrawal from border areas and signaled openness to a security agreement, as talks with Israel show progress toward a broader peace.
Netanyahu has addressed the UN General Assembly amid international walkouts and domestic political tension. He frames Gaza actions as defending Israel, while critics accuse him of genocide and war crimes. Protests and heavy international scrutiny accompany the speech.
Syria’s President has reaffirmed that the Golan Heights will remain Syrian territory and has called on Israel to withdraw from areas seized after December 2024. Israel’s defence minister pledges that any territory seized will remain Israeli, while the UN still regards the Golan as Syrian. The exchange follows a UN General Assembly address and renewed threats of action from both sides.
The United States and China have identified a framework to reduce tariffs on $30 billion of non-sensitive goods, aiming to stabilise trade relations after recent talks between Presidents Xi and Trump. The lists include hundreds of US products and thousands of Chinese goods, with no immediate timetable for full implementation. Analysts say the move is stabilising rather than a comprehensive reset.
G20 trade ministers in Milwaukee have failed to reach consensus on countering overcapacity and eliminating forced labor from supply chains. A Milwaukee framework on steel excess capacity has emerged, data sharing is expanding, and some ministers are pushing for new trade measures, while China remains a central point of contention.
Lebanon faces a delicate test as its government seeks to reassert state authority north of the Litani, amid Israeli incursions and Hezbollah’s entrenched influence. Leaders call for disarmament of Hezbollah while navigating regional tensions and international pressure, with reconstruction and sovereignty on the line.
The EU and China have reached a pilot agreement to curb Chinese hybrid vehicle exports, with a 16-point framework covering cars, rare earths and market access. The plan includes an initial cap on hybrid imports and a mechanism to block shipments above the quota, while dialogue continues on broader trade issues.
Pakistan has imposed emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial PTI government and placing the province under a federally appointed governor and advisory council. Authorities have deployed security forces, restricted internet and closed schools; the federal government says the step responds to rising militant attacks while PTI calls it a political takeover ahead of planned protests for Imran Khan’s release.
The Department of Energy has begun lending up to $4.4 billion to restart three decommissioned U.S. nuclear plants—Palisades, Three Mile Island, and Duane Arnold—to restore about 2.25 gigawatts of power. Big Tech contracts underpin some plants, aiming to deliver carbon-free electricity quickly; critics warn safety and aging infrastructure risk. The Trump administration is backing nuclear as a fast-track energy solution.
Rubio’s India visit has focused on energy and trade, highlighting coordination on refining capacity and diversifying energy portfolios. He has met India’s foreign minister in Mumbai and will visit Jamnagar’s Reliance refinery as part of efforts to steady fuel markets ahead of US midterms.
The US has cancelled the traditional group photograph at the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Atlanta after several European countries, the UK, Australia and others refused to be photographed with Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has opened talks urging cooperation on trade, energy and food-security threats as divisions threaten a joint communique.
The United States and China have extended a fragile trade truce as midterm dynamics shape leverage. Washington has kept a cautious stance while Beijing signals readiness to offer concessions, with talks focused on timing and scope ahead of two scheduled meetings in Shenzhen and Miami.