Nonpartisan think tank on global affairs
President Donald Trump has visited Ankara for a NATO summit and has pressed allies to raise defence spending, threatened trade measures and floated withdrawing US troops from Europe. He has said he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting warnings from Israel and unease among European partners.
China has test‑launched a long‑range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific carrying a dummy warhead. Beijing has said the launch was routine and that relevant countries were notified; Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Pacific states have condemned the test as destabilising and said notice was insufficient.
NATO leaders have met in Ankara after months of U.S. threats to scale back forces in Europe and repeated U.S. demands that allies raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and U.S. troop reviews have strained transatlantic ties, while European governments are increasing procurement and planning to assume more conventional defence responsibilities.
Trump has pressured Netanyahu as a broader Iran crisis continues, with Washington seeking an exit from a costly conflict while Netanyahu faces elections and legal scrutiny. Both sides show restraint after earlier strikes, but the deadlock remains.
[Synopsis]
Oman is signaling a potential system to charge ships for passing through the Strait of Hormuz as the waterway undergoes a shift in governance post-war with Iran. While authorities say any fees would comply with international law, analysts describe a move that could fundamentally alter open navigation through the strait.
Marine Le Pen faces a key appeal ruling over a 2025 EU funds embezzlement conviction and a five-year ban on holding public office. The outcome could restore her bid, trim the ban, or keep her from running, reshaping the National Rally’s path to the presidency in 2027.
Oman is exploring a tolling approach for the Strait of Hormuz while navigating international law, amid US opposition and regional pressure. Reports show ongoing transits and ongoing diplomacy as the crisis evolves.
Marine Le Pen remains under a court ruling over alleged misuse of European Parliament funds. A fresh appeal could bar her from office, lifting Bardella into the lead. The National Rally’s future now hinges on the outcome, with the 2027 election in view.