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In the early hours of March 2, 2026, a suspected Iranian Shahed drone struck the UK’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, causing minor damage but no casualties. The attack followed the UK’s decision to allow US forces to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites. British personnel and families at the base were partially evacuated as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
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Prime Minister Starmer authorized US use of UK bases for defensive actions amid escalating Iran conflict. Trump expressed disappointment over initial refusal, and Iran's retaliatory drone attack on Cyprus base occurred before approval. UK faces regional security challenges and legal debates.
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Iran has threatened US targets in the Middle East after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Multiple attacks have occurred across the region, including drone strikes and missile launches, causing casualties and disrupting regional security. The US and allies are responding with military deployments amid fears of a prolonged conflict.
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Ukraine's bid to join the EU faces delays due to Hungary's opposition and complex reforms. Despite progress in reform commitments, formal negotiations are stalled, with Hungary citing wartime concerns. EU officials remain optimistic about Ukraine's future membership, emphasizing reforms and political will.
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Russia has filed a lawsuit in Moscow against Euroclear, seeking damages over frozen assets held in Europe. EU leaders are debating using €210 billion of Russian assets to fund Ukraine, amid legal and diplomatic tensions. The move could reshape asset management and sanctions enforcement.
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Recent meetings between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders show renewed efforts to restart peace negotiations. Discussions focused on confidence-building measures, trade, and water supply projects, with leaders emphasizing the importance of trust and preparing for potential UN-led talks amid ongoing tensions.
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Despite legal barriers, Donald Trump continues to float the idea of a third presidential term, supported by some allies and legal speculation. His former lawyer Alan Dershowitz has drafted a book exploring constitutional loopholes, while Trump and supporters hint at possible legal routes, despite official denials.
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Climate change and invasive species like lionfish and toadfish are damaging Mediterranean fish stocks and local fishing industries. Efforts include culling, promoting consumption, and habitat restoration, but challenges persist as warming waters expand invasive ranges and impact ecosystems.
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Rwanda signed nine new defense agreements in 2025, with 21 more in progress, focusing on joint training, intelligence, and peacekeeping. The Directorate General of IMC has become highly active, reflecting Rwanda's growing military engagement across Africa and beyond, including deployments in Mozambique and the Central African Republic.
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Athens and Nicosia are replacing traditional loud fireworks with low-noise pyrotechnics, light shows, and drones to make New Year celebrations more child- and pet-friendly. Athens adopted quiet fireworks last year, while Nicosia has fully replaced fireworks with drone displays, aligning with sustainability and EU symbolism as Cyprus assumes EU presidency.
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A bipartisan US bill backed by President Trump aims to impose up to 500% tariffs on countries, including India, China, and Brazil, that continue to buy Russian energy despite sanctions. Russia is reorganising its supply chain to bypass restrictions, with India increasing Russian oil imports amid discounts. The legislation seeks to cut Moscow's funding for Ukraine's war.
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Lebanon has signed a deal with TotalEnergies, ENI, and Qatar Energy to explore offshore gas at Block 8, following a 2022 maritime border agreement with Israel. The consortium plans a seismic survey to assess exploration potential, aiming to boost Lebanon's economy amid ongoing regional tensions.
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A video showing Cyprus officials discussing investments and influence peddling has sparked a political crisis. The government denies wrongdoing, while international agencies assist in the investigation amid concerns of disinformation linked to Russia. The president's office faces calls for accountability as opposition parties scrutinize the fund's donors.
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A new international Board of Peace, chaired for life by Donald Trump, has been announced to oversee Gaza's postwar management and expand to global conflicts. Invitations have been sent to around 60 nations, with some accepting and others expressing concern over its scope and funding requirements. The initiative aims to challenge the UN's influence.
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On January 17, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced escalating tariffs on the UK, Denmark, and six other European countries, starting at 10% from February 1 and rising to 25% from June 1, until a deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland. The move has sparked widespread condemnation from European leaders and NATO allies, who emphasize Greenland's sovereignty lies with Denmark and its people. The tariffs target countries that have deployed troops to Greenland amid rising Arctic security concerns.
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Ukraine plans to open 10 export centers across Europe in 2026 to sell its advanced drones and UAV technology, aiming to capitalize on wartime innovation. The move responds to a drone boom driven by the ongoing conflict with Russia, with international interest in Kyiv’s UAVs and anti-drone systems.
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Turkish and Greek leaders expressed willingness to resolve longstanding maritime disputes during talks in Ankara, emphasizing open dialogue and international law. Despite positive rhetoric, disagreements over territorial waters and regional issues persist, with recent moves by Greece to extend its waters and Turkey's opposition. Migration and regional cooperation also discussed.
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South Africa is ramping up foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination efforts amid a severe outbreak affecting over 297,000 cattle. Vaccines from Turkey and Argentina are arriving, with rapid distribution underway. The outbreak has led to export bans, economic losses, and calls for national unity in containment efforts.