-
Cypriot officials are calling for a review of the UK military bases in Cyprus following recent incidents, including a drone strike and UK-US security talks. President Christodoulides seeks greater transparency and possible renegotiation of the 1960 treaty, while the UK emphasizes the bases' defensive role and denies offensive use.
-
As of late December 2025, Iran's leadership declares a state of total war with the US, Israel, and Europe amid ongoing sanctions and military confrontations. Israel plans to press the US for further strikes targeting Iran's missile program during a high-level meeting. Iran insists its missile activities are defensive, while Israel warns of Iran rebuilding its ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities after the June 12-day war.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union concluded a landmark free trade agreement after nearly 20 years of negotiations. Covering 2 billion people and 25% of global GDP, the deal will slash tariffs on most goods, double EU exports to India by 2032, and deepen strategic ties amid shifting global trade dynamics and US tariff pressures.
-
As of March 13, 2026, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed due to ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Iranian missile and drone attacks, alongside US and Israeli strikes, have halted tanker traffic through this vital waterway, which carries about 20% of global oil. The closure has caused surging oil prices, soaring insurance costs, and widespread shipping disruptions, with major powers considering naval escorts to reopen the route.
-
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.
-
As of March 10, 2026, the UK has deployed the HMS Dragon destroyer and counter-drone helicopters to the eastern Mediterranean following an Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on March 1. British Typhoon and F-35 jets are actively intercepting Iranian missiles and drones in the Middle East. The UK has authorized limited US use of British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites amid escalating regional tensions.
-
On March 2, 2026, an Iranian-made drone struck the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, causing minor damage. The attack, linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, prompted Cyprus to seek military aid from France and Greece. The UK allowed US defensive strikes from its bases but denied offensive use. Cyprus is reconsidering the status of British bases amid rising regional tensions.
-
British military bases in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia, face increased security threats after Iranian-made drones targeted the Akrotiri airbase. Cyprus officials question the bases' colonial legacy amid regional conflicts, while the UK affirms their defensive, non-offensive use. The situation escalates as drone attacks and diplomatic tensions grow.
-
The US and Israel's ongoing military actions against Iran have led to the escalation of the conflict, with strikes on Iran and regional targets. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, causing oil prices to spike past $100 per barrel, raising fears of a broader energy crisis amid regional instability.
-
France has deployed multiple naval assets, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to the Mediterranean amid escalating Middle East conflict. The mission aims to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz and bolster regional security following Iranian drone attacks and regional war escalation. The deployment involves several European nations and is described as defensive.