World News
Latest world news and updates
Total: 476
Starmer Eyes Closer EU Defence Ties as Britain Reconsiders SAFE Fund
Britain is considering joining a second round of the EU’s SAFE defence financing programme, reopening a debate over post‑Brexit security cooperation. The move would deepen practical ties with European partners but will hinge on agreement over costs, legal terms and governance.
The U.S. Addiction to Special Forces: Cheap Wins, Strategic Pain
Chinese state commentary argues that successive U.S. administrations have become dependent on special operations as a low‑cost means of power projection, a habit that risks strategic blowback. The piece ties historical institutional development to recent high‑profile raids and warns that frequent unilateral actions erode international norms and invite dangerous retaliation.
Iran Says It Will Treat European Militaries as 'Terrorists' After EU Lists the IRGC — A Dangerous Escalation
Iran’s parliament speaker announced that Tehran will treat European militaries as terrorist organisations after the EU designated the IRGC as a terrorist group. The declaration is largely rhetorical but raises serious legal and operational risks, complicating European deployments and increasing the chance of miscalculation in an already tense region.
On the Eastern Seaboard, China’s Frontline Troops Send a Stark Message of Readiness
A reporter's on-the-ground account from China's eastern coast highlights intensive, joint frontline readiness intended as both practical defence preparation and political deterrence. The story underscores how routine drills and heightened operational tempo raise the stakes for miscalculation in a crowded maritime theatre.
Europe’s Winter Drills Expose the Limits of a ‘De‑Americanized’ NATO
Two recent NATO exercises — Arctic Endurance‑2026 and Steadfast Dart‑2026 — were presented as Europe‑led tests of collective defence, but rushed planning, thin participation and serious logistical frictions exposed enduring capability gaps. The drills signal a political push for European strategic autonomy, yet they also underline how far Europe must go before it can credibly substitute for US military power.
Talks Open but Trenches Deepen: U.S. and Iran Signal Willingness Amid Stark Differences
Both Washington and Tehran have publicly signalled willingness to enter talks on nuclear, missile and proxy issues, but deep disagreements over demands, sequencing and verification make successful negotiations uncertain. Military posturing and strict U.S. conditions fuel Iranian scepticism, leaving the region under continued diplomatic and security strain.
Trump Signals Willingness to Negotiate With Iran While Repeating Military Threats
Donald Trump said he hopes the U.S. can reach an agreement with Iran while emphasising U.S. naval strength and warning of military consequences if talks fail. Iran says it remains confident indirect negotiations are productive, insisting on sanctions relief and the right to peaceful enrichment amid a tense regional military backdrop and recent U.S.-Israel coordination.
US Forces at Iran’s Doorstep — But the Crucial Window for Influence Has Closed
US forces are positioned close to Iran, but a critical period in which decisive pressure or punitive action would have been most effective has passed. That missed timing narrows US options, increases regional instability, and forces difficult choices between costly escalation and containment backed by diplomacy.
Rafah Crossing Reopens in Limited Fashion, Easing Gaza's Humanitarian Strain
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on February 2 for a limited number of two-way passages after being closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side. The move facilitates urgent medical evacuations and limited staff movement but remains constrained by security, infrastructure and diplomatic coordination, so broader humanitarian relief is not guaranteed.
Slovak Lawmaker Criticises Japan’s Takaichi as Threatening One‑China Consensus and Regional Stability
Michal Bartek, vice‑chair of Slovakia’s parliamentary Defence and Security Committee, condemned remarks by Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi as irresponsible and dangerous for challenging the One China principle. He warned that confrontational rhetoric risks destabilising East Asia and reflects Tokyo’s growing alignment with Washington at the expense of regional and economic interests.
Condolence and Coercion: China’s Rescue Diplomacy Amid Rising South China Sea Tensions
China’s condolence to the Philippines after a fatal ferry sinking highlights a broader pattern of simultaneous humanitarian outreach and military assertiveness in the South China Sea. Incidents of rescue and reproach reveal deep distrust between Beijing and Manila, with implications for regional stability amid US–China competition.
Trump Blames Fuel, Not Firepower, After Two U.S. Warplanes Crash into South China Sea — A Deeper Read on Readiness Risks
President Trump has dismissed claims that two U.S. Navy aircraft lost over the South China Sea were shot down, instead pointing to fuel contamination as the probable cause. The incidents highlight aging carrier infrastructure, strained logistics and rising accident rates that could undermine U.S. carrier readiness and deterrence.