Russia lists European drone factories as targets

 

Russia has publicly identified 23 facilities in the United Kingdom and several other European countries as potential military targets, saying they are allegedly linked to the production of Ukrainian drones or related components. The list was released this week by Russia’s defence ministry and amplified on Thursday by former Russian...

Pakistan emerges as key mediator in Iran-US war

 

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has become a central figure in efforts to mediate an end to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. After 21 hours of unsuccessful talks in Islamabad involving US vice-president JD Vance, Munir flew urgently to Tehran on Wednesday, where he...

Iran Opens Strait of Hormuz During Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

 

Washington, April 17, US President Donald Trump said Iran has announced the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, making it ready for navigation. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, "Iran just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage". The Lebanon-Israel...

Ceasefire Begins as U.S. Seeks Iran Negotiation Progress

 

Washington: A ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect on 16 April 2026, and President Donald Trump said on Thursday that talks between the United States and Iran could resume this weekend. Trump told reporters he believed a deal might be close and cited reported Iranian concessions on...

Philippines, United States expand drills near South China Sea

 

The United States and the Philippines are deepening defense cooperation near the South China Sea, focusing on Balabac, a strategic island group close to disputed waters and the Spratly area. Balabac hosts a 300-hectare Philippine air base designated in 2023 as an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement site, giving U.S. forces...

Israel and Lebanon launch ten-day ceasefire

 

Israel and Lebanon will begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5 p.m. EST (2100 GMT) on Thursday to allow negotiations on a permanent security and peace agreement, the U.S. State Department announced. The truce, which can be extended by mutual consent, aims to create conditions for talks after Israel’s military campaign...

Washington Hosts Direct Talks Between Israel and Lebanon

 

Washington: Israeli and Lebanese envoys met at the US State Department on April 14 for direct talks, with Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter describing a two-hour, 'wonderful' exchange and saying both sides are 'on the same side' in opposing Iran-backed Hezbollah; Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh also attended the meeting and the...

Iran: No Ships Pass on U.S.-Iran Blockade Day

 

United States — On the inaugural day of a U.S.-Iran blockade, no ships passed through the affected waters, initial reports said today. The reports indicate the blockade entered its first full day of enforcement, but officials did not provide specific details on the geographic scope, the identity of the enforcing...

US, Indonesia Elevate Ties Through Major Defence Partnership

 

Washington — On April 13, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced at the Pentagon that the United States and Indonesia have elevated their relationship to a Major Defence Cooperation Partnership after meeting with Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The announcement named areas of cooperation including military modernization, capacity building, training...

US begins blockade of Iranian ports after talks collapse

 

Washington — The U.S. Central Command announced it will begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday at 10 a.m. ET, citing the President's proclamation and stating the action will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations while not impeding...