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A US fighter shot down an Iranian drone near a carrier in the Arabian Sea, as both sides signalled willingness for nuclear talks. 

Meanwhile, Russia reiterated support for China’s stance on Taiwan and raised concerns over Japan’s military posture, while Donald Trump said Washington is negotiating with Cuba after warning of an oil blockade.

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Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇮🇷 US shoots down Iranian drone near carrier: US shoots down Iranian drone near carrier: The US military said an F-35 from the USS Abraham Lincoln shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approaching the carrier in the Arabian Sea with “unclear intent,” while Iran did not confirm the incident and said only that contact with a drone in international waters had been lost. US officials also said IRGC boats and a drone harassed a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz as both sides signalled willingness for nuclear talks despite differing positions.

2️⃣ 🇷🇺🇨🇳 Shoigu backs China on Taiwan, flags Japan militarization: Russia’s Sergei Shoigu told China’s Wang Yi that Moscow supports Beijing’s position on Taiwan, opposes Taiwanese independence, and is closely watching what he called Japan’s accelerated militarization, according to TASS. Wang called for deeper strategic coordination and mutual backing on core interests, with the visit framed through official statements and no independent assessment.

3️⃣ 🇺🇸🇨🇺 US in talks with Cuba after oil blockade threat: Donald Trump said Washington is negotiating with senior Cuban leaders to reach a deal days after warning of an oil blockade and threatening tariffs on countries supplying the island with oil, though he gave no details on what any agreement might involve. Cuba accused the US of trying to damage its economy as fuel shortages and power cuts worsened, with competing claims and no confirmed outcome from the reported talks.

4️⃣ 🇱🇾 Libyan prosecutors probe killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi: Libyan prosecutors probe killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi: Libyan prosecutors are investigating the death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who officials said was fatally shot during a confrontation with four unidentified gunmen who entered his home in Zintan, while his sister gave a different account saying he died near the Algerian border. Authorities said efforts are under way to identify those responsible as motive and responsibility remain unclear and some claims about perpetrators were presented as speculation.

5️⃣ 🇪🇺 Draghi urges EU federation to avoid decline: Mario Draghi said Europe risks subordination, division and deindustrialisation unless it moves from a confederation toward a “genuine federation,” arguing the global order has weakened and the EU is vulnerable to pressure from the US and China. He said Europe is respected where it acts as one but fragmented in defence and foreign affairs, proposing “pragmatic federalism” in remarks reflecting a political speech rather than a confirmed policy plan.

Major Story

🇷🇺 Russia revives base near Finland

Satellite imagery indicates Russia is reactivating a long-unused military garrison in Petrozavodsk near the Finnish border, preparing it to host the newly formed 44th Army Corps, with clearing work, equipment arrivals, and new infrastructure observed. Finnish analysts cited in the report believe the site could eventually support up to 15,000 personnel, while current troop levels in Karelia are estimated at 2,500–3,000, alongside aircraft at a nearby air base and stored Soviet-era military equipment. 

Construction has also been reported at the Rybka training area and in Kandalaksha, where a new military town is planned to support an artillery and engineering brigade expected to add around 2,000 troops. Regional officials said the projects are backed by the Kremlin and framed locally as contributing to civilian development, though much of the 44th Army Corps is reportedly still engaged in the war in Ukraine, with Petrozavodsk serving as a staging and logistical location.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇷🇺 Trump rejects Putin call to extend nuclear limits: Donald Trump declined Vladimir Putin’s proposal to voluntarily extend limits on strategic nuclear deployments after the New START treaty expired, saying he wants negotiators to pursue a new, modernised agreement and describing the previous deal as poorly negotiated. Officials said the treaty’s end removes some constraints on arsenals while Moscow expressed regret, with reports of informal extension discussions but no confirmed arrangement.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸🇺🇳 Trump says he can fix UN funding gap: Donald Trump said he could “solve” the United Nations’ financial problems by persuading countries to pay overdue dues but declined to say whether the United States would settle the billions it reportedly owes. His comments followed warnings cited in reporting that the UN could face operational cuts if cash runs short, while he dismissed suggestions it might leave New York and described it as having significant potential.

3️⃣ 🇯🇵 Japan votes as Takaichi seeks mandate for conservative agenda: Japanese voters are casting ballots in a snap election expected to give Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition a strong majority, with polls suggesting it could win more than 300 of 465 seats as she pushes plans for higher defence spending, tougher immigration rules and economic measures. The campaign has centred on rising living costs and sluggish growth, with analysts saying a large win could shape defence policy and foreign relations while final results remain uncertain.

4️⃣ 🇬🇧 Starmer faces pressure over Mandelson scandal: Keir Starmer is under mounting political strain after appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador despite knowing of his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, with allegations he shared sensitive information and now faces a police investigation though he denies wrongdoing. The backlash has angered Labour MPs and voters with polling showing declining support and internal doubts over his leadership.

5️⃣ 🇺🇸🇮🇷 US and Iran report ‘good start’ in nuclear talks: US and Iranian officials said eight hours of indirect talks in Oman were a “good” and constructive first step, with both sides agreeing to continue diplomacy and plan another meeting next week while acknowledging deep mistrust remains. Iran said discussions would focus solely on its nuclear programme and sanctions relief while Trump warned of “very steep” consequences if no deal is reached, with future outcomes still uncertain.

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