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- 1Trump says US and Iran set for indirect talks after rejecting proposal●Trump says U.S., Iran slated for indirect talks after he rejects latest proposal
President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran are slated to hold indirect talks, after he rejected Tehran's latest proposal. The announcement points to continuing diplomacy between the two countries even as disagreements persist over the terms being discussed. Observers are watching whether the talks can ease tensions or whether the rejection signals a harder US line going forward.
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Russia's military says it carried out strikes on vessels in Ukraine, continuing its campaign against Ukrainian shipping and port infrastructure in the Black Sea region. The claim comes as naval and maritime targets have become a recurring focus of the war, with both sides reporting attacks on ships and port facilities. Details on casualties, the vessels involved, and the exact location have not yet been confirmed.
- 3Oil Shock Adds Pressure to Global Economy▼Oil Shock Is Adding Stress to the Global Economy - Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Events
An oil shock is adding new stress to the global economy, according to energy sector reporting. Rising crude prices or supply disruption threaten to lift inflation, squeeze consumers and complicate central bank decisions worldwide. Commentators are weighing how much damage higher energy costs could do to growth at a time when many economies are already fragile.
- 4Russia Tells Businesses to Defend Themselves Against Ukrainian Drones▼Overwhelmed by Ukraine’s Drones, Russia Tells Businesses to Defend Themselves
Russian authorities are instructing businesses to protect their own facilities from Ukrainian drone attacks, as strikes increasingly disrupt operations across the country. The move signals that Moscow's air defenses are struggling to intercept the growing number of drones targeting infrastructure and industry. The report, published by The Wall Street Journal, highlights the mounting economic strain the drone campaign is placing on Russia's war effort.
- 5US pushes peace talks as Russia relies on military strategy▼As US pitches peace talks, Russia trusts in its military strategy
Washington is pressing for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, but Moscow shows little interest, continuing to bet on gains on the battlefield. As US diplomacy intensifies, Russian officials and analysts argue their military strategy is working and see no reason to compromise, leaving the prospects for peace talks uncertain.
- 6EU launches 700 million euro emergency aid package for global crises▼EU announces emergency aid package of 700 million euros for global crises
The European Union has announced an emergency aid package worth 700 million euros to respond to global crises. The funding is intended to address urgent humanitarian needs worldwide, according to the announcement by Belgian news agency coverage. Details on how the money will be allocated among affected regions have not yet been fully outlined.
- 7Russia strikes Kyivstar infrastructure in latest Ukraine attack▼Russia hits Ukraine's largest mobile provider, strikes data centers
Russia attacked Ukraine's largest mobile provider, Kyivstar, striking data centers and disrupting service. The strike damaged critical telecommunications infrastructure, affecting millions of customers across the country. The attack marks an escalation in Russia's targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, drawing condemnation and concern over the impact on wartime communications.
- 8Eight US Marines injured in reported Iranian missile strike in Strait of Hormuz▼Eight US Marines injured in Iranian missile strike on vessel in Strait of Hormuz — report
Eight US Marines were injured in an Iranian missile strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report carried by TRT World. The incident, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes. Details about the vessel, the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the strike remain unclear.
- 9Europe turns to tax breaks and subsidies to ease record fuel prices▼Europe turns to tax breaks, subsidies to tackle record-high fuel prices | Daily Sabah
European governments are rolling out tax cuts and subsidies in an effort to cushion households and businesses from record-high fuel prices. The measures reflect growing political pressure across the continent as energy costs strain consumers and feed into broader inflation concerns. Officials are weighing how to keep relief targeted without worsening budget deficits.
- 10EU weighs Nato-style joint responses to Russian hybrid attacks▼EU countries consider Nato-style joint responses to Russian hybrid attacks
EU member states are discussing a plan for collective, Nato-style responses to Russian hybrid attacks, such as sabotage, cyber operations and disinformation targeting European infrastructure. Under the idea, an attack on one country could trigger coordinated countermeasures from the whole bloc. The Financial Times reported the discussions, which reflect growing alarm across Europe about Moscow's grey-zone activities.
- 11China and US to open AI communication channel▼China, US to open AI ‘communication channel’ after summit, White House says
The United States and China have agreed to establish a dedicated communication channel on artificial intelligence, according to the White House, following a summit between the two countries. The channel is intended to allow the two governments to exchange views and manage risks related to advanced AI. It marks a further step in stabilising relations between Washington and Beijing amid ongoing rivalry over technology.
- 12Germany urges Israel to let aid into Gaza●Germany urges Israel to allow humanitarian aid, reconstruction supplies into Gaza
Germany has called on Israel to allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction supplies into Gaza. The appeal adds to mounting international pressure over the dire humanitarian situation in the territory, where aid deliveries have been severely restricted and large-scale rebuilding has been blocked. Berlin, historically a firm ally of Israel, framing the issue this way highlights growing European concern over access for relief and reconstruction materials.
- 13US intelligence: Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons▼US intelligence warns Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons
US intelligence has warned that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out acquiring nuclear weapons, keeping the kingdom's nuclear ambitions in focus. The assessment comes amid ongoing discussions about Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear programme and regional security concerns, particularly in light of Iran's nuclear activities. Observers say the warning could complicate US-Saudi relations and any future nuclear cooperation agreements between the two countries.
- 14US and Iran Turn to Mediators to Break War Deadlock●US, Iran turn to mediators to break war deadlock
The United States and Iran are relying on intermediaries to find a way out of their escalating standoff, as direct channels remain strained. Reports say mediators are being used to convey positions and explore possible de-escalation, with the deadlock raising concerns about a wider conflict and nuclear tensions in the region.
- 15Israeli extremists push to renew Gaza settlements▼Israeli extremists call to renew Gaza settlements, West bank war
Israeli far-right figures are publicly calling for the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip and an escalation of military action in the West Bank, which they describe as a war. The Gaza settlements were dismantled in 2005, and any move to restore them would mark a major policy shift. The calls are drawing attention amid the ongoing conflict and debate over the territory's future.
- 16Palestinians say captor of hostage Noa Argamani killed▼Palestinians: Terrorist who abducted Noa Argamani to Gaza on Oct. 7 eliminated
Palestinian reports say a militant who took Israeli hostage Noa Argamani into Gaza during the October 7 Hamas-led attack has been eliminated. Argamani was abducted from the Nova music festival and became one of the most recognized faces of the hostages before being rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024. The claim of the militant's killing is circulating in Israeli and regional media.
- 17SpaceX Launches Starship on First Orbital Mission▼SpaceX Launches Starship for First Orbital Mission
SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket on its first orbital test mission, a major milestone for the company's next-generation launch system. The flight marks the most ambitious test yet of the vehicle SpaceX plans to use for missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. Observers are watching closely to see how the rocket performs through launch and orbital flight stages.
- 18Trump rejects Iran's seven-day ceasefire proposal▼Trump reiterates Iran can not have a nuclear weapon as prez rejects regime's seven-day ceasefire proposal
President Trump has again stated that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, while rejecting a ceasefire proposal from Tehran's leadership that would have paused hostilities for seven days. The refusal signals continued hardline US positioning toward Iran, with Washington prioritizing the elimination of Iran's nuclear ambitions over a short-term truce in the ongoing standoff.
- 19Trump broadens use of presidential immunity after Supreme Court ruling▼After sweeping SCOTUS presidential immunity ruling, Trump wields it broadly in push for power
Following the Supreme Court's sweeping ruling on presidential immunity, Donald Trump is invoking it widely as he expands executive power. Critics say the decision, handed down by the conservative-majority court, has given a former and returning president sweeping protection from prosecution for official acts, and are warning it could reshape the limits of the American presidency.
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A US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement is drawing concern that it could put Saudi Arabia on a path toward developing nuclear weapons. Critics warn the pact may not include sufficient safeguards to prevent Riyadh from eventually enriching uranium or pursuing a military program, deepening fears of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, particularly given regional rivalries with Iran.
- 21Civilians hunted by Russian forces in Ukraine's fortress belt●‘I was scared I’d be burnt alive’: In Ukraine’s fortress belt where Russians hunt civilians
Civilians in Ukraine's eastern fortress belt describe being targeted by Russian forces while trying to survive along the front line. One resident recounted fearing she would be burnt alive as attacks on villages near Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka continue. The accounts highlight the growing dangers to non-combatants as Russia presses its advance through the strategically important chain of towns.
- 22PBOC Sets Stronger Yuan Fix Against the Dollar▼PBOC Tightens Yuan Fix as Central Bank Sets USD/CNY Rate
China's central bank, the People's Bank of China, set a firmer daily reference rate for the yuan against the US dollar, a move being read as a signal of support for the currency. The tighter fixing is drawing attention from currency traders and market watchers assessing Beijing's stance on the yuan's value.
- 23EU Pledges €52M in Winter Aid for Ukraine▼EU Pledges €52M to Help Ukrainians Through Winter as Part of €710M Global Aid Package Unveiled at UN
The European Union has pledged €52 million to help Ukrainians get through the winter, announced at the United Nations as part of a broader €710 million global humanitarian aid package. The funds are earmarked for heating, shelter and emergency support as cold weather strains Ukraine's war-damaged energy infrastructure. The announcement positions the EU as a leading donor at a time of competing global crises and funding shortfalls.
- 24Houthi Attacks Reshape the US-Israeli Conflict With Iran▼Houthi Blitz Changes the Calculus in the US-Israeli War on Iran
A new analysis argues that a surge of Houthi military action is changing strategic calculations in the US-Israeli confrontation with Iran. The Yemen-based Houthis, aligned with Iran, have repeatedly launched missiles and drones at shipping and targets in the region. The piece suggests their involvement is now a significant factor in how the wider conflict is being weighed by all sides.
- 25Yemen's civil war returns, overwhelming hospitals▼Yemen’s civil war returns and overwhelms hospitals with ‘a very dangerous situation’
Yemen's civil war has flared up again, with renewed fighting pushing hospitals to a breaking point. Medical workers describe a very dangerous situation as casualties arrive faster than facilities can treat them, reviving fears of a full return to large-scale conflict in a country already left with a shattered health system by years of war.
- 26Israeli Airstrike Kills Hamas Militant Who Kidnapped Noa Argamani●Israeli Airstrike Kills Hamas Kidnapper of Noa Argamani
An Israeli airstrike has killed a Hamas militant who took part in the abduction of Noa Argamani during the October 7, 2023 attack. Argamani, whose kidnapping became one of the most widely recognized images of the assault, was later rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024. The strike is being reported as part of Israel's ongoing campaign targeting those responsible for the hostage-taking.
- 27Trump-Kim deal could leave South Korea facing nuclear threat●A Trump-Kim deal could leave South Korea bearing the nuclear threat
A potential agreement between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un on North Korea's nuclear programme could leave South Korea still exposed to Pyongyang's nuclear threat, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. The concern is that a US-North Korea deal focused on missiles capable of reaching the United States might leave shorter-range weapons threatening South Korea intact, prompting debate in Seoul over its security and possible independent deterrent options.
- 28IDF braces for Hamas kidnapping attempt along Gaza's Yellow Line▼IDF braces for Hamas kidnapping attempt along Gaza’s Yellow Line
The Israeli military is preparing for a possible attempt by Hamas to kidnap soldiers along the Yellow Line, the deployment line inside Gaza agreed under the current ceasefire arrangement. Troops positioned there have reportedly been placed on heightened alert, as abducting a soldier would sharply escalate tensions and threaten the fragile truce.
- 29German and Russian foreign ministers hold rare talks amid tensions▼German, Russian foreign ministers hold rare talks amid rising tensions
The German and Russian foreign ministers have held a rare direct meeting at a time of sharply heightened tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Direct high-level contacts between the two governments have become unusual since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making the talks notable. The meeting suggests both sides see some value in keeping diplomatic channels open, even as political relations remain deeply strained.
- 30Russia launches 170-drone overnight attack on Ukraine●Russia attacks Ukraine with 170 drones overnight; 147 of them downed
Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with 170 drones, the largest such barrage reported recently. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 147 of the drones, while the remaining units reportedly hit targets or were lost to electronic warfare. The strike is part of Russia's continued campaign of nightly aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, which Kyiv says is aimed at exhausting its air defense capabilities.
- 31Iran destroys a fundamental U.S. military assumption, columnist argues▼Opinion | Iran destroys a fundamental U.S. military assumption
A Washington Post opinion piece argues that Iran has undermined a core assumption underpinning U.S. military planning. The column claims recent developments show American assumptions about deterrence or regional dominance no longer hold. The piece is prompting debate about how the U.S. military doctrine in the Middle East needs to be reassessed in light of Iran's capabilities and actions.
- 32Gaza's Peace Plan Needs Troops. Who Will Send Them?▼Gaza’s Peace Plan Needs Troops. Who Is Willing to Send Them?
Attention is turning to a core weakness in the Gaza peace plan: international stabilization forces require troop contributions, but few countries have committed to sending soldiers. Analysts warn that without participating nations, monitoring the ceasefire and disarming Hamas will be difficult. Debate centres on which states, particularly Arab and Muslim-majority countries, are willing to put personnel on the ground in Gaza.
- 33UN roundup: US migration policy, refugee funding, world forests▼World News in Brief: Refugee funding, US migration policy triggers ‘cascade’ of rights violations, world forests report, restorative justice in Colombia
A UN news roundup highlights US migration policies triggering what officials call a cascade of human rights violations, alongside warnings over funding shortfalls for refugee programmes. The brief also covers a new global report on the state of the world's forests and progress on restorative justice efforts in Colombia as the country continues dealing with the legacy of its armed conflict.
- 34Strikes hit Sudan cities as army chief defies US visa ban▼Strikes hit Sudan cities as army chief defiant after US visa snub
Airstrikes have struck several Sudanese cities as the country's war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces continues. Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan remains defiant after the United States imposed a visa ban on him and other Sudanese officials over the conflict, which has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Commentators see the US sanctions as so far failing to shift the military's stance.
- 35North Korea blames US for worsening nuclear crisis▼N. Korea blames US for 'worse crisis' in nuclear order, justifies its arsenal
North Korea has accused the United States of creating a 'worse crisis' in the international nuclear order, using the claim to justify its own nuclear arsenal. The statement, reported by The Korea Times, reiterates Pyongyang's long-standing position that US hostility and pressure leave it no choice but to keep and expand its weapons programme amid stalled diplomacy.
- 36Smotrich Calls for Gaza-Style War in West Bank▼‘Do What We Did in Gaza’: Smotrich Calls for War on Occupied West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for military action in the occupied West Bank on the scale of the Gaza war, urging Israel to 'do what we did in Gaza' there. The remarks are drawing condemnation from Palestinian officials and rights advocates, who warn such an escalation would deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis in the territory.
- 37More Than 55,000 Sudanese Flee to Chad as Crisis Worsens●More Than 55,000 Sudanese Flee to Chad as Displacement Crisis Worsens
More than 55,000 Sudanese have crossed into Chad, according to regional reporting, as fighting and worsening conditions inside Sudan drive one of the world's largest displacement crises. The influx is straining refugee camps and aid operations along the border, where hundreds of thousands had already sought safety since the conflict began.
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The death toll from Israel's military campaign in Gaza has risen above 74,000, according to figures reported by regional news outlets. The number reflects the continuing humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has drawn sustained international attention and calls for a ceasefire. Casualty figures from Gaza are compiled by local health authorities, who say many victims remain under rubble.
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Australia's central bank has raised interest rates to their highest level in 15 years, with a warning that further increases could follow as it battles persistent inflation. The decision adds pressure on mortgage holders and signals that borrowing costs will stay elevated until inflation returns to target.
- 40China Holds South China Sea Drill After Shoal Confrontation▼China Conducts Military Exercise in South China Sea After Confrontation at Disputed Shoal
China has carried out a military exercise in the South China Sea following a confrontation at a disputed shoal. The drill comes amid ongoing tensions with neighbouring claimant states and highlights Beijing's readiness to project force in contested waters. Observers are watching whether the show of strength escalates friction over the disputed maritime territory.
- 41Pope urges Europe to choose dialogue over military buildup▼Pope: Europe must return to path of dialogue, not military buildup, to end ‘senseless slaughter’
The Pope called on Europe to return to the path of dialogue rather than military buildup, saying this is the only way to end what he described as a 'senseless slaughter'. His remarks push back against rising rearmament across the continent and argue that diplomacy, not arms, offers a real route to peace.
- 42Ukrainian and German foreign ministers discuss pressuring Russia▼Ukrainian, German foreign ministers discuss ways to increase pressure on Russia
The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Germany have met to discuss ways to increase pressure on Russia amid the ongoing war. The talks, reported by Anadolu Agency, focused on coordinating diplomatic and economic measures against Moscow. The meeting underscores Germany's continuing role in the Western coalition supporting Ukraine, though further details of the discussion have not been released.
- 43Ukrainian Intelligence Says Russia Deepening Military Ties With North Korea and Iran▼New Ukrainian Intelligence Reveals Russia Expanding Military Ties With North Korea, Iran
New Ukrainian intelligence indicates Russia is expanding its military cooperation with North Korea and Iran. According to the report, the partnerships involve continued weapons transfers and defense-industrial ties supporting Russia's war effort in Ukraine. The disclosure comes as Kyiv seeks to highlight the international networks sustaining Moscow's invasion and to press allies for stronger responses.
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Saudi Arabia is signalling that it has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by the Daily Observer. The kingdom has long said its nuclear programme depends on regional security, particularly in relation to Iran. The report does not provide further detail on the policy.
- 45U.S. and China Agree to Trim Tariffs, Launch AI Dialogue▼U.S., China Agree to Trim Tariffs, Start AI Dialogue
The United States and China have agreed to reduce tariffs on each other's goods and to open a new dialogue on artificial intelligence. The deal, reported by the Wall Street Journal, marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two largest economies, pairing trade relief with a framework for discussing AI risks and standards.
- 46Israeli rabbis urge scrapping Gaza peace plan▼Israeli rabbis call for Gaza peace plan to be scrapped, oppose international forces
A group of Israeli rabbis has publicly called for the current Gaza peace plan to be abandoned, voicing opposition to the deployment of international forces in the territory. The declaration adds a religious-orthodox voice against the international framework being discussed for Gaza's postwar arrangements, and is being circulated by regional outlets covering reactions to the plan.
- 47WHO Pushes to Protect Women and Girls from Abuse During Ebola Outbreak●Protecting women and girls against sexual abuse, exploitation during the Ebola outbreak
The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa is highlighting efforts to protect women and girls from sexual abuse and exploitation during the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Health emergencies often heighten risks of exploitation, and the agency is drawing attention to safeguarding measures for those most vulnerable while response teams work to contain the virus.
- 48UN envoy urges sustained diplomacy to end Sudan war▼Sudan: UN envoy stresses need for sustained diplomacy
The UN envoy for Sudan has stressed the need for sustained diplomacy to resolve the country's devastating conflict, calling on international and regional actors to keep pushing for a political settlement. The appeal comes as fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces continues to drive displacement and worsen the humanitarian crisis across Sudan.
- 49Yemen's health system could collapse in some areas, minister warns▼Yemen’s health system could collapse in some areas, minister warns
Yemen's health minister has warned that the country's health system risks collapsing in some areas. The warning highlights the precarious state of medical services in a country already strained by years of conflict and humanitarian crisis. Observers are closely watching whether the alert prompts a stronger international response to shore up essential care.
- 50EU unlocks humanitarian aid for Africa and crisis-hit regions▼EU unlocks humanitarian aid for Africa and other crisis-hit regions
The European Union has released humanitarian aid funding for Africa and other regions facing crises. The move will channel emergency assistance to populations affected by conflict, displacement and humanitarian emergencies. The announcement is being carried by international outlets including Al Jazeera and Yahoo News, highlighting the EU's role as one of the world's largest humanitarian donors amid growing global needs.