US demands clarity from allies on their role in potential war over Taiwan, FT reports. This whole situation feels like a request for a status report, but with stakes much higher than a delayed project. The Pentagon, according to the Financial Times, is pressing Japan and Australia for specifics on their involvement should the U.S. and China clash over Taiwan. The urgency is palpable, and the question seems simple enough: “If things go sideways, what do you do?” But the responses are anything but.
That’s because Elbridge Colby, a key figure within the Pentagon, is driving this push. His name pops up again and again, and he’s apparently quite the personality, also known for some policy choices that have, let’s just say, ruffled some feathers among the allies.… Continue reading
The United States has voiced fresh concerns at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding India’s dairy certification requirements for imported milk and milk products. Specifically, the US views the required comprehensive veterinary health certificate, which must verify the absence of various substances, as an unnecessary trade obstacle. The US has emphasized that these requirements should be scientifically justified and minimally restrictive. While the two countries are discussing an interim trade deal, the US has also expressed concerns about India’s recently revised dairy certification, which is scheduled to take effect in November 2024.
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The US Department of Defense, under President Trump’s direction, has initiated the delivery of additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, according to Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell. This move follows Trump’s earlier announcement of increased military assistance, with a focus on defensive capabilities. Previously, the Pentagon had paused certain deliveries due to concerns over US weapons stockpiles, a decision which prompted a call between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed support for continued military aid to Ukraine despite the US’s focus on its own interests.
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During a visit to Denmark, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an agreement with several American companies for the joint production of drones. The agreement focuses on various drone types, including interceptor drones, reconnaissance quadcopters, and attack UAVs, with production expected to reach hundreds of thousands this year and increase further in the next. The collaboration will involve American company Swift Beat and grant some Ukrainian manufacturers access to the technologies. This partnership aims to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly in intercepting enemy drones and missiles.
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The European Commission President floated a plan for the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to form a new global trade initiative. This initiative would overhaul the rules-based global trading order, potentially supplanting the World Trade Organization, with the United States not guaranteed an invitation. The proposal aims to demonstrate the viability of free trade among a large group of countries based on a strong foundation of rules. The President also noted that the U.S. left a certain point.
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The BBC is launching a subscription service in the US, marking the first time it will directly charge users outside the UK for unlimited news content and live television coverage. This “premium experience” includes ad-free articles, the BBC News channel livestream, and early access to podcasts and newsletters, with a yearly fee of $49.99. This move is aimed at increasing commercial income, particularly in a US market where some news outlets have reputations for political bias. This venture directly competes with other news streaming services while also addressing financial pressures stemming from a decline in licence fee income.
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In his first public address since the ceasefire, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted the US gained no achievements from strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and described the retaliation against a US air base in Qatar as a “heavy blow.” This statement contradicts US assessments, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming the strikes significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear program. Khamenei also threatened further strikes on US bases in the Middle East if Iran is attacked again, declaring victory over both the US and Israel. While the US says it is not aware of any enriched uranium being moved out of the targeted facilities, reports indicate the White House is considering diplomatic options to re-engage with Iran.
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Following the recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites by the US and Israel, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation, claiming the US had “gained nothing” from its involvement in the conflict. The comments came after the US attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting a retaliatory missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Meanwhile, Iran’s Guardian Council ratified a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Both sides are assessing the damage, with conflicting reports on the extent of the destruction, and talks regarding a potential ceasefire are planned between the US and Iran.
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Following air attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow and pledged support to Iran. Putin did not specify the nature of this support, while the Kremlin suggested it would depend on Iran’s needs. Highlighting the established alliance between the two nations, Putin condemned the attacks as unprovoked aggression and affirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting the Iranian people. Furthermore, Putin also discussed the Middle East crisis with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani.
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Following Iran’s retaliatory strike on a US military base in Qatar, French President Emmanuel Macron urged all parties to de-escalate and return to negotiations. Macron, during a press conference in Norway, stated that US strikes on Iran were not legal, while also supporting the objective of preventing Iran from developing nuclear arms. He opposed any military-led regime change, emphasizing the need for diplomatic and technical solutions. Furthermore, Macron warned of the potential global economic consequences if Iran were to close the Strait of Hormuz.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker