In response to increasing Russian submarine activity, the UK and Norway will form a joint naval fleet to patrol the North Atlantic. The “Lunna House Agreement” will see the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy working together with a combined fleet of Type 26 frigates to track Russian vessels and protect critical undersea infrastructure. This agreement, supported by a significant UK shipbuilding contract, will involve shared maintenance, technology, and equipment to create interchangeable forces. The partnership also includes cooperation on Arctic training, missile systems, and underwater surveillance, reflecting growing concerns about threats to sub-sea infrastructure.
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Iran is preparing for periodic water supply cuts to its 10-million-strong capital city, Tehran, due to the worst drought in a century. Officials have reported record-low rainfall, and reservoirs, including the critical Amir Kabir dam, are drying up. The government plans the cuts to conserve water, as several areas have already experienced overnight dry pipes, and the President has warned of a potential evacuation of Tehran if rainfall doesn’t occur by year-end. Furthermore, other cities, such as Isfahan and Mashhad, are also facing water shortages and considering similar measures.
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In response to heightened security concerns in the Baltic Sea, Sweden will contribute naval assets to a NATO operation focused on protecting underwater infrastructure. This contribution includes up to three warships, an ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, and four coast guard vessels, with additional support on standby. This marks Sweden’s first contribution of armed forces to NATO since joining the alliance in March. The deployment follows a series of incidents involving damaged undersea cables and pipelines in the region.
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John Q. Hosedrinker