US and Iran reach tentative ceasefire deal as Europe eyes the Strait of Hormuz
The emerging memorandum of understanding would pause the fighting while both sides negotiate over Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security.
Defence
Latest reporting and analysis on defence.
Kallas says EU can never be a neutral mediator in Russia-Ukraine talks
"One thing is very clear: we are on Ukraine's side and we are defending our own core security interests".
Ukraine: Russia has failed
With the focus on the Middle East, there has been comparatively little attention paid for some months to the Ukraine War.
Norway signs defence pact with France and joins its nuclear umbrella
Under the nuclear arrangement, Norway would take part in what France calls "forward deterrence".
Austrian court jails Syrian refugee for life over deadly Villach knife attack
After his arrest, the man had told police he regretted not reaching his goal of killing at least 10 people.
Iran and US closer to Hormuz deal despite fresh strikes
European countries are also preparing to take part in the demining of the strategic waterway.
Ben Gvir urges Netanyahu to take Israel back to ‘massive war’ in Lebanon
"The reality of explosive drones cannot be normalised.
Trump tempers hopes of imminent Iran deal as Hormuz blockade holds
The US president said talks with the Islamic Republic were progressing "in an orderly and constructive manner".
Russia hits Kyiv with hypersonic Oreshnik missile in mass overnight attack
At least four people have died and more than 100 have been injured after Russia launched one of its most powerful attacks on the Ukrainian capital.
Zelensky calls long-range strikes on Russia ‘fair’ as Rutte confirms NATO summit invite
The Ankara meeting is expected to test the alliance's unity at a time of significant divisions between the Trump administration and European allies.
Trump pledges 5,000 more US troops for Poland citing Nawrocki election win
"Based on the successful Election of the now President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki".
Rutte warns of ‘devastating’ NATO response to any attack on ally
"Let no one be in any doubt. Our capability and our determination to defend every ally are absolute.
One of Macron’s deputies wants to do business with the butchers of Sudan
Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance (RE) party cannot agree on immigration, cannot secure its borders, and cannot articulate a coherent policy toward political Islam.
Buy European: Sweden orders €4 billion worth of frigates in France
Sweden has selected France’s Naval Group to supply four new frigates in a major defence contract worth approximately €4 billion, marking one of the largest military…
Russia begins three-day nuclear weapons drills as Putin heads to China
Moscow flaunts its atomic arsenal as Ukraine steps up drone strikes and the president travels to Beijing.
Belarus begins nuclear weapons drills with Russian support
Russia denies any plans to use Belarusian territory to launch attacks on Ukraine
EU considers military mission in Lebanon as UNIFIL prepares to withdraw
The plan was outlined by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, ahead of a meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers in Brussels.
Zelensky meets Palantir CEO in Kyiv to ‘deepen Ukraine’s AI defence push’
Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed in a separate statement that he had also met Alex Karp.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia public broadcasters pull Eurovision over Israel
They have confirmed they will not air this year's Eurovision Song Contest, escalating a wider protest at Israel's participation in the event.
Netanyahu wants to end US military aid to Israel within a decade
"I want to bring American financial aid to zero, the financial component of the military cooperation we have, because we receive $3,800,000,000 a year."
Long-range strike is Europe’s best defence
After years of neglect and dithering, defence is now firmly established at the top of the European policy agenda.
Venice Biennale jury resigns with Russia and Israel in ICC’s sights
Days before the Venice Biennale was due to open its doors, its entire international jury quietly walked away.
NATO meets in secret with TV and film makers
NATO has held a series of closed-door meetings with screenwriters, directors and producers from the film and television industries in Europe and the United States.
Trump warns US troop withdrawal from Germany will go far beyond 5,000 as Merz row deepens
This decision comes amidst an increasingly contentious exchange over the manner in which the US has handled its war with Iran.
Ukraine angry over US-brokered prisoner swap between Poland and Belarus
While Warsaw celebrated the freeing of a high-profile Polish journalist from Belarus, Ukraine protested that as part of a prisoner swap brokered by the US, Poland…
Russia expands ban list of European officials after new EU sanctions
Russia has significantly expanded its list of European officials and representatives banned from entering the country, in retaliation for the European Union's twentieth…
Neither bombs nor reformist illusions will deliver freedom in Iran
The Iranian situation is as dangerous as it is misunderstood. A fragile ceasefire hangs by a thread. The region remains volatile.
Almost 214,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by journalists
Independent Russian journalists have verified the identities of 213,858 Russian military personnel killed in the war against Ukraine, marking another grim milestone…
EU considers visa ban for Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine
The European Union is considering restricting entry into the Schengen area for Russian nationals who have taken part in the war in Ukraine, as discussions among…
Pentagon floats suspending ‘terrible ally’ Spain out of NATO
An internal Pentagon email has outlined options for punishing NATO allies seen as insufficiently supportive during US operations in the Iran war, including the possibility…