UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated he is willing to send British troops to Ukraine as part of a European peacekeeping mission if a deal with Moscow is reached. This marks the first time he has explicitly committed to such action. His remarks come ahead of an emergency meeting of European leaders in Paris, where discussions on Ukraine’s security and defence spending will take place. Starmer also pledged £3 billion (€3.6bn) annually to support Ukraine until 2030. European nations are reassessing their role in NATO as US policy shifts under the Trump administration.
CHINA CRITICIZES US TAIWAN STANCE
China has condemned the US for removing a key phrase from a government fact sheet that previously stated, “We do not support Taiwan independence.” The revision, made by the US State Department, has been labelled by Beijing as a “grave backpedal” that threatens US-China relations. While Taiwan welcomed the change, viewing it as a sign of closer ties with Washington, concerns remain over the Biden-Trump policy shifts. Meanwhile, China has increased military activity near Taiwan, asserting its claim over the self-governing island. The move adds tension to an already strained US-China relationship.
RUBIO BACKS TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, endorsing President Trump’s controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to other countries. At a joint press conference, Rubio defended the proposal, calling it a bold step toward regional stability. Netanyahu, backing the plan, hailed Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” and warned Hamas of severe consequences if ceasefire terms aren’t met. Rubio will continue his Middle East tour with visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, skipping Egypt and Jordan after they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees.
IRAN SLAMS NETANYAHU’S WAR THREATS
Iran has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks about “finishing the job” against Tehran, calling them a violation of international law. Speaking alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu credited former President Trump’s leadership in weakening Iran’s “terror axis” and vowed further action against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the threats, insisting Israel “can’t do a thing” against Tehran. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is reportedly mediating between the Trump administration and Iran for a new nuclear deal. Tensions continue as Trump reinstates his “maximum pressure” policy, escalating fears of regional conflict.
UN WARNS OF ISIL THREAT
A UN report has warned that ISIL (Da’esh) remains a security threat in India, despite its inability to carry out major attacks. The group is actively encouraging lone-wolf strikes through local sympathizers, using propaganda from Al-Jauhar Media. The report also highlights ISIL-K’s growing influence in Afghanistan, where over two dozen terror groups remain active. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged global cooperation to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorism hub. The presence of terrorist organizations in the region continues to pose challenges to security and stability in India, Central Asia, and beyond.
