Global Briefing ·
US-Iran war sees first quiet night, Netanyahu to meet Trump next week
The US-Iran conflict witnessed its first night without major airstrikes in two weeks, opening a potential window for diplomacy. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit the White House next week, while clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis continue elsewhere in the region. In other major developments, Ukraine struck a critical Russian missile factory deep inside its territory, and Romania shot down a suspected Russian drone in the first such NATO airspace interception since the war began.
16 sources2 min read
US and Iran observe first quiet night in two weeks as diplomacy intensifies No major airstrikes were reported overnight for the first time since the latest escalation began, though Houthi-Saudi clashes continue. Trump confirmed talks with Iran are serious, while Israeli PM Netanyahu is set for a White House visit next week. 12345
Ukraine strike destroys key Russian missile factory 1,200 km from border A Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile hit the Avitek plant in Kirov, which produces parts for air defense systems and missiles used in the war. President Zelensky confirmed the strike, which killed six workers and disrupted Russian military logistics. 67
Romania shoots down suspected Russian drone for first time A Romanian F-16 fighter jet shot down a Shahed-style drone that entered NATO airspace near Padina. The interception marks the first time Romania has engaged an intruding aircraft since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. 89
UN chief Guterres arrives in Syria for first visit in 17 years Antonio Guterres landed in Damascus to meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first official visit by a UN secretary-general since 2009. The trip highlights Syria's re-engagement with the international community after the fall of Assad. 10
China fires water cannons at Philippine vessels in South China Sea clash A Chinese Coast Guard vessel blasted its water cannon at a Philippine ship assisting fishermen near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. The PCG condemned the act, noting the Chinese vessel deliberately switched off its tracking system and risked a collision. 11
Putin inspects jet factory as sanctions cripple Russian aviation Visiting the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, Putin saw the delayed MC-21 passenger jet and the upgraded Yak-130M fighter. The visit underscores Moscow's struggle to certify and mass-produce aircraft without Western components. 121314
Sadiq Khan says Netanyahu committing genocide, not welcome in London The mayor of London stated he would lobby the UK government to enforce the ICC arrest warrant against the Israeli PM, calling him a perpetrator of genocide over the Gaza campaign. 15
Nicaragua's Ortega moves to abolish competitive elections Daniel Ortega announced plans to end elections, further cementing his authoritarian rule. The move formalizes a years-long dismantling of democratic institutions in the Central American country. 16
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