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Europe
France
26.06.2025 Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the Middle East yesterday evening, French Defense Minister Lecornu confirmed that the country's military forces intercepted multiple Iranian drones aimed at Israel during the recent conflict between the two countries. He said fewer than 10 drones were brought down by French forces as part of self-defense measures. “Our armies did not participate in the strikes on Iran. But we are protecting our bases in the region, in self-defense. Our deployed ground-to-air defense systems and Rafale aircraft intercepted several Iranian drones whose trajectory towards Israel was flying over our areas,” he said on X, referring to his remarks in the National Assembly. The minister also said that approximately 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones were launched by Iran against Israel during the 12-day war. (Source: Anadolu Agency - Turkey)
Spain
26.06.2025 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez today responded to US President Trump’s threats to raise tariffs on Spain for refusing to spend 5% of its GDP on defense. “Europe and the world are already suffering from a trade war being waged by the US, with tariff measures that we believe are unfair and unilateral,' Sanchez told reporters in Brussels when asked about Trump’s remarks the day prior. Yesterday, Trump said he would negotiate “directly” with Sanchez on trade, saying: ’We’re going to make them pay twice as much,’ in terms of tariffs. „In the case of Spain, it’s double the lie because we have a trade deficit – not surplus – with the United States,’ Sanchez added. He pointed out that the EU is negotiating trade with the US on behalf of all member states. Individual nations are not carving out their own trade deals. “Spain is committed to members of the alliance, but is also sovereign,” said Sanchez. In the Hague Summit Declaration signed yesterday, allies commit to investing 5% of GDP on core defense requirements and security by 2035. However, Spain has said it secured a deal to allow for some exemptions. “Spain’s Ministry of Defense says that the capacities agreed upon … represent 2.1% of our GDP, and that’s what we are going to do,” said Sanchez, who has argued that spending 5% on defense would entail massive tax increases and cuts to Spain’s welfare state. (Source: Anadolu Agency - Turkey)
European Council
26.06.2025 EU heads of state and government gathered in Brussels today for the final summit of the regular term and the conclusion of Poland's six-month presidency of the Council focusing on Europe's strategic competitiveness, defense readiness, and external relations amid ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. The meeting follows the NATO summit in The Hague, with NATO allies EU members who are expected to align efforts on readiness and industrial capacity. Amid growing concerns about economic fragmentation and global trade tensions, in light of recent geopolitical tensions affecting global markets, leaders are expected to address Europe's industrial resilience strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy, bolstering critical supply chains, and maintaining a level playing field in global trade. Trump's threatened tariffs are putting pressure on the EU, which handles trade negotiations for all 27 member states. The US, under Trump, currently maintains a 10% tariff on most EU goods, on top of higher sector-specific rates (25% on cars and 50% on steel/aluminum), implemented since April 2025. Yesterday, he criticized Spain for ’insufficient’ defense spending and hinted at additional tariffs. France's president pushed back, accusing Trump of launching a trade war against traditional allies. A looming deadline of July 9 approaches: Trump has threatened to raise reciprocal tariffs to 50% if a deal isn't reached by then. Brussels has offered concessions such as aligning self-driving car regulations and increasing gas/arms purchases to seek relief on steel, cars, semiconductors, and pharma. However, European Commission President der Leyen has emphasized the EU will not compromise its regulatory autonomy, particularly regarding digital standards and environmental norms. Leaders will explore options to increase pressure on Russia, debating an 18th package of sanctions and the future of the price cap on Russian oil - measures some countries resist over concerns ’they could drive up energy costs’. ’EU leaders are expected to reiterate their unwavering support for Ukraine, with discussions set to include Ukraine’s path toward EU membership and military support’. Zelenskyy is scheduled to join the summit via video conference. The summit will also address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the risk of further regional escalation. EU leaders are expected to underline the need for de-escalation, humanitarian access, and support for a two-state solution. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin told he plans to raise the revision of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and sanctions on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank - topics that are also expected to be part of the discussions. Leaders will also review the bloc's ability to counter hybrid threats and reinforce internal security structures. In response to recent crises and emerging threats, leaders will also discuss strengthening the EU's overall preparedness, including civil protection, crisis management, and resilience against hybrid activities. Migration remains a key issue, with leaders set ’to follow up on implementation of previous agreements’ and assess progress on securing external borders. ’The European Commission is expected to provide input on operational measures and long-term migration management’. The summit will end with a statement of conclusions that will shape the EU’s agenda for the next four months. (Source: Anadolu Agency - Turkey)
United Kingdom
26 June 2025 Underlining the Britain’s commitment to the US and the alliance, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the country would purchase US jets – capable of carrying US-owned and controlled tactical nuclear weapons. The US allowed NATO to refer to the 'long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security' in the communique. (Source: Brussels Signal - Belgium)
Asia
Gaza
26.06.2025 At least 47 Palestinian civilians were killed and dozens injured in new Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip today, medics said. (Source: Anadolu Agency - Turkey)
Iran
June 26, 2025, 8:46 AM Iran says it captured 700 'mercenaries' working for Israel during war. Tehran intensifies a crackdown based on public reports and intelligence operations on what it has labelled ’espionage and sabotage networks’. It came after Israel's military chief said ground commando units had operated secretly inside Iran during the conflict, with Israel's spy chief hailing assistance from US intelligence. Iranian media said a number of Mossad operatives had also been arrested in Iran during the war. Fars said arrests were made in Kermanshah, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Fars and Lorestan provinces. Yesterday, Iran said it executed three men accused of spying for Israel. Human rights groups have accused Iran of carrying out sham trials and issuing sentences for spying without credible evidence in an effort to crack down on dissent. (Source: The National – United Arab Emirates)
Pakistan
Jun 26th, 2025 The deterrence doctrines are eroding and arms control collapsing in a way that is reshaping the nuclear rules of engagement. A broader analysis of global nuclear risks published in a new article in Foreign Affairs suggested Pakistan’s strategic ambitions may be expanding far beyond its neighborhood. U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that Pakistan could be seeking to deter not just New Delhi, but is developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States. The move, if confirmed, could redefine geopolitics. The authors, MIT nuclear security experts Narang and Vaddi, both held senior U.S. defense roles recently. Islamabad insists its nuclear program is solely aimed at deterring India., But according to the influential policy journal, the country’s hope is an ICBM threat might dissuade the U.S. from attempting to preemptively eliminate Pakistan’s arsenal or intervene in the event of another India-Pakistan conflict. 'If Pakistan acquires an ICBM,' the report notes, 'Washington will have no choice but to treat the country as a nuclear adversary – no other country with ICBMs that can target the United States is considered a friend.' (Source: Mediaite - U.S.)
North America
United States
6/26/2025 Investors, unnerved by fresh signs of an erosion in U.S. central bank independence, waste no time in pushing the greenback back to its lowest levels against a basket of other major currencies in over three years, erasing a brief respite provided by safe-haven flows related to Middle East tensions earlier in the week. Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management, noted that the dollar had not benefited as much as expected in the past two weeks from heightened Middle East tensions, a sign the dollar's safe-haven role had been hurt. In recent years, the currency has risen when oil rallies, but it gained just 0.7% last week. The dollar, the world's No.1 reserve currency, has come under fire this year from erratic U.S. policy making that has exacerbated economic uncertainty and put the notion of U.S. exceptionalism into doubt. Down 10% so far this year and set for its worst year since 2003, the dollar was expected to weaken further as renewed concern about Fed independence comes amid increased expectations for rate cuts and a looming July 9 deadline for trade agreements. Respect for independent institutions such as central banks has long been viewed as a key attraction of major economies, helping anchor economic stability and provide policy certainty. Concern about Fed independence adds to the damage, investors said. President Trump yesterday called Federal Reserve Chair Powell "terrible" in his latest attack on the Fed chief and said he has three or four people in mind as contenders for the top Fed job. The leading contenders for next Fed chief reportedly include former Fed Governor Warsh, National Economic Council head Hassett, current Fed Governor Waller, and Treasury Secretary Bessent. Trump's confrontations with longstanding allies over trade and security, and his attacks on the Fed, have revived questions in Germany around its holdings of central bank gold, some of which is stored at the New York Fed. And European Central Bank supervisors are asking some of the region's lenders to assess their need for dollars in times of stress, gaming out scenarios in which they cannot rely on tapping the Fed under the Trump administration, Reuters reported last month. "Talk about having the next Fed chair announced within the next couple of months, that would be fairly disruptive,' said Shah. 'It brings up the whole concern about the credibility and reliability of U.S. institutions again, which is typically something that people don't like'. (Source: MSN - U.S.)
June 19, 2025 More Americans than ever, including many who voted for President Trump, are seeing through the lie that the only way we can be safe is to surrender our liberty to politicians, bureaucrats, and crony capitalism. On March 20, President Trump signed an executive order “Eliminating Information Silos.” The order directed heads of federal agencies to make sure officials designated by the president “have full and prompt access to all unclassified agency records, data, software systems, and information technology systems.” It was more recently revealed that the administration was working with tech company Palantir to create a database containing all information collected by all federal agencies on all US citizens. A database consisting of all the information of American citizens collected by the various federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Pentagon would be a major step in creating a total surveillance state. This database could come in handy to future Dr. Faucis seeking to enforce mask and vaccine mandates. Those with access to this database could see personal health records, education records, and tax returns. They may even be able to see how many firearms individuals have purchased and if they were associated with any organizations the government had labeled ’extremist.’ Some commentators and ’influencers’ who would normally oppose, or at least be skeptical of, expansion of the surveillance state are supporting it because they believe it will be used to locate illegal immigrants. Some conservatives are supporting this proposal because it will help identify students who have publicly opposed the U.S. government’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The abandonment of liberty because fear drives people to trust government promises of safety is a phenomenon we have witnessed several times this century. An obvious example is the way many former friends of freedom supported the PATRIOT Act and other infringements on liberty following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. We also saw it during the covid hysteria when many embraced mask and vaccine mandates. Palantir, founded in 2003, is one of the first companies to see the potential in the surveillance-industrial complex that developed following 9-11 and the PATRIOT Act. Palantir is literally the creation of the surveillance state since one of its early investors was In-Q-Tel, a venture capital firm controlled by the CIA. (Source: The Orange County Register - U.S.)
by Paul, a former member of the House of Representatives. The piece was published by the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity.
June 26, 2025 In a letter to The Times, a personal lawyer for the president Trump yesterday threatened to sue The New York Times and CNN for publishing articles about a preliminary intelligence report that said the American attack on Iran had set back the country’s nuclear program by only a few months. He said the newspaper’s article had damaged Mr. Trump’s reputation and demanded that the news organization retract and apologize for the piece, which the letter described as false, defamatory and “unpatriotic.” The Times, in a response today, rejected Mr. Trump’s demands, noting that Trump administration officials had subsequently confirmed the existence of the report, issued by the Defense Intelligence Agency, and its findings. No retraction is needed, the paper’s lawyer, McCraw, wrote in a letter. No apology will be forthcoming, he added. We told the truth to the best of our ability. „We will continue to do so.” (Source: The New York Times - U.S.)
26.06.25 Mamdani's victory - who won 43.5 per cent of the votes with 90 per cent of the ballots counted at the New York City's mayoral primary election - hasn't gone down well with US President Trump. Mamdani has repeatedly said he is not antisemitic. Referred to him as a '100% communist lunatic' by the US President, Trump went on to write: 'We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks terrible, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!" Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, would be the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor. (Source: Telegraph India "with inputs from Reuters")
NATO
Jun 27, 2025 NATO has just handed Ukraine over to Putin. The alliance has not condemned Russia for its full-scale aggression, and has also made no mention of Ukraine joining the pact. Even the presence of Zelensky did not hide the fact that the alliance is tired of Ukraine. US President Trump continues to signal that he is not willing to provide military assistance. Arms supplies to Kiev may be further reduced. As Russia steps up its drone and missile strikes, Ukraine is prioritizing air defense systems, including the “Patriot“, and is abandoning previous requests for more sophisticated offensive weapons. The prospect of the US handing over “Tomahawk“ cruise missiles or aircraft capable of completely neutralizing the Russian Su-35 fighters are not realistic. Ukraine can only count ’on help’ from its European allies. At the NATO summit, Britain announced plans to fund joint drone production initiatives with Ukraine and Germany. Such promises, however, are not a panacea for Ukraine's weapons problems. Ukraine's defense industry cannot develop fast enough to neutralize ’Russia's military assistance from North Korea’. Moscow is not interested in de-escalating the war. „In the final communiqué, the lack of mention of Ukraine's future membership in NATO, as well as the ignoring of a full-scale Russian invasion, sent clear signals - Ukraine had been betrayed’. (Source: The Telegraph - United Kingdom)
26 June 2025 Taking credit for a 'fantastic' outcome that “no one really thought possible” after NATO’s 32 members agreed to his headline target of 5 per cent of gross domestic product on defence spending, Trump described the spending hike as "a monumental win for the United States', according to AFP. Trump said it was 'terrible” that Spain would not commit to meeting the target by 2035. "The economy is [doing] very well. And that economy could be blown right out of the water with something bad happening,' he said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Madrid considered current defence spending of 2 per cent of GDP as “sufficient, realistic and compatible with the welfare state”. He also reportedly thanked NATO allies for “respecting Spain’s sovereignty”. 'So, they want a little bit of a free ride but they will have to pay it back to us on trade because I am not going to let that happen. It’s unfair,' Trump said. The US leader was visibly delighted at the red carpet welcome and the praise lavished on him by Rutte among others. 'Without the United States, they couldn’t really have NATO. Wouldn’t work,' Trump said. 'It will in the future, because now they’re paying much more money.' (Source: Brussels Signal - Belgium)
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