World News
Latest world news and updates
Total: 818
Vietnam’s Tightrope: Leaked Military Memo Warns of a ‘Second US Invasion’ as Hanoi Reaches for Beijing
Following General Secretary Su Lin’s re‑election, Vietnam’s foreign minister rushed to Beijing while a leaked military memo warned of a potential “second US invasion,” underscoring Hanoi’s deep strategic caution. The episode reveals Vietnam’s attempt to balance economic ties with the United States against historical mistrust and pragmatic security cooperation with China.
Talks in Muscat as Sanctions Bite: Fragile U.S.–Iran Dialogue Shadowed by Military Alerts
U.S.-Iran talks in Muscat produced a cautious diplomatic opening from Tehran even as Washington imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil trade. Iran refused a precondition banning uranium enrichment and elevated its military to the highest alert; the meeting exposed a narrow, high-risk negotiating window where failure could quickly revert to coercion or military action.
Trump Reorders U.S. Arms Sales to Favor Big Spenders and Strategic Partners
The White House has signed an executive order replacing a decades-old first-come, first-served approach to U.S. foreign military sales with a prioritisation system for high defence spenders and strategically located partners. The Department of Defense must submit a prioritized list of platforms within 120 days, signalling a tighter integration of arms exports with U.S. industrial policy and strategic objectives.
From Dogfights to Data: A Young J-10C Pilot Illustrates China’s Move to Networked Air Power
A profile of Lieutenant Bu Jiawen illuminates a broader PLAAF shift from individual pilot skill toward data-driven, networked air warfare. China is investing in training, standardized procedures and simulator-led rehearsals to turn new aircraft into integrated combat systems capable of beyond-visual-range operations.
Islamic State Claims Deadly Suicide Blast at Islamabad Mosque, Raising Security Fears in Pakistan
A suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on February 6 killed at least 31 people and injured about 170. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, underscoring persistent militant capabilities in South Asia and highlighting security vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s capital.
Under Siege at Home and Abroad: Iran’s Hardliners Demand Punishment for Rouhani as U.S. Pressure Mounts
Hardline factions in Iran have intensified attacks on reformists, with some calling for the execution of former president Hassan Rouhani, against a backdrop of increased U.S. military deployments in the Gulf. The dispute pits hawks who favour confrontation against reformists who seek diplomatic de‑escalation, leaving the Supreme Leader’s choices as the pivotal determinant of whether tensions remain domestic or spill into regional conflict.
Arms as Leverage: Why Washington, Tehran and Jerusalem Are Flexing Ahead of Oman Talks
In the days before Oman‑hosted talks, the US, Iran and Israel have all escalated military posturing. Chinese analyst Qin Tian argues these moves are intended both to strengthen bargaining positions and to prevent accidental escalation, while regional states work to avert broader conflict.
Cautious Breakthrough in Muscat: Iran and U.S. Pause Indirect Nuclear Talks After 'Good' Opening
Iran and the United States held indirect nuclear talks in Muscat on February 6 that Tehran described as a constructive start. The session ended "temporarily" with agreement to continue discussions, but Iran insisted negotiations be confined to nuclear issues and rejected a precondition banning uranium enrichment.
Cautious Opening in Muscat: U.S. and Iran Hold High‑Risk Indirect Talks Under Military Shadow
U.S. and Iranian delegations met indirectly in Muscat for the first diplomatic contact since last year’s strikes; Tehran called the talks “positive” but both sides remain far apart on scope. Washington sought to discuss missiles and proxy networks as well as the nuclear file, demands Iran rejects as non‑negotiable. The meeting reduces immediate escalation risk but underlines deep mistrust and a high chance of miscalculation amid regional and domestic pressures.
Guterres Welcomes Iran–US Talks in Oman as a Chance to Defuse Regional Tensions
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres welcomed the resumption of Iran–US talks hosted by Oman on 6 February, urging peaceful resolution of disputes under the UN Charter. The meetings are a modest but meaningful step to reduce regional tensions, though outcomes remain uncertain given domestic and regional constraints.
U.S.–Iran Talks Brokered by Oman Pause, Leaving a Fragile Diplomatic Channel Open
Talks between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman, have been temporarily paused with no public details on outcomes. The halt preserves a discreet channel of communication while leaving multiple diplomatic and security questions unresolved.
US Navy’s New Ford‑Class Carrier 'John F. Kennedy' Completes First Builder’s Sea Trials
The US Navy announced that the second Ford‑class carrier, John F. Kennedy (CVN‑79), completed its builder’s sea trials on February 4 at Huntington Ingalls’ Newport News shipyard. The milestone tests propulsion and core systems ahead of further trials, crew training and eventual commissioning, and will be closely watched for signs that earlier Ford‑class problems are being resolved.