Iran reportedly paused plans for a retaliatory attack on Israel following President-elect Donald Trump’s November victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The New York Times reported that Iranian officials adopted a more diplomatic tone after the election, including halting military escalation and engaging in cease-fire discussions with regional actors.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte cautioned President-elect Donald Trump against brokering a Ukraine-Russia peace deal that could favor Moscow. Rutte expressed concerns that such an agreement could embolden adversaries like China, Iran, and North Korea, creating long-term security risks for both Europe and the United States.
Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday killed at least 14 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to medics, as the military continued its operations against Hamas in the densely populated enclave. The strikes primarily targeted the northern town of Beit Lahiya, where eight people were reported killed, with additional casualties in Gaza City and Jabalia, a refugee camp in northern Gaza.
President Joe Biden’s unconditional pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has ignited political and legal controversies, with critics labeling it unprecedented. The sweeping pardon covers over a decade of potential legal infractions, including activities dating back to Hunter’s involvement with Burisma in Ukraine during Biden’s vice presidency. By shielding his son from further legal scrutiny, Biden also circumvents potential inquiries into his own actions.
NATO has inaugurated an amphibious warfare center in Sørreisa, Norway, near Russia's Arctic border, to enhance defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with Moscow. This facility provides specialized training for U.S., British, and Dutch forces, improving their ability to conduct operations in Arctic conditions.
The Biden administration announced new restrictions Monday targeting the export of advanced semiconductor chips and manufacturing equipment to China. The measures, introduced by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, aim to limit Beijing's ability to develop advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and military applications.
President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages held in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Failure to comply, he warned, would result in unprecedented consequences in the Middle East.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his anticipation for frank discussions with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about the longstanding security agreement between Japan and the United States, which Ishiba described as the "cornerstone of the alliance."
