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Semafor security

Experts warn Europe over defense challenges

A defense expert argued European countries should focus on improving the coordination of their operations as well as bolstering weapon supply chains.
Belgian F-16 jets fly during a ceremony. Yves Herman/Reuters

Trump says no progress on Ukraine peace after Putin call

Following Donald Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Kyiv said it planned to pressure Washington to reinstate weapons deliveries.
A Ukrainian serviceman. Thomas Peter/File Photo/Reuters

Iran suspends cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

International inspectors will now be barred from accessing Iranian nuclear sites without Tehran’s approval.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a meeting in Ilam, IranIran’s Presidential website/WANA/Reuters

US, European intel clashes over damage to Iran’s nuclear program

The CIA contradicted a leaked report that suggested the US strikes had set back Iran’s ambitions by only a few months, while European intelligence suggested enriched uranium had been moved.
The Fordo facility before the strikes. The Fordo facility before the strikes. Maxar Technologies/Handout via Reuters.

Trump praises ‘brave’ Ukraine after Zelenskyy meeting

The US president said he believed Kyiv wants peace and that he would talk to Russia’s Vladimir Putin in a fresh bid to end the Ukraine war.
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a press conference at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands June 25, 2025.Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters

NATO allies formally agree 5% defense spending target

European NATO members have scrambled to boost their national military outlays under pressure from Donald Trump.
Donald Trump at the NATO summit. Claudia Greco/Reuters

Putin meets top Iranian minister in Moscow after US strikes

Russia has offered to help mediate talks to deescalate the conflict, but direct assistance for Tehran seems off the table for now.

White House braces for ‘escalatory’ Iranian retaliation

Any response from Iran would likely force the administration to commit further to the conflict.

NATO agrees on 5% defense spending target

Spain had threatened to derail a NATO summit beginning Tuesday by blocking the measure, but dropped its opposition.

Russia launches deadliest attack on Kyiv so far this year

Russia has taken advantage of Ukraine’s air defense shortages to launch increasingly deadly aerial assaults.

UK announces new Russia sanctions at divided G7

The move reflects the growing split among Kyiv’s European allies and the US over how to approach the Ukraine war.

US reacts to Israeli strikes: GOP backs Israel, Democrats push diplomacy

Capitol Hill was largely split along party lines over Israel’s strikes against Iran, though some MAGA leaders were skeptical.

US orders evacuations for personnel across the Middle East

The decision came as Israel is reported to be readying an operation in Iran.

Germany announces new 1.9B euro Ukraine aid boost

The announcement came as NATO leadership and European foreign ministers met to discuss defense spending amid rising fears of Russian aggression.

Iran announces new enrichment site after UN nuclear watchdog censure

The International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday said Iran was not complying with its nuclear nonproliferation duties, the first such censure against the country in 20 years.

Pentagon set to review AUKUS nuclear submarine deal: Report

A number of US administration officials have criticized the landmark defense agreement with the UK and Australia.

UK, Canada, and other nations sanction two Israeli ministers amid rising Gaza tensions

Israel’s finance and security ministers will be barred from entering the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway under the sanctions.

Russia launched largest drone attack of the war, Ukraine says

Russia fired almost 500 drones at Ukraine ahead of a major prisoner swap.