Italy suspends defense cooperation deal with Israel

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government has been one of Israel's closest allies in Europe—but has criticized Israeli attacks on Lebanon in recent weeks. Tap for the full brief.

Pope says he will continue to speak out against war after Trump attack

Pope Leo told reporters he plans to keep speaking out against war—after President Trump's direct attack on the leader of the 1.4-billion-member church. Tap for the full brief.

NATO allies refuse to join Trump's Iranian port blockade

NATO allies said they would not get involved in United States blockade of Iranian ports—proposing to intervene only once fighting ends. Tap for the full brief.

Philippines warns of “sabotage” after cyanide seizure in disputed South China Sea atoll

Authorities said laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the deadly substance in bottles seized last year by the Philippine navy—during operations at Second Thomas Shoal. Tap for the full brief.

Kremlin says it hopes for “pragmatic” ties with new Hungarian leadership after Orban defeat

The Kremlin said Monday it hoped to continue its "highly pragmatic ties" with Hungary's new political leadership after Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close Russian partner, was beaten at the ballot...

UK, France eye “defensive” naval mission for Hormuz

Britain and France will this week co-host talks aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz—including discussions on what President Emmanuel Macron described as a possible stri...

US blockade of Iran will be major military endeavor, analysts say

U.S. Central Command said the blockade will only apply to ships going to or from Iran—including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Tap for the full brief.

Russia's Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire, Ukraine's Zelenskiy agrees

Previously, Zelenskiy had for over a week proposed an Easter ceasefire and, citing air attacks on Ukrainian cities, said Moscow had chosen to respond instead with drones. Tap for the full brief.

NKorea state media says country unveiled new cluster warhead, electronic weapon

Analysts see the tests as likely to be a show of force in conventional weapon systems by the nuclear-armed North Korea—for its adversaries and allies. Tap for the full brief.

Russia provides Iran satellite imagery and cyber support, Ukrainian intelligence says

Russian satellites have made dozens of imagery surveys of bases and other sites across the Middle East—to help Iran strike U.S. forces and other targets, according to a Ukrainian intelligence asses...

US, Iran prepare for first talks as Lebanon fighting persists, Strait impassable

A Pakistani source said advance teams from both Iran and the United States are in Islamabad—where both delegations are to stay for the duration of the talks. Tap for the full brief.

Melania Trump says she never had a relationship with Epstein

First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday denied ever having a relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—and said the claims about it are defaming her. Tap for the full brief.

Trump eyes pulling some troops from Europe amid NATO rift over Iran war

President Trump—upset at NATO allies' failure to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and angry that his plans to acquire Greenland have not moved forward—has discussed with advisors the option of remo...

GOP blocks Dem push in House to rein in Trump Iran war powers

Democrats in both houses have repeatedly tried and failed in recent months to force Trump to obtain lawmakers' authorization before launching attacks—in both Venezuela and Iran. Tap the link in our...

Israel approves dozens of West Bank settlements, watchdog says

Israel's settlements on occupied West Bank land are illegal under international law and must be withdrawn as soon as possible, the United Nations top court said last year. Some 500,000 settlers liv...