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Iran accused Israel of attempting to disrupt nuclear negotiations with Washington, while Donald Trump revoked a long-standing U.S. climate finding that underpinned emissions rules. 

In Syria, government forces said they took control of the al-Tanf base following a U.S. withdrawal, as European ministers approved initial defence investments under the SAFE scheme. 

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Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇮🇷 Iran accuses Israel of sabotaging US nuclear talks: Security chief Ali Larijani said Israel is attempting to derail negotiations with Washington and provoke conflict, adding Tehran is only engaging with the US and has yet to receive a concrete proposal. He said talks will remain limited to nuclear issues, rejecting discussion of missiles or zero enrichment and warning any US strike would be met with retaliation.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Trump reverses 2009 climate ruling in major policy shift: Donald Trump revoked the federal finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health, a decision the White House says will cut costs for automakers and consumers and remove the legal basis for many emissions rules. Environmental groups and former officials warned of health risks and legal challenges, while projected savings and impacts remain disputed.

3️⃣ 🇸🇾🇺🇸 Syrian army takes al-Tanf base as US withdraws: Syrian forces said they assumed control of the strategic al-Tanf base near the Iraq and Jordan borders after a coordinated US withdrawal, with troops deploying to nearby border areas. US Central Command described the exit as a conditions-based transition and said forces remain ready to respond to ISIL threats, while the extent of the broader drawdown remains unclear.

4️⃣ 🇪🇺 EU approves €38bn defence plans under SAFE scheme: Defence ministers backed investment plans from eight member states, allowing initial funding to flow under the €150bn programme aimed at boosting European military capabilities and procurement. Additional national plans remain pending and timelines for approval are unclear, though strong demand suggests the scheme could expand.

5️⃣ 🇰🇵 Kim Jong Un’s daughter seen as potential successor: South Korea’s intelligence agency told lawmakers that Kim Ju Ae is being internally positioned as heir, with possible elevation at a party congress later this month. Her growing public role and appearances alongside her father have prompted reassessment of her status, though no formal confirmation has been made.

Major Story

🇺🇸🇪🇺 US urges Europe to take defense responsibility

A senior US official told NATO defence ministers that European allies must take primary responsibility for defending their own region as global security conditions become more militarised. Elbridge Colby, US Under Secretary of War, warned the alliance should prepare for the possibility of adversaries launching simultaneous actions in different parts of the world, while the United States prioritises threats to its homeland and interests in the Western Hemisphere. 

The official said this approach reflects a return to NATO’s original purpose of credible deterrence rather than an abandonment of the alliance, stressing that Washington will still play a key role where its capabilities are decisive. He also noted that allies are increasing defence spending toward a higher target and called for sustained European leadership in conventional defence.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇷🇺 Russian losses exceed recruitment for second month: Ukrainian officials said Russian troop losses outpaced new recruits in January, though the figures could not be independently verified. Despite the gap, intelligence assessments suggest Moscow can sustain mobilisation by increasing contract recruitment and intake levels if needed.

2️⃣ 🇳🇴 Former Norwegian PM charged over Epstein links: Thorbjørn Jagland was charged with gross corruption after immunity was lifted, with investigators examining alleged benefits linked to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, though he denies criminal liability and says he will cooperate. It remains unclear which specific actions underpin the charge and whether all allegations form part of the case.

3️⃣ 🇺🇸🇺🇦 Rubio may meet Zelensky as Munich summit begins: The US Secretary of State said he could meet Ukraine’s president at the Munich Security Conference as leaders seek clarity on US policy, while Kyiv thanked the UK for a £500m air defence package amid continued strikes on energy infrastructure. Thousands remain without heating and power, and while talks may resume soon, their outcome remains uncertain.

4️⃣ 🇵🇦🇭🇰 CK Hutchison warns of legal action over Panama Canal ports: The Hong Kong firm said it may pursue legal recourse after Panama moved to have a Maersk subsidiary temporarily run two key ports following a court ruling against its concession. Arbitration is already underway and the future of the sites remains uncertain as operations continue during the transition.

5️⃣ 🇿🇦 South Africa to deploy troops against illegal mining and gangs: President Cyril Ramaphosa said the military will support police in Gauteng and the Western Cape to tackle organised crime, which he called a major threat to safety and the economy. Plans also include hiring 5,500 officers and developing a deployment strategy, as investigations into corruption within the justice system continue.

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