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Norway’s defence chief warned that a Russian incursion to protect nuclear assets near its Arctic border cannot be ruled out, as Moscow expanded shell production and Estonia signalled concerns about future conflict planning. 

Indonesia is preparing a possible troop deployment to Gaza under a US-backed stabilisation plan, while Israel’s prime minister is set to discuss Iran strike options in Washington, and Russia seeks alternatives to Starlink after access was restricted. 

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Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇳🇴🇷🇺 Norway warns Russia could act to protect Arctic nuclear assets near its border: Norway’s defence chief said a Russian incursion cannot be ruled out if Moscow sought to safeguard nuclear capabilities on the Kola Peninsula, though he stressed there is no sign of conquest ambitions like those seen in Ukraine. He also rejected claims allied troops avoided frontline roles in Afghanistan, described Russian Arctic conduct as generally less aggressive and professional, and said there is no evidence of Russian or Chinese designs on Greenland.

2️⃣ 🇮🇩🇵🇸 Indonesia prepares troop deployment to Gaza under US-backed stabilisation plan: Indonesia is preparing to send up to 8,000 soldiers in medical and engineering roles as part of a UN-mandated force tied to a US-brokered ceasefire, though timing and duties are not yet finalised. The plan has drawn domestic criticism and faces uncertainty as Hamas refuses to disarm while Israeli forces remain in parts of the territory.

3️⃣ 🇮🇱🇺🇸 Netanyahu to discuss Iran strike options with Trump as talks resume: Benjamin Netanyahu plans to present intelligence and discuss potential military options against Iran during a Washington visit as US-Iran negotiations continue. Some claims about Iran’s missile stockpiles could not be independently verified, and talks remain focused on whether a narrower nuclear-only agreement might be acceptable.

4️⃣ 🇷🇺📡 Russia scrambles for communications alternatives after Starlink access restricted: Russian forces are seeking replacements for Starlink after access was curtailed, with Ukraine saying the shutdown has disrupted communications and drone coordination. The full impact remains unclear as units attempt workarounds and rely on less capable backup systems.

5️⃣ 🇳🇴🇺🇸 Two Norwegian diplomats investigated over alleged Epstein-linked corruption ties: Authorities are examining whether Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen received benefits connected to their past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, though both deny wrongdoing and are cooperating. Their appearance in released files includes references to family links and visits, but inclusion does not imply criminal activity.

Major Story

🇺🇸🇮🇷 Trump threatens Iran with force

US President Donald Trump warned that military action could follow if Iran does not accept US demands related to nuclear enrichment, ballistic missiles, and regional ties, saying a deal must be reached or the US would do “something very tough”. He has highlighted an expanded US military presence in nearby waters, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, with reports indicating he is considering deploying a second aircraft carrier, while Washington also advised US-flagged commercial ships to avoid Iranian territorial waters. 

The administration has intensified pressure since January through sanctions and demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment, cut ties with regional proxies, and limit missile capabilities, while Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is for civilian energy. Trump’s renewed threats coincide with antigovernment protests in Iran and a violent government crackdown reported to have killed thousands, though details remain difficult to independently verify. Domestic opposition in the US has grown, with advocacy groups and some lawmakers pushing for congressional oversight and a war powers resolution to restrict military action against Iran unless formally authorised.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇪🇺 Ursula von der Leyen signals openness to ‘two-speed Europe’ ahead of economic summit: The European Commission president said smaller groups of countries should move forward on economic cooperation if consensus among all members cannot be reached. The proposal follows calls for a more federalist approach as leaders prepare to discuss competitiveness reforms.

2️⃣ 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe considers legal changes that could extend Mnangagwa’s rule to 2030: Draft legislation would shift presidential selection to parliament and extend terms to seven years, potentially allowing Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028. The proposal faces public consultations, likely legal challenges, and criticism that such amendments cannot benefit a sitting president.

3️⃣ 🇷🇺🕊️ Moscow demands security guarantees as condition for Ukraine peace deal: Russia’s deputy foreign minister said any settlement must address Moscow’s security concerns, including preventing Ukraine from joining Nato and rejecting foreign troop deployments. The comments come as trilateral talks with the US and Ukraine continue, with officials saying a treaty would be impossible without such guarantees.

4️⃣ 🇵🇸🇮🇱 Palestinians urge global intervention over West Bank measures seen as annexation: Palestine’s UN envoy called on powerful partners to stop Israeli moves expanding control and land purchases in the West Bank, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation warned the policies could fuel violence. Israeli officials described the steps as establishing “de facto sovereignty,” though no significant international penalties have followed.

5️⃣ 🇷🇺 Russia ramps up shell production as Estonia warns of future war planning: Russian factories produced more than 7mn shells, rockets and mortar rounds in 2025, supported by new facilities and North Korean imports, with Estonia saying the buildup suggests Moscow is preparing for potential future conflicts. Officials also said Russia faces recruitment problems and high casualties, while using peace-talk rhetoric and outreach to the US to buy time and widen divisions with Europe.

6️⃣ 🇰🇪🇷🇺 Kenya to confront Russia over reports of citizens recruited to fight in Ukraine: Nairobi says about 200 Kenyans may have been recruited through illegal channels to join Russian forces, though exact figures and deaths remain unclear. Authorities have shut hundreds of suspected recruitment agencies and plan talks with Moscow to curb the practice.

7️⃣ 🇷🇺🇵🇱 Moscow accuses Poland of role in attempted assassination of senior general: Russia’s FSB claimed Ukrainian intelligence carried out a shooting targeting a GRU general with alleged Polish involvement, though the accusations were presented without evidence and Kyiv denied any role while Poland has not commented. The general survived and is no longer in life-threatening condition.

8️⃣ 🇺🇸🇨🇦 Trump threatens to block opening of Detroit-Canada bridge over ownership dispute: The US president said he could halt the opening of the Canadian-financed Gordie Howe International Bridge unless the United States receives compensation or partial ownership. The threat comes amid wider trade tensions, with officials warning cancelling the project could have economic consequences.

9️⃣ 🇪🇺🇷🇺 EU proposes blanket ban on crypto transactions with Russia to tighten sanctions: Brussels is seeking to prohibit all cryptocurrency dealings with Russia to prevent sanctions evasion, though the plan requires unanimous approval and some members have expressed doubts. The package also targets suspected circumvention through third countries and expands other financial and trade restrictions.

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