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The United States reported shooting down an Iranian drone near an aircraft carrier and said a US-flagged tanker was challenged by vessels linked to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran conditionally signalled readiness to resume nuclear talks while warning military options remain.

These developments come as European officials urged the EU to heed Mario Draghi’s reform proposals amid trade pressures, and Colombia’s president described his first in-person meeting with Donald Trump as constructive despite unresolved differences.

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Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇮🇷 US shoots down Iranian drone near aircraft carrier: The US military said it shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone after it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea with what it described as unclear intent. US Central Command said an F-35 fighter jet intercepted the drone, with no further response announced.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸🇮🇷 US-flagged tanker challenged by Iranian boats in Strait of Hormuz: A US-flagged tanker continued its journey after being approached by small armed vessels linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Accounts differ, with UK authorities investigating radio contact attempts and Iran saying the vessel briefly entered its waters without permits and left after being warned.

3️⃣ 🇺🇸🇮🇷 Iran conditionally agrees to resume nuclear talks with US: Iran said preparations are underway to resume nuclear talks with the United States following presidential approval, though the location and format remain undecided. Officials said Tehran has sought limits on participants and scope, with both sides continuing to warn that military options remain possible if diplomacy fails.

4️⃣ 🇪🇺📊 OECD chief urges Europe to heed Draghi reforms: The OECD’s secretary-general said European leaders should closely consider Mario Draghi’s recommendations as the EU faces economic pressure from tariffs and shifting global trade dynamics. He added that support for multilateral trade remains strong despite protectionism, while concerns persist over market distortions, particularly involving China.

5️⃣ 🇺🇸🇨🇴 Petro calls Trump meeting constructive despite past tensions: Colombian President Gustavo Petro said his first in-person meeting with US President Donald Trump had an optimistic and constructive tone, with both leaders agreeing to cooperate on drug trafficking. Trump said they got along very well, though Petro said differences remain and not all issues were resolved.

Major Story

🇺🇸🇷🇺 New START treaty set to expire

The New START arms control treaty between the United States and Russia is due to expire this week, potentially ending nearly four decades of bilateral limits on strategic nuclear forces. Russia proposed in September to extend the agreement for one year without inspections, but U.S. officials have not formally responded, and the Trump administration has said any new deal should include China. U.S. officials have held internal discussions on managing a post-treaty environment, while Russia and China continue expanding their nuclear arsenals, though the scope and timing of any changes remain uncertain. 

President Donald Trump has downplayed the risks of allowing the treaty to lapse, saying a better agreement could be reached later, while former officials and lawmakers have warned that the absence of limits and verification could increase nuclear risks. Enforcement of the treaty has already been weakened by Russia’s suspension of inspections in 2023 and by the lack of agreed verification measures in recent renewal proposals.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇱🇾 Saif al-Islam Gaddafi reportedly killed: Saif al-Islam Gaddafi has reportedly been shot dead at age 53, with differing accounts citing either an assassination at his home in Zintan or his death near the Libya–Algeria border. The reports have not been independently verified and no responsibility has been established.

2️⃣ 🇩🇪🇬🇷 German police detain suspects over warship sabotage: German authorities detained two men accused of sabotaging corvettes intended for the German Navy by damaging engines, fuel systems and safety equipment while working at the Port of Hamburg. A lawmaker said the acts resembled Russian-linked sabotage patterns, though prosecutors have not attributed responsibility and investigations are ongoing.

3️⃣ 🇮🇷 Iran ex-leaders condemn protest killings as hardliners push back: Several former Iranian leaders criticised the killing of protesters in January, with Mir Hossein Mousavi calling it a historic catastrophe and urging a constitutional referendum. Official death figures are disputed, and hardline lawmakers responded by threatening critics and calling for severe punishment of former officials.

4️⃣ 🇮🇹 Salvini’s League faces internal split as deputy threatens breakaway: Italy’s far-right League party entered a public crisis after Matteo Salvini’s deputy Roberto Vannacci threatened to form a rival party, exposing deep internal divisions. Salvini has sought to downplay the dispute, though party members and analysts warn the standoff could weaken or fracture the party ahead of elections.

5️⃣ 🇺🇦🇷🇺 Record Russian strikes leave Ukrainians without heating in extreme cold: Ukraine’s president said Russia launched a record number of missiles and drones targeting energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without heating as temperatures fell to around -20C. The strikes followed the expiry of an energy truce and came as diplomatic talks were planned, with officials saying the attacks did not signal seriousness about peace.

6️⃣ 🇺🇸 Clintons agree to testify in Epstein probe to avoid contempt: Bill and Hillary Clinton agreed to appear for closed-door depositions later this month in the House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, averting a looming contempt vote. The agreement followed months of dispute over subpoena terms, with depositions set to be filmed and transcribed and public hearings still possible.

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