US

US military planners expect the war with Iran to last until September as Pentagon mobilises intelligence officers and air defence systems. The conflict with Tehran could expand beyond initial forecasts.

US expects war with Iran to last until September as Pentagon plans extended operations – Politico

Europe cannot deter Russia without US support, NATO officials warn. Despite its defence industry, Europe remains dependent on American intelligence, logistics and command systems.

Europe without the US cannot deter Russia, NATO warns of scale of dependence

Munich Security Conference report warns Europe can no longer rely on US protection as Washington shifts policy and Russia moves to a war footing, raising fears of new conflicts in Ukraine and the Baltics.

What does the Munich Security Conference report reveal about the US stepping back and Russia preparing for war

US and Ukrainian negotiators discussed a possible peace deal with Russia as early as March 2026. Talks focus on ceasefire timing, elections and security guarantees, though the proposed timeline is seen as ambitious.

Could the war end within a month? US and Ukraine discussed timeline for a possible deal with Russia – Reuters

Donald Trump sparked controversy at a closed-door elite dinner in Washington after joking that Greenland, Canada and Venezuela could become new US states, reviving familiar territorial themes

Trump jokes about ‘adding’ Greenland, Canada and Venezuela to the US at elite dinner

Iran–US nuclear deal talks face fresh strain as Iran warns it is ready for war if diplomacy fails. FM Abbas Araghchi tells CNN sanctions and uranium enrichment remain key issues.

Iran says it is ready for war with the US but still hopes for a nuclear deal

US–TikTok deal 2026 explained: Washington forced ByteDance to cut its stake and split TikTok’s US business, reshaping algorithm control, data governance and the future rules for global tech platforms.

What changed in the US–TikTok deal in 2026, ByteDance’s stake cut, and why regulators are watching

The United States pressured Ukraine during talks in Berlin to relinquish parts of the Donbas as part of a proposed peace process with Russia, according to AFP.

US raises prospect of territorial concessions in the Donbas during talks with Ukraine in Berlin

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Washington will only sign a trade deal with India if it stops buying Russian oil. Talks also involve Taiwan, Switzerland and South Korea.

US links India trade deal to Russian oil ban as Washington sets condition for future agreement