United States forces

The United States is ending its military mission in Iraq, closing out a presence that began with the 2003 invasion and lasted more than two decades. The move marks a major shift in the American military footprint in the Middle East, following years of pressure from Iraqi political factions demanding the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces.

EU defence discussions in Brussels are being overshadowed by an unresolved shortfall in funding for Ukraine. As member states weigh future support, the funding gap has become a central sticking point, raising questions over how Europe will sustain military and financial aid to Kyiv and what role the bloc will play if United States backing remains uncertain.

United States forces are preparing to withdraw from Iraq, ending a military presence of more than two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. The move marks a major shift in the American footprint in the Middle East and closes a long chapter of US involvement in Iraqi security affairs.

Deutsche Welle reports that Australia is being forced to reconsider its dependence on the United States, examining how shifting US policies are prompting Canberra to weigh alternatives in its foreign and security posture. The discussion centres on whether long-standing US-Australia ties, including defence arrangements, remain reliable, and what options Australia has if American commitments weaken.

Israel is pushing for a United States-led international force to take on the task of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Responsible Statecraft. The proposal would shift responsibility for neutralising the armed group's arsenal away from the Lebanese state and onto an American-led mission. The idea raises questions about Lebanon's sovereignty, the role of the Lebanese army, and whether Washington would accept such an open-ended security commitment.

Belarusian military units are taking part in military exercises of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation held in Russia's Ural region. The drills bring together forces from CSTO member states, a Russia-led alliance that includes Belarus, and come at a time of heightened attention to joint military activity between Minsk and Moscow.

British police have arrested five people on suspicion of terrorism near a United Kingdom air base that is also used by United States forces. The arrests were made close to the base, and counterterrorism officers are handling the investigation. The story is drawing wide attention because it involves security at a facility with American military personnel, raising questions about potential threats to joint operations.

British police have arrested five men near an air base used by United States forces on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. The arrests were carried out by UK authorities, who have not publicly detailed the alleged plot or the identities of the suspects. The detention of the men close to a US-used facility has drawn attention given the base's American military connection, and questions remain about the intended target and any wider security implications.

Iran's army says its forces are prepared to respond if the United States renews military strikes against the country. The statement signals that Tehran is keeping up a defensive posture amid ongoing tensions. It comes as regional and international observers watch closely for any further escalation between the two governments, with officials in Iran stressing readiness while no new attack has been announced.

Iran says it has seized an advanced US military underwater vehicle, according to reports carried by US media. The incident involves an unmanned underwater drone, a type of vessel the US Navy uses for surveillance and mapping in international waters. The seizure adds to a series of provocations and encounters between Iranian forces and the US military in the region, raising tensions amid ongoing disputes over shipping and security in the Gulf.

A new study reported by ScienceDaily suggests the ground beneath the Pacific Northwest is slowly splitting as tectonic forces pull the region apart. The findings point to ongoing deformation in the Cascadia area, drawing attention from geologists and readers concerned about earthquake and volcanic risk in the western United States.

Donald Trump said a deal with Cuba is likely, while downplaying speculation that the United States could pursue military intervention against the island. His comments suggest Washington is favoring a negotiated approach over the use of force in its handling of Cuba. Observers are watching to see what terms any agreement might involve and how it would affect US-Cuba relations going forward.

A group associated with former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger has come out against deploying military personnel at polling sites, adding its voice to concerns about armed forces being involved in election administration. The position feeds a wider debate in the United States over the role of troops in domestic affairs and election security heading into upcoming votes.

The US Air Force secretary has publicly acknowledged that the United States maintains weapons in space, a rare official confirmation of a capability long rumored. The statement is drawing attention given years of ambiguity around American space-based military systems and ongoing debates about space militarization and arms control.

Oman has called on members of the United Nations to refrain from resorting to the use of force. The appeal, reported by regional media, reflects the Gulf state's long-standing position in favour of diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes. The statement comes amid ongoing international tensions, prompting discussion of Oman's neutral, mediation-oriented role in regional and global affairs.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill requiring authorization before out-of-state military forces can operate within California. The measure limits the ability of other states' National Guard units or military personnel to enter California without state approval, a move widely read as a response to federal deployment disputes. The law positions California to resist unilateral military deployments ordered by other states or the federal government within its borders.

A letter to the editor published by the Tampa Bay Times argues that the United States needs more immigration, not less, for the sake of the economy. The piece contends that immigrant workers are essential to sustaining the labor force and economic growth, adding to the ongoing public debate over immigration policy and its economic effects.

Robert Cardinal McElroy delivered the homily at a Mass marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, an annual observance the Catholic Church holds to draw attention to the plight of people forced to leave their homes. McElroy, who leads the Archdiocese of Washington, has been an outspoken advocate on migration issues, and his remarks come amid ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States and worldwide.

The United States and Indian armies have wrapped up the latest edition of their joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2026, held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in India. The annual drill focuses on improving interoperability, shared tactics and cooperation between the two forces, and its conclusion is being reported across defense news outlets.