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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

China has carried out joint naval and air exercises around a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The drills come amid ongoing territorial tensions in the waterway, where China's claims overlap with those of neighbouring countries including the Philippines and Vietnam. The show of military force is likely to draw criticism from claimant states and watchful attention from the United States.

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.

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.

Powerful storms are striking opposite sides of the United States at the same time, and forecasters point to El Niño as the driving force. The climate pattern, marked by warmer Pacific waters, is reshaping jet stream paths and steering severe weather toward both the West and East coasts, prompting warnings and preparedness efforts nationwide.

Donald Trump said the United States and Cuba will 'make a deal' and that he does not expect military action against the island. His remarks signal a preference for negotiation over force in Washington's approach to Havana, and come amid heightened attention to US-Cuba relations. Commentators are weighing what concessions or terms such an agreement could involve.

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.

Haiti's Prime Minister told the United Nations the country stands at a 'watershed moment' and called for full international support for the multinational security mission struggling to contain gang violence. His appeal urges member states to provide the funding and personnel commitments the force has so far lacked, as Haiti's institutions and public security continue to deteriorate.

Washington is pressing governments worldwide to align with the United States on artificial intelligence rules and technology, framing it as a choice between democratic and authoritarian models of AI development. But analysts note that China's pitch — offering affordable AI tools, infrastructure and investment without political conditions — may be more attractive to developing countries that want the benefits of AI without being forced into a superpower rivalry.

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.

President Donald Trump said the United States and Cuba will reach a deal, adding that he does not believe military force will be needed. The remarks signal a possible shift in US policy toward Havana, and they are drawing attention given decades of strained relations between the two countries and the sensitivity of any American military option in the Caribbean region.

Police have declared a major incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, a base used by United States air forces. The declaration, reported by Reuters, comes alongside increased security at the site. The base regularly hosts US strategic bombers, and a major incident designation allows emergency services and authorities to coordinate a large-scale response. Details on the specific threat or cause behind the move were not immediately provided.

President Donald Trump said the United States and Cuba will reach a deal, adding that military action against Cuba is not needed. The remarks signal a preference for negotiations over force in Washington's approach to Havana, and are drawing attention amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

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.

Donald Trump said he does not expect the United States to need military force in Cuba, telling reporters 'I don't think we'll need the military.' The comment came amid ongoing tensions with Havana and debate over US policy toward the island. Observers are weighing what the remark signals about possible American action or sanctions toward Cuba.

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.

A powerful nor'easter has battered the northeastern United States, producing coastal flooding and leaving thousands of residents without electricity. The storm has damaged shorelines and forced communities to respond to rising waters and widespread outages as it moves through the region, with utility crews working to restore service.

British authorities have deployed a bomb disposal unit near RAF Fairford, an air base in Gloucestershire used by the United States military, following a series of arrests connected to the site. The move has drawn attention because of the base's role in US operations in Europe and concerns about security incidents around military installations.

British police arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offenses near RAF Fairford, an air base in Gloucestershire, England. The base is used by the United States Air Force and has been identified as a site involved in facilitating US strikes on Iran. The arrests have drawn attention given the base's strategic role and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

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.

Banks and credit unions are preparing to join forces against the fees associated with Apple Pay, as an antitrust lawsuit over Apple's payment practices advances. The move signals growing resistance from financial institutions to the cut Apple takes on tap-to-pay transactions, with the case likely to shape how mobile wallet fees are structured in the United States.

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.

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.

SpaceX is answering public questions about its USSF-385 launch for the United States Space Force. The mission drew attention as the company shared details about the flight, its payload and its national security role. Enthusiasts are asking about the rocket used, timing and mission objectives.

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.

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.