- The U.S. is investigating whether Russia helped Iran target CIA facilities after precise drone strikes hit sites in the Gulf (including a CIA station inside the Saudi embassy and a location in Iraq).
- Reporting suggests Russia may have provided upgraded tech and targeting help—like a more accurate Kometa‑M navigation system and enhanced Shahed drones—making the attacks harder to jam.
- No deaths were reported, but the strikes highlight closer Russia–Iran cooperation and raise fresh tensions and questions about how far Moscow will go to counter U.S. influence.
Latest stories in War and Conflicts.
- Philippine and Chinese foreign ministers met in Manila after a tense encounter this week in the South China Sea, centered on the Second Thomas Shoal.
- Each side lodged strong protests: the Philippines says a crewman was struck with a baton, while China accuses Philippine personnel of ramming and attacking its vessels.
- Both officials stressed the need to keep communication open and manage tensions, with China warning relations are at a “crossroads.”
- A top US general said a Ukrainian F-16 scored Ukraine’s first air-to-air kill — a high-profile milestone highlighting Kyiv’s improving air-defense skills.
- The general gave few details (no location or type of Russian jet); some observers link it to a prior Ukrainian claim about downing a Su-35.
- Ukraine has rapidly integrated F-16s and other Western jets while scaling a layered air-defense system and domestic industry, though it still seeks more air-defense help.
- Ukraine named 43‑year‑old Mykhailo Drapatyi as its new commander‑in‑chief to step up counteroffensives and plan operations even inside Russia.
- The move is part of a wider leadership shake‑up — replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi and following rare wartime protests and the ousting of tech minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- Drapatyi faces immediate challenges: improving mobilization, developing military technology, and sustaining attacks on Russian energy and logistics.
- Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, a popular, innovation-minded brigadier general, was named Ukraine’s commander in chief after his predecessor was sacked.
- He became a wartime celebrity for daring moments (the viral "flying BMP" rescue and a dramatic 2014 breakout) and champions drone warfare, recruiting reforms and accountability.
- His appointment comes amid mass protests demanding the return of ousted defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and Drapatyi once resigned a post to take responsibility after a deadly strike, boosting his reformist image.
- Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong warned Asian countries must choose how to respond to worrying, destabilising incidents in the South China Sea.
- A recent clash between China and the Philippines reportedly left a Philippine navy member injured and prompted both countries to summon each other's ambassadors.
- China pushed back on Australia's comments, urging parties not to stir tension and saying it will handle maritime disputes through dialogue.
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