Taliban officials met EU representatives and member states in Brussels for the first time to discuss consular services and returns of Afghans from Europe. Rights groups warned the talks could legitimize the Taliban and endanger deported Afghans.
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Commercial ships began moving through the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum to extend a ceasefire and begin new talks. The agreement faces early tests over Iran’s nuclear program and Israel’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American forces in Europe and warned NATO allies that U.S. dues could fall if they miss defense spending targets. NATO says European members are already increasing spending and replacing some U.S. capabilities.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. forces in Europe and pushed NATO allies to take primary responsibility for defending the continent. He also criticized some allies over access to bases for Iran-related operations and called for a “NATO 3.0.”
John Healey resigned as Britain’s defence secretary, saying Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury had failed to provide the resources needed for national defence. His departure is the sixth ministerial resignation since Labour’s poor election showing last month.
Belgian police have shot and killed a suspected Tunisian extremist accused of randomly shooting two Swedish soccer fans in Brussels. Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden confirmed the suspect's death and thanked the intelligence and security services for their swift action. The motive for the attack is still under investigation, with the suspect reportedly claiming to be inspired by the Islamic State group.
Two Swedes were killed in a shooting in Brussels late Monday, prompting Belgium's Prime Minister to suggest the attack was linked to terrorism. The OCAD anti-terror center raised the terror alert for the capital to its highest level and the alert for the rest of the country to its second-highest level. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed grave concern over the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia on espionage charges, and has called for his immediate release. The Journal and Dow Jones have denied the unsubstantiated allegations and the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation, with the safety and security of American citizens around the world a top priority.