Donald Trump’s demands that American allies in the Asia-Pacific region share more of the defensive burden have renewed questions about how far they can rely on the United States to help deter the likes of China and North Korea. Such concerns have led to an increasing focus on developing their own defence industries – but analysts have said that may eventually weaken American dominance in the global arms trade. Questions over Washington’s commitment In the National Security Strategy released in...
Diplomats Jeffrey Feltman and Michael Ratney
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House for the first time since launching the war on Iran.
US President Donald Trump has held talks at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Political déjà vu as US President Donald Trump says negotiations with Iran are back on.
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Tuesday ahead of Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, with the two leaders discussing ways for Ukraine to produce its own powerful weapons and “other ideas that could help” in its continuing war against Russia. The sit-down in the Oval Office, which was closed to the media, followed a consequential meeting at the Nato summit earlier this month in Ankara, Turkey, where Trump announced that the US will give Ukraine a licence...
As US ties fray, Netanyahu's claim to unrivalled influence in Washington is under growing scrutiny.
Iran rejected Trump’s claim that ships damaged by Iran in the Gulf would be compensated from frozen Iranian funds.
US president says Iran talks progressing, reups threats if diplomacy fails before sit down with Israeli prime minister.
Ukraine's leader is hoping to firm up US commitments to bolstering Kyiv's anti-ballistic missile defences, as Russia has escalated deadly attacks.
Oval Office meeting on Tuesday is first since US-Israel launched unpopular war with Iran.
The meeting comes amid signs of friction between the two leaders and decreasing public support for Israel in the US.
US President Donald Trump says talks with Iran are continuing during a pause in US military strikes
US President Donald Trump called Turkiye 'a great ally' when asked about selling F-35 fighter jets to Ankara.
Iran says US is 'struggling' to end the five-month old war as Netanyahu arrives in Washington, DC, for talks with Trump.
The US president says "there is a good chance that something could happen", as Iran denies direct talks are taking place.
Israel will allow a multinational security force to enter Gaza as proposed under US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan for the enclave, an Israeli official said on Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet on Sunday approved the legal framework that would allow the force’s entry to Gaza, the official said. Netanyahu was scheduled to depart for Washington on Monday and was expected to meet Trump on Tuesday. The official said that the mission, called the International...
US President Donald Trump says Washington remains ‘locked and loaded’ while pursuing diplomatic talks with Tehran.
US president reiterates that the nuclear deal with the kingdom is conditioned on Riyadh joining the 'Abraham Accords'.
Visit will be Netanyahu's seventh to White House, underscoring US commitment during war with Iran, genocide in Gaza.
Washington’s recent wave of trade, tech and visa restrictions on China appears to be a deliberate push to build leverage ahead of the presidential summit in September, according to Chinese analysts. However, they warn that such aggressive pressure tactics risk souring the political atmosphere ahead of the high-stakes meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The assessment comes as the two powers seek to establish a new framework of “constructive strategic stability”, in line with the...
US President Donald Trump has seemingly backpedalled on a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.
The White House threw a US-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal into question on Thursday, a day after it was signed, emphasising that it depended on the oil-rich Gulf country recognising Israel under a 2020 diplomatic initiative. “The Civil Nuclear Deal … will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords,” US President Donald Trump wrote on social media, adding that the deal would not include enrichment and involve only non-military use of...
The US and Saudi Arabia have reached a civilian nuclear cooperation deal.
Claim casts further confusion over deal to launch US-supported civilian nuclear programme in Saudi Arabia.
China and the United States’ agreement to pursue stability appeared to be holding, analysts said, even as President Donald Trump seemed determined to rock the boat ahead of the leaders’ second summit of the year in September. The assessment came as Beijing issued a measured response to his allegations of Chinese interference in the 2020 US elections. That restraint and recent tangible gestures – including Washington lifting sanctions on Hong Kong and the expected trip to the US this week by a...
Past US presidents insisted that Saudi Arabia normalise relations with Israel in exchange for nuclear technology.
After Donald Trump’s high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping in May, the idea of US-China “strategic stability” appeared in readouts from both sides. While the White House framed this vision as a “constructive relationship of strategic stability on the basis of fairness and reciprocity”, Beijing said only that it was a “constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability”. China watchers zoomed in on the phrase – especially the Chinese version – debating what it could reveal or conceal about...
Analysts say US president's pressure on Damascus to intervene in Lebanon could undermine domestic security.
Iranian official says Tehran would retaliate by targeting 'energy facilities in which the United States has interests'.
The United States has turned to a career Middle East diplomat for its next ambassador to Malaysia, a sharp change in tone after an earlier nominee known for his “alpha male” bravado, pro-Israel posts and culture-war commentary drew protests in the Muslim-majority country. US President Donald Trump nominated Joshua Harris for the Kuala Lumpur posting after his previous nomination of Australian-born conservative commentator Nick Adams lapsed in the Senate. The White House sent Harris’s nomination...
US President Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia that could potentially provide the kingdom with uranium enrichment capability for its civilian nuclear programme, according to two people familiar with the matter. The people, who were not authorised to comment publicly about the yet to be formally announced decision, said the agreement is expected to be announced publicly as early as Wednesday. The deal is expected to last 30 years and is also expected to involve US firms in...
US President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday to help Lebanon “a lot” as its president, Joseph Aoun, sought Washington’s backing for a fragile effort to disarm Hezbollah and forge a path to peace with Israel. Aoun, the first Lebanese president invited to Washington since 2009, asked Trump for political support and continued backing for the Lebanese army, which has begun deploying in southern areas under a US-backed framework agreement with Israel. “We need to support the LAF,” Aoun said, referring...
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump signalled that Washington would confront Beijing over its alleged interference in the 2020 election but played down the prospect of retaliation. “We’re going to talk to them about it,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday, adding that the alleged interference “took place a long time ago” and that China might be “a little bit different today than it was then”. “They do things...
Lebanese President Aoun told Trump that Lebanon's “ultimate objective” is to end hostilities with Israel “forever”.
Aoun is in Washington, DC seeking US backing to end the fighting and secure an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese president is seeking Washington's support for his agenda, including diplomacy with Israel.
US president insists Netanyahu will not be arrested, despite ICC warrant.
China and the United States have stayed in contact about exchanges between their leaders this year, Beijing said just hours after America’s top diplomat downplayed the possibility that allegations of Chinese meddling in US elections would derail high-level engagement. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday that the Chinese and American sides had “maintained communication regarding the arrangements for the heads of states’ interactions later this year”. “Head-of-state...
US President Donald Trump said that he told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that Canada must do better at controlling Ontario wildfires whose smoke has affected several US states. The day after threatening to levy additional tariffs on Canadian goods to punish Canada over the wildfire smoke, Trump said he spoke to Carney at the Fifa World Cup final that both of them attended on Sunday. “I have a good relationship with Mark Carney, but we’ve got to stop the fires up there,” Trump told...
Aoun is expected to meet Donald Trump on Tuesday, as Beirut seeks US backing to end Israel-Hezbollah fighting.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will make his first trip to the White House this week to present a plan to US President Donald Trump on how to disarm Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and secure Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. Aoun, who served as the commander of Lebanon’s US-backed army before being elected president last year, is the first Lebanese head of state in nearly 20 years to visit the White House, where he will meet Trump face-to-face for the first time. Tuesday’s meeting comes...
Mojtaba Khamenei says Trump's signature is 'worthless' and that 'bullying' is a core element of US foreign policy.
The Lebanese and US presidents are expected to discuss the ceasefire, southern Lebanon, and Israel’s withdrawal.
President Donald Trump’s latest diatribe against China over alleged election meddling has laid bare a “huge crisis” within America’s democratic system, a prominent adviser to Beijing has suggested. Zheng Yongnian, a leading political scientist, said the claims were campaign rhetoric for November’s midterm elections and were unlikely to have a significant impact on the China-US relationship. Instead of repeatedly shifting blame onto other countries, Washington should reflect on how to reform its...
The resumption of US strikes against Iran has thrust incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham into a potential day one decision on how much to support Britain’s closest ally in its controversial military campaign. Even as Burnham was installed as leader of the governing Labour Party on Friday, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government was engaged in high-level talks about renewed US attacks on Iran, according to people familiar with the matter. The prime minister-in-waiting was kept...
Newly declassified US intelligence records show Chinese actors collected or acquired voter information covering millions of Americans and that Beijing developed capabilities that could be used to influence political opinion, but the documents do not substantiate US President Donald Trump’s claims that China stole the records of 220 million voters or manipulated the 2020 election. In a nationally televised address on Thursday, Trump accused China of carrying out a sweeping campaign to interfere...
US President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on China late on Thursday (Washington time), accusing Beijing of interfering in US elections in a move that has strained a fragile thaw in ties and cast doubt on future high-level engagements. In a prime-time address from the White House that lasted nearly 30 minutes, Trump accused China of orchestrating “what is believed to be the largest compromise of election data in history”. He claimed Beijing stole 220 million US voter files, including...
China has responded to US President Donald Trump’s claims that China interfered in the 2020 US presidential election.
Chinese social media users reacted with mockery, scepticism and concern after US President Donald Trump accused Beijing of meddling in US elections in a prime-time address. In a speech on Thursday evening Washington time, Trump focused heavily on US election security and made explosive claims about China, accusing Beijing of orchestrating the “largest compromise of election data in history” and declaring an end to complacency in the face of “Chinese interference”. He alleged that China had...
Beijing has sharply dismissed President Donald Trump’s allegations that China has interfered in US elections, mirroring its strong reaction to similar accusations he has made over the years. The allegations are “entirely fabricated, maliciously slanderous and have long been proven completely groundless”, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Friday. In a prime-time national address on Thursday, Trump accused Beijing of carrying out the “largest compromise of election data in history” and...
US President Donald Trump’s prime-time attack on China over alleged election interference marks a significant escalation in the rivalry between Washington and Beijing, elevating the issue from a cyber dispute to a broader national security confrontation, analysts say. “This speech is significant not simply because it criticises China. It is significant because it elevates alleged Chinese election interference to the level of a central national security narrative, comparable to how Russia was...
The resolution comes days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to 'dismantle' the international court.
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that arch foe Iran has freed an American citizen detained since December 2024 and allowed her to leave the country. “She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition,” Trump posted on social media, adding: “The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!” Trump – who in recent days has ordered a resumption of strikes against Iran and reimposed a naval blockade of its ports – did not name the woman or describe why she had...
Iran has installed a billboard in the capital Tehran showing US President Donald Trump lying in a coffin.
US President Donald Trump and Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi have met at the White House pledging to deepen economic ties.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the White House.
Iraqi prime minister says relations with US shifting from militaristic to economic, vows disarmament of factions.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday abandoned plans to impose a 20 per cent charge on commercial cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, less than a day after unveiling the proposal, while pressing ahead with a naval blockade targeting Iranian trade. Trump said the proposed fee would be replaced by trade and investment agreements with Gulf states following discussions with regional leaders. “Based on highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership, I have decided to replace the...
US President Donald Trump says the US should be paid by ‘rich’ oil-producing Gulf nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz
US State Department ups pressure campaign on international tribunal, threatening allies who support investigations.
President Donald Trump has said the US will ‘take over’ the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of breaking the deal.
Iran rejects any US control over strait as both sides trade attacks in major threat to negotiations to end their war.
Oil and gas deals are expected to be signed as part of a broader push for economic, trade and investment cooperation.
US president warns the US will decimate Iran amid alleged assassination plots as regional mediators try to save MoU.
Iranian leaders say they’ll never surrender and US President Donald Trump says the ceasefire is ‘over'.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he had ordered the military to be prepared to launch strikes against Iran if the Iranian government carried out or attempted an assassination of the president. “1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat, pronounced in many corners of the Globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the...
Iran has not responded to Trump's latest claim, which comes as new attacks threaten the full resumption of war.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington had agreed to resume discussions with Iran despite declaring an end to the fragile truce that had halted months of conflict between the two countries. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks’. We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. The remarks underscored the increasingly contradictory state of...
While Trump said the MoU with Iran is 'over', US officials have reaffirmed Washington's commitment to continue talks.
India has consistently denied any third-party intervention; Mr. Trump claimed the conflict between India and Pakistan “was going to be nuclear”; without providing details, the U.S. President said that “11 planes were shot down” during the conflict
US President Trump said he will remove Syria from the US state sponsor of terrorism list at the NATO summit.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said “the Islamic Republic of Japan” fired missiles at a US aircraft carrier, apparently confusing long-time ally Japan with Iran. Trump made the remark during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Turkish capital Ankara on the sidelines of a Nato summit. “We had 111 missiles shot by the Islamic Republic of Japan,” Trump said. He went on to say that the missiles were shot at the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln over a period of one...
President Trump announces a move to delist Syria, citing efforts by Ahmed al-Sharaa to unify the country.
Mark Rutte says Nato is stronger than ever, and that he is 100% convinced of the US president's commitment to the alliance.
US President Donald Trump has promised new arms sales in Europe, including advanced air defence systems to Nato allies and Ukraine, as the transatlantic alliance ramps up its military partnership, signalling a potential thaw after Trump repeatedly railed against the coalition. In a press conference on the last day of the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday, Trump said that as European nations rebuild their militaries, American equipment will be the “largest beneficiary”, claiming US$3...
Trump dominates summit with anti-Europe and Iran diatribes as NATO pledges to expand defence budgets and Ukraine support
Kharg Island, pivotal to Iran's oil exports, becomes focal point as Trump renews threats amid rising Gulf tensions.
US President Donald Trump declared himself Iran’s ‘No. 1 target’ after claiming their leaders have been eliminated
US President Donald Trump has used the Nato summit to criticise the lack of support for his war on Iran, and revive his interest in taking over Greenland.
Spain remained calm in the face of US President Donald Trump’s latest attack on Wednesday – which saw him order a halt to all trade with the country – as Madrid stressed its relationship with Washington remained “positive”. Trump called Spain a “wasted cause” and “hopeless, bad people” during comments to reporters ahead of a Nato leaders’ meeting in Ankara, and ordered officials to cut off trade with the country – the second time Trump has made such a threat since March. The US leader has...
The negotiating process is fragile and recent US strikes show how hard it will be to reach agreement, writes BBC's International Editor Jeremy Bowen.
Iranian officials insist that Tehran will not give up control over the waterway as US attacks threaten fragile truce.
The US president described Spain as a 'terrible partner' over its actions during the US-Israel war on Iran.
President Donald Trump has said the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran is ‘over’, after the latest strikes.
Trump says MoU with 'vicious, violent' Iran is over
The second and final day of the key gathering is under way in Turkiye's capital.
Leaders have gathered in Ankara for a two-day summit slated to cover defence spending and the Russia-Ukraine war.
US President Donald Trump criticised NATO allies for refusing to back the United States during its conflict with Iran.
The US president's inflammatory words have punctuated the image of unity at this crucial gathering, Security Correspondent Frank Gardner writes.
US President Donald Trump doubled down on his criticism of Nato member states’ refusal to aid Washington’s military operation in the Middle East, while noting that his country would consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey after years of deadlock. In his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday, the US president, who arrived in Ankara to attend this year’s Nato summit, said he was “very disappointed” with fellow Nato member states during Washington’s military operation...
Announcement during Ankara meeting suggests pivot in US policy, despite opposition from Israel.
President Lula accuses Jair Bolsonaro's son, now a presidential hopeful, of helping trigger proposed US tariffs.
In Fox News interview, Israeli prime minister lauds US alliance and argues that Ankara should not receive F-35 jets.
In a public park a stone’s throw from the European Commission buildings in Brussels late last month, beer flowed, meat grilled and country music blared as revellers marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The fallout from the event, however, provided signs – if they were needed – that all is not well in America’s relations with its erstwhile European allies. Just three of the EU’s 27 commissioners and none of its leaders showed up, while authorities were reportedly...
In a departure from convention, Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the United States on Independence Day. “This year marks the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. President Xi Jinping, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, has already sent a congratulatory message to US President Trump,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in Beijing on Monday. Beijing does not usually publicise presidential greetings on July 4...
If one word could capture the essence of Hong Kong, it would be resilience. Just two years ago, much of the international community had written off Hong Kong. A widely circulated newspaper commentary carried the headline: “It pains me to say Hong Kong is over”. Though the writer later changed his opinion, the piece captured the pessimism about the city’s future as a global hub. Hong Kong’s dramatic comeback is well documented. According to Boston Consulting Group, the city has overtaken...
US President Donald Trump plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday while attending the Nato summit in Turkey, the White House said. Those discussions will come as Kyiv tries to refocus Trump’s attention on the conflict with Moscow and as Trump has publicly mused about Syria’s role in the Middle East. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed the meetings in a call with reporters while previewing the summit in Ankara, where Trump...
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov says Trump made the offer during a nearly 90-minute phone call with the Russian president.