NATO — military alliance whose member states face criticism from the US over support for operations against Iran and Middle East policy, as of mid-2026.
… PHOTO|COURTESY Audio By Vocalize Finland's parliament on Wednesday voted to lift a total ban on nuclear weapons there, to bring the country in line with NATO's deterrence policy after joining the alliance in 2023. …
… In their coalition agreement, the three parties pledged to maintain a socially oriented programme, with continued emphasis on defence spending -- a key issue for the ex-Soviet republic that today is a NATO and EU member closely allied to Ukraine.The three-party coalition must sti …
… Putin’s longstanding position has been that Ukraine should withdraw from four regions largely occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – and give up its efforts to join Nato. …
… Putin says Moscow does not intend to attack NATO, whose member states' combined economies dwarf that of Russia even though it is the world's biggest supplier of natural resources. …
… Air defence systems, almost 300 combat vehicles, naval vessels and ammunition are to be sold to the NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank, Rheinmetall said in a statement. …
… urce on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Bulgaria said Friday it will terminate at the end of next month the authorisation for US military refuelling planes to be based at Sofia airport amidst a visa dispute between the NATO …
Rubio denounces NATO refusal to help on Iran ahead of alliance talks By AFP May 22, 2026 06:30 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivers remarks at the US Hostage and Wrongf …
… A NATO official told AFP on Friday that "we know that the US is working to adjust its posture in Europe." "A focus on rotational forces would not impact NATO's deterrence and defense plans. …
… s said in an interview aired Sunday that it would only take two weeks to hit "every single target" in Iran, adding that the Islamic republic was "militarily defeated." In the interview with independent journalist Sharyl Attkisson, which was recorded last week, he also called NATO …
Finland's parliament voted 125–61 to lift a total ban on nuclear weapons, allowing them to be brought, transported, supplied, or possessed where Finland's military defence requires it, aligning the country with NATO's deterrence policy after joining the alliance in 2023. The decision repeals restrictions from the Nuclear Energy Act dating to the 1980s and requires presidential approval.
Finland's parliament voted 125–61 to lift a total ban on nuclear weapons, allowing them to be brought, transported, supplied, or possessed where Finland's military defence requires it, aligning the country with NATO's deterrence policy after joining the alliance in 2023. The decision repeals restrictions from the Nuclear Energy Act dating to the 1980s and requires presidential approval.
Lithuania's governing coalition named Mindaugas Sinkevicius, head of the Social Democratic party, as its new prime minister on Tuesday, following a reshuffle that expelled the populist Nemunas Dawn party. The three-party centre-left coalition will retain 75 of parliament's 141 seats and maintains focus on defence spending.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an open letter to Vladimir Putin calling for a face-to-face meeting to pursue peace, stating it would be wrong to wait for the US to refocus on the European war. He also called for a full ceasefire during negotiations, which Putin had rejected earlier that day.
At Russia's St Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin faced conflicting narratives from participants: some argued Russia should continue fighting and prepare for global confrontation with the West, while others highlighted economic benefits of ending the Ukraine war, which Ukrainian drones struck near the forum venue the previous day.
German arms maker Rheinmetall has signed a €5.7-billion deal with Romania to supply air defence systems, almost 300 combat vehicles, naval vessels, and ammunition, with deliveries beginning in 2028 and completion by 2030.
President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Henry Wooster, currently Chargé d'Affaires in Haiti, to serve as the next United States Ambassador to Kenya, subject to U.S. Senate confirmation. Wooster, who holds the rank of Minister-Counselor, brings over two decades of diplomatic experience including previous postings as U.S. Ambassador to Jordan and senior roles across the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia.
Bulgaria said Friday it will terminate at the end of June the authorisation for US military KC-135 Stratotanker jets to be based at Sofia airport, citing a visa dispute between the NATO allies over Bulgarian citizens' lack of visa-free US entry.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has renewed criticism of NATO members for not supporting the US war on Iran, saying that while many agree Iran is a nuclear threat, they refuse to help despite not being asked to commit troops or fighter jets. Rubio made the remarks ahead of NATO foreign minister talks in Sweden, following a US-Israel joint attack on Iran on February 28.
The United States has canceled the planned deployment of 4,000 soldiers to Poland as Washington reorganizes its forces in Europe following a decision to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany. The cancellation, ordered by the Secretary of Defense, affected the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, with some elements already deployed and equipment in transit.
US President Donald Trump said in an interview that the US would need two weeks to hit "every single target" in Iran, characterizing the Islamic republic as "militarily defeated," while also calling NATO a "paper tiger" and criticizing Washington's allies for failing to assist in the campaign against Tehran.
Romania's parliament voted on a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, filed by the Social Democrats and far-right parties after tensions over austerity measures. Analysts expected the motion to pass, deepening political turmoil in the EU and NATO member.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo XIV during a trip to Rome this week, following Trump's recent criticism of the pontiff's anti-war stance. Rubio is also scheduled to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian officials, amid a widening transatlantic rift over Middle East policy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Rome and the Vatican this week, weeks after President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV over his anti-war stance. Italian media reported Rubio, a Catholic, would meet the Pope on Thursday to "thaw" relations, and is scheduled to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Rome and the Vatican this week to meet Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, following tensions between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff's anti-war rhetoric and Trump's immigration policies.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of about 5,000 troops from Germany within the next six to twelve months, according to the Pentagon, amid tensions between the US and Europe over the Mideast war and trade disputes.
The United States approved a $4 billion sale of Patriot missiles to Qatar and a nearly $1 billion sale of precision weapons systems to Israel, citing support for US foreign policy and national security objectives. The Pentagon also announced the withdrawal of about 5,000 troops from Germany within the next year.
King Charles warned in an address to the US Congress that Britain and America must stand together in a "more volatile, more dangerous" era, citing conflicts from Europe to the Middle East. The speech, marked by approximately 12 standing ovations, emphasised NATO support and defence of Ukraine as cornerstones of the relationship.
Britain's King Charles III began a four-day state visit to the United States on Monday, his first since ascending the throne, at a time of mounting strain in bilateral relations including disagreements over Iran strikes, NATO, trade, and Britain's digital services tax. Although royal diplomacy may help ease tensions, it is unlikely to resolve substantive disputes.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have begun a four-day state visit to the United States, arriving at Andrews military airbase in Maryland where they were greeted by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The King will address Congress on Tuesday, where he is expected to call for defense of democratic values and reconciliation of the US-UK partnership.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stressed Spain is a "reliable member" of NATO after Reuters reported the United States was considering suspending it over its refusal to support military operations against Iran. Sanchez said Spain fulfills all its NATO obligations and dismissed the threat, noting there is no NATO treaty provision allowing suspension or expulsion of members.
Israel and Lebanon extended their ceasefire for three weeks at a White House meeting brokered by President Trump, who said he was seeking "the best deal" to resolve the wider regional conflict despite ongoing fighting and tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.