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.
… ent headquarters, to demonstrate their backing for his minority government, on May 3, 2026. [AFP] Romania's parliament on Tuesday will vote on a motion of no confidence that could oust liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, deepening political turmoil in the country, an EU and NATO …
… He accused Meloni -- a far-right leader who has sought to act as a bridge between diverging US and European views -- of failing to help the United States with NATO. …
… He accused Meloni -- a far-right leader who has sought to act as a bridge between diverging US and European views -- of failing to help the United States with NATO. …
… He also accused Meloni -- a far-right leader who has sought to act as a bridge between diverging US and European views -- of failing to help the United States with NATO. …
… Speaking during a visit to Morocco, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Thursday that Germany was "prepared" for a reduction in US troops and was "discussing it closely and in a spirit of trust in all NATO bodies." While saying he was "relaxed" about the idea of fewer US …
… The announcement came after President Donald Trump threatened this week to remove troops from NATO ally Germany amid a row with its chancellor, Friedrich Merz, over the US-Israeli war against Iran. …
Spain is 'reliable' NATO member - Prime Minister Sanchez says after US ouster threat By AFP April 25, 2026 12:37 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Audio By Vocalize Prime …
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.