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Germany has summoned Russia's ambassador over threats against German targets, while Romania's coalition collapsed amid austerity disputes.

This comes as Cuba confirmed talks with Washington focused on ending the U.S. energy blockade, and as Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Pakistan for Iran negotiations as the ceasefire deadline approaches.

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Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇩🇪🇷🇺 Germany summons Russian envoy over threats: Berlin summoned Russia's ambassador over unspecified threats against targets in Germany, which officials described as attempts to undermine support for Ukraine. The move followed Russia's defense ministry publishing a list including at least three German firms supplying drones to Ukraine, with suggestions those locations could be targeted.

2️⃣ 🇲🇽🇺🇸 Mexico demands answers after joint operation deaths: President Sheinbaum said she would demand explanations after four U.S. Embassy and Mexican officials died in a car crash following a drug lab destruction operation in Chihuahua, stating she was unaware of the collaboration. She noted any joint operations between local governments and the U.S. without federal authorization would violate Mexican law.

3️⃣ 🇨🇺🇺🇸 Cuba confirms talks with U.S., seeks blockade end: Cuba confirmed it recently met with U.S. officials on the island, with a foreign affairs official stating that ending the U.S. energy blockade was the delegation's top priority. The meeting, described as respectful and professional, comes amid tensions over U.S. sanctions and Trump's threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.

4️⃣ 🇷🇴 Romania plunges into crisis as coalition collapses: Romania's Social Democrats voted to withdraw support for Prime Minister Bolojan, accusing him of destroying their social base with an austerity program that damaged the economy and increased living costs. Bolojan refused to resign and accused his coalition partners of jeopardizing the country's finances and destabilizing Romania during Middle East conflict and European economic stagnation.

5️⃣ 🇪🇺🇮🇱 Spain's push to suspend Israel agreement set to fail: Spain's call to suspend the EU-Israel association agreement is expected to fail amid broad opposition from member states including Germany and Italy. While Ireland and Slovenia joined Spain's request, the proposal lacks the unified position needed to proceed.

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Major Story

🇮🇷 Iran War Update

Military

🇺🇸🇮🇷 Trump vows to maintain Iran port blockade until deal reached: President Trump said the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is secured, claiming the measure is "absolutely destroying Iran". US forces have turned away 27 vessels and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to breach the blockade.

Diplomacy

🇺🇸🇮🇷 Vance set to lead Iran talks in Pakistan: Vice President JD Vance is expected to depart for Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with Iran, after Iran's supreme leader gave the green light late Monday following pressure from Pakistani, Egyptian and Turkish mediators. Tehran had been stalling amid IRGC pressure to refuse talks without an end to the US blockade. Trump extended the two week ceasefire by 24 hours but said further extensions are highly unlikely.

🇹🇷🇮🇱 Turkey accuses Israel of territorial expansion in Lebanon: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Netanyahu's government of using security as a pretext to occupy additional territory, calling it "fundamentalist" and a global problem.

Oil/Economic

🇺🇸🇮🇷 Oil prices surge after US seizes Iranian cargo ship: Global oil prices jumped over 4% to $94.20 per barrel following Trump's confirmation that the US navy intercepted an Iran-flagged vessel, reversing Friday's drop when Iran temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz. 

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Other News

1️⃣ 🇵🇱🇮🇱 Poland-Israel clash over destroyed Jesus statue: Poland's Foreign Minister Sikorski called for punishment of an Israeli soldier who smashed a Jesus statue in Lebanon, stating that Israeli soldiers “admit to war crimes” themselves. Israel's Foreign Minister Sa'ar accused Sikorski of irresponsible statements and defended the IDF as professional and ethical, though Israel apologized and said appropriate measures would be taken.

2️⃣ 🇭🇺🇮🇱 Hungary vows to arrest Netanyahu if he visits: Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar stated Hungary must arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu if he visits while wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes. Magyar plans to halt Hungary's ICC withdrawal initiated by former PM Orbán, who had guaranteed Netanyahu immunity during a 2025 visit.

3️⃣ 🇵🇸 Gaza needs $71bn for decade of reconstruction: A joint EU and UN report found Gaza will require over $71 billion in the next decade for recovery and reconstruction, with $26.3 billion needed in the first 18 months. The report estimated physical infrastructure damages at $35.2 billion and economic and social losses at $22.7 billion, finding the conflict set back human development by 77 years.

4️⃣ 🇺🇦 Ukraine pushes for homegrown missile defense: Ukraine is aiming to build a domestic anti-ballistic missile defense system within a year to reduce reliance on dwindling U.S. Patriot missile supplies. President Zelensky said he is in talks with several countries to develop a European defense system within months, warning of critical Patriot shortages as the Iran war diverts U.S. attention.

5️⃣ 🇺🇦🇷🇺 Ukraine strikes Russian Black Sea refinery again: Ukraine struck Russia's Tuapse oil refinery and an oil depot in occupied Crimea, marking the second attack on the Black Sea refinery in under a week. The strikes are part of Ukraine's expanding campaign targeting Russian energy export infrastructure to reduce Moscow's oil revenue and strengthen Kyiv's negotiating position, though some allies have urged a pause amid rising energy prices.

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