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The United States has ordered non-essential embassy staff to leave Lebanon as officials weigh potential military action against Iran ahead of nuclear talks in Geneva, with President Trump’s decision on possible strikes tied to envoy assessments of Tehran’s negotiating position.

In Mexico, thousands of additional troops have been deployed after violence erupted following the death in custody of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, with authorities reporting multiple security force and cartel fatalities as operations continue.

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1️⃣🇺🇸🇮🇷 US pulls embassy staff from Lebanon amid Iran tensions: The State Department ordered non-essential personnel and families to leave Beirut as Washington weighs potential military action against Iran ahead of nuclear talks in Geneva, while maintaining core embassy operations. The move comes alongside a regional US military buildup, with officials reiterating opposing positions on uranium enrichment.

2️⃣🇺🇸🇮🇷 Trump decision on Iran strikes hinges on envoys: President Trump’s consideration of possible airstrikes will depend partly on assessments by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner over whether Tehran is stalling in negotiations, as officials prepare for talks in Geneva. Advisers have raised concerns over retaliation risks and missile stockpiles while discussions continue over potential limited enrichment allowances.

3️⃣🇪🇺🇭🇺 EU fails to agree new Russia sanctions: EU foreign ministers did not secure agreement on a 20th sanctions package against Russia ahead of the invasion’s anniversary, with Hungary’s veto also blocking a €90bn loan to Kyiv amid disputes over the Druzhba pipeline. The impasse drew criticism from several leaders and coincided with Slovakia halting emergency electricity exports to Ukraine.

4️⃣🇸🇰🇺🇦 Slovakia halts emergency power over oil dispute: Prime Minister Robert Fico said Slovakia will stop emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine until oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline resumes, warning of further reciprocal steps including reconsidering support for EU membership. Kyiv said it had not been formally notified and that the move would not affect its power system.

5️⃣🇨🇦🇮🇳🇦🇺🇯🇵 Carney tours Indo-Pacific to diversify trade: Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit India, Australia and Japan to expand economic ties beyond the US, holding talks on defence, AI, clean energy and critical minerals. He aims to double non-US exports within a decade amid tariff tensions with Washington and strained Canada-India relations over a 2023 assassination allegation.

Major Story

🇲🇽 Mexico deploys troops after cartel leader dies

Mexico has sent thousands of additional soldiers to western states after violence erupted following the death in custody of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” who was captured in Jalisco and later died from injuries sustained in a firefight. Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said 2,500 extra troops were deployed on Monday, bringing the total to about 9,500 since Sunday, while unrest has been reported in at least 20 states. Authorities said at least 25 National Guard members have died in Jalisco since the violence began, and Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said a prison guard, a state prosecutor’s office official, and 30 cartel members were killed in the unrest, according to AFP. 

The defence ministry said six of El Mencho’s security guards were killed and three military personnel injured during the operation, which it said was supported by complementary US information, while Mexico confirmed no US forces were involved in his killing. President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the operation, said roadblocks had been cleared by Monday morning, and stated that her priority is to ensure peace and security nationwide.

Other News

1️⃣🇮🇷🇺🇸 Iranian students protest for third day: University demonstrations spread to campuses including Tehran’s Al Zahra University weeks after a crackdown that reportedly left thousands dead, with anti-government slogans chanted and clashes reported with Basij militia. The unrest unfolds as Iran and the US prepare for nuclear talks, alongside reports of a €500m arms deal between Tehran and Moscow to bolster Iran’s air defences.

2️⃣🇺🇦🇷🇺 Ukraine marks four years of war: Four years after Russia’s invasion, Ukraine retains most of its territory despite Moscow gaining about 10 percent and officials citing 1.3 million Russian soldiers killed or seriously wounded. While mobilisation challenges persist and recent offensives have been limited, leaders say European financial support, including a €90bn EU loan, sustains the war effort.

3️⃣🇺🇸 Trump warns countries over tariff ‘games’: President Trump threatened higher duties on countries reconsidering trade deals after the Supreme Court blocked many prior tariffs, creating uncertainty around agreements negotiated last year. The administration has imposed a new 15% global tariff under alternate legal authorities, with markets falling and Democrats opposing any extension beyond 150 days.

4️⃣🇨🇳🇯🇵 China adds Japanese firms to export control lists: Beijing placed 20 Japanese companies on a dual-use export ban list and 20 more under licensing review, citing concerns over remilitarisation and nuclear ambitions. The move follows comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting possible intervention in a Taiwan contingency, with China saying normal trade will not be affected.

5️⃣🇵🇭🇳🇱 Duterte faces ICC crimes against humanity hearing: The International Criminal Court opened a confirmation hearing to decide whether former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial over alleged murders tied to his anti-drug campaign between 2011 and 2019. Duterte denies the charges and rejects the court’s jurisdiction, with the case unfolding amid a political rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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