US DEFENSE SECRETARY
US growth boosted by AI, but no sign of a turning point higher
Economists estimate the growth potential of the US economy to be around 2%, whereas President Donald Trump aspires to double it. Business investments are escalating, primarily driven by the demands for data centers and enhanced AI capabilities, which can positively affect GDP growth. However, the influence of artificial intelligence on productivity is still unpredictable, and tariff strategies for cutting imports yield mixed results, affecting the market dynamics significantly.
On Iran war, Trump weighs two options: 'make a deal' or 'finish it off'
US President Donald Trump is weighing a deal with Iran against renewed military strikes, warning that a decision is approaching as Tehran escalates attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is reducing personnel in parts of the Middle East, while upcoming US midterm and Israeli elections add political uncertainty.
Why the US is moving diplomats out of the Middle East as fears of Iranian attacks grow amid rising tensions with Tehran
The United States is cutting back on diplomatic staff in the Middle East amid increased threats from Iran. Recent intelligence assessments indicate potential plots against American representatives that have reached advanced stages. This decision follows warnings about renewed military action, which could escalate tensions further in the region. Non-essential personnel are being evacuated from various countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
First tanker of Russian diesel sets sail for the US in Trump's controversial deal with Putin
A tanker transporting Russian diesel to the United States has departed, signaling a new import agreement. This deal has raised concerns in Ukraine due to Russia's ongoing invasion. U.S. political figures criticized the agreement as it contravenes existing American laws and may benefit Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over the decision and its potential impacts.
WATCH: Ex-Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who served for nearly two years, breaks silence on Katie Zacharia’s historic 5-day White House exit
Katie Zacharia's resignation as White House press secretary within just five days has made headlines. Her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, remarked on the unforgiving nature of the role. Facing backlash over her credentials, including not having passed the bar exam, Zacharia's initial press briefing fell short, prompting doubts about her abilities. Donald Trump weighed in, urging her to reassess her choice amid claims of unfair treatment.
Oil Price Today (October 23): Crude oil ticks over $114, jumps nearly 8% this week as energy attacks intensify. What are experts saying?
Brent crude futures rose 50 cents, or 0.45%, to $114.02 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 40 cents, or 0.42%, to $100.
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Can the Trump administration still change PSLF? Appeals dropped, rule struck down: what it means for teachers, nurses and nonprofit workers
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Trump administration drops appeals, old rules stay. Here's who is protected, and what borrowers need to know.
Oil Price Today (October 22): Crude oil above $112 as energy infra attacks heighten supply fears. More tension ahead?
Brent crude traded 3% higher at $112.38 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading more than $100 a barrel. Brent had settled largely unchanged on Wednesday, while WTI had eased 67 cents.
What's holding up Washington's $14 bn arms sale to Taiwan?
Taiwan has been waiting months for US President Donald Trump to approve a $14 billion sale of weapons and equipment, which the island democracy would use to fend off a potential Chinese attack. - Taiwan is developing a multi-layered air defence system, known as the T-Dome, that it hopes could counter a potential Chinese attack.
Trump administration drops legal fight to overhaul student loan forgiveness programme
On Wednesday, the Trump administration dropped its legal appeals against the Public Service Loan Forgiveness programme. This decision came after federal judges ruled in favor of advocates in June. The programme aims to forgive loans for public service employees after a decade of payments. The changes proposed by the Education Department faced significant legal challenges and were deemed unlawful.
US says Russian military satellite exhibiting 'threatening behavior' near its 'commercial' satellite
US on Wednesday (local time) accused Russia of threatening actions in space, saying Moscow's COSMOS 2612 military satellite deliberately maneuvered dangerously close to what it called one of its "commercial satellite".
Iran asks US to prove it wants peace by lifting blockade
"Iran is prepared to give diplomacy another chance if we see strong evidence of a sincere desire on the part of the US to achieve a just and honourable solution to permanently end this conflict," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in an op-ed in the Financial Times.
How the Mecca defense agreement between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will work
Turkey's government has requested parliamentary approval for a defense agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The agreement commits member states to mutual defense against external threats, similar to NATO's Article 5. Discussions between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia regarding military support and cooperation are currently ongoing. Assistance may include air defense and technical support, but not troop deployments into Yemen.
Trump envoy Witkoff meets Putin in St. Petersburg for Ukraine war talks
Steve Witkoff held talks with Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg to discuss peace efforts regarding Ukraine. These meetings follow Witkoff's recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Oslo. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to freeze the conflict to achieve an end to the war. Trump expressed increasing pressure on Zelenskyy to negotiate a deal with Russia. Ongoing Russian attacks in Ukraine continue to result in casualties and damage to infrastructure.
India has made substantial progress in diversifying oil imports, Rubio says
Marco Rubio highlighted India's advancements in energy diversification, particularly reducing dependence on Russian oil. During his Mumbai visit, he indicated the US's potential to support India’s energy needs. Rubio also plans to visit Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery for discussions on Venezuela's oil sector involvement. Additionally, he met with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss energy security and defense cooperation.
Ahead of COP31, UN sees higher global warming, even in best-case scenario
Global warming is now projected to exceed previous estimates, with average temperatures expected to rise significantly. Urgent and stringent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are crucial to achieve best-case outcomes by mid-century. Current national emissions reduction plans fall far short of the necessary targets outlined in the recent UN report. As countries prepare for COP31 in Turkey, the need for decisive action becomes increasingly urgent.
Zelenskyy says early warning system for Russian missile attacks resumes following call with Rubio
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that his country is now receiving crucial early warning intelligence from partners. Recent Russian missile attacks caused significant civilian casualties, prompting Zelenskyy to seek more American assistance. Although U.S. officials deny any political directives to slow support, Zelenskyy expressed concerns over military supplies and restrictions. European countries continue to allocate substantial funding to support Ukraine amid these challenges.
Musk ordered reduction in Starshield services for Ukraine: Report
Elon Musk imposed limitations on Starshield services for Ukraine, affecting their drone capabilities during the conflict. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that no directives were issued regarding these changes. Relations between Washington and Kyiv have strained recently, particularly after criticism from the US toward Ukraine's actions. President Donald Trump denied requesting any restrictions on the communications system utilized by Ukraine.
In second visit within months, Rubio calls on India to scale up US energy and defence buys
India and the US are actively working to expand energy and defence cooperation amidst existing tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized India's potential as a crude oil refining superpower. Discussions included increasing energy trade and promoting the purchase of American technologies for mutual benefit. Rubio also plans to visit Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar Refinery to discuss energy security.
Houthis attack city in Yemen that UN says is at 'grave risk' by rebels' siege
Iran-backed Houthi rebels recently targeted a residential area in Taiz, killing two teenage girls and wounding others. The siege on Taiz has resulted in severe humanitarian risks and soaring prices for basic necessities. A missile strike on a military camp the previous day reportedly led to at least 73 deaths, marking a significant resurgence in conflict. Meanwhile, Britain announced expanded military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Houthi attacks.
Russian aerial blitz kills 9 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets US and European officials in Norway
Russia conducted missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, causing civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Norway seeking increased American and European support for his country. Despite ongoing attacks, Zelenskyy expressed concerns about the delay in U.S. military aid, including critical air defense interceptors. European nations have stepped up their support, fearing Russian aggression will extend further.
Death toll rises to 73 in Houthi strike on Yemen training camp in deadliest attack in months
A missile strike by Houthi rebels in southern Yemen killed 73 new military recruits early this week. The recruits were training at the al-Alam camp in Shabwa province when the attack occurred. More than 200 individuals were wounded in the incident, which was part of escalating violence following the breakup of a ceasefire. The conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Chinese patrols to Taiwan's east are 'destabilising', US Congress-appointed official says
US officials highlight the destabilizing nature of China's coast guard patrols near Taiwan's east coast. Randall Schriver notes that such actions extend China's claims and involve legal and information warfare. Joseph Wu asserts that China has no legitimate rights to these waters surrounding the island. Delays are expected in US arms sales to Taiwan as negotiations continue between the leaders of the US and China.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth meets Netanyahu in unannounced visit to Israel, reports Axios
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced trip. This visit occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu for the upcoming parliamentary election. The election will be Israel's first since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which caused significant turmoil. Opinion polls indicate Netanyahu's coalition may lose its governing majority amidst these developments.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine got no early warning from partners as Russia hits the power grid again
Zelenskyy is grappling with recent Washington moves benefiting Russian President Vladimir Putin, including waiving U.S. sanctions on Moscow and signing a deal to import diesel from Moscow.
Will Trump pull a ‘Maduro’ on Raúl Castro after Florida obtains arrest warrant against him? What the Cuba leader could face next
Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier has declared an arrest warrant for Raúl Castro connected to a conspiracy to commit murder. This warrant arises from the tragic shooting down of two planes by Cuban forces in 1996, claiming four lives. While this may complicate Castro's travel to nations supporting extradition, his potential court appearance remains uncertain.
Trump’s super intelligence diplomat: Marco Rubio
Trump changed AI to SI. Now he has created a new breed of SI diplomacy.
US midterm elections 2026: Will Donald Trump enforce martial law after November 3? MAGA activists reveal shocking plans if results don't favour Republicans
US Midterm elections 2026: Donald Trump’s midterm campaign blitz arrived in Georgia on Friday for a rally with top Republican candidates in a state that has long been the epicenter of the president’s false claims about election fraud.
Donald Trump's son-in-law, Ivanka Trump husband Jared Kushner is being sued ahead of November 3 US midterm elections 2026, envoy role under scanner
Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump were formal government employees during the first Trump administration and filed the appropriate financial disclosures, although neither took a salary.
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