Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Strike conducted in Syria CENTCOM 27 Jun 2022 -- CENTCOM Forces conducted a kinetic strike in Idlib province, Syria, June 27, targeting Abu Hamzah al Yemeni, a senior leader of Hurras al-Din, an Al Qaeda-aligned terrorist organization. Abu Hamzah al Yemeni was traveling alone on a motorcycle at the time of the strike. Initial review indicates no civilian casualties.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 27 Jun 2022
• DOD Official Says Ukrainians Heroically Defending Lysychansk DoD News 27 Jun 2022 -- Although the Russians have made incremental gains in the Donbas, it does not appear that they have encircled the city of Lysychansk, a senior Defense Department official said today.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Estonian Minister of Defense Laanet, Latvian Minister of Defense Pabriks, and Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Anusauskas DoD 27 Jun 2022
• DoD and NSF Kick-Off Resilient and Intelligent NextG Systems Program DoD 27 Jun 2022 -- The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced awards for the "Resilient and Intelligent NextG Systems" (RINGS) program on April 18. The RINGS program officially kicks off today. The Department of Defense is pleased to be a part of this unique, collaborative effort to expand public-private partnerships.
• Hokanson Visits Guardsmen Training With Ukraine Troops DoD News 27 Jun 2022 -- For some Florida Guardsmen, leaving the troops they were training with in Yavoriv, Ukraine, was of one of the toughest moments of their military careers.
• U.S. Marines redesignate Littoral Combat Team, realign Combat Logistics Battalion under Marine Littoral Regiment USMC News 27 Jun 2022 -- The U.S. Marine Corps redesignated 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines as the 3rd Littoral Combat Team and realigned Combat Logistics Battalion 3 under the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment during two ceremonies held here June 23 and 24, 2022.
• US Armed Forces Struggle to Meet 2022 Recruiting Goals Across All Branches - Reports Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- The US armed forces are struggling to meet recruiting goals for fiscal year 2022 across all branches of service, NBC News reported on Monday, citing multiple US defense officials and recruiting data.
• Fleet Readiness Center East marks maintenance firsts with V-22 repairs US Navy 27 Jun 2022 -- Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) is gearing up to return an MV-22 Osprey to the fleet after conducting a wing-off stow ring replacement on the aircraft, the first completion of this procedure by a naval aviation depot. In another inaugural depot-level repair, FRCE artisans tackled corrosion on the aircraft's K-fittings with the wing off, rather than the standard wing-on method; this required a novel approach to the process.
• Navy Commissions USS Montana (SSN 794) US Navy 27 Jun 2022 -- The Navy commissioned the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Montana (SSN 794) in a traditional ceremony held Saturday, June 25, at Naval Station Norfolk.
• NRL Announces the Washington Metropolitan Quantum Network Research Consortium (DC-QNet) US Navy 27 Jun 2022 -- To advance quantum network capabilities and leadership, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) announced work with five other U.S. Government agencies on May 18 to establish the Washington Metropolitan Quantum Network Research Consortium (DC-QNet) to create, demonstrate and operate a quantum network as a regional testbed.
• Seabees Work with Fiji Military Forces to Build School US Navy 27 Jun 2022 -- Engineers assigned to U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE and members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) are building a two-room classroom for the Navonu Primary School in Vanua Levu, Fiji, as part of Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22).
• USS San Jacinto (CG 56) arrives in Valletta, Malta US Navy 27 Jun 2022 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) arrived in Valletta, Malta for a scheduled port visit, June 26.
• MSC's Newest Ship USNS John L. Canley Christened at General Dynamics NASSCO San Diego US Navy 27 Jun 2022 -- Expeditionary sea base USNS John L. Canley (ESB-6), Military Sealift Command's newest ship, was christened during a ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif., June 26.
• Navy confirms wrecksite off Philippines coast that of USS Samuel B. Roberts US Navy Press Release 27 Jun 2022 -- Seventy-eight years after its loss during World War II, the U.S. Navy confirmed June 25, 2022, the location of USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413).
• Spartan Warrior Three exercise builds Army Reserve readiness Army News 27 Jun 2022 -- Soldiers lined up for dinner at the mobile kitchen trailer, under a late afternoon sun, during the Spartan Warrior Three exercise.
• 105th Cavalry Seizes Opportunity to Train on Tow Missiles Army News 27 Jun 2022 -- Recent history and some hustle enabled the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to train on Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wire-guided anti-tank missiles during annual training.
• Idaho National Guard participates in Exercise African Lion 22 Army News 27 Jun 2022 -- Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1st Battalion of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment and their counterparts from California, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin are training with the Royal Moroccan Army in the northern Sahara Desert as part of African Lion 22.
• NATO Secretary General Previews 'Transformative' Madrid Summit DoD News 27 Jun 2022 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg previewed the alliance's summit in Madrid today, saying the meeting of leaders will be "transformative."
• NATO hosts new round of Türkiye, Finland, Sweden talks NATO 27 Jun 2022 -- At the invitation of Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, senior officials from Türkiye, Finland and Sweden met with senior NATO officials at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels on Monday (27 June 2022).
• NATO Secretary General addresses the Brussels Forum: "We need a bold strategy for our new security reality" NATO 27 Jun 2022 -- Addressing the Brussels Forum conference on 27 June 2022, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, "an unprecedented act of generosity and foresight, born from the ashes of two brutal world wars."
• Pre-Summit press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg NATO 27 Jun 2022
• Statements by the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Magdalena Andersson NATO 27 Jun 2022
• With Russia A 'Direct Threat,' Stoltenberg Says NATO To Boost Troops On 'High Readiness' RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the western military alliance will boost its high readiness forces to "well over 300,000" in response to Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• What to Expect From South Korea's First NATO Summit VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will participate at the NATO summit in Madrid on Tuesday and Wednesday, reflecting what experts say is Seoul's expanded global role in dealing with threats from China, Russia and North Korea.
• Australian Prime Minister Heads to NATO Talks in Spain VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is flying to Spain to attend this year's NATO meeting as leaders attempt to tackle the growing threat posed by global instability.
• Turkey Maintains Threat to Veto Sweden, Finland from Joining NATO VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heads to this week's NATO summit in Madrid, threatening to veto Finland's and Sweden's bid to join the Atlantic alliance.
• Finland, Sweden Will Talk NATO Bid With Turkey's Erdogan On June 28, Says Finnish Presidency RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson will discuss their stalled NATO bids with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 28 ahead of a summit of the 30-member alliance in Madrid, Helsinki said on June 27.
• Turkey to Support Finland's, Sweden's NATO Bids If Concrete Steps Are Taken, Ankara Says Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- Ankara cannot agree to Finland and Sweden joining NATO without "concrete steps" taken by Helsinki and Stockholm, Fahrettin Altun, the head of media and communications in the Turkish presidential office, said on Monday.
• US finalizing package of long-range air-defense missiles for Ukraine: Sullivan Press TV 27 Jun 2022 -- US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says Washington is in the process of finalizing a weapons package, including long-range air-defense missiles, for Ukraine, more than four months into Russia's military offensive in the former Soviet country.
• NATO's Deputy Secretary General: NATO supports for Ukraine is for the long-term NATO 27 Jun 2022 -- On Monday (27 June 2022), in a pre-recorded video message at the Kyiv Security Forum, NATO's Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana reaffirmed NATO's continued solidarity and support for Ukraine against Russia's unprovoked war.
• Coast guard missile corvette set to join Han Kuang drills: Source CNA 27 Jun 2022 -- A coast guard missile corvette will participate in a series of live-fire exercises leading up to this year's Han Kuang drills, and the Anping-class vessel has already docked at a naval base in northeastern Taiwan, a source told CNA Monday.
• Japan announces ill-intended ambition to hike military spending at G7 summit Global Times 27 Jun 2022 -- Japan will fundamentally bolster its defense in five years with a substantial increase in military spending, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Sunday during the Group of Seven summit in Germany, following the country's high-profile drills with the US and Australia and prior to participation in the US-led large-scale Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).
• Soldiers flex lethal muscle Australia DOD 27 Jun 2022 -- Clandestine, agile and lethal are the words to describe the soldiers executing live fire anti-armour stalks using direct fire support weapons (DFSW) during Exercise Kapyong Warrior.
• Soldiers train for urban warfare Australia DOD 27 Jun 2022 -- Soldiers from 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8/9 RAR), have been training to prepare for operations in densely populated cities and urban centres.
• US Takes Putin's Remarks on Nuclear Missiles in Belarus 'Seriously' - Pentagon Official Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- The United States has always taken "seriously" Russia's threat to use nuclear weapons and considers it irresponsible for Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk about deploying nuclear missiles in Belarus, a senior US Defense Department official said on Monday.
• North Korea accuses US of setting up 'Asian NATO', vows stronger defense Press TV 27 Jun 2022 -- North Korea has accused the United States of setting up a NATO-style military alliance in Asia, saying Washington continues to hold military maneuvers with East Asian states despite Pyongyang's warnings.
• North Korea Awaiting Right Moment to Maximize Effect of Nuclear Test, Seoul Says Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- North Korea has completed all preparations for a nuclear test but is waiting for the right moment to maximize its effect, while closely watching the situation in the international and domestic arena, South Korean minister of unification Kwon Young-se said Monday.
• India and Malaysia decide to enhance defence cooperation India PIB 27 Jun 2022 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a Video Conference with Senior Defence Minister of Malaysia, YB Dato 'Seri HishammuddinTun Hussein on June 27, 2022. A wide range of issues concerning bilateral, regional and defence industrial cooperation were discussed during the meeting.
• Israel okays housing grants for former South Lebanon Army militiamen Press TV 27 Jun 2022 -- The Israeli cabinet has approved a proposal to provide housing allowances to hundreds of former members of the Lebanese Christian-dominated militia South Lebanon Army (SLA), who fought alongside the Tel Aviv regime against resistance groups during the Lebanese civil war.
• Negev Forum Steering Committee Joint Statement US Dept. of State 27 Jun 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates.
• READOUT: Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen's Call with the Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides of Cyprus US Treasury 27 Jun 2022 -- Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen spoke to Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides of Cyprus yesterday to discuss the two country's collective commitments to continuing to implement sanctions on Russia for its war in Ukraine and, in particular, the U.S. desire to align with the European Union's sixth package of restrictions and prevent evasion. The two ministers also spoke about the goal of placing a price limit on Russian oil to deprive the Kremlin of revenue to finance their war in Ukraine while mitigating spillover effects for the global economy.
• Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official on President Biden's Second Day in Germany The White House 27 Jun 2022
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan The White House 27 Jun 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Panamanian President Cortizo US Dept. of State 27 Jun 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 27, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 27 June 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Jun 2022
• UN Appeals for $110 Million for Afghan Quake Response VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- The United Nations made an urgent appeal Monday for $110.3 million to provide livesaving assistance to more than 360,000 Afghans who were affected last week by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake that killed about 1,000 people, including 150 children.
• Taliban's Alleged Extrajudicial Killings in Afghan District Worry UN, Rights Groups VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- Taliban authorities in Afghanistan are being accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses as they attempt to quell an armed rebellion in a northern region.
• At Least 155 Children Killed In Afghan Earthquake, Says UN RFE/RL Gandhara 27 Jun 2022 -- The earthquake that hit southeastern Afghanistan last week has killed at least 155 children, the United Nations' humanitarian coordination organization, the OCHA, said in an update on June 26.
• WFP rushes emergency food assistance to earthquake-hit eastern Afghanistan, assisting 18,200 people as first response WFP 27 Jun 2022 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered emergency food assistance to 18,200 people affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Paktika and Khost on 22 June. The 5.9 magnitude quake killed around 800 people, injured 1,500 others, and destroyed hundreds of homes.
• Reaffirming our readiness to build a more peaceful, stable future for the Libyan people UK FCDO 27 Jun 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Libya
• Libya: UN highlights need to speed up progress towards national elections UN News 27 Jun 2022 -- Leaders in Libya must resolve outstanding issues so that long-awaited presidential and parliamentary elections can finally be held, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council on Monday.
• Myanmar junta deploys loudspeakers in bid to prompt PDF surrender Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2022 -- Myanmar's junta has launched a campaign urging local members of the armed opposition to surrender, vowing to step down following elections planned for 2023, but prodemocracy fighters on Monday dismissed the move as a sign of desperation from a military regime barely clinging to power.
• US Urges Israelis, Palestinians to Calm Tensions Ahead of Biden Visit VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- The United States expressed concern Monday about "palpable and dangerous" tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, ahead of a visit next month by President Joe Biden to the region.
• Middle East: Mounting violence leaving 'scores of Palestinian and Israeli casualties' UN News 27 Jun 2022 -- "High level" violence has resulted in "scores of Palestinian and Israeli casualties", the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Monday.
• A lasting resolution that delivers peace for Israelis and Palestinians is long overdue UK FCDO 27 Jun 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East
• Tibetan convention calls on governments to help resolve Tibet issue with China Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2022 -- Participants at an international meeting on Tibet called on governments to do more to advance the rights of Tibetans who face repression at the hands of the Chinese government.
• Ethiopia Denies Sudanese Claims it Executed Seven Soldiers as Khartoum Withdraws Envoy Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- Addis Ababa has denounced Sudan's version of the events that transpired on the border a day prior as a "misrepresentation," claiming the seven Sudanese soldiers who were killed had crossed the border into Ethiopia.
• Sudan Recalling Ambassador to Ethiopia After Deaths of Seven Soldiers Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- Sudan is recalling its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations after the Ethiopian military allegedly kidnapped and killed seven Sudanese soldiers and a civilian, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said Monday.
• New Report Blames Separatists in Cameroon for Gross Human Rights Violations VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- A Human Rights Watch report released Monday says separatists in Cameroon are increasingly brutal in their attacks. Human Rights Watch says separatists have committed murders and have carried out at least 80 abductions since January.
• UN and NGO partners raise the alarm: Over 30 million Sahelians, most of whom are women and children, require life-saving assistance and protection, an increase of almost two million from 2021 UNOCHA 27 Jun 2022 -- Over 30 million Sahelians, most of whom are women and children, require lifesaving assistance and protection in 2022, an increase of almost two million from 2021. The United Nations humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations continue to raise the alarm over the rapidly and severely exacerbating crisis in the Sahel.

News Reports

• DNI Haines Speaks at the Activation of the National Space Intelligence Center Director of National Intelligence 27 Jun 2022 -- The Space Force activated the National Space Intelligence Center which will be led by its newest unit Space Delta 18, during a ceremony on June 24 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
• Credit Suisse found guilty of laundering drug mafia's profits Press TV 27 Jun 2022 -- Swiss bank Credit Suisse has been fined by the country's federal criminal court in a money laundering case linked to a drugs gang.
• UN drug report shines light on cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine trends UN News 27 Jun 2022 -- Legalized cannabis use in some countries and states appears to have accelerated daily use and related health impacts, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed in a new report released on Monday.
• MONEYVAL calls on Bulgaria to improve use of financial intelligence, investigation and prosecution and the confiscations regime Council of Europe 27 Jun 2022 -- In a new report the Council of Europe's anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL draws up a comprehensive assessment of the country's level of compliance with the Recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as at the date of the onsite visit in September 2021.
• Meeting with Head of Federal Service for Financial Monitoring Yury Chikhanchin President of Russia 27 Jun 2022 -- Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Head of the Federal Service for Financial Monitoring Yury Chikhanchin.
• In Tit-For-Tat Move, Russia Places Sanctions On 43 Canadians RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- Russia says it is placing sanctions on 43 Canadians, including federal and regional officials, members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal party, and public figures, in retaliation for similar steps taken by Ottawa in May against leaders of large Russian companies and members of their families.
• Putin To Meet Tajik Counterpart Rahmon In Dushanbe As War In Ukraine Continues RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon, in Dushanbe on June 28 as Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, launched more than four months ago, continues to raise concerns in Central Asia.
• Proclamation on Increasing Duties on Certain Articles from the Russian Federation The White House 27 Jun 2022
• War in Ukraine - G7 announces tougher sanctions against Russia Germany - Federal Government 27 Jun 2022 -- The G7 has pledged financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine for an unlimited period in the war against Russia. "We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes," the Heads of State and Government stress in a joint statement.
• FACT SHEET: The United States and G7 to Take Further Action to Support Ukraine and Hold the Russian Federation Accountable The White House 27 Jun 2022
• G7 Leaders Look To Adopt Price Cap On Russian Oil To Limit Moscow's Energy Revenues RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations, meeting for a second day at a summit in Germany, are expected to agree to a price cap on Russian oil to limit Moscow's energy revenues as the centerpiece of new sanctions on Russia for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• G-7 Heightening Russia Sanctions for Ukraine War VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- The United States and the other members of the Group of Seven leading industrialized economies imposed new sanctions Monday against Russia for its four-month invasion of Ukraine. These include measures to cut Moscow off from materials and services needed by its industrial and technology sectors.
• Kremlin Disagrees With Media Reports About Russia's Alleged Default on Foreign Debt Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- The Kremlin does not agree with the statement about alleged default of Russia on foreign debt, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
• Russia, in Default on Sovereign Debt, Blames US for Blocking Payments VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- For the first time since 1918, when Vladimir Lenin repudiated the debts of the former Russian Empire, Russia has defaulted on its sovereign debt. It did so by failing to make a payment of approximately $100 million in dollars and euros to bondholders.
• Controversial Confucius Institutes Returning to U.S. Schools Under New Name VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- Confucius Institutes, the controversial Beijing-backed language and cultural learning centers — most of which were closed throughout the United States after being designated a foreign mission by the State Department — are rebranding and reopening, according to a report by the National Association of Scholars.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 27, 2022 PRC MofA 27 Jun 2022
• US, Chinese Leaders Expected to Talk in Coming Weeks VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will "engage over the course of the next few weeks" but not immediately after the G-7 summit, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday.
• Exclusive: Hong Kong still faces threats, to push Article 23 legislation for national security: Secretary of Security Global Times 27 Jun 2022 -- Editor's Note:
• Forced labor exists in US, not China: Chinese FM Global Times 27 Jun 2022 -- There is forced labor in the US, not in China, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference on Monday, noting that the US has repeatedly hyped up the outrageous lie about so-called forced labor in Xinjiang and tried to create "forced unemployment," which reflects the guilt of the US itself.
• Taiwan thanks Tuvalu FM for withdrawing from U.N. forum over China demands CNA 27 Jun 2022 -- Taiwan thanked Tuvalu's foreign minister Monday for withdrawing from a United Nations conference after China blocked the participation of three Taiwanese members of Tuvalu's delegation.
• Taiwan, U.S. to hold first trade initiative meeting on Monday: USTR CNA 27 Jun 2022 -- The first meeting of a newly-launched United States-Taiwan trade initiative will take place on Monday (U.S. time), according to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
• Taiwan regional personnel degrade themselves, follow Tuvalu delegation in attempt to attend UN ocean conference, only bringing disgrace: Chinese FM Global Times 27 Jun 2022 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned some personnel of the island of Taiwan who degraded themselves and were willing to become followers of another country in an attempt to attend the United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference, saying they can only bring disgrace on themselves.
• Rodong Sinmun on Preventing Natural Disaster Damage KCNA 27 Jun 2022 -- Rodong Sinmun Monday says in an editorial that to take thoroughgoing measures for preventing damage by flood, heavy rain and strong wind is an important political work for protecting the people's lives and safety.
• Measures Taken to Minimize Natural Disasters KCNA 27 Jun 2022 -- All sectors and units of the DPRK are pushing ahead with the work to protect the people's life and security and the land of the country from natural disasters as the rainy season started earlier.
• Flood Damage Prevention Accelerated in DPRK KCNA 27 Jun 2022 -- Farm villages across the country are putting efforts into protecting paddy rice from rainstorm during the rainy season.
• Iran, U.S. To Hold Indirect Talks In Doha After EU Push to Restart Talks On Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- Indirect talks between Iran and the United States are set to take place on June 28 in Doha, Qatar, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said amid a push by the European Union to break an impasse in negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
• Qatar Will Host Iran-US Talks on Nuclear Deal Amid Surprise Venue Shakeup Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- The news comes on the heels of the US's announcement last week that Iranians who served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would no longer be automatically barred from entering the US under an IRGC "terrorism" blacklisting. Tehran made the lifting of restrictions on the IRGC a key condition for restoring the landmark nuclear deal.
• JCPOA revival talks to be held in a Persian Gulf country, Iran confirms Press TV 27 Jun 2022 -- Tehran has confirmed that the next round of paused negotiations to revive the ailing 2015 Iran deal will be hosted by a Persian Gulf country, following reports by Qatar's Al Jazeera network and Iran's Nour News that the involved parties may head to Doha to continue the talks.
• Iranian Pensioners Return To Streets, Say Government Failing To Meet Promises RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- Iranian pensioners and retired public employees showed no signs of letting up in their protests against what they say is the government's failure to address deteriorating living conditions.
• Iranian Steel Firm Halts Production After Cyberattack RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- One of Iran's biggest steel companies said on June 27 that it was forced to halt its operations until further notice after being targeted by a cyberattack.
• Major Iranian steel company says cyberattack thwarted Press TV 27 Jun 2022 -- One of Iran's major steel companies says it foiled a cyberattack apparently targeting the country's strategic industrial sector.
• Jailed In Belarus, Russian Sapega Asks Lukashenka For Clemency RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- Sofia Sapega, a Russian citizen who is serving a six-year prison term in Belarus after being arrested along with her then boyfriend Raman Pratasevich after their commercial flight was forced to land in Minsk last year, has asked Belarusian authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka for clemency.
• Regional Envoy Calls for Myanmar's Suu Kyi to be Spared Jail Time VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- A regional envoy for the crisis in Myanmar has urged the country's military leaders to return deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi to house arrest from her prison cell in solitary confinement.
• Foreign Secretary: Bill will fix practical problems the Protocol has created in Northern Ireland UK FCDO 27 Jun 2022 -- Parliament is set to debate the government's Northern Ireland Protocol Bill at its second reading today.
• UK proceeds with changes to Brexit deal despite EU opposition Press TV 27 Jun 2022 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has decided to press on with legislation to unilaterally rip up Northern Ireland's post-Brexit trading arrangements, inflaming tensions with Brussels.
• PM meeting with Argentinian President Fernández: 27 June 2022 Gov.UK 27 Jun 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Argentinian President Fernández at the G7 Summit in Germany today.
• PM meeting with President Ramaphosa: 27 June 2022 Gov.UK 27 Jun 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson met South African President Ramaphosa at the G7 Summit in Germany today.
• Largest China-aided hydropower station put into operation in Burundi Global Times 27 Jun 2022 -- The last unit of the Huzibazi hydropower station in Burundi has completed a 72-hour trial operation, the Global Times learned Sunday from its designer, Chengdu Engineering Corporation under PowerChina, noting that the largest China-aided hydropower station was put into operation and will increase Burundi's power supply by about a third in total.
• Joint Statement by President von der Leyen and President Biden on European Energy Security European Commission 27 Jun 2022 -- Following the further invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to use natural gas as a political and economic weapon. Russia's energy coercion has put pressure on energy markets, raised prices for consumers, and threatened global energy security. This was most recently demonstrated by the politically motivated acute disruptions of gas supplies to several European Union Member States.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz Prime Minister of Canada 27 Jun 2022 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, on the margins of the G7 Summit in Elmau, Germany.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio Prime Minister of Canada 27 Jun 2022 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, on the margins of the G7 Summit.
• Vietnam falls far short of its committment to freedom of expression, report says Radio Free Asia 27 Jun 2022 -- Vietnam has a long way to go before it can realize its goal of joining the UN Human Rights council, according to the Vietnam Human Rights Network (VNHRN). The pressure group points to Vietnam's treatment of journalists, who the government says are protected from all forms of discrimination and violence.
• Uzbek Constitutional Amendments To Change Status Of Karakalpakstan RFE/RL 27 Jun 2022 -- Constitutional amendments initiated by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev will annul the current right of the Karakalpakstan region to seek independence.
• Moldova's Ex-President Dodon Charged With Abuse of Office Sputnik 27 Jun 2022 -- Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon has been charged with abuse of office in the interests of organized crime, the Prosecutor General's Office said on Monday.
• Sri Lanka Runs Out of Fuel VOA 27 Jun 2022 -- Sri Lanka has run out of fuel, according to a report Monday in the country's Daily Mirror newspaper.