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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Forces Defend Against Drones in Iraq CENTCOM 18 Oct 2023 -- In the last 24 hours, the U.S. military defended against three drones near U.S. and Coalition forces in Iraq. In western Iraq, U.S. forces engaged two drones, destroying one and damaging the second, resulting in minor injuries to Coalition forces. Separately in northern Iraq, U.S. forces engaged and destroyed a drone, resulting in no injuries or damage. We are continuing to assess the impacts to operations.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Official Briefs on 2023 China Military Power Report DoD 18 Oct 2023
• US releases images of Chinese aircraft 'coercive' behavior Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2023 -- The United States has accused the Chinese military of carrying out "a centralized and concerted campaign" to prevent U.S. forces from operating safely in the air and in the sea.
• Pennsylvania Army, Air National Guard Conduct Joint Training Army News 18 Oct 2023 -- Approximately 25 U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Pennsylvania National Guard worked together Oct. 13 to load a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter onto a C-17 cargo aircraft and transport it from Army Aviation Support Facility in Johnstown to Pittsburgh and back.
• Navy Commissions USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) US Navy 18 Oct 2023 -- The Navy commissioned the fast-attack Virginia-class submarine USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) in a traditional ceremony held October 14, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
• 'Guardian Spirit' Key to Space Force Success DoD News 18 Oct 2023 -- The top officer overseeing the nation's newest military service is tapping into the talents and drive among ranks to define the Space Force ethos and ensure its success for years to come.
• 5-7 ADA BN transfers authority of the US Patriot mission to 1-62 ADA BN Army News 18 Oct 2023 -- On October 20, 2023, the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (5-7 ADA BN) will transfer its authority of the US Patriot mission within rotational forces responsibilities in Eastern Europe to the 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-62 ADA BN). This transition signifies a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the security and defense posture in Eastern Europe.
• USS Mount Whitney Departs Homeport US Navy 18 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. 6th Fleet Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) departed Gaeta, Italy, Oct. 18, 2023, in support of U.S. operations in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
• ASD Space Policy Keynote Address for Brookings Panel on 2023 DoD Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Policy (As Prepared) DoD 18 Oct 2023
• Statement from Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization CTBTO 18 Oct 2023
• Head Of Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization Says Russia's Move To De-Ratify Treaty 'Regrettable' RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- The head of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) said on October 18 it was "deeply regrettable" that Russian lawmakers had moved toward revoking ratification of the treaty.
• Opening address of Russian Defence Minister General of Army Sergei Shoigu to Russia-Belarus Defence Ministry Board Session Russia MoD 18 Oct 2023
• Navy launches 5th domestically made missile corvette CNA 18 Oct 2023 -- The Navy held a launch ceremony on Monday in Yilan for its fifth domestically built Tuo Chiang-class corvette, officially christening it the An Chiang, a military source with knowledge of the matter said Wednesday.
• 21st India-France Military Sub-Committee meeting held in New Delhi India PIB 18 Oct 2023 -- The 21st edition of India-France Military Sub Committee (MSC) meeting was held on October 16-17, 2023 at Air Force Station, New Delhi
• Junta recruits teen soldiers in Myanmar's delta Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2023 -- The junta is increasing quotas this week for villagers to undergo military training in Ayeyarwaddy division, locals told Radio Free Asia. In some villages in Pathein township, six people per village must now enroll.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With U.K. Secretary of State For Defence Grant Shapps DoD 18 Oct 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps to the Pentagon DoD 18 Oct 2023
• U.S., U.K. Defense Leaders Consult on Israel, Ukraine, AUKUS and More DoD News 18 Oct 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps discussed the Hamas attack on Israel and the continuing Russian invasion of Ukraine during Pentagon meetings today.
• Steps towards stronger security and defence cooperation between Lithuania and South Korea taken in Seoul Lithuania MND 18 Oct 2023 -- On October 16-18 Vice Minister of National Defence Greta Monika Tučkutė conducted a meeting to South Korea where she addressed the potential for strengthening bilateral cooperation with security and defence officials of the country.
• A look at the Defence news 8 - 15 October Netherlands Ministry of Defence 18 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Counterparts from G7 Countries US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2023
• Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt The White House 18 Oct 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 18, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 18 October 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Oct 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Daily Recap: Hamas - Israel War October 18th, 2023 (19:00) - Day 12 Israel Defense Forces 18 Oct 2023
• Al-Ahli (Al-Ma'amadani) Hospital: Initial IDF Aftermath Report IDF 18 Oct 2023 -- The IDF has concluded an After Action Review and can confirm that the Islamic Jihad was responsible for the strike on the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17th, 2023.
• Increase in Failed Hamas/Islamic Jihad Rocket Launches Falling in Gaza Israel Defense Forces 18 Oct 2023
• 2 Additional Hamas Operatives Neutralized; Idf Continues to Strike Dozens of Terrorist Targets in Gaza Israel Defense Forces 18 Oct 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 18 Oct 2023
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 18 Oct 2023
• PM Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden Issue Additional Joint Statements at the Start of their Expanded Meeting Israel - Prime Minister 18 Oct 2023
• Statement by PM Netanyahu at the Start of his Meeting With US President Biden Israel - Prime Minister 18 Oct 2023
• Statement from the Prime Minister's Office Israel - Prime Minister 18 Oct 2023
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 18 Oct 2023
• Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and the War Cabinet The White House 18 Oct 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel Before Expanded Bilateral Meeting | Tel Aviv, Israel The White House 18 Oct 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel Before Bilateral Meeting | Tel Aviv, Israel The White House 18 Oct 2023
• Islamic Jihad rejects Israel's 'downright lies' over Gaza hospital missile strike Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement has roundly dismissed the Israeli military's allegations that the Gaza-based group was responsible for a strike on a packed hospital compound in central Gaza, rejecting the claims as "downright lies."
• Hezbollah hits another Merkava tank, causing casualties among Israeli soldiers Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- Hezbollah fighters have hit an Israeli Merkava tank near the border area in southern Lebanon, according to a statement posted on the resistance movement's Telegram channel.
• In Tel Aviv, Biden Sides With Israel on Responsibility for Gaza Hospital Blast VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden, who arrived in Tel Aviv Monday, appeared to side with Israel on who was responsible for a massive explosion at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds and prompted accusations of blame and protests across the region.
• US, Israel: Intel From Gaza Hospital Blast Points to Palestinian Group VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- The United States is standing by Israel, pushing back against accusations by Hamas and other Palestinian officials that Israel is to blame for an explosion at a hospital that has left hundreds of people dead.
• UNRWA Situation Report #8 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, 18 October 2023 UNRWA 18 Oct 2023
• Security Council meets over Israel-Gaza: 'Very real risk' of conflict expanding warns top envoy UN News 18 Oct 2023 -- UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland on Wednesday highlighted the need for an inquiry into the strike against a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds, including patients, staff and displaced people seeking shelter.
• UN Security Council Fails to Ease Suffering in Gaza VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- As the death toll and suffering mounts for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, the U.N. Security Council remained blocked Wednesday on trying to bring any relief to them, while the Israeli and Palestinian envoys traded accusations.
• Israel-Gaza: UN chief urges ceasefire; humanitarian supplies given green light to enter enclave UN News 18 Oct 2023 -- UN chief António Guterres called on Wednesday for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East to ease the "epic human suffering" in the Israel-Gaza conflict. The head of the UN health agency (WHO) said he welcomed the reported agreement between the US and Israel, which would allow food, water and medical aid into the battered enclave via the Egyptian border.
• Israel-Gaza crisis: US vetoes Security Council resolution UN News 18 Oct 2023 -- The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have called for "humanitarian pauses" to deliver lifesaving aid to millions in Gaza. The failure by the Council to make its first public intervention on the Israel-Gaza crisis followed the rejection of a Russian-backed draft on Monday evening.
• World News in Brief: Funds dry up for Afghan quake survivors, child deaths alert in Sudan, diphtheria outbreak in Guinea UN News 18 Oct 2023 -- In Afghanistan, urgent funding is needed to feed some 100,000 people left hungry and homeless by a series of deadly earthquakes, amid a broader and already underfunded humanitarian crisis.
• UN human rights body concerned over Gaza humanitarian crisis People's Daily 18 Oct 2023 -- With thousands of people killed and over one million displaced in just ten days, and large areas in the Gaza Strip reduced to rubble, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office said on Tuesday that it had "grave fears about the toll on civilians in the coming days."
• UN agencies, ICRC strongly condemn hospital attack in Gaza People's Daily 18 Oct 2023 -- United Nations (UN) human rights chief Volker Turk on Tuesday night issued a statement saying that the massive strike at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City that killed hundreds of people is totally unacceptable.
• Press Gaggle by President Biden and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby | Ramstein Air Base, Germany The White House 18 Oct 2023
• US votes UNSC resolution demanding humanitarian pause in Gaza Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- The United States has blocked a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that would have established humanitarian pauses in the ongoing Israeli war on the blockaded Palestinian Gaza Strip.
• Remarks by President Biden at Community Engagement to Meet with Israelis Impacted or Involved in the Response to the October 7th Terrorist Attacks | Tel Aviv, Israel The White House 18 Oct 2023
• Remarks by President Biden on the October 7th Terrorist Attacks and the Resilience of the State of Israel and its People | Tel Aviv, Israel The White House 18 Oct 2023
• U.S. Announcement of Humanitarian Assistance to the Palestinian People The White House 18 Oct 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Palestinian Authority President Abbas US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2023
• Iran FM calls on Muslim regional officials to take action as Israel presses ahead with war on Gaza Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has asked his regional counterparts to take more action to end the escalating situation in the small Palestinian territory of Gaza.
• Iran FM calls for political, economic sanctions on Israel, trial of its leaders over Gaza strikes Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states to impose political and economic sanctions on Israel and set up a tribunal to prosecute Israeli leaders for their war crimes in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Every drop of Palestinian blood brings Israel closer to downfall: Iran president Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says the Israeli regime is only accelerating its demise by killing innocent Palestinian women and children in besieged Gaza.
• Strike on Gaza Hospital Sparks Protests Across Mideast VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- Protests erupted Wednesday throughout the Middle East against Israel and its key ally, the United States, after an explosion killed hundreds of Palestinians at a Gaza hospital in the single deadliest incident of the Israel-Hamas war.
• Outrage over Gaza hospital attack: China 'shocked' as Russia calls it 'act of dehumanization' Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- China and Russia have issued condemnations of a bombing that targeted a crowded hospital in the small blockaded Palestinian territory of Gaza, with Moscow challenging the Israeli regime to provide facts to prove its claims it was not involved in the attack.
• Security of Israel is the prime motivation for Germany Germany - Federal Government 18 Oct 2023 -- Following the Hamas attack on Israel, the Federal Government is putting all its efforts into preventing the situation from escalating. Federal Chancellor Scholz has now travelled to Israel and Egypt in what Scholz refers to as an expression of solidarity in practice.
• Speech by President von der Leyen at the EP Plenary debate on the despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel's right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza European Commission 18 Oct 2023
• 'Civilians must be protected' Government of Norway 18 Oct 2023
• Foreign Minister's participation in the urgent open-ended Ministerial Meeting of Executive Committee of OIC Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2023 -- Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani led the Pakistan delegation to the urgent open-ended Ministerial Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Jeddah today. The meeting was co-convened by Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to discuss the crisis in Gaza and the humanitarian situation of the besieged civilians there.
• Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli attack on a hospital in Gaza Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2023 -- Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the Israeli attack on Al-Ahly Al-Mamadany Hospital in Gaza resulting in hundreds of casualties. Attacking a hospital, where civilians were seeking shelter and emergency treatment is inhumane and indefensible. The indiscriminate targeting of civilian population and facilities is a grave violation of international law and constitutes war crimes.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Deadly Attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in the Gaza Strip PRC MofA 18 Oct 2023
• Foreign Ministry statement on the tragedy in Gaza Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2023
• The UK will continue work to break the cycle of violence across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Oct 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
• The UK supports Israel's right to self-defence in line with the UN Charter: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Oct 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
• Taliban Leaders Conspicuously Silent on Israel-Hamas War in Gaza VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has been notably quiet on the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza — in sharp contrast to the fervent, daily anti-Israel comments from neighboring Iran.
• Israel-Hamas War Creates Prospects, Problems For Russia As It Invades Ukraine And Seeks Clout In Mideast RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- The invasion of Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas has shattered the illusion of stability in the Middle East and triggered a war that could reshape great-power influence in the region and beyond.
• South African Foreign Minister's Phone Call With Hamas Sparks Ire VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- South Africa's foreign minister has been criticized for holding a phone call with the leader of Hamas just 10 days after the Palestinian militant group launched a deadly attack on Israel. While the South African government has long expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, a South African Jewish organization says the phone call indicates the minister "supports" Hamas.

Other Conflicts

• 'I'm Afraid': Afghan Migrants Complain Of Rising Harassment, Violence In Iran RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- For decades, millions of Afghans fleeing war, persecution, and poverty have sought refuge in neighboring Iran.
• Armenia Ready To Sign Peace Treaty With Azerbaijan By Year's End, Pashinian Tells European Parliament RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian is ready to sign a peace deal with Azerbaijan by the end of the year based on the principles outlined in meetings with European mediators, he said on October 17.
• Concern over Increased Shelling and Civilian Casualties in Nyala and Omdurman US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2023 -- The United States is deeply concerned by credible reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified its shelling in and around Nyala, South Darfur and Karari, Omdurman, deepening the suffering of the Sudanese people.

News Reports

• China Accused of Economic Espionage on an Unprecedented Scale VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- United States and Australian intelligence bosses have accused China of intellectual property theft on an unprecedented scale.
• US, South Korea warn global companies of covert Pyongyang hackers Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2023 -- The United States and South Korea have issued an alert to the international community on North Korean hackers posing as non-North Korean job seekers, whose objectives are to undertake cyber missions that could accelerate Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.
• Designating Hamas Operatives and Financial Facilitators US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2023 -- The horrific attacks that Hamas terrorists perpetrated on October 7 against civilians in Israel shocked the world. The United States has expressed our unconditional support to the people of Israel as they go through these tragic times. We continue to condemn these acts of terrorism that resulted in numerous lives lost and families shattered.
• Following Terrorist Attack on Israel, Treasury Sanctions Hamas Operatives and Financial Facilitators US Treasury 18 Oct 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on ten key Hamas terrorist group members, operatives, and financial facilitators in Gaza and elsewhere including Sudan, Türkiye, Algeria, and Qatar.
• Questions and Answers on the Communication on the EU Roadmap to fight Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime European Commission 18 Oct 2023
• News conference following the visit to China President of Russia 18 Oct 2023 -- Concluding his working visit to the People's Republic of China, Vladimir Putin answered questions from Russian journalists.
• Putin welcomed as guest of honor in Beijing Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Beijing to a red-carpet welcome by a military honor guard on Tuesday for China's third Belt and Road Forum (BRF), which got underway Wednesday.
• Joint Statement In Support of the Efforts to Strengthen the United Nations Secretary-General's Mechanism for Investigation of the Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons, New York, 17 October, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2023
• Bulgaria Defends Decision To Impose Tax On Russian Gas Transit As Hungary, Serbia Vow To Respond RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- Bulgaria's government has defended its decision to impose a new tax on Russian gas transiting through the country as Hungary and Serbia - which rely on supplies from Moscow - vowed to respond to the move, which they called a "hostile" step.
• President Xi blasts 'bloc confrontation' as BRI forum begins in China Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has opened a forum of international delegates to the Belt and Road forum in Beijing, rejecting "economic coercion" and "bloc confrontation" in a dig at the West.
• China's Xi Defends Belt and Road, Aims for Leaner Greener Projects VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- China's President Xi Jinping defended his signature policy project at the opening of the Belt and Road Initiative forum in Beijing Wednesday, highlighting what he says are the plan's successes over the past decade. With Russian President Vladimir Putin a star atendee at the gathering and at his side, he also outlined eight key areas where China aims to deepen development.
• Xi, Putin Reaffirm Partnership Amid Middle East Turmoil VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum of International Cooperation on Wednesday, hailing their close relationship while celebrating the deepening political and economic ties between China and Russia.
• Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation President of Russia 18 Oct 2023 -- The President spoke at the opening of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
• Russian-Chinese talks President of Russia 18 Oct 2023 -- The President spoke at the opening of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
• China, Pakistan Sign BRI-Funded Railway Project Deal VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- China and Pakistan agreed Wednesday to boost cooperation under Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, signing a much-delayed key deal to construct a multibillion-dollar railway project in the South Asian nation.
• Taliban Attendance at Beijing Forum Signals China's Policy of Engagement VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- This week, China's Belt and Road forum in Beijing was not only a chance for Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold meetings with world leaders, it also was a rare opportunity for the Taliban, which has yet to be recognized by any country.
• After 10 Years of China's BRI Projects in Cambodia, Benefits Up for Debate VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- In Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh, 62-year-old produce seller Sok Ul is sanguine, despite the threat that a Belt and Road project could uproot him from his neighborhood. Construction will soon begin on a $60 million bridge that spans two of the city's bustling southern sections along the Tonle Sap river, and Sok Ul's modest vegetable farm may need to go.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Friendly Countries' Joint Statement in Support of China at the UN General Assembly PRC MofA 18 Oct 2023
• Joint statement on human rights violations in Xinjiang at the UN Third Committee UK FCDO 18 Oct 2023 -- Joint statement on human rights violations in Xinjiang by the UK and 50 other countries at the UN Third Committee delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Beijing, Moscow, And A New Crisis In The Middle East RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Oct. 18, 2023 ROC MND 18 Oct 2023
• China agrees to finish bridge to North Korea Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2023 -- The bridge has been finished since 2014, but got bogged down on the North Korean side.
• Biden's envoy offers dual approach for N Korea human rights uplift Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden's special envoy for North Korea human rights offered what appeared to be a two-pronged approach aimed at improving the human rights situation in North Korea, underscoring Washington's firm commitment to use various means to bring about change.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's speech at a formal reception hosted by the Government of the DPRK, Pyongyang, October 18, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Oct 2023
• Iran: UN Security Council sanctions on missile-related activities end Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced that the Islamic Republic, as of October 18, will no longer be subject to any restriction with regard to its ballistic missile-related activities and transfers by the United Nations Security Council.
• US Remains Committed to Slowing Iran's Missile Program VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- The United States is leveling new sanctions against entities and individuals involved in Iran's missile, unmanned aerial vehicle and conventional arms industries.
• Iranian Court Sentences Amini Lawyer To Prison For Foreign Media Interviews RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Court has sentenced prominent Iranian attorney Mohammad Saleh Nikbakht, who represents the family of the late Mahsa Amini, to one year in prison on a charge of "propaganda against the system" after he conducted interviews with several foreign media outlets, including RFERL's Radio Farda.
• The United States' Commitment to Countering Iranian Weapons Development and Proliferation US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2023 -- Iran's development, procurement, and proliferation of missiles and missile-related technology remains one of the greatest challenges to international peace and security.
• U.S. Imposes New Sanctions On Support Network For Iran's Missile, Drone Programs RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- The U.S. Treasury Department on October 18 announced new sanctions on 11 individuals, eight entities, and one vessel that the United States says have enabled Iran's "destabilizing ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs."
• Treasury Sanctions Actors Supporting Iran's Missile and UAV Programs US Treasury 18 Oct 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 11 individuals, eight entities, and one vessel based in Iran, Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and Venezuela that are enabling Iran's destabilizing ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs. The persons designated today have materially supported Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), or their subordinates in the production and proliferation of missiles and UAVs.
• Switzerland retains measures linked to Iran's nuclear programme Swiss Government 18 Oct 2023 -- On 18 October, certain UN sanctions relating to nuclear proliferation in Iran will automatically expire. In view of Iran's failure to comply with the nuclear agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA), the Federal Council has decided to maintain the Swiss measures currently in force.
• Joint Statement on UN Security Council Resolution 2231 Transition Day US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the United States and the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)-endorsing States listed below.
• UK statement on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) Transition Day UK FCDO 18 Oct 2023 -- The UK has issued a statement on its decision to maintain nuclear and missile-related restrictions on Iran beyond JCPoA Transition Day.
• Canada Sanctions Nine More People, Six TV Stations For Attempts to Destabilize Moldova RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- Canada has sanctioned nine more individuals and six television stations involved in actions to destabilize Moldova and to facilitate Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Georgian Parliament Fails To Impeach President Over EU Visits RFE/RL 18 Oct 2023 -- A motion to impeach Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili over her visits to European Union countries failed on October 18 as the ruling Georgian Dream party could not gather enough votes to remove her from office.
• Experts: Nigeria's Inflation to Persist Without Stabilized Exchange Rate VOA 18 Oct 2023 -- Nigeria's inflation rate has risen to its highest level in two decades, 26.72%, according to the national statistics bureau. The latest figure keeps millions of people in Africa's largest country struggling to cope with economic challenges that, analysts say, are exacerbated by government reform policies.
• Venezuelan government, opposition reach agreement to schedule 2024 presidential election Press TV 18 Oct 2023 -- Venezuela's government and the US-backed opposition forces have formally agreed to work together on terms for the 2024 presidential election, paving the way for possible relief from cruel economic sanctions imposed by Washington against the nation led by President Nicolas Maduro.
• Senior Administration Officials on Venezuela US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2023
• Fiji's 'Rambo' PM calls for Pacific to become ocean of peace Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2023 -- Fiji's prime minister and former coup leader has called for Pacific island nations to declare their ocean territories a "zone of peace" as the United States and China jostle for influence in the region.
• Cambodian govt nixes party application twice, with no clear reason Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2023 -- They're trying to form a new political party, but the Cambodian government won't hear of it.