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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Coast Guard Takes on Drug Cartels and Human Smugglers in Operation Pacific Viper DHS 20 Aug 2025 -- The United States Coast Guard launched Operation Pacific Viper: a surge in forces to the Eastern Pacific to stop the cartels and criminal organizations - cutting off drugs and human smuggling before it reaches American shores.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Fire Aboard USS New Orleans Extinguished U.S. 7th Fleet 20 Aug 2025 -- A fire aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), which is anchored near White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, was declared extinguished at 4 a.m., Aug. 21.
• National Guard State Partnership Program: A Cornerstone of Global Security DoD News 20 Aug 2025 -- In a mostly virtual gathering, National Guard members and security cooperation leaders convened earlier this month for a Defense Department National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program conference to discuss the program's enduring importance in today's complex environment.
• Army invests $635M in cutting-edge artillery ammunition production facility Army News 20 Aug 2025 -- The U.S. Army's Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition - Project Lead Joint Services and Army Contacting Command - Rock Island have awarded a $635M fixed-price-with-economic-price-adjustment contract to MSM Group North America to design, build, and commission the Future Artillery Complex, or FAC, at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This contract is being executed as a sole source undefinitized contract action under the authority of Section 3204(a)(7) of Title 10, United States Code (10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(7)), and Subsection 1244(a)(2) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.
• Ready to deploy: 12th Air Task Force achieves final certification US Air Force 20 Aug 2025 -- The 12th Air Task Force achieved its final certification on August 18, 2025, after successfully completing Bamboo Eagle 25-3. This accomplishment not only validates the unit's readiness for its upcoming U.S. Central Command deployment but is also sets the standard as one of the first Air Task Forces trained for the Air Force's new deployment model.
• AMC enables agile and sustained logistics in the Indo-Pacific region during the 2025 DLE series US Air Force 20 Aug 2025 -- Air Mobility Command has sustained operations as part of the U.S. Air Force's 2025 Department-Level Exercise series across the Indo-Pacific region validating its ability to project and sustain combat power, alongside allies and partners, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• Navy F/A-18E Pilot Safely Recovered After Ejection Off Coast of Virginia US Navy 20 Aug 2025 -- At approximately 9:53 a.m. EDT, a pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, ejected from an F/A-18E Super Hornet while operating off the coast of Virginia during a routine training flight.
• Riga Welcomes NATO Naval Task Group NATO Allied Maritime Command 20 Aug 2025 -- Two NATO vessels have arrived in the port of Riga, Latvia, for a routine visit, underscoring the Alliance's ongoing maritime presence and support for the Baltic Sentry initiative. The Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) flagship, HNLMS De Ruyter, and the replenishment ship FGS Rhön will remain in Riga through the weekend.
• MONUMENT OF FREEDOM - US AIR FORCE BOMBER TASK FORCE CONDUCT FLYOVER IN LATVIA NATO SHAPE 20 Aug 2025 -- On August 19, a day on which the United States traditionally marks the history and significance of modern aviation, Hungarian and Swedish Air Forces provided fighter escort to the US Air Force Bomber Task Force in a spectacular low formation pass over the Monument of Freedom in Riga, Latvia.
• Budapest 2.0? How Russia's Record Of Treaty Violations Fuels Ukraine's Calls For Security Guarantees RFE/RL 20 Aug 2025 -- As diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine have intensified in recent days, Kyiv and its backers have sought to ram home a key point: lasting peace is only possible with credible, enforceable security guarantees for Ukraine, not merely symbolic pledges or paper agreements.
• Denys Shmyhal met with the Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine to discuss cooperation between defense industries and the implementation of the SAFE program Ukraine MOD 20 Aug 2025
• Defense contracts backed by state guarantees are being executed ahead of schedule Ukraine MOD 20 Aug 2025
• Pentagon report says China rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- China has embarked on a rapid and sustained increase in the size and capability of its nuclear forces, the Pentagon said in its annual assessment of China's military capabilities.
• China, Russia wraps up joint naval patrol in Western Pacific Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- Chinese and Russian warships wrapped up a 15-day joint maritime patrol in the Western Pacific on Wednesday, with experts saying that the voyage boosted the two navies joint operational capabilities and played a positive role in safeguarding peace and stability.
• Land, sea, air-based strategic weapons, hypersonic weapons to debut at V-Day military parade: official Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- Some of China's land, sea, air-based strategic weapons and hypersonic weapons are set to make their debut at the V-Day military parade on September 3 in Beijing, and the preparations for the military parade have been basically completed, according to a press conference hosted by China's State Council Information Office on Wednesday.
• Military probes PAC-2 missile explosion during drill: Source CNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Taiwan's military is probing an incident early Wednesday when one of its Patriot PAC-2 missiles reportedly exploded shortly after launch during an annual precision munition drill in southern Taiwan, a military source told CNA.
• Patriot missile explodes during Taiwan military drill; repeated accidents reveal outdated weapon, low maintenance capacity: expert Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- A US-made Patriot II missile fired by the military forces of the Taiwan authorities exploded just four seconds after launch during a live-fire exercise early Wednesday morning, before a second missile was launched successfully, the China Times, a Taiwan-based media outlet, reported. An expert noted that such accidents are not rare, underscoring maintenance shortcomings and reliability issues within the region's military.
• $1.5 bn logistics contract to keep ADF mission-ready Australia DOD 20 Aug 2025 -- The Australian Defence Force will be better equipped to respond to operations, training and emergencies under a new 10-year, $1.5 billion national logistics contract with Toll Remote Logistics.
• Successful test-firing of 'Agni 5' Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile India PIB 20 Aug 2025 -- Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile 'Agni 5' was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20, 2025
• 6th High-Level Meeting between ICG and Vietnam Coast Guard held in Hanoi India PIB 20 Aug 2025 -- The 6th High-Level Meeting (HLM) between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) was held in Hanoi, Vietnam on August 20, 2025, under the framework of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on Coast Guard Cooperation
• Defense minister: Newer, more advanced missiles will be used if Israel attacks again IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh says Iran has developed new missiles with much greater capabilities than before, which will be used in response to any possible Israeli adventurism.
• Iran Navy to launch Eqtedar 1404 missile exercise IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Rear Admiral Abbas Hassani has said that the two-day Eqtedar 1404 missile exercise will take place in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, involving surface and subsurface vessels, aerial units, coastal-to-sea missile sites, sea-based missile platforms, and electronic warfare units.
• Iran's top military command says Armed Forces fully ready to repel threats Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- Iran's top military command has underlined the total combat readiness of the country's Armed Forces in fighting off any potential acts of aggression by enemies against Iranian soil.
• Israel Defense Procurement Committee Approves Approximately $1.5B Plan to Expand Tank and APC Production Israel MOD 20 Aug 2025 -- Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram presented the Israel Defense Procurement Committee with a comprehensive plan to accelerate production of Israeli armored vehicles and increase their capacity by dozens of tanks and APCs over the next five years, valued at approximately $1.5 billion (over NIS 5 billion).
• Israel MOD to Procure Thousands of Drones from XTEND Worth Millions of Dollars Israel MOD 20 Aug 2025 -- The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Defence Procurement Directorate (DPD) announced today (Wednesday) that XTEND has won a tender, worth millions of dollars, to supply thousands of FPV (First Person View) drones to the IDF Ground Forces, equipped with advanced technology.
• A look at the Defence news 11 - 17 August Netherlands Ministry of Defence 20 Aug 2025
• Chief of Army statement in response to Court Martial for attempted espionage New Zealand Defence Force 20 Aug 2025 -- "This has been a significant Court Martial, the first of its kind. Earlier this year, the offender indicated his intent to plead guilty to three charges against the Armed Forces Discipline Act, those being Attempted Espionage, Accessing a Computer System for a Dishonest Purpose and Possessing Objectionable Material."
• C-130J Hercules simulator arrives at RNZAF Base Auckland New Zealand Defence Force 20 Aug 2025 -- The first components of the C-130J Hercules simulator have arrived at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland today, flown in by one of the world's largest military aircraft.
• Pakistan Air Force has launched a large-scale flood relief operation in Gilgit-Baltistan. ISPR Pakistan 20 Aug 2025
• Toward a Strategic Partnership between Canada and Sweden Government Offices of Sweden 20 Aug 2025 -- Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Canada's Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, together with Ebba Busch, Sweden's Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prim

• Brawner vows 'swift, uncompromising action' vs. corrupt soldiers Philippine News Agency 20 Aug 2025 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday vowed "swift, firm and uncompromising action" against military personnel who will be involved in corruption.
• Filipino, Australian pilots take part in air combat maneuvers Philippine News Agency 20 Aug 2025 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on Tuesday took part in a series of air combat drills using their FA-50PH and EA-18 "Growler" fighter aircraft as part of the ongoing "ALON" 2025.
e Minister, and Pål Jonson, Sweden's Minister for Defence, released the following statement:
• Saudi Arabia Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 150 CENTCOM 20 Aug 2025 -- The Royal Saudi Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 150, a multinational maritime task force, from the Royal New Zealand Navy during a change of command ceremony, presided over by U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Aug. 19.
• Statement on the United States-Turkmenistan Annual Bilateral Consultations US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Meredov US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 20, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 20 August 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Aug 2025
• UN chief salutes aid workers, calls for protecting their safety on World Humanitarian Day People's Daily 20 Aug 2025 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that relief workers, themselves increasingly suffering attacks, are the last lifeline for more than 300 million people caught in conflict or disaster worldwide.

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood | Operation Northern Arrows | Giddeon's Chariots

• Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 20 Aug 2025
• Israel preparing to unleash 1000s of reservists on Gaza City; Hamas: Netanyahu after 'ethnic cleansing' Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- The Israeli regime is about to mobilize as many as 80,000 reservists as it plans to occupy the Gaza Strip's biggest urban area, the most extreme step yet during its October 2023-present war of genocide on the Palestinian territory.
• Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 20 Aug 2025
• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin-August 20, 2025 Israel Defense Forces 20 Aug 2025
• Israeli Defense Minister Approves Operation to Capture Gaza City - Reports Sputnik 20 Aug 2025 -- The plans for the operation were earlier presented to Katz by the Israel Defense Forces' Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
• Israel demands release of all captives in blow to Hamas-approved truce proposal IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- The Israeli regime has demanded the release of all 50 captives held by Palestinian resistance fighters in Gaza, in an apparent blow to a new truce proposal that was already approved by Hamas.
• Relocation under shellfire: Details on Israel's plot to displace one million Palestinians Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- Israel has established a "Population Relocation Unit" to systematically map, surveil, and forcibly expel Palestinians from Gaza City through a campaign of leaflets, text messages, and artillery fire, according to Israeli media.
• Hamas calls for massive global marches against genocide in Gaza Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has urged people around the world to take part in massive marches to denounce the ongoing campaign of genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Palestinian resistance fighters hit Israeli positions in southern Gaza, multiple casualties reported Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- The military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, has launched attacks on Israeli positions in southern Gaza, killing and wounding several invading soldiers.
• Hospital occupancy rate in Gaza hits 300% amid Israeli genocide: Ministry Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- The director general of the Gaza Health Ministry has expressed deep concern over the extremely high occupancy rate of hospital beds in the Gaza Strip, saying the increasing trend shows the severity of health and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the besieged territory.
• 'Knockout blow' to Palestinian statehood: Israel advances settlement plan to split West Bank Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- Israel has given final approval for an illegal settlement project in the West Bank that would effectively cut the occupied territory in two and could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state.
• Lebanese leaders urge US action as Israel violates ceasefire Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- Lebanon's president and prime minister urged US senators in Beirut on Wednesday to press Israel into a full withdrawal from the south.
• Amid ongoing Israeli attacks, 'the systematic destruction of Gaza City is already underway': UN rights office UN News 20 Aug 2025 -- The Israeli military has escalated attacks across Gaza City, reportedly deciding to press ahead with plans to take full control which will only lead to further "mass killings of civilians" and displacement, UN human rights officials warned on Wednesday.
• UNRWA Commissioner-General on Gaza: Alarming new data from UNRWA clinics in Gaza UNRWA 20 Aug 2025
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Israeli settlements in the E1 area UN Secretary-General 20 Aug 2025
• Imposing Further Sanctions in Response to the ICC's Ongoing Threat to Americans and Israelis US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2025
• Imposing Further Sanctions in Response to the ICC's Ongoing Threat to Americans and Israelis US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2025 -- Fact Sheet
• International Criminal Court: New US sanctions 'a flagrant attack' on judicial independence UN News 20 Aug 2025 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly rejected new sanctions announced by the United States on Wednesday against four more of its personnel in a renewed push surrounding investigations into US and Israeli officials.
• The ICC strongly rejects new US sanctions against Judges and Deputy Prosecutors ICC 20 Aug 2025 -- The International Criminal Court deplores the announcement of new designations for sanctions by the US administration against ICC Judges Kimberly Prost (Canada), Judge Nicolas Guillou (France), Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal).
• US sanctions an affront to 'millions of innocent victims', ICC says as it vows to resist pressure, threats Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has minced no words in condemning the United States over its most recent sanctions against the tribunal's judges for their efforts at prosecuting American and Israeli war crimes and other atrocities.
• US imposes sanctions on four ICC judges, prosecutors over 'threat to Israel' Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on four International Criminal Court (ICC) judges and prosecutors in a new effort to undermine the court over its actions against Israel.
• World Humanitarian Day underscores urgency of ending conflicts in Middle East People's Daily 20 Aug 2025 -- World Humanitarian Day began as a tribute, but today it is a solemn reminder of the human capacity for cruelty and atrocity still widely evident in the Middle East.
• Sweden allocates SEK 9 million to Egyptian Red Crescent operations in Gaza Government Offices of Sweden 20 Aug 2025 -- The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be catastrophic. In light of this, the Government has decided to allocate funds to the Egyptian Red Crescent's work for Gaza. Sweden's support is aimed at operations related to medical evacuations from Gaza and to logistics support in getting humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
• Jordan: Israel 'killing all prospects' for peace in West Asia Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- Jordan says Israel is "killing all prospects" for peace in West Asia, as the regime has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City.
• Amid escalating diplomatic row over Gaza, Australia hits back at Israeli PM Netanyahu Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- Australia has condemned Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he described the Australian prime minister as weak, with a high-profile minister saying Netanyahu is conflating strength with killing people and the capacity to inflict harm.
• FCDO statement: response to Israel's revocation of visas to Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority UK FCDO 20 Aug 2025 -- The FCDO has released a statement on the Government of Israel's decision to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority
• War of Accusations: Macron and Netanyahu Clash Over Palestinian State Sputnik 20 Aug 2025 -- President Emmanuel Macron earlier said that France will officially recognize a Palestinian state at a session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
• Israeli report: Eilat railway project not viable under Yemeni blockade Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- The naval blockade imposed by Yemen's military forces has undermined the economic viability of a planned railway project to connect the port city of Eilat with the central and northern parts of the occupied Palestinian territories, an Israeli newspaper reveals.

Other Conflicts

• Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan UNOCHA 20 Aug 2025
• Wang Yi Holds Talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi PRC MofA 20 Aug 2025 -- On August 20, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul.
• China Dangles Belt And Road Investment To Mend Taliban-Pakistan Ties RFE/RL 20 Aug 2025 -- Afghanistan's Taliban authorities are hosting a trilateral meeting with China and Pakistan on August 20, as Beijing looks to de-escalate tensions between the two countries by incentivizing cooperation through new trade and investment opportunities amid a flurry of diplomatic outreach.
• Chinese FM meets with Afghan counterpart on ties Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here on Wednesday with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
• Syria's al-Qaeda-linked rulers, Israel hold talks brokered by US in Paris Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- Syria's de facto foreign minister has held a meeting with an Israeli delegation in the French capital Paris amid Tel Aviv's intensified attacks on the Arab country and Washington's push for normalization between the two sides.
• United States Appreciates Tanzania's Repatriation of Displaced Persons from Northeast Syria US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2025 -- With U.S. government assistance, Tanzania repatriated one woman and three children from the Roj displaced persons camp in northeast Syria on Monday, August 11.
• Statement by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula on World Humanitarian Day (19 August 2025) UNOCHA 19 Aug 2025
• China, India reach consensus on boundary questions, highlight outcomes in trade and direct flights during Wang Yi's visit Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India concluded on Wednesday, the two sides have highlighted a series of consensus on boundary questions as well as outcomes in areas including direct flights and trade. Chinese experts said the meetings marked steady progress and demonstrated both countries' desire to improve their relationship and develop cooperation.
• China, India hold special representatives meeting on boundary question Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- The 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question was held here on Tuesday.
• China-India foreign ministers' meeting achieves 10 outcomes Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held talks with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar here on Monday.
• 10-point consensus reached during China-India boundary meeting People's Daily 20 Aug 2025 -- The 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question was held here on Tuesday, during which a 10-point consensus was reached.
• Ten points of consensus for the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question PRC MofA 20 Aug 2025 -- On August 19, 2025, the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives (SR) of China and India on the Boundary Question was held in New Delhi, India.
• List of Outcomes of the Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of China and India PRC MofA 20 Aug 2025 -- On 18 August 2025, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China held bilateral talks with H.E. Dr. S.Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of the Republic of India in New Delhi.
• PA chief Nafarrete orders troops to suppress threats vs. BARMM polls Philippine News Agency 20 Aug 2025 -- Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete has ordered troops to quash any threats to the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) scheduled in October.
• Joint Statement from the ALPS Group on the Humanitarian Situation in Sudan US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2025 -- The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, and the African Union and United Nations.
• Joint statement from the ALPS Group on the Humanitarian Situation in Sudan SPA 20 Aug 2025 -- The ALPS coalition is appalled by the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Sudan, including the growing number of people in situation of severe malnutrition and famine, and by the wide range of access impediments that are delaying or blocking the response in key areas
• China's Xi makes a rare visit to Tibet to mark 60 years of contested rule Radio Free Asia 20 Aug 2025 -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Tibet on Wednesday to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region — the consolidation of Beijing's long-contested rule over the Himalayan territory.

News Reports

• DNI Gabbard Launches ODNI 2.0: Reduce bloat by over 40% and save taxpayers $700+ million per year Director of National Intelligence 20 Aug 2025 -- On Wednesday, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard announced a long-overdue transformation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to refocus on executing its core national security mission with integrity in the most agile, effective, and efficient way.
• Report: Russian Sabotage Operations In Europe Have Quadrupled Since 2023 RFE/RL 20 Aug 2025 -- Russia has dramatically increased sabotage operations throughout Europe, a new report has found, with the number of attacks targeting critical infrastructure nearly quadrupling since 2023.
• Terror threat posed by ISIL 'remains volatile and complex,' Security Council hears UN News 20 Aug 2025 -- The threat posed by the terrorist group ISIL - known more widely in the Middle East as Da'esh - remains dynamic and diverse, with Africa currently experiencing the highest level of activity worldwide.
• ISIL/Da'esh Still Resilient Global Threat, Top Counter-Terrorism Officials Warn Security Council, Urging Rights-Based Strategies, Steadfast Unity to Defeat It UN Security Council 20 Aug 2025 -- Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da'esh) remains a resilient and evolving global threat, increasingly active in Africa, and exploiting technology and financing networks, such as social media and cryptocurrency, high-level officials warned the Security Council today as they called for comprehensive, rights-based strategies and unwavering international unity to defeat it.
• The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all partners to combat Daesh: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Aug 2025 -- Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
• Foreign Ministry statement on retaliatory personal sanctions against representatives of the UK media, NGOs, consulting agencies and expert community Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Aug 2025
• Telephone conversation with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Russia 20 Aug 2025 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Safadi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Aug 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Safadi, Moscow, August 20, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Aug 2025
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's upcoming talks with Foreign Minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Aug 2025
• UK targets sanctions circumvention and crypto networks exploited by Russia UK FCDO 20 Aug 2025 -- Financial networks utilised by Russia to soften the blow of western sanctions are today being targeted by the UK.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on August 20, 2025 PRC MofA 20 Aug 2025
• Chinese FM calls on US to seek positive outcomes based on equality, respect and reciprocity in response to Bessent's remarks on China tariff status quo Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- Asked to comment on US Treasury Secretary Bessent's remarks in a media interview that "we're very happy" with the situation with China, which was viewed as a signal that the Trump administration is looking to remain calm with China before a trade truce expires in November, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday referred inquiries on specific issues to the relevant Chinese authorities.
• China's Lijian-1 rocket launches seven satellites Global Times 20 Aug 2025 -- China on Tuesday launched the Lijian-1 Y10 carrier rocket with seven satellites onboard.
• Ex-Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung named DPP secretary-general CNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Taiwan's former Interior Minister Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) was appointed secretary-general of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Wednesday.
• High court upholds sentences for Reunification Alliance Party figures CNA 20 Aug 2025 -- The Taiwan High Court Kaohsiung Branch on Wednesday upheld prison sentences of four years and six months for two officials of the minor Reunification Alliance Party who recruited people to travel to China for political purposes.
• Growing distrust of U.S. among Taiwanese could help Beijing: Scholars CNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Taiwan's growing distrust of the United States, especially in view of President Donald Trump's tariffs and semiconductor policies, could harm Washington's long-term interests and benefit Beijing instead, American scholars warned Monday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 20 Aug 2025
• Decision on Convening SPA Session of DPRK KCNA 20 Aug 2025 -- The 13th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will be convened in Pyongyang on September 20, 2025.
• Official Notice on Convening SPA Session of DPRK Issued KCNA 20 Aug 2025 -- The 13th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is to be convened in Pyongyang on September 20, 2025.
• Greetings to DPRK Foreign Minister from Russian Foreign Minister KCNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on August 15 received a message of greeting from Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov, foreign minister of the Russian Federation, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation.
• Plenary Meeting of DPRK SPA Standing Committee Held KCNA 20 Aug 2025 -- The 37th Plenary Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on August 19.
• U.S.-ROK Joint Military Drill Will Only Highlight Fact that Enemy Is Enemy: KCNA Commentary KCNA 20 Aug 2025 -- The U.S.-ROK large-scale joint military drill Ulji Freedom Shield officially started on August 18.
• Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK, Censures Seoul Authorities for Deceptive Attempt at "Appeasement Offensive" KCNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, at a consultative meeting with major director generals of the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK on August 19 sharply criticized the essence of the deceptive "appeasement offensive" of the ROK government and its double character and conveyed the foreign policy plan of the head of state.
• Pezeshkian: Iran wants peaceful coexistence with all nations IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed mutual respect and acceptance of the territorial integrity of countries, and considered adherence to these principles to be the main condition for stability.
• Roadmap for ties with Belarus to be upgraded to strategic partnership: Iran FM IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran plans to revise its relations with Belarus to a strategic partnership.
• Exclusive | US resorted to military aggression after failing to impose 'zero enrichment' on Iran: Araghchi IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says recent military aggression by the United States, carried out in coordination with Israel, was driven by Washington's frustration over its failure to compel Iran to abandon uranium enrichment entirely.
• China says there's no justification for JCPOA snapback activation Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- China's mission to the United Nations has declared the country's firm opposition to threats by European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal to activate the "snapback" mechanism within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
• Oil minister says Iran has no unsold oil at sea IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad says that not a single barrel of unsold Iranian oil is left at sea, stressing that all shipments currently at sea are managed according to market conditions and precise planning.
• Cumulative gas production at South Pars Phase 11 triples in one year IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- The cumulative gas production from the South Pars Phase 11 development project has tripled under the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pars Oil and Gas Company announced on Wednesday.
• Iran sees no limits to expanding ties with Belarus: Pezeshkian IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran sees no limits to expanding relations with Belarus, stressing the need for greater cooperation to counter unilateralism and its "destructive consequences."
• Iran, Belarus ink 12 agreements during Pezeshkian's Minsk visit IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus have signed 12 cooperation agreements and a joint statement as President Masoud Pezeshkian is on an official visit to Minsk.
• President Pezeshkian: US unilateralism intolerable for Iran and Belarus IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the United States and some European countries are seeking to expand unilateralism and impose their views on other nations, an approach that is unacceptable for both Tehran and Minsk.
• Pezeshkian in Minsk: Iran, Belarus close ranks against US-led unilateralism Press TV 20 Aug 2025 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the United States and some of its Western allies are seeking to expand unilateralism across the globe and impose their dictates upon other nations, emphasizing that neither Iran nor Belarus will tolerate such an approach.
• Lukashenko slams Western sanctions on Belarus, Iran as 'economic terrorism' IRNA 20 Aug 2025 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has denounced Western sanctions imposed on his country and Iran as "economic terrorism", Russian news agency TASS reported.
• As Trump Seeks Better Ties With Putin, He's Also Calling Lukashenko RFE/RL 20 Aug 2025 -- In a move that caught many observers and politicians by surprise, US President Donald Trump made a phone call to Belarusian strongman Aleksandr Lukashenko just hours before his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin last week.
• FM Sa'ar opens Israeli embassy in Zambia Israel MFA 20 Aug 2025 -- FM Sa'ar: Relations between our countries are not only based on common interests, they are also rooted in shared values. And I know that together we will do great things.
• PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SPACE PROJECTS IN LADAKH India PIB 20 Aug 2025 -- ISRO is realising Resourcesat-3 & 3A, Resourcesat-3S & 3SA, HRSAT, G20 Satellite and TRISHNA Satellite by 2027-2028, to improve remote sensing observations in the country, benefiting the Union Territory of Ladakh also
• PARLIAMENT QUESTION: KULASEKARAPATTINAM SPACEPORT India PIB 20 Aug 2025 -- The current status of infrastructure development at the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport, including the timeline for its full commissioning and the funds allocated and utilized for the project so far:
• PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN SPACE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR India PIB 20 Aug 2025 -- IN-SPACe has signed two MoUs with Government of Karnataka for (i) providing support towards activities of Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Space Technology and (ii) setting up the Space Manufacturing Hub in Karnataka
• Minister Anand concludes successful visit to Finland to strengthen partnerships between Canada and Nordic countries Canada 20 Aug 2025 -- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded her visit to Helsinki, Finland, where she strengthened Canada's ties with Nordic partners and advanced transatlantic cooperation to achieve Canada's objectives with respect to its Arctic Foreign Policy.
• China and Pakistan Hold Consultations on Arms Control and Non-Proliferation PRC MofA 20 Aug 2025
• Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Meets with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Aug 2025 -- On August 20, 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan held a bilateral meeting with the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, on the sidelines of the 6th Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan in Kabul.
• Pakistan Hit By More Fatal Flooding As Recovery Crews Look For Dead RFE/RL 20 Aug 2025 -- Pakistan continued to be hit by torrential rains with more than 20 people dying on August 20 in fresh flooding that has crippled several parts of the country over the last weeks.
• Press conference - Adelaide Prime Minister of Australia 20 Aug 2025
• Speech by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia in Jakarta Germany Federal Foreign Office 20 Aug 2025
• World News in Brief: Sudan hospitals under fire, world remembers victims of terrorism, DR Congo UN News 20 Aug 2025 -- In recent days, reported attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan's Darfur State have forced some humanitarian groups to stop providing critical cholera services as the outbreak continues to spread.