Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially annulled the long-suspended plutonium disposal agreement with the United States by signing a new law on October 27. The agreement, originally signed in 2000, required both nations to eliminate 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium each — enough to make about 17,000 nuclear warheads — in a way that made it unusable for military purposes. Russia had already suspended the deal in 2016, accusing Washington of violating the terms by adopting an alternative plutonium disposal method. Moscow also cited U.S. “hostile actions” and NATO’s expansion as reasons for the final withdrawal. Analysts warn that the move marks another blow to the fragile framework of nuclear disarmament and may escalate tensions between Moscow and Washington, especially as the New START treaty approaches its 2026 expiry, raising concerns over renewed nuclear arms competition and global security instability.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering launching military strikes against suspected cocaine production sites and trafficking routes inside Venezuela, according to three senior American officials quoted by CNN. The move is part of Washington’s broader anti-narcotics strategy, though no final decision has been made. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has already ordered the deployment of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group to the Caribbean, alongside thousands of troops, as tensions rise in the region. Intelligence sources confirm the CIA has been granted authority to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. While the Trump administration has suspended direct diplomatic talks with President Nicolás Maduro, officials insist that diplomatic solutions remain on the table. Some advisers view potential strikes as a way to weaken Maduro’s hold on power. However, large-scale military action would likely require consultation with Congress, amid growing international concern about possible escalation in Latin America.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced the deployment of 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S surface-to-air missiles across the country amid rising tensions with the United States. Speaking on state television during a military event, Maduro emphasized that these portable, short-range defense systems can strike low-flying aircraft, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. He stated that the missiles have been positioned in all major defense zones — from the “last mountain to the last village.” The move comes as the U.S. has recently deployed 4,500 Marines and naval personnel in the Caribbean, citing anti-narcotics operations and regional security measures. However, Washington’s actions have drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers questioning their legality. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently revealed he authorized CIA covert missions in Venezuela, signaling possible American expansion of military activity in the region as part of efforts to pressure Maduro’s government.

Just a day after the planned meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was postponed, Moscow conducted a large-scale nuclear exercise involving intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. Kremlin officials released a video briefing showing military chief General Valery Gerasimov updating Putin on the drills. This move comes amid heightened global tensions and parallel NATO nuclear deterrence exercises. The meeting’s cancellation followed recent talks between both nations’ foreign ministers, with both sides emphasizing the need for “meaningful preparations” before any summit. Sources told Reuters that Russia rejected Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan, insisting on full control over Ukraine’s Donbas region as a condition for peace. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy missile strikes overnight, killing six civilians in Kyiv, including two children. The European defense sector saw a surge in share prices following the diplomatic uncertainty.

India has firmly denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to halt oil imports from Russia. The controversy follows Trump’s earlier statement crediting himself for de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions, which New Delhi also dismissed. India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no phone conversation took place between Modi and Trump, countering Trump’s assertion. Experts view this as a rare public diplomatic contradiction between the two nations, reflecting a shift toward more open and unpredictable diplomacy. Analysts suggest Trump’s remarks aim to pressure India to reduce its energy ties with Moscow, though India maintains that decisions will prioritize national interests. Despite U.S. pressure, India continues to buy about 35% of its oil from Russia. Observers note this episode highlights New Delhi’s balancing act between U.S. and Russian relations amid evolving global power equations.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in Mashhad that Tehran will not return to talks with the United States so long as Washington maintains what he called "unreasonable" and "additional" demands. Araghchi blamed the collapse of previous negotiations on American demands that Iran considers unrealistic, saying such conditions preclude meaningful progress. He reaffirmed Tehran's refusal to accept talks framed around predetermined outcomes, echoing earlier comments by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that negotiations with the U.S. are futile when the other side seeks to dictate Iran's nuclear activities and even its missile capabilities. Araghchi warned that accepting such pressure would amount to surrendering Iran's right to self-defense. The remarks, reported by Mehr News on October 22, underscore Tehran’s insistence on negotiating without external preconditions and signal continued resistance to U.S. demands perceived as infringing on national sovereignty. Tehran indicated it remains open to dialogue only if demands become mutually acceptable.

Saudi Arabia is seeking to formalize a defence treaty with the United States, modelled after the agreement signed between Washington and Qatar that treats any armed attack on Qatar as an armed attack on the U.S.

According to reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will travel to Washington next month and meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, with the objective of securing stronger military and intelligence cooperation.

With U.S. bases in the Gulf and growing regional instability — including in the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea region — Riyadh sees the pact as a strategic hedge and stepping-stone for deeper defence ties with Washington.

Pending details remain “in flux” as discussions continue, but the significance of such a deal could reshape Gulf security architecture and renew the long-standing U.S.–Saudi strategic partnership.

The anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, intended to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, has become uncertain. The Kremlin announced on Tuesday that no specific timeline has been determined for the talks, indicating that further preparations are required. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that “significant groundwork” is necessary before any meeting can take place. U.S. media reports suggest that Washington and Moscow still differ on the terms of a ceasefire. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that it is “too early” to discuss detailed arrangements for the summit. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently held a phone conversation with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, during which some disagreements reportedly surfaced. Moscow maintains that the understandings reached during the earlier Alaska summit remain valid and emphasizes the importance of implementing those agreements to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine.

Pakistan has partially reopened the Chaman–Spin Boldak border with Afghanistan for trade after weeks of closure, allowing the movement of empty trucks carrying commercial goods under strict supervision. The decision comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing nationwide campaign to repatriate Afghan refugees, with over 67,000 Afghans leaving the country in October alone. Officials confirmed that only trucks carrying Afghan refugees or goods are being allowed to pass, while pedestrian and regular traffic remain suspended for security reasons. Afghan drivers must hold valid passports and visas. Reports suggest that the Torkham border may also reopen under similar conditions soon, though other crossings—Ghulam Khan, Angoor Adda, and Kharlachi—will stay closed. In Azad Kashmir, authorities have ordered all Afghan nationals to leave by November 18. Meanwhile, 17 Afghans have been arrested in Islamabad following an attack on police, signaling heightened tensions as deportations continue nationwide.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia currently controls about 78 percent of Ukraine’s territory and urged both sides to immediately stop fighting. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump stated that “both parties should stop the war now” and focus on negotiating a long-term territorial settlement instead of continued bloodshed. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera on Monday, October 20. Trump emphasized the futility of ongoing violence, saying that continued warfare would make any future peace talks harder to achieve. Referring to the war-torn Donbas region, he suggested keeping current territorial lines “as they are” for now, asserting that Russia already occupies most of Ukraine’s land. This marks a notable shift from Trump’s earlier stance, when he suggested Ukraine could regain all its territories, including Crimea. Trump is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary in the coming weeks, though no exact date has been confirmed.

U.S. President Donald Trump has admitted to a “submarine strike” in the Caribbean Sea, claiming it targeted a vessel used for large-scale drug trafficking. Speaking at the White House alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 17, Trump offered no proof that the vessel was indeed a submarine or involved in narcotics smuggling. According to Reuters, two survivors were captured while two others were killed. U.S. officials assert the operation was part of anti-narcotics efforts near Venezuela, though critics argue it violates international law. Venezuela has urged the UN Security Council to declare the attacks illegal, and Colombia’s president suggested some victims were his citizens. Trump also alleged that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro had offered major concessions to ease tensions. As Washington expands its executive powers under anti-immigrant and anti-drug justifications, fears grow that the confrontation may edge closer to open conflict.

In a significant diplomatic meeting held in Kabul, senior Iranian and Taliban officials discussed enhancing security cooperation and ensuring stability along their shared border. The talks, reported by Mehr News on Friday, included Iran’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Alireza Bikdeli, Director-General for South Asia at Iran’s Foreign Ministry Mohammad Reza Bahrami, and Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The meeting focused on countering cross-border drug trafficking, preventing illegal movements, and reinforcing coordination mechanisms between Iran and Afghanistan. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining border stability and continuing dialogue to resolve emerging issues through mutual understanding and respect. The Iranian delegation called for sustained cooperation to promote peace and regional stability, while Haqqani reaffirmed the Taliban’s commitment to fostering strong, respectful relations with neighboring countries, particularly Iran. The meeting marks another step in regional efforts to balance security and diplomacy in post-withdrawal Afghanistan.

Pakistan has formally requested China’s support to join the BRICS alliance’s New Development Bank (NDB), signaling its intent to deepen financial and strategic cooperation with Beijing. The request was made during a meeting in Washington between Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and China’s Vice Finance Minister Liao Min. Islamabad expressed gratitude for the growing Chinese investments in agriculture, industry, and mineral sectors, highlighting China’s role in Pakistan’s economic stability. According to a government statement, Aurangzeb emphasized Pakistan’s desire to become a member of the NDB, which was established by BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. Earlier this year, Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee approved the purchase of $582 million worth of NDB capital shares, marking a concrete step toward its membership bid.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has accused Afghanistan of acting as a proxy for India amid escalating clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. In an interview with Geo News, Asif alleged that Kabul has “become Delhi’s puppet” and is receiving financial support from India to destabilize the region. He warned that while Pakistan remains open to constructive dialogue, it would not tolerate ceasefire violations or attacks on its soil. The recent series of violent exchanges between Pakistani forces and Afghan Taliban fighters began over the weekend and flared up again on Wednesday, October 15. According to Afghan officials, at least 58 Pakistani soldiers have been killed, while Islamabad claims to have eliminated more than 200 Taliban fighters. The growing tension has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, despite both sides briefly agreeing to a 48-hour truce earlier in the week.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him India will no longer purchase oil from Russia. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday (October 15), Trump said he had been unhappy with India’s continued oil trade with Moscow but welcomed Modi’s commitment to halt the imports. He described the decision as a “big step” and added that Washington would now pressure China to take similar action. When asked for confirmation, the Indian Embassy in Washington did not provide an immediate response. Analysts view this move as a potential turning point in global energy diplomacy amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, as the U.S. seeks to curtail Russia’s oil revenue. India, one of Russia’s largest oil buyers, would mark a significant shift in Moscow’s export landscape if the pledge is implemented soon.