Israeli forces carried out fresh artillery and aerial attacks in southern Lebanon, violating a recently agreed ceasefire, according to reports from local and international media. The strikes targeted areas around Al-Wazzani and Al-Majidiyah, while Israeli naval units allegedly fired at Lebanese fishing boats near Ras al-Naqoura. Witnesses reported explosions and gunfire that disrupted civilian life in several border villages.

Al Jazeera and other outlets cited Lebanese sources calling the attacks a clear breach of the truce that had temporarily calmed tensions along the Israel–Lebanon frontier. The Lebanese military and UN peacekeeping forces are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. No immediate casualties were confirmed, but the incidents have raised fears of renewed escalation between Israel and Hezbollah-aligned groups operating in the region.

Analysts warn that continued violations could undermine fragile diplomatic efforts to stabilize the border. Regional actors, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), are expected to issue statements urging restraint in the coming days.

The United States military conducted a covert operation in November to seize a cargo vessel traveling from China to Iran in the Indian Ocean, according to a Wall Street Journal report published on December 12. The ship was intercepted several hundred miles off Sri Lanka, marking the first such maritime seizure of an Iran-bound cargo in several years. US forces reportedly destroyed materials found on board that were believed to be components usable in conventional weapons manufacturing.

Unnamed US officials told the newspaper that the seized materials could have dual-use applications, serving both civilian and military purposes. The Indo-Pacific Command has not officially confirmed the operation, while China and Iran declined to comment when approached by the media. The ship was later allowed to continue its journey after the confiscation.

The incident highlights Washington’s ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s access to military-grade materials and enforce sanctions amid rising regional tensions. Analysts suggest the move may further strain US-China and US-Iran relations, especially given the sensitive nature of maritime enforcement in international waters.

A planned bilateral meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin took an unexpected turn during an international forum in Turkmenistan marking the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality. After reportedly waiting 40 minutes for his scheduled meeting, Sharif entered a closed-door discussion between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to a video published by RT India.

The footage, which quickly spread on social media, showed Sharif entering the room in apparent frustration, prompting online criticism and ridicule over what users described as a diplomatic breach. RT India later deleted the video, stating that it might have misrepresented the situation and caused misunderstanding. The incident occurred on the sidelines of a high-level gathering attended by leaders from Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan.

While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the episode underscores the sensitivity of protocol in international diplomacy. Analysts note that such moments, even if unintended, can affect perceptions of state conduct and highlight the challenges of managing optics in multilateral settings.

A powerful storm named Byron has struck the Gaza Strip, killing at least 14 people and worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged enclave. The storm caused widespread destruction, collapsing homes, walls, and makeshift tents that serve as shelters for thousands of displaced residents. Many families are struggling without adequate clothing, fuel, or protection from the cold.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Interior, several deaths occurred when shelters and structures collapsed under strong winds and heavy rain. Al Jazeera reported that the storm has turned overcrowded shelters into death traps, with nearly 850,000 people at risk across 761 centers. The United Nations estimates that around 800,000 residents are now in extreme danger due to the lack of infrastructure and ongoing Israeli blockade.

The combination of war damage, blockade, and severe weather has pushed Gaza’s humanitarian crisis to new extremes. Aid agencies warn that without immediate international assistance, the situation could deteriorate further as flooding and cold weather persist.

Iranian security forces have detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi in the eastern city of Mashhad, according to her foundation. The 53-year-old was arrested alongside several colleagues while attending a memorial for lawyer Khosro Alikordi, who was recently found dead under suspicious circumstances. The BBC confirmed the arrest on Saturday, December 13.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern over what it called Mohammadi’s “brutal arrest,” urging Iranian authorities to disclose her whereabouts, ensure her safety, and release her unconditionally. Mohammadi, who received the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her activism against gender-based oppression, had been temporarily released from Tehran’s Evin Prison for medical treatment earlier this month. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, said she was violently detained, calling the act a violation of human rights law.

Mohammadi has long criticized Iran’s tightening control over public and private life, denouncing surveillance, censorship, and arbitrary arrests. Her repeated detentions—13 in total—have drawn international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability from human rights organizations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict could spiral into a third world war if hostilities continue. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed deep concern over the rising death toll, citing reports that around 25,000 soldiers were killed in the past month alone. He called for an immediate ceasefire, saying the bloodshed must stop before it triggers a global catastrophe.

Trump’s frustration with the prolonged conflict has intensified, as both Moscow and Kyiv remain entrenched in their positions. The White House press secretary, Caroline Leavitt, confirmed that the president is disappointed with the slow pace of peace talks and wants concrete action rather than symbolic dialogue. Trump also stated that the United States is ready to sign a security agreement with Ukraine to support peace efforts.

However, Trump expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not accepting Washington’s peace proposal, warning that continued resistance could further destabilize international security.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia could launch an attack on a NATO member state within the next five years. Speaking in Germany on December 11, Rutte said Moscow has already intensified covert operations against the alliance and urged members to prepare for a type of conflict reminiscent of past generations. His remarks underscore growing anxiety within NATO about Russia’s long-term intentions following its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The warning comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pursues diplomatic efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, recently stated that Moscow has no plans to engage in war with Europe but would respond if provoked. European leaders remain skeptical, recalling similar assurances before the Ukraine invasion. Diplomats suggest that despite Trump’s mediation, current negotiations may ultimately favor Russian interests, prompting European allies to back Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s stance.

Analysts believe Rutte’s caution reflects NATO’s strategic reassessment amid uncertain peace talks and persistent hybrid threats from Moscow.

Pakistan has welcomed a joint religious declaration by more than 1,000 Afghan clerics in Kabul condemning cross-border militancy, but insisted that such commitments will only be meaningful with a written assurance from the Taliban leadership. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Islamabad has repeatedly sought written guarantees that Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan, but has yet to receive one.

The declaration, viewed as a religious endorsement against cross-border terrorism, warned that any military action beyond Afghanistan’s borders would be treated as rebellion against the Amir’s orders. While Pakistan was not named, the statement is widely seen as directed at the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups. Andarabi noted that past Taliban promises had gone unfulfilled, and Pakistan would assess the new declaration before deciding on further steps.

Tensions remain high following deadly attacks in Pakistan allegedly launched from Afghan territory. Islamabad has also criticized Kabul’s rejection of humanitarian aid and warned that only the Taliban’s top leadership can effectively rein in militant networks. Diplomatic observers see the clerics’ statement as a potential shift within Afghanistan, though its practical impact remains uncertain.

Iran is set to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government following renewed border clashes that have strained relations between the two neighbors. Tehran is preparing to host a high-level meeting on December 16–17, aiming to de-escalate tensions and restore dialogue after months of military and diplomatic standoffs.

According to Islamabad Post, this initiative is viewed as the most significant diplomatic effort yet to resolve the deadlock. Previous rounds of talks in Doha, Istanbul, and Jeddah failed to produce tangible progress. Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Muhammad Sadiq, will represent Islamabad in the upcoming discussions. Diplomatic sources indicate that both China and Russia are expected to participate, signaling broader regional concern over the instability.

Analysts note that the involvement of major powers underscores the strategic importance of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations for regional security. Observers will watch closely whether Tehran’s mediation can achieve a breakthrough where earlier efforts faltered.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed firm support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro despite mounting pressure from the United States. According to the Kremlin, Putin conveyed his backing for Maduro’s government policies during a phone call on Thursday, signaling Moscow’s continued alliance with Caracas at a time of heightened geopolitical tension.

On the same day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with Venezuela’s ambassador to Minsk, Jesús Rafael Salazar Velásquez, for the second time in 17 days. Belarus’ state news agency reported Lukashenko’s assurance that Maduro would always be welcome in Belarus. Reuters sought clarification on whether Minsk might offer asylum to Maduro if he stepped down, but received no response.

The Trump administration has refused to recognize Maduro’s presidency since his disputed 2018 re-election, labeling it fraudulent. Washington has tightened sanctions and increased military presence in the Caribbean. Analysts say Putin’s gesture underscores Russia’s intent to counter U.S. influence in Latin America and maintain strategic partnerships with allied regimes.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on six ships linked to Venezuela and three nephews of President Nicolás Maduro, according to the US Treasury Department. The move follows escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas after the US Navy deployed warships in the Caribbean and seized a Venezuelan oil tanker accused of carrying sanctioned crude.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the seized tanker would be taken to a US port, describing the cargo as illegally transported oil. The sanctions are part of a broader effort to tighten economic pressure on Maduro’s government, which has already faced restrictions on more than 30 oil vessels, Reuters reported.

Venezuela’s government condemned the actions, accusing Washington of “theft” and “international piracy.” Caracas claims the US is attempting to seize control of its energy assets. Analysts warn that the new sanctions could further strain diplomatic relations and complicate oil trade routes in the Caribbean region.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying that failure to take stronger action against the cocaine trade could lead to serious consequences. Speaking at a White House meeting with business leaders, Trump accused Colombia of producing large quantities of cocaine that end up in the United States, urging Petro to act decisively.

The warning comes amid ongoing tensions between the two leaders, who have clashed over drug policy, migration, and trade. Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, responded by asserting that his government has already destroyed around 18,400 drug laboratories and cautioned that any interference with Colombia’s sovereignty would amount to a declaration of war. He also invited Trump to visit Colombia and witness anti-narcotics operations firsthand.

The dispute adds to broader regional friction, as Petro has criticized U.S. naval actions in the Caribbean and Trump’s sanctions on Venezuela and Iran. UN human rights experts have condemned those operations as extrajudicial, intensifying diplomatic strains between Bogotá and Washington.

Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu has reportedly made a secret visit to Israel, according to three sources cited by Reuters. The trip, said to have taken place earlier this month, underscores the discreet nature of Taiwan’s foreign engagements due to Beijing’s pressure on countries to avoid formal ties with Taipei. Israel, like most nations, officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, making such a visit highly unusual.

Sources did not disclose whom Wu met or what was discussed, though speculation surrounds potential talks on Taiwan’s new multi-layered air defense system, the T-Dome, modeled partly on Israel’s Iron Dome. Taiwan’s foreign ministry declined to confirm the visit but emphasized that both sides share democratic values and will continue practical cooperation in trade, technology, and culture. Israel’s foreign ministry did not comment.

The visit, if confirmed, signals Taipei’s effort to deepen ties with democratic partners amid rising cross-strait tensions and ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Taiwan has expressed support for Israel since October 2023.

Saudi Arabia has further relaxed its alcohol restrictions, permitting high-income non-Muslim foreign residents to legally purchase alcohol in Riyadh. According to Bloomberg, foreigners earning at least 50,000 riyals (around USD 13,300) per month can now access the kingdom’s only licensed liquor store by presenting proof of income. The store, initially opened last year for foreign diplomats, has now extended access to non-Muslims holding premium residency status.

The Saudi government has not issued an official statement on the policy change, and no immediate comment was provided to media inquiries. Purchases are reportedly managed through a monthly point-based allowance system. Bloomberg also reported that two additional liquor stores are under construction in other Saudi cities.

Analysts suggest the move aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader efforts to modernize Saudi society and attract skilled expatriates. The policy shift also comes as the kingdom prepares to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, when an influx of international visitors is expected to seek greater social freedoms.

Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately sabotaging ongoing peace talks by presenting conditions that Moscow deems unacceptable. Rodion Miroshnik, Russia’s special envoy to the Foreign Ministry, told Izvestia that Kyiv is intentionally setting terms designed to collapse the dialogue and then blame Russia for the failure. He described Ukraine’s approach as a waste of time and a political bluff aimed at reshaping proposals linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace framework.

The accusation follows the conclusion of three days of U.S.-mediated discussions in Florida between Ukrainian and American officials, which ended without tangible results. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a constructive phone conversation with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, emphasizing that real progress toward peace depends on Moscow’s willingness to engage sincerely. Analysts note that both sides continue to trade blame, underscoring the deep mistrust that has stalled diplomatic efforts since the start of the conflict.

Observers suggest that without renewed commitment from both Kyiv and Moscow, future negotiations may remain symbolic, prolonging uncertainty in the region.