US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent has described Saudi Arabia as the United States’ most important ally in the Middle East, expressing support for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Riyadh. In an interview with Fox News on October 18, Besent said Washington relied on Saudi military support during the recent 12-day Iran-US conflict, praising the kingdom’s role as a key regional power. His remarks coincided with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s official visit to Washington, where both nations signed a joint declaration on nuclear energy cooperation. The White House confirmed that the agreement lays a legal foundation for a multi-billion-dollar nuclear project while adhering to non-proliferation commitments. Additionally, President Donald Trump approved a major defense deal that includes the future delivery of advanced F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. During his visit, the Crown Prince pledged a $1 trillion investment in the US, reaffirming Saudi confidence in America’s economic future.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of a $13 billion shortfall that could severely impact its ability to feed one-third of the 318 million people facing acute hunger by 2026. Due to declining humanitarian funding, WFP says it will have to prioritize food assistance for about 110 million people, leaving millions without support. The agency expects to receive only about half of its required funding based on current projections. The United States remains WFP’s largest donor, but reductions in foreign aid under previous administrations, along with budget cuts by several European nations, have worsened the crisis. Conflict, extreme weather, and economic instability have doubled the number of people facing severe hunger since 2019. WFP and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently identified 16 global hunger hotspots, including Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and South Sudan, warning that funding shortages are already exacerbating conditions. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain called the situation “unacceptable in the 21st century.”

At least 30 people, including patients, were killed when Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels attacked a health center and several villages in the Lubero region of North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Local officials reported that 23 bodies were recovered from the Baimbwe health center, among them 11 women. The attackers also burned down parts of the health facility and several nearby houses. Colonel Alain Kiwewa, the local administrator, condemned the assault as a crime against humanity and urged residents to support joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces aimed at eliminating the ADF. The group, which has links to ISIS, has been active in eastern Congo for years. A similar attack in October in the same region left around 20 people dead. Since 2021, Congo and Uganda have been conducting joint operations against the ADF, which continues to target civilians despite ongoing military efforts.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated that Riyadh is open to normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, but only if a clear plan for establishing a Palestinian state is in place. Speaking during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office, the Crown Prince emphasized the need for a two-state solution roadmap before Saudi Arabia can join the accords. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s longstanding position that peace in the region requires recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Crown Prince added that Riyadh seeks peace for both Israelis and Palestinians and aims to create conditions for their peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to oppose the two-state solution and leads a coalition that favors annexing parts of the occupied West Bank. The Saudi stance underscores the kingdom’s insistence on linking normalization with progress toward Palestinian sovereignty.

The UN Security Council has approved a U.S.-proposed resolution to deploy an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, aimed at restoring peace in the conflict-torn region. The proposal, introduced by President Donald Trump, passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. Russia’s UN envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, criticized the plan as reflecting a ‘colonial-era mentality’ and warned that it could become a pretext for U.S. intervention under the guise of peacekeeping. He expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the exclusion of Palestinian voices in the decision-making process. The ISF, potentially including forces from the U.S., Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, is expected to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and security. Moscow cautioned that the force might act autonomously, disregarding the Palestinian Authority’s position. Meanwhile, Hamas rejected the plan as an imposed ‘international guardianship system,’ vowing not to disarm. Human rights groups also warned that the proposal undermines Palestinian rights and accountability for war crimes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to revive diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. Speaking at a press conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Zelensky emphasized the importance of unwavering international support amid the conflict. He revealed that he will speak with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss ways to achieve a 'just peace' in Ukraine. Zelensky expressed optimism that the upcoming talks could be productive and also mentioned receiving certain signals from the United States, though he declined to elaborate. The renewed diplomatic push comes as Ukraine continues to seek broader international backing and explore potential avenues for peace while facing persistent Russian aggression. The initiative underscores Kyiv’s ongoing efforts to balance military resistance with diplomatic engagement in pursuit of a sustainable resolution to the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington. The announcement followed the signing of a strategic defense agreement aimed at strengthening long-term military cooperation between the two nations. According to the White House, the two sides also signed accords on civilian nuclear energy and defense collaboration, including a joint declaration that will establish a legal framework for multi-billion-dollar partnerships over the coming decades. The agreements are said to comply with nuclear non-proliferation standards. Trump also approved an arms deal involving F-35 fighter jets, reaffirming earlier commitments. Saudi media described the move as a significant step toward enhancing regional peace, security, and prosperity. The meeting marked the first time in over seven years that the Saudi crown prince was hosted in Washington.

At least 13 people were killed in an Israeli drone strike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The attack targeted a vehicle parked near a mosque on November 18. Israel claimed the strike was aimed at Hamas operatives allegedly running a training center inside the camp. However, Hamas denied having any such facility, calling the assault a brutal aggression against innocent Palestinians and a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. Lebanese authorities reported that at least four others were injured, with emergency services transporting victims to nearby hospitals. The strike came hours after Israel reportedly attacked two vehicles in another area of southern Lebanon, killing two people. The incident underscores escalating cross-border hostilities as Israel continues operations against militant groups in the region.

China has canceled nearly 500,000 flights to Japan following escalating diplomatic tensions over Japan’s stance on Taiwan. The move comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan could become militarily involved if China attempted to invade Taiwan, prompting a strong reaction from Beijing. In response, China suspended visa processing, halted cultural exchange programs, and issued travel warnings for its citizens and students. At least seven Chinese airlines, including three state-owned carriers, are allowing passengers to cancel Japan-bound bookings free of charge. Sichuan Airlines has suspended all Chengdu–Sapporo flights until March, while Spring Airlines has canceled multiple routes. The cancellations have negatively impacted Japan’s retail and travel sectors, with share prices dropping. Analysts describe this as the largest flight cancellation since the early COVID-19 period, though they note limited impact on China’s domestic aviation market. Japan has advised its citizens in China to remain cautious and avoid crowded areas amid the diplomatic strain.

A report by U.S.-based research group Oil Change International has revealed that 25 countries supplied Israel with crude and refined petroleum products during its two-year assault on Gaza. The report, released at the UN climate conference in Brazil, shows that between November 2023 and October 2025, Israel received 21.2 million metric tons of fuel in 323 shipments. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan provided about 70% of the crude oil, while Russia, Greece, and the United States were the main suppliers of refined petroleum. Turkey and Russia also sent millions of tons of crude oil, and the U.S. supplied 360,000 tons of JP8 jet fuel used for military aircraft. The report argues that the same fossil fuel system driving the climate crisis is also fueling international conflicts and atrocities. Activists and analysts warn that continued fuel exports to Israel may implicate states in violations of international law related to genocide and war crimes.

An increasing number of U.S. citizens are viewing Saudi Arabia as their ‘second home,’ drawn by the kingdom’s expanding job market, modern infrastructure, and welcoming culture. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s economy is diversifying into technology, health, construction, education, and tourism, creating high-paying opportunities that attract American professionals. Many Americans living in Riyadh and Jeddah say the local hospitality and cultural inclusiveness help them integrate quickly. The recent granting of Saudi citizenship to Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano symbolizes this growing bond. Analysts note that deepening U.S.-Saudi cooperation in energy, security, and trade has strengthened people-to-people connections, with more Americans choosing to live and work in the kingdom. The country’s social reforms, including greater openness and women’s participation, have further enhanced its appeal among expatriates.

The British High Commission in Dhaka has issued a warning stating that applicants submitting forged or falsified documents when applying for a UK visa may face a 10-year ban from obtaining any UK visa. The advisory urges all applicants to ensure that only genuine and verifiable documents are submitted during the visa application process. The High Commission emphasized that the UK authorities maintain a strict verification process and that any attempt to deceive or manipulate the system could lead to severe consequences, including long-term travel restrictions. The notice aims to raise awareness among Bangladeshi applicants about the importance of honesty and transparency in visa applications and to prevent fraudulent practices that could damage their chances of future travel to the United Kingdom.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to target senior Palestinian Authority (PA) officials if the United Nations advances efforts to recognize a Palestinian state. Speaking at a meeting of the Otzma Yehudit party, Ben-Gvir described PA leaders as 'terrorists' and said they should be 'eliminated' if the UN grants statehood recognition to Palestine. His remarks, reported by The Jerusalem Post, have drawn strong condemnation from the Palestinian Foreign Ministry and the office of President Mahmoud Abbas, both of which labeled the comments as incitement and called for international accountability. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged the global community to take concrete action against such inflammatory rhetoric. The controversy comes as the UN Security Council recently voted in favor of a U.S.-drafted resolution supporting former President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict.

Japan has issued a security advisory for its citizens living in China as diplomatic tensions between the two countries intensify following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan. The Japanese embassy in Beijing urged nationals to remain vigilant, avoid crowded areas, and travel in groups whenever possible. Parents with children were asked to exercise extra caution and report any suspicious activity immediately. The advisory follows China’s warning to its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan after Tokyo suggested it might respond militarily if China attacks Taiwan. Both nations have exchanged formal protests, with Beijing accusing Japan of interfering in its internal affairs. The situation has sparked a verbal confrontation, with some Chinese officials making harsh comments perceived as threats. The Japanese government has refused to retract its stance, further straining bilateral relations between the two Asian powers.

A total of 170 Bangladeshi nationals detained or staying irregularly in Libya have been repatriated to Bangladesh through a coordinated effort involving the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The returnees arrived in Dhaka on a chartered Buraq Air flight on November 18. Most of them had entered Libya in hopes of reaching Europe illegally by sea, often falling victim to human trafficking, abduction, and physical abuse. Upon arrival, officials from the ministries and IOM welcomed them and urged them to share their experiences to raise awareness against irregular migration. IOM provided each returnee with travel allowances, food, and basic medical assistance. Authorities confirmed that this repatriation is part of an ongoing initiative to safely return Bangladeshi detainees from Libyan detention centers.