The United States Senate has passed the $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 by a 77–20 vote, following earlier approval by the House of Representatives. The bill, now awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature, outlines defense spending priorities and policy frameworks for the coming year. It includes provisions to maintain congressional oversight over military operations and restrict troop reductions in Europe and South Korea without prior consultation.

The legislation allocates $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, $1 billion for Taiwan’s defense cooperation, and $600 million for Israel’s missile defense programs, including Iron Dome. It also repeals outdated authorizations for the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq War to limit future unilateral military actions. Additionally, the bill cuts $1.6 billion from Pentagon climate programs and eliminates the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative to save $40 million.

Analysts view the bill as a reflection of Washington’s intent to balance global commitments with domestic oversight amid rising tensions with China and Russia.

Global oil markets saw renewed volatility after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blockade on all authorized oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The move immediately pushed crude prices higher, with Brent futures rising 1.5% to $59.79 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate climbing to $56.12. The announcement came at a time of recovering demand, amplifying concerns about supply disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty.

Traders in Asia described the price rebound as partly emotional, noting that Venezuela contributes a relatively small share to global oil supply. However, the timing of the U.S. action, coinciding with progress in Russia–Ukraine peace talks, added complexity to market sentiment. Analysts said that if sanctions on Moscow ease following a peace deal, global supply could stabilize despite the Venezuelan restrictions.

Market observers warned that while the short-term spike reflects risk sentiment, continued political maneuvering in Washington and Caracas could sustain volatility. Investors are now watching both the U.S. policy trajectory and the outcome of the Russia–Ukraine negotiations for cues on oil’s next direction.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the end of the Ukraine war is nearer than at any previous point, following two days of discussions in Berlin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders. Speaking later at the White House, Trump described the talks as highly positive and said the current situation offers the most promising opportunity yet for a ceasefire agreement.

According to a senior U.S. official, around 90 percent of issues between Russia and Ukraine have been agreed upon, though territorial concessions remain unresolved. Washington has reportedly offered Kyiv a NATO-style security guarantee under an Article 5-like framework, which Russia may not oppose. However, the guarantee would not be permanent, officials cautioned.

Zelensky welcomed the U.S. proposal but reiterated his refusal to cede territory to Russia. Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial as Washington seeks to broker a compromise that could finally bring an end to the nearly three-year conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday expanded Washington’s travel ban to include citizens from seven additional countries, notably Syria, Laos, and several African states such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. The order also blocks entry for holders of Palestinian Authority passports, marking a significant escalation in Trump’s long-standing campaign to restrict immigration on security grounds. The White House said the move targets individuals deemed potential threats to U.S. institutions or values.

The decision follows the killing of two U.S. soldiers and a civilian in Syria, an event that renewed scrutiny of regional security. Critics view the expansion as politically charged and discriminatory, particularly as Trump has recently intensified rhetoric against African and Muslim-majority nations. Several Western allies, including France and Britain, have expressed concern over the humanitarian and diplomatic fallout.

The new restrictions add to an already extensive list of countries facing full or partial bans. Analysts warn that the policy could strain U.S. relations with African and Middle Eastern partners and complicate refugee resettlement programs previously supported by Washington.

The United States has suspended its technology cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom, known as the Tech Prosperity Deal, which was designed to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civilian nuclear energy. The Financial Times reported that the suspension occurred last week, with British officials confirming the move.

According to the report, the Trump administration is pressuring the UK to make broader trade concessions beyond the technology partnership. US officials have grown frustrated with London’s reluctance to ease non-tariff barriers, including regulations on food and industrial products. A UK government spokesperson emphasized that the “special relationship” remains strong and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to ensuring the deal benefits workers in both nations.

The suspension marks a setback for transatlantic tech cooperation at a time when both countries are seeking to expand their roles in emerging technologies. Analysts suggest the pause could delay joint research initiatives and investment flows, though negotiations may resume if trade disputes are resolved.

The United States military confirmed that air and naval forces carried out strikes on three vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least eight people. The operation, part of an ongoing anti-narcotics campaign, was announced Monday by the US Southern Command. Officials said the targeted ships were moving along a known smuggling route and were directly involved in narcotics transport.

According to a statement posted on social media platform X, intelligence reports indicated the vessels were part of transnational drug networks. The command described those killed as 'narco-terrorists'—three on the first vessel, two on the second, and three on the third. The strikes bring the total death toll from recent anti-smuggling missions in the region to over 90.

US military authorities emphasized that such operations will continue as part of broader efforts to curb international drug trafficking across maritime routes in the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $50 billion defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), alleging that a documentary segment falsely implied he directly incited the January 6, 2021, Capitol Hill attack. The suit, filed on December 15, 2025, accuses the BBC of editing footage in a way that damaged his reputation and caused substantial financial harm.

The disputed report aired as part of the BBC’s ‘Panorama’ series and suggested Trump had instructed supporters to storm the Capitol following his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Although the segment was not broadcast in the United States, it drew international attention. The BBC later issued an apology, acknowledging that the editing could have created a misleading impression. Several senior BBC officials reportedly resigned after the controversy.

Legal analysts say the case could test the boundaries of international defamation law and media accountability. The lawsuit adds to Trump’s ongoing legal battles as he continues to challenge portrayals of his role in the Capitol unrest.

The United States has transferred several Afghan Black Hawk helicopters from Uzbekistan to Peru, according to Tolo News. These aircraft were moved to Uzbekistan in 2021 after the fall of Kabul and the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The Taliban government has not yet commented on the transfer, though Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi recently urged countries holding Afghan helicopters to return them for humanitarian use.

Military analyst Mohammad Zalmai Afghanier noted that Washington and its allies aim to maintain regional security and counter terrorism. He suggested that if the helicopters were returned to Afghanistan, they could be used in anti-terror operations. Following the 2021 government collapse, 46 Afghan military aircraft and helicopters were relocated to Uzbekistan, seven of which were handed over to the US in February 2023.

The move may complicate US–Taliban relations and raises questions about the redistribution of former Afghan military assets. No official US statement has clarified the purpose of Peru’s acquisition.

A shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island left two people dead and eight others critically injured on Saturday, December 13, according to local authorities. The incident occurred during an examination session, prompting an immediate campus lockdown and emergency alerts. The suspect, described as wearing black clothing, fled the scene on foot and remains at large.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the casualties and said the numbers could change as investigations continue. Police found no weapon at the scene, and the shooter’s identity has not been released. The university issued an emergency message at 4:22 p.m., warning students to lock doors, silence phones, and stay hidden until further notice. Despite initial reports online claiming the suspect had been captured, police have not confirmed any arrest.

The shooting has reignited concerns about campus safety and gun violence in the United States. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine how the attacker entered and exited the university premises undetected.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders in Berlin on Monday, December 15. The White House confirmed the meeting on Friday, noting that it forms part of Washington’s intensified efforts to promote a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to a senior White House official, Witkoff will discuss progress on peace negotiations and explore ways to advance a settlement framework. The Wall Street Journal first reported the planned talks, which were later verified by the administration. German authorities also confirmed the Berlin meeting, underscoring Europe’s role in facilitating dialogue.

The meeting comes shortly after Ukrainian officials submitted an updated version of Trump’s original 28-point peace proposal to Washington. Analysts say the talks could signal renewed U.S. engagement in the conflict’s diplomatic track, though skepticism remains over Russia’s willingness to participate in any Western-led peace process.

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.

Twenty US state attorneys general have jointly filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its decision to raise the H-1B visa fee from $1,500 to $100,000. The suit, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell, argues that the drastic increase is unlawful, unnecessary, and harmful to both applicants and the US labor market.

The H-1B visa program allows American companies to hire skilled foreign professionals, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and business. Major tech firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google rely heavily on this program. Critics say the fee hike has discouraged applications and worsened labor shortages in education and healthcare sectors, where foreign expertise is vital. A recent survey found that 74% of US schools face shortages in specialized teaching fields.

Legal experts expect the case to test the limits of federal authority over immigration-related fees. The outcome could influence future visa policies and the availability of skilled international talent in the US economy.

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.

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.

At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, U.S. President Donald Trump sparked discussion by making personal remarks about White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt. While promoting his administration’s economic record, Trump digressed to praise the 28-year-old official’s appearance, calling her a ‘superstar’ and comparing her lips to a ‘small machine gun’ when she speaks on television.

The comments drew mixed reactions, with supporters cheering during the event while critics accused Trump of objectifying a female staff member. Trump also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s stance on gender and immigration, contrasting his policies with those of his political opponents. This is not the first time Trump has made similar remarks about Leavitt; he previously used comparable language in a 2023 interview with Newsmax.

Leavitt, who served as assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term, has not publicly commented on the latest remarks. Observers note that such statements may reignite debates over Trump’s rhetoric and treatment of women as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the upcoming election season.