Marco Rubio

In July 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump was covertly smuggled out of Ankara, Turkey, following a NATO summit, after U.S. intelligence assessed a credible Iranian assassination threat. Trump publicly boarded Air Force One but secretly exited via a catering container truck to a smaller C-32A military jet, flying to RAF Mildenhall in the UK. The iconic Air Force One flew empty as a decoy, with journalists and staff unaware. The operation occurred amid U.S. military strikes in Iran and drew criticism for using the press as decoys.

39 reports · 12 sources · Updated Aug 24, 08:20 PM UTC

On August 16-17, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to significantly scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, citing Seoul’s refusal to help denuclearize Iran and the drills’ “hostile signal” to North Korea. Trump cited his good relationship with Kim Jong-un, despite North Korea’s recent missile tests and continued state of war. The 11-day exercise involving 18,000 South Korean troops was designed to boost readiness. The move shifts U.S.-South Korea defense ties and may open dialogue with Pyongyang.

105 reports · 30 sources · Updated Aug 30, 04:00 AM UTC

On August 18, 2026, the United States imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane (Japan) and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye (Senegal), citing their involvement in investigations into Israeli officials over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the ICC a “corrupt and politicised” court. The ICC condemned the move as a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu applauded the sanctions. The Netherlands, EU, and Japan voiced support for the ICC. The U.S. also urged other nations to withdraw from the court.

16 reports · 8 sources · Updated Aug 26, 02:35 AM UTC

White House deputy national security adviser Andy Baker is leaving the Trump administration in the coming weeks, part of a broader shake-up of the national security team. Baker, a low-key but influential figure who advocated for restrained foreign policy and helped craft Vice President Vance’s Munich speech, stayed on to assist transitions. Mike Needham has joined as another deputy, and Cliff Sims replaced Baker as Vance’s adviser. Lower-level NSC officials for Europe and Latin America have also departed, alongside press secretary Karoline Leavitt and White House counsel David Warrington.

15 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 14, 04:42 PM UTC

On August 12, 2026, President Donald Trump confirmed he secretly switched planes in Ankara, Turkey, after a NATO summit in July 2026, due to an Iranian assassination threat. The Secret Service orchestrated the deception, moving Trump from Air Force One to a smaller military aircraft via a catering truck, while staff and press remained on the decoy plane. Trump downplayed the risk, stating the military plane he flew on faced greater danger. The incident, first reported by The Washington Post, occurred amid escalating US-Iran hostilities.

18 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 12, 03:13 PM UTC

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly planning to sell a 20-30% minority stake in a new commercial entity valued at $20 billion, which would control the World Cup and Club World Cup. Private investors, including Joshua Kushner and JPMorgan, are involved, with figures close to the Trump administration consulted. The plan could earn Infantino tens of millions and a potential $64 million annual salary as commissioner after his term ends in 2031. UEFA has strongly condemned the move, warning it threatens football governance.

101 reports · 23 sources · Updated Aug 11, 07:24 AM UTC

On August 1-2, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of planned U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, claiming Tehran and other Middle Eastern states requested the halt after agreeing on a basic deal framework. The proposed deal demands immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Iran’s state media denied requesting the pause and warned of proportionate retaliation. The conflict, ongoing since February 28, 2026, has seen tit-for-tat attacks, with a previous June ceasefire collapsing. Trump threatened massive retaliation if no deal is reached quickly.

133 reports · 22 sources · Updated Aug 15, 08:38 PM UTC

FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposes creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a $20 billion subsidiary to manage World Cup and Club World Cup commercial rights, selling minority stakes to private investors like Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal, with JPMorgan advising. The plan, reportedly worth over $4 billion, could expand the World Cup beyond 48 teams and increase tournament frequency. UEFA issued a fiery statement condemning the move, arguing football governance is not a commodity and warning of lost transparency and integrity. The rift highlights a major clash over football's future commercialization.

220 reports · 25 sources · Updated Aug 11, 09:57 AM UTC

On July 20, 2026, a Philippine Navy marine was struck on the head with a baton by Chinese coast guard personnel during a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila accused Beijing of aggression, while China claimed Philippine forces rammed their vessel and attacked with oars. The incident, captured on video, escalates long-standing territorial disputes and is expected to dominate ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings in Manila, with the U.S. condemning China's actions and reaffirming its defense treaty with the Philippines.

31 reports · 9 sources · Updated Jul 30, 04:04 PM UTC

The death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on July 28, 2026, following his tenth visit to Kyiv since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has sparked debate about the transformation of the Republican Party under MAGA influence. Experts interviewed by Defence24 argue that Graham's passing represents the end of the neoconservative era in US politics, as hawkish foreign policy figures age out without successors. Graham was a key advocate for Ukraine aid and sanctions against Russia, and served as a crucial mediator between President Trump and Kyiv. The article notes that while most Republicans still support NATO, isolationist voices are growing, prioritizing national interests over global engagement. The analysis highlights that the current generation of politicians communicates more bluntly, using faits accomplis rather than diplomatic persuasion, a trend predating Trump's 2016 campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:07 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. sales of Venezuelan oil have generated over $13 billion since the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. The revenue, held in a U.S. Treasury-managed Citibank account, has been used for 'running the country,' according to Trump, who suggested future funds could go to the U.S. military. Critics note that only $386 million in disaster aid has been sent to earthquake-stricken Venezuela, with roughly $10 billion reportedly unaccounted for. Venezuelan oil output rose from 820,000 bpd in January to 1.23 million bpd by June, and exports reached 1.25 million bpd, the highest since 2019 sanctions. Gulf Coast refiners, including Phillips 66 and Valero, have increased purchases of Venezuelan crude, bypassing commodity traders to negotiate directly with PDVSA. European majors Repsol and Eni have also expanded direct liftings, while India's Reliance Industries established a direct supply chain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:00 PM UTC

The USS George Washington (CVN-73), the US Navy's only forward-deployed nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has entered the South China Sea after transiting the Luzon Strait. The deployment comes amid escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over overlapping territorial claims in the region. Recent incidents include a July 20 clash at Second Thomas Shoal where Chinese Coast Guard officers struck a Philippine Navy SEAL, and water cannon attacks on Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal. The carrier strike group, including cruisers and destroyers, is conducting freedom of navigation operations. US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton stated the deployment challenges excessive maritime claims. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed US commitment to treaty allies during an ASEAN meeting, noting a US Coast Guard vessel assisted in rescuing an injured Filipino sailor. The carrier previously participated in Valiant Shield exercises with Japan and is on a six-month deployment from Yokosuka, Japan.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:57 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced on July 28, 2026, that the United States has collected over $13 billion from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil since the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid on January 3. The US seized control of Venezuela's oil exports after the operation. Trump stated the money is used to run Venezuela, claiming the war has been 'paid for many times over.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress the oil sales are audited by KPMG, with funds held in a Citibank account. The administration initially deposited $500 million in a Qatar account before switching to a US Treasury account. State Department official Michael Kozak reported that around $3 billion had been disbursed for Venezuelan government worker salaries, oil industry supplies, and other approved uses. Democrats have pressed for more transparency on the program's oversight and spending.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:39 PM UTC

Chad announced on July 27, 2026, its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the tribunal of ineffectiveness and bias against African nations. The West African country submitted a letter to the United Nations to begin the withdrawal process, which takes at least a year. Chad becomes the fourth African country since 2025 to initiate withdrawal, following Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which announced their exits last year. The ICC is already facing significant challenges, including the removal of its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, over sexual misconduct allegations. The United States, under a campaign to dismantle the ICC's perceived threat to its sovereignty, welcomed Chad's decision. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs called on more of the 125 member states to withdraw from the Rome Statute, citing sovereignty concerns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:17 AM UTC

On July 23, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Manila for rare high-level talks on the Ukraine war. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s readiness for a political settlement based on prior US-Russia agreements, while complaining about Western arms deliveries. The 35-minute meeting, initiated by the US, yielded no breakthroughs but both sides agreed to continue contacts.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:00 PM UTC

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for describing the 2025 Alaska summit between Putin and Trump as a failure, accusing Washington of deviating from agreed compromise positions. Speaking on the sidelines of a summit in Kyrgyzstan, Lavrov reiterated Moscow's determination to achieve its war goals in Ukraine, with or without a diplomatic solution. He noted that Ukraine rejected Russian proposals due to continued US weapons support. The article also reports that Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia, targeting the Wildberries online retailer near St. Petersburg, injuring three people. Meanwhile, Kyiv faced Russian attacks overnight, with air defense systems active. The Alaska summit's concrete results were never made public, and Putin has not softened his demands, including claims to Ukrainian territories not under Russian control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:10 AM UTC

The Trump administration has approved a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to enrich uranium on its soil. The agreement, worth tens of billions of dollars, enables U.S. companies to build nuclear infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. It drops a Biden-era condition linking the deal to normalization with Israel and limits international inspections. Critics warn it could trigger a regional nuclear arms race, especially as the U.S. simultaneously wages conflict against Iran’s nuclear program. The deal is expected to be signed Wednesday.

31 reports · 12 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:16 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump told Axios he is considering a 'massive attack' on Iran, bigger than anything seen in the war so far, and that Iran has not 'received enough pain yet.' US forces have conducted 13 consecutive nights of strikes on Iranian targets. Trump said Israel would join the operation 'in two minutes' if asked. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have attacked US facilities in Jordan. Iran's Foreign Ministry labeled the UK an 'accomplice' to the US for allowing American forces to use British bases for defensive operations. The UK responded that it is 'ready to defend itself.' Houthi militants claimed to have struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, and oil prices remain elevated near $99 per barrel for Brent crude.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:57 AM UTC

U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine confirmed to the Senate that a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter on July 8, 2026, marking the first air-to-air kill by an American-made aircraft in the war. The milestone highlights Ukraine’s growing layered air defense, combining Western jets with Soviet-era systems. The Su-35, a top Russian fighter, has suffered multiple losses. Ukraine’s F-16s have also intercepted thousands of drones and missiles, demonstrating enhanced capabilities with Western support.

14 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 30, 10:22 AM UTC

China commenced two days of live-fire military drills on July 23, 2026, in the Taiwan Strait near Fujian province, around Dongshan Island. The exercises follow talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which included discussions on Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. The drills run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This action echoes China's extensive war games in December 2025, which were a response to a record $11.1 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan. Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claim.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:40 PM UTC

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore is actively working to convince the United States that it should not be a target of Washington's tariff policy, aiming to avoid becoming collateral damage. The remarks were made during a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila on July 23, 2026. The article highlights Singapore's diplomatic efforts to navigate US trade policy and protect its economic interests.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:49 PM UTC

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned early Thursday that President Trump is prepared to direct an outsized military response to Iranian aggression, as the two sides continue to exchange fire nearly five months into the conflict. Rubio responded to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s statement that Tehran’s policy is an “eye for an eye” in the ongoing hostilities. The remarks signal an escalation in US-Iran tensions, with the Trump administration indicating a willingness to use disproportionate force in retaliation for Iranian attacks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:30 PM UTC

Global oil prices surged past $105 per barrel after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s peace proposal, labeling it unacceptable. The diplomatic breakdown has intensified fears of prolonged conflict and supply disruptions, particularly with the Strait of Hormuz largely closed. Saudi Aramco reported significant weekly oil losses due to the blockade. While equity markets remained mixed, energy volatility heightened concerns over global economic stability. The situation underscores the fragility of Middle East security, with analysts warning of further price hikes if the ceasefire completely collapses and shipping routes remain obstructed.

346 reports · 45 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:05 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed in a nightly address that a 'toxic atmosphere' is forming around Vladimir Putin as Russia suffers heavy battlefield losses, including from Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory. Zelenskyy asserted that Putin's inner circle is blaming him for the war's casualties and signaling discontent. The CSIS think tank estimates Russia has suffered 1.4 million casualties and 450,000 deaths since 2022. The remarks came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Philippines to revive diplomacy. Rubio described the invasion as a 'bloody war' and stated Russia is losing 5,000-6,000 soldiers weekly. Lavrov rejected US arms sales to Ukraine and reiterated commitment to Trump's 2025 Alaska proposals, which demanded Ukrainian concessions. Rubio acknowledged peace requires mutual agreement and significant work.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:32 AM UTC

The FTSE 100 is expected to open flat as Easyjet prepares to update markets following an 11% share slump triggered by reports that the EU is reviewing foreign ownership rules for airlines, throwing a potential takeover into doubt. Easyjet had agreed terms with Apollo on a £5.7bn deal. Meanwhile, US markets fell amid fresh US-Iran tensions, and Brent crude oil prices broke $95 a barrel for the first time since a ceasefire last month. In corporate news, FTSE 100 real estate firm Segro said it was 'minded to accept' a £14bn takeover from US firm Prologis, adding to a string of recent private takeovers of UK-listed companies, including Mitie for £3.1bn.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:30 AM UTC

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement expressing 'serious concern' over renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, calling for an 'immediate cessation' of fighting across all fronts in the Middle East. The statement, released after the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, highlighted the conflict's 'immediate and long-term effects' on Southeast Asia, particularly on energy markets, supply chains, agricultural production, and food security. The ministers urged all parties to exercise restraint and restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for Asia's oil imports. The ceasefire agreed in April collapsed earlier this month, with both sides trading accusations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN leaders that Iran's demand to control and toll the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous global precedent. The bloc's earlier statement explicitly blamed U.S.-Israeli attacks for the war, but the latest statement apportions responsibility more evenly.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:25 AM UTC

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement expressing 'serious concern' over renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, calling for an 'immediate cessation' of fighting across all fronts in the Middle East. The statement, released after the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, highlighted the conflict's 'immediate and long-term effects' on Southeast Asia, particularly on energy markets, supply chains, and food security due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire agreed in April collapsed after mutual accusations of violations, leading to resumed U.S. air attacks and Iranian strikes on shipping. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN leaders that Iran's demand to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous global precedent. The resumption of the war has undermined perceptions of U.S. reliability in the region, with ASEAN diplomats expressing dismay over Washington's failure to anticipate the economic fallout.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:25 AM UTC

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement expressing 'serious concern' over renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities and calling for an immediate cessation of fighting across all fronts in the Middle East. The statement, released after the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, highlighted the conflict's 'immediate and long-term effects' on Southeast Asia, particularly on energy markets, supply chains, agricultural production, and food security. The ministers stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for Asian oil imports. The ceasefire agreed in April collapsed earlier this month, with both sides trading accusations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN leaders that Iran's demand to control the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous global precedent. The article notes that the resumption of fighting has undermined perceptions of U.S. reliability in the region, with ASEAN diplomats expressing dismay over Washington's failure to anticipate the economic fallout.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:25 AM UTC

The foreign ministers of the Philippines and China exchanged strong protests following a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred on Monday, involved Philippine marines and Chinese Coast Guard personnel, resulting in a Filipino marine sustaining a head injury. The clash overshadowed the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro protested China's actions, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused the Philippines of provocation. Lazaro also condemned an AI-generated video by China Daily depicting Filipinos as a monkey. Wang warned that bilateral relations are at a 'crossroad' and urged the Philippines to avoid external manipulation. US Secretary of State Rubio raised the issue with Wang, reaffirming the US defense treaty with Manila. Quad and Canadian foreign ministers also expressed concern over the incident.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:51 AM UTC

This analysis by a former State Department terrorism designations official argues that the Trump administration's portrayal of antifa as a transnational terrorist organization is factually incorrect. The State Department hosted a July 2026 ministerial on left-wing political terrorism, inviting 60+ countries, but allies like the Netherlands and Germany found no evidence of a centralized antifa group. Intelligence analysts declined to brief on the topic. The author explains antifa is a loose movement, not an organization with hierarchy or funding. Trump's September 2025 executive order designating antifa as a domestic terrorist organization lacks legal authority and creates a fictional enemy. The article warns this focus diverts resources from real threats like ISIS and al-Qaida.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:35 AM UTC