Overview
- The White House said European troops in Greenland will not affect President Trump's objective for the island, while France confirmed an initial contingent on the ground with land, air and naval reinforcements to follow.
- Thousands rallied in Copenhagen and Nuuk against U.S. plans for Greenland as NATO strain deepened, with Canada reiterating Article 5 commitments and European debate intensifying, including a French parliamentary proposal to quit the alliance reported by German media.
- After SDF withdrawals, the Syrian army said it took full control of Deir Hafer and declared areas west of the Euphrates a closed military zone, as U.S. officials warned of reimposing Caesar Act sanctions and Senator Lindsey Graham vowed to push tougher measures if Damascus escalates.
- The White House unveiled a U.S.-led Gaza 'Peace Council' naming Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, Ajay Banga and others, with Nikolay Mladenov as high representative and Gen. Jasper Jeffers to lead an international stability force.
- The Wall Street Journal reported Trump halted planned strikes on Iran at the last minute after military preparations, while Mossad chief David Barnea traveled to the United States for consultations on developments in Iran.