Overview
- The White House says China will suspend recent rare‑earth export curbs for 12 months and resume large U.S. soy purchases as certain U.S. tariffs are reduced by about 10%, though key details and a written text remain pending.
- President Trump revised his announcement on resuming U.S. nuclear tests, saying tests would occur only if other countries do so first, and U.S. officials signaled no immediate moves toward explosive testing.
- Reuters reporting, confirmed by Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, says Russia has launched the 9M729 ground‑launched cruise missile at Ukraine 23 times since August, spotlighting a system tied to the 2019 U.S. exit from the INF Treaty.
- The Pentagon has given an initial green light to provide Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, with final approval up to President Trump, as Kyiv urges longer‑range strikes and officials assess training and deployment requirements.
- U.S. forces have built up a Caribbean posture centered on a joint task force with amphibious ships, strike‑capable units and about 4,500 marines, with reports of target lists related to Venezuela as Caracas seeks military assistance from Russia, China and Iran.