Japan's PM Takaichi claims mandate for constitutional, economic shift

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says her historic election victory grants a mandate for major policy changes, including amending Japan's pacifist constitution and moving away from fiscal austerity. Her Liberal Democratic Party secured a post-war record two-thirds majority in the lower house.

Saudi Arabia and Somalia forge new military cooperation pact

Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance bilateral defense and military ties. The agreement, finalized in Riyadh, aims to bolster regional stability and security in the Red Sea area.

Zelenskyy calls Russian energy sector a legitimate military target

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has explicitly defined Russia's energy sector as a legitimate military target, arguing its revenues finance the war. He also announced plans to open ten Ukrainian defense technology export centers across Europe in 2026, expanding Ukraine's military-industrial footprint abroad.

Damascus delegation arrives at Qamishli airport to implement SDF deal

A Syrian government delegation has arrived at Qamishli airport to begin its handover and operation under an integration deal with the SDF. The move is part of a broader ceasefire and phased agreement that includes government control of key oilfields, marking a significant step in Damascus's efforts to reunify the country.

Russia calls Epstein case a symbol of corruption in Western elite

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has labeled the Jeffrey Epstein scandal a symbol of profound corruption among Western elites. She described the crimes as a conspiracy of power and an act of pure evil, arguing the released documents reveal only a fraction of a larger iceberg of misconduct.

Türkiye’s Fidan meets UN’s Gaza representative in Ankara

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks in Ankara with the United Nations' High Representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov. The meeting underscores Türkiye's active diplomatic engagement on the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in the Palestinian enclave.

Eight nations, led by Türkiye, condemn Israeli moves in West Bank

Türkiye has joined seven other nations in issuing a strong condemnation of Israel's new administrative measures in the occupied West Bank. The coalition denounced the actions as unlawful annexation steps that violate international law and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.

53 migrants dead or missing after boat capsizes off Libya's coast

At least 53 migrants, including infants, are dead or missing after their overcrowded rubber boat capsized off Libya. Only two Nigerian women were rescued from the tragedy, which highlights the ongoing deadly peril of the Central Mediterranean migration route amid extreme weather conditions.

Russia accuses Polish intelligence in general's assassination attempt

Russian authorities claim Poland assisted Ukraine in recruiting a suspect for a failed assassination of a top military intelligence official in Moscow. The alleged shooter was captured in Dubai and extradited to Russia.

Elon Musk to fund legal defense for Epstein case whistleblowers

Elon Musk has pledged to cover the legal costs for anyone sued for telling the truth about the Jeffrey Epstein case. The announcement came in response to a Super Bowl ad featuring Epstein’s victims demanding full disclosure.

Munich Report: Trump's 'wrecking-ball politics' threatens global order

The Munich Security Conference's 2026 report warns that President Donald Trump's foreign policy is systematically dismantling the post-war international order. The analysis cautions this could lead to a world dominated by regional powers and the wealthy, while deepening insecurity and distrust among European allies.

Russia receives upgraded batch of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets

Russia's state defense conglomerate Rostec has delivered a new batch of upgraded Su-57 stealth fighter jets to the military. The advanced aircraft feature updated onboard systems and weapons, with officials claiming enhanced capabilities tested in real combat conditions.

Egypt seeks greater Turkish investment in booming tourism sector

Egypt's Minister of Tourism has issued a direct appeal for Turkish investors to expand their footprint in the country's rapidly growing tourism industry. The call comes as Egypt recorded a 43% surge in Turkish visitors last year and aims for further mutual growth.

Chomsky’s wife apologizes for ‘grave mistake’ of Epstein ties

In a statement responding to newly unsealed court documents, Valeria Chomsky said she and her husband, the linguist Noam Chomsky, were deceived by Jeffrey Epstein. She expressed regret and solidarity with the disgraced financier’s victims.

Karel seeks strategic Saudi partnership at World Defense Show 2026

Turkish defense technology firm Karel is promoting its advanced military communication systems at a major exhibition in Riyadh. The company aims to establish long-term cooperation with Saudi Arabia, aligning with the kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.

Socialist Seguro wins Portuguese presidency, defeats far-right rival

António José Seguro of the Socialist Party has been elected president of Portugal, securing a decisive victory in a runoff vote against far-right candidate André Ventura. The result ends the two-term presidency of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Flash floods kill three, displace hundreds in northwest Syria

Heavy rains over the weekend triggered severe flooding across northwestern Syria, causing casualties, damaging displacement camps, and forcing hospital evacuations. Syrian authorities report a worsening humanitarian situation in the region.

World Defense Show begins in Riyadh with Türkiye's Kaan jet in focus

The global defense exhibition has launched in Riyadh, attracting major industry players and official delegations. The event spotlights Türkiye's growing defense exports, with Saudi Arabia expressing clear interest in the domestically developed Kaan fighter jet following high-level diplomatic talks.

Italy's Meloni condemns anti-Olympic protesters as 'enemies'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a strong condemnation of violent demonstrations against the ongoing Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, labeling the protesters "enemies of Italy." The statement followed clashes in Milan over the weekend.

Japan's PM Takaichi seeks constitutional debate after landslide election win

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called for a national debate on revising the country’s pacifist constitution following a decisive election victory. Her Liberal Democratic Party secured a historic two-thirds majority in the lower house, enabling potential constitutional amendments.

Egypt and Somalia bolster security ties, emphasize sovereignty in Cairo talks

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met in Cairo to strengthen bilateral and security cooperation. Key discussions centered on Somalia's territorial integrity, counterterrorism, and Egypt's pledge to deploy forces to a peacekeeping mission in Somalia, amid regional tensions.

South Africa to end 27-year DR Congo UN peacekeeping mission by 2026

South Africa has announced it will withdraw its troops from the UN stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of 2026. The decision concludes a 27-year deployment, with over 700 soldiers to be pulled back as Pretoria seeks to realign its national defense resources.

Trump labels US elections 'rigged,' proposes 'Save America Act'

President Donald Trump has declared US elections "rigged" and a global "laughingstock," unveiling a legislative proposal to mandate voter ID, require citizenship proof, and restrict mail-in voting. The plan, which Democrats accuse of being an attempt to 'steal' future elections, intensifies a partisan battle over voting rights.

Putin thanks UAE for help in arrest of general's assassination suspect

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude to UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed for Emirati assistance in apprehending a suspect in the attempted assassination of a senior Russian general. The suspect was reportedly arrested in Dubai and handed over to Russian authorities, highlighting security cooperation between the two nations.

Socialist candidate wins Portuguese presidency, blocking far-right rival

Socialist candidate Antonio Jose Seguro has secured a decisive victory in Portugal's presidential runoff, according to exit polls. The projected landslide win over far-right contender Andre Ventura signals a consolidation of mainstream political forces and potentially the strongest mandate for a Portuguese president in decades.