# USA
The US Senate is calling for the release of aid to Ukraine
US senators from both parties have called on US Defence Secretary Pete Hagset to release $600 million in security aid to Ukraine and the Baltic states as soon as possible
Marco Rubio assessed the prospects for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that negotiations involving Washington to end Russia’s war against Ukraine have effectively been suspended due to a lack of progress
A prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to trigger a crisis similar to that of 2008 and a global recession
A prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger an economic downturn comparable to the 2008 crisis. This was stated by analysts at Rapidan Energy Group against the backdrop of the escalating situation surrounding Iran.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered that enriched uranium not be exported from the country
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has ordered that the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium not be exported. This decision strengthens Tehran’s position amid negotiations with the US aimed at ending the war between Iran, the US and Israel.
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has arrived in the Caribbean amid tensions between the US and Cuba
The American aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, together with its strike group, has arrived in the Caribbean amid a deterioration in relations between Washington and Havana. US President Donald Trump had previously suggested the possibility of an invasion of Cuba.
Trump has stated that the US is prepared to launch further strikes against Iran should the talks break down
US President Donald Trump has stated that Washington is prepared to launch further strikes against Iran if the parties fail to reach a peace agreement. At the same time, he noted that the US may wait a few more days to receive the ‘right answers’ from Tehran.
Marco Rubio offered Cubans a ‘new relationship’ with the US and blamed the Cuban authorities for the crisis
In an address to the people of Cuba, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Cuban leadership was to blame for the shortages of electricity, fuel and food on the island. He also announced a proposal for a ‘new relationship’ between the US and the Cuban people.
US urges Ukraine and the EU to ease restrictions on Belarusian fertilisers – Bloomberg
Washington believes that easing sanctions could help reduce Minsk’s dependence on Russia.
Iran has threatened to escalate the conflict in the event of further strikes by the US and Israel
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that it would escalate the conflict beyond the Middle East should the US and Israel resume their attacks. The statement came amid mixed signals from Washington regarding possible agreements with Tehran.
The US is reducing the number of combat brigades in Europe
The Pentagon has reduced the total number of US combat brigade groups stationed in Europe from four to three.
Trump held a meeting on plans for war with Iran following the suspension of the attack
US President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting with his national security team, during which military scenarios regarding Iran were discussed. The meeting took place a few hours after Trump announced the suspension of strikes which, he said, might have been launched on Tuesday.
The US wants access to Ukrainian technology as part of a drone deal
The United States is seeking access to Ukrainian technology and intellectual property rights as part of a drone agreement that is currently being finalised.
