Angola will step down as mediator in the Rwanda-backed rebel conflict in eastern Congo.

Another African state will take over peace efforts.

Planned talks in Luanda collapsed after M23 withdrew following EU sanctions on the group and Rwandan officials.

Israel's internal intelligence Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to Netenyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

Yesterday, you accused me of treason.

Today, you're threatening to send me to prison.

Tomorrow, you'll threaten to execute me.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

We will not negotiate directly with the U.S. under maximum pressure and threats.

We will not change our policy unless the other side shifts its approach toward us.

The door for indirect negotiations with Washington remains open, and we have multiple channels to conduct them.

We will not engage in direct talks with Washington amid accusations and unreasonable demands.

France Targets Canada, Portugal for Rafale Sales Amid F-35 Concerns

French defense firm Dassault Aviation is preparing to offer Rafale fighter jets to countries delaying F-35A purchases, particularly Canada and Portugal.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier told Le Journal du Dimanche that the company is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to supply Rafales to nations opting out of the F-35 program.

While Portugal has not yet approached France, Trappier expects a potential request in the coming weeks or months.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to NYT:

My job is to keep the left pro-Israel.

Video reportedly shows a Ukrainian F-16 jet engaging a target with an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile.

BIG: UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed conveyed a U.S. ultimatum to Egypt: Accept 500,000–700,000 Palestinians from Gaza or risk losing billions in aid.

Egyptian sources told Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed this is the “last opportunity,” warning of potential U.S. funding cuts if refused.

Senator Bernie Sanders:

Trump wants to continue the horrific Biden policy of getting more money to Netenyahu to destroy Palestinian people.

We are going to bring legislation to the floor very shortly that says not a NICKEL more for Netanyahu.

Russian Su-25 attack aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in Primorye today.

The pilot ejected safely.

Jordan has proposed exiling 3,000 Hamas members from Gaza to end the Israeli war.

The plan includes disarmament and a transfer of control to the Palestinian Authority.

Jordan’s foreign ministry did not respond to MEE’s request for comment.

Source: Middle East Eye

Details of Corruption Investigation in Türkiye

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has been taken into custody following a prosecutor’s decision citing “strong suspicion” and escape risk under the Turkish Penal Code.

The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct and corruption within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

Authorities have outlined the charges against İmamoğlu and his associates as follows:
• Illegal recording of personal data
• Bribery and abuse of public office
• Bid rigging in public tenders
• Forming a criminal organization
• Aiding the PKK/KCK terrorist organization
• Leading a criminal organization
• Fraud
• Issuing false invoices
• Engaging in fraudulent contracts
• Pressuring business figures
• Irregular procurement practices

Further legal proceedings and political reactions are expected in the coming days.

The death toll of journalists killed by Israel has reached 208.

South Korea’s Hyundai is set to unveil a $20 billion investment in the United States, which includes a $5 billion steel plant in Louisiana.

The investment comes amid heightened U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum under President Donald Trump’s recent trade policies.

Source: NBC

Very thin grill installed on Greek Army's Leopard 2A4 tank.

The US Navy has awarded a $590 million contract to the Bell Boeing Joint Program Office for the production and delivery of five CMV-22B Osprey aircraft.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar:

We do not want a confrontation with Türkiye in Syria or elsewhere.

Source: AA

Trump announces new tariffs on Venezuela. Trump also announces that any country that purchases Oil and/or Gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a Tariff of 25% to the United States.

Turkish President Erdogan:

The EU cannot exist without Türkiye.

Europe’s need for our country is now openly acknowledged, not only in terms of security but also in various fields, including economy, diplomacy, trade, and social life.

Türkiye is ready to advance its relations with European countries and the EU based on mutual interests and respect.

Front page of the German magazine Stern:

"Would you go to war for Germany? None of us wants war, but we must prepare for it now."