A Pentagon watchdog report found that U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Aguto left classified maps on a train in Poland for more than a day during a 2024 trip to Ukraine.

The documents were later recovered by the U.S. Embassy, and Aguto took responsibility, though it remains unclear who had control of them during the trip.

The report also says Aguto suffered a concussion after drinking heavily at a dinner in Kyiv, leading to multiple falls.

Investigators concluded his intoxication caused the initial fall. He retired later that year.

Source: The Hill

BREAKING: Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of Iran’s Basij forces for six years, was killed in a targeted Israeli Air Force strike in Tehran.

Iran is earning about $140M per day from oil exports as prices rise above $100/barrel, driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite sanctions, the US is effectively allowing these shipments to avoid worsening global supply shortages.

Since recent strikes, Iran has exported around 1.5–1.6M barrels daily, with tankers continuing to load at Kharg Island.

Most Iranian oil goes to China, often at a discount.

Source: FT

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EU's Kaja Kallas on Iran:

The main concern of the European countries is that we were not consulted before starting this war… the feeling is that this is not Europe’s war.

EU's Kaja Kallas on Iran:

If the U.S. is not putting their ships to keep the navigation routes open, then the question for our member states is the same.

Ali Larijani's Telegram channel:

A message from Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, will be released shortly.

EU's Kaja Kallas:

We are allies with America, but we don’t really understand their moves recently.

NEW: Damascus authorities have banned the sale and serving of alcohol in restaurants and nightclubs, limiting consumption in public venues.

Retail sales are still permitted, but only in licensed shops located mainly in Christian-majority districts such as Bab Touma, Bab Sharqi, and Qassaa.

Additional rules require these businesses to be located away from mosques, schools, and government buildings, and existing vendors have been given a short grace period to comply.

EU's Kaja Kallas on Iran:

It is absolutely time to bring the Iran War to an end.

The problem with wars is that they are easier to start than to stop, and they always get out of hand.

Some ships are starting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz because Iran appears to be allowing limited, pre-approved voyages.

A few non-Iranian tankers, including ships carrying fuel to India, have made it through after negotiations, but overall traffic remains far below normal because the area is still considered dangerous.

Source: WSJ

Al Jazeera opinion piece argues the US–Israel war on Iran is not chaotic but a “methodical, phased” campaign that is successfully degrading Iran’s military power, even as costs rise:

Iranian attacks have sharply declined: missile launches down ~90% (350 → ~25) and drones from 800 → ~75.

Air defenses are so weakened the US is flying non-stealth bombers over Iran, signaling near-total air superiority.

The campaign is described as “systematic… degradation” targeting missiles, nuclear sites, navy, and command networks.

Iran is now “managing decline, not projecting strength”—forced to ration remaining weapons.

Strait of Hormuz closure is called a “wasting asset” that hurts Iran’s own economy and allies (like China).

Proxy attacks across the region are framed as “desperation” and **“predelegated responses,” not strength.

End goal: “strategic disarmament”—permanently limiting Iran’s ability to project power.

BREAKING: Israeli Defense Minister Katz says Ali Larijani has been killed.

Kenya, Russia Agree to End Recruitment of Kenyans in Ukraine War

Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said Russia agreed to stop recruiting Kenyans for the Ukraine war after more than 1,000 were enlisted, amid domestic pressure over foreign fighter flows.

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Ali Larijani’s Telegram account has shared a handwritten note attributed to him, written in connection with the funeral of Iranian Navy personnel who were killed.

Netanyahu’s office shared a photo it says shows him ordering the killing of senior Iranian officials.

Iran launched missiles toward Israel.

Kremlin:

Cuba is an independent state facing economic difficulties amid the suffocating U.S. embargo.

Russia is ready to provide all possible assistance to Cuba amid the U.S. embargo.