Ursula von der Leyen said that the security challenges currently affecting the Baltic states — including drone incidents, cyber threats, and disinformation — could also impact other parts of Europe in the future.

She emphasized the importance of improving Europe’s defense capabilities, preparedness, and coordination in response to these developments.

Turkish President Erdogan spoke by phone with Iranian President Pezeshkian about Türkiye-Iran relations and regional issues.

Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to peace, stability, and diplomatic efforts.

📸 U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter made a precautionary landing in a rice paddy near Pyeongtaek, South Korea on May 18.

The aircraft touched down after the crew detected a possible engine issue mid-flight.

Both pilots were unharmed and the helicopter sustained no damage.

NEW: Syrian authorities have recovered more than 70 rockets and bombs designed to deliver chemical weapons, along with sarin precursor ingredients, from remnants of Assad's chemical weapons program.

18 suspects were arrested in connection with the program.

Source: Reuters

NEW: Trump is convening a full Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Wednesday, with Iran expected to dominate the agenda — including recent U.S. strikes, ongoing ceasefire negotiations, the nuclear deal, and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

The U.S. Navy has resumed escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz under a renewed “Project Freedom” mission.

A Greek supertanker carrying two million barrels of crude was recently guided through the route after being stranded in the Gulf since March.

The Navy is expected to assist about a dozen more vessels, including tankers and container ships, in the coming days.

Source: WSJ

NEW: IDF has begun ground invasion beyond its self-declared "Yellow Line" buffer zone in southern Lebanon.

The advance targets Hezbollah fiber-optic drone launch sites that have been killing and wounding Israeli soldiers inside the zone.

Russia’s Medvedev threatens European diplomats in Kyiv.

RFK Jr. handles snakes on camera.

Trump:

Just finished my 6 month physical at Walter Reed Military Medical Center.

Everything checked out PERFECTLY. Thank you to the great Doctors and Staff! Heading back to the White House.

CENTCOM:

Project Freedom has not resumed, and U.S. forces are not currently escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Netanyahu:

We are intensifying our operations in Lebanon. The IDF is operating with substantial ground forces and securing strategic positions.

Iran’s internet is coming back online after a months-long blackout.

Connectivity is now ~86% (up from near-zero), with mobile networks reconnecting.

The Filternet censorship system is still active, WhatsApp is restricted, and some areas remain offline.

JD Vance:

Everybody should care about fraud. Everybody should care about rooting out fraud. Everybody should care about saving American taxpayers money.