Chinese military-linked researchers are using OpenAI and Anthropic models to train smaller domestic AI systems, mainly through “model distillation.”

The systems are being adapted for things like surveillance, cyber warfare, drones and military targeting, helping China make use of advanced U.S. AI despite limits on access to chips and models.

Source: Reuters

JD Vance and Netanyahu held a private meeting Tuesday in Washington to address months of growing tensions over Israel's war strategy and U.S. policy toward Iran.

Israeli and U.S. officials described the meeting as frank, direct, and ultimately cordial, saying both sides agreed to continue cooperating on shared Middle East priorities.

Source: Axios

Q: Do you know how many Russians have been killed in this war? Do you have an estimate?

Zelensky: Total Russian losses are 1,600,000, and about 700,000 have been killed. About.

Trump told the Financial Times he is “not sure” whether the US will license Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, despite earlier signaling support.

He said “we’re looking at it” but added the US must be “a little bit careful of who we licence to.”

Zelensky had said after their White House meeting that Trump “accepted that he will give us licences.”

Trump emphasized his priority is ending the war: “We’re not looking for missiles. We’re looking for peace.”

WATCH: Video appears to show Morocco’s Royal Gendarmerie standing by as trucks carrying young men unload near the Spanish border during yesterday’s Ceuta migration surge.

A British man has been arrested in Cyprus for allegedly spying on the UK’s RAF Akrotiri base for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

He is accused of conducting surveillance and sharing intelligence, and now faces extradition and charges under the UK’s National Security Act.

Source: BBC

Cuba is beginning to implement major economic reforms as U.S. sanctions and an oil blockade deepen its crisis.

The changes would give private businesses more freedom to operate in fuel, agriculture, tourism, and imports of medicine, while allowing some foreign investment.

However, President Díaz-Canel says strategic sectors like healthcare, science, culture, and essential services will remain state-controlled.

Source: Reuters

North Korea says the U.S. expanding its military command in Japan increases the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula.

Pyongyang sees closer U.S.-Japan-South Korea military cooperation as preparation for conflict and says it justifies North Korea’s nuclear deterrent.

Source: Reuters

An estimated 49,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta in the past 24 hours, Spanish officials said.

Officials said at least 18 people have died attempting the journey in recent days, and around 7,000 of the new arrivals are minors.

Source: BBC

NEW: Iran's IRGC says it struck and stopped two oil tankers that ignored its warnings and tried to transit the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. air escort.

It says four other tankers turned back and warns that further U.S. military involvement in the area will be met with a response.

The U.S. and Israel are reportedly considering a land blockade of Iran to increase economic pressure after months of military action failed to force Tehran back to negotiations.

The proposal would involve persuading neighboring countries—such as Iraq, Pakistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan—to restrict or close border crossings, limiting Iran's imports and exports.

The idea was reportedly discussed alongside other options, including continuing the naval blockade, resuming strikes, or pursuing a diplomatic agreement.

Supporters argue that isolating Iran economically could weaken the regime, although analysts note that enforcing a land blockade would be extremely difficult due to Iran's extensive borders and regional ties.

Source: The Telegraph

The U.S. blocked a Qatari LNG shipment to Pakistan for using Iran’s safe corridor instead of the U.S.-backed route.

Source: MenchOsint

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing a major military offensive against the Houthis, with plans that could include both naval operations in the Red Sea and a ground assault in central Yemen.

The move follows Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities and the group's blockade of Saudi shipping.

Source: The Guardian

Finland has backed Italy's call to suspend Spain from the Schengen Area over the migration crisis in Ceuta.

Italy argues that stronger measures are needed to protect the EU's external borders as migrant arrivals in the Spanish enclave continue to rise.