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Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree immediately increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, of whom 1,550,500 are military. The decree replaces all previous staffing decrees and marks the seventh expansion of the army's authorised strength since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The US Air Force secretary has publicly acknowledged that the United States maintains weapons in space, an unusually direct statement on a topic long treated as classified or denied. The remarks have drawn attention because Washington has historically avoided confirming the presence of offensive capabilities in orbit, and the admission raises questions about US space doctrine and arms-control implications.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used his final address to the UN General Assembly to renew calls for global oversight of artificial intelligence and an end to ongoing conflicts. His remarks coincide with the Security Council preparing to host a briefing with AI leaders on the risks and governance of the powerful technology.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled secretly to Abu Dhabi over the weekend to meet the UAE's leader, marking a rare publicly confirmed visit to the Gulf state since the countries normalised ties under the Abraham Accords. Reports say the two discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, and the trip is being covered widely across US and regional media alongside other Middle East developments.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree raising the official size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, according to Russian state agency TASS. The increase continues a pattern of expansion since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and signals Moscow's intent to sustain a prolonged military campaign.

The United States has accused China of conducting secret nuclear weapons tests, raising fears of a new nuclear arms race between the two powers. The claim intensifies tensions in an already fraught strategic relationship, with concerns growing that both countries could resume explosive testing or expand arsenals. Arms control advocates warn the standoff undermines global non-proliferation efforts.

Iran is asserting that a religious decree, or fatwa, issued by its leadership forbids the development and possession of nuclear weapons. The claim, reported by international outlets, is being cited in ongoing debates over Iran's nuclear programme, with Western governments and inspectors long questioning whether such a decree is binding or verifiable.

The Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process delivered remarks at the United Nations Security Council on the Secretary-General's report on implementation of Resolution 2334, which concerns Israeli settlement activity. The briefing came as part of the Council's regular monitoring of the resolution, adopted in 2016, amid continued concern over settlement expansion and the broader prospects for a two-state solution.

The UK foreign secretary has admitted that critics of Labour's approach to Gaza 'were right,' and pledged tougher action over the conflict. The statement marks a notable shift in tone from a senior government figure on one of the most contested foreign policy issues in British politics, and is likely to intensify debate within Labour over its handling of the war and humanitarian crisis.

Reports say Russia has brought back into use a secret nuclear bunker originally built to coordinate a retaliatory strike. Details remain scarce, with officials providing little confirmation of the facility's current role or condition. The news is drawing attention amid ongoing tensions over Russia's nuclear posture and the war in Ukraine, with observers weighing what the move signals about Moscow's military readiness.

Nigeria and the armed group Boko Haram have reportedly reached a secret three-month ceasefire, according to a report cited by Genocide Watch. If confirmed, the deal would mark a significant pause in a conflict that has devastated northeast Nigeria for over a decade. Details of the agreement, including who brokered it and what each side receives, remain undisclosed, and there has been no formal confirmation from Nigerian authorities.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres met with Iran's Minister for Foreign Affairs at UN headquarters, according to an announcement from UN Media. No details of the discussion have been released. Meetings between the UN chief and Iranian diplomats typically cover regional conflicts, nuclear issues and humanitarian concerns, drawing attention given Iran's prominent role in current global tensions.

The race to select the next UN secretary-general is under way, with candidates framed as needing to be a 'mediator-in-chief' for a divided world. Commentary on the contest argues it highlights the multiple crises confronting the United Nations, from wars to institutional gridlock, as member states weigh who can restore the organisation's diplomatic clout.

Russia has carried out a modernization of the secret "Perimeter" nuclear command complex in the Urals, according to news reports. The system, sometimes called a "dead hand," is designed to trigger a retaliatory nuclear strike if Russian leadership is decapitated. Details of the upgrade remain scarce given the facility's classified status, and the news is drawing attention amid ongoing tensions over Russia's nuclear posture.

Reports say Russia is reviving Object 1335, a classified nuclear bunker reportedly connected to the 'Dead Hand' semi-automated retaliation system. Details about the facility remain scarce, and the reported connection to the Cold War-era doomsday mechanism is drawing attention to Russia's nuclear command infrastructure. Coverage so far focuses on what the facility is and what its revival could signal.

Ukraine says a secret military operation, supported by robotic systems, targeted around 3,000 Russian soldiers. Details of the push remain scarce, with Kyiv releasing few specifics about where or how the robot-aided assault was carried out. The claim has drawn attention as an early example of ground robots being used in large-scale combat operations, though it has not been independently verified.

Protesters linked to Palestine Action confronted the UK foreign secretary over the government's stance on Gaza and the decision to ban the group. The activists challenged the minister publicly, voicing anger at Britain's policy toward the war and at the proscription of Palestine Action, which made membership a criminal offence. The clash underscores ongoing tension between the government and pro-Palestinian campaigners, with critics arguing the ban curbs free speech while ministers defend it as a security measure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled to the United Arab Emirates on a secret visit on Sunday, according to a source cited by news outlets. Details of the trip, including who he met and what was discussed, have not been officially confirmed, and neither government has publicly commented on the reported visit.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The meeting signals continued high-level engagement between Washington and Riyadh on regional issues, though no details of the discussions have been released. Observers are watching for any announcements on security cooperation, trade, or Middle East diplomacy following the talks.

President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have finalized the "Freedom Means Affordable Cars" initiative, which resets federal fuel economy standards and ends what the administration calls an illegal electric vehicle mandate. The Department of Transportation framed the move as lowering car prices for American consumers, while the rollback of efficiency rules is expected to draw criticism from environmental and clean-energy groups.

The UK defense secretary has warned that British military bases could be potential targets for state-backed actors. The statement highlights growing concerns in London about hostile foreign activity against defense infrastructure. It comes amid heightened scrutiny of espionage, sabotage and cyber threats attributed to hostile states, and is likely to fuel debate over the security of military sites across the country.

The US Transportation Secretary is urging Congress to approve $30 billion to overhaul the nation's air traffic control system. The push for new funding highlights ongoing concerns about aging technology and infrastructure supporting US aviation, and the proposal will now need to win approval from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has welcomed what he describes as a global crackdown on Iranian banks and airlines, signalling intensified international sanctions enforcement against Tehran's financial and aviation sectors. The comments point to coordinated action by allied governments targeting entities linked to Iran's economy, though details of specific measures or which countries took part were not given.

The business secretary has warned that any renewed push for Britain to rejoin the European Union risks causing economic and political uncertainty. The comments come amid ongoing debate over the UK's post-Brexit relationship with Brussels, with some campaigning for closer ties or renewed membership. Critics of rejoining argue reopening the question would unsettle businesses and trade arrangements.