World - Daily Politics

Authorities in Italy have arrested nine individuals as part of an investigation into alleged illicit financing of Hamas. Prosecutors said more than €8 million in assets were seized during coordinated operations across several regions.

Investigators allege that funds were raised through charitable and humanitarian organisations and then diverted to support Hamas activities. Financial police said the money was moved using complex networks designed to obscure its origin and final destination.

Those arrested are suspected of offences including terrorism financing, money laundering, and misuse of non-profit structures. Authorities stressed that the investigation does not implicate legitimate humanitarian work but focuses on individuals accused ...

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that his country is facing what he described as a “full-fledged” or “total” war waged by the United States, Israel, and European allies. He said the pressure spans military threats, economic sanctions, and diplomatic isolation.

Speaking amid heightened regional tensions, Pezeshkian argued that Western states are coordinating efforts to weaken Iran through financial restrictions, political pressure, and support for Israel’s military actions. He said Tehran views these measures as part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining Iran’s sovereignty and regional influence.

Iranian officials reiterated that the country does not seek wider conflict but will respond ...

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a renewed ceasefire following days of armed clashes along disputed sections of their shared border. The agreement marks the second attempt to halt fighting after an earlier truce failed to fully stop hostilities.

Officials from both countries said the ceasefire includes an immediate halt to military operations, the withdrawal of some forces from frontline positions, and the establishment of communication channels to prevent further incidents. The clashes had resulted in casualties and the displacement of civilians in border communities.

The dispute centres on contested border areas where historical demarcations remain unclear. Tensions escalated after troop movements ...

The United States Department of Defense has warned that China could operate a fleet of up to nine aircraft carriers by 2035, according to a recent defence assessment. The projection reflects China’s rapid naval modernisation and sustained investment in maritime power.

China currently operates several aircraft carriers, with additional vessels under construction or in advanced planning stages. The report indicates that future carriers are likely to feature more advanced launch systems, expanded air wings, and improved power projection capabilities, enabling operations farther from China’s coastline.

The expansion would significantly enhance the reach of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific ...

South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to visit China next month for high-level talks focusing on North Korea, regional stability, and bilateral economic cooperation. The visit will mark a key diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours amid shifting regional dynamics.

South Korean officials said President Lee plans to seek China’s constructive role in managing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, including encouraging dialogue with North Korea. Discussions are also expected to cover security concerns and coordination on maintaining peace in Northeast Asia.

Economic cooperation will feature prominently on the agenda, with talks likely to address trade, supply chains, and investment. Both sides ...

Russia carried out a wave of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, hitting multiple regions and targeting energy and urban infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said. The capital, Kyiv, experienced some of the heaviest overnight attacks in months, with air defences activated across the city.

Ukrainian authorities reported damage to residential buildings and infrastructure, while emergency services worked to extinguish fires and assess casualties. Power disruptions were reported in several areas as a result of the strikes.

The attacks came shortly before expected discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President-elect Donald Trump, adding diplomatic significance to the escalation. Ukrainian officials said the ...

Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so. The decision establishes official diplomatic ties and marks a major milestone for Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

Somaliland’s authorities welcomed the move, saying it reflects decades of political stability, self-governance, and democratic processes. The territory has operated with its own institutions, security forces, and elections despite lacking international recognition.

Somalia responded sharply, condemning the recognition and calling on Israel to withdraw its decision. Somali officials described the move as a violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, reiterating that Somaliland remains part ...

The government of Japan has approved a record defence budget for the coming fiscal year, marking another major step in its ongoing military buildup amid growing security concerns in the region.

The spending plan allocates roughly $58 billion to defence, placing Japan on track to become the world’s third-largest military spender in the coming years. The increase reflects Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening deterrence capabilities, including missile defence, long-range strike systems and enhanced cooperation with allies.

Officials said the expanded budget is intended to respond to an increasingly complex security environment, citing regional military activity and concerns over stability in East Asia. The ...

China has announced sanctions against multiple US defence companies and senior executives in response to recent arms sales to Taiwan, escalating already strained relations with the United States.

The measures target firms involved in the production, sale or transfer of military equipment to Taiwan, as well as individuals holding leadership roles within those companies. Sanctions include asset freezes in China, restrictions on business activities, and bans on entry into the country.

Chinese authorities said the actions were taken to safeguard national sovereignty and security, reiterating opposition to foreign military support for Taiwan. Beijing views arms sales to the island as interference in ...

US President Donald Trump has held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on potential pathways toward ending the war in Ukraine, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

The talks focused on prospects for negotiations with Russia, possible territorial arrangements, and the role of security guarantees in any future settlement. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain central to Kyiv’s position, while acknowledging growing pressure to explore diplomatic options.

Trump has indicated that his administration is assessing alternative strategies aimed at bringing the conflict to an end, emphasising the need for faster progress toward a negotiated outcome. While details of ...