The UAE is reportedly in early-stage talks to purchase Indian defence equipment, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akash air-defence system. Analysts suggest a deal would boost India's transition from arms buyer to exporter and strengthen ties with the UAE.
North Korea's Foreign Ministry condemned the US approval of advanced air-to-air missile sales to South Korea, warning of escalating tensions. Meanwhile, India summoned the US charge d'affaires for the second time in two days to protest US attacks on commercial ships off Oman, which killed three Indian sailors.
Taiwan's US representative expects approval for new arms sales from Washington, while opposition leader Cheng Li-wun clarifies her party's stance during a Washington visit, emphasizing cooperation over procedural concerns.
A South African human rights group, SALC, has filed a lawsuit against the government to suspend arms export permits to the US, citing potential violations of domestic law and international peace concerns.
Thomas Countryman, Chairman of the US Arms Control Association, described the proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defense system as an "expensive impossible dream" and a waste of money. He urged Congress to prevent its development, citing potential dangers and the need for international discussion on missile defense restraints.
Taiwan's defense budget for US arms sales faces potential delays. The article urges Taiwan to clarify payment schedules and training arrangements for HIMARS and other weapons, emphasizing that self-preparedness is crucial regardless of US decisions.
Thomas Countryman, Chairman of the American Arms Control Association, stated that Russia's proposal to remove highly enriched uranium from Iran to Russia is a useful solution, similar to its role in the 2015 JCPOA. He noted that both this option and down-blending within Iran are good solutions to the nuclear proliferation problem, though negotiations between the US and Iran are ongoing. Former US President Donald Trump had previously expressed dissatisfaction with this option.
Thomas Countryman, chairman of the US Arms Control Association, stated that exporting enriched uranium from Iran to Russia would be a good solution to the Iranian conflict. He also noted that mixing the uranium within Iran to lower enrichment levels is another viable option.
The US has adjusted its rhetoric on China, moving from labeling it the 'primary threat' to emphasizing a 'measured and deliberate strength' approach, while still acknowledging the shared concern over China's military expansion and its impact on the Pacific region's balance of power.
US official Cao stated that foreign military sales to Taiwan will continue when the administration deems necessary, while Taiwan's Koo confirmed no notification of policy change. The Pentagon noted final decisions rest with Trump, with US policy under the Taiwan Relations Act unchanged.
Taiwan's Defense Minister Gu Lixiong expressed cautious optimism regarding a $14 billion US arms sale, which was reportedly paused due to the Iran conflict. US officials stated President Trump will make a decision soon, reaffirming commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act.
Felix Rosenqvist won the Indianapolis 500 by 0.0233 seconds, the closest finish in the race's history. David Malukas finished second after a dramatic final lap battle.
US arms sales to Taiwan are delayed due to depleted US ammunition stocks from Middle East conflicts and ongoing US-China discussions. Congress is pushing to approve a $14 billion arms package to reaffirm commitment to Taiwan's defense.
Taiwanese legislator Chen Guan-ting urged accelerated domestic defense development and production, emphasizing self-reliance amid potential delays in US arms sales. He called for cross-party support for a special drone development bill to bridge previous budget cuts.
Media personality Akio Yaita commented on the US pausing a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, urging against defeatism and emphasizing self-reliance. He stated that a pause is not a termination and that Taiwan must focus on its own defense capabilities and resilience.
Taiwan's government stated it has no knowledge of any "adjustments" to US arms sales, following a US official's confirmation of a hold on deliveries due to the attack on Iran and the need to replenish domestic stockpiles.
Taiwan has not been informed of any pause in a planned $14 billion US arms sale, despite acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao stating some foreign military sales are delayed due to munitions needs for an Iran operation. Taiwan's presidential spokesperson confirmed no information on adjustments, while China reiterated its opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan.
China's foreign ministry reiterated its "consistent, clear and unwavering" opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan. A US official indicated sales would continue when deemed necessary, while Taiwan's presidential office stated no information suggests adjustments to the sales.
The US has paused a $14bn arms sale to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for its operations in Iran. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated sales will resume when deemed necessary, causing concern in Taipei.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo JiaKun stated that China firmly opposes US arms sales to Taiwan, responding to reports of the US pausing sales to Taiwan to prioritize ammunition for actions against Iran.
US arms sales to Taiwan are on hold due to ammunition needs for the Middle East conflict, according to a Pentagon official. The $14 billion deal is paused to ensure sufficient munitions for Operation Epic Fury, launched against Iran.
North Korea warned of countermeasures against recent US approval of arms sales to South Korea, calling it a "reckless military buildup" and a scheme to use Seoul as an "armed shock brigade" in the Asia-Pacific.
US President Donald Trump reiterated his intention to hold direct talks with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te over a reported $14 billion arms deal, a move opposed by China. This would be the first direct presidential communication between the US and Taiwan in over four decades.
A senior Kurdish security official denied Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claims of allowing US arms shipments to Iranian Kurdish opposition, calling them inaccurate. He stated the region does not permit arms smuggling to Iran for security reasons and to avoid conflict. However, he acknowledged the possibility of smuggling by arms dealers.
