Analysts view a proposed Indonesia-Philippines power link as crucial for addressing Philippine domestic energy issues, despite geographical and supply-chain challenges. The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, is advancing regional energy cooperation, while also addressing US-Iran tensions at ministerial meetings.
Former US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent advocates for Washington to withdraw forces and abandon bases in the Middle East, arguing that months of conflict have strengthened Iran's regional standing and that further escalation would harm the US and global economy. He emphasizes restoring oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
China's recent submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific, demonstrating its sea-based nuclear capability, is expected to prompt regional nations to strengthen defense alliances and cooperation to counter Beijing's growing military power.
Singapore and Indonesia are advancing a low-carbon electricity trade deal, potentially serving as a pilot for a broader ASEAN Power Grid. Analysts suggest the cooperation will bolster Singapore's energy security and sustainability goals, while boosting Indonesia's green economy.
Andy Burnham, frontrunner for UK PM, outlined his policy vision in Manchester, vowing to rebalance power to regions, maintain fiscal discipline, and reduce the welfare bill. He aims for "good growth in every postcode" and faces economic challenges.
A report by the Israeli newspaper Maariv highlights the accelerating military convergence between Egypt and Turkey, which is reshaping regional power dynamics and presenting new security challenges for Israel. The two nations have begun joint air and naval exercises, signaling a strategic partnership aimed at addressing regional challenges and reordering power balances.
North Korea criticized US Forces Korea commander's remarks calling South Korea a 'dagger,' interpreting it as a US strategy to deter China. Pyongyang reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with regional powers to counter this, while also condemning Japan's eased arms export regulations.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth lauded India as a "critical anchor" for Indo-Pacific stability, emphasizing its role in balancing power. He also discussed co-production of Javelin missiles in India to address US shortages and enhance military interoperability.
Turkey's strategic flexibility is seen as an asset amidst regional chaos, making it a beneficiary. However, domestic economic weakness and regional rivalries limit its potential to become a hegemonic power, according to experts.
President Trump announced he is canceling a planned attack on Iran for Tuesday after leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE requested a postponement to allow for ongoing negotiations. Trump stated a deal could be reached that excludes nuclear weapons for Iran, but military readiness for a larger assault remains.
Fear of US abandonment is pushing Middle Eastern states to build diplomatic mass rather than integrated military blocs, according to defence analysts. A 'mixed system' is emerging where multilateral formats increasingly handle grand strategic questions while hard security remains dominated by Washington and Tehran's proxy network. Regional powers including Pakistan are pressing for a negotiated settlement to the Iran war, with Islamabad playing mediator between Tehran and Washington and serving as trusted representative for regional partners, particularly Riyadh.
Pentagon intelligence contradicts US claims of Iran's military degradation, stating Tehran remains a potent regional power. Meanwhile, President Trump announced an indefinite ceasefire extension with Iran, following a request from Pakistan, while maintaining a blockade. Iran rejected the move, warning of military response to the ongoing siege, as diplomatic efforts falter.
The Iran conflict is pushing Saudi Arabia to reconsider its US-led security strategy, with China emerging to play a limited, but functional role, analysts say. However, deep US ties in defence would restrict Saudi Arabia’s broader cooperation with China, they added, as one expert predicted Riyadh was likely to deepen ties with regional powers such as Pakistan and Turkey. In a rare alignment, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a key US ally in the Middle East, initiated a phone...
