U.S. Seeks Expanded Arctic Security Cooperation with Iceland:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Iceland to discuss expanding U.S.-Iceland security cooperation as Washington increases its military focus on the Arctic. Rubio highlighted Iceland’s infrastructure, technology, surveillance capabilities, and strategic location as important assets for monitoring regional activity and supporting U.S. military operations.
U.S. and China Explore Reciprocal Nuclear Site Visits:
The Trump administration has discussed reciprocal nuclear site visits with China as part of an effort to increase transparency amid concerns over Beijing’s expanding nuclear arsenal. The discussions remain preliminary, with formal arms-control negotiations yet to begin and broader efforts to engage China and Russia producing limited progress.
North Korea Condemns U.S. Support for Taiwan:
North Korea criticized U.S. arms sales and military support for Taiwan, arguing that Washington’s policies are increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Pyongyang also emphasized its alignment with China and warned against deeper U.S. involvement in Taiwan’s security.
Rubio Visits Greece for Strategic and Energy Security Talks:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Athens for a strategic dialogue with Greek leaders focused partly on regional and energy security. Greece is seeking to strengthen its role as a natural-gas transportation hub for southeastern Europe as conflicts in Iran and Ukraine continue to expose vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains.
Drone Strikes Hit Commercial Ships in Black Sea:
Two commercial vessels were struck by drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, marking the first such attack on shipping in the NATO member’s waters. Bulgarian authorities were investigating the origin of the drones, while the incident raised new concerns about risks to commercial maritime activity in the region.
Air Force Conducts First HACM Flight Test:
The U.S. Air Force conducted the first flight-test release of its developing Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile in Australia. The milestone advances the HACM program’s development as the service works toward fielding an air-launched hypersonic strike capability.
Pentagon Overhauls Defense Contractor Profit Policy:
The Pentagon is moving to reshape how contractor profits are negotiated by using commercial-sector benchmarks and placing greater emphasis on private investment, execution risk, efficiency, and value delivered. New guidance also calls for rulemaking within 90 days to revise the DFARS profit policy and better reward contractors for speed and performance.
📅 This Day in History: 25 years ago today, Operation Enduring Freedom began.