US president threatens Madrid with extra tariffs after Spanish prime minister rejects 5% defence spending target
President’s willingness to use military force prompts rethink in Beijing over Taiwan
CIA says strikes ‘severely damaged’ Tehran’s atomic programme
Trump should champion diplomatic efforts if he wants peace to endure
US president says Ukraine head is ‘very nice’ after their sideline chat at Nato summit, but is dismayed at Russian leader for not ending war
Leaked assessment casts doubt on Trump’s claims to have ‘obliterated’ facilities
President had sparked alarm when he previously said US commitment to Article 5 ‘depends on your definition’
The bombing of Iran suggests that a global role is a hard thing to give up
US and Israeli campaign to defang Iran could herald a fresh era of instability for the region
US president releases flattering message that also hails ‘truly extraordinary’ Iran strikes
US president denounces violations of fragile truce by both sides
Tentative truce seeks to bring an end to destructive 12-day conflict that has reshaped Middle East
Potential policy U-turn comes hours after president declared peace in Middle East war
Also in today’s newsletter, the vibe at the Nato summit
Israel and Iran remain bitter enemies so this is more likely to be a pause in the fighting than a lasting peace
Crude price swings in volatile trading after Israel warns of new missile fire from Iran
President claims another Middle East war has ended — just days after the US joined it
US president makes statement just hours after Tehran launched missiles at American base in Qatar
The two sides are increasing security co-operation in response to Donald Trump’s threats against his Nato allies.
Qatari base is Washington’s largest and arguably most important military outpost in the Middle East
Norms are eroding and old certainties are being challenged — we must act accordingly
Leaders risk getting into shouting match with Donald Trump over increased defence spending
Higher European spending may please Trump but will not be enough to rebuild confidence
Steve Bannon and a large chunk of the president’s base oppose further attacks on Iran
He should persuade the leadership in Tehran that this is still possible
