us defense secretary

A Pakistani journalist's query about India's alleged Agni-6 ICBM test at the Shangri-La Dialogue was based on misinformation. India confirmed a recent test involved an advanced Agni missile with MIRV technology, not the Agni-6. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth avoided singling out either India or Pakistan as a threat.

A significant $14 billion arms package for Taiwan has been put on hold by the US Navy, prioritizing munitions for operations against Iran. This decision sparks concerns about wavering US resolve amid escalating Chinese pressure. The pause, while attributed to operational needs, raises doubts for Taiwan about American support, especially with China's 2027 invasion readiness warnings.

A US F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile, marking a significant escalation. While US officials investigate, China denies providing recent military support, though past assistance and potential radar technology transfers are noted. The incident complicates ongoing US-China relations amid peace negotiations.

India's defence exports have soared to an unprecedented Rs 38,424 crore, with the US emerging as the top buyer for sub-systems and components. This remarkable growth, nearly tripling in five years, is fueled by strategic partnerships like the proposed Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement with the US and domestic reforms, positioning India as a global defence exporter.

Oil prices remained elevated as markets awaited confirmation of a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, with Brent crude trading near $100 per barrel. Asian shares rose, led by Japan's Nikkei hitting a record high, though caution persisted regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict on global energy markets.

Oil prices fluctuated as US-Iran talks showed signs of progress, clashing with US military strikes on Iranian missile sites and vessels. Hopes for the Strait of Hormuz reopening were dampened by fresh clashes, adding to market uncertainty after a major energy shock.

The US warned of renewed military action against Iran if necessary, with President Trump demanding a permanent end to Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high, exacerbated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and continued fighting in Lebanon.

President Donald Trump last week halted a planned executive order. This order would have required government safety checks for advanced artificial intelligence models. Major tech companies like Google and Microsoft were to be affected. Trump cited a desire to maintain America's lead over China as the reason for the cancellation. The decision came after his state visit to China.

Defense Intelligence Agency faces a legal challenge from Palantir Technologies over its massive internal tech project, MARS. Palantir alleges the DIA is wasting taxpayer money by developing its own system instead of using commercially available software. A White House official supports private sector competition, suggesting potential intervention to ensure fair bidding for defense tech overhauls.

Senator Lindsey Graham has questioned Pakistan's credibility as a mediator in US-Iran negotiations, citing reports of Iranian military aircraft using Pakistani bases. Pakistan denies these claims, stating aircraft were for diplomatic arrangements. Broader scrutiny of Pakistan's mediation role has emerged within the Trump administration due to stalled talks and Iran's response to peace proposals.

The US has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran's new Strait of Hormuz authority, escalating economic pressure. This follows US strikes on Iranian military sites after drone downings. The sanctions target the agency regulating transit and charging tolls, impacting global oil and gas supplies. Negotiations for a war-ending deal continue amidst heightened tensions.

A recent Iran conflict has significantly depleted US high-end missile stockpiles, raising alarms in Washington. Critical systems like Tomahawks and Patriots may take years to replenish, creating a 'window of vulnerability' amid rising tensions with China. Production bottlenecks and allied demands complicate rebuilding efforts, impacting future defense readiness.

Iran's official account in Russia shared a viral video of a Bangladeshi albino buffalo resembling Donald Trump, claiming the animal lost its appetite due to the comparison amid ongoing US-Iran conflict. The buffalo, named 'Donald Trump', has become a local attraction ahead of Eid al-Adha festivities.

Emerging US-Iran deal details spark alarm among hawkish Republicans, who expected Iranian collapse. Instead, Iran appears strategically intact, having demonstrated leverage by disrupting the Strait of Hormuz and surviving US-Israel military pressure. This outcome has exposed fractures within Trump's coalition and emboldened Tehran's negotiating stance.

According to images examined by Reuters, China has built more than 80 launch pads along with three large octagon-shaped facilities near the Hami nuclear missile silo field in the country's north-west. The launch pads could be used by mobile missile launchers and air-defence systems, while the larger facilities may support communications, electronic warfare and military command functions, according to security analysts who reviewed the imagery.

US forces struck Iranian missile sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz. This happened during peace talks aimed at ending a three-month conflict. Iran accused the US of a war crime. Reports mentioned explosions and fatalities on Larak Island. Discussions continue on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's uranium stockpile.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget amid congressional scrutiny over the Iran war's escalating costs, now at $29 billion. Lawmakers questioned the strain on weapons stockpiles, while Hegseth acknowledged increased production to support ongoing operations and future needs.

A recent prayer event in Washington, backed by the White House, has sparked debate about religion and nationalism. Thousands gathered for 'Rededicate 250,' with speakers advocating for America to be a Christian nation. This event highlights a trend of merging American identity with Christianity, a move critics liken to a 'Make America Christian' project.

Taiwan asserted that U.S. arms sales are protected by American law, aiming to reassure its citizens after the Trump-Xi summit. Taipei emphasized its commitment to deepening strategic ties with the United States, stressing that military assistance is not a negotiable concession with China.

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson claims President Trump considered a nuclear strike on Iran. He alleges Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine firmly rejected the idea, preventing its execution. Johnson explained the military chain of command and the potential for Caine's resignation if overruled, adding context to Trump's subsequent public statements against nuclear use.

The Trump-Xi summit yielded no major breakthroughs, with both leaders sticking to their strategic interests, particularly concerning Taiwan. Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine, met with Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russia, highlight Moscow's continued aggression. Latvia's government collapsed over a drone incident, underscoring regional security concerns. Meanwhile, a joint US-Nigeria operation eliminated the Islamic State's No. 2 leader in Nigeria.

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

President Trump has halted 'Project Freedom,' a US military initiative to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing requests from Pakistan and progress toward a deal with Iran. This pause comes after the US declared the offensive phase of 'Operation Epic Fury' complete, emphasizing defensive actions in the region.