Trump Proposes New Arms Control Agreement Including China
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to pursue a new arms control agreement following the lapse of the New START treaty on February 5, 2026, aiming to include China and limit all Russian nuclear warheads. U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw, accused China of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal from 250 warheads in 2015 to 600 today, with projections of reaching 1,000 by 2030, while Beijing has rejected calls to participate in negotiations for a new treaty.
US Troops Withdraw from Qasrak Base in Syria
U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrak base in northeastern Syria, as confirmed by Syrian military and security sources. The withdrawal involves dozens of trucks transporting military vehicles and equipment to Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region, with approximately 200 soldiers remaining at the base as of Monday. This move is part of a broader drawdown of U.S. military presence in Syria, following the transfer of around 5,700 Islamic State militants from detention centers in northeast Syria to prisons in Iraq.
Panama Seizes Port Control from CK Hutchison
Panamanian authorities have taken control of the Balboa and Cristobal ports on the Panama Canal from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, following a Supreme Court ruling that annulled the company's concession, deemed unconstitutional. The ports will now be temporarily operated by Maersk and MSC, with an 18-month transition period in place before new contracts are awarded. CK Hutchison has described the takeover as unlawful and has indicated potential legal action against the new operators.
Nearly 3 Million Afghans Deported from Iran and Pakistan
Nearly 3 million Afghans have been deported from Iran and Pakistan over the past year, with significant numbers returning to Taliban-run Afghanistan. Following a crackdown on undocumented Afghan migrants initiated by Iran in 2024, approximately 1.5 million Afghans were deported from Iran between April and October 2025, with deportations making up about 65% of all returns. Reports indicate that 8% of the returnees were women, 21% were children, and 71% were men, highlighting the demographic challenges faced by those returning.
US Orders Evacuation of Non-Essential Embassy Staff in Beirut
The US State Department has ordered the evacuation of all non-essential staff and their families from its embassy in Beirut due to rising tensions with Iran, following a security review. Approximately 50 personnel are affected, with 32 staff members and their families departing Beirut airport on Monday. The embassy will remain operational with essential staff, as the US continues to bolster its military presence in the region amid fears of potential Iranian retaliation.
