Iran’s military bases in Syria, once a cornerstone of its regional strategy, now lie in ruins after an abrupt retreat. Iranian-backed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), abandoned key positions, leaving behind weapons, documents, and personal belongings. The base in Khan Shaykhun, previously a strategic hub, is now occupied by Uyghur militants from Hayaat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Sensitive Iranian documents were found, revealing details about fighters. Iran's withdrawal marks a significant shift in Syria’s conflict dynamics, altering power balances in the region.  

The United States has canceled $21 million in funding meant to support voter turnout efforts in India and $29 million for similar programs in Bangladesh. The decision follows scrutiny over foreign influence in domestic elections. The funds were originally allocated to promote electoral participation and democratic processes. However, concerns about sovereignty and external involvement in national affairs led to their withdrawal. The move comes amid broader discussions on international funding for electoral activities and its implications. The US government has not specified if the funds will be redirected to other initiatives or entirely withdrawn.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declined a U.S. proposal granting Washington access to Ukraine's critical rare earth minerals, citing insufficient protections for Ukraine's interests. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for any such agreement to include security guarantees and substantial investments, asserting that the current draft does not align with Ukraine's sovereignty. Negotiations between the two nations are ongoing, as Ukraine seeks to balance resource development with national security considerations.   

President Donald Trump has proposed a trilateral agreement with Russia and China to halve defense expenditures, suggesting that the funds could be better utilized elsewhere. He plans to initiate discussions with Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to achieve this goal. However, such significant cuts would drastically alter the U.S. military's global stance and face opposition from defense contractors and legislators benefiting from the current $850 billion defense budget. China, with its $230 billion defense budget, is undergoing military expansion and may be reluctant to reduce spending. Chinese officials have stated that their defense expenditures are essential for national sovereignty and global peace.    

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a "European army" as he warned that Europe can no longer fully rely on the US. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he said, "Let’s be honest—now we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe." His remarks come as US President Donald Trump signals possible peace talks with Russia. Zelensky insisted, "The Armed Forces of Europe must be created." European leaders backed his call, with Poland’s Prime Minister saying, "There’s no time to lose." Ukraine is also negotiating security guarantees from the US and Europe.

Hamas released 3 Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners. The swap happened under the ceasefire deal that began on 19 January 2025. The freed hostages are Sagui Dekel-Chen, Yair Horn, and Alexander Troufanov. They were handed over in Khan Younis and later taken to a hospital in Israel. Most Palestinian prisoners were sent to Gaza, while some went to the West Bank. Five needed medical help. Israel warned that fighting would resume if Hamas delayed releases. So far, 19 hostages and over 1,000 prisoners have been freed under the deal. More exchanges are expected soon.

14 US states have sued Elon Musk, challenging his authority as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). They say Musk has too much power and was not approved by the Senate. The lawsuit argues that the US President cannot create or remove federal agencies. The states, led by New Mexico, call Musk an "agent of chaos" and say his actions are unlawful. This is the second lawsuit against Musk’s role. Musk and President Trump say DOGE is only removing government waste. The case was filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C.

  Conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair announced that she secretly gave birth to Elon Musk’s 13th child five months ago. St. Clair, known for her book Elephants Are Not Birds, said she kept the birth private for the child’s safety but decided to reveal it due to impending media reports. She urged privacy for their family and announced a temporary social media hiatus. Musk, who has children with Justine Wilson, Grimes, and Shivon Zilis, has not commented on the claim. The revelation has sparked widespread media attention.     

    The UK government is under parliamentary scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s use of public funds, as Labour peer George Foulkes pushes for greater transparency in royal finances. Foulkes has questioned ministers about Ministry of Defence briefings given to Andrew after his Royal Navy service and during his role as Special Representative for International Trade. He has also sought details on the royal family’s annual security costs. The inquiry comes amid growing concerns about Andrew’s financial activities and the limited parliamentary oversight of monarchy-related expenses since the introduction of the sovereign grant in 2012.    

A bus carrying Palestinian prisoners released under the Gaza ceasefire deal arrived in Ramallah, where cheering crowds welcomed them. The 369 inmates were freed in exchange for three Israelis held hostage in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Wearing keffiyeh scarves, the prisoners were lifted onto shoulders and embraced by relatives before undergoing health checkups. Unlike previous releases, they wore jackets instead of prison uniforms. Israel had warned Hamas to release three living hostages or face renewed conflict. The Palestinian Prisoners' Club confirmed the latest exchange amid ongoing tensions.