Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, US–Iran negotiations intensify, European defence shifts, and global cooperation deals shaped international developments.

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Trump says US–Iran peace deal set for signing as Pakistan signals imminent agreement

US President Donald Trump has said a deal to end fighting between the United States and Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday (14 Jun), although Iranian officials have cast doubt on the timing. Trump said the agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping and warned of unspecified consequences if the deal fails to progress smoothly.

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, said the agreement was “likely expected” within 24 hours and preparations were underway for an electronic signing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei urged caution, saying the exact signing date remained uncertain.

The proposed framework reportedly includes provisions linked to regional de-escalation, maritime access, and future nuclear negotiations, though details remain contested and have not been formally confirmed by all parties involved.

Despite having agreed a ceasefire in April, the US and Iran have exchanged intermittent fire, including two rounds of tit-for-tat strikes this week.

UK defence spending dispute prompts Healey resignation; Starmer vows to stay on

The United Kingdom’s defence and security policy has come under renewed scrutiny following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey. In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Healey argued that planned defence spending levels would be insufficient to address growing security challenges, calling for expenditure to reach 3% of GDP by 2030. He cited commitments to Ukraine, NATO operations, Arctic security and activity in the Strait of Hormuz as increasing demands on the armed forces. Former Security Minister Dan Jarvis has been appointed as his successor.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the government’s Defence Investment Plan, describing it as a sustainable increase in military spending while maintaining fiscal discipline. Separately, Starmer reaffirmedhis intention to remain Labour leader and lead the party into the next general election, while acknowledging recent political setbacks and pledging to rebuild public support.

Canada deepens strategic ties with France and Ireland ahead of G7 Summit

Canada has strengthened its European partnerships through new agreements with France and Irelandfocused on defence, technology, trade and economic security. During talks in Paris, Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Emmanuel Macron agreed to enhance cooperation across defence, artificial intelligence, aerospace and space industries, including a framework to facilitate the exchange of classified information. The discussions also covered trade diversification, investment and shared security challenges.

In Dublin, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Taoiseach Micheál Martin launched a new framework for cooperation covering trade, investment, innovation, climate action and defence. The partnership includes collaboration on artificial intelligence, life sciences, pharmaceutical supply chains and maritime security training.

Both meetings highlighted Canada’s efforts to deepen engagement with Europe, strengthen economic resilience and expand cooperation on global security, climate and technological development.

Regional connectivity in focus as Türkiye signs rail agreements and expands diplomatic cooperation

Türkiye has expanded regional cooperation through a series of transport, trade and diplomatic initiatives. In Riyadh, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu and Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh al-Jasser signed agreements to strengthen railway and logistics cooperation, including plans to restore and modernise the historic Hejaz Railway through Syria and Jordan. The project is intended to improve regional connectivity and support alternative trade routes.

Separately, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks in Bulgaria with President Iliyana Yotova, Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, focusing on energy, transport, connectivity and defence cooperation.

In Istanbul, Fidan joined Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili for the 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting, reaffirming cooperation on regional connectivity, energy security, trade, climate action and security across the South Caucasus.

China and North Korea deepen ties; UK and Australia reaffirm strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his first visit to North Korea in seven years, holding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. Marking the 65th anniversary of the China–North Korea friendship treaty, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in politics, trade, culture and diplomacy, while increasing high-level exchanges and strategic coordination. Kim also reaffirmed support for the One China principle. The visit was presented by both governments as a step towards deeper bilateral relations.

Separately, the United Kingdom and Australia reaffirmed their strategic partnership during the 2026 Australia–UK Ministerial Consultations in London. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed defence, trade, climate and regional security. The ministers also reaffirmed support for AUKUS, Ukraine, cyber security cooperation and economic resilience, while highlighting record bilateral trade in 2025.

France and Germany end FCAS fighter jet project; Cyprus and France deepen defence cooperation

Germany and France have agreed to discontinue development of the fighter aircraft at the centre of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), ending a major European defence project launched in 2017. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron concluded that negotiations between Airbus and Dassault Aviation had reached an impasse over design, programme control and intellectual property rights. Some FCAS elements, including a proposed combat cloud network, may continue separately.

Separately, Cyprus and France signed a Status of Forces Agreement establishing the legal framework for military personnel to operate in each other’s territories. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and French counterpart Catherine Vautrin said the agreement would strengthen defence cooperation and support European security efforts.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticised the broader Franco-Cypriot defence partnership, warning against actions that could affect the interests of Türkiye or Turkish Cypriots. The agreement comes amid ongoing regional tensions and competing strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Singapore and Tanzania strengthen economic partnership; Bangladesh and Russia expand cooperation

Singapore and Tanzania agreed to deepen cooperation during the State Visit of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Tanzania, marking 45 years of diplomatic relations. President Tharman and President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted collaboration in the blue and green economies, digital development, tourism, port infrastructure, food security, education and healthcare.

The two countries signed agreements covering bilateral consultations, carbon credits, trade facilitation and skills development, while also concluding an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. Both sides supported stronger multilateral cooperation and welcomed efforts to pursue a future East African Community–Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Separately, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed cooperation in energy, trade, investment and education. Discussions included the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, United Nations cooperation and expanding economic ties, with bilateral trade exceeding US$2 billion annually in recent years.

Kenya expands European ties through new EU, Finland and Norway agreements

The European Union and Kenya have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, focusing on trade, digital transformation and sustainable investment. During talks in Brussels, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen and President William Ruto discussed cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

New EU support includes funding for transport infrastructure, fibre-optic expansion, land registration digitalisation, artificial intelligence initiatives and refugee community integration. The partners also reviewed progress on the EU–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement and data-sharing arrangements.

Separately, President William Ruto strengthened ties with Europe through agreements with President Alexander Stubb of Finland and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway covering education, digital innovation, climate action, peacebuilding, trade, investment and regional security cooperation.

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