Politics news · 15 October 2026
EU leaders open Brussels summit on Ukraine, Russian assets and hybrid threats
The European Council opens a two-day summit in Brussels chaired by António Costa, with Ukraine aid, frozen Russian assets, energy prices and hybrid attacks on the agenda.
Trump warns 'we're gonna do a number' on Iran at Alaska rally
President Donald Trump told a rally in Wasilla, Alaska that the United States has 'had it' with Iran and will 'do a number' on Tehran, signalling fresh escalation in the 2026 Iran war.
Two cargo ships sunk in Strait of Hormuz as Houthis strike Riyadh and Aramco
Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz sank two cargo vessels and Houthi missiles struck Riyadh and the Aramco headquarters, choking traffic through the world's most important oil chokepoint.
Meloni says Trump's US-Russia diesel deal is a 'very risky choice'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told parliament that a US-Russia agreement to supply Moscow's diesel to global markets legitimises the Kremlin and weakens sanctions on Ukraine.
Colombia opens embassy to Israel in Jerusalem in sharp policy reversal
Colombia inaugurated its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, becoming the tenth country with a mission in the contested city after President de la Espriella restored ties cut by Gustavo Petro.
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar sues Netanyahu for defamation over October 7
Israel's former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar filed a 3-million-shekel defamation suit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over claims he withheld warnings before the 7 October 2023 attack.
Musk tops US midterm donors with $366 million to Republican campaigns
Campaign-finance filings show Elon Musk has given $366 million to Republican committees and super PACs for the 2026 US midterms, making him the largest known donor of the cycle.
Taliban-Pakistan border clashes continue after Moscow talks end without deal
Fighting along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border enters its third week after Russia-hosted talks ended without a joint statement, with Islamabad imposing emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
India and US say trade deal is nearing 'landing point'
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says long-running India-US trade talks are heading towards a 'landing point', with negotiators ironing out tariff and market-access differences.
Iraqi PM in Riyadh pledges Iraq won't be used to attack Saudi Arabia
On his first visit to Riyadh since taking office, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi assured Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iraqi territory will not be used to launch attacks on the kingdom.