Espionage Expands Between China and Taiwan; EU Diplomat Warns of Long-Term Russian Aggression; Iran Warns US Against Attacking

Good Morning,

From ICE operations targeting 84 individuals at a Louisiana racetrack to Iran's supreme leader issuing stark warnings of "irreparable harm" against potential US strikes, authorities worldwide are grappling with complex security challenges. Meanwhile, Taiwan intensifies efforts to root out Chinese espionage networks, EU diplomats sound alarms over Russia's long-term European aggression plans, Brazilian investigators link former President Bolsonaro to an illegal surveillance scheme, and Kenyan police face scrutiny after shooting a protester during demonstrations over a blogger's death.

Top Stories

• ICE arrests 84 people at Louisiana racetrack - ABC

• Taiwan pursues homegrown Chinese spies as Beijing's influence grows - France24 

• EU’s top diplomat warns that Russia has a plan for long-term aggression against Europe - Associated Press

• Bolsonaro was main beneficiary in illegal surveillance scheme, Brazil police allege - Washington Post

• Iran’s supreme leader threatens ‘irreparable’ harm if US strikes - Politico

• Kenyan police shoot protester at close range during latest rallies over blogger's death - France24

United States

• ICE arrests 84 people at Louisiana racetrack - ABC

• Los Angeles Lakers owners sell majority stake in the team at $10 billion valuation - CNBC

• Supreme Court upholds Tennessee law restricting gender-affirming care for transgender minors - CBS

• Trump faces uproar from MAGA base over possible Iran strike - Reuters

• US resumes student visas but orders enhanced social media vetting - BBC 

Africa

• DR Congo and Rwanda initial a preliminary peace agreement, will formally sign document in Washington - Le Monde

• Junta-led Mali begins construction of gold refinery in partnership with Russia - Business Insider

• West Africa wants deals with Trump but US entry bans a barrier, Nigerian minister says - Reuters

• Nigerian president orders crackdown on gangs after 150 killed in conflict-hit north - Associated Press

• Kenyan police shoot protester at close range during latest rallies over blogger's death - France24

Middle East

• The Conflict in the Middle East Continues - Wall Street Journal

• Iran’s supreme leader threatens ‘irreparable’ harm if US strikes - Politico

• Lebanon, Eager to Stay Out of Israel-Iran War, Warns Hezbollah Not to Join the Fight - New York Times

• Israel attacks Iran security agency; Trump mulls joining conflict - Al Jazeera

• Exclusive: European ministers to hold nuclear talks with Iran on Friday in Geneva, source says - Reuters

Indo-Pacific

• Taiwan pursues homegrown Chinese spies as Beijing's influence grows - France24 

• Mengzhou spacecraft for China’s moon-landing mission passes landmark test flight - SCMP 

• Asia-Pacific markets fall as investors weigh Fed decision, Middle East conflict - CNBC

• Nomura Says US to Set High Asia Tariffs to Stop China Rerouting - Bloomberg

• Leaked call between Thai PM and Cambodia 'strongman' stokes fresh tensions - Reuters

Europe

• 28 killed in deadliest Russian strikes on Kyiv in almost a year - CNN

• Putin says NATO’s increased defense spending poses no 'threat' to Russia - France24

• Chaos erupts as Sánchez, Feijóo trade corruption allegations in parliamentary session - Euro News

• EU’s top diplomat warns that Russia has a plan for long-term aggression against Europe - Associated Press

• Europe takes a big step toward banning Russian oil and gas as Ukraine war drags on - CNN

Latin America

• Venezuela's Machado calls for more US action against Maduro - Reuters

• Large crowds protest in support of Argentine ex-President Fernández as she starts house arrest - Associated Press

• Bolsonaro was main beneficiary in illegal surveillance scheme, Brazil police allege - Washington Post

• Colombian High Court Blocks Petro’s Referendum on Labor Rights - Bloomberg

• At least 13 killed in central Mexico during shoot-out with organized crime, authorities says - Reuters

If you’re a legacy subscriber, and would like more info on how to manage your membership, please reach out to [email protected]

Interested in more from Atlas?

🌐Atlas Technologies: We are building world class OSINT technology that unifies the intelligence cycle by automating data collection, intelligence production and delivery to key stakeholders, all aligned with your priority intelligence requirements (PIRs). If you want to learn more, check out our website.

🛒Merch Store: Visit our merch store to shop our latest gear.

📰Newsletters: Check out our other publications to stay on top of the news and get insights from intelligence professionals.

• The Public Daily Briefing

• Apolitical 

• Table Stakes

• The BLUF 

• The Situation Room

If you'd like to get involved with Atlas, please contact us with your experience or ideas. If you're a solid fit, we'll be in touch.

Advertise with us || Contact Us

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 Atlas.1A