US Allies Threaten to not Buy F-35s; Vietnam Aims for Economic Dominance; South Africa, Iran to Deepen Ties

Good Morning,

Allies are questioning their reliance on U.S.-made weapons amid Trump's NATO skepticism, with several countries facing internal pressure to cancel F-35 orders following new tariffs. Meanwhile, military partnerships are shifting in the Middle East as South Africa and Iran deepen defense cooperation, while Israel's military leadership advances Gaza operation plans despite reported friction with Netanyahu. Economic realignments continue with Vietnam pursuing aggressive reforms to become Asia's next economic powerhouse, while Brazil rolls out support packages for exporters bracing against U.S. trade policies. There is also scrutiny over media ownership as NGOs push for investigations into the Telegraph's sale over alleged China connections.

Top Stories

• US Allies, in jab at Trump, threaten not to buy F-35s - Politico

• S. African, Iranian officials meet to deepen military ties, pro-IRGC sources say - Jerusalem Post

• Israeli army chief approves ‘main concept’ for Gaza attack plan after reported rift with Netanyahu – as it happened - The Guardian

• Vietnam wants to be the next Asian tiger and it’s overhauling its economy to make it happen - Associated Press

• NGOs urge UK to probe Telegraph newspaper sale over ‘China’ ties - HKFP

• Brazil unveils aid package for exporters hit by US tariffs - Reuters

United States

• Mexico sends 26 cartel members to U.S. in deal with Trump administration - CBS

• US Allies, in jab at Trump, threaten not to buy F-35s - Politico

• India PM Modi likely to meet Trump in US next month, newspaper reports - Reuters

• Navy Denies China Chased off U.S. Warship from Scarborough Shoal - USNI

• Where in Alaska is Trump meeting Putin and why? - BBC

Africa

• East African migrants drive surge of arrivals in Spain's Balearic islands - Reuters

• S. African, Islamic Republic of Iran officials meet to deepen military ties, pro-IRGC sources say - Jerusalem Post

• Trial Of Moroccan Feminist Activist Accused Of 'Offending Islam' Postponed - Barron’s

• Macron admits French 'repressive violence' in Cameroon decolonisation 'war' - France24

• Gabon: amnesty granted for 2023 coup and 2019 conspiracy attempts - Africa News

Middle East

• S. African, Islamic Republic of Iran officials meet to deepen military ties, pro-IRGC sources say - Jerusalem Post

• Live: 81 Palestinians killed since dawn, as Israel intensifies northern Gaza attacks - Middle East Eye

• Israeli army chief approves ‘main concept’ for Gaza attack plan after reported rift with Netanyahu – as it happened - The Guardian

• The ‘Mega Forces’ Spreading Middle East Wealth Across the Globe - Bloomberg

• Why Arab rulers aren't more vocal about Gaza as global outcry grows - NBC

Indo-Pacific

• Navy Denies China Chased off U.S. Warship from Scarborough Shoal - USNI

• India PM Modi likely to meet Trump in US next month, newspaper reports - Reuters

• Vietnam wants to be the next Asian tiger and it’s overhauling its economy to make it happen - Associated Press

• US tariff on Indian rice opens market for Pakistan - Asia News Network

• NGOs urge UK to probe Telegraph newspaper sale over ‘China’ ties - HKFP

Europe

• US Allies, in jab at Trump, threaten not to buy F-35s - Politico

• Where in Alaska is Trump meeting Putin and why? - BBC

• East African migrants drive surge of arrivals in Spain's Balearic islands - Reuters

• Macron admits French 'repressive violence' in Cameroon decolonisation 'war' - France24

• NGOs urge UK to probe Telegraph newspaper sale over ‘China’ ties - HKFP

Latin America

• Mexico sends 26 cartel members to U.S. in deal with Trump administration - CBS 

• Inside look at tunnels under US-Mexico border where cartels smuggle drugs - NBC

• Lula hits back at Trump over judiciary attacks, says US president would face trial in Brazil if January 6 riots happened there - Firstpost

• Brazil unveils aid package for exporters hit by US tariffs - Reuters

• US doubles bounty on Venezuela's Maduro to $50 million - DW

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