Kim denounces US–South Korea drills, orders rapid nuclear buildup

Reuters,

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called ongoing US–South Korean “Ulchi Freedom Shield” exercises an “obvious” war provocation and ordered a rapid expansion of the North’s nuclear forces, state media said. He inspected the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon–class destroyer—being outfitted for nuclear-capable systems—and urged accelerated missile and air-defense testing. South Korea has adjusted some field drills into September, but says the annual exercises continue at scale. The remarks suggest rising tensions and may foreshadow additional weapons tests in coming weeks.

Modi to meet China’s Wang Yi in Delhi, aiming to reset strained ties

AP,

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as the two sides explore a reset after five years of border tensions and trade frictions. Talks are expected to address de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control and ways to restore high-level dialogue. New Delhi seeks disengagement at remaining friction points; Beijing wants a broader thaw, including easing curbs on Chinese tech. A breakthrough could reopen economic engagement, though expectations are modest.

Hamas says it accepts latest ceasefire proposal as Israeli strikes continue in Gaza

Al Jazeera,

Hamas announced it has accepted a new ceasefire proposal from mediators, framing it as consistent with earlier US-backed terms, while Israel said it is reviewing the response. The statement came amid ongoing Israeli air and artillery strikes, with local officials reporting multiple casualties. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the US aim to translate the move into a formal truce pairing a pause in fighting with phased exchanges and expanded aid. Israeli leaders remain skeptical, leaving prospects uncertain.

SoftBank held talks to buy Intel’s contract chipmaking arm

Financial Times,

SoftBank discussed a potential purchase of Intel’s contract chipmaking business (Intel Foundry), in a move that would reshape global semiconductor manufacturing. The exploratory talks reflect SoftBank’s ambitions around Arm and AI infrastructure, while Intel pushes a turnaround centered on third-party manufacturing and subsidies. No deal is assured, and any transaction would face regulatory scrutiny, but the talks highlight intensifying competition for capacity, tooling and talent across the chip supply chain.

Aid ship carrying roughly 1,200 tonnes for Gaza nears Israel’s Ashdod port

The Guardian,

A humanitarian vessel carrying about 1,200 tonnes of food and relief supplies was approaching the Israeli port of Ashdod under arrangements coordinated with authorities. The shipment aims to ease acute shortages in northern Gaza, where aid agencies warn of famine risk. Israel has promoted maritime and land corridors with security checks, but bottlenecks and fighting have impeded deliveries. Processing at the port and last-mile distribution will determine whether the arrival yields meaningful relief.

US spy chief says UK will drop demand for Apple encryption ‘backdoor’

The Japan Times,

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the UK has agreed to drop a mandate requiring Apple to provide a decryption “backdoor,” a stance long opposed by the company and privacy advocates. The reported shift follows debate over UK rules on lawful access and scanning, and comes as allies balance security needs with strong end-to-end encryption. London has yet to detail legislative adjustments, but any retreat would mark a significant signal on surveillance policy.

Zelensky: US and Europe to formalise Ukraine security guarantees within 10 days

France 24,

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US and European allies will “formalise” security guarantees for Kyiv within 10 days after White House talks with President Donald Trump and European leaders. The commitments are expected to cover long-term military aid, training and industrial cooperation, while diplomats continue efforts to arrange direct Zelensky–Putin talks. Europe welcomed movement toward structured guarantees but emphasized respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Trump says US will help guarantee Ukraine’s security, with Europe taking lead

Sky News,

President Donald Trump said the US will participate in security guarantees for Ukraine, while stressing that European allies will shoulder “a lot of the burden.” He did not specify whether any US troop presence would be involved, and aides cast the role as contingent on a broader agreement. European leaders called the talks constructive but cautioned that scope, funding and sequencing with any ceasefire still need to be finalized.