Beijing’s diplomatic offensive against US posture seen as blunting criticism of its own arms build-up
Diplomats hold crisis talks in effort to stop full-blown war in reaction to killing of Hizbollah and Hamas leaders
Stronger Putin-Kim ties and possible Trump re-election increases public support for independent deterrent
The 69-year-old promises change to Tehran’s domestic and foreign policies and to end nuclear stand-off
Successor to Raisi seeks to ease social restrictions and re-engage with west to secure sanctions relief
Aide to supreme leader warns Israel risks triggering regional conflict in the event of all-out offensive against militant group
North Korean leader’s deepening ties with Russian president could increase his sense of independence from Beijing
The west African country is on the verge of becoming a regional oil major
Moscow’s veto over extending panel’s mandate leaves west without means of enforcing international curbs on Pyongyang
Fraught relations with Tehran, which faces sanctions over its atomic programme, appear to be easing
Russian armed forces will rehearse use of ‘tactical’ nuclear weapons in combat situations
Washington says shipments exceeded 165,000 barrels in March and could continue ‘indefinitely’
Pyongyang mobilises army to increase industrial capacity in battered regions
Patriotism among Iranians tempered by discontent over languishing economy
Officials and diplomats indicate attacks were limited and sought to avoid full-blown escalation
Revolutionary Guards issue warning as US announces new sanctions
Also in this newsletter: EU citizens care more about security and defence than climate
Whatever form direct retaliation takes, analysts warn there is a high risk of miscalculation — and further escalation
Protection cannot mean giving the Netanyahu government a blank cheque, cashable in Washington
Amid rising concerns about the US security guarantee, policymakers mull how to ensure the continent’s defence
Senior official’s trip to Pyongyang signals Beijing’s disquiet about burgeoning ties between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin
De-escalation channels akin to the Washington-Moscow hotline are needed long before a crisis hits
Satellite images shared exclusively with the Financial Times point to ‘arms-for-oil’ trade between Pyongyang and Moscow
The process of stopping escalation involves multiple actors on the battlefield and in several capitals
The relationship has helped head off wider conflagration in the region
