GL IN BRIEF | 20 JUNE 2026

Written By Shaun Barton

Africa

  • The U.S. is reportedly close to signing a critical mineral agreement with Kenya to process  minerals domestically.

  • The move is a continuation of U.S. efforts to secure critical minerals globally, signalling competition for African resources may increase between Western countries and China.

  • Somaliland and Israel are forging closer ties, with Israel set to train police and military, with potential economic deals tabled.

  • Somaliland’s geographical location is of strategic importance opposite Yemen and near the Red Sea maritime route.

Watch

  • Somali and Yemeni responses to potential Israel-Somaliland cooperation

  • Developments in security, economic, and industrial agreements between Israel and Somaliland.


Asia Pacific

  • The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee approved a proposal to include Taiwan and the Philippines under the First Island Security Cooperation Initiative (FISCI). The defence plan authorised $1.5 billion in assistance for Taiwan and the Philippines.

  • The Philippines appears to be an important U.S. strategic partner with the inclusion in the FISCI funding assistance, which follows $2.5 billion of U.S. funds in December 2025.

  • The U.S. approved a war reserve stockpile program for Taiwan, which allows military supplies to be made available. 

  • Taiwan continues to face delays for delivery of the previously approved U.S. arms sale. The issue may provide insights into the U.S. administration's stance towards Taiwan after the U.S.-China state visit.

Watch

  • Chinese Communist Party statements on the FISCI referencing international law, territorial sovereignty, and military build-up.

  • Developments in the U.S.-Taiwan arms deliveries. 

Europe

  • Ukraine continues to conduct strikes on Russian infrastructure linked to sustaining its military operations, including energy and production facilities.

  • President Zelenskiy is strengthening political partnerships, meeting with world leaders recently at the G7 summit along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU leaders.

  • The United Kingdom allocated £210 million, and the Netherlands announced a €500 million euro defence package for Ukraine.

  • The EU, UK, and Canada expanded sanctions on shadow fleet vessels and service providers, financial institutions, and military technology, indicating efforts to target systems that support Russia's military capabilities.

Watch

  • Russia’s response to sanctions with more armed escorts, 

  • Additional Russian conventional strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, military, and civilian targets following recent Ukrainian strikes.


Middle East

  • The IRGC announced the closure of the strait of Hormuz despite agreed-upon negotiations with the U.S. The reason for the closure has been linked to ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

  • Vice-President Vance is flying to Switzerland to meet with Iranian negotiators for technical discussions.

  • Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of breaking the ceasefire. Israeli leadership reportedly ordered a ceasefire in Lebanon, but forces will remain in position with no withdrawal signalled.

Watch

  • Continued Iranian disruption of the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran seeks to monetise and leverage access during negotiations.

  • U.S.-Iran negotiations and the conditions referencing the conflict in Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz.

  • The Israeli response to the outcome of negotiations and U.S. stipulations regarding the conflict with Hezbollah.

Shaun Barton
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GL in Brief | 17 april 2026