Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Barrack said discussions between Washington and Ankara were progressing toward a settlement over sanctions imposed following Turkiye’s acquisition of the .

“I think you are going to see the S-400 situation solved soon,” Barrack said, adding that, from Washington’s perspective, Turkiye’s potential re-entry into the would be acceptable.

The United States imposed sanctions on its NATO ally in 2020 after Turkiye purchased the Russian S-400 system, citing concerns over compatibility with NATO defence infrastructure and risks to sensitive military technology. The move also led to Ankara’s removal from the multinational F-35 production and procurement programme.

The dispute has been a longstanding source of tension in bilateral relations, with both sides seeking a framework that addresses security concerns while restoring defence cooperation.

France, host of this year’s G7 summit, has scheduled the gathering in Evian-les-Bains from June 15 to 17. The dates were adjusted to accommodate an event Trump is hosting at the White House on June 14 to mark his 80th birthday, according to sources familiar with the planning.

Trump’s relations with several G7 leaders have deteriorated amid tensions over his administration’s war with Iran and broader disagreements on security and diplomacy.

He has also issued repeated criticism of NATO, a defense alliance that includes all G7 members except Japan.Sources said it was not yet confirmed whether Trump would attend the Evian summit, and his absence would risk undermining the meeting at a time when Washington has expressed skepticism about multilateral forums.

The invitation to Versailles, a 17th-century palace built under Louis XIV near Paris, is intended as a high-profile diplomatic gesture highlighting longstanding ties between France and the United States ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4.

A senior White House official confirmed that Macron had extended the invitation, but said Trump had not yet decided whether to attend the G7 summit or the Versailles event.

Macron’s office declined to comment. A French official said planning for any bilateral visit remains at an early stage and that the format of the reception has yet to be finalized.

The vote, initially expected on Saturday, will now take place sometime next week, according to two diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of council discussions.

Bahrain, which holds the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council this month, had significantly watered down the resolution in an effort to secure consensus among the council’s 15 members.

The revised draft authorizes defensive measures to ensure safe passage of commercial vessels through the strait, stopping short of the offensive military action initially backed by Gulf states and the United States.

The delay underscores continued divisions within the council, with Russia and China still unwilling to support the modified proposal, diplomats said.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply typically flows, has become a focal point of international concern amid escalating conflict in the region, raising fears over energy security and global trade disruptions.

Bahrain has been seeking unanimous backing for the resolution, but the postponement highlights the challenges of achieving agreement among major powers on how to respond to the the crisis.

Iranian authorities said the aircraft was shot down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ aerospace defense systems, describing the jet as “completely obliterated” and confirming that search operations were ongoing. U.S. media reported that one of the two crew members had been rescued by American special forces, while efforts continued to recover the second.

The U.S. Central Command did not immediately comment on the incident, though the White House said President Donald Trump had been briefed. In remarks to NBC, Trump said the loss would not affect ongoing negotiations with Iran, stating, “No, not at all. No, it’s war.

”Iranian state media indicated that authorities had offered a “valuable reward” for the capture of any surviving crew member, underscoring the urgency and strategic importance attached to the recovery effort.

In a separate development, Iran’s military said it had also struck a U.S. A-10 ground attack aircraft in the Gulf, while U.S. media reported that the pilot in that incident had been rescued. There was no immediate confirmation from U.S. officials.

The incident comes amid an escalating conflict that began more than a month ago following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a broader regional confrontation. The conflict has disrupted economic activity across the Middle East and raised concerns over global energy security.U.S.

Central Command said earlier this week that American forces had flown more than 13,000 missions and struck over 12,300 targets during operations in Iran. Despite sustained bombardment, analysts say Iran retains operational air defense capabilities.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the downing likely reflected continued effectiveness of Iran’s residual defenses. He noted that U.S. aircraft flying at lower altitudes may be more exposed to threats, adding that portable shoulder-fired missiles were a plausible cause.

Mark Cancian, a defense adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said such systems are harder to detect and could explain the aircraft loss. He described the broader U.S. air campaign as successful but noted that even limited losses can carry political consequences domestically.

Retired U.S. brigadier general Houston Cantwell said survival training for downed pilots prioritizes concealment and communication to enable recovery while avoiding capture. He added that both sides typically attempt to intercept or manipulate signals during such operations.

The downing represents the first U.S. jet loss in combat since 2003, when an aircraft was struck over Baghdad and the pilot was safely recovered. Rescue missions in contested environments often rely on helicopters, which Cantwell said are particularly vulnerable due to their slower speed and lower altitude.

The U.S. military has previously acknowledged other aircraft losses during the current conflict, including a tanker crash in Iraq and several fighter jets downed in friendly fire incidents involving allied forces.

The move, announced by Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram, will redirect procurement spending toward domestic suppliers and allied countries, according to an Israeli defense spokeswoman.

Policy rift deepensIsrael said the decision was in response to several French actions, including recognition of a Palestinian state, exclusion of Israeli firms from defense exhibitions, and a ban on Israeli aircraft carrying munitions for operations against Iran from transiting French airspace.

“The French ban was imposed despite prior coordination,” the spokeswoman said, adding that Israel viewed the measures as harmful to bilateral defense cooperation.

France’s presidency said its position was consistent with its policy since the start of the conflict, after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Paris for not allowing Israel-bound military flights to cross its airspace.

According to a French parliamentary report, Israel’s procurement from French defense firms totaled about $260 million between 2015 and 2024, primarily involving components rather than complete weapons systems.

France does not directly export arms to Israel but supplies parts used in broader defense production chains.

The decision signals a further deterioration in defense ties between the two countries as the regional conflict intensifies following a military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.

Israel’s defense ministry said it viewed the developments “with great severity,” warning of potential long-term impacts on strategic cooperation.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, the 44-year-old lawmaker said a future administration under his leadership would improve upon that of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, drawing parallels with Trump’s return to office.

“Bolsonaro 2.0 will also be much better,” he told attendees, adding that electoral integrity would be critical to his campaign. He called for “free and fair elections” and urged international scrutiny to ensure democratic processes are upheld.

Flavio Bolsonaro is widely expected to emerge as the principal challenger to incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who at 80 is seeking a fourth term. With seven months until the vote, opinion polls indicate a closely contested race between the two figures.

The senator has sought to distinguish himself as more moderate than his father while maintaining a hardline stance on public security, an issue that remains central to conservative voters.During his address, Bolsonaro reiterated claims that the administration of former U.S. president Joe Biden interfered in Brazil’s 2022 election, which brought Lula back to power.

He did not provide evidence for the allegation.Brazil’s Supreme Court last year sentenced Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison after convicting him of leading a scheme aimed at preventing Lula from taking office.

The former president has denied wrongdoing, describing the case as politically motivated.global alignment and messagingFlavio Bolsonaro’s remarks underscore a broader effort to align with international conservative movements, particularly those associated with Trump-era policies.

He also called for global attention to Brazil’s democratic institutions, urging diplomatic pressure to safeguard freedom of expression and institutional functioning.

His appearance at CPAC highlights the increasing role of transnational political alliances as Brazil’s election approaches, with both domestic and international narratives shaping the campaign.

Taiwan has repeatedly flagged delays in U.S. arms shipments, as it faces mounting military pressure from China, which claims the island as its territory. The United States remains Taiwan’s primary security partner and arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

The United States approved an $8 billion sale in 2019 involving Lockheed Martin, aimed at expanding Taiwan’s fleet to more than 200 F-16 aircraft. The programme has encountered setbacks, including software-related issues that slowed delivery timelines.

Deputy Defence Minister Hsu Szu-chien, accompanied by Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Tien Chung-yi, visited the F-16V assembly line in South Carolina earlier this week to inspect the first completed aircraft, the ministry said.

Lockheed Martin has assigned several hundred personnel to the programme, and production is proceeding at full capacity on a two-shift schedule, with no reported bottlenecks in parts supply or manpower, according to Taiwan’s statement.

The F-16V fighter jets represent a new configuration tailored for Taiwan, requiring ongoing test flights to refine avionics and systems performance. The defence ministry said these tests must be conducted carefully before full delivery proceeds.

Taiwan has already upgraded 141 older F-16A/B aircraft to the F-16V standard and has ordered 66 new jets equipped with enhanced radar, weapons systems and avionics designed to counter advanced aircraft such as J-20 fighter jet deployed by China.

Lockheed Martin said it was working closely with the U.S. government to accelerate deliveries and remained committed to supporting Taiwan’s defence requirements.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said the targeting of Saudi sovereignty, civilian infrastructure, diplomatic missions and economic interests constituted a breach of international norms. It added that the actions violated the Beijing Agreement and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), as well as principles governing state sovereignty and good neighborly relations.

Saudi authorities notified the Iranian embassy that its military attaché, assistant military attaché and three additional staff members had been declared persona non grata and must leave the Kingdom within 24 hours, according to the statement.

The ministry reiterated a previous warning issued on March 9 that continued attacks would represent further escalation and have a “profound impact” on bilateral relations. It also restated the Kingdom’s “categorical condemnation” of Iranian actions against Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council states and other Arab and Islamic countries.

Saudi Arabia said it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and sovereignty, invoking its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. The statement framed the expulsions as part of a broader response to what it described as repeated violations affecting civilian and strategic targets.

The ministry did not provide additional operational details on the alleged attacks but linked them to a pattern of actions undermining regional stability and diplomatic commitments.

The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia warning that continued escalation could have serious consequences for regional relations. The reference to the Beijing Agreement underscores the strain on recent diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing ties between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia’s statement did not indicate any immediate diplomatic follow-up beyond the expulsions but emphasized that further actions would depend on developments on the ground.

The development follows detailed discussions in parliament, where lawmakers have emphasized the need to modernize export rules without undermining Switzerland’s role as a responsible and stable actor in international security.

The lower house recently approved the proposed legal adjustments, opening the way for more flexibility in how export decisions are made.

The upper house is expected to vote on the measure shortly, and political observers believe it is likely to move forward given the broad recognition of the pressures facing the domestic industry.

Under current rules, Switzerland blocks weapons exports to countries engaged in internal or external conflicts or accused of serious human rights violations.

These restrictions have long shaped the nation’s cautious approach, ensuring that Swiss-made equipment is not used to escalate regional tensions or contribute to humanitarian risks.

Even under the revised framework, direct exports to active conflict zones, including Ukraine, will remain prohibited.

Officials have repeatedly underscored that this safeguard will not change, reaffirming Switzerland’s commitment to preventing the misuse of its manufactured systems.

The proposed adjustments shift greater discretion to the Federal Council, allowing it to evaluate specific cases where easing restrictions may reduce the risk of indirect or unintended supply to conflict-linked regions.

This approach is designed to provide flexibility during exceptional circumstances while keeping ethical and diplomatic considerations at the center of decision-making.

The amendment originally proposed earlier this year includes mechanisms that allow temporary exceptions when strategic or economic conditions demand it.

Swiss leaders have described this as a pragmatic middle path that strengthens oversight while providing industry partners with clearer expectations.

Supporters of the reform argue that Swiss manufacturers have been placed at a competitive disadvantage due to the country’s highly restrictive rules.

They note that several European partners allow more tailored export decisions, enabling their industries to maintain long-term contracts and international collaborations.

Swiss companies warn that without regulatory adjustments, production chains, research capabilities, and high-skilled jobs could come under increasing pressure.

The new law aims to address these concerns without diluting Switzerland’s moral and political obligations.

Balancing neutrality with industry stability has been a recurring challenge for the country.

By refining the export framework instead of abandoning restrictions altogether, policymakers say they are protecting both ethical standards and economic vitality.

The process reflects Switzerland’s broader strategy of adapting to evolving geopolitical realities while maintaining credibility in global diplomacy.

The proposal has also sparked discussions among civil society groups, some of which may push for a referendum if the reform is officially approved.

Public debate remains focused on ensuring that any change continues to uphold Switzerland’s humanitarian values and international commitments.

If adopted, the revised law would take effect in a phased manner, allowing regulators time to implement oversight procedures, strengthen transparency measures, and update compliance checks for manufacturers.

The government has said it plans to keep monitoring outcomes closely to ensure the system remains aligned with Switzerland’s neutral identity.

As Switzerland moves forward, the emphasis on responsibility, controlled flexibility, and stable economic policy has positioned the reform as a step intended to support national interests without compromising long-held principles.