Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, NATO set a new defence target, protests erupted across continents, and major diplomatic shifts unfolded from DR Congo to Ukraine and Canada.

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Iran and Israel agree ceasefire after 12 days of conflict

Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire after 12 days of intense air strikes, marking their most severe recent confrontation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed a “historic victory,” claiming key nuclear and missile threats were neutralised. However, early US intelligence indicates the damage was mostly superficial, with underground nuclear infrastructure largely untouched. The White House rejected these reports, with President Trump insisting the sites were “completely destroyed.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed US claims, calling the ceasefire a “victory” for Iran and accusing Washington of exaggeration. Iran’s parliament has since approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), limiting inspections of nuclear facilities. The IAEA’s Rafael Grossi confirmed Iran retains the capacity to resume enrichment within months. Despite tensions, he called for renewed diplomatic engagement. 

NATO allies agree on 5% defence spending target

NATO members have agreed to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, with at least 3.5% dedicated to core military needs, Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced at a summit in The Hague. The remaining funds will support infrastructure, cyber defence, and related capabilities. The move responds to pressure from the US, especially President Trump, and addresses threats from Russia and China.

Trump criticised Spain’s refusal to adopt the 5% target by 2035, warning it could face tougher trade deals. He called Spain’s resistance “terrible” and “unfair,” given its strong economy. All members must report plans to meet NATO goals, with a full review due in 2029. Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s mutual defence commitment, emphasising the pact strengthens collective security amid growing global tensions.

DR Congo and Rwanda sign long-awaited peace deal in Washington

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington to address the conflict in eastern Congo, which has displaced hundreds of thousands since 2021. The deal, signed by both countries’ foreign ministers, was welcomed but seen as only a first step, with calls for ongoing US involvement.

Key parties like the M23 militia, Uganda, and Burundi remain outside the agreement, with M23 still controlling parts of eastern Congo. Critics warn the deal lacks justice measures and may risk legitimising foreign control over Congo’s resources, while violence continues.

Kenya faces renewed protests over police violence and accountability

Protests erupted in Nairobi on Wednesday (Jun. 25), marking one year since violent demonstrations against tax proposals and government policies. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds amid heightened security. The unrest was sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, with six individuals, including three officers, charged with his murder.

The protests reflect ongoing anger over police violence, accountability, and civil liberties. At least 10 people died during the recent unrest, with Amnesty Kenya reporting 16 fatalities, mostly from police gunfire. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen accused protesters of seeking “regime change,” while activists denied this, blaming police brutality and youth frustration.

Ukraine, Council of Europe sign agreement to establish tribunal

Ukraine and the Council of Europe have signed an agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. President Zelenskyy and Council Secretary General Alain Berset formalised the deal, which aims to hold those responsible for aggression accountable. The International Criminal Court currently lacks jurisdiction over this crime in Ukraine, prompting the tribunal’s creation.

Berset called the agreement a step towards justice and peace, while Zelenskyy stressed the need for effective prosecution of war crimes. The tribunal will operate with support from member and non-member states, as well as the EU. This initiative complements ongoing Council of Europe efforts to address conflict-related damages and victims’ claims.

Canada and EU deepen defence ties; US suspends trade talks over digital tax

Canada and the EU have signed a new security partnership in Brussels, strengthening defence ties amid uncertainty over US support under Donald Trump. The deal includes cooperation on crisis response, cyber threats, maritime security, and joint weapons procurement. It may grant Canada access to a €150 billion EU defence fund. Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled a shift from US arms reliance, with European alternatives to F-35 jets under review.

Separately, Canada’s introduction of a 3% digital services tax on major tech firms has led to a US backlash. President Trump suspended trade talks with Canada and threatened tariffs on imports, calling the tax a “blatant attack.” Canada confirmed the tax will proceed despite US objections, aiming to ensure digital giants pay a fair share of taxes.

Budapest Pride defies ban; protests rock Thailand and Serbia

Tens of thousands marched in Budapest on Saturday (Jun. 28) for the 30th annual Pride parade, defying a government ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party. The ban, enshrined in a constitutional amendment citing child protection and traditional values, threatens organisers with prison and protesters with fines. Despite increased police surveillance, the march proceeded peacefully, backed by Budapest’s mayor. The EU and rights groups condemned Hungary’s stance as discriminatory.

In Bangkok, around 6,000 protested against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra following a leaked call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen amid a border clash dispute. The Bhumjaithai party withdrew support, weakening her government.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands protested in Belgrade demanding early elections and President Aleksandar Vučić’s resignation, citing corruption and media repression. Vučić denied the claims and blamed foreign interference.

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