U.S. And Morocco Sign Defence Cooperation Framework

THE BRIEFING 

Here’s what’s happening in geopolitics today.

Tensions are rising at sea, with the U.S. tightening its blockade on Iran and fresh incidents unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz. On land, the fallout continues; from a deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon to cracks emerging in Europe’s flagship defence project.

Meanwhile, diplomacy hasn’t disappeared entirely, with Mexico and Spain looking to reset relations amid a shifting global landscape.

The multipolar world continues to deliver as Morocco and the U.S. sign their defence cooperation framework.

THE LAST 24 HOURS IN GEOPOLITICS 

1. US forces turn 23 vessels back to Iran, enforcing blockade
U.S. naval forces have turned back at least 23 vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports as part of an ongoing maritime blockade, according to U.S. Central Command. The ships complied with orders to reverse course without confrontation, as Washington steps up efforts to restrict Iran’s economic activity, particularly its oil exports.
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2. 2 Indian-flagged ships fired upon in Hormuz
Two Indian-flagged vessels were fired upon by Iranian gunboats while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, forcing both ships to turn back amid escalating tensions in the vital shipping lane. Officials said no injuries or damage were reported, but the incident prompted India to summon Iran’s ambassador and lodge a formal protest. The attack comes as Iran reimposes restrictions on the strait following a U.S. naval blockade.
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3. French soldier killed in attack on UN peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon
A French soldier serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon has been killed in an attack on a UNIFIL patrol, with three other peacekeepers wounded, two of them seriously. The soldier was part of a unit clearing a route to access an isolated position when they were ambushed, with French officials indicating the attack was likely carried out by Hezbollah militants. The incident comes just days after a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect.
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4. Franco-German FCAS fighter jet talks stall as mediators fail to resolve dispute
Talks over the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet have stalled after mediation efforts failed to resolve a long-running dispute between key industrial partners. The disagreement centres on control of the €100 billion project, with France’s Dassault Aviation and Airbus (representing Germany and Spain) clashing over leadership and workshare. Officials are now weighing next steps, with some reports suggesting the joint fighter jet itself may no longer be viable, even as cooperation could continue on related systems such as drones and combat software.
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5. Mexico’s Sheinbaum travels to Spain for ‘progressive’ tension-easing talks
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has travelled to Barcelona to attend a summit of progressive global leaders, aimed at strengthening cooperation among left-leaning governments. During the visit, she is also holding talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in a bid to ease tensions between the two countries following years of diplomatic strain over historical issues. The trip marks a significant step toward restoring bilateral relations, with both sides signalling a willingness to expand cooperation.
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