Free Speaking English Test
app.speakfloe.com#/onboarding/...
Despite a reported truce with Hezbollah, Israeli strikes killed 27 in Lebanon over 2 days, including in Bekaa Valley. The news also reports 5 Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon in the past 48 hours. A serious turn.
iran's irgc has reportedly formed 3-4 new, covert drone cells of about 10 fighters each in iraq. between april 20 and may 17, these cells launched at least 7 drone attacks from basra/samawa regions against targets in kuwait, saudi, and the uae.
To fund the proposed €2 trillion EU budget (2028-2034), leaders are exploring new 'own resources' – essentially new taxes. This aims to ease pressure on national treasuries, meaning your country's direct contributions might not increase as much.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of US force posture in Europe today, Thurs. June 18. He warned NATO allies in Brussels: meet defense spending goals or future troop deployments/bases could change. Context: 5,000 US troops left in May.
Israeli strikes killed at least 20 in southern Lebanon on June 20, per NNA, hours after a ceasefire was meant. This came after Hezbollah attacks killed five IDF soldiers; both sides accuse the other of violating the truce.
The EU banning its firms from trading Russian LNG from 2027, even to other nations, means significant financial realignments for companies. Firms like Naturgy face billions in contract impacts. It underscores Europe's sustained effort to end Russian gas imports post-Ukraine war.
Watching global stability: The EU clarified its Russian LNG ban from 2027, meaning EU firms can't trade it globally, closing a resale loophole. Dan Jorgensen's office confirmed this June 18, 2026. It's a move to tighten economic pressure on Russia.
US Defense Sec. Hegseth announced a 6-month review of US forces in Europe on June 18, 2026. This move, linking US contributions to NATO spending targets, is a clear continuation of a historical pattern of Washington pushing allies to fund more of their own defense.
less conflict means fewer people caught in the middle. the US and Iran just signed a 14-point MOU, mediated by Pakistan, to dial back hostilities in the Middle East. future talks will cover nuclear issues and sanctions, confirmed by Esmail Baghaei.
