22 September 2025
US
The Pentagon introduced new restrictions on journalism and reporter access. War Secretary Hegseth introduced a new “pledge” that journalists at the Pentagon are “not to gather any information, including unclassified reports, that hasn’t been authorized for release.” Journalists who report on information that has not been approved for release by the Department face having their credentials revoked.
Europe
On Saturday, a cyberattack at a provider of check-in and boarding systems disrupted operations at several major European airports, including London’s Heathrow, the continent’s busiest, causing flight delays and cancellations.
France is rumoured to formally recognize a Palestinian state, following the UK, Australia and Canada. This also comes as nine pigs’ heads were found outside mosques in the country. Investigators are looking into foreign interference as French Muslims are on alert.
Palestine
On Sunday, the U.K., Australia and Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state, prompting an angry response from Israel. The moves by the three countries prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say that the establishment of a Palestinian state “will not happen,” while Hamas urged the international community to isolate Israel.
Hamas wrote a letter to President Trump asking for a 60-day truce in Gaza for half of the Israeli hostages kidnapped during the 7 October attacks. A source familiar with the letter says that the letter is in Qatar and will be handed to Trump next week.
United Nations
The United Nations General Assembly, the annual meeting of the group begins on Tuesday. Dignitaries from around the world are headed to New York. As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week: “International cooperation is straining under pressures unseen in our lifetimes.”
Democratic Republic of Congo
The DRC Army launched air strikes on M23 positions in North Kivu following two days os clashes between the M23 and pro-government Wazalendo militia. This comes as a peace deal between the government and the M23 is on the verge of collapse. The M23 made a resurgence in 2021 with suspected support from the Rwandan government.
North Korea
Kim Jong-un is open to talks with President Trump, if the US drops the demand for North Korea to denuclearize. This also comes as there are reports that Russia has given nuclear submarine reactor technology to North Korea. This technology reportedly comprises of reactor cores, turbines and cooling systems removed from decommissioned Russian submarines.
Social Media Wires
A video purportedly showing Russian grade one children in camouflage in the Kursk region.
Feature Photo: “Russian Navy SSBN Generalissimus Suvorov” – Wikimedia Commons, 2025
The Wires Brief is a weekly breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates.