US News

• The Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin a $10.9 billion contract to modernize the F-22. [Link]
• Secretary of State Antony Blinken appoints two officials – Jonathan Moore and Margret Uyehara – to head the ‘Havana Syndrome’ task force. [Link]
• The US is planning more sanctions against Nicaragua. [Link]

China

• The risk of an accidental collision between the US and Chinese militaries continues to grow. [Link]
• Head of the House Intelligence Committee Rep. Adam Schiff calls for the US to be more clear about its defense commitment to Taiwan. [Link]

Afghanistan

• A baby given to US troops at the Kabul Airport is still missing. [Link]

Middle East

• Israel rejects a US plan to reopen its Palestinian diplomatic office in Jerusalem. Israel said the US should move the office to the West Bank. [Link]
• Iran’s President Raisi warmed the US against increased demands at the nuclear talks. [Link]
• The State Department approves a $650 million air-to-air missile sale to Saudi Arabia. [Link]
• The US military says the Iraqi military cannot operate without its support. [Link]
• Three pro-militia protesters were killed by Iraqi security forces in Baghdad. [Link]
• Iraq’s president survives an assassination attempt. Three drones were launched at the president’s residence with one hitting his home. [Link]