SOFREP Daily: Pentagon Moves to Discharge Transgender Troops, Iran Boosts Uranium Stockpile, North Korea Bolsters Russian Forces

Good morning! It’s Thursday, February 27, 2025. Stay informed with your essential briefing on defense and global affairs.

Pentagon Moves to Discharge Transgender Troops

The US military will begin discharging transgender service members unless they obtain a waiver, according to a new Pentagon memo filed in court.

The policy, expanding on restrictions previously enacted by US President Donald Trump, effectively bans transgender individuals from serving.

The memo mandates the identification of transgender troops within 30 days and their removal within 60 days unless they meet strict waiver criteria.

🚨🇺🇸PENTAGON ORDERS TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS IDENTIFIED & SEPARATED

A newly released DoD memo directs the U.S. military to identify all service members with gender dysphoria or those who have transitioned within 30 days.

Unless granted a waiver, they will be medically… pic.twitter.com/6B7EwKx8qX

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 27, 2025

The Pentagon argues the ban aligns with military readiness and cohesion, while advocates call it an unprecedented purge, violating constitutional protections.

A lawsuit filed by LGBTQ+ rights groups challenges the policy as discriminatory.

Despite declining public support, a majority of Americans still favor allowing transgender individuals to serve.

Trump Slashes Foreign Aid, Cutting 90 Percent of USAID Contracts

The Trump administration has announced sweeping cuts to US foreign aid, eliminating over 90 percent of US Agency for International Development (USAID) contracts and slashing $60 billion in assistance worldwide.

The move, backed by ally Elon Musk and framed as a cost-cutting effort, abruptly halts thousands of programs, including those combating global health crises and food insecurity.

Trump admin cutting more than 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts: docs https://t.co/IPI9D0QVhB pic.twitter.com/OaAGfAyoub

— New York Post (@nypost) February 27, 2025

The cuts have triggered lawsuits from nonprofits and contractors owed billions, with critics accusing the administration of bypassing Congress and the courts.

A federal judge ordered the funding freeze lifted, but the Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the ruling.

The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, has defended the terminations as necessary reforms, while lawmakers and aid groups warn of severe global consequences.

Iran Boosts Uranium Stockpile, Alarming Watchdogs

Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report revealing that Tehran now possesses 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent—a short step from weapons-grade levels.

This marks a sharp rise from previous levels and follows Iran’s vow to escalate production in response to an IAEA censure.

BREAKING 🔴

Iran has accelerated production of 60% enriched uranium, nearing weapons-grade levels, as tensions with the U.S. rise. An IAEA report reveals Iran’s stockpile grew to 274.8 kg (605.8 lbs) by Feb. 8, up 92.5 kg since November.

The report warns that Iran, the only… pic.twitter.com/LZAsZAKkyd

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 26, 2025

The country has also introduced advanced centrifuges while limiting cooperation with UN inspectors.

Despite Tehran’s insistence that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the IAEA warns that Iran is the only non-nuclear-armed state enriching uranium to this extent.

The stockpile now exceeds limits set in the 2015 nuclear deal by more than 40 times, while diplomatic efforts to revive the agreement remain stalled.

The US has imposed fresh sanctions, and Iran refuses direct negotiations, fueling tensions ahead of the upcoming IAEA board meeting.

European Union Delivers Military Aid to Ghana to Fight Extremism

The European Union has provided Ghana with a 50-million-euro ($52-million) military aid package to strengthen its security forces as West Africa faces rising threats from jihadist and extremist groups.

The package includes advanced communication systems, civil engineering equipment, and riverine assets to enhance border security, intelligence-sharing, and counterterrorism efforts.

This follows the EU’s previous delivery of 105 militarized vehicles in 2023, with further defense support planned through 2026.

Witnessed the hand over of equipment funded by the EU to strengthen Ghana’s Armed Forces in order to secure safety, prosperity and democracy within and beyond it’s borders. Only by working together we can ensure progress and growth for all of us! pic.twitter.com/SBFHqU5W2M

— NLAmbassadorGhana (@Verheul_Jeroen) February 26, 2025

Ghana’s Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah praised the EU’s support, emphasizing its role in safeguarding citizens and democratic values.

National security officials highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to combat cross-border instability, organized crime, and illicit activities like smuggling.

The EU’s assistance aligns with broader international efforts to curb the spread of jihadist violence from the Sahel into coastal states like Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin.

However, analysts warn that military aid alone will not stop the violence without addressing the root causes, such as governance challenges and economic instability in rural areas.

Hamas Signals Talks as Israel Receives Hostages’ Remains

Hamas has signaled readiness to negotiate the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire after completing a prisoner and hostage exchange.

In the final swap under the current truce, Hamas handed over the remains of four hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli officials confirmed the identities of three bodies, including two hostages abducted alive and one killed in the October 7, 2023, attack.

Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel under the Gaza ceasefire deal arrive to a cheering crowd in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah. The bodies of four Israeli hostages have also been handed over by Hamas.

🎥: AFP pic.twitter.com/n6926FdjkA

— Zoom News (@zoomnewskrd) February 27, 2025

The truce, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, is set to expire this weekend.

While negotiations for a second phase have yet to begin, Hamas insists that further hostage releases depend on Israel’s commitment to continued talks.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains determined to eliminate Hamas, raising uncertainty about whether the ceasefire will hold.

Since the war began, Hamas has released hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, an estimated 59 captives remain in Gaza, with at least 32 presumed dead.

Israel’s military campaign has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, displaced 90 percent of Gaza’s population, and devastated its infrastructure.

The fate of the ceasefire remains uncertain as both sides prepare for the next phase of negotiations.

Taiwan Deploys Military as China Stages War Games

Taiwan dispatched military forces on Wednesday in response to China’s live-fire drills near the island, condemning them as a serious threat to regional security.

China deployed 32 aircraft and designated a drill zone just 40 nautical miles off Taiwan’s southern coast, prompting Taipei to monitor and respond with sea, air, and land forces.

Taiwan’s defense ministry accused China of violating international norms and escalating tensions.

Taiwan dispatched forces on Wednesday after China announced “live-fire” drills 40 miles off Taiwan’s southwestern coast without advance notice.

China deployed 32 aircraft around Taiwan as part of the joint combat drills.

Taipei’s defence ministry condemned the exercises as… pic.twitter.com/0ZUJDWjy9T

— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) February 26, 2025

The drills come amid rising concerns over China’s increased military presence in the Taiwan Strait, following similar exercises near Vietnam and Australia.

Taiwan recently seized a Chinese-crewed cargo ship suspected of severing a telecom cable, fueling fears that China could target communication links as part of a potential blockade or invasion strategy.

Taiwan remains a key flashpoint in US-China tensions, with Washington providing arms to Taipei under the Taiwan Relations Act but maintaining “strategic ambiguity” on military intervention.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s newly elected President Lai Ching-te is strengthening economic and defense ties with the US amid growing pressure from Beijing.

North Korea Bolsters Russian Forces as Casualties Mount

South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that North Korea has sent additional troops to Russia after suffering heavy casualties in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) is assessing the exact number of new deployments, which reportedly include soldiers redeployed to Russia’s Kursk region in early February.

North Korea has already supplied significant military aid to Russia, including thousands of troops and conventional weapons.

However, its soldiers, lacking combat experience and familiarity with the battlefield, have been heavily targeted by Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes.

🔴 North Korea appears to have sent additional troops to Russia to assist its war against Ukraine, South Korean intelligence indicates, according to Newsis. pic.twitter.com/WdMN4STiJN

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) February 27, 2025

Estimates of North Korean casualties vary, with South Korea’s NIS reporting 3,000 wounded or killed, while Ukrainian sources claim up to 4,000.

The growing military collaboration raises concerns that Russia may compensate North Korea with advanced weapons technology, potentially accelerating its nuclear weapons program.

As diplomatic talks between Russia and the US take shape, analysts believe Kim Jong Un may continue sending troops to secure further support from Moscow before the war ends.

UK Urges US to Support Ukraine Security Plan

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged the US to provide a security “backstop” for any European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, arguing that only American support can ensure lasting peace rather than a temporary ceasefire.

Heading to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump, Starmer reiterated Britain’s willingness to participate in peacekeeping efforts but stressed that US involvement is essential to deter future Russian aggression.

Trump has distanced the US from its previous strong support for Ukraine, leaving European nations scrambling to present a united front.

While some countries, such as France, are open to deploying troops, others, including Poland, are not.

Ahead of his visit to Washington today, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been coordinating with allies to ask for a US “backstop” security guarantee to safeguard peacekeeping troops and prevent escalation. 👉 https://t.co/NicFLyMJvH pic.twitter.com/kNKujfL8wR

— POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) February 27, 2025

Russia, meanwhile, has dismissed any discussion of European peacekeepers.

Starmer follows French President Emmanuel Macron in seeking US security commitments, but Trump has been reluctant, stating that Europe should take the lead.

The British prime minister is aiming to strengthen ties with Washington while carefully avoiding direct criticism of Trump’s controversial statements on Ukraine.

The outcome of Starmer’s visit remains uncertain as he attempts to secure American backing for European-led peace efforts.

Sources: News Agencies, Reuters, State Department