Begin your Thursday informed with SOFREP’s morning brief, covering the latest defense and global affairs stories for May 15, 2025. Trump visited al-Udeid Base to boost Gulf ties and defense deals. He sanctioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor over Israel war crimes probes, crippling the court. Tensions rise ahead of his meeting with South Africa’s president over refugee and aid issues. The US urged NATO allies to raise defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Russia sent a delegation—but not Putin—to Istanbul peace talks, prompting criticism. Australia and Indonesia deepened defense and trade ties. India killed 10 militants in Manipur during a border operation.
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Trump Visits al-Udeid Base, Pushes Gulf Partnerships and Middle East Reset
President Donald Trump visited al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday as part of a four-day Gulf tour aimed at rejecting past US interventionism and promoting economic and defense partnerships.
The base, a key hub during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and recent airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis, now houses around 8,000 US troops.
Trump praised Gulf allies like Qatar and Saudi Arabia for their development models and sought to entice Iran toward a new nuclear deal.
Before addressing troops, Trump met with executives from Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Al Rabban Capital. He also signed multiple bilateral and defense agreements with Qatar, including the sale of American-made MQ-9B Reaper drones. Trump previewed a US airpower demonstration set for Friday.
President Trump Delivers Remarks to Troops at Al Udeid Air Base, May 15, 2025 https://t.co/ey4MjZP9af
Begin your Thursday informed with SOFREP’s morning brief, covering the latest defense and global affairs stories for May 15, 2025. Trump visited al-Udeid Base to boost Gulf ties and defense deals. He sanctioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor over Israel war crimes probes, crippling the court. Tensions rise ahead of his meeting with South Africa’s president over refugee and aid issues. The US urged NATO allies to raise defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Russia sent a delegation—but not Putin—to Istanbul peace talks, prompting criticism. Australia and Indonesia deepened defense and trade ties. India killed 10 militants in Manipur during a border operation.
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Trump Visits al-Udeid Base, Pushes Gulf Partnerships and Middle East Reset
President Donald Trump visited al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday as part of a four-day Gulf tour aimed at rejecting past US interventionism and promoting economic and defense partnerships.
The base, a key hub during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and recent airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis, now houses around 8,000 US troops.
Trump praised Gulf allies like Qatar and Saudi Arabia for their development models and sought to entice Iran toward a new nuclear deal.
Before addressing troops, Trump met with executives from Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Al Rabban Capital. He also signed multiple bilateral and defense agreements with Qatar, including the sale of American-made MQ-9B Reaper drones. Trump previewed a US airpower demonstration set for Friday.
President Trump Delivers Remarks to Troops at Al Udeid Air Base, May 15, 2025 https://t.co/ey4MjZP9af
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 15, 2025
Later Thursday, Trump will continue his Middle East trip in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and meeting with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Watan palace.
During the visit, Trump reaffirmed support for Syria’s new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, praising him despite his militant past. Trump called al-Sharaa a “fighter” and encouraged him to take over control of ISIS prisons currently held by Kurdish forces — a move that could enable further US troop reductions in Syria. The remarks follow Trump’s recent announcement to ease sanctions on Syria and recognize al-Sharaa’s government.
Trump Sanctions Cripple ICC Operations, Target Chief Prosecutor Over Israel War Crimes Probe
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing severe operational disruptions after US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping sanctions on its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, following the court’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
The sanctions—imposed in February—have frozen Khan’s bank accounts, disabled his official email, and barred ICC staff from traveling to the US without risking arrest.
The Trump administration accuses the ICC of targeting Israel and the US with “illegitimate” actions. The court’s case against Israeli leaders alleges war crimes, including blocking humanitarian aid and targeting civilians during the Gaza conflict. Trump’s order blocks US citizens and entities from providing support to Khan, effectively cutting the ICC off from American-based technology, funding, and non-governmental organization (NGO) collaboration.
The sanctions have crippled ongoing ICC investigations, including probes into atrocities in Sudan. ICC staff report that major partners have pulled support, and at least six senior officials have resigned. Microsoft shut down Khan’s email, and contractors fear US legal retaliation for any continued cooperation. American ICC personnel have been warned not to return to the US.
Three lawsuits are underway challenging the legality of the sanctions, and one American prosecutor recently won temporary legal protection. However, ICC staff say the pressure is escalating, and morale has plummeted.
Trump’s actions follow a pattern. In 2020, his administration sanctioned Khan’s predecessor over investigations into US military conduct in Afghanistan. President Joe Biden reversed those measures, but Trump reinstated his aggressive stance after returning to office in January.
Meanwhile, Khan faces unrelated internal controversy. A United Nations (UN) investigation is examining allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation by the prosecutor, charges he denies. As key allies withhold cooperation and enforcement of ICC warrants weakens, court officials say the institution’s survival is uncertain under the current U.S. administration.
Trump to Meet Ramaphosa Amid Tensions Over White Farmer Refugee Program and Sanctions
President Donald Trump will host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House on May 21 amid heightened tensions over Trump’s accusations that white farmers in South Africa are facing “genocide.”
The South African government denies the allegations and says the attacks are part of the country’s broader violent crime problem, not racially motivated.
The meeting comes days after the US admitted 59 white South Africans as refugees—part of what the Trump administration says is a broader relocation plan for Afrikaner farmers.
Trump has heavily criticized South Africa’s affirmative action and land expropriation laws, labeling them as “racist” and “anti-white,” and issued an executive order in February cutting all US aid to the country.
Trump also condemned South Africa’s foreign policy, accusing it of hostility toward the US and its allies, including support for Hamas and Iran. The order cited South Africa’s genocide charge against Israel at the International Court of Justice as evidence of its “anti-American stance.”
Ramaphosa’s office stated the visit is aimed at resetting US-South Africa relations. He maintains that Trump’s claims are based on misinformation and reiterated his intent to engage diplomatically.
🇿🇦 President Cyril Ramaphosa Heads to the USA 🇺🇸
President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to the United States of America from 19 to 22 May 2025, this will include a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on the 21st of May.
🔗 Read more:… pic.twitter.com/AVm7NXedQN
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 15, 2025
The meeting will mark Trump’s first with an African leader since returning to office in January.
US Pushes NATO Allies to Boost Defense Spending to 5% of GDP by 2032
NATO foreign ministers met Thursday in Antalya, Turkey, to debate a US-backed proposal to raise defense spending targets to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2032, amid shifting American focus toward global threats beyond Europe, including China.
The plan would include 3.5% for direct defense budgets and 1.5% for related infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and ports that could support military operations.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for increased investment to counter threats from Russia, terrorism, and China.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the alliance’s strength depends on every member contributing its share, saying NATO must adapt to 21st-century threats.
The new proposal, set for further discussion ahead of the June 24–25 NATO summit in the Netherlands, comes as only 22 of 32 NATO members currently meet the previous 2% defense spending goal. Several nations, including Canada, Spain, and Italy, still fall short. Lithuania and the United Kingdom pushed for faster action, citing the urgency of countering Russia’s military build-up.
President Trump’s past warnings that the US might not defend under-spending allies continue to pressure members. As NATO assesses future roles beyond Europe, especially in the Indo-Pacific, the scope of allied commitments under growing American expectations remains uncertain.
Russia Sends Delegation to Istanbul Talks Without Putin, Drawing Western Criticism
Russia’s delegation arrived in Istanbul on Thursday for peace talks with Ukraine, but President Vladimir Putin was absent, prompting criticism from Kyiv and Western officials over Moscow’s commitment to a serious peace effort.
The Kremlin named Putin aide Vladimir Medinsky to lead the delegation, joined by three senior officials and four experts. Putin instead held a preparatory meeting in Moscow with top defense and security leaders.
On Wednesday evening, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting to discuss arrangements for talks with Ukraine, due to take place today in Istanbul, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters:https://t.co/hRmXK7daoA
Video: Kremlin. ru pic.twitter.com/1e7DHMlFgv
— TASS (@tassagency_en) May 15, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had challenged Putin to meet face-to-face in Turkey. Ukrainian officials said Zelenskyy would attend talks only if Putin did. It remains unclear if Ukraine’s delegation will meet the Russian team, with updates expected following Zelenskyy’s meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Putin rejected a proposed 30-day ceasefire and instead called for renewed negotiations, reviving a process that began in Istanbul in 2022 but quickly collapsed. The Kremlin accused Kyiv and the West of prolonging the war, while Ukraine said Russia’s demands were ultimatums.
The talks follow months of US-led diplomatic pressure.
President Trump had urged both leaders to meet but dismissed Putin’s absence, stating, “I didn’t think it was possible for Putin to go if I’m not there.”
“I didn’t think it was possible for Putin to go if I’m not there”
US President Donald Trump tells reporters in Doha he “wasn’t planning” to attend Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Turkey https://t.co/91BJhjPUju pic.twitter.com/Z9ri5E2UDS
— Bloomberg (@business) May 15, 2025
Albanese Meets Indonesia’s Subianto to Deepen Economic, Defense Ties
Australia’s reelected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Thursday, underscoring Canberra’s push to strengthen economic and defense relations with its key regional neighbor.
The visit comes just days after Albanese’s Labor Party secured a second term in a decisive election win.
Welcomed at Merdeka Palace with a full ceremonial guard and cheering schoolchildren, Albanese hailed Indonesia as a strategic partner and described Subianto as a “good friend.” Talks between the two leaders are expected to yield concrete agreements in areas including food security, energy, and trade.
The visit also reaffirmed the countries’ shared stance on regional security. Indonesia assured Australia that it would not allow Russia to base long-range bombers in Papua, dismissing concerns raised during Australia’s recent election campaign.
Both nations maintain cooperation despite differing approaches to the US-China rivalry.
We’re working with Indonesia to grow our economies, boost jobs, and deliver a more secure region.
President @prabowo, thank you for hosting me. pic.twitter.com/0naD07M6vX
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 15, 2025
Albanese’s trip marks his second visit to Indonesia since taking office in 2022 and follows the signing of a landmark Defense Cooperation Agreement last year, which expanded joint military activities. Albanese heads to Rome Friday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
Indian Army Kills 10 Militants in Ongoing Operation in Border State of Manipur
The Indian Army reported killing at least 10 militants during an ongoing operation in Manipur, a violence-hit northeastern state bordering Myanmar.
Troops recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition during the firefight, the Indian Army confirmed Wednesday on X.
Acting on specific intelligence on movement of armed cadres nearby New Samtal village, Khengjoy Tehsil, #Chandel District near the #Indo_MyanmarBorder, #AssamRifles unit under #SpearCorps launched an operation on 14 May 2025.
During the operation,… pic.twitter.com/KLgyuRSg11
— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) May 14, 2025
The operation follows reports that Indian insurgents, previously sheltering in Myanmar and fighting in its civil war, have begun crossing back into Manipur. The region has faced instability since Myanmar’s 2021 military coup and escalating ethnic conflict in Manipur itself since May 2023.
Manipur has seen nearly 260 deaths and over 60,000 people displaced due to ethnic clashes between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki population in the hill regions. The 1,650-kilometer (1,025-mile) shared border with Myanmar remains a flashpoint for cross-border militant activity and unrest.
Sources: News Agencies
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