European leaders gather in Armenia to discuss security amid Trump troop cut threatsTrump troop cut threats
Nearly 50 European leaders and Canada's prime minister met in Yerevan, Armenia, on May 4, 2026, for the European Political Community summit hosted by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Council President Antonio Costa. They focused on democratic resilience, energy security, defense independence, and ties with Canada, while addressing regional issues involving Russia and the Middle East. US President Donald Trump's recent threats to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany over Europe's lack of support in the war with Iran overshadowed the talks. The summit signals Europe's push for strategic autonomy as transatlantic ties strain under US pressure, with Canada joining EU defense efforts. It precedes an EU-Armenia summit on May 5, marking Armenia's closer alignment with Europe after its conflict with Azerbaijan.
- The South Caucasus hosts vital pipelines transporting Azerbaijan's natural gas to Europe.
- Armenia's Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU entered force in 2021.
- French President Emmanuel Macron launched the EPC in 2022 post-Russia's Ukraine invasion.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
