Morning Brief: Trump Says He Wants Peace Deal with Iran, Trump-Xi Meeting Still Planned, Chinese Cyberattacks on Taiwan Surge,

Good morning — here’s your Tuesday, October 14, 2025, world brief. The US Army expands dining privatization across more bases, while Trump calls for peace with Iran and prepares to meet China’s Xi amid trade tensions. Libya’s coastguard faces new accusations after a migrant boat attack, and ISIS-linked rebels kill 19 in Congo. Hamas frees the final hostages as Trump declares the Gaza war over. Japan reports fewer Chinese air incursions but more drone flights, Taiwan warns of rising cyberattacks, and Malaysia pushes a Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire ahead of the ASEAN summit. Australia makes another billion-dollar AUKUS payment before Albanese’s US visit.

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US Army Expands Dining Privatization Plan to 10 More Bases, Citing Need for Overhaul

The US Army plans to privatize dining facilities at 10 additional bases within 18 months, expanding on an ongoing pilot program at five installations, senior officials announced Monday at the Association of the US Army conference.

The initial privatized dining halls—set to open between winter 2026 and summer 2027 at Fort Bragg, Fort Stewart, Fort Carson, Fort Hood, and Fort Drum—will be managed by Compass Group USA and modeled after university-style food courts.

The Army will evaluate each site after 90 days before expanding the program, which may also include one or two overseas facilities.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said privatization aims to fix what he called a “broken” dining system plagued by poor quality and outdated regulations.

Leaders said the goal is to provide soldiers with more flexible and higher-quality food options, including expanding a pilot that lets troops use meal entitlements at on-base restaurants.

Dallas ICE Gunman’s Parents Say He Believed He Had Radiation Sickness Before Deadly Attack

The parents of Joshua Jahn, the 29-year-old gunman who killed two detainees and wounded another at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in September, told police their son appeared “completely normal” until returning from Washington state several years ago, believing he had radiation sickness.

Newly released police records show Jahn became isolated, obsessed with artificial intelligence (AI), and believed he was allergic to plastic after working briefly on a marijuana farm near a former Manhattan Project site.

A month before the September 24 shooting, he practiced target shooting in Oklahoma with a recently purchased rifle.

Authorities found notes at the scene with anti-ICE messages, but no clear motive.

Anti-ICE gunman Joshua Jahn’s car had bizarre map stuck to outside showing radioactive fallout across US https://t.co/MtizDPR1OL pic.twitter.com/MCWVQG8JXc

— New York Post (@nypost) September 24, 2025

Jahn legally obtained his weapon and had no diagnosed mental illness. He spent much of his time playing online shooter and survival games under a username referencing a character from Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle.

Trump Says He Wants Peace Deal with Iran After US-Israel Strikes on Nuclear Sites

US President Donald Trump said Monday he wants to reach a peace deal with Iran, months after US and Israeli forces struck Iranian nuclear sites during a brief conflict earlier this year.

Speaking before Israel’s parliament, Trump said Washington is “ready when you are,” urging Tehran to engage in talks. He defended his 2018 decision to withdraw from the Obama-era nuclear agreement, calling it a point of pride, but added that the US and Israel hold no hostility toward the Iranian people.

Trump invites Iran to make a peace deal.

“We are ready when you are, and it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made.” pic.twitter.com/E8RcLTZ5nK

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 13, 2025

Trump said Iran appears open to a deal and described his approach as extending “the hand of friendship and cooperation” following years of regional tensions.

Trump-Xi Meeting Still Planned as US and China Seek to Calm Trade Tensions

President Donald Trump remains set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea in late October despite renewed trade tensions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday.

The announcement followed a turbulent week in which China expanded rare earth export controls and Trump threatened tariffs of up to 100 percent on Chinese goods.

Both governments signaled efforts to de-escalate, with Bessent confirming ongoing communications and upcoming US-China staff meetings in Washington during International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank gatherings.

China’s Commerce Ministry also confirmed recent working-level talks and a 90-day tariff truce but warned against “talks under threats.”

Trump and Xi still plan to meet this month, Bessent says https://t.co/VOwMvWzyZV

— FT Economics (@fteconomics) October 13, 2025

Despite market optimism early Monday, Chinese sanctions on five US-linked South Korean subsidiaries later reignited investor concerns.

Bessent said the US would reject China’s new export licensing regime, while both sides accused each other of endangering global trade stability ahead of the planned Trump-Xi summit.

Venezuela Closes Embassies in Norway and Australia, Opens New Missions in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe

Venezuela announced Monday it will close its embassies in Norway and Australia and open new ones in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe as part of a “strategic reallocation of resources.”

The move follows rising tensions with the United States and comes days after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded by a committee based in Oslo.

Norway’s foreign ministry confirmed it was notified of the closure and called the decision “regrettable,” emphasizing its desire to maintain dialogue.

Caracas said the new embassies in Africa will focus on joint projects in agriculture, energy, and education with “strategic allies” resisting Western influence.

The Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the closure of its embassies and diplomatic missions in Australia and Norway, as well as plans to open missions in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe, as part of an ongoing effort to reconstruct the country’s foreign service under… pic.twitter.com/ynwibyOGNJ

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 13, 2025

The diplomatic reshuffle follows weeks of friction with Washington over US military strikes on vessels near Venezuela’s coast, which the US described as anti-drug operations.

President Nicolas Maduro has accused the US of plotting regime change, while Russia has backed Venezuela and condemned US actions at the United Nations.

Migrants Report Armed Attack in Mediterranean, Libya’s Coastguard Accused

Italian authorities launched an investigation Monday after migrants rescued off Sicily said their boat came under armed attack in the Mediterranean.

The Italian coastguard said it picked up 140 migrants, including three needing urgent medical care, who claimed they were fired upon about 100 miles southeast of Malta.

The report follows similar allegations by the non-governmental organizations Alarm Phone, which said Libya’s coastguard shot at another migrant vessel in the same area, killing two people, though that has not been confirmed.

🆘 in the #CentralMed!

We are in contact with a boat in the Maltese SAR zone and people report they are being shot at by the so-called Libyan Coastguard right now! This violent attack must stop immediately. EU authorities must intervene and ensure a rescue to a place of safety! pic.twitter.com/Yei0dRTEmw

— @alarmphone (@alarm_phone) October 12, 2025

It marks the third reported incident this year involving gunfire from Libya’s European Union-backed coastguard, which Italy and the European Union fund to curb migration to Europe.

The agreement has faced growing criticism amid reports linking Libya’s detention centers and coastguard to human trafficking and abuse.

Islamic State-Linked Rebels Kill 19 in Eastern Congo Village Attack

Rebel fighters affiliated with the Islamic State group killed at least 19 people during a raid Sunday on the village of Mukondo in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local officials said Monday.

The attackers, identified as members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), burned homes and shops and kidnapped several residents, prompting mass displacement.

Authorities said 16 civilians and one Congolese soldier were among the dead. Local leaders criticized security forces for ignoring warnings of an impending assault.

Despite joint operations by Ugandan and Congolese troops since 2021, the ADF continues to launch deadly attacks on civilians in the region.

DR Congo: At least 19 civilians were killed in North Kivu in an attack blamed on the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). pic.twitter.com/84GiOubsVt

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 13, 2025

The group has killed more than 180 people in eastern Congo since July, according to AFP.

Hamas Frees Final Israeli Hostages as Trump Declares End of Gaza War, Launches Peace Talks

Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages Monday under a US-brokered ceasefire, while Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees, marking the formal end of the two-year Gaza war.

US President Donald Trump announced the war’s conclusion in an address to Israel’s parliament, calling it “a long nightmare” now over, before hosting a summit in Egypt with Muslim and European leaders to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction and governance. Neither Israel nor Hamas attended.

The ceasefire halted Israel’s assault on Gaza City, which Gaza health authorities said killed 68,000 people.

Major challenges remain, including recovering the remains of 26 Israeli hostages, rushing aid to civilians facing famine, and determining Gaza’s political future.

Trump said Hamas had temporary permission to maintain order in Gaza and expressed optimism for broader Middle East peace, suggesting even Iran might join future talks.

Palestinian prisoners released from Israel have been greeted by huge crowds in the occupied West Bank, as a prisoner and captive exchange took place on Monday as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. pic.twitter.com/q9K4FHH07W

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 13, 2025

Celebrations erupted in Tel Aviv and Gaza as freed hostages and prisoners reunited with families, though tensions persisted in the West Bank and within Gaza, where Hamas fighters clashed with rivals.

Kremlin Welcomes Trump’s Push for Ukraine Peace Talks After Gaza Ceasefire

The Kremlin said Tuesday it welcomed US President Donald Trump’s stated intention to focus on achieving a peace deal in Ukraine after brokering a Gaza ceasefire.

Trump told Israel’s parliament he would prioritize ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict before pursuing negotiations with Iran, referring to envoy Steve Witkoff, who has previously met Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow remained open to dialogue and hoped Trump’s diplomatic efforts would encourage Kyiv to engage more actively in peace talks.

Russia has accused Ukraine of stalling negotiations, while Kyiv says Moscow’s conditions amount to demands for surrender.

Kremlin backs Trump’s decision to task Witkoff with Ukraine conflict

‘We welcome such intentions and the political will to seek peaceful solutions. Russia remains open to dialogue’ — Kremlin spox Peskov pic.twitter.com/2piyIWDSLG

— RT (@RT_com) October 14, 2025

Peskov noted that US-Russia dialogue over Ukraine has largely stalled but expressed optimism that Trump’s envoys could revive discussions.

Japan Reports Sharp Drop in Chinese Airspace Approaches but Rise in Drone Activity

Japan recorded its fewest Chinese airspace approaches in more than a decade this spring and summer, even as Beijing increased drone flights near Japan’s westernmost island, the Joint Staff recently reported.

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force pilots scrambled 265 times between April and September, a 26 percent drop from last year, with 198 sorties involving Chinese aircraft—the lowest since 2013.

Only one Chinese helicopter violated Japan’s airspace, near the Senkaku Islands in May. However, Chinese drones flew more frequently between Yonaguni and Taiwan.

Japan’s Defense Ministry has warned it may shoot down unmanned aircraft entering its airspace.

Chinese pilots made the fewest approaches toward Japanese airspace in more than a decade this spring and summer, even as Beijing increased its drone flights near Japan’s westernmost island, according to Japan’s Joint Staff.https://t.co/VXGLnfn95b

— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 14, 2025

Russian air activity also declined, with 59 intercepts compared to 114 the previous year. Despite the reduction, analysts said China’s strategic goals remain unchanged, pointing to ongoing naval operations and a steady presence around the disputed Senkaku Islands.

Chinese Cyberattacks on Taiwan Rise 17% as Beijing’s Online Campaign Targets Public Trust

Chinese cyberattacks on Taiwan’s government networks have risen 17 percent this year, averaging 2.8 million per day, according to Taiwan’s National Security Bureau.

In a report to parliament, the bureau warned that Beijing’s “online troll army” is combining hacking, disinformation, and AI-generated content to undermine public confidence and spread pro-China narratives. Key targets include Taiwan’s defense, medical, telecommunications, and energy sectors.

The bureau said over 10,000 abnormal social media accounts (many on Facebook) have spread more than 1.5 million pieces of disinformation criticizing Taiwan’s government and promoting distrust of the US.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not comment but has denied involvement in hacking.

Taiwan’s government accused Beijing of using coordinated cyber and propaganda campaigns to influence elections and pressure the island into accepting Chinese sovereignty.

Malaysia, US Push for Expanded Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Ahead of ASEAN Summit

Malaysia and the United States are working to secure an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia following deadly border clashes in July, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Tuesday.

The five-day conflict killed dozens and displaced more than 260,000 before a truce was reached through mediation by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and pressure from US President Donald Trump.

President Donald Trump will visit Malaysia on October 26, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on Tuesday, adding that he was “looking forward” to witnessing a ceasefire deal between Southeast Asian neighbours Thailand and Cambodia. pic.twitter.com/8Op88Vqr9I

— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) October 14, 2025

Talks now aim to extend the agreement to include land mine clearance and the withdrawal of heavy weapons, after Thai troops were injured by mines in August.

Malaysia hopes the deal, to be called the Kuala Lumpur Accord, will be signed during the October 26-28 ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, which Trump and other global leaders are expected to attend.

Australia to Make Second $1 Billion Payment for US Submarine Program Ahead of Albanese Visit

Australia will soon make a second $1 billion payment to help expand US nuclear submarine shipyards as part of the AUKUS defense pact, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Tuesday in Washington.

The payment follows an initial $1 billion transfer and is part of Canberra’s $3 billion commitment to boost US submarine production ahead of purchasing three Virginia-class submarines.

Conroy said the plan remains on track despite an ongoing Pentagon review of AUKUS, which also involves the UK Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Washington next week for his first formal meeting with President Donald Trump, with AUKUS expected to top the agenda.

Conroy also highlighted Australia’s growing defense industry cooperation with the US, including plans to produce 4,000 Lockheed Martin guided missiles annually and jointly develop a long-range Precision Strike Missile exceeding 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) in range.

Sources: News Agencies