Saudi Arabia’s long-sought request to buy up to 48 F-35 fighter jets has cleared its first major Pentagon hurdle, sources tell Reuters. The multi-billion-dollar deal—pending final approval from President Trump and the US Congress—could dramatically alter the Middle East’s military balance and test Washington’s promise to preserve Israel’s “qualitative military edge.”

Saudi Arabia’s F-35 Deal Clears Pentagon Hurdle | Could It Reshape Middle East Power? 

The Pentagon has given the White House the green light to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles after assessing that it would not negatively impact US stockpiles, leaving the final political decision in President Donald Trump’s hands, according to three US and European officials familiar with the matter.

Will Trump Arm Ukraine With Tomahawk Missiles?

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth called on Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation in maritime surveillance including the use of unmanned technologies to counter what he said was worsening aggression by Beijing in the South China Sea.


US Accuses China of Illegal Sea Intimidation in South China Sea

United States President Donald Trump has announced that Nigeria will be placed on a watchlist for religious freedom, based on vague claims that Christians in the country are being “slaughtered” by Muslims.


Trump Threatens Military Action in Nigeria, Asks Pentagon To Map Out A Possible Plan Of Attack

The U.S. Air Force could face a shortfall in combat fighters, according to defense industry outlets citing a report to Congress on the service’s 10-year fleet requirements.


Pentagon warns: Jet deficit looms

Report: Pentagon Green Lights Tomahawks For Ukraine 

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to restart nuclear weapons testing, following Russia’s recent tests of nuclear-powered missiles. The move has sparked international concern over escalating global tensions and the potential arms race.


Trump's nuclear testing order: Vance says nuclear arsenal 'important for national security' 

An epic nuclear arms race ignites as the US announces the end of its 33-year nuclear test moratorium. Donald Trump orders immediate testing, directly responding to Russia's nuclear weapon blitz. Watch Russia's Poseidon drone capable of causing radioactive tsunamis and the deadliest missile tests reshaping global security. A gripping, high-stakes report on a volatile new chapter in nuclear warfare. 


Nuclear race revives: Trump orders n-tests as Putin unveils doomsday weapon

The U.S. military has struck four alleged drug trafficking boats in the Pacific, killing 4 individuals. The operation targets transnational drug networks and aims to curb the flow of illegal narcotics. 

US Strikes: US Launches Deadly Strike on Drug Boats in Pacific | NEWSPOINT | WION 

The Pentagon is under fire after implementing new press restrictions, prompting immediate backlash from major journalist associations and free press advocates. The Press Association has publicly condemned the policy, calling it a threat to transparency, accountability, and journalistic access to key military operations and briefings.


Pentagon's access rules trigger media exodus

A U.S. military aircraft carrying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was forced to make an unscheduled emergency landing in the United Kingdom due to a cracked windshield. The Pentagon says the aircraft landed following standard safety procedures, and all aboard are safe.

Pentagon Chief’s Plane Makes Emergency Landing in UK | Windshield Crack Cited | WION 

Leading US news outlets have rejected a new Pentagon policy that bars journalists from the building unless they only report information that has been officially authorised by the Department of Defense.


USA: News outlets refuse to accept Pete Hegseth's new press policy

Several major news outlets, including The New York Times, AP, and Newsmax, have refused to comply with the Pentagon's new press access rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which require pledges against unauthorized information and threaten credential revocation. They argue it undermines journalistic independence and First Amendment rights, amid rising tensions with the Trump administration. This standoff raises concerns about press freedom and potential legal challenges.

Pentagon's New Rules Raise Concerns, 'MAGA' Outlets' Also Refuse To Sign New Rule 

<p>Several major US news organisations have refused to sign a new Pentagon policy that limits journalists’ access to defense facilities and requires them to pledge not to obtain “unauthorised” information - aka not pursue investigative journalism. The Defense Department, led by Secretary Pete Hegseth, has given reporters until Tuesday (Oct 14) 5pm to sign the pledge or turn in their press credentials within 24 hours. The policy also bars journalists from entering certain areas without official escorts.</p><h2><strong>US media refuses to bow down</strong></h2><p>The Washington Post, New York Times, CNN, the Atlantic, the Guardian, and Breaking Defense said Monday they would not comply. The outlets called the move unconstitutional and an attack on press freedom.</p><p>Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray, in a statement, said the policy “undercuts First Amendment protections by placing unnecessary constraints on gathering and publishing information. We will continue to vigorously and fairly report on the policies and positions of the Pentagon and officials across the government.”</p><p>The Atlantic said it “fundamentally” opposes the restrictions. The New York Times added that the public “has a right to know how the government and military are operating,” noting that the US military is "funded by nearly $1 trillion in taxpayer dollars annually".</p><h2><strong>Pete Hegseth mocks press</strong></h2><p>Hegseth, a former Fox News host, responded on X with a hand waving goodbye emoji and a post mocking critics with a list of what he called “Press Credentialing FOR DUMMIES,” and saying that "Press no longer roams free; Press must wear visible badge; Credentialed press no longer permitted to solicit criminal acts".&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right. So, here is <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofWar</a> press credentialing FOR DUMMIES:<br><br>✅ Press no longer roams free<br><br>✅ Press must wear visible badge<br><br>✅ Credentialed press no longer permitted to solicit criminal acts<br><br>DONE. Pentagon now has same rules as every…</p>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1977828217315549301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>He later reposted a cartoon showing the Atlantic as a crying baby.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qst" dir="ltr">Yes <a href="https://t.co/HCQSGscUua">https://t.co/HCQSGscUua</a></p>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1977813700393513464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Even some right-leaning outlets balked at the prospect of signing the letter. Newsmax told the Times it “has no plans to sign the letter,” calling the rules “unnecessary and onerous.”<br>But One America News, a staunchly pro-Trump network, accepted the terms. Host and former congressman Matt Gaetz said the outlet was “happy to follow these reasonable conditions.”</p><h2><strong>Just journalists having a meltdown?</strong></h2><p>Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the backlash was exaggerated, claiming the policy only requires journalists to acknowledge its terms, not agree to them. He accused reporters of having a “full-blown meltdown” and insisted the rules are “what’s best for our troops and the national security of this country.”</p><p>The Pentagon Press Association, which represents defense reporters, slamming the policy said it appears to be “designed to stifle a free press and potentially expose us to prosecution for simply doing our jobs”.<br>It sends an unprecedented message of intimidation,” the group said, “unprecedented message of intimidation to everyone within the DoD, warning against any unapproved interactions with the press and even suggesting it’s criminal to speak without express permission – which plainly, it is not”.<br> </p>

Pentagon’s new media policy sparks newsroom revolt: Major US news organisations have refused to sign a new Pentagon policy restricting reporters’ access. To this, Pete Hegseth, a former journalist, has responded with mockery. All you need to know.

Several major US news organisations have refused to sign a new Pentagon policy that limits journalists’ access to defense facilities and requires them to pledge not to obtain “unauthorised” information - aka not pursue investigative journalism. The Defense Department, led by Secretary Pete Hegseth, has given reporters until Tuesday (Oct 14) 5pm to sign the pledge or turn in their press credentials within 24 hours. The policy also bars journalists from entering certain areas without official escorts. US media refuses to bow down The Washington Post, New York Times, CNN, the Atlantic, the Guardian, and Breaking Defense said Monday they would not comply. The outlets called the move unconstitutional and an attack on press freedom. Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray, in a statement, said the policy “undercuts First Amendment protections by placing unnecessary constraints on gathering and publishing information. We will continue to vigorously and fairly report on the policies and positions of the Pentagon and officials across the government.” The Atlantic said it “fundamentally” opposes the restrictions. The New York Times added that the public “has a right to know how the government and military are operating,” noting that the US military is "funded by nearly $1 trillion in taxpayer dollars annually". Pete Hegseth mocks press Hegseth, a former Fox News host, responded on X with a hand waving goodbye emoji and a post mocking critics with a list of what he called “Press Credentialing FOR DUMMIES,” and saying that "Press no longer roams free; Press must wear visible badge; Credentialed press no longer permitted to solicit criminal acts".

<p>Pentagon’s new media policy sparks newsroom revolt: Major US news organisations have refused to sign a new Pentagon policy restricting reporters’ access. To this, Pete Hegseth, a former journalist, has responded with mockery. All you need to know.</p>

Ex-journalist Pete Hegseth mocks press as US media revolts against Pentagon’s gag order: ‘Press no longer roams free’

#Gravitas The Pentagon is likely to name the company that will design and build the U.S. Navy’s next-generation stealth fighter this week. A decision that carries the potential to define the balance of air dominance in the Indo-Pacific, specifically keeping China in mind. 

Pentagon Clears Next-Gen Fighter as US Races China in Air Superiority

After months of delay, the Pentagon will select as soon as this week the defense company to design and build the Navy's next stealth fighter, a U.S. official and two people familiar with the decision said, in what will be a multibillion-dollar effort for a jet seen as central to U.S. efforts to counter China.
Boeing Co (BA.N), opens new tab and Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N), opens new tab are competing to be chosen to produce the aircraft, dubbed the F/A-XX. The new carrier-based jet will replace the Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet, which has been in service since the 1990s.

US Navy To Get Next-Gen Fighter Jets, Hegseth Likely To Choose Manufacturer This Week

The Pentagon plans to impose strict nondisclosure agreements and random polygraph testing for scores of people in its headquarters, including many top officials, according to two people familiar with the proposal and documents obtained by The Washington Post, escalating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s war on leakers and internal dissent.


Breaking: Pentagon to conduct random polygraph testing to prevent leaks: report

<p>Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host turned US Defence Secretary, has found himself at the centre of controversy once again after ordering senior military leaders to attend a short speech on the “warrior ethos.”</p><h2><strong>Why are generals being called in?</strong></h2><p>According to reports in The Washington Post, Hegseth demanded that every officer above the rank of one-star general travel to Virginia for Tuesday’s address, even those stationed overseas. The event will be filmed and used for optics, with one source saying the secretary wanted “guys with the stars on their shoulders” in the audience.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-must-halt-any-russian-imports-zelensky-says-russia-s-true-position-exposed-after-500-drones-40-missiles-hit-kyiv-1759054539241"><strong>'Must halt Russian imports': Zelensky sends indirect message to India after Russia hits Kyiv with 500 drones, 40 missiles</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Social media turns on Hegseth</strong></h2><p>While the White House defended the meeting as a show of strength, critics online were quick to dismiss it. “Definitely a meeting that could have been an email,” one user wrote on BlueSky. Another quipped, “Caligula’s putting on a little show,” comparing Hegseth to the notorious Roman emperor. One poster recalled their military father’s likely reaction, “If he’d been summoned to a lecture about the ‘warrior ethos’ from a Fox News host, he may have dive-bombed the Pentagon.”</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-dirty-cops-trump-turns-on-ex-fbi-ally-christopher-wray-accuses-him-of-capitol-cover-up-1759048442684"><strong>‘Dirty cops’: Trump turns on ex-FBI ally Christopher Wray, accuses him of Capitol cover-up</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Newsom joins the pile-on</strong></h2><p>California Governor Gavin Newsom also took aim, ridiculing Hegseth in a viral post. “POOR PETEY HEGSETH! WANTS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BUT LOOKS LIKE THE GUY TLC FIRED FROM ‘DUCK DYNASTY,’” he wrote, before adding, “WEAK, NO BRAINS, NO TALENT, ZERO FUTURE! HE WANTS TO BE SECRETARY OF ‘WAR’ BUT CANNOT EVEN THROW AN AXE OR DO A PULL UP. SAD!”</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-island-elon-musk-calls-out-smear-campaign-after-his-name-appears-on-jeffreepstein-files-explains-sequence-of-events-1759033349272"><strong>Elon Musk explains sequence&nbsp;of&nbsp;events after his name appears on Epstein Files</strong></a></p><p>Not everyone saw the moment as a laughing matter. Former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill warned in MSNBC that gathering all top generals in one highly publicised place raised security risks. “We already have [Donald Trump] who is all over the map when it comes to military matters,” she wrote, adding that Hegseth’s decisions since January have created “chaos” inside&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pentagon.</p>

According to reports in The Washington Post, Hegseth demanded that every officer above the rank of one-star general travel to Virginia for Tuesday’s address, even those stationed overseas.

Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host turned US Defence Secretary, has found himself at the centre of controversy once again after ordering senior military leaders to attend a short speech on the “warrior ethos.” Why are generals being called in? According to reports in The Washington Post, Hegseth demanded that every officer above the rank of one-star general travel to Virginia for Tuesday’s address, even those stationed overseas. The event will be filmed and used for optics, with one source saying the secretary wanted “guys with the stars on their shoulders” in the audience. Also read: 'Must halt Russian imports': Zelensky sends indirect message to India after Russia hits Kyiv with 500 drones, 40 missiles Social media turns on Hegseth While the White House defended the meeting as a show of strength, critics online were quick to dismiss it. “Definitely a meeting that could have been an email,” one user wrote on BlueSky. Another quipped, “Caligula’s putting on a little show,” comparing Hegseth to the notorious Roman emperor. One poster recalled their military father’s likely reaction, “If he’d been summoned to a lecture about the ‘warrior ethos’ from a Fox News host, he may have dive-bombed the Pentagon.” Also read: ‘Dirty cops’: Trump turns on ex-FBI ally Christopher Wray, accuses him of Capitol cover-up Newsom joins the pile-on California Governor Gavin Newsom also took aim, ridiculing Hegseth in a viral post. “POOR PETEY HEGSETH! WANTS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BUT LOOKS LIKE THE GUY TLC FIRED FROM ‘DUCK DYNASTY,’” he wrote, before adding, “WEAK, NO BRAINS, NO TALENT, ZERO FUTURE! HE WANTS TO BE SECRETARY OF ‘WAR’ BUT CANNOT EVEN THROW AN AXE OR DO A PULL UP. SAD!” Also read: Elon Musk explains sequence of events after his name appears on Epstein Files Not everyone saw the moment as a laughing matter. Former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill warned in MSNBC that gathering all top generals in one highly publicised place raised security risks. “We already have [Donald Trump] who is all over the map when it comes to military matters,” she wrote, adding that Hegseth’s decisions since January have created “chaos” inside the Pentagon.

<p>According to reports in The Washington Post, Hegseth demanded that every officer above the rank of one-star general travel to Virginia for Tuesday’s address, even those stationed overseas.</p>

'WEAK, NO BRAINS, NO TALENT': Pete Hegseth mocked for calling generals for meeting that 'could have been an email'

The Pentagon has summoned military officials from around the world for a gathering in Virginia. According to Washington Post even top generals and their staffs don’t know the reason for the meeting. There are about 800 generals and admirals spread across the United States and dozens of other countries and time zones. Everyone has been asked to join the urgent meeting.


USA: What will US Secretary of Defence tell his top Generals?

USA: Hegseth likely to push for 'warrior ethos' in military brass meet 

Secret Summit: Pete Hegseth Summons All US Generals

The Pentagon just cracked. In an unprecedented move, every single active and reserve US General and Admiral ordered to report to a classified location at Quantico. This report breaks down the chilling details, what is this unprecedented meeting about. Why is Washington silent?

Secret Summit: Pete Hegseth Summons All US Generals

USA: Rare emergency meeting of US military, mystery orders shake Washington

USA: Hegseth orders rare meeting of Pentagon top brass

The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of AIM-120D-3 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to Germany, valued at approximately $1.23 billion. The Pentagon confirmed the deal on Thursday, marking a significant development in defense cooperation between the two nations.

U.S. approves $1.2 billion missile sale to Germany

pentagon

Pentagon, News on Pentagon, stories on Pentagon, articles on Pentagon, Pentagon stories at Wion, Pentagon news, Pentagon latest news