Is the Pentagon legally allowed to demote a retired U.S. Senator for a video statement? Senator Mark Kelly is fighting back after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initiated steps that could reduce Kelly’s retired military rank and pension. The controversy centres on a video discussing whether service members may refuse unlawful orders — a principle long recognized in U.S. military law.

Yemen has declared a nationwide emergency after a sharp escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. President Rashad al-Alimi ordered UAE forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours, cancelling a key defence agreement between the two allies.