Author: Admin

BRUSSELS — Foreign ministers from the European Union’s 27 member nations broke through years of political stalemate Monday, unanimously approving fresh sanctions targeting both Hamas leadership and Israeli settler groups operating in the West Bank.

Following the Brussels meeting, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on social media that violence and extremism must face repercussions. “It was high time we move from deadlock to delivery,” she stated.

While ministers stopped short of implementing more aggressive economic measures advocated by certain European nations and withheld immediate specifics about the new restrictions, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the decision encompasses sanctions against Hamas leaders plus key figures and organizations within Israel’s West Bank settler movement.

“The European Union is sanctioning today the main Israeli organizations guilty of supporting the extremist and violent colonization of the West Bank, as well as their leaders. These most serious and intolerable acts must cease without delay,” Barrot wrote on social media Monday.

“It is sanctioning the main leaders of Hamas, responsible for the worst antisemitic massacre in our history since the Shoah during which 51 French people lost their lives, a terrorist movement that must imperatively be disarmed and excluded from any participation in the future of Palestine,” Barrot added.

International observers, Palestinian officials, and human rights organizations have increasingly sounded alarms about escalating violence throughout the West Bank, where young Palestinian men face mounting casualties amid widespread arson, property destruction, and forced displacement of agricultural communities near settlement areas in the occupied territory.

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs data shows at least 40 Palestinians have died since January began, with a record 11 killed by settlers — exceeding the total settler-related deaths for all of 2025 by two.

The unified EU decision reflects new political dynamics following Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s removal from office last month after governing Budapest for 16 years. Orbán, a vocal ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had consistently blocked previous attempts to sanction Israeli settlers for West Bank activities.

Orbán’s April electoral defeat to Péter Magyar enabled Monday’s sanctions approval, “validates the notion that Orbán was blocking them single-handedly,” according to Martin Konečný, who leads the Brussels-based European Middle East Project.

These sanctions may represent a pivotal shift in EU-Israel relations. Growing criticism of Netanyahu’s government regarding its operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Iran had driven multiple European governments — particularly Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands — to pursue such penalties.

“You can’t just turn a blind eye,” Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel commented before the meeting.

Nevertheless, EU diplomats could not reach consensus on more forceful measures to pressure Israel, such as prohibiting West Bank settlement products or suspending crucial trade agreements.

“There’s so much that you can and should be doing, and so to get stuck in this question of adding a few more settlers is missing the big picture,” said Hugh Lovatt, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “The EU’s narrowed the scope of action now to individuals and to a few entities, and in doing that it’s ignoring the far more systemic issues at play.”

Claudio Francavilla, Human Rights Watch associate EU director, called the sanctions “a step in the right direction, but so many more needed for the EU to comply with international law.”

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani indicated before the Brussels gathering that his government required additional time to examine a French-Swedish proposal for cutting West Bank settlers off from EU markets, essentially withholding Italian backing for the initiative despite rising domestic political pressure.

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen noted that individual countries could independently ban settlement products should the Brussels process remain stalled.

The EU’s upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting later in May will concentrate on trade matters.

“We have been talking about measures for too long,” Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno said in Brussels. “Let’s move on to a vote and stop saying that there is no qualified majority for it. Let’s see how many of us are in agreement and who is not.”

BOGOTA, Colombia — Native organizations throughout the Amazon basin and Latin America plan to deliver a message Monday to the United Nations, calling attention to how organized criminal activity is fueling violence and environmental harm in rainforest communities. The groups are asking governments to tackle illegal mining, drug trafficking, and logging operations without deploying heavy military presence in Indigenous territories.

The correspondence, directed to U.N. member nations and departments including the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime and the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, describes how criminal operations are spreading throughout Amazon regions and other Indigenous lands in Latin America, putting communities, natural ecosystems, and local leadership at risk.

Those signing the correspondence say criminal expansion is damaging Indigenous leadership structures and endangering communities that have historically protected some of Earth’s most biologically diverse ecosystems.

The request comes as Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon basin face increasing pressure from both growing criminal operations and government security responses. Over recent years, unlawful gold extraction, timber harvesting, and narcotics trafficking have penetrated further into isolated rainforest areas in nations like Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, introducing violence, mercury pollution, and forest destruction.

International human rights organizations and U.N. specialists have expressed alarm about increasing attacks on Indigenous leaders and environmental activists connected to conflicts over territory, natural resources, and criminal enterprises throughout the Amazon. Global Witness reports that no fewer than 2,253 land and environmental advocates have been murdered or vanished worldwide from 2012 to 2024, with Latin America representing the majority of incidents.

In Peru, five individuals face trial for the 2023 murder of Indigenous advocate Quinto Inuma Alvarado, who had consistently exposed illegal timber operations and drug trafficking in his territory. Human rights organizations say most comparable murders in the region remain unprosecuted.

Raphael Hoetmer, Western Amazon Program Director at Amazon Watch, an environmental and Indigenous rights advocacy organization, said the correspondence demonstrates increasing concern among Indigenous organizations as these dangers grow.

“More and more Indigenous Peoples are experiencing the violence and impacts of illicit economies in their territories, so it is higher on the agenda,” he told The Associated Press in written comments. “Even four years ago this was not a central topic for most of our partners, but now it is one of the central topics for the wide majority.”

Hoetmer said criminal expansion is increasingly influencing daily life throughout large Amazon areas.

“The expansion and control of organized crime and violent conflict is taking over more and more of the Amazon, becoming a risk to their ways of living and to the global climate,” he said.

The correspondence warns that these situations are not only causing environmental harm but also undermining Indigenous leadership and territorial authority.

Unlawful gold extraction specifically has emerged as a significant cause of forest loss and mercury pollution throughout Amazon regions, while armed organizations and trafficking operations have attempted to control important river passages and Indigenous territories.

“Drug trafficking in the Amazon often connects with illegal mining, logging and land grabbing — a criminal ecosystem where environmental degradation disproportionately impacts local populations and Indigenous people,” said United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Deputy Director of Operations Jeremy Douglas in written statements to AP.

“Pushing back requires territorial protection, prioritizing environmental crimes, and cooperation against transnational organized crime networks active across the Amazon,” he added.

When providing the statements, the U.N. agency noted it had not yet reviewed the Indigenous organizations’ correspondence and that the response should not be considered an endorsement of its contents. UNODC said its Latin American offices are collaborating with Indigenous communities and national authorities to strengthen territorial protection and fight environmental crimes connected to organized criminal operations.

The AP also reached out to the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for comment, but did not receive a response by publication time.

The document received signatures from major Indigenous organizations including the Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon River Basin, known as COICA, Brazil’s Indigenous umbrella organization APIB, Peru’s AIDESEP and Ecuador’s CONAIE, along with dozens of regional Indigenous federations and international advocacy organizations.

Ercilia Castañeda, vice president of Ecuador’s largest Indigenous organization, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, or CONAIE, said governments have increasingly addressed organized crime and illegal mining through militarization that has failed to solve the crisis in many Indigenous territories.

“Militarization has not provided answers,” she said.

Rather, she said, some communities have experienced displacement, fear, and psychological damage.

“It has affected their relationship with the land, with the water, with sacred sites, with their spiritual life,” she said. “We are talking about a deterioration of the identity and life of Indigenous peoples.”

Herlín Odicio, vice president of Organización Regional AIDESEP Ucayali, or ORAU, an Indigenous organization representing communities in Peru’s Amazon region of Ucayali, said organized crime organizations have increasingly modified their operations in Indigenous territories.

“Organized crime in Indigenous territories has changed its strategies significantly,” he said in a call with AP. “They no longer make direct threats. Now they use other strategies.”

Odicio said criminal organizations are increasingly integrating themselves into local political frameworks and campaigns to maintain control and continue operations in Indigenous territories.

He said criminal expansion has severely impacted Indigenous communities, where poverty and lack of government services leave many susceptible to recruitment into illegal operations.

“They recruit young people to work as ‘mochileros,’” he said, referring to people used to transport drugs or supplies through remote areas. “Then, in the end, when they no longer want them or do not want to pay them, they kill them.”

Odicio also warned of increasing sexual exploitation of Indigenous girls in communities and border regions affected by criminal organizations, some as young as 13 and 14, he said.

In the correspondence, organizations say government responses focused mainly on military force risk worsening conditions for Indigenous communities if they fail to acknowledge Indigenous territorial rights and self-governance systems.

“In light of this situation, it is essential that responses to organized crime and illicit economies do not translate into new processes of militarization, criminalization, or the subordination of Indigenous governance systems,” the letter says.

The correspondence asks the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to conduct a dedicated study on organized crime and illicit economies in Indigenous territories and urged U.N. agencies to include Indigenous perspectives in anti-crime and anti-corruption policies.

“We are talking about a deterioration of the identity and life of Indigenous peoples,” Castañeda said.

LONDON – The United Kingdom announced sanctions Monday against a dozen individuals and organizations allegedly connected to Iran, claiming they participated in hostile activities including attack planning and financial operations aimed at destabilizing Britain and other nations.

The sanctions target suspected members and affiliates of what British officials have identified as the Zindashti criminal network, along with multiple currency exchange businesses and financial operators.

British authorities stated the network engaged in Iranian-supported hostile operations, including making threats, planning or carrying out attacks against individuals and property in the UK and internationally.

Iran has consistently rejected claims of involvement in attacks or conspiracies within the UK and other nations.

The sanctions notice indicates some individuals face penalties for direct participation in hostile actions, while others are accused of supplying financial services or additional material assistance to enable such activities.

The punitive actions, detailed in an official government sanctions announcement, encompass asset freezes, travel restrictions and orders barring individuals from serving as company directors.

British officials said the sanctioned financial organizations had delivered services to people and groups connected to destabilizing operations, enabling Iran-linked networks to transfer and obtain funding despite international sanctions.

In recent weeks, law enforcement announced investigations into potential Iranian connections to a string of arson incidents targeting Jewish facilities in London, which triggered counter-terrorism investigations and alerts about hostile actions by Tehran or affiliated groups.

The UK elevated its national terrorism threat assessment to “severe,” representing the second-highest level, as police and government officials cautioned about increased attack risks and mounting concerns regarding hostile activities tied to foreign governments, including Iran.

European Union foreign ministers on Monday firmly dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could serve as Europe’s representative in potential future security negotiations with Moscow.

Putin had indicated over the weekend that he believed the conflict in Ukraine was nearing its conclusion and expressed willingness to discuss new European security frameworks, with Schroeder as his preferred negotiating partner.

However, EU foreign ministers gathering in Brussels for their scheduled meeting expressed serious doubts about Russia’s genuine commitment to ending the conflict and engaging in authentic peace discussions for Europe.

The ministers completely rejected any involvement from Schroeder, who has maintained employment with Russian state enterprises and developed a personal friendship with Putin over the years.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas explained the obvious conflict of interest to reporters: “It’s clear why Putin wants him to be the person – so that actually … he would be sitting on both sides of the table. If we give the right to Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf … that would not be very wise.”

Germany’s Europe minister, Gunther Krichbaum, stated that Schroeder, who led Germany from 1998 to 2005, lacks the qualifications to serve as an “honest broker.”

“He is, and certainly has been, heavily influenced by Mr Putin. Close friendships may be legitimate anywhere in the world, but they do not help one to be perceived as an impartial mediator,” Krichbaum explained.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union has maintained a strategy of diplomatically isolating Moscow through comprehensive sanctions and minimal high-level political engagement.

Despite this approach, some European officials have begun advocating for direct EU engagement with Russia as U.S.-led peace efforts show limited advancement, particularly as Washington shifts focus to the conflict involving Iran.

European Council President Antonio Costa revealed last week that he has been consulting with fellow EU leaders “to organise ourselves and to identify what we need” for eventual discussions with Russia when “the right moment” arrives.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha suggested the EU could participate in negotiations that would be “complementary” to U.S.-led talks, though he provided no additional specifics.

“We could talk about (a) new role of Europe,” Sybiha told Brussels reporters. “We have mainstream peace talks under the leadership of the U.S.A. and we need this track … but Europe could play also its role.”

Kallas and several other ministers emphasized that the EU should first intensify pressure on Russia and establish clear negotiating objectives before considering any discussions or selecting representatives.

“It’s not about choosing someone,” said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys. “We should get to the basics and the basics is to get our tools ready to pressure Russia.”

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger supported greater EU involvement in Russian negotiations and appointing a negotiating team.

“But we will decide that – Russia won’t decide it,” she declared.

WASHINGTON — A pivotal diplomatic meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled for May 14th and 15th in Beijing, with discussions potentially determining the trajectory of relations between the world’s two economic superpowers amid escalating international tensions.

The diplomatic discussions will cover a broad range of contentious issues including commercial disagreements, technology and artificial intelligence policies, Taiwan’s security situation, Middle Eastern peace initiatives, and China’s alleged connections to Iran. Additional topics on the table include agricultural trade agreements, Boeing aircraft transactions, export restrictions, and collaborative efforts to combat fentanyl and other illegal drugs.

Political experts suggest the likelihood of significant diplomatic victories remains minimal, though both countries seem committed to preventing further deterioration of relations between the globe’s dominant economic powers.

The situation surrounding Taiwan is anticipated to emerge as one of the most delicate subjects during negotiations. Reports indicate Beijing wants the self-governing territory to feature prominently in the conversations. Some advocates for Taiwan express concern that President Trump might adopt a more business-oriented stance regarding American support for Taipei. Former Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery has voiced worries that Taiwan might become a bargaining chip in discussions between the two leaders.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has recently called on the United States to “make the right choices” regarding Taiwan to preserve bilateral stability. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains that American policy remains unchanged, cautioning that any forced alteration of Taiwan’s circumstances would create regional and global instability.

The White House emphasizes ongoing American military assistance to Taiwan, highlighting that the Trump administration has authorized billions in defense equipment sales and aircraft components for the island’s protection.

The situation of imprisoned Christian publisher and Hong Kong democracy advocate Jimmy Lai is also expected to arise during the summit. The 78-year-old activist’s family members have expressed hope that President Trump might help secure his freedom from detention. Trump has indicated his intention to discuss Lai’s case directly with Xi Jinping during their meetings.

OSLO, Norway — A Norwegian court announced Monday it will issue its decision next month in the criminal case against the stepson of Norway’s future king, who faces serious charges including rape that have brought unwanted attention to the royal family.

The Oslo District Court scheduled June 15 as the date for announcing the verdict in the prosecution of Marius Borg Høiby.

Following six weeks of legal proceedings that concluded March 19, prosecutors have requested a prison term of seven years and seven months for Høiby, who maintains his innocence regarding the rape accusations.

The 29-year-old defendant is Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son from an earlier relationship and serves as stepson to Crown Prince Haakon, who stands in line to inherit Norway’s throne. Authorities have brought 40 criminal charges against him, including four separate rape counts spanning from 2018 through 2024.

Legal representatives for Høiby, who holds no royal status or ceremonial responsibilities, argued that prosecutors lack sufficient evidence to prove the rape allegations. The defendant has acknowledged guilt for various minor infractions, including possessing illegal drugs, transporting 3.5 kilograms of marijuana in 2020, violating traffic laws, and breaking court-ordered restrictions regarding a former romantic partner. He has also partially confessed to certain violent acts and making threats while challenging crucial elements of those accusations, particularly regarding his intentions.

Høiby’s legal team contends that an 18-month maximum sentence would be fitting for the offenses he has accepted responsibility for. They maintained that their client has endured exceptional media scrutiny because of his family ties to royalty, which they claim has influenced how the public views the case.

As this legal drama has unfolded, Mette-Marit has encountered separate criticism this year regarding her past associations with deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These connections have prompted questions about her decision-making abilities, although she faces no allegations of criminal behavior.

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders announced new sanctions Monday targeting 16 officials and seven facilities they say have participated in Russia’s systematic removal of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children from their homes.

The sanctioned facilities are accused of indoctrinating the children or preparing them for military service with Russian forces or pro-Russian groups operating within Ukraine.

The latest round of penalties brings the total number of individuals and organizations facing EU sanctions related to these child abductions to more than 130.

European Union headquarters stated that the asset freezes and travel restrictions were implemented because these officials and institutions are considered “responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.”

Estimates suggest that approximately 20,500 children have been illegally removed or forcibly relocated to Russia or Russian-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine since Moscow began its full-scale military assault in early 2022.

European officials report that many of these children have their Ukrainian heritage and culture systematically erased, receive Russian citizenship documents, and are placed in adoptive families. Others face forced enrollment in indoctrination programs or military training facilities.

“Russia is trying to erase their identity,” said Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže during Monday’s meeting with European counterparts in Brussels, where the sanctions received approval. “When you look at the Genocide Convention, it’s one of the features of the genocide crime. So, it’s very serious.”

The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrest on war crimes charges, holding him personally accountable for these forced relocations.

While approximately 2,200 children have been returned to Ukraine, the identification process remains extremely challenging. Young children who were taken can become difficult to recognize after just a few years. The process of bringing them home is traumatic, and some children face difficulties readjusting upon their return.

On Monday, the EU joined Canada in hosting a gathering of the 47-nation International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, aimed at increasing diplomatic pressure on Russia and building support for efforts to locate and track those who have been taken.

“War has really many faces, but stealing the children is really one of the most horrific,” said EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos before the meeting. “We should stop this, and Russia should pay.”

Monday’s sanctions target individuals including camp directors, government officials, and military personnel overseeing youth programs.

Among the 16 people named was Lilya Shvetsova, who runs the “Red Carnation” facility in occupied Crimea. The EU stated she oversees “activities aimed at shaping the political and ideological views of children present at the facility, including Ukrainian children.”

Like others facing sanctions, she was found to be “supporting and implementing actions and policies contributing to the deportation, forced transfer, forced assimilation, including indoctrination, or militarized education of Ukrainian minors.”

Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States hit another roadblock Monday as negotiations to end their ongoing conflict stalled, while a fragile ceasefire continues to deteriorate with both nations trading fire in recent confrontations.

The escalating tensions have also involved attacks on maritime vessels and Gulf region nations, along with renewed clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant organization.

President Trump dismissed Iran’s latest diplomatic response on Sunday, declaring it “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!”

The president is scheduled to visit Beijing later this week for a postponed meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, China’s significant economic relationship with Iran, combined with ongoing trade disputes and tariff disagreements dating back to Trump’s previous presidency, may complicate the discussions, despite Trump’s history of publicly praising the Chinese leader.

The current volatility threatens to plunge the Middle East back into full-scale conflict and extend the global energy crisis triggered by the dispute. Iran maintains control over the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route while America continues its blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump plans to use his upcoming China visit to encourage Xi Jinping to apply pressure on Iran for diplomatic concessions to break the current deadlock. China serves as Iran’s largest purchaser of sanctioned oil, providing Beijing with considerable influence over the situation.

The president’s rejection of Iran’s proposal centers on concerns that lifting the blockade before addressing Iran’s nuclear activities would remove a crucial bargaining chip from future negotiations.

Meanwhile, the ongoing standoff has created ripple effects in global markets, with oil prices climbing more than 2% following Trump’s announcement. World stock markets showed mixed results Monday after Wall Street achieved new record highs.

As Trump prepares for his Beijing summit, questions remain about various contentious issues on the agenda, including trade relations, the Iran situation, and Taiwan’s status. The president has indicated he may also raise the case of imprisoned pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai during his discussions with Xi.

A former justice minister from Poland who is wanted on criminal charges in his home country has made his way to the United States after receiving political asylum in Hungary, according to reports from Warsaw.

Zbigniew Ziobro served as a prominent member of the nationalist conservative Law and Justice party, which controlled Poland’s government from 2015 through 2023. During that period, the administration gained political influence over Poland’s court system by appointing sympathetic judges to senior positions and retaliating against critics through disciplinary measures or relocations.

Ziobro revealed in January that Hungary had granted him asylum under the leadership of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Speaking to the Polish right-wing news outlet Republika on Sunday, Ziobro confirmed his arrival in America the day before, which happened to coincide with the swearing-in ceremony in Budapest for Orbán’s replacement, Péter Magyar, who won against the veteran leader in last month’s election. According to Polish news service PAP, Ziobro stated he was traveling with documentation provided as part of his asylum status.

Poland’s current Prime Minister Donald Tusk took office in late 2023 with plans to reverse the judicial reforms implemented by the previous administration, though these efforts have faced resistance from two consecutive presidents who support the nationalist right.

Last October, prosecutors sought to remove Ziobro’s parliamentary protection so they could file charges against him. The allegations include misappropriating funds designated for violence victims, specifically for acquiring Israeli Pegasus spying technology.

Tusk’s political party maintains that Law and Justice illegally deployed Pegasus to monitor political rivals during their time in office. Ziobro maintains his actions were within legal bounds.

The national prosecutor’s office announced Monday through social media that they are tracking Ziobro’s location and examining whether others helped him in “escaping and avoiding criminal responsibility, thus hindering the probe into the justice fund.”

Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek posted on X Sunday night that Poland had canceled Ziobro’s travel credentials, including his diplomatic passport, and that Warsaw plans to question both the United States and Hungary regarding the legal foundation for Ziobro’s departure from Hungarian soil and entry into America.

Ziobro’s international movement could strain relations between Warsaw and Washington.

Polish Foreign Ministry representative Maciej Wewiór told The Associated Press that “we don’t want this issue to become political.”

“Our relationship with the U.S. goes much deeper than what happens with Ziobro,” he said. “But we do want our citizen to eventually return to Poland and face justice.”

Pakistani officials called in Afghanistan’s top diplomat Monday to formally complain about a deadly suicide bombing that claimed the lives of 15 police officers in the country’s northwestern border region.

The Pakistani government is pointing fingers at the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), commonly called the Pakistani Taliban, for Saturday’s devastating attack. Pakistani leaders have repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers of providing safe haven to the TTP, which maintains close ties to the Afghan Taliban despite being a distinct organization. Afghanistan’s government rejects these allegations, insisting it prevents militant groups from launching attacks on neighboring countries from Afghan territory.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, officials presented their complaint to Afghanistan’s charge d’affaires, stating that “a detailed investigation into the incident, along with evidence collected and technical intelligence” showed the attack was “masterminded by terrorists residing in Afghanistan.”

The ministry also warned that Pakistan “reserves the right to respond decisively against the perpetrators of this barbaric act,” according to their official statement.

Afghan officials have not yet responded to the diplomatic protest.

The deadly assault occurred in Bannu district within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where an explosive-packed vehicle driven by a suicide bomber struck near a security checkpoint while armed accomplices provided support. The blast sparked intense gunfire between militants and security forces. Authorities report that some officers died during the firefight, while others perished when portions of their building crumbled from the explosion. The attack also left four officers injured.

A recently established offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban called Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan has taken credit for the assault. Pakistani authorities maintain this group operates as a cover organization for the broader Pakistani Taliban movement.

The country has experienced an uptick in extremist violence over recent years, with officials attributing much of the bloodshed to TTP activities.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain strained, with border conflicts resulting in hundreds of casualties since late February. Chinese mediators facilitated peace discussions between Afghan Taliban and Pakistani representatives in early April, yet intermittent cross-border skirmishes persist, albeit with reduced frequency compared to previous months.

BRUSSELS – The European Union announced new punitive measures Monday against Russian officials and organizations accused of systematically removing Ukrainian children from their homeland.

The sanctions target 16 individuals and seven organizations connected to what the EU Council describes as the unlawful forced deportation of Ukrainian minors, according to a statement released Monday.

European officials estimate that Russia has forcibly relocated approximately 20,500 Ukrainian children since the conflict began.

The EU Council stated these deportations represent serious violations of international law and infringe upon children’s basic rights, with the goal of eliminating Ukrainian cultural identity and damaging future generations.

Among the organizations now facing sanctions are federal agencies connected to Russia’s Education Ministry, according to the Council’s announcement.

The sanctions also target government officials and political figures from Russian-controlled territories, as well as directors of youth facilities and military-focused patriotic groups.

Under the new measures, those sanctioned will have their assets frozen, while European citizens and businesses are prohibited from providing financial support or economic resources to them. Individual targets also face restrictions on traveling to EU countries, the Council explained.

Political chaos continues to engulf Italy’s Culture Ministry as Minister Alessandro Giuli terminated two top officials following public backlash over the rejection of funding for a documentary project.

The dismissals represent the most recent upheaval in a department that has experienced significant instability under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s conservative administration, which has been working to transform Italy’s traditionally left-leaning cultural establishment.

According to Italian news outlets, Giuli removed Emanuele Merlino, who directed the ministry’s technical secretariat, along with Elena Proietti, who managed the minister’s private office. While no formal announcement was made, high-ranking government officials verified the terminations on Monday.

The controversy erupted after the ministry rejected financial support for a film documenting the story of Giulio Regeni, an Italian university student who was abducted, tortured and murdered in Cairo during early 2016. Italian authorities have accused Egyptian security personnel of responsibility for his death.

Giuli characterized the funding rejection as “unacceptable” and claimed he was unaware the decision had been made.

Sources indicate Merlino lost his position due to his role in the funding controversy, while Proietti was reportedly dismissed for missing a scheduled departure for an official trip to New York last month.

Both dismissed officials have remained silent about their terminations, and the Culture Ministry has refused to provide statements.

The two figures held significant positions within right-wing political circles, prompting opposition leaders to characterize their removals as evidence of increasing discord within Meloni’s governing coalition, particularly following their loss in a justice reform referendum in March.

“This is the sign of a coalition riven by internal wars, score-settling, clashes between factions and competing leaderships,” said Sandro Ruotolo, the culture spokesman for the centre-left Democratic Party.

The current crisis represents just the latest disruption to plague the Culture Ministry during Meloni’s tenure, including the 2024 resignation of Giuli’s predecessor, Gennaro Sangiuliano, followed by a series of sudden dismissals and departures.

Since assuming power in 2022, Meloni has worked to expand conservative influence throughout Italy’s major cultural organizations, including theaters and museums.

The transformation has encountered significant obstacles. Last month, conductor Beatrice Venezi, who maintains close ties to Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, was removed from her role as musical director at Venice’s La Fenice opera house after publicly criticizing the orchestra for nepotism.

Meanwhile, the renowned Venice Biennale art exhibition has become embroiled in scandal after a government appointee permitted Russia’s return to the event, sparking anger from both Giuli and Meloni, who viewed the decision as a betrayal of Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.

BRUSSELS, May 11 – European Union regulators are holding separate conversations with two major American artificial intelligence companies, OpenAI and Anthropic, according to a Commission representative who spoke Monday.

Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told reporters that officials appreciate OpenAI’s willingness to cooperate, particularly the company’s offer to provide access to its newest artificial intelligence technology. Meanwhile, the Commission has conducted four to five separate meetings with Anthropic, though conversations about potential access to that company’s AI systems have not yet begun.

During his daily news conference, Regnier explained the different stages of engagement with each company. “With one (OpenAI), you have a company proactively offering to give access to the company. With the other one (Anthropic), we have good exchanges though we’re not at a stage where we can speculate on potential access or not,” Regnier stated.

The conflict involving Iran has now stretched into its 11th week, lasting more than double the timeframe initially anticipated when President Donald Trump first authorized military action against the nation.

Hopes for a peaceful resolution that emerged last week were dashed over the weekend after Trump characterized Iran’s latest diplomatic response as “totally unacceptable.”

The ongoing standoff centers around Tehran’s nuclear program and its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that remains largely closed to oil tankers and commercial vessels.

Global oil markets reacted sharply to Trump’s overnight statement, with prices spiking almost 5% before moderating slightly. Brent crude was trading around $104 per barrel, putting pressure on stock markets that had been performing strongly.

Despite energy sector concerns, the artificial intelligence boom and semiconductor rally continue to capture investor attention. South Korea’s technology-focused KOSPI index demonstrated this trend with a more than 4% surge on Monday.

U.S. stock futures showed little movement in early Monday trading, following another week of record highs for the S&P 500. Friday’s April employment data reinforced market optimism, joining other labor indicators that suggest the conflict hasn’t significantly impacted job growth yet.

However, employment effects may emerge with a delay, and elevated gasoline prices could eventually affect consumer spending.

Chinese stock markets gained ground ahead of this week’s scheduled meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, set to begin Thursday. The energy crisis has pushed Chinese producer and consumer prices higher than expected, potentially complicating the diplomatic discussions.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is traveling to Tokyo today for discussions with Japanese government officials.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from his Labour Party colleagues following disappointing local election results. Despite weekend speculation about a potential leadership challenge, Starmer stated he would not resign and delivered remarks Monday intended to rally party support.

This week’s domestic economic calendar includes existing home sales figures for Monday, with April inflation data taking center stage Tuesday. The Senate may also vote Monday on Kevin Warsh’s nomination as the next Federal Reserve Chair, as current Chair Jerome Powell’s tenure ends Friday.

Major corporate earnings reports this week include technology companies Cisco and Applied Materials.

Chinese export activity accelerated in April as manufacturers worked to fulfill orders from artificial intelligence companies and other businesses stockpiling materials amid concerns that the Iran situation could drive global supply costs higher.

China’s trade surplus with the United States has expanded to $87.7 billion this year, a figure that will likely feature prominently in next week’s Trump-Xi summit discussions aimed at extending last year’s trade agreement.

Today’s key economic releases include U.S. existing home sales data and the Conference Board Employment Trends Index, both scheduled for 10 a.m. Eastern. A three-year Treasury note auction is set for 1 p.m. Eastern.

TEL AVIV – The executive leading Israel’s primary missile defense contractor announced Monday that the Iron Dome system has achieved remarkable success rates approaching 99% in stopping incoming projectiles from militant organizations.

Speaking at a Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs gathering, Yuval Steinitz, who heads the government-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, revealed that militant groups have launched approximately 40,000 rockets toward Israel following the Hamas attack in October 2023.

“Iron Dome intercepted most of them with success rates that (are) not 100% but close to 100%. It’s around 98%, even 99%, so it’s not perfect, but almost,” Steinitz stated during his presentation.

Regarding Iranian ballistic missile strikes, Steinitz reported that roughly 1,500 missiles were launched at Israel across two separate attack waves in 2024, with “only several dozens” managing to evade the defense system.

The Rafael chairman emphasized that Israel maintains adequate supplies of interceptor missiles to continue operations.

A 72-hour truce between Russia and Ukraine, negotiated by the United States, came to an end Monday amid mutual accusations of violations from both warring nations, leaving American and European leaders weighing their next diplomatic moves.

Officials in Ukraine reported Monday that Russian aerial attacks, explosive devices, and artillery bombardment targeted civilian locations in the northeastern Kharkiv and southern Kherson areas, resulting in at least two deaths and seven injuries.

Moscow’s military leadership claimed Sunday that Ukraine had violated the temporary truce more than 1,000 times, according to state-controlled media outlets.

Previous temporary ceasefires declared throughout the conflict, which began when Russia invaded its neighboring country over four years ago, have likewise collapsed, and diplomatic initiatives led by the United States over the past year have produced no results.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War reported that NASA satellite data showed reduced but ongoing military operations following Trump’s Friday announcement that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy had agreed to his ceasefire proposal spanning Saturday through Monday. The timing coincided with Victory Day, Russia’s annual commemoration of Nazi Germany’s defeat.

The ISW observed Sunday evening that “ceasefires without explicit enforcement mechanisms, credible monitoring, and defined dispute resolution processes are unlikely to hold.”

Trump had indicated the agreement would include a prisoner swap, stating the pause in hostilities might represent the “beginning of the end” of the conflict. Zelenskyy confirmed preparations were underway for exchanging 1,000 detainees from each nation.

However, neither side appears willing to compromise on their fundamental negotiating demands.

Putin seeks control over the entire Donbas region, Ukraine’s manufacturing center, despite his forces failing to fully secure it, while Zelenskyy refuses to cede the territory. The Ukrainian president has proposed a ceasefire and direct talks with Putin, but the Russian leader has rejected face-to-face meetings until a negotiated agreement is nearly complete.

Putin proposed over the weekend that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who maintains close Russian business connections, could serve as an intermediary. However, German and European officials rejected this suggestion while acknowledging the European Union might assume a larger role in peace negotiations after being marginalized by Washington’s efforts over the past year.

Nevertheless, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the bloc must clarify its goals before engaging with the Kremlin.

“Before we discuss with Russia, we should discuss amongst ourselves what we want to talk to them about,” she told reporters in Brussels.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participated in the Brussels gathering with EU foreign ministers. “We have mainstream peace talks under the leadership of the U.S., and we need this track and we need U.S. leadership. But Europe could play also its role,” Sybiha said.

He emphasized that Ukraine has recently strengthened its battlefield position, forcing the larger Russian military into slow and expensive advances along the 1,250-kilometer (780-mile) battle line, while deploying domestically produced long-range drones and missiles against targets within Russian territory.

“We have a new reality on the battlefield … Ukraine became stronger after the most difficult winter,” Sybiha said.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius became the newest high-ranking European official to visit Kyiv, arriving Monday for an unscheduled trip focused on expanding defense collaboration between the nations.

Prime Minister Evika Silina ordered the dismissal of Defense Minister Andris Sprūds on Sunday following recent drone incidents in the Baltic nation.

In a social media post, Silina stated Sprūds had “lost my trust” after a drone incident that “clearly demonstrated that the political leadership of the defense sector has failed to fulfill its promise of safe skies over our country.”

Sprūds resigned, characterizing it as a domestic political disagreement.

Ukraine’s Sybiha reported Sunday he had another conversation with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže regarding recent drone incidents in Latvia, after investigations revealed Russian electronic warfare had intentionally redirected Ukrainian drones from their planned targets inside Russia.

Sybiha confirmed Ukraine’s dedication to collaborating with the Baltic nations and Finland to avoid similar incidents, proposing direct participation from Ukrainian technical experts.

Estonia, Poland and Romania have also documented stray drones landing within their borders.

As President Donald Trump prepares for a crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, concerns are mounting about the future of U.S. support for Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing considers its territory.

Trump’s recent actions have sent mixed signals regarding America’s relationship with Taiwan. While he greenlit a record-breaking $11 billion weapons package for the island in December, the delivery remains on hold, and Trump has acknowledged discussing the sale directly with Xi. The president has also criticized Taiwan for taking away America’s chip manufacturing dominance and suggested the island should compensate the United States for military protection.

Meanwhile, Trump has used tariff threats to pressure Taiwan into making substantial investments in American semiconductor facilities and agreeing to purchase billions in U.S. natural gas and oil.

These mixed messages have sparked debate in Washington, Beijing, and Taipei about whether America’s long-standing commitment to Taiwan’s defense might be wavering under Trump’s leadership.

Retired Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, now with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, expressed worry about Taiwan becoming a bargaining chip in the upcoming talks.

“I do worry that we have a transactional president and a transactional opportunity could arise, and then we would have a challenge,” Montgomery stated.

Chinese officials have made clear they plan to prioritize Taiwan discussions during the summit. Foreign Minister Wang Yi brought up Taiwan during preparations with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, encouraging the United States to “make the right choices” regarding the island to maintain bilateral stability.

However, Rubio maintained that American policy remains unchanged. Speaking to reporters in Rome on Friday, he said, “We don’t want to see any forced or compelled change in the situation,” calling such action “destabilizing to the world.” He confirmed Taiwan would be discussed but wouldn’t be “a feature of our trip.”

The White House has emphasized that Trump has already authorized more military aid to Taiwan in his second term’s first year than the approximately $8.4 billion approved by former President Joe Biden throughout his entire presidency, including $330 million in aircraft components last November.

Under pressure from the Trump administration to boost defense spending, Taiwan’s legislature ended months of political deadlock Friday by approving $25 billion for military purchases. This amount fell short of the $40 billion requested by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te last year. A senior Trump administration official, speaking anonymously, called the reduced funding disappointing.

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen attempted to calm concerns, telling reporters that while “(China) may attempt some maneuvering during the talks,” the United States has consistently reaffirmed through public and private communications that its Taiwan policy hasn’t changed.

The central question among China specialists is how aggressively Xi will push Trump toward Beijing’s perspective on Taiwan.

Beijing views Taiwan as a rebellious province that must be reunited with mainland China, using military force if necessary. China prevents nations with which it maintains diplomatic ties from establishing formal relationships with Taiwan. Since recognizing modern China diplomatically in 1979, America has balanced Beijing’s demands while providing unofficial support and weapons to Taiwan.

This delicate balance involves Washington acknowledging Beijing’s claim that Taiwan belongs to China without explicitly agreeing with that position. The U.S. has traditionally stated it “does not support” Taiwan’s independence while opposing any unilateral changes to the current situation.

Experts suggest Xi might try to convince Trump to reduce Taiwan ties by limiting arms sales or restricting high-level American visits to the island. In February, Trump indicated he had broken with established policy by consulting Xi about Taiwan weapons sales.

Patricia Kim from the Brookings Institution’s Assessing China Project warned about potential policy shifts.

“Even if we don’t see something as dramatic as a formal shift in declaratory policy, this time around, there is always a risk that President Trump may make an off-the-cuff remark given he’s not necessarily somebody who appreciates the nuances of longstanding policy language,” Kim explained.

Tensions between U.S. ally Japan and China have also raised questions about Trump’s Taiwan commitment. In November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan a regional concern that could create “a survival-threatening situation” for Japan, possibly requiring military response.

Trump spoke with both Takaichi and Xi that same month but has remained mostly quiet about the dispute. When hosting Takaichi for discussions in March, Trump said, “I know they have a little bit of an edgy relationship,” adding, “I’ll be speaking Japan’s praises when I’m in China with President Xi.”

Questions about Trump’s Taiwan support also arose when the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy failed to specifically mention the island.

Taiwan’s advantage lies in its dominant global semiconductor industry, which America needs to maintain its technological edge over China.

“Trump at the very least realizes the role that Taiwan plays in the U.S.’s economic growth,” said Lev Nachman, a political science professor at National Taiwan University. “So I think that is sort of the main silver lining in thinking that nothing drastic will change in terms of policy toward Taiwan.”

Despite Trump’s deal-making reputation, his administration hasn’t treated challenging U.S.-China issues as tradeable commodities, according to Edgard Kagan, a former State Department official who worked under both Trump and Biden on East Asian affairs.

“The president understands leverage. My experience of being in meetings with him, he has a very, very acute sense of how to use it,” said Kagan, now the China Studies chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “And so I think that the idea that there’s going to be a trade where the president sort of sacrifices U.S. interests in Taiwan in order to get other things — I think it’s unlikely based on my own experience of how he operates.”

The summit’s impact on Taiwan will likely be measured by the leaders’ public statements afterward.

Following his previous face-to-face meeting with Xi in October, Trump claimed Xi hadn’t mentioned Taiwan and that Chinese officials “know the consequences” of military action against the island.

“I think the best-case scenario Taiwan can hope for is that Taiwan is not talked about publicly or, at the very least, in a minimal way,” Nachman concluded.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the United States have stalled once more on Monday, as both nations struggle to find common ground for ending their conflict while a fragile ceasefire continues to deteriorate through recent military exchanges, attacks on vessels and Gulf nations, and escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

This unstable situation threatens to plunge the Middle East back into full-scale conflict and extend the global energy emergency triggered by the ongoing hostilities, as Iran continues controlling the Strait of Hormuz while America maintains its naval blockade of Iranian harbors. President Donald Trump plans to leverage his upcoming diplomatic visit to China this week, seeking to convince Chinese leader Xi Jinping to apply pressure on Iran for meaningful compromises to break the current deadlock. China’s position as Iran’s largest purchaser of sanctioned petroleum provides Beijing with significant influence over the Islamic Republic.

However, reaching any meaningful agreement appears challenging. Iranian leadership demands the lifting of American naval blockades and economic sanctions before entering discussions about their stockpiled enriched uranium. Washington and Israeli officials insist on removing this nuclear material first, citing concerns it could eventually support weapons development if Iran chooses that path. While Tehran maintains its nuclear activities serve peaceful purposes, the country has enriched uranium far beyond levels required for civilian energy production.

On Sunday, Trump declared Iran’s latest diplomatic offer “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” Lifting the blockade prior to nuclear discussions would strip Trump of crucial negotiating power in future talks.

During this standoff, the disputed strait remains a critical passage for global oil and natural gas shipments, causing fuel costs to surge dramatically and creating widespread market instability.

Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who initiated the February 28th military campaign alongside Trump, emphasized the conflict remains ongoing. Speaking to CBS’ “60 Minutes” in Sunday’s broadcast, he stressed that removing nuclear materials from Iran represents a vital objective. Should diplomatic efforts fail, Netanyahu indicated Israel and America are prepared to “reengage them militarily.”

Netanyahu further stated the current Iranian leadership’s “days are numbered — but it could take a lot of days.”

American and Israeli forces have eliminated numerous senior Iranian officials, including the nation’s supreme leader during the war’s initial phase, while the conflict has severely damaged Iran’s economic infrastructure, though the theocratic government retains control.

Trump swiftly dismissed Iran’s newest proposal delivered Sunday through Pakistani intermediaries. The Iranian demands included war compensation from America, complete Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions removal, and return of frozen assets overseas, according to Iranian state media reports.

Iran additionally requested immediate cessation of all hostilities, including the Israel-Hezbollah fighting — groups that continue exchanging attacks despite their technical ceasefire status. This secondary conflict has involved Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, Israeli occupation of Lebanese areas, and fatal Hezbollah counterattacks, including one that claimed another Israeli soldier’s life, military officials confirmed Monday.

“We did not demand any concessions — the only thing we demanded was Iran’s legitimate rights,” stated Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on Monday. “The American side still insists on its one-sided views and unreasonable demands.”

Iran did propose diluting portions of their highly enriched uranium while transferring remaining materials to neutral territory, requesting 30-day negotiations for finalizing arrangements, according to two regional diplomatic sources familiar with the talks who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of ongoing diplomacy.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has volunteered to accept Iran’s uranium materials.

Russia operates Iran’s only nuclear facility at Bushehr and previously received Iranian uranium under the 2015 international nuclear agreement. When questioned Monday regarding Putin’s statements, Baghaei responded: “At the current stage, our focus is on ending the war.”

Separately, Iran executed another individual accused of espionage for both the CIA and Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Iran’s official IRNA news service named the executed prisoner as Erfan Shakourzadeh, claiming he handled satellite communications and transmitted classified intelligence to those agencies.

Iran has conducted multiple executions since nationwide demonstrations erupted in January. Human rights organizations have consistently criticized Iran for conducting secretive trials where defendants cannot adequately defend themselves. Iran’s chief judicial officer has repeatedly announced Tehran’s intention to accelerate execution schedules as retaliation against domestic and international adversaries.

ANKARA – Turkey’s top diplomat Hakan Fidan will travel to Qatar on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its broader implications for Middle East stability, according to a Turkish diplomatic source who spoke Monday.

The NATO-allied nation of Turkey, which shares a border with Iran, has maintained ongoing communications with the United States, Iran, and mediating nation Pakistan throughout the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Turkish officials have advocated for ending the hostilities while denouncing both attacks against Iran and Tehran’s military actions targeting Gulf nations.

Fidan, whose most recent trip to Doha occurred in March and who conducted two phone conversations with Iran’s foreign minister over the weekend, plans to reaffirm Turkey’s backing of ally Qatar amid Iranian aggression, the diplomatic source indicated.

The foreign minister will communicate Ankara’s demands for maintaining secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane and emphasize how crucial such protection is for both regional security and economic stability, according to the source.

The diplomatic source noted that Fidan is anticipated to “state that permanently resolving the conflict in the Gulf is the most urgent priority and exchange views on diplomatic initiatives to achieve this.”

Turkey and Qatar maintain robust diplomatic relationships and collaborate across multiple sectors including energy and military defense. Turkey operates a military installation in Qatar and has been discussing with Doha the potential purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft through a British-brokered deal.

Business representatives on Japan’s primary economic advisory committee issued a warning Monday to the nation’s central bank about potential financial pressures on smaller businesses as Middle East conflicts continue.

The recommendations were presented to the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, which guides Japan’s budget planning and long-term economic strategy. The advisory effectively asks for careful consideration before implementing policy changes, even as the Bank of Japan has indicated possible interest rate increases to address inflation concerns related to ongoing conflicts.

Four private sector representatives released a joint statement saying: “We expect the BOJ to conduct appropriate monetary policy while closely monitoring price developments, including inflation expectations, and taking into account trends in supply and demand for funds across financial markets.”

Although current data shows no immediate financing difficulties for small and medium enterprises, the panel expressed worry that elevated energy prices and supply chain disruptions might create greater capital requirements for these businesses.

Companies are already taking defensive measures against potential supply disruptions. Bank of Japan statistics reveal that commitment line agreements, which provide companies with predetermined borrowing capacity from banks, jumped by 2.5 trillion yen (approximately $16 billion) in March. This represents the steepest monthly climb since May 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak.

Japan’s central bank maintained current interest rates during its recent meeting but sent strong indications about a possible rate adjustment as early as June. This consideration stems from growing worries that rising energy expenses could accelerate inflation beyond manageable levels.

Financial experts suggest the gradual approach to rate increases contributes to the yen’s ongoing decline, creating policy challenges for government officials as it drives up import costs for everything from petroleum to food products.

However, increased interest rates would also mean higher debt payments, particularly affecting smaller businesses that depend more heavily on bank financing and typically maintain smaller cash reserves.

The four business representatives, including two individuals considered supportive allies of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic policies, emphasized the need for strong cooperation between the central bank and government officials.

Additionally, the panel suggested the government should evaluate fiscal health using multiple measurements instead of depending solely on one indicator, shifting away from Japan’s traditional emphasis on primary balance as the primary fiscal responsibility metric.

NAIROBI, Kenya — French President Emmanuel Macron is leading a diplomatic push to reshape his country’s relationships across Africa during a groundbreaking summit that kicked off Monday in Kenya, coinciding with France’s complete military pullout from West African nations that many view as a sign of waning French influence across the continent.

The French government is using the two-day Africa Forward Summit, which it is jointly hosting, to promote what officials describe as a fresh approach to African relations that emphasizes English-speaking nations and establishes what Paris terms a “partnership of equals.” France’s recent defense pact with Kenya exemplifies this new strategic direction.

For decades, France has exercised substantial economic, political and military control over its former colonies through a system known as Françafrique, which involved deploying thousands of soldiers throughout the region. However, following sustained criticism from African leaders and opposition movements who characterized France’s approach as patronizing and authoritarian, the French government has been compelled to remove the majority of these forces.

This gathering marks France’s inaugural summit held in an English-speaking African nation and will welcome over 30 heads of state and government representatives, including leaders from French-speaking countries. Upon his Sunday arrival, President Macron stated that while France might have disagreements with West African governments, it “never disagrees with the people.”

Kenya’s recently approved defense pact with France has drawn criticism from advocacy organizations who argue it provides excessive legal immunity to French military personnel under local law — a contentious matter in a nation where a comparable arrangement with the United Kingdom has resulted in numerous difficult-to-prosecute offenses against local residents.

During a period when numerous African countries, especially those in the Sahel region, are limiting or removing foreign military operations as part of what they describe as efforts to restore their independence, Kenya is welcoming an expanding international military presence.

The Kenya-France Defense Cooperation Agreement received signatures on October 29, 2025, from Kenya’s Defense Minister Soipan Tuya and French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, with parliamentary approval following on April 8. During that same month, lawmakers also approved defense partnerships with several nations including the Czech Republic, China and Italy.

While supporting the defense agreements, parliament defense committee chair Nelson Koech explained that Kenya’s partnerships with militarily advanced nations provide training opportunities and intelligence-sharing capabilities that will strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.

“These agreements were not a ‘surrender of sovereignty,’” Koech stated, noting that more recent pacts ensure foreign military personnel will face trial in Kenya if accused of serious offenses such as murder.

One month before the summit’s start, approximately 800 French soldiers arrived in Kenya via naval vessel.

The agreement provides visiting French forces with primary legal authority over their personnel for duty-related violations, mirroring extensive legal protections in previous UK agreements that protected British soldiers from Kenyan judicial proceedings during controversies including the 2012 killing of a young woman named Agnes Wanjiru and the fatal 2021 Lolldaiga ranch fire.

A British soldier faces extradition after Kenyan courts determined he must answer for the 2012 death of Wanjiru, who was last observed alive with him near British military training facilities in Nanyuki, central Kenya.

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — The German diplomat responsible for monitoring peace efforts in Bosnia-Herzegovina since the 1990s conflict has announced his resignation, according to his office on Monday.

Christian Schmidt has made a “personal decision to conclude his service” as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina following almost five years in the position, according to an official statement. The German official will remain in his role until authorities select his replacement.

Throughout his tenure, Schmidt engaged in frequent disputes with Milorad Dodik, the leading Bosnian Serb politician who heads the Serbian portion of Bosnia known as Republika Srpska. In August, officials stripped Dodik of his presidential position and imposed a temporary political ban for refusing to comply with Schmidt’s directives.

Dodik, who maintains pro-Russian positions, has advocated for the Serbian region of Bosnia to break away and unite with Serbia. His political stance has raised concerns about potential renewed conflict in Bosnia, where ethnic divisions persist among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, who are predominantly Muslim.

The United States previously imposed sanctions on Dodik for his separatist activities, though these penalties were recently removed. He maintains regular contact with Russia and attended Saturday’s annual military ceremony in Moscow marking the end of World War II in Europe.

The High Representative’s office was created through a peace accord brokered by the United States that concluded the 1992-95 ethnic conflict, which claimed over 100,000 lives. This position holds power to modify legislation and remove officials who obstruct post-conflict reconciliation efforts.

As a potential European Union member nation, Bosnia has struggled to complete required reforms because of ongoing political disputes and ethnic divisions among nationalist leaders. The nation is structured with a Serbian entity and a Bosnian-Croat entity, unified under a multi-ethnic federal government.

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine lawmakers delivered a decisive blow to Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, voting overwhelmingly to remove her from office amid accusations of financial misconduct and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s life.

The chamber, controlled by allies of President Marcos, cast ballots 255-26 with nine members choosing not to vote. Two separate impeachment cases against Duterte will now advance to the Senate, where lawmakers will form a trial tribunal to hear the charges.

Duterte faces accusations of accumulating unexplained wealth, improperly using government money, and making assassination threats against the current president. The vice president, whose father previously served as the country’s leader, has broadly rejected the allegations while avoiding detailed responses to the specific criminal charges.

This marks the second time in consecutive years that House members have moved to impeach Duterte. Her previous impeachment effort was halted when the nation’s highest court intervened, citing constitutional procedural issues that prevented a Senate trial.

Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters has pushed back against media reports claiming civilian casualties occurred during recent drone operations targeting armed criminal groups in the country’s northern Niger state.

Defense spokesperson Major-General Michael Onoja stated Monday that the overnight drone operations conducted between May 9 and 10 were guided by intelligence and struck only militant locations. The operations focused on four villages in the Shiroro district: Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru, where intelligence suggested armed criminal groups known locally as bandits were assembling to plan future attacks.

The military’s response addresses Nigerian media reports that alleged civilian deaths, highlighting ongoing concerns about how airstrikes in conflict areas affect local populations.

Nigeria’s armed forces are currently fighting criminal gangs in the country’s northwest region while also combating a 17-year Islamic extremist uprising in the northeast.

Just last month, approximately 200 people died when military aircraft hit a village marketplace during operations against Islamic militants in the northeast, according to local residents who spoke with Reuters.

Regarding the recent operations, Onoja reported that no fewer than 70 suspected criminals were eliminated in Kusasu village alone. Intelligence gathered after the strikes revealed surviving fighters were regrouping, with over 200 motorcycles observed moving toward the nearby village of Zango.

“The strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives,” Onoja stated. He added that local residents had moved to another village prior to the operation, reducing the possibility of civilian casualties.

Onoja did not specify whether civilians received advance warning about the planned strikes.

The military has directed field commanders to look into any allegations of civilian harm, according to Onoja.

Hungary’s new government plans to examine a massive nuclear power plant expansion agreement with Russia, according to the country’s nominee for economy and energy affairs minister during a parliamentary hearing Monday.

The ministerial candidate, Istvan Kapitany, announced the review of the controversial $14.7 billion project to add two Russian-built VVER reactors to Hungary’s existing Paks nuclear facility. The original deal was granted to Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom in 2014 without any competitive bidding process and has faced multiple delays over the years.

“We need a transparent nuclear strategy,” Kapitany stated during his hearing. “We have to review the financing and costs of Paks 2 (expansion project) and its implementation conditions. These are classified contracts, which we have not yet seen, we need to examine them.”

The nuclear expansion has long been viewed by political analysts as evidence of the strong relationship between Budapest and Moscow under previous prime minister Viktor Orban. Hungary’s new leadership has promised to alter this dynamic as part of broader efforts to improve ties with the European Union.

Centre-right leader Peter Magyar, who took the oath as prime minister Saturday, previously stated that the project’s costs were artificially inflated. Rosatom has indicated its willingness to defend the pricing structure.

Despite the review, Kapitany emphasized that nuclear energy would remain a significant component of Hungary’s power strategy. He also committed to combating corruption, addressing criticism that graft flourished under Orban’s administration – allegations the former leader has rejected.

In a separate committee hearing, foreign minister nominee Anita Orban outlined her priority to restore international confidence in Hungary following deterioration under the previous administration.

The former government maintained frequent disputes with EU leadership on matters including judicial independence and minority protections. Hungary’s sustained connections with Moscow amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, combined with blocking financial assistance to Kyiv, further damaged these relationships.

“Laws need to be passed that will ensure that Hungary’s judiciary is independent, that public tenders are transparent, that corruption can be fought, wealth declarations can be checked and the use of European Union funds can be tracked,” Orban explained.

She clarified that Hungary would not deploy military personnel or armaments to Ukraine.

Nearly 500 mountaineers are pushing forward with their quest to reach the summit of the world’s tallest mountain, even as a treacherous ice formation threatens the primary climbing path, along with rising expedition costs and higher permit prices.

Approximately 492 climbers accompanied by an equal number of Nepali guides are preparing for their journey to the summit of the towering peak that reaches nearly 8,850 meters (roughly 29,000 feet) this month, taking advantage of the eagerly awaited period of favorable weather conditions.

Mountaineers started assembling in April at base camp, positioned at 5,300 meters (17,340 feet) above sea level. However, a colossal and precarious ice formation, known as a serac, has prevented their advance up the mountain for more than two weeks.

This serac forms part of the Khumbu Icefall, a continuously moving glacier filled with deep cracks and enormous overhanging ice chunks that can reach the size of a ten-story structure. This area ranks among the most challenging and dangerous sections to navigate.

Mountaineering specialist Ang Tshering Sherpa from Nepal noted that despite ongoing conflicts in Iran and rising travel expenses, a substantial number of climbers are tackling Mount Everest this climbing season. While fewer mountaineers from America and Europe are participating, there has been an increase in Asian climbers making the attempt.

The mountain sits along the border between Nepal and China, though China has shut down its climbing route this year, forcing all climbers to attempt their ascent from Nepal’s southern approach.

Ukrainian military commanders and local officials documented continued Russian drone attacks and combat engagements on Monday, breaking terms of a ceasefire arrangement facilitated by the United States.

Both nations had committed to halting hostilities from May 9 through May 11 under an American-led diplomatic initiative spearheaded by President Donald Trump, aimed at concluding the conflict that has persisted for over four years following Russia’s comprehensive military offensive launched in 2022.

The temporary truce, which Trump expressed hope on Friday could be prolonged, began showing cracks on Sunday as both countries pointed fingers at each other for ceasefire breaches.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Sunday that while Moscow had avoided major air and missile bombardments, Russian forces maintained offensive operations across sections of the extensive battle line where they continue advancing.

Moscow’s Defense Ministry countered on Sunday by claiming Ukraine violated the truce terms, reporting the destruction of 57 Ukrainian drones within a 24-hour period and stating they had “responded in kind” during ground fighting. Russian officials had not released updated battlefield assessments by Monday.

Casualties mounted across Ukrainian territories, with Zaporizhzhia’s southeastern region recording one fatality and two injuries, according to the area’s governor. The southern Kherson region saw two deaths and two wounded, as reported by local leadership.

Additional injuries were documented in neighboring areas: three wounded in the Mykolaiv region, five injured in northern Kharkiv, and four casualties in eastern Donetsk, based on statements from regional governors.

Ukraine’s military General Staff documented 180 separate combat incidents across front-line positions during the previous 24-hour period, noting that Russian forces had launched 8,037 “kamikaze” drones targeting both civilian areas and military installations on Sunday.

BEIJING, May 11 – Beijing has sharply criticized recent United States penalties imposed on three Chinese businesses that American officials accused of supporting Iran’s military capabilities, denouncing the measures as unlawful and one-sided.

During a routine media briefing on Monday, Chinese government spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated: “We have always required Chinese enterprises to conduct business in accordance with laws and regulations, and will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.”

Guo also emphasized that current efforts should focus elsewhere, saying: “The pressing priority is to prevent by all means a relapse in fighting, rather than using the war to maliciously associate and smear other countries.”

The Chinese official’s remarks represent Beijing’s formal response to Washington’s latest round of economic restrictions targeting companies it claims have facilitated Iranian military activities.

South Korean officials issued their harshest condemnation Monday regarding an assault on a Korean-operated commercial vessel in Middle Eastern waters earlier this month, promising retaliation once they determine the perpetrator.

The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz when the cargo ship Namu, run by shipping company HMM Co., came under attack while operating legally in waters near the United Arab Emirates, according to government representatives.

Initial forensic examination revealed damage to the vessel’s lower left rear section, which sparked a blaze in the engine compartment, a Blue House spokesperson reported.

“We condemn this in the strongest terms,” declared Wi Sung-lac, South Korea’s presidential national security adviser, during a press conference. Wi explained that Korean officials and specialists confirmed the vessel damage during their forensic review at a Dubai port facility.

The assault’s impact wasn’t immediately apparent because of where it struck the ship’s lower rear port area, Blue House representatives noted.

Officials stated they remain uncertain about Iran’s potential involvement in the incident. Tehran has previously rejected any culpability for the assault, which involved a powerful blow to the vessel’s side.

The Iranian embassy in Seoul released a statement Monday indicating they had no current stance on the situation but would provide updates if an official position develops.

Following the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of attacking the Korean ship and called on Seoul to participate in American-led maritime security operations in the strategic waterway.

BEIJING – Law enforcement officials from the United States and China have successfully apprehended five individuals as part of a collaborative investigation targeting international drug trafficking operations, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency on Monday.

The coordinated enforcement action took place across both nations, resulting in the arrest of two individuals from China and three from the United States, Xinhua reported. During the operation, authorities also confiscated quantities of illegal drugs.

The joint investigation demonstrates ongoing cooperation between American and Chinese law enforcement agencies in combating cross-border narcotics smuggling networks.

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is battling to save his political career by promising stronger European relationships following crushing electoral defeats that have sparked widespread calls for his resignation.

The embattled Labour leader will deliver a major address Monday where he intends to declare he will “face up to the big challenges” and restore “hope” across Britain.

Central to his message will be “putting Britain at the heart of Europe,” marking a significant shift ten years after the United Kingdom decided to exit the European Union, according to his office.

However, Starmer’s grip on power appears increasingly tenuous, with numerous members of parliament demanding he announce when he will step down.

Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister and influential figure viewed as a possible successor, declared “what we are doing isn’t working, and it needs to change.”

While Rayner stopped short of directly demanding Starmer’s resignation, she criticized him for overseeing “a toxic culture of cronyism” and insisted the administration must “stay true to labor and social democratic values” while addressing living costs for working families.

“This may be our last chance,” Rayner stated Sunday.

The Labour Party has fallen into despair following significant defeats in recent local elections throughout England and parliamentary contests in Scotland and Wales. Political observers view these results as an unofficial judgment on Starmer, whose approval ratings have collapsed since his overwhelming victory less than two years ago.

His administration has failed to achieve promised economic expansion, rebuild struggling public services, and address cost-of-living concerns, while being undermined by continuous blunders and policy reversals on matters including welfare changes. His troubles deepened with his controversial choice to name Peter Mandelson, who has connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as Britain’s ambassador to the United States.

The recent elections demonstrated Labour losing support from multiple directions, with voters defecting to both the anti-immigration Reform UK party and the “eco-populist” Green Party. This highlights the growing division in British politics, traditionally controlled by Labour and Conservative parties.

Starmer hopes Monday’s address and an extensive legislative agenda to be presented Wednesday by King Charles III during Parliament’s ceremonial opening will help him recover politically.

A central element involves strengthening European connections, as the UK departed the EU in 2020, four years following the narrow “leave” victory in the membership vote. Starmer’s administration has already begun reducing trade barriers that have impacted British companies since Brexit, and he promises to negotiate a youth mobility agreement allowing young people to work temporarily across Europe.

Labour supported remaining in the EU during the 2016 campaign but has avoided reopening the divisive national debate. Starmer has rejected pursuing EU membership or rejoining the organization’s customs union or single market.

Prominent Labour figures considered potential replacements for Starmer — including Rayner, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham — have not yet demanded his resignation.

However, increasing numbers of Labour parliamentarians are urging the prime minister to establish a departure timeline. British political systems permit parties to replace leaders during their terms without requiring new elections.

Josh Simons, a previously supportive Labour member of parliament, wrote in the Times of London that Starmer “has lost the country” and “should take control of the situation by overseeing an orderly transition to a new prime minister.”

Catherine West, a former junior minister, threatens to initiate a leadership challenge unless Starmer delivers an exceptional speech Monday. West admitted lacking support from the required 81 colleagues to force a contest, with her action appearing designed to pressure more prominent candidates to act.

“Working people sent us a message,” West explained. “We have to listen to that, and we have to change and we have to do it quickly.”

MANILA – Philippine legislators will cast ballots Monday determining whether to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, a decision that could significantly impact her anticipated 2028 presidential campaign.

Last month, a house justice committee determined there was sufficient evidence to support impeachment proceedings based on an activist petition. The charges include allegations of public fund mismanagement, acquiring wealth without explanation, and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his spouse, and the previous house speaker.

Duterte stands as the leading candidate to replace Marcos in 2028, as constitutional restrictions prevent him from seeking a second term. She has expressed regret for supporting Marcos’ rise to power in 2022, when they campaigned together and secured overwhelming electoral victories before their relationship soured.

Duterte maintains her innocence, while her attorneys have characterized the petition as flawed and described it as a “fishing expedition.”

House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil and Representative Leila de Lima, who serves on the justice committee, confirmed Monday’s voting schedule.

Should more than one-third of the lower chamber support impeachment, the Senate must conduct a trial with senators serving as jurors. A conviction would result in Duterte’s removal from office and prohibition from future political participation.

POLITICAL DYNASTY FACES CHALLENGES

This impeachment attempt represents another blow to the powerful Duterte political dynasty. The vice president continues facing pressure from her bitter conflict with Marcos, while her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, awaits International Criminal Court proceedings related to his anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths during his 2016-2022 administration.

The house previously voted to impeach Sara Duterte last year, but the Supreme Court later overturned that decision due to procedural errors.

Should she be impeached, Duterte would become the highest-ranking Philippine official to face such proceedings since former President Joseph Estrada in 2000, whose trial ended abruptly when prosecutors withdrew.

Three other senior officials have faced impeachment: an ombudsman and election commission leader who both stepped down before trial, and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, who remains the only official convicted through this process.

Marcos successfully avoided a separate impeachment attempt in February when his congressional supporters voted to dismiss it. He has maintained distance from the proceedings targeting his former running mate.

Dozens of impeachment supporters assembled outside Congress Monday, shouting slogans and displaying signs reading “Impeach Sara Now.”

Left-wing Congressman Perci Cendana joined the demonstration, expressing confidence in securing sufficient votes for impeachment and calling it a “historic day for democracy.”

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian nations are confronting a deepening energy crisis as their initial emergency responses to the Iran conflict prove inadequate, with more severe economic consequences now emerging.

When hostilities began, regional governments rushed to address the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for Asian energy supplies. Officials implemented emergency strategies including conservation measures that slowed business operations, redirected natural gas from industrial uses to residential needs, and depleted strategic energy reserves for short-term stability.

However, these emergency responses were designed for a brief conflict that would allow energy shipments to resume quickly. That scenario has failed to materialize.

As the war continues indefinitely, the energy shortage is spreading throughout regional economies. Transportation costs, freight charges, and energy bills are surging, threatening economic stability. The United Nations Development Program warns that approximately 8.8 million people face the risk of falling into poverty, while the conflict could generate $299 billion in economic damage across the Asia-Pacific area.

“The countries with the least resources to respond, or the consumers who can least afford to pay, are the ones who feel everything first,” said Samantha Gross of the U.S.-based think tank Brookings Institution.

Regional governments structured their fiscal plans expecting oil to cost approximately $70 per barrel on average. Energy subsidies helped maintain stable fuel pricing. However, the conflict drove Brent crude prices to peaks of roughly $120 per barrel.

Officials now confront a difficult decision between continuing expensive subsidies that burden government budgets, or eliminating them to transfer increased costs to citizens, potentially triggering public unrest, explained Ahmad Rafdi Endut, a Kuala Lumpur-based independent energy analyst.

In India, initial efforts to redirect fuel supplies toward cooking gas for approximately 330 million households reduced availability for fertilizer manufacturing. Rising fertilizer costs combined with meteorologists’ predictions of poor rainfall during an El Niño year create concerns for the world’s top rice exporting nation.

India has used subsidies to protect its 1.4 billion citizens so far, but on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on residents to purchase domestic products and reduce international travel to conserve foreign currency. He also promoted working from home and using public transportation to decrease fuel usage, while asking farmers to reduce fertilizer consumption by half.

The Philippines rapidly implemented a four-day work schedule to conserve fuel. The country also introduced targeted financial assistance for lower-income families. Nevertheless, Fitch Ratings observed that most consumers continue facing elevated energy expenses, leading to reduced business operations in major urban areas like Manila.

Thailand eliminated its diesel price controls less than one month into the conflict as fuel subsidies were depleted. The country is now reducing other expenditures to handle increased oil costs while attempting to maintain fiscal discipline.

Vietnam extended its suspension of fuel taxes to reduce domestic price pressures. Jet fuel shortages have resulted in flight cancellations. Since tourism represents nearly 8% of Vietnam’s gross domestic product, these disruptions impact the broader economy.

“Business is not good right now,” said Hanoi-based tour guide Nguyen Manh Thang. “There are already fewer tourists.”

Fuel shortages have forced financially strained nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh to purchase oil and gas at spot market rates, which typically exceed long-term contract prices and show greater volatility. This increases import expenses and strains their already limited foreign currency reserves.

Governments can maintain expensive fuel subsidies by reducing spending on other priorities such as social programs, or increase borrowing and risk higher inflation, Endut explained from Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, they can decrease subsidies and transfer higher costs to consumers, potentially angering constituents.

After subsidies are depleted and inflation begins climbing, nations could encounter what he described as a “fiscal time bomb.”

The conflict’s conclusion will not provide immediate relief to Asia.

Global oil and gas commerce will not recover immediately, and restarting production will require time, Gross from the Brookings Institution noted. Rebuilding damaged infrastructure, reactivating facilities, and accounting for shipping time from the Middle East to destination markets will require weeks or potentially months.

Europe will experience similar effects to Asia, but with approximately a four-week delay, according to experts.

Americans are also experiencing pressure as gasoline prices increase nationwide. However, Southeast Asia remains the “biggest pain point,” according to Henning Gloystein of the Eurasia Group consultancy firm.

“This fuel shortage situation is going to get worse,” he stated.

In Africa, elevated energy and import expenses are similarly pressuring budgets, expanding deficits, and increasing inflation. The conflict is also affecting Latin America and the Caribbean, where economic growth is expected to decelerate slightly.

The complicated disruptions throughout global supply networks will continue creating broader consequences, cautioned Ted Krantz, CEO of supply chain risk company Interos.ai.

The crisis also demonstrates the vulnerability of Asia’s expanding middle class, according to Maria Monica Wihardja of the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, with numerous individuals at risk of returning to poverty.

The energy disruption will transform Southeast Asia’s economies gradually, she explained, including changes in employment markets and how nations prepare for future energy emergencies.

Nations are already discussing and implementing long-range solutions, such as diversifying fossil fuel sources, advancing nuclear energy, and developing renewable options like solar power.

The conflict is placing geopolitical risk at the center of Southeast Asia’s economic projections and directly hampering regional growth, stated Albert Park of the Asian Development Bank.

“The longer it lasts, the larger those negative effects would be,” he concluded.

Iranian officials have carried out the death sentence of a man found guilty of conducting espionage activities for American and Israeli intelligence agencies, according to reports from the country’s judicial system on Monday.

The executed individual was identified as Erfan Shakourzadeh by Mizan, the judiciary’s official news source. Officials stated that Shakourzadeh had been employed at a scientific facility that handled satellite operations and had allegedly transmitted sensitive scientific data to foreign intelligence organizations.

The Iran Human Rights Society, an advocacy organization, reported that Shakourzadeh was a 29-year-old who held a degree in aerospace engineering. The group claims he was taken into custody in 2025 and that authorities coerced him into making his confession.