Category: World News

ADELAIDE, May 21 – A populist political party in Australia has announced an ambitious energy plan that would establish a sovereign wealth fund similar to Norway’s model and give the federal government partial ownership of offshore oil and gas projects.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party presented the proposal during the Australian Energy Producers conference in Adelaide on Thursday. The party has experienced growing support this year, securing its first House of Representatives seat and receiving backing from Australia’s wealthiest individual, Gina Rinehart, who has provided financial support including donating aircraft and hosting fundraising events.

Rinehart controls energy assets through Hancock Energy, including coal seam gas properties in Queensland and traditional gas holdings in Western Australia. These holdings fall under state jurisdiction and would not be impacted by Hanson’s federal proposal, despite One Nation’s historical opposition to coal seam gas development.

Speaking to a crowded conference hall, Hanson declared: “We want more gas, more oil and more energy to drive our country forward.”

The party leader criticized the current Labor administration’s recently announced policy mandating that energy exporters set aside 20% of natural gas production for domestic east coast markets. This requirement, revealed in early May, has drawn strong opposition from industry leaders.

Hanson emphasized that her proposed Australian National Wealth Investment Corporation represented “not a socialist takeover” and would operate under industry leadership while focusing exclusively on federal waters.

Under the outlined framework, the federal government would acquire a 30% ownership stake in offshore permits, participate in both development expenses and cleanup costs, and reserve portions of production for domestic consumption including fertilizer and fuel manufacturing. The approval process would be streamlined to six months, according to Hanson.

Amplitude Energy CEO Jane Norman expressed support for the concept, suggesting that government partnership could create better alignment of interests. Norman revealed her company expects to invest A$20 million ($14.25 million) in obtaining federal approvals for offshore exploration activities.

However, MST Marquee analyst Saul Kavonic criticized the plan as “even more interventionist” than Labor’s current policies and warned it would burden taxpayers with additional costs.

Government officials from Ukrainian cities recently toured a massive underground facility carved into bedrock beneath Helsinki, marveling at a space designed to protect 6,000 people during emergencies.

These visitors represent just a fraction of approximately 800 international delegations that have examined Helsinki’s Merihaka civil protection facility — Finland’s largest dual-purpose shelter that has become a showcase for Finnish businesses seeking international customers worried about regional conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.

The enormous underground space measures 71,000 cubic meters, equivalent to a seven-story office building. Constructed in 2003, the facility operates 25 meters below ground and features athletic courts, fitness facilities, and children’s play areas used by residents every day.

When emergencies arise, the space can transform into a protective shelter equipped with sleeping quarters, water storage, and sanitation facilities within three days.

Finland’s difficult wartime relationship with Russia during World War Two shaped current building requirements that mandate protective shelters beneath residential and commercial structures of specified sizes.

These regulations have given Finnish firms expertise in shelter design and maintenance, including specialized radiation-resistant entryways, air filtration systems, emergency electrical systems, communications infrastructure, and waste management networks.

International visitors have included government representatives, business executives, and officials from major corporations like oil company Saudi Aramco, according to authorities and industry representatives.

Resilience Center Finland, a trade promotion organization launched in March, reports that the nation’s security and defense exports total tens of billions of euros, with shelter sales reaching several dozen million euros and showing substantial expansion opportunities.

“Within two years we won’t need to compete fiercely with our peers over getting a gig. Rather, it will very soon be a question of capacity running out,” said Ilkka Kivisaari, CEO of Finnish-Swiss-owned Verona Shelters Group, pointing to strong demand from Poland and Germany plus significant interest from Middle Eastern nations.

The Merihaka facility represents one of 48 large shelters and 5,500 smaller protective spaces throughout Helsinki — part of 50,500 such structures built across Finland following a Soviet invasion attempt during World War Two.

At another Helsinki shelter capable of housing 3,800 people, Juha Simola, CEO of Finnish Temet Group, arrived directly from the Czech Republic following a trade mission led by the country’s leader Alexander Stubb.

Simola was demonstrating shelter technology to representatives from Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, and mentioned receiving inquiries from other Gulf region countries during the conflict with Iran.

“There was a quite big hit in Abu Dhabi and I got a phone call from there that please come quickly,” Simola told Reuters, declining to provide additional details.

His company is constructing a manufacturing facility in the United Arab Emirates, which plans to build hundreds of protective shelters, he said.

Temet, operating in this sector for seven decades, aims to generate 80% of revenue from international sales in coming years, according to Simola.

While Temet and Verona lead Finland’s shelter industry, several smaller companies focus on specialized components including blast-resistant doors and communication systems.

Building regulations require protective shelters beneath structures exceeding 1,200 square meters, said Pauliina Eskola, who heads the rescue department at Finland’s interior ministry, emphasizing the importance of standards and quality control.

Shelter construction costs for new apartment buildings in Finland range from 1.5% to 4% of total building expenses, paid by property developers, Verona’s Kivisaari explained.

High-profile visitors to Merihaka in recent years have included Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Polish counterpart Karol Nawrocki, and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

“We came to gain the experience that’s available here, and we have a very big dream of building a sports complex like this,” said Tetiana Grunska, deputy head of the Balakliia City Military Administration in Ukraine, during a visit by the Mayors’ Club Ukraine, which represents over 600 current and former municipal leaders.

Poland is also modernizing its shelter infrastructure.

Polish authorities allocated 5.8 billion zlotys ($1.59 billion) over the past two years for rebuilding collective defense facilities, the interior ministry reported.

“We’re building from scratch. The situation in this respect was really dire in Poland – the last shelter was built in the mid‑1990s, so for 30 years nothing was done,” said Robert Klonowski, deputy director in the Polish interior ministry.

Ukraine and Poland have enacted new laws requiring shelters in certain new construction projects, but Mayors’ Club board member Yuliya Chufistova noted that stricter requirements have caused private developers to abandon projects in Ukraine.

“The price is higher when rules are more strict, so we need to find the balance,” she said.

Near Ukraine’s front lines in Grunska’s hometown of Balakliia, daily warning sirens during the war’s fifth year demonstrate the value of dual-purpose protective facilities.

One of the community’s few bomb shelters was constructed over the past year to function as a school, enabling children to attend classes several floors underground, protected from Russian drone and missile strikes.

Warning sirens sound 15 times daily or more, said boxing instructor Volodymyr Borshch.

“I would like there to be an underground shelter for sports activities as well, where it would be possible not just to wait out the air raid alert, but to carry out a full training session while we wait,” he told Reuters.

BUDAPEST, May 21 – Hungary’s governing Tisza party introduced legislation to parliament Wednesday evening proposing constitutional changes that would cap prime ministerial service at eight years maximum, a move that would prevent former leader Viktor Orban from returning to power.

Current Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who defeated nationalist Orban in April’s election following his 16-year tenure, has pledged to leverage his parliamentary super majority to reverse and modify laws enacted by Orban’s Fidesz party, including constitutional revisions, in an effort to restore democratic oversight mechanisms.

The proposed constitutional change, posted on parliament’s official website, states that individuals who have previously served as prime minister for eight years or more “cannot be elected prime minister.” The restriction applies to terms served after May 2, 1990.

The legislation also establishes that prime ministers must step down after completing eight total years in office, equivalent to two terms.

Additionally, the amendment creates a pathway to eliminate the Sovereignty Protection Office, an agency established by Orban in 2023 that maintained lists of media outlets considered threats to Hungary’s sovereignty and possessed authority to “probe activities that threaten the country’s sovereignty.”

Under the proposed legislation, Magyar’s administration would also regain control over founder rights of public-interest asset management foundations that oversee nearly two dozen universities, granting the government power to dissolve these organizations.

Should this occur, state resources valued at hundreds of billions of forints that Orban’s government transferred to these foundations would be returned to state control.

“The amendment makes it clear that although the foundations … are private entities, their assets are national assets,” the proposal states.

The African kingdom of Eswatini rapidly agreed to accept deported migrants from the United States after learning through diplomatic channels that the Trump administration was seeking African partners for such arrangements, according to three senior government officials familiar with the discussions.

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini held private discussions with then-Acting U.S. Charge d’Affaires Caitlin Piper in mid-February of last year regarding the deportation arrangement, the sources revealed.

After Dlamini brought the proposal to King Mswati III, who celebrated four decades of rule in April, the monarch quickly approved hosting the deportees, two sources said, describing previously undisclosed private negotiations.

The rapid approval, which has resulted in 19 migrants being held at a detention facility south of the capital Mbabane, demonstrates Eswatini’s eagerness to maintain strong ties with its American partner.

“The king embraced the deal as Eswatini’s contribution to world order,” King Mswati’s spokesperson, Percy Simelane, told Reuters of the decision.

America served as Eswatini’s primary external donor in 2024, with substantial funding directed toward HIV/AIDS initiatives, according to U.S. Official Development Assistance data. The small landlocked nation of 1.2 million has among the world’s highest HIV infection rates.

Under the arrangement to house up to 160 deportees, Eswatini – where one-third of residents survive on less than $2.15 daily according to World Bank poverty measurements – would receive $5.1 million, based on a leaked agreement document reviewed by Reuters.

ATTORNEYS QUESTION DEAL’S CONSTITUTIONALITY

The agreement to accept deportees from countries including Cuba, Jamaica, Cambodia and Laos has generated controversy and unusual public demonstrations, despite the monarch’s broad authority.

Small but uncommon demonstrations occurred in July outside the detention facility. Two attorneys are pursuing legal challenges, arguing the arrangement violates multiple constitutional provisions.

The legal violations include circumventing parliamentary approval, detaining individuals beyond the constitutionally mandated 48-hour limit without charges, denying legal representation, and holding people who committed no offenses within Eswatini’s borders.

“The government of Swaziland (Eswatini) have put themselves in a mess that they don’t know how to take themselves out of,” the lawyer for the deportees, Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, told Reuters.

“Swaziland (Eswatini) is regarded as a golden boy in Africa,” by the U.S., Nhlabatsi said. “I think we found ourselves in the good books … (and) wanted to stay there.”

Following months of legal efforts, Nhlabatsi secured a court victory on April 10 granting detainees access to legal counsel, though prison officials have not yet provided such access, he reported.

Eswatini’s correctional services director did not respond to requests for comment.

ARRANGEMENT MAINTAINED IN SECRECY

A U.S. State Department representative declined to address specific inquiries but stated “we remain unwavering in our commitment to end illegal and mass immigration and bolster America’s border security.”

The initial group of five deportees arrived in July of last year. Additional arrivals have brought the total to 19, with two individuals having been released and returned to their home countries.

Based on information from three government officials and three diplomatic sources, only the king, Queen Mother Ntfombi and Prime Minister Dlamini were aware of the arrangement until the migrants arrived.

“Bringing USA deportees to Eswatini (concerned) security. It had to start where it started and the rest of the system structures were to learn of the decision later,” said Simelane.

Two diplomatic sources and one government official reported that when the $5.1 million payment arrived in government accounts, officials including the finance minister were unaware of its purpose.

Simelane declined to provide additional comment.

BENEFICIAL U.S. TRADE TERMS AND HEALTHCARE AGREEMENT

In contrast to neighboring South Africa, Eswatini has preserved positive U.S. relations and secured favorable terms in a health agreement signed in December, supporting its struggling healthcare infrastructure.

Among 14 African nations signing bilateral U.S. health agreements in December to replace discontinued USAID programs, Eswatini received the highest per-person allocation of $205 million. The country also received 10% tariffs, one-third of those imposed on South Africa.

“The MOU had a significant impact,” health portfolio committee head Nxumalo Somntongo told Reuters, referring to the December health deals. He said they had made financing more sustainable and supply chains more reliable.

However, three sources and Nxumalo stated they were unaware of any evidence that restored aid or favorable trade terms were discussed as components of the deportee arrangement.

“To the best of our knowledge, no carrot, in the form of tariffs was dangled. Health aid was going on long before the deal and could not have been bait,” Simelane said.

HARSH DETENTION CONDITIONS

For some detainees and their families, the experience has been distressing.

Pheap Rom from Cambodia, one of the two released detainees, became alarmed upon realizing he was being transported to an African country rather than another U.S. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) facility.

“I was (so) scared, my knees were shaking,” he told Reuters last month in Phnom Penh.

The detention conditions in Eswatini were overcrowded, he reported, with four individuals sharing small cells.

The long-term partner of another deportee still held in Eswatini, Felix Perez, 64, said most of their phone conversations center on his fears of dying in detention due to poor health.

“It’s a thought I can’t shake,” the woman, who gave her name as Phyllis, told Reuters in a text message from her Louisiana home town. “To know he has to fight mosquitoes all night and can’t get proper care. I cry daily.”

Two fatalities occurred during a drone strike on the Russian town of Syzran in the Samara region along the Volga River, according to the local governor, as both Russia and Ukraine reported casualties from overnight cross-border attacks on May 21.

The town of Syzran, situated approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Ukraine’s border, houses a major oil refinery. Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev did not indicate whether any facilities sustained damage when announcing the incident on Telegram.

Additional drone strikes injured three individuals in and near Shebekino, a town in Russia’s Belgorod region that borders Ukraine, according to regional authorities posting on Telegram.

Ukrainian emergency services reported on Telegram that Russian strikes on the Chernihiv region near the Russian border and the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries.

Independent verification of these incidents by Reuters was not possible. Both Russia and Ukraine maintain they do not intentionally target civilian populations.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that started with Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine have reached an impasse, with both nations continuing to launch regular attacks against each other, including targeting energy facilities.

During an overnight address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy mentioned recent positive discussions with the United States, which has attempted to facilitate negotiations to end the conflict.

“If, in the coming weeks, we manage to return to meaningful trilateral communication and involve the Europeans, this would be the right outcome,” Zelenskiy said.

“For our part, we are ready for such steps. I count on our partners to be ready as well – and that the Russians will not hide.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A militant Iranian military commander connected to controversial operations spanning decades appears to have gained significant influence as diplomatic discussions with the United States remain uncertain.

Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, who commands Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, has emerged as a key figure in shaping Iran’s aggressive approach to negotiations aimed at potentially ending the conflict with the United States, according to analysts. Sources suggest he belongs to a select inner circle maintaining direct communication with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khameini, who has remained out of public view after reportedly suffering injuries during the Feb. 28 Israeli attacks that resulted in his father’s death, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Similar to many aspects of Iranian governance since hostilities commenced, the actual power structure for making critical decisions remains unclear. Within Iran’s religious leadership hierarchy, individuals competing for influence can rapidly gain or lose standing. Vahidi has not made any public appearances since Feb. 8, several weeks prior to the war’s outbreak.

A seasoned figure within Iran’s governing apparatus, Vahidi played a role in developing Iran’s backing of militant organizations throughout the region, faces accusations regarding his involvement in the 1994 attack on a Jewish facility in Argentina, and during 2022 directed internal security operations during a violent suppression of demonstrators.

After being promoted to Guard leadership this year following his predecessor’s death early in the conflict, he now oversees Iran’s most influential military organization, which controls ballistic missile stockpiles and operates small naval vessels that pose threats to Persian Gulf maritime traffic.

“Vahidi and members of his inner circle have likely consolidated control over not only Iran’s military response in the conflict but also Iran’s negotiations policy,” the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said.

Iran’s military approach has focused on maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, preventing oil and gas shipments and creating worldwide energy shortages. Simultaneously, it has launched aggressive attacks against petroleum infrastructure, hospitality facilities and vital systems in Gulf Arab countries.

During diplomatic discussions, it has resisted U.S. requirements to relinquish its supply of highly enriched uranium, calculating that it can endure longer than the U.S. in the current confrontation and that President Donald Trump will hesitate to restart full-scale warfare that might cause additional harm to America’s Gulf partners.

This approach probably mirrors Vahidi’s aggressive methodology. “He comes from that mindset of unending revolution, unending resistance,” said Kenneth Katzman, a senior fellow at the The Soufan Group, a New York-based think tank. Vahidi believes “the U.S. needs to be challenged at every turn,” said Katzman, a senior Iran expert who advised the U.S. Congress for over 30 years.

Vahidi boasted in January that Iran’s defense power has developed to make it a “high risk for any military action by an enemy.”

Pakistan hosted talks in April between an Iranian delegation led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and an American one headed by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. But it ended without any deal.

Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned home to face criticism from inside the theocracy suggesting they were too willing to make concessions. Qalibaf had to insist publicly that the talks had the support of the supreme leader.

Since then, Vahidi has become the main point of contact for those negotiating with Iran, said a regional official with direct knowledge of the mediation. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomacy.

The extreme seclusion and unknown condition of the supreme leader have fueled speculation about jockeying among leaders for access to Khamenei and influence over him. In early May, President Masoud Pezeshkian, who many see as sidelined from influence by the Guard, went out of his way to say he “got to see our dear leader” and spoke to him for around two hours.

But Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said it’s likely the new supreme leader “is in lockstep with a more hard-line (Guard) — similar to his father, but in a more emboldened and uncompromising form.”

Analyst Kamran Bokhari wrote that figures like Vahidi “are not just managing war — they are actively reshaping succession, consolidating authority around a weakened supreme leader, and effectively ‘capturing’ the state through crisis governance.”

Born Ahmad Shahcheraghi in Iran’s southern city of Shiraz in 1958, Vahidi like many young men after the 1979 revolution joined the Revolutionary Guard and fought against the invasion by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein that sparked a bloody, eight-year war.

Vahidi entered the Guard’s nascent intelligence arm and soon was overseeing operations outside Iran. He gained the favor of powerful patrons, including Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a later president. Rafsanjani said in his autobiography that Vahidi was involved in the 1980s Iran-Contra scandal, in which the Reagan administration sold weapons to Tehran in an effort to free hostages held by Iranian-backed militants in Lebanon. The U.S. later used the money from those sales to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

Rafsanjani later intervened to protect Vahidi when then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini sought to prosecute members of the Guard who failed to stop an incursion by armed fighters from an Iranian exile group in the late 1980s during the war.

Around this time, Vahidi took over the newly formed Quds, or Jerusalem, Force. Over decades, the Quds Force helped create a network of proxy militant groups and allied governments around the Middle East. The Quds Force under Vahidi helped mastermind the 1994 bombing targeting Argentina’s largest Jewish community center, killing 85 people and wounding 300 others, prosecutors say. Iran has denied involvement.

American investigators also believe that under Vahidi, Iran organized the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, killing 19 U.S. service members and wounding hundreds. Tehran has denied being involved in that attack as well.

Vahidi left the Quds Force in 1998. In 2010, while he was defense minister, the United States imposed sanctions on him over alleged involvement in Iran’s nuclear program and its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction.

More recently, as interior minister, Vahidi oversaw police units involved in a bloody, monthslong crackdown on protests over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being arrested for not properly wearing the mandated headscarf to the liking of authorities.

An Iranian newspaper later published a classified document that showed Vahidi’s Interior Ministry ordered security agencies to monitor and photograph women not wearing the hijab, something he had denied was taking place.

At around that time, Vahidi said in public comments that calls to remove the hijab were a “colonial plan” by Iran’s enemies trying to undermine the Islamic Republic. “The hijab has been a big barrier against the progress of effete Western culture,” he said.

Vahidi’s role makes reaching an accord with Iran that much more difficult for the U.S. — as does the continued obscurity over Iran’s leadership.

Trump wants a single interlocutor in Iran for negotiations, but “the whole system has changed,” said Hamidreza Azizi, an Iran expert at the Middle East Institute.

“It is not a one-man show. Vahidi is one alongside others,” Azizi said. “Some we know and some we don’t know.”

Recent months have seen Ukrainian unmanned aircraft strike a power plant smokestack in Estonia, damage unoccupied fuel storage facilities in Latvia, and get intercepted by Romanian military aircraft operating from Lithuania.

Wednesday marked an unprecedented moment when residents of Vilnius took cover in underground parking structures as officials issued warnings about unknown drone movement in nearby Belarus – the first such incident in a NATO and European Union capital city.

While no recent casualties have occurred, the growing number of airspace breaches has led some Baltic officials to criticize Ukraine for these violations, which contributed to the downfall of Latvia’s government in May.

With U.S. President Donald Trump’s war in Iran driving up oil prices – a crucial income source for the Kremlin – Ukraine has intensified strikes on Baltic Sea shipping facilities used for Russian energy exports to damage Moscow’s financial resources.

Ukraine’s unmanned aircraft have traveled northward, passing near the boundaries of NATO countries Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland. Several went undetected before making emergency landings in Baltic territories.

Ukrainian authorities issued apologies, explaining the drones targeted military installations within Russia but were diverted by Russian electronic warfare tactics.

These repeated airspace breaches have raised concerns about defensive capabilities along NATO’s eastern border.

Here’s an examination of the circumstances:

Ukraine has intensified its offensive operations against Russia, concentrating on weapons manufacturing facilities, Baltic Sea shipping terminals and energy infrastructure as the Iran conflict has elevated oil prices.

The country has specifically focused on the Ust-Luga and Primorsk shipping facilities, located near Estonian and Finnish borders. Russia utilizes these ports to load vessels transporting oil exports across the Baltic Sea.

During a May assault that ignited sections of Primorsk port, over 60 Ukrainian drones were destroyed, according to Leningrad region governor Alexander Drozdenko.

Following wayward Ukrainian drones entering Latvian airspace on May 7, Defense Minister Andris Spruds and Prime Minister Evika Silina stepped down.

On May 19, a Romanian fighter aircraft stationed in Lithuania destroyed a Ukrainian drone above southern Estonia. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur indicated it likely targeted Russian installations and instructed Ukraine to route its drones “as far from NATO territory as possible.”

Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Nordic and Baltic countries have repeatedly raised concerns about electronic interference from Russia disrupting communications with aircraft, vessels and drones.

Throughout the Baltic area, Russia frequently employs jamming and spoofing techniques to redirect drones.

Satellite communication networks – collectively called the Global Navigation Satellite System, or GNSS – receive accurate timing signals from satellites approximately 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) above Earth. Smartphones, vehicles, marine or aviation navigation equipment compare signal reception times from multiple satellites to determine precise positioning.

Jamming happens when receivers are flooded by powerful radio transmissions on the same frequency bands as GNSS and other satellite navigation signals, preventing receivers from establishing location or timing. Spoofing involves broadcasting false signals mimicking genuine GNSS satellite transmissions, commonly called GPS, to trick phones, ships, or aircraft into believing they’re elsewhere.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated Tuesday that Russia is “deliberately” steering Ukrainian drones into Baltic airspace through electronic interference.

In September 2025, approximately 20 Russian drones entered Poland, highlighting weaknesses in NATO’s air defenses as expensive fighter jets were deployed. Those drones escaped advance detection, Estonia’s defense minister noted then.

Similarly undetected was a Ukrainian military drone carrying explosives that crashed in Lithuania last week, according to Vilmantas Vitkauskas, director of Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre, who spoke Sunday.

While Poland and Romania addressed drone intrusions last year by implementing new anti-drone technology – the first NATO alliance deployment specifically designed for drone threats – this system hasn’t been installed throughout the Baltic region.

Countering drones requires addressing complex technological, financial and administrative challenges and “there is no one solution against every type of drone,” said Colonel Janno Märk of the Estonian Defense Forces.

Multiple drone varieties operate at varying speeds and heights, necessitating comprehensive air defense strategies, Märk explained during military training exercises in southeastern Estonia.

Lithuanian foreign minister Budrys told AP in a Saturday interview that Baltic nations will likely need to continue addressing Ukrainian drone incursions as Kyiv now possesses capabilities to strike targets “deep in Russia” and Baltic Sea ports. The solution for countering these drones, he said, actually involves Ukraine’s assistance since the most effective anti-drone systems have been created in that country.

In a post on X, Budrys accused Moscow of “waging smear campaigns” after Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the SVR, claimed Tuesday without evidence that Ukraine is preparing to launch drone attacks against Russia from Baltic territories.

The SVR alleged Ukrainian military personnel had already arrived in Latvia and warned that NATO membership wouldn’t shield the country from “just retribution.”

Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said Tuesday that none of the Baltic states or Finland have permitted Ukraine to use their airspace for Russian strikes.

Budrys labeled the SVR claim a “transparent act of desperation” and an effort to create chaos while distracting from a “simple reality” – that Ukraine is severely damaging Russia’s military capabilities.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte commended Tuesday the alliance’s handling of drone incidents, saying they received “a calm, decisive and proportionate response.”

“This is exactly what we planned and prepared for,” Rutte said, attributing the incursions to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — This week, Montenegro commemorates two decades since gaining independence from its partnership with Serbia, marking a significant transformation period that has led the Balkan nation into NATO membership. The country now sets its sights on achieving complete European Union integration.

In an interview with The Associated Press during national celebrations, President Jakov Milatovic highlighted NATO membership as a crucial achievement and expressed confidence that the nation of 623,000 residents will accomplish its goal of becoming the EU’s 28th member by 2028.

The slogan “28 by 28” has been painted on aircraft belonging to the country’s national airline.

“We can achieve it,” Milatovic stated from his presidential office in Podgorica, the nation’s capital. “I am optimistic about it.”

Musical performances and various festivities are taking place throughout the capital city of Podgorica and other municipalities across Montenegro, a nation recognized for its breathtaking Adriatic coastline and majestic mountain ranges.

Among the six Western Balkan nations at various stages of the membership process, Montenegro stands as a leading candidate for EU admission. Multiple additional countries, including Ukraine, also aspire to eventual membership.

The European Union has established a working committee to develop an accession agreement for Montenegro — indicating that membership remains achievable.

EU representatives are anticipated to reinforce this message during a gathering in the Montenegrin coastal city of Tivat in early June with Western Balkan candidate nation leaders. The remaining candidates include Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo.

Milatovic observed that EU support within Montenegro reaches approximately 80%. However, the nation must complete democratic and economic transformations, and the pace of completion “now is entirely up to Montenegro,” he emphasized.

Unity was significantly less evident when the country decided 20 years ago to exit the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro — which was itself among several states that emerged from Yugoslavia’s dissolution.

Divided between independence advocates and those favoring continued union with Serbia, Montenegro conducted a referendum on May 21, 2006, to determine its direction following a decade of conflicts and NATO airstrikes in 1999 designed to end the Kosovo war. The outcome: 55.5% voted for independence.

Separating from the joint state created division due to Montenegro’s deep historical connections with Serbia and because approximately one-third of Montenegrins identify as Serbs. Montenegro and Serbia share Orthodox Christian faith, speak similar languages and maintain centuries-old partnerships.

The independence movement was spearheaded by Montenegro’s former longtime leader Milo Djukanovic, who guided the country toward NATO membership and away from Russia, another traditional Slavic partner.

“Twenty years ago, the citizens of Montenegro took decision-making into their own hands, and that was the basis of our development,” the president stated.

“The major progress probably happened when the country became a part of NATO in 2017,” he continued. “Being a part of NATO for a small country like Montenegro is very important because NATO is indeed a security guarantee for our independence and statehood.”

As a candidate since 2010, Montenegro continues to encounter numerous obstacles on its EU path, according to former European integration minister Jovana Marovic. A primary focus involves reinforcing state institutions.

“What was missing in the last 14 years, we have to provide now just in six months,” she stated. “So it’s really demanding, but the process is going on.”

For Montenegro’s population, economic conditions and living standards represent top concerns. Alongside democratic transformations, Montenegro has implemented the euro as its currency, though the economy remains limited and heavily reliant on tourism.

Zorana Popivoda, 28, praised Montenegro’s independence restoration. However, she noted, “then you go into a store and you see that you can buy absolutely nothing.”

President Milatovic, 39 and trained as an economist, condemned previous Montenegrin leadership for insufficient action during independence’s early years to advance democratic reforms and combat organized crime and corruption.

“I think that over the last 20 years, we can objectively say that the country experienced progress,” he remarked, “but also that Montenegro had a number of missed opportunities.”

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The International Court of Justice will deliver a significant ruling Thursday regarding workers’ rights to strike, potentially clarifying whether employees can legally refuse to work as a form of protest.

The court’s 15 judges were requested in 2023 by the International Labor Organization, a United Nations agency, to resolve an internal disagreement about whether one of the ILO’s agreements grants workers strike privileges.

This agreement has received approval from 158 nations and has been integrated into United Nations labor standards, guidance from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and global trade deals. While the United States participates in the ILO, it has not approved this particular agreement.

Though advisory rulings lack legal enforcement power, they hold substantial influence and this determination could affect labor laws across the globe.

Various United Nations agencies have the authority to request the ICJ’s input on legal matters and receive advisory guidance. In the previous year, the court delivered a significant advisory ruling stating that nations might violate international law if they don’t implement measures to safeguard the environment from climate change.

Throughout October hearings, the court in The Hague received testimony from 18 nations and five global organizations, including the ILO, while numerous other countries provided written statements. Most participants supported workers’ strike rights.

MANILA, May 21 – Philippine authorities announced Thursday that they will enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Senator Ronald dela Rosa, with law enforcement officials directed to take him into custody.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida declared that the arrest warrant is valid and must be carried out. Vida characterized dela Rosa as someone evading justice who must be delivered to the ICC to answer criminal charges.

PARIS (AP) — Paris’ most historic bridge is disappearing this week beneath a massive artistic creation, as renowned street artist JR — often called the “French Banksy” — has completed inflating an enormous “cave” structure over the Pont Neuf.

The impressive rocky illusion is engulfing the centuries-old bridge, which has transported Parisians over the Seine River for more than four centuries. As of Thursday, the installation created the appearance of an ancient cliff formation emerging in the center of the city.

The inflation work, completed during nighttime hours following weather-related postponements, represents the most spectacular phase of an endeavor that has been developing for over a year.

This ranks among Paris’ most daring public art installations in recent decades, financed through sales of JR’s artwork and several corporate sponsors, and won’t welcome visitors until June 6.

“We’re about to leave something pretty incredible in the middle of Paris,” JR told The Associated Press earlier this year at his studio in the city’s east, wearing his trademark hat and shades.

The bridge’s metamorphosis has been captured by AP photographers since March using time-lapse equipment, including cameras positioned on an elevated rooftop overlooking the river, recording the bridge’s gradual concealment over time.

From an external perspective, the artwork resembles a stone formation that “literally” disrupts the cityscape, explained JR, who has gained recognition for mounting massive photographic works on structures, walls and rooftops worldwide. This project aims to encourage Parisians to do something uncommon on their most trafficked bridge: pause.

The public will have free access to walk through an extended, darkened passage that blocks all natural light and where, JR notes, visitors “will lose track of time.”

The scale is remarkable. The construction spans 120 meters (393 feet) in length and rises 18 meters (59 feet) high — equivalent to a six-story structure.

Despite its size, it consists almost completely of air — 80 fabric sections containing 20,000 cubic meters of it — and has a total weight of just five tons. The material was manually sewn by 25 craftspeople in a Brittany village.

The historic stonework remains untouched.

Releasing the air would cause the cliff to deflate like an exhaled breath — a scenario JR’s technical team practiced repeatedly in an Orly airport hangar to ensure that any power failure would result in a controlled, gentle descent.

The installation, titled La Caverne du Pont Neuf, honors a legendary Parisian art duo.

In 1985, artist Christo and his wife, Jeanne-Claude, covered this same bridge with pale golden material — using 13 kilometers of rope, enduring a decade of municipal negotiations, and attracting three million visitors over two weeks. Their work helped establish the concept of large-scale art in contemporary urban spaces.

A nearby plaza now bears their names.

“It’s pretty hard to go after them,” JR said.

His concept, he explained, involves returning “mineral and nature” to the city center. Rather than concealing the bridge, he’s revealing it — returning the carved stone to its origins in the limestone quarries that built Paris.

The cave also serves as a cautionary message. JR designed it referencing Plato’s allegory, where captives confuse wall shadows with actual reality.

“What are our caves today? Our phones,” he said. “Because we believe that our algorithm on social media is the reality.”

He then acknowledges the irony: to experience his cave commentary about screens, visitors must use their phones.

Technology company Snap has created an augmented-reality component that reveals hidden elements invisible to the naked eye.

The audio features deep, mineral-like tones from Thomas Bangalter, previously of Daft Punk — who was 10 when Christo covered the bridge.

The cave will operate continuously from June 6-28, blocking vehicle traffic and remaining visible from riverbanks, passing watercraft, and even the Eiffel Tower’s summit.

The timing aligns with Paris Fashion Week, World Music Day and the overnight Nuit Blanche arts celebration.

Following removal, the fabric materials will be repurposed or recycled. Air, JR emphasizes, creates no lasting impact.

Eventually, like the golden covering four decades earlier, the cave will vanish — and the Pont Neuf, predating both the republic and revolution, will emerge unchanged.

WASHINGTON, England (AP) — Noisy. Damaged. Confusing.

When British citizens share their thoughts about their former colonial territory in 2026, these enduring perspectives of America and its people emerge. However, after two and a half centuries since breaking away from British rule, the nation’s previous governors find it impossible to discuss the United States without first bringing up President Donald Trump, nearly always before cataloging the numerous characteristics they respect and value in the ambitious country overseas.

“It’s Trump’s world now, isn’t it?” states Mark Keightley, a printing equipment specialist working in the Cambridge region, roughly an hour north of London.

Throughout the previous year, The Associated Press questioned British residents — from George Washington’s family estate near Scotland to Cambridge, Bristol and London — with a straightforward inquiry: “What do you think of America now?” Nearly every response, including from individuals like Keightley who back certain presidential policies, starts with a thoughtful silence, then a diplomatic reference to Trump and his administration.

“Your president …” “The current state of politics …” and “He …” with clear understanding of the subject, represent common responses. These reactions reveal as much about British views of their former territory as the analysis that typically follows. When questioned whether discussing America without mentioning Trump is feasible, the consistent response from these conversations: Absolutely not.

“My own opinion of America is now dictated by the president and he’s not covering himself in glory as far as I’m concerned,” expressed Eddie Boyle of Falkirk, Scotland, while crossing Westminster Bridge in London recently. “It’s a shame that such a long arrangement between the two countries has been tarnished.”

British citizens feeling let down by American reality represents nothing new.

Charles Dickens expressed similar sentiments to a friend during his 1842 journey to the young country, where he received acclaim from Boston to New York and Washington — and allegedly made substantial money from public performances of his writings. However, he remained appalled by the continued existence of slavery, which Britain had ended in 1833. The celebrated freedom of speech that Americans had protected in the First Amendment, he noted, had deteriorated into “a press more mean, and paltry, and silly, and disgraceful than any country I ever knew.”

Additionally, he documented in a travel account, Americans engaged in public spitting — a “filthy custom.”

“This is not the Republic I came to see. This is not the Republic of my imagination,” he expressed to William Charles Macready on March 22, 1842. “In every respect but that of National Education, the Country disappoints me.”

Through the decades, the development of U.S.-U.K. relations progressed so that no single incident or leader can characterize it completely.

Multiple turning points encouraged Britain to regard America as a lasting authority rather than a fleeting, rebellious phase. These included the War of 1812 — essentially a second confrontation between the nations. While ending without a clear winner, the battle strengthened American independence and positioned the United States as a formidable commercial and military presence.

The young nation then endured its internal Civil War. Subsequently, within a century, the United States assisted Britain in preventing Nazi control and, alongside other Allied nations, conquered Germany in World War II. Forty years afterward, the celebrated partnership between President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher contributed to ending Soviet power in 1991.

“They did something great there,” Maria Miston of Suffolk, stopping recently beside Big Ben, remarks about Thatcher and Reagan. “They actually managed to bring the Cold War to an end.” She observes that the U.S.-directed invasion of Iraq in 2003 harmed the superpower’s reputation globally. Furthermore, she believes conditions haven’t improved. “We’ve just gone backwards since then.”

Throughout his second presidency, the American leader initially tolerated his counterpart, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, but later criticized him as “not Winston Churchill” following the premier’s decision against involving the U.K. in the U.S. conflict with Iran.

Trump has indicated he views the king, rather than the prime minister, as his equal. The president felt honored by the king’s offer for an exceptional second state visit to England — including an elaborate royal feast at Windsor Castle — last year plus Charles’ recent Washington trip. During his U.S. visit, Charles described the four-century U.S.-British partnership as “more important today than it has ever been,” while also endorsing governmental checks and balances — interpreted as subtle Trump criticism.

The White House shared on social platforms that the two are “TWO KINGS,” — possibly responding to “No Kings” demonstrations that attracted participants nationwide during Charles’ visit. The contradiction wasn’t overlooked in the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” and additional founding documents that opposed Charles’ five-times great-grandfather, King George III, and monarchical rule generally.

In Britain, where surveys indicated substantial resistance to the king’s visit initially, Charles’ actions received praise as effective diplomatic influence. This appeared particularly significant considering clear disagreement between the monarch and president regarding environmental matters, plus Trump’s proposal to make Canada the 51st state, where Charles serves as head of state.

“May I say, well done in the Americas,” rock star Rod Stewart told Charles at a May 11 gala within earshot of reporters. “You were superb, absolutely superb, put that little rat bag in his place.”

Surveys indicate British opinion of America has declined. Just 28% of British adults supported U.S. leadership in a Gallup survey from late summer and early fall 2025, with 68% expressing disapproval. This aligns with attitudes toward U.S. leadership during Trump’s initial presidency, and falls below approval ratings under Democratic President Joe Biden, when approximately 45% of U.K. adults endorsed American leadership.

The Pew Research Center’s 2025 Global Attitudes Survey, conducted that spring, discovered roughly half of U.K. adults held positive views of the U.S. British adults maintained more optimistic opinions during Biden’s first two years, when about two-thirds viewed the U.S. favorably. This dropped to 54% by spring 2024.

U.S.-U.K. relations have faced challenges historically. The Suez Canal crisis in 1956, for instance, demonstrated Britain’s declining influence and American dominance internationally. Ten years later, Britain rejected U.S. pressure to participate in the Vietnam War.

Over time, observing America has evolved into entertainment for Britain, serving to measure how effectively — or ineffectively, or entertainingly — their Atlantic relatives practice democracy.

Currently, British citizens freely recognize extensive American qualities they admire along with those that frustrate or puzzle them. Positive aspects include: American determination, national prosperity, military strength, geographic scale, entertainment industry, and endurance despite racial conflicts and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Simultaneously exist concerns: America’s gun violence appears incomprehensible from Great Britain, where handguns became illegal in 1997 following a school shooting. U.S. immigration restrictions seem contradictory to many British people since America began with immigrants. However, like much of Europe, the U.K. faces similar challenges with unauthorized border crossings.

Leading the confusion list is Trump, the 47th president during this period when the United States marks 250 years of independence. Discussing him requires social caution, British people explain, with Brexit remaining a sensitive division and populist reform, supported by some Trump allies, gaining ground in recent local voting.

“How can someone like that become president?” Mark Gibson wondered over a beer recently at The Cross Keys pub in Washington, below the first president’s family estate. He comprehends why Americans chose other leaders, even when disagreeing with them. But Trump? “I don’t understand it. He’s had bankruptcies and legal troubles.”

“But,” Gibson continues, “I guess that’s what people wanted. They elected him twice.”

A top German official has unveiled a plan to provide Ukraine with special standing in European Union operations as a stepping stone toward complete membership, suggesting this approach could support efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict sparked by Russia’s military action.

According to a communication to EU leadership obtained by Reuters, the German chancellor recommended Ukraine receive a new designation as an “associate member” that would enable Ukrainian representatives to participate in EU leadership gatherings and ministerial sessions without voting privileges.

The German official also recommended that EU nations make a “political commitment” to extend the organization’s mutual defense provision to Ukraine “in order to create a substantial security guarantee”.

Political experts indicate that establishing a definitive pathway to EU membership could prove crucial for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy when presenting any peace agreement to Ukrainian citizens, especially if Ukraine fails to reclaim all its territory or secure NATO membership as many anticipate.

However, European representatives indicate that achieving complete membership for Ukraine within the coming years remains unrealistic, despite a target date of 2027 being included in a 20-point peace framework discussed between the United States, Ukraine and Russia.

This proposal attempts to bridge the gap between rapid admission and Ukraine’s present status as a candidate nation beginning the membership journey.

“My proposal reflects Ukraine’s particular situation, a country at war. It will help facilitate the ongoing peace talks as part of a negotiated peace solution,” the German leader stated, noting this was “essential not only for Ukraine’s but for the entire continent’s security”.

The standard membership process typically involves extensive bureaucratic procedures, including comprehensive negotiations and legal changes to satisfy EU democratic and economic requirements.

EU admission demands approval and confirmation from all 27 member nations, creating potential for considerable hurdles.

The German official detailed advantages Ukraine might gain through associate membership, a classification not currently recognized in EU regulations.

Such advantages could encompass a Ukrainian non-voting associate representative on the European Commission and non-voting delegates in the European Parliament.

The chancellor noted that safeguards could be established to reverse Ukraine’s status if the country fails to maintain rule-of-law principles or falls behind in the admission process.

The proposal would not impact other candidate nations, and the German leader suggested the organization “look into innovative solutions” for countries that have pursued EU membership for extended periods.

The German official indicated plans to present these concepts to other European leadership.

“My aim would be to reach an agreement soon, and to set up a dedicated Task Force to work out the details,” the communication stated.

Israeli officials have freed South Korean citizens who were detained after authorities intercepted a humanitarian ship traveling to Gaza, according to South Korea’s presidential office on Thursday.

The South Korean government had previously condemned Israel’s action in taking control of the aid vessel and detaining its nationals, and has now expressed satisfaction with their freedom, according to a presidential spokesperson.

A federal court in Australia has imposed a $465,000 fine on X Corp. for violating online safety requirements related to child exploitation material on its platform.

Federal Court Justice Michael Wheelahan delivered the penalty Thursday, ordering the Texas-headquartered social media company to pay 650,000 Australian dollars. The judge also mandated X pay an additional AU$100,000 ($71,000) toward eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant’s legal expenses within 45 days.

The decision brings closure to a three-year court dispute where X maintained it wasn’t required to respond to eSafety’s inquiries.

X acknowledged violating Australia’s Online Safety Act by not submitting a complete report addressing questions from eSafety in a transparency notice dated Feb. 22, 2023, according to the agency’s attorney Christopher Tran. The company had until March 29 of that year to submit its responses.

X’s legal representative Perry Herzfeld informed the court that eSafety did not claim the violations persisted beyond May 5, 2023.

“That was a period of change and transition for the company,” Herzfeld said, in a reference to Elon Musk taking over.

The transparency notice was originally sent to Twitter Inc., which became part of X through a merger in March 2023.

Tran noted that both X and eSafety considered the financial penalty suitable.

“It’s appropriate because X Corp. is obviously a large company and a large figure is needed to ensure that a contravention is not treated as a cost of doing business,” Tran said.

Last July, the full Federal Court determined X must comply with eSafety’s transparency requirements. This decision supported an earlier judge’s ruling from October 2024.

Inman Grant, who previously worked at Twitter, emphasized that genuine transparency plays a crucial role in keeping technology companies accountable.

“In early 2023, we asked some of the world’s biggest technology companies, including Twitter, to report on steps they were taking to comply with the Australian Basic Online Safety Expectations in relation to the proliferation of child sexual exploitation and abuse materials on their platforms,” Inman Grant said in a statement.

“This is not only a key part of our work as Australia’s online safety regulator, it also provides the Australian public with important information about how these companies are tackling the worst-of-the-worst content on their platforms,” she added.

X has not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding Thursday’s ruling.

Law enforcement officials in Mexico have detained six political figures as part of an ongoing investigation into corruption and organized crime activities in the central state of Morelos, according to special prosecutor Ulises Lara, who announced the arrests in a video statement on Wednesday evening.

Among those taken into custody was the municipal president of Atlatlahucan, along with the former municipal president of Yecapixtla, Lara confirmed.

The arrests came on the same day that authorities announced they had frozen financial accounts belonging to 22 individuals and 10 organizations connected to what officials describe as a corruption network operating in Morelos.

The Trump administration has issued warnings that it could revoke visas for Palestinian representatives at the United Nations unless their ambassador abandons his campaign for vice president of the U.N. General Assembly, according to internal State Department communications obtained by Reuters.

A diplomatic cable from Wednesday directs American embassy staff in Jerusalem to communicate that Palestinian U.N. ambassador Riyad Mansour’s General Assembly campaign “fuels tensions” and poses risks to Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, potentially triggering Washington’s retaliation if pursued.

“To be clear, we will hold the PA responsible if the Palestinian delegation does not withdraw its VPGA candidacy,” stated the cable, which was classified as sensitive but unclassified, referencing the Palestinian Authority that maintains limited governance in the West Bank.

The State Department’s guidance to American diplomats highlighted the September 2025 waiver of visa restrictions for Palestinian officials working at the Palestinian U.N. office in New York.

“It would be unfortunate to have to revisit any available options,” the cable warned, according to initial reporting by NPR.

The Palestinian U.N. office has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

A State Department representative stated: “We take seriously our obligations under the U.N. Headquarters Agreement. Due to visa record confidentiality, we have no comment on Department actions with respect to specific cases.”

Trump’s Gaza strategy, devastated following more than two years of conflict, remains stalled due to Hamas’s unwillingness to surrender arms and ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza that have weakened an October ceasefire agreement.

Israeli military forces continue controlling more than half of Gaza’s land, having destroyed most standing structures and forcing all civilians to evacuate.

The cable revealed that Mansour had previously abandoned his campaign for General Assembly president following American pressure in February, but noted that winning the less prominent vice presidency would still allow him to oversee General Assembly proceedings.

“Therefore, there is still a risk that the Palestinians could preside over GA sessions during UNGA81 unless they withdraw from the race,” the communication stated, referencing the U.N. General Assembly’s 81st annual high-level gathering scheduled for September.

“In a worst-case scenario, the next PGA might assist the Palestinians in presiding over high-profile sessions related to the Middle East or during UNGA81 high-level week,” the document continued.

Elections for the U.N. General Assembly president and 16 delegations serving as vice presidents are scheduled for June 2.

The Palestinian Authority, which speaks for Palestinian people at the United Nations under the official designation State of Palestine, lacks full membership status and voting rights in the 193-member General Assembly. They maintain observer state standing, equivalent to the Holy See (Vatican).

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that President Lai Ching-te would welcome the opportunity for a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking what could be an historic diplomatic moment.

No direct communication has taken place between leaders of the United States and Taiwan since 1979, when Washington transferred its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory and maintains it has not ruled out military force to achieve control over the island.

On Wednesday, Trump indicated he would engage in dialogue with Lai, though he provided no additional specifics about such a conversation.

The Foreign Ministry in Taiwan echoed statements Lai delivered Wednesday, noting that any discussion with Trump would include his message that China threatens regional stability while his administration remains committed to preserving current conditions in the Taiwan Strait.

“In addition to being committed to maintaining the stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait, President Lai is also happy to discuss these matters with President Trump,” the ministry added, without elaborating.

A similar diplomatic breakthrough occurred in late 2016 when Trump, as president-elect, conducted a phone conversation with Taiwan’s then-President Tsai Ing-wen, breaking established U.S. diplomatic protocol spanning decades.

China has expressed frustration over continued U.S. military assistance to Taiwan aimed at preventing Chinese military intervention, particularly through weapons sales.

Taiwan’s leadership continues to reject Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over the island.

A South Korean news outlet reported Wednesday evening that Chinese President Xi Jinping could travel to North Korea within the coming week, according to a high-ranking government official.

The Yonhap news agency cited another government source who indicated that Chinese security and protocol personnel had recently been present in Pyongyang, suggesting Xi’s trip could occur in late May or early June.

According to the senior official quoted in the report, Xi plans to serve as an intermediary between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, following Xi’s recent hosting of Trump.

South Korea’s foreign ministry has not yet provided a response to the reported information.

As North Korea’s primary economic and political partner, China has worked to strengthen relationships that had deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kim Jong Un traveled to Beijing last year, where he appeared with Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a significant military parade.

Trump, who previously held three meetings with Kim during his earlier presidency to discuss North Korea’s nuclear activities, has indicated willingness to engage with the North Korean leader again, citing their positive working relationship.

Elon Musk’s social media company X Corp has acknowledged violating Australia’s internet safety regulations by failing to respond to official requests for information about child protection measures, according to attorneys representing both sides in the case.

During Federal Court proceedings on Thursday, Christopher Tran, an attorney representing the eSafety Commissioner, stated that “The respondent admits that it contravened the Act,” in reference to Australia’s Online Safety Act.

The case centers on X Corp’s failure to comply with regulatory demands to disclose details about the platform’s efforts to combat child exploitation on its service.

China is delaying a planned visit from a senior Pentagon official while pressuring the United States over a massive $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan, according to a Financial Times report published Thursday.

The Pentagon’s under-secretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, had been in discussions with Chinese officials about a summer trip to Beijing. However, sources familiar with the negotiations told the Financial Times that China has indicated it cannot green-light the visit until President Donald Trump makes a decision about moving forward with the weapons package.

Neither the Pentagon nor China’s foreign ministry immediately provided comment when contacted by Reuters, and the news agency said it could not independently confirm the Financial Times reporting.

Following his recent Beijing trip last week, Trump told media he remains undecided about whether to move ahead with the substantial weapons sale, creating uncertainty around American support for the democratically-run island.

In an unusual step for an American president, Trump announced Wednesday he plans to have a conversation with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, a move that could strain U.S.-China relations. According to a source briefed on the matter, no call has been arranged yet between the two leaders.

China typically responds with anger to any direct communication between the United States and Taiwan, viewing the island as part of Chinese territory.

While Trump administration officials point out that the president has authorized more Taiwan weapons sales than any previous U.S. leader, Trump has also consistently praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as “amazing.”

Federal law mandates that Washington supply Taiwan with defensive capabilities, and lawmakers from both parties have pushed the Trump administration to move forward with arms sales.

Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo expressed being “cautiously optimistic” about future U.S. weapons sales during remarks made Tuesday.

An uprising at a southeastern Cuban farm in October 1868, called “The Cry of Yara,” began the island’s long struggle for freedom from Spanish rule.

Independence finally came on May 20, 1902, but only after decades of conflict including the “Great War” lasting almost a decade, the “Little War” spanning more than a year, the Cuban War of Independence, and the Spanish-American War.

Despite achieving independence, Cuba’s current socialist leadership refuses to commemorate May 20, and their supporters across the island follow suit.

The 1902 independence came with strings attached through the Platt Agreement, crafted by a U.S. senator from Connecticut. This arrangement granted America authority to interfere in Cuban matters “for the preservation of Cuban independence” and permitted the U.S. to acquire or lease territory for military installations on the island.

Though former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt later abolished the agreement, it created lasting resentment among many Cubans.

“There is only one thing to be grateful for on that day,” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel posted Wednesday on X. “It instilled in Cubans of that time an anti-imperialist sentiment that each subsequent generation has felt deepen with new and constant threats to the independence and sovereignty of the nation.”

The president characterized May 20 as representing “intervention, interference, dispossession, frustration.”

However, Cubans and Cuban-Americans who oppose the revolution and current government do honor May 20.

“It is their 4th of July,” explained Jason Reding Quiñones, Miami’s top U.S. federal prosecutor and son of a Cuba political refugee.

Wednesday found him joining other officials to reveal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, accused in the 1996 destruction of civilian aircraft piloted by Miami-based exiles over Cuban waters.

Reding stated that May 20 “reminds us that the pursuit of freedom, dignity and accountability spans generations and still lives alive and well in the heart of the Cuban community.”

The White House released an extensive presidential statement Wednesday honoring May 20. It praised and remembered those “who have sacrificed for a free Cuba,” while announcing fresh sanctions and cutting financial connections to the island.

“The regime in Havana today is the direct betrayal of the nation their founding patriots bled and died for,” the statement declared. “For nearly seven decades, the island’s communist government has violently dismantled political freedom, denied its people fair elections, viciously silenced dissent, and strangled the Cuban economy into a state of collapse.”

Cuban officials quickly responded to the criticism.

Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced the statement as “superficial and ill-informed” in an X post, calling it an “insult” to Cuba’s citizens.

Cuban leadership also criticized U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for releasing a Spanish-language video message on May 20, just hours before Castro’s indictment became public. Rubio claimed the Cuban government has stolen billions while leaving citizens without power, fuel, or food, rejecting claims that a U.S. energy embargo was responsible.

Instead, the Cuban government marks Jan. 1, 1959 as its authentic Independence Day, when revolutionary forces succeeded and forced dictator Fulgencio Batista into exile.

Rodríguez maintained that “the Revolution put an end to almost six decades of economic and political control by the United States, with three military interventions and the political and military support of two bloody dictatorships.”

The island also observes July 26, designated as National Rebellion Day, remembering an unsuccessful 1953 assault that preceded the revolution.

The foreign affairs minister emphasized that Cuba “has every right” to remain a free and independent nation controlling its own political and economic destiny: “Cuba will defend that right at any cost.”

Federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, accusing him of murder and conspiracy in the 1996 shooting down of two civilian aircraft flown by Miami-based Cuban exiles near the Caribbean nation.

The charges represent part of increased pressure from the Trump administration on Cuba’s socialist leadership to open its markets to American businesses and distance itself from U.S. enemies. Meanwhile, a U.S. embargo on fuel and other essential supplies has led to widespread power outages, food scarcity and economic crisis across the nation.

At the time of the aircraft downing, Castro, who is now 94 years old, held the position of Cuba’s defense minister. The two small aircraft belonged to Brothers to the Rescue, an exile organization that had been releasing leaflets over Havana encouraging Cubans to rebel against their leadership. Soviet-manufactured military jets destroyed the two unarmed civilian aircraft, resulting in the deaths of all four men on board.

Here’s what to know about Castro, the indictment and the 1996 incident.

According to the indictment, Castro is charged with approving the use of lethal force against Brothers to the Rescue following the organization’s January 1996 flights that dropped pro-Democracy materials over Cuba. Federal prosecutors stated that Castro and his elder brother, Fidel Castro, who held the presidency then, made the final decisions regarding the kill orders.

The indictment alleges that in February 1996, Raúl Castro directed Cuban military leaders to begin preparation using Russian MiG fighter aircraft to locate, monitor and intercept the organization’s small aircraft near the nation’s coastline. On Feb. 24, the two aircraft were destroyed, resulting in the deaths of four U.S. nationals, including three American citizens. A third aircraft successfully fled.

The indictment names Castro along with five other individuals, including MiG aircraft operators. Castro faces charges of conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals plus multiple murder counts and aircraft destruction charges. The murder and conspiracy allegations carry maximum penalties of death or life imprisonment if convicted, though it remains uncertain whether Castro will ever appear in a U.S. legal proceeding.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, who revealed the indictment Wednesday in Miami, stated he anticipated Castro would come to the U.S. for trial, either “by his own will or by another way.”

Blanche explained that the federal government frequently charges individuals located outside the United States and employs various approaches to bring them before the courts.

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was indicted on drug-related charges before he and his wife were seized by U.S. Special Forces in the Venezuelan capital in January.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 24, 1996, the three Brothers to the Rescue aircraft departed from an airport in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

While flying over international waters, beyond Cuban territorial airspace, two of the three unarmed Cessna aircraft were destroyed by the Cuban MiG operators without any advance notice, federal prosecutors stated. The MiG operators then pursued the third aircraft, which managed to avoid destruction, officials said.

However, a Cuban representative maintained at a United Nations Security Council session in late February 1996 that the two aircraft were breaching Cuban territorial airspace when destroyed and one civilian pilot had disregarded warnings against entering that airspace, according to Security Council documentation. The representative also claimed the U.S. failed to take adequate steps to prevent such airspace breaches by U.S. pilots, despite Cuban warnings.

Brothers to the Rescue originated in 1980, during the unexpected migration of 125,000 Cubans to the United States. The organization sought to assist Cuban refugees in the Florida straits by releasing supplies from small aircraft and notifying the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the months-long emergency.

Cuba’s current president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, criticized the indictment against Castro and accused U.S. authorities of misrepresenting the 1996 aircraft destruction. He described it as “a political action without any legal basis, that only seeks to bolster the case they are fabricating to justify the folly of a military aggression against Cuba.”

He posted on X that the aircraft destruction represented “legitimate self-defense” following repeated and dangerous breaches of Cuba’s airspace by “notorious terrorists.”

The Cuban government issued a statement declaring that the Cuban people completely support Castro. “Homeland or Death, We Will Prevail,” the statement said.

Marlene Alejandre-Triana, whose father, Armando Alejandre Jr, was among those killed in the 1996 shootdown, called the charges “long overdue.” She said her father only wanted to bring freedom to his Cuban homeland.

The charges against Castro were also welcomed by members of the Cuban community in Miami.

“He’s a criminal,” said Peter Hernandez, whose family owns a fruit and vegetable market in the Little Havana neighborhood and whose parents moved from Cuba to South Florida before he was born. He added he would support the U.S. sending its military to arrest Castro.

Castro held the role of minister of the Cuban military throughout his brother Fidel Castro’s multi-decade presidency. He assumed the presidency in 2006 during his brother’s illness and remained in office until 2018, when he transferred authority to Díaz-Canel, a trusted ally.

In 2008, Castro initiated a series of reforms that expanded Cuba’s private sector and allowed citizens greater freedom to travel and access information. In 2014, he led historic talks with former U.S. President Barack Obama that resulted in the reopening of embassies and the re-establishment of diplomatic relations.

While he retired in 2021 as head of the Cuban Communist Party, he is widely believed to wield power behind the scenes.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — In an overwhelming show of support, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution Wednesday calling for robust climate action, despite diplomatic pressure from the United States to scuttle the proposal.

The 193-nation assembly backed a non-binding measure that supports a groundbreaking advisory ruling issued last July by the UN’s highest court. That opinion declared that nations failing to safeguard the environment from climate impacts are breaking international law.

“The world’s highest court has spoken. Today, the General Assembly has answered,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. “This is a powerful affirmation of international law, climate justice, science, and the responsibility of states to protect people from the escalating climate crisis.”

The final tally showed 141 nations in favor, 8 opposed, and 28 abstaining. Among those voting against were the United States, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia — countries that rank among the world’s top oil producers and greenhouse gas contributors. Climate change stems primarily from burning coal, oil and natural gas.

The approved text calls for nations to develop climate action plans aimed at keeping global temperature increases under 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), eliminate subsidies for fossil fuel development and extraction, and demands that violating countries provide “full reparation” for environmental harm.

The 2015 Paris climate accord established the goal of capping warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels from the mid-1800s, spawning the rallying cry “1.5 to stay alive.” However, scientists now warn that even their most optimistic projections exceed that critical threshold.

The UN measure originally contained more forceful language from the International Court of Justice ruling that would have created an “International Register of Damage” to document evidence and compensation claims. That provision was stripped after nearly twelve rounds of negotiations to gain broader backing.

The resolution’s passage occurred despite reporting by The Associated Press in February revealing that the Trump administration had been lobbying other countries to pressure Vanuatu — the small island nation that originally proposed the draft — to pull it from consideration.

In instructions sent to all US embassies and consulates, the State Department stated it “strongly objects” to the initiative and warned that approval “could pose a major threat to US industry.”

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Tammy Bruce, the deputy US ambassador to the UN, criticized the measure again, describing it as “highly problematic” and asserting that Washington maintains significant legal and policy objections despite modifications to the proposal.

“The resolution includes inappropriate political demands relating to fossil fuels and on other climate topics,” Bruce addressed the assembly prior to the vote.

However, delegates from Vanuatu and fellow island states, who worry about their nations’ survival due to climate impacts, emphasized the importance of the General Assembly supporting the court’s ruling, which has been praised as a watershed moment in international climate law.

“We should be honest with one another about why this matters,” Odo Tevi, the Vanuatu ambassador to the UN, stated before the vote. “It matters because the harm is real and it is already here, along our islands and coastlines, for communities facing drought and failed harvests.”

He continued, “The states and peoples bearing the heaviest burden are very often those who contributed least to the problem.”

The world body’s decision follows years of mounting frustration among Pacific island nations witnessing their territories vanish.

In Tuvalu, where land sits merely 2 meters (6.6 feet) above sea level on average, over one-third of residents have sought climate migration visas to Australia, though only limited numbers receive approval annually. Projections indicate much of the nation will be submerged during high tides by 2100.

In Nauru, officials have started marketing passports to affluent foreigners — providing visa-free travel to numerous countries — as a strategy to raise funds for potential relocation initiatives.

Louis Charbonneau, UN director of Human Rights Watch, stated Wednesday that by supporting the court decision, the UN “reaffirmed the global commitment to protect human rights.” He observed that this occurred “despite efforts by the US and other oil-producing states to stifle attempts to combat climate change.”

American military forces intercepted an Iranian oil vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, marking another escalation in the ongoing standoff over the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

The boarding of the tanker comes as President Donald Trump faces mounting domestic pressure from his own party. Republican lawmakers are grappling with political challenges before November’s midterm elections as fuel costs surge and international energy markets remain volatile.

In a significant congressional move Tuesday, the Senate pushed forward a bill aimed at compelling Trump to end military involvement in the Iran conflict, with the measure passing 50-47 as more Republicans broke ranks with the president.

According to U.S. Central Command’s social media announcement, military personnel searched the vessel M/T Celestial Sea and diverted it after intelligence suggested it was attempting to reach an Iranian harbor. This incident represents at least the fifth commercial ship boarding since the administration established the Iranian shipping blockade in mid-April, implemented during a ceasefire period to force Tehran into reopening the strait and negotiating a war settlement.

The tanker seizure followed Trump’s Monday announcement that he had canceled planned military strikes against Iran to allow room for diplomatic progress. The president revealed he had authorized “a very major attack” scheduled for Tuesday but postponed it after Gulf allies requested a two to three-day delay, believing they were close to reaching an agreement.

The president has established multiple deadlines for Tehran, only to extend them repeatedly.

Prior to the American blockade, Iranian authorities had permitted certain vessels they deemed favorable to transit the waterway while imposing substantial transit fees, drawing criticism for essentially holding the world economy hostage.

Military officials recently reported that 1,550 ships from 87 nations remain trapped in Persian Gulf waters.

Nearly three months after hostilities commenced with American and Israeli air operations on February 28, Iran continues controlling the strategic strait while U.S. forces maintain their blockade of Iranian harbors and Iranian-connected vessels across distant waters beyond the Middle East.

Last month, American forces seized an oil tanker in the Bay of Bengal that had previously faced sanctions for smuggling Iranian petroleum. Days afterward, U.S. personnel captured another vessel linked to Iranian oil smuggling operations in Indian Ocean waters between Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

In early May, Trump announced the military would begin “guiding” stranded vessels out of the Iranian-controlled strait. The following day, he suspended the ship protection mission to explore potential diplomatic solutions.

Several days later, American forces engaged and disabled two Iranian oil tankers following an exchange of gunfire with Iranian military units in the Strait of Hormuz. Military officials stated the tankers were attempting to break through the blockade. The previous day, the military reported preventing Iranian attacks on three Navy vessels and conducting retaliatory strikes on Iranian military installations.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva enacted two executive orders Wednesday that intensify regulatory oversight of major technology companies by strengthening their accountability for illegal user-generated content and creating pathways for government investigations into their content moderation practices.

The new regulations create a more challenging operating environment in Brazil for technology giants like Google, Meta and TikTok, companies that have historically sought to distance themselves from criminal activities conducted by users on their platforms.

The initial executive order modifies existing government regulations to comply with a Brazilian Supreme Court ruling that holds major technology companies accountable when they fail to remove content following judicial directives. The order also authorizes the country’s national data protection agency to conduct investigations in such instances. The second order creates standards for protecting women in digital spaces.

According to a government statement, platforms will now be required to review all complaints and immediately delete content determined to be criminal while notifying the responsible party of their action. Companies that fail to comply may face warnings, financial penalties, or temporary service suspensions.

Major technology companies have not issued statements regarding the Brazilian government’s decision.

Patricia Peck, who serves on Brazil’s Data Protection Authority council and has written 46 books on law and technology, noted that the country’s executive and judicial branches have encouraged technology companies to take active measures against online crimes despite apparent legislative gridlock in congress.

“We don’t have specific legislation to hold these platforms responsible, we are taking a side road,” Peck told The Associated Press. “Those who develop these technologies must think about it with perspective of ethics, privacy, and security as a standard.”

Following last year’s Brazilian Supreme Court decision, these companies have been required to actively monitor content involving hate speech, racism and incitement to violence and take action to eliminate it.

The president’s action also broadens existing legal frameworks to address increasing digital fraud, online scams and emerging forms of digital violence.

Mattheus Puppe, a specialist in Brazil’s digital law, explained that the executive orders aim to prevent platforms from generating revenue from illegal content while reinforcing the Supreme Court’s ruling. However, he questions whether the government’s efforts will effectively reduce online criminal activity.

“It is not clear how well this will work because the agency that was chosen to investigate cases can barely do its job now,” Puppe said. “But it is true that it shouldn’t be up to companies to know what is lawful and what is not.”

Brazil’s regulatory strategy toward technology companies increasingly mirrors that of the European Union, which has worked to limit the influence of social media companies and other digital platforms.

However, this approach has created tension in the relationship between the South American country and the U.S. government. Critics have raised concerns that the measures could endanger free speech if platforms begin removing potentially problematic content as a precautionary measure.

A law took effect earlier this year designed to protect minors from addictive, violent, and pornographic online material. The legislation mandates that minors under 16 connect their social media profiles to a legal guardian for oversight and prohibits platforms from implementing addictive design elements such as infinite scroll and automatic video playback.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — United Nations courts established to pursue justice for war crimes during Yugoslavia’s brutal breakup in the early 1990s and Rwanda’s 1994 genocide concluded their final proceedings Wednesday, marking the end of a multi-decade international justice effort.

Presiding Judge Iain Bonomy called the session “a truly historic milestone,” officially closing proceedings related to Félicien Kabuga, the suspected genocide financier who passed away Saturday.

Kabuga, believed to be in his 90s with disputed exact age and battling severe dementia, had been held at the United Nations detention center in The Hague after being declared unfit for trial in 2023. No nation agreed to accept him, extending his case indefinitely.

Lucy Gaynor, a historian at the University of Amsterdam, described the Kabuga case being the final proceeding as “symbolic of the state of international justice,” noting the field currently faces crisis.

“Countries put limits on what they are willing to do,” she said.

Medical experts had determined travel posed too great a risk for Kabuga, and despite tribunal efforts, no neighboring nations offered him asylum, leaving him in legal uncertainty.

His death occurred exactly six years after his 2020 arrest near Paris, following nearly twenty years as a fugitive.

Kabuga’s matter was the final active case at the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, the UN-operated entity that assumed remaining cases when the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda closed in 2015 and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia ended operations in 2017.

These twin tribunals, both created by UN Security Council mandate in the early 1990s, secured convictions against 155 individuals for atrocity crimes and established groundwork for the International Criminal Court’s 2002 creation.

Situated just 2 miles from the former insurance facility that housed the residual mechanism, the ICC was designed as a permanent global court to prosecute humanity’s gravest crimes and eliminate the need for conflict-specific ad hoc tribunals.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on the ICC for pursuing investigations involving American and Israeli officials, as neither country belongs to the court’s 125-member coalition.

Multiple nations have declined to apprehend Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both subjects of ICC arrest warrants, while Italy refused to surrender a Libyan warlord last year, instead returning him to Tripoli via government aircraft.

For Rwandans, Kabuga’s death underscores accountability system failures. Genocide survivor Agnes Mukamurenzi, who was familiar with Kabuga, believed he deserved prolonged imprisonment. “I wish he lived longer in prison to feel the pain. During the genocide, he played a key role that saw many innocent lives taken,” she told AP.

Wednesday’s 12-minute session occurred in an adapted conference room one floor above the building’s main courtroom, where Ratko Mladic, the military leader dubbed the “Butcher of Bosnia,” received a genocide conviction and Croat commander Slobodan Praljak consumed lethal poison during an appeal hearing.

The residual mechanism abandoned the courtroom last year, reducing to minimal staff, and now confronts an uncertain future. Its authorization expires in June without any transition plan for remaining responsibilities, including monitoring detention conditions for 41 individuals still serving sentences.

The fate of millions of archived document pages and thousands of evidence items remains unclear, including Mladic’s personal handwritten diaries and copies of the inflammatory newspaper Kangura that Kabuga allegedly funded.

In January, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the organization, eliminating millions in financial backing.

Upon learning of Kabuga’s death, Dr. Philibert Gakwenzire, who leads IBUKA, the umbrella organization representing survivors of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, stated that although Kabuga died without facing trial, “history is the true judge.”

MEXICO CITY — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches with less than 30 days remaining, travelers landing at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport find themselves walking through what looks like an active construction zone, complete with drilling sounds, scattered construction materials, and incomplete floors.

The ongoing construction work exists alongside numerous World Cup promotional displays, including oversized soccer ball replicas and trophy displays that serve as distractions from the renovation disruptions that have been ongoing for twelve months.

Sitting near one of six cranes still positioned at Terminal 1’s entrance, 28-year-old engineer Luis Ibarra expressed no frustration with the construction activity. He pointed out that the airport has long dealt with water damage, roof leaks, and serious overcrowding issues.

Airport officials informed The Associated Press that completing this major renovation at Mexico’s busiest airport requires more than 3,000 workers operating in 20-hour shifts daily.

The project has faced significant challenges.

After one full year of renovation work — with the initial phase now over 90% finished — difficulties have been “more than we expected,” Juan José Padilla, general director of the Benito Juárez International Airport, told the AP. He said the unforeseen obstacles resulted from infrastructure that’s five decades old and missing original construction plans for certain sections.

“We are facing years of neglect,” said Padilla, recognizing that prolonged underinvestment had impacted the terminals that process approximately 120,000 passengers each day.

Under these circumstances, work commenced in May 2025 on a $500 million modernization effort. The extensive project receives complete funding from the airport operations, which have been under Mexican Navy management since 2023.

Project coordinator Capt. Arturo Flores explained that the comprehensive upgrade encompasses new exterior terminal designs, updated bathroom facilities, improved baggage collection areas, and replacement of almost 100,000 square meters of flooring and lighting systems. Internal redesign efforts have also recovered 30,000 square meters of passenger waiting areas. The second phase will start in August — after the World Cup concludes — and continue until December.

The improvements also feature expanded security camera coverage — increasing from 2,200 to more than 4,000 units — which will utilize artificial intelligence technology to identify suspicious vehicles, baggage, or people.

Padilla mentioned that an anti-drone system is also planned for installation soon to handle any emergency situations.

This month, Mexico’s foreign ministry revealed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation to implement the 2015 bilateral transportation agreement through additional new measures.

These measures involve increasing the number of slots — designated time periods for aircraft departures and arrivals — which Washington had sought for U.S. carriers. Under the former administration, available slots at the capital’s airport dropped from 61 to 43 hourly, before rising slightly to 44 last year.

Regarding this matter, Padilla announced that slot availability for both international and domestic carriers will soon expand to 46.

This current airport enhancement represents a significant project by President Claudia Sheinbaum, coming after a difficult period under her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who had tried to redirect capital aviation operations to a new, military-operated airport at a different site — a plan that never succeeded in gaining support.

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors have filed charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, marking the most recent escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing pressure campaign targeting the Caribbean nation’s socialist leadership.

Castro faces allegations related to his involvement in the 1996 downing of two aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based exile organization. Castro served as defense minister during that incident.

President Donald Trump has intensified discussions about regime change in Cuba following military operations in Venezuela earlier this year that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Additionally, a White House-imposed economic blockade has caused power outages, food scarcity, and widespread economic collapse throughout Cuba.

The charges arrive during a period of escalating friction between Trump’s administration and Cuban leadership. Simultaneously, the United States maintains an unstable ceasefire in its conflict with Iran.

Following the Venezuelan operation that led to Maduro’s capture, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Cuba’s government was “in a lot of trouble,” while the president renewed demands for American control of Greenland.

Trump issued a stern warning to Cuban leadership as Venezuela’s close ally prepared for possible civil unrest after Maduro’s removal. Trump urged the Cuban government “to make a deal BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”

Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, replied, “Those who turn everything into a business, even human lives, have no moral authority to point the finger at Cuba in any way, absolutely in any way.”

Trump enacted an executive order establishing tariffs on goods from nations that sell or supply oil to Cuba, a measure that could further devastate the island’s economy.

One day before the Iranian conflict commenced, Trump revealed the United States was conducting discussions with Havana and suggested the possibility of a “friendly takeover of Cuba,” without providing specifics.

Trump mentioned that Rubio was engaging with Cuban officials “at a very high level.”

While Trump didn’t elaborate on his statements, he appeared to suggest that the Cuba situation, involving one of Washington’s most bitter enemies for decades, was reaching a crucial juncture.

Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Castro’s grandson known as “Raúlito,” conducted a private meeting with Rubio during a Caribbean Community summit in St. Kitts in February.

Díaz-Canel confirmed that Cuba and the United States conducted negotiations, representing the first official acknowledgment by the Caribbean nation of widely speculated discussions with the Trump administration during an energy emergency.

He explained the talks “were aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors facilitated these exchanges.”

A sanctioned Russian oil vessel reached Cuba, marking the first fuel delivery to the island in three months.

Díaz-Canel declared he would not step down from office.

Two high-ranking State Department officials — Jeremy Lewin, who oversees all U.S. foreign assistance, and Michael Kozak, the senior U.S. diplomat for Latin America — headed a delegation to Havana and conducted meetings with Rodríguez Castro, according to a U.S. official with knowledge of the encounters.

Díaz-Canel stated in an interview that he would not resign and that the United States lacks legitimate grounds to conduct military action against the island or attempt his removal.

During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the president indicated that a Cuban invasion would be expensive and threaten regional stability.

Díaz-Canel addressed a rally attended by hundreds to mark the 65th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution’s socialist declaration.

“The moment is extremely challenging and calls upon us once again, as on April 16, 1961, to be ready to confront serious threats, including military aggression. We do not want it, but it is our duty to prepare to avoid it and, if it becomes inevitable, to defeat it,” Díaz-Canel stated.

Reports surfaced that an American delegation recently conducted meetings with Cuban government representatives, indicating renewed diplomatic efforts. This marked at least the third encounter with Rodríguez Castro.

A senior State Department official met with Rodríguez Castro earlier that month, according to a department representative who wasn’t authorized for public comment and spoke anonymously regarding the sensitive issue.

The official didn’t identify which U.S. representatives met with Rodríguez Castro, whose grandfather reportedly maintains significant influence in Cuban government despite lacking an official position. A second U.S. official confirmed Rubio wasn’t part of the Havana delegation.

A Cuban diplomat at the United Nations declared that Havana would reject any American “ultimatums” demanding political prisoner releases as part of renewed negotiations.

In an Associated Press interview, Cuban Ambassador to the U.N. Ernesto Soberón Guzmán said internal matters concerning detainees “are not on the negotiating table.” Political prisoner releases were a primary U.S. requirement as the longtime enemies conducted discussions in Cuba for the first time in ten years.

Senate Republicans blocked Democratic legislation that would have required Trump to terminate the U.S. energy blockade on Cuba without Congressional authorization.

The war powers resolution vote demonstrated continued Republican support for Trump as he acts independently to project American power across various global conflicts, including Venezuela, Iran and Cuba — among the U.S.’s nearest neighbors.

U.S. officials stated the United States wasn’t considering immediate military action against Havana despite Trump’s repeated warnings that “Cuba is next” and that American naval vessels deployed in the Middle East for the Iran conflict could return via the island.

Officials participating in preliminary discussions with Cuban authorities also informed the AP that they remain pessimistic about the communist government accepting an offer including tens of millions in humanitarian aid, two years of complimentary Starlink internet service for all Cubans, agricultural support and infrastructure assistance.

However, they noted Cuba hadn’t completely rejected the proposal, which included conditions the government has historically opposed, even after the Trump administration implemented additional sanctions on Havana.

U.S. and Cuban officials confirmed that CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted meetings with Cuban representatives including Raúl Castro’s grandson during a senior-level island visit.

Ratcliffe met with Rodríguez Castro, Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas and the Cuban intelligence chief, discussing intelligence collaboration, economic stability and security matters. A CIA official verified the meetings to the AP.

The Justice Department was preparing to pursue charges against Castro, three sources familiar with the situation informed the AP.

One source indicated the potential charges were related to Castro’s suspected involvement in the 1996 downing of two aircraft operated by Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Castro held the defense minister position during that period.

All three sources requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss an active investigation. The Cuban government didn’t respond to requests for comment regarding the potential charges, which CBS initially reported.

The State Department implemented additional sanctions on multiple Cuban government entities, including the Interior Ministry and National Police and Intelligence Directorate, as the Trump administration continued increasing pressure on the island.

Federal prosecutors announced grand jury charges against Castro regarding the downing of the two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft in 1996.

OTTAWA, May 20 – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered sharp criticism of Israel on Wednesday, calling the nation’s handling of Gaza flotilla activists “abominable” in an unusually strong rebuke of a close ally.

The Canadian government announced plans to call in Israel’s ambassador following the release of a video by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that showed him mocking the detained activists, who were forced into kneeling positions with their hands bound behind their backs.

“The abominable treatment of civilians aboard the flotilla, including that which is documented in footage shared by Itamar Ben-Gvir, is unacceptable,” Carney wrote on social media.

“Canada has already imposed strict sanctions on Mr. Ben-Gvir, including asset freezes and a travel ban, in response to his repeated incitement of violence.”

Israeli naval forces had stopped the activist flotilla in international waters on Tuesday before bringing those aboard to an Israeli port.

Under Carney’s leadership, Canada has taken an increasingly firm stance toward Israel. Carney became head of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister in March 2025, succeeding Justin Trudeau.

Last September, Carney declared Canada’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move that drew anger from Israeli officials.

A United States federal grand jury has issued criminal charges against Raul Castro, who previously served as Cuba’s president.

Castro, now 94 years old, is facing multiple serious criminal charges. Among the accusations are four separate murder charges connected to an incident targeting a humanitarian organization that took place more than three decades ago.

The indictment represents a significant legal development involving the former Cuban leader who stepped down from power years ago.

British defense officials announced Wednesday that Russian military aircraft conducted a dangerous intercept of a Royal Air Force surveillance plane over the Black Sea last month, describing the encounter as a risky incident that could heighten tensions between NATO and Russia.

According to defense ministry officials, the British Rivet Joint aircraft was conducting standard surveillance operations in international airspace over the Black Sea and was not carrying weapons. The plane faced multiple intercepts from a Russian Su-35 fighter, which approached close enough to activate emergency warning systems aboard the British aircraft, officials reported. Additionally, a Russian Su-27 made six separate passes, coming as close as six meters to the front of the Rivet Joint plane.

Defense officials characterized this as the most serious Russian aggressive action toward a British surveillance aircraft since 2022, when a Russian plane fired a missile over the Black Sea near a UK aircraft. Moscow later attributed that earlier incident to equipment failure.

British Royal Air Force surveillance missions are conducted regularly alongside allied forces to help protect NATO’s eastern borders, according to officials.

The announcement comes during a week that has seen multiple security concerns in the Baltic area, including a drone breach of Lithuanian airspace and a fighter aircraft downing what authorities believe was a Ukrainian drone over Estonia.

Earlier this year, Britain sent naval forces to counter potential attacks on underwater cables and pipelines by Russian submarines that operated in and near British waters for more than a month, officials said.

Nine individuals from West African nations arrived in Sierra Leone Wednesday aboard a deportation flight from the United States, marking the beginning of a new agreement between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba confirmed to Reuters the previous week that Sierra Leone has committed to accepting up to 300 West African migrants annually who face deportation from the United States, with monthly arrivals capped at 25 people.

The group that landed Wednesday consisted of seven men and two women originally from Ghana, Senegal, Guinea and Nigeria, according to Patrick Robin, who leads Kenvah Solutions, the private company contracted to provide housing for the deportees at two hotels located near the airport.

The duration of the deportees’ stay in Sierra Leone remains uncertain, as a government spokesperson has not responded to inquiries for clarification. “We will look after them in a dignified and comfortable way for up to two weeks,” Robin stated, noting that under “exceptional circumstances” some individuals might remain at the facilities for 30 days.

This West African-only deportee arrangement mirrors a similar agreement with Ghana. Reuters has documented cases where deportees sent to Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and other African nations were subsequently compelled to return to their countries of origin, despite having received court-ordered protection in the United States designed to prevent such outcomes.

While Robin indicated that “most of” Wednesday’s arrivals expressed a desire to return home, a Reuters observer noted that at least one deportee appeared reluctant to exit the aircraft before being convinced to do so.

What Sierra Leone receives in return for accepting these deportees remains unclear.

A February report from Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee revealed that while the total expense of third-country removals is unknown, over $32 million has been directly transferred to five nations — Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini and Palau.

A State Department spokesperson declined to provide comment on the matter.

French officials are investigating claims of foreign election meddling that targeted hard-left political candidates during municipal elections in March, the country’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced Wednesday.

The investigation centers on allegations that an Israeli company called BlackCore orchestrated a disinformation campaign against at least three mayoral candidates from the France Unbowed (LFI) party. According to Reuters reporting from last week, the operation involved creating misleading websites and fake social media profiles that made false accusations of criminal conduct, along with negative digital advertisements.

When questioned by LFI lawmaker Francois Piquemal, one of those allegedly targeted, Nunez confirmed the ongoing investigation and called the campaign “extremely grave.”

The Interior Minister also committed to publicly releasing a complete report from electoral security officials about the suspected operation. This pledge came after the satirical publication Le Canard Enchaine reported that there were attempts to suppress the report’s release.

Reuters was unable to confirm the identity of BlackCore’s operators, determine its actual location, or locate any records of the company in Israeli business databases.

The company did not respond to multiple contact attempts through its website and LinkedIn profile, both of which have since been removed from the internet.

MIAMI (AP) — Federal prosecutors were set to reveal criminal charges Wednesday targeting former Cuban President Raúl Castro, as the current administration intensifies its pressure campaign against Cuba’s socialist leadership, sources with knowledge of the situation reported.

Miami-based federal prosecutors have been developing an indictment connected to Castro’s suspected involvement in the 1996 destruction of two aircraft flown by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-headquartered exile organization. The 94-year-old Castro served as Cuba’s defense minister during that period.

The anticipated charges encompass murder and aircraft destruction, according to one source briefed on the matter. These individuals requested anonymity since they lacked authorization to speak publicly before the official announcement.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche along with other senior Justice Department leadership were scheduled to attend a Miami ceremony Wednesday commemorating the victims of the aircraft attack.

President Donald Trump has been issuing military threats against Cuba following U.S. forces’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Cuba’s long-standing ally. Following Maduro’s removal, the White House implemented a blockade cutting off fuel deliveries to Cuba, resulting in widespread power outages, food scarcity and economic devastation throughout the nation.

Following Maduro’s detention, Trump has intensified discussions about Cuban regime change after promising earlier this year to execute a “friendly takeover” of the nation unless its leaders opened their economy to American investment and expelled U.S. enemies.

Trump’s initial presidency brought drug-trafficking charges against Maduro and used those accusations to justify his removal through a surprise military operation in January that transported the Venezuelan president to New York for prosecution.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday called on Cuban citizens to demand a free-market system with new leadership that he claimed would establish a fresh direction in U.S. relations.

“In the U.S., we are ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our people,” Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, said in a Spanish-language video message. “Currently, the only thing standing in the way of a better future are those who control your country.”

Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, Carlos F. de Cossío attacked Rubio on X, claiming he “lies so repeatedly and unscrupulously about Cuba and tries to justify the aggression he inflicts on the Cuban people.” Rubio “knows full well that there is no excuse for such cruel and ruthless aggression.”

No evidence suggests Castro will be brought into U.S. custody in the near future.

He assumed the presidency from his ill older brother Fidel Castro in 2006 before transferring authority to a loyal ally, Díaz-Canel, in 2018.

Though he stepped down as Cuban Communist Party leader in 2021, he is widely thought to maintain influence from behind the scenes, highlighted by his grandson Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro’s prominent role, who previously held secret discussions with Rubio.

Last week, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana for discussions with Cuban leadership, including Castro’s grandson. Two additional senior State Department representatives met with the grandson in April.

“The symbolic nature is absolutely crucial,” said Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman, a former prosecutor at the U.S. attorney’s office in Miami who handled national security cases and crimes involving Cubans.

“Even though Raúl Castro will likely stay and die in Cuba, you can use the indictment as a pressure point, a tactical advantage, to extract other concessions like the release of prisoners or to keep Russia out,” she added.

Beginning in 1995, aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue members, an organization established by Cuban exiles, flew over Havana distributing pamphlets encouraging Cubans to rebel against the Castro regime.

Cuban authorities complained to the U.S. government, cautioning they would protect their airspace. Federal Aviation Administration officials also launched an inquiry and met with the organization’s leadership to encourage them to halt the flights, according to declassified government documents obtained by George Washington University’s National Security Archive.

“This latest overflight can only be seen as further taunting of the Cuban Government,” an FAA official wrote in an email to her superiors after one intrusion in January 1996. “Worst case scenario is that one of these days the Cubans will shoot down one of these planes.”

However, these warnings were ignored and on Feb. 24, 1996, missiles launched by Russian-manufactured MiG-29 fighter aircraft destroyed two unarmed civilian Cessna planes shortly north of Havana just outside Cuba’s airspace. All four occupants perished.

Guy Lewis, who served as a federal prosecutor, discovered evidence connecting senior Cuban military leaders to cocaine smuggling by Colombia’s Medellin cartel. After the shootdown, the probe expanded, and prosecutors pursued charges against Raúl Castro for directing a massive racketeering operation by Cuba’s military forces.

“The evidence was strong,” Lewis said in an interview.

Ultimately, the Clinton administration charged four people, including the MiG pilots, the Cuban air force commander and the leader of a Cuban intelligence network in Miami — the sole individual to serve time in a U.S. prison — for supplying crucial information about the flights.

The event prompted the U.S. to strengthen its stance against Cuba, despite the Cold War’s conclusion and the declining memory of the Castros’ support for revolution throughout Latin America.

However, Castro himself escaped charges as the Clinton administration — which had quietly attempted to improve Cuban relations before the incident — expressed foreign policy concerns regarding such a prominent indictment.

“Raúl was definitely one who slipped through the noose,” Lewis said. “The crime is notorious. Three U.S. citizens and one legal permanent resident were killed in a premeditated orchestrated murder. That should never be forgotten.”

An organization established by Cuban exiles called Brothers to the Rescue sits at the core of the U.S. Justice Department’s effort to pursue criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, a development that could resurrect one of the most contentious episodes in the nations’ troubled history spanning decades.

According to a source with knowledge of the probe who spoke to The Associated Press, the possible charges relate to Castro’s suspected involvement in the 1996 downing of two aircraft flown by the Miami-headquartered exile organization. At that time, Castro served as defense minister, positioning him as the country’s second-highest official behind his brother Fidel.

The source requested anonymity as they lacked permission to speak publicly about an active investigation.

Brothers to the Rescue launched operations in 1980 amid the unexpected exodus of 125,000 Cubans to the United States. Established by emigrant José Basulto, the organization sought to assist Cuban refugees navigating the Florida straits through aerial supply drops and Coast Guard notifications.

The extended crisis started when some Cubans demonstrated against travel limitations enforced by President Fidel Castro’s communist regime, prompting Castro to open Mariel port to departing citizens, resulting in the straits becoming crowded with desperate individuals.

The administration of U.S. President Bill Clinton modified immigration policies to prevent Cubans from attempting the dangerous journey north on unstable, improvised vessels. However, Brothers to the Rescue, alternatively called by its Spanish designation Hermanos al Rescate, persisted in flying near Cuban airspace and antagonizing Havana.

On Feb. 24, 1996, three aircraft transporting Brothers to the Rescue members flew into an area near the 24th parallel, located a brief distance north of Havana and some of Cuba’s most critical installations.

Cuban military aircraft destroyed two of the exiles’ defenseless civilian Cessnas, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants. A third aircraft, transporting the group’s leader, barely avoided the same fate.

American University Cuba expert William LeoGrande and National Security Archive senior researcher Peter Kornbluh stated this week that their 2015 publication, “Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana,” demonstrates how the Clinton administration’s continuous advisories about provoking Cuba failed to deter Hermanos al Rescate.

“Only after the shootdown did the FAA issue a concrete ‘cease and desist’ order against Basulto for what it called ‘careless or reckless’ operations that ‘endanger the lives or property of others,’” the authors stated.

Given Hermanos al Rescate’s provocation of the Cuban government, the U.S. failure to halt the organization, and the Cuban air force’s attack on civilian aircraft, “there’s no good guys in this story,” LeoGrande observed.

U.S. counterintelligence apprehended five Cuban intelligence operatives who had penetrated Brothers to the Rescue. This narrative was dramatized in the film “The Wasp Network.”

Two of the Cuban operatives completed lengthy prison terms while three were freed through a prisoner swap that preceded former President Barack Obama’s diplomatic opening with Raúl Castro.

Two Cuban fighter pilots and their superior officer who were also charged in connection with the shootdown have stayed beyond U.S. law enforcement jurisdiction while residing in Cuba.

Castro has faced U.S. criminal scrutiny previously. In 1993, federal prosecutors in Miami contemplated charging him and other high-ranking Cuban military leaders with drug trafficking based on Colombian trafficker testimony that surfaced during former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega’s narcotics trial, the AP reported in 2006.

However, charges were never filed as the Clinton administration expressed foreign policy objections.

A Spanish court has identified the son of a fashion retail mogul as a suspect in connection with his father’s deadly fall from a cliff, according to court documents reviewed by Reuters.

Jonathan Andic, age 45, was named by a Barcelona court on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of fashion executive Isak Andic, who plunged more than 100 meters (328 feet) from a cliff located near the Catalan capital.

According to the court filing, Judge Raquel Nieto Galvan stated there was “sufficient evidence to suggest that the death of (Isak Andic) may not have been accidental, and that (Jonathan Andic) played an active and premeditated role in his father’s death.”

Attempts to reach Jonathan Andic’s legal representative for comment were unsuccessful. A family spokesperson declined to provide comment, pointing to Tuesday’s statement that described the investigation as a chance to demonstrate his innocence.

The judge indicated that their troubled relationship stemmed from Jonathan’s “obsession with money to the extent that he asked his father (Isak Andic) for an inheritance while he was still alive,” according to Nieto Galvan’s written findings.

Text messages on WhatsApp revealed that Jonathan Andic had expressed “feelings of hatred, resentment and thoughts of death, and blaming his father for his situation.”

The court documents suggest Jonathan sought either to obtain his inheritance during his father’s lifetime “or for the figure of the father to cease to exist, either in his thoughts or in reality.”

WORKPLACE AND FAMILY TENSIONS

Court testimony revealed that some of the animosity originated from incidents in 2015 when Isak Andic initially granted his son expanded duties at Mango before abruptly removing those responsibilities. This sequence of events led to what the court described as “a crisis on a professional, personal and family level, particularly with his father” for Jonathan Andic.

While Jonathan Andic acknowledged to the judge that his father had taken back some authority he had been granted at Mango, he disputed that this situation had caused any professional or personal friction between them.

The court filing indicates that Jonathan learned in mid-2024 of Isak’s intention to modify his will to establish a charitable foundation for those in need, which resulted in “a marked change” in his behavior. He then attempted to repair relations with his father, who agreed to Jonathan’s suggestion for the December 14 hiking trip so they could have a private conversation.

Jonathan’s actions both before and after the deadly hiking excursion also drew scrutiny. Vehicle tracking data revealed he had traveled to the identical location on December 7, December 8 and December 10, despite his claims that he had only visited the area once, two weeks prior to his father’s death.

Jonathan provided inconsistent accounts of what transpired during two emergency service phone calls and in a subsequent police statement.

Police conducted four reconstructions and determined that the footprint evidence at the location and the manner of the body’s fall did not align with an accidental slip.

Investigators found that he had fallen feet-first in a sliding motion. Additionally, there were no injuries to his palms, which led authorities to eliminate the possibility that he had stumbled over a rock.

Jonathan Andic also replaced his mobile phone, resulting in the loss of all its stored information, claiming it had been taken during a three-day visit to Quito, Ecuador in March 2025. The timing of the phone’s disappearance aligned with news coverage indicating the case had been reopened, the judge noted.

Morocco and France are working together on a groundbreaking partnership agreement that will be finalized during King Mohammed VI’s upcoming state visit to France, foreign ministers from both nations announced Wednesday.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita revealed to reporters that this will mark Morocco’s first treaty with any European nation, following discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Rabat. The ministers did not provide a timeline for the royal visit.

The diplomatic relationship between the two countries has strengthened significantly after Paris acknowledged Rabat’s authority over the contested Western Sahara region in 2024.

“Moroccan-French partnership is living its best era at all levels,” Bourita stated, highlighting cooperation in defense manufacturing, security matters, and aviation sectors.

Barrot emphasized the historic nature of the agreement, noting “this will be the first treaty of its kind with a non-European country.” He explained the pact aims to establish a foundation for enduring bilateral relations, though specific terms and provisions were not disclosed by either side.

Regarding the Western Sahara dispute, Barrot confirmed France supports renewed direct negotiations between all involved parties, based on autonomy under Moroccan control and consistent with UN Security Council resolution 2797. This stance has strained France’s relationship with Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front’s independence movement for Western Sahara.

Barrot described Morocco as France’s primary economic ally in Africa and a crucial logistical and financial gateway to the continent, making collaboration “natural” between the nations.

As France has reduced its footprint in West Africa and the Sahel region, Morocco has grown its regional presence through various sectors including commerce, fertilizer production, banking, telecommunications, and construction enterprises.

BELFAST, May 20 – A Belfast court ruled Wednesday that Eleanor Donaldson, spouse of ex-Northern Ireland political figure Jeffrey Donaldson, cannot proceed to trial on charges connected to historical sexual offenses due to her medical condition.

Her husband, the former Democratic Unionist Party leader, is scheduled to face trial next week on charges including one rape count, 13 indecent assault counts involving a female minor, and four gross indecency counts toward a child. Jeffrey Donaldson has entered not guilty pleas to all charges.

The joint trial proceedings for both Jeffrey and Eleanor Donaldson have been postponed for over a year because of Eleanor’s health problems. Her charges include allegations of aiding and abetting rape.

Following testimony from medical experts Wednesday, Judge Paul Ramsey determined Eleanor Donaldson was medically unfit to participate in standard trial proceedings.

Instead, Eleanor will undergo what’s called a trial of the facts, a process where jurors determine whether the defendant performed the alleged acts, rather than rendering a traditional guilty or not guilty verdict.

Jeffrey Donaldson, formerly among Northern Ireland’s most prominent political figures, abruptly resigned from his leadership position of the region’s biggest pro-British unionist party in March 2024. His departure came after the DUP announced he faced charges involving historical allegations.

JERUSALEM (AP) — For the majority of the last 17 years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained his grip on power largely through a strong partnership with ultra-Orthodox religious factions.

However, this partnership is now fracturing his governing coalition and creating another significant challenge for the veteran Israeli leader as the nation prepares for elections scheduled for later this year. The October 7, 2023, assault — along with the unresolved conflicts that followed — are also creating pressure on his leadership.

Following 2 1/2 years of continuous combat across multiple regions, much of it requiring reservists, numerous Israelis have grown weary of an established arrangement that permits ultra-Orthodox men to avoid military duty. This frustration has reached even Netanyahu’s own political supporters.

The ultra-Orthodox community is simultaneously outraged by his inability to make their exemptions legal. They pulled their coalition backing two weeks ago, resulting in a preliminary vote to disband parliament, called the Knesset, on Wednesday.

This action initiated a sequence that could advance elections from October to September.

Netanyahu continues attempting to advance legislation that would make the exemptions legal and honor a commitment to his religious allies, but this seems unlikely given the fierce resistance from many within his own coalition.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, who completed three years in a combat unit and strongly backs Netanyahu, stated she was among no fewer than seven coalition members who will oppose the draft legislation, making it impossible to pass.

“The ultra-Orthodox are trying to extort us. It’s immoral. It’s not fair,” Haskel declared, wearing her military uniform during Wednesday’s dissolution vote to emphasize her opposition and showcase her own military background.

Two significant ultra-Orthodox parties abandoned Netanyahu this month after he informed them he didn’t anticipate being able to advance the exemptions legislation. This departure stripped his coalition of a parliamentary majority and represents one of the primary reasons for the Knesset dissolution bill.

“He made a promise to his most loyal allies in the coalition, and he could not deliver, he kept postponing,” explained Shmuel Rosner, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank.

Yitzhak Pindrus, a legislator from one of the groups, informed The Associated Press on Tuesday that his faction has no intentions of rejoining the coalition.

“We need the draft bill,” he stated.

Israel’s political environment is extremely divided, and no single party has ever secured a majority in the 120-member Knesset.

Rather, parties must form partnerships to assemble a majority, which frequently requires negotiations that grant smaller parties disproportionate power.

The ultra-Orthodox presently hold 18 Knesset seats, comparable to previous years, but have remained essential to Netanyahu. In return for his backing of government funding and the draft exemptions, they have supported him through regional conflicts and ongoing corruption charges.

Netanyahu has historically depended on “automatic support” from the ultra-Orthodox, noted Gilad Malach, an expert on the ultra-Orthodox at the Israel Democracy Institute, a research organization in Jerusalem.

This backing enabled Netanyahu to stay in office through the most devastating attack in Israel’s history.

The coalition, which also encompasses ultra-nationalist parties, “was much more stable than I ever imagined,” Rosner observed. “Maybe it’s because they realized in a new election, they’re going to get defeated, and that’s why they stuck together.”

Should Netanyahu somehow advance some version of the draft exemption legislation, it could dramatically reshape the electoral landscape. It would drive large portions of the population, who have previously backed Netanyahu but are struggling under hundreds of days of reserve service, to support opposition parties that promise equal military duty, Malach explained.

Netanyahu seems to have minimal prospects of continuing as prime minister following October’s elections without ultra-Orthodox backing. And he likely represents their sole opportunity for legislation that would prevent mandatory enlistment from being considered in the next government.

Yet maintaining ties with the ultra-Orthodox threatens to damage Netanyahu’s position with the general public, creating a dilemma as the country approaches elections.

Most Jewish men must complete nearly three years of military duty, followed by years of reserve service. Jewish women serve two mandatory years.

Annually, approximately 13,000 ultra-Orthodox men reach the draft age of 18, but fewer than 10% join the military, according to a parliamentary committee.

Confronting severe soldier shortages, the military is considering extending the mandatory service period.

The ultra-Orthodox, who comprise roughly 13% of Israeli society and represent the fastest expanding demographic, have historically received exemptions when studying full-time in religious seminaries. The exemptions trace back to the state’s founding in 1948, when a small group of students sought to rebuild the Jewish scholarship tradition after it was destroyed by the Holocaust.

These exemptions — along with the government payments many seminary students receive until age 26 — have angered many Israelis. Israel currently maintains simultaneous military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, while also fighting a conflict with Iran, which has strained its strong military to its limits.

The Supreme Court declared the exemptions illegal in 2017, but repeated extensions and government stalling tactics have kept them active.

Within Israel’s Jewish majority, mandatory military duty is widely viewed as a unifying experience and coming-of-age ritual. Many in the isolated ultra-Orthodox community worry that military service would subject young people to secular influences.

A seagull created an unforgettable moment during King Charles III’s Wednesday visit to Northern Ireland when nature called at an inopportune time.

The bird released its droppings from overhead, striking the monarch’s jacket and splashing onto nearby individuals, including journalists covering the event.

“It’s well it didn’t land on my head,” the king remarked with humor, as reported by Irene Marting, who observed the messy encounter and spoke with the unruffled monarch moments later.

“Being hit by a seagull, it’s supposed to be good luck,” Marting commented. “We’re so thrilled he’s come to Northern Ireland to see us and it’s really nice to see him in Newcastle.”

The monarch was touring the southeastern coastal community during his second day of a three-day royal visit alongside Queen Camilla. The queen avoided the messy situation as she was conducting her own separate engagement at Royal Hillsborough, where she attempted to draw a pint of Guinness at a local establishment.

Earlier that day, the king may have inadvertently predicted his predicament while touring a food pantry, where he picked up toilet paper and commented, “very important.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced Monday that his country will deploy additional military forces to its northern territories and increase diplomatic efforts with Belarus in response to intelligence suggesting Russia is preparing a new northern offensive targeting the capital region.

According to Zelenskiy, Ukrainian intelligence has identified five potential scenarios that Russia has developed to expand the conflict through northern routes.

“We analysed in detail the available data from our intelligence agencies on Russia’s planning of offensive operations in the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction,” Zelenskiy posted on X, mentioning the city located north of the capital along the route to Belarus. “Our forces in this sector will be increased.”

Over recent weeks, Zelenskiy has issued renewed alerts about possible northern threats originating from Belarus, Russia’s close partner. He has reported detecting suspicious activity along the border area, though he has not shared specific details.

Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated Tuesday that intelligence indicates the Russian General Staff is actively developing and preparing offensive strategies from northern positions.

Neither Russian nor Belarusian officials have responded to these claims.

BELARUS INVOLVEMENT

Zelenskiy indicated that Moscow is attempting to pull Belarus further into the conflict, noting that Belarus previously permitted Russian forces to use its territory for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

He stated that Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry will develop “additional measures of diplomatic influence regarding Belarus,” though he did not elaborate on specific actions.

During the original large-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainian forces successfully defended against a massive Russian armored convoy that tried to capture the capital from the north.

Belarus has maintained its position as Moscow’s strongest ally throughout the conflict. Russian attack drones have traveled through Belarusian airspace during strikes on Ukraine, and Belarus has announced the deployment of Russia’s Oreshnik intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile system.

“As of now, we haven’t detected any movement of equipment or personnel directly at our border, but of course, we can see the pressure Russia is putting on Belarus,” stated Ukraine’s border guards spokesman, Andriy Demchenko, in comments to Ukrinform news agency Wednesday.

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday his plans to engage in dialogue with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, marking a potentially significant shift in diplomatic protocol.

“I’ll speak to him,” Trump informed reporters. “I speak to everybody. … We’ll work on that, the Taiwan problem.”

The president’s willingness to engage in this conversation follows his recent visit to China last week, which Trump described as “amazing” during Wednesday’s remarks.

Such direct communication between American and Taiwanese leaders would represent a major diplomatic milestone, as no direct conversations have taken place since the United States transferred its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.

This potential dialogue could provoke anger from China, which considers the democratically-run island part of its territory.

Following his recent meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, Trump indicated he remains undecided about moving forward with a substantial weapons package valued at up to $14 billion for Taiwan.

American law mandates that Washington supply Taiwan with defensive capabilities, and lawmakers from both major political parties have pressed the Trump administration to maintain weapons transfers.

Approximately 430 protesters who were captured while attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade around Gaza were brought to the Israeli port city of Ashdod on Wednesday aboard military vessels, where National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confronted them and demanded they be imprisoned for an extended period.

Footage distributed by Ben-Gvir depicted the minister moving through groups of the captured protesters while surrounded by law enforcement and military personnel, carrying a large Israeli flag and declaring “Welcome to Israel, we are the landlords.” The video captured one restrained protester yelling “Free Palestine” as Ben-Gvir passed by, prompting security forces to immediately force the individual to the ground.

The recording revealed protesters with their hands restrained behind them, kneeling with their faces to the floor in what appeared to be a temporary holding facility at Ashdod port and on a ship’s deck.

In additional footage, Ben-Gvir remarked that the protesters “came here all full of pride like big heroes. Look at them now,” while requesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to authorize their extended detention.

“I say to Prime Minister Netanyahu, give them to me for a long, long time, give them to us for the terrorist prisons, that’s what it should look like,” Ben-Gvir said.

The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, known as Adalah, condemned Israeli officials for “employing a criminal policy of abuse and humiliation against activists.”

Adalah released a statement claiming this mirrored previous patterns of mistreatment by Israeli officials toward protesters in earlier flotilla operations “for which Israel faced zero accountability.” The organization reported that its attorneys and other volunteers were offering legal assistance to protesters at Ashdod while demanding their immediate freedom.

“The international community must take urgent measures to protect the flotilla members against this brutal and illegal conduct by Israeli officials,” the group said.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani contacted Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar during overnight hours, pressing for the swift release of Italian nationals — including a lawmaker and a journalist — and requesting protection of their safety and rights.

Israeli military forces on Tuesday intercepted the final vessels from the flotilla that attempted to challenge the blockade — the most recent initiative to draw attention to the dire circumstances facing nearly 2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

Flotilla coordinators alleged Israeli troops opened fire on five vessels during the seizures, resulting in some damage. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that no live rounds were discharged and that “nonlethal means” were directed at the ships as a warning, without targeting or harming demonstrators.

Israeli forces had started intercepting the flotilla approximately 167 miles (268 kilometers) from Gaza’s shoreline, based on the flotilla’s website. The ships had left Turkey the previous week.

Israel has characterized the flotilla as “a PR stunt at the service of Hamas” without genuine intentions to provide aid to Gaza. The vessels transported a token amount of humanitarian supplies.

On Monday, the Israeli navy intercepted 41 vessels from the flotilla in international waters near Cyprus and detained everyone aboard.

More than a dozen Irish citizens participated in the flotilla, including the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has denounced Israel’s seizure of the boats in international waters as “absolutely unacceptable.”

Turkey and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have characterized the seizures as “piracy.” Italy, Spain and Indonesia urged Israel to free the protesters and guarantee their safety.

The U.S. Treasury, however, imposed sanctions against several European activists aboard the flotilla, which U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called “pro-terror.”

Israel has enforced a maritime blockade of Gaza since Hamas assumed control of the region in 2007. Israeli officials tightened it following the Hamas-led militant attacks on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and saw more than 250 people taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023.

Opponents argue the blockade constitutes collective punishment. Israel has maintained that the blockade aims to prevent Hamas from obtaining weapons. Egypt, which controls the sole border crossing with Gaza not under Israeli authority, has also severely limited movement in and out.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that Israel’s retaliatory campaign following the Oct. 7 attacks has resulted in more than 72,700 deaths. The ministry, operating under Gaza’s Hamas-run government, does not provide a breakdown between civilians and combatants. The ministry consists of medical professionals who maintain and publish detailed records considered generally reliable by the international community.

WARSAW, Poland — Polish leadership expressed relief Wednesday following American officials’ clarification that halting the deployment of 4,000 U.S. military personnel to the central European nation represents only a temporary postponement.

Last week, the Polish administration responded with shock upon learning that 4,000 service members from the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division would not arrive as originally scheduled to the nation that shares a border with Ukraine.

The Trump administration had earlier announced reductions to American military presence in Germany, creating concerns and drawing criticism across Europe and in Washington.

Tuesday evening, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell characterized the situation as a “temporary delay” of the deployment of U.S. forces to Poland, calling the nation a “model U.S. ally.”

Within the NATO military alliance, Poland allocates the highest percentage of its economy to defense spending, approximately 4.7% in 2025.

Parnell explained the postponement resulted from America’s reduction of brigade combat teams assigned to Europe from four down to three, noting the Pentagon must determine optimal troop positioning.

Also speaking Tuesday evening, Vice President JD Vance rejected characterizations that the U.S. was decreasing troop numbers in Poland: “That’s not a reduction. That’s just a standard delay in rotation that sometimes happens in these situations.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday he was pleased to hear “Washington’s declaration that Poland will be treated as it deserves.”

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who held discussions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Tuesday evening, stated the updated American position confirms that the “U.S. presence is maintained.”

He continued: “Sometimes a rotating model can change into a permanent model and this is always much better.” Approximately 10,000 U.S. troops are regularly based in Poland, with most serving on rotational assignments.

Polish authorities indicated they were assured of participation in conversations regarding the restructuring of American forces across Europe.

America did not specify the duration of the postponement. The Polish defense minister expressed hope for clarification regarding troop presence in coming weeks.

However, Tusk cautioned that Europeans should harbor no misconceptions about Washington’s commitment to reducing its military footprint on the continent and Europeans’ responsibility to address the shortfall.

Wednesday, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted U.S. allies have understood for a year that the Trump administration would withdraw some forces from Europe and it anticipates, “rightly, for Europe and Canada to take a bigger responsibility for the conventional defense of NATO and particularly, of course, the European part of NATO.”

Rutte indicated the U.S. “will stay involved” but may eventually redirect resources to other global regions.

The Trump administration has cautioned that Europe must assume responsibility for its own security, including Ukraine’s, going forward.

Trump and the Pentagon have announced plans to reduce at least 5,000 troops in Germany following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s comments that the U.S. was being “humiliated” by Iran’s leadership and his criticism of what he termed insufficient strategy in the conflict.

GOTEMBA, Japan — American Marines launched twelve rockets from a truck-mounted system Wednesday during a training exercise at a military range located in the foothills of Japan’s famous Mount Fuji, practicing with equipment that has become increasingly vital to U.S. military operations.

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) consists of a rocket launcher installed on a military vehicle that can quickly emerge from hiding, launch its payload, and rapidly relocate to prevent enemy retaliation. These rapid deployment and repositioning methods, known as “shoot and scoot” strategies, are gaining significance as battlefield drones become more common, making fixed positions easier targets.

American forces have deployed this system in Iraq and Afghanistan, and U.S. Central Command recently reported using it in initial strikes against Iran, where it fired an advanced precision-guided missile capable of hitting targets several hundred miles distant.

This capability holds special significance in the Pacific region, where the United States aims to prevent a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan, which China considers its territory and has not dismissed conquering through military action. HIMARS units equipped with the newest missiles could potentially strike locations in the Taiwan Strait separating Taiwan from mainland China if positioned on Japanese or neighboring islands.

However, HIMARS typically uses shorter-distance rockets, and Wednesday’s training at the U.S. military’s Camp Fuji, located approximately two hours by car from Tokyo, utilized only practice rounds.

This marks just the second occasion HIMARS has been tested at Camp Fuji, with the drill conducted in close partnership with Japanese military personnel. Officials temporarily shut down a public highway that passed between the launch site and target area as a safety measure during the exercise.

A recent survey indicates that conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori maintains an advantage in Peru’s upcoming presidential runoff election scheduled for June 7, according to polling data released Wednesday.

The Ipsos Peru survey shows Fujimori capturing 39% of voter support, while her leftist opponent Roberto Sanchez trails with 35% in the head-to-head matchup. The polling was conducted between May 16-17 and the results were published in Peru 21, a local newspaper.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Following intense internal discussions, the European Union gave final approval Wednesday to a trade agreement with the United States that establishes a 15% ceiling on tariffs for most European exports, preventing a potential confrontation with President Donald Trump before his July 4 deadline.

Sharp disagreements erupted within the 27-member union’s legislative body and leadership, threatening the carefully negotiated agreement that governs the enormous flow of commerce between two of the globe’s biggest economic powers, both currently dealing with serious consequences from the conflict in Iran.

Within the European Parliament, members threatened to reject the commercial pact that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had negotiated last July with United States President Donald Trump at his Turnberry golf facility in Scotland, after extended discussions following his administration’s worldwide wave of tariff impositions.

The agreement between von der Leyen and Trump launched additional months of detailed negotiations between Washington and Brussels, even as European criticism of the arrangement intensified after Trump made threats regarding Greenland, a semi-independent Danish territory. He has since stepped back from those threats, at least temporarily.

“A deal is a deal, and the EU honours its commitments,” stated the EU executive in a social media message celebrating the accord.

European legislators had successfully demanded the inclusion of safeguards in the agreement should the U.S. retreat or hesitate on specific terms, according to Bernard Lange, who chairs the parliamentary trade committee.

“If there is something going wrong, of course, we are self-confident to act on that,” he stated.

The basic framework of the agreement is straightforward: a 15% tariff ceiling on most European imports, while duties on US industrial products would drop to zero. Although the deal imposed higher costs on consumers and businesses compared to the former average of 4.8%, it also provided commercial certainty for future planning, a benefit credited with helping Europe sidestep recession last year.

Given the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that continues pushing up costs as Middle Eastern warfare persists, affecting interest rates and inflation from Latvia to Louisiana, supporters of the EU-U.S. agreement maintain that resolving trade disputes between them is essential during this period of worldwide economic uncertainty.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Brussels released a statement expressing relief at seeing the EU achieve agreement on the deal. “The trilogue agreement is a sign that the EU is honouring its commitments under the deal,” it stated, enabling Washington and Brussels to “move beyond tariffs” and address complex matters like vital supply chains.

The EU’s trade negotiator, Maroš Šefčovič, explained that the final effort to approve the deal occurred after five hours of “an intensive night” of trilogue talks between the European Council, European Parliament and the EU’s executive, the European Commission.

He noted that once the political agreement receives formal adoption by legislators in upcoming weeks, “this outcome will reinforce stability in EU-U.S. trade and open the door even wider to constructive cooperation on many issues of strategic importance.”

However, European concerns remain about whether the White House can deliver on the agreement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this year against the legal foundation Trump had relied upon to implement that tax.

This situation left Trump searching for alternative legal justifications, and his administration has implemented a 10% tax while examining trade imbalances and national security concerns, to establish new tariffs compensating for lost revenue. In May, a federal court determined that Trump had exceeded the tariff authority Congress had granted the president under existing law, rendering the new tariffs “invalid” and “unauthorized by law.”

This could potentially encompass tariffs Trump has threatened to impose on EU automobiles and trucks in a social media message where he also criticized the EU regarding the deal for not “as usual” adhering to it, without specifying the sources of disagreement.

Following the EU’s completion of its internal democratic procedures, it now awaits a favorable response from Washington, according to Lange, the EU legislator.

“That’s, of course, a big question mark. I have not my crystal ball here with me,” he stated.

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli defense industry sales have reached unprecedented levels as companies showcase military technology proven effective in recent conflicts, even as international criticism mounts over the country’s wartime actions.

When defense officials contacted Massivit about utilizing its specialized 3D printing capabilities for military drone components, company CEO Yossi Azarzar eagerly agreed to shift focus from entertainment industry clients like Disney, DreamWorks and Netflix.

“I stopped thinking about Hollywood sets,” Azarzar explained. “The entertainment industry is a nice customer — defense is a necessity.”

The Israeli weapons industry has experienced remarkable growth amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, with Hezbollah, and with Iran. Industry representatives report that nations publicly critical of Israeli arms manufacturers are still discreetly submitting purchase orders. Companies, including those like Massivit without prior military experience, can demonstrate their products undergo continuous battlefield testing and enhancement.

Israeli weapons exports have more than doubled during the past five years, reaching a record $15 billion in 2024, according to the Defense Ministry. Major manufacturers including Elbit and Israel Aerospace Industries both posted double-digit sales increases last year, though complete 2025 statistics remain unreleased.

Missiles, rockets and air-defense systems comprise over half of Israeli arms sales. Israel has now overtaken the United Kingdom as the world’s seventh-largest weapons supplier, marking the first time it achieved this ranking, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute data from March.

“This tremendous achievement is a direct result of the successes of the (army) and defense industries. … The world sees Israeli strength and seeks to be a partner in it,” stated Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz.

The recent Defense Tech Expo in Tel Aviv demonstrated growing international demand for Israeli military equipment, with manufacturers highlighting weapons and systems developed through recent combat experiences. However, the event also exposed tensions between military technology promotion and political controversy, as protesters condemned Gaza’s widespread destruction as a weapons testing ground.

Spain terminated a contract for anti-tank missile systems from an Israeli company subsidiary last year. Slovenia announced comprehensive bans on weapons imports, exports and transit involving Israel following its Gaza operations. After Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack killed approximately 1,200 people and captured roughly 250 hostages, Israeli retaliation has resulted in over 72,700 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza Health Ministry figures that don’t separate combatants from civilians. Multiple countries and human rights organizations have alleged Israeli war crimes.

Israel’s Defense Ministry maintains its equipment serves defensive purposes and rejects claims of using battlefields for weapons testing.

Human rights advocates assert Israel has introduced new weapons and technologies during Gaza operations, particularly involving artificial intelligence, big data and targeting systems.

“The regional war has drawn heavily on Israel’s deadly playbook and provided a boon to Israeli and other defense and technology companies able to parlay the use of their products in Gaza to attract more business,” said Omar Shakir, executive director of DAWN, a U.S.-based organization founded by murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi promoting Middle Eastern human rights.

While critics argue Israel’s weapons sector profits from battlefield-tested technologies, experts note this practice isn’t unique.

“Countries have had to dramatically increase defenses because of the proliferation of global conflicts and they need systems that will work. And most countries don’t have the time right now to build their own defense systems locally and quickly,” explained Seth J. Frantzman, an adjunct fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who has monitored Israel’s arms industry for ten years and authored “Drone Wars.”

Many nations turn to Israel because they witness real-time proof these munitions and systems function effectively, he noted.

Massivit’s sales have skyrocketed since transitioning to military drone component production, including a 200% increase in buyer inquiries following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, Azarzar reported.

The company’s specialized 3D printing creates large drone components within days rather than weeks. Beyond Israeli military contracts, the technology has attracted European, American, Southeast Asian and Indian defense and aerospace interest.

Other defense contractors report similar success.

Tomer Malchi, co-founder and CEO of ASIO, said Israeli army orders for the company’s ruggedized Orion smartphone have jumped 400% since Gaza fighting began.

These devices employ mapping, augmentation and artificial intelligence to assist soldiers with mission planning, navigation and real-time threat response. ASIO recently concluded agreements with a major U.S. defense contractor and maintains discussions with approximately 20 additional countries, Malchi said.

Israel’s Defense Ministry identifies anti-drone technology as a future innovation priority, citing challenges encountered during Iranian conflicts. Drones prove difficult to detect on radar systems designed for high-speed missiles and may be confused with birds or aircraft.

Israel Weapon Industries has created a system enabling soldiers to more precisely eliminate tactical drones. At a central Israeli shooting range, an IWI instructor demonstrated the technology by firing at a mock drone target. A computer chip integrated into soldiers’ rifles provides enhanced accuracy and efficiency while significantly reducing fatigue and other human factors by maintaining trigger pressure.

The Arbel system launched in 2024 and now serves over two dozen countries, according to Semion Dukhan, IWI’s European operations head.

IWI’s customers include nations that have publicly rejected Israeli business relationships, though Dukhan declined to identify them.

“People and politicians say things they need to say … what they say is not necessarily what is going on underneath the surface,” he observed, noting countries ultimately seek optimal equipment for their personnel.

Citizens in Lithuania’s capital city were ordered to seek immediate shelter Wednesday after military officials detected drone activity close to the Belarus border, highlighting security anxieties among NATO’s eastern member countries amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Military authorities issued an emergency alert instructing people throughout the capital region to “immediately head to a shelter or a safe place.”

The warning, which remained active for approximately one hour, prompted officials to shut down airspace above the city’s main airport. President Gitanas Nauseda and Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene were moved to secure locations, while Lithuania’s parliament, known as the Seimas, was also evacuated according to BNS news agency reports.

This marked the first significant emergency that forced citizens and government officials in a European Union and NATO member capital to seek shelter since Russia launched its comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Lithuania shares borders with Russia-allied Belarus on its eastern side and Russia’s Kaliningrad territory to the west. Wednesday’s emergency alert followed military detection of drone movement within Belarus, though no unmanned aircraft were observed flying over Lithuanian territory.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the alliance’s handling of multiple recent drone incidents on Wednesday, describing the response as “a calm, decisive and proportionate response.” Rutte stated: “This is exactly what we planned and prepared for,” while attributing the situation to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Over recent months, Ukrainian drones targeting Russia have repeatedly entered or crashed within NATO member territory. Western authorities have attributed these incidents to suspected Russian electronic interference with the unmanned aircraft. Russia has escalated its warnings that it would strike back if Ukrainian drones are launched from Baltic nations or if those countries assist in their deployment against Russian targets.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys posted on social media Tuesday evening that “Russia is deliberately redirecting Ukrainian drones into Baltic airspace while waging smear campaigns” against Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. “It’s a transparent act of desperation — an attempt to sow chaos and distract from a simple reality: (Ukraine) is hitting Russian military machine hard.”

Budrys made this statement just hours after a NATO aircraft destroyed a Ukrainian drone above southern Estonia. Ukraine issued an apology for the “unintended incident,” though did not provide details about what occurred.

Latvia’s government fell apart last week following disagreements about managing several incidents involving wandering drones believed to originate from Ukraine. The defense minister was compelled to step down after his political party withdrew support, leading the prime minister to also resign. The ruling coalition had faced pressure for months due to various other disputes.

As aerial attacks have intensified recently, Russia and Ukraine have occasionally launched hundreds of drones daily against each other.

Ukraine’s air force reported Wednesday that it destroyed 131 of 154 drones Russia sent overnight. The unmanned aircraft that penetrated air defenses resulted in three civilian deaths and injured 18 others, including two children, according to officials.

Ukraine maintained its aerial offensive against Russia’s critical oil infrastructure, with military leadership reporting overnight strikes on a significant Russian oil refinery and a pipeline pumping facility.

Russian media also suggested that a chemical facility in the southern Stavropol region was struck and ignited, though local authorities did not verify any direct impact.

The United Kingdom government, which strongly backs Ukraine’s military efforts, has relaxed strict penalties on Russian oil processed into diesel and jet fuel in third countries as fuel costs increase due to the Iran conflict.

The exemption takes effect Wednesday and reflects mounting supply worries about specific fuels caused by the effective closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

This action follows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement two days earlier that Washington was providing a 30-day extension allowing countries to import Russian oil currently aboard ships at sea, designed to address oil supply shortages.

The decision represents a continuing policy shift by the Trump administration, which had previously indicated that Russian oil sanctions would be reinstated. Initially declared in early March, the temporary suspension of sanctions received its first extension in April.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — The Indonesian government is implementing sweeping new rules that will place state-owned companies in charge of exporting crucial natural resources, including palm oil, coal, and iron alloys.

Speaking to parliament on Wednesday, President Prabowo Subianto revealed that Indonesia has suffered losses of up to $908 billion from commodities being sold below their true value on international markets. Enhanced government oversight will generate additional revenue for state budgets, he explained, calling the practice of underreporting exports to avoid taxes “fraud or deception.”

“The primary objective of this policy is to strengthen oversight and monitoring — and to combat under-invoicing, transfer pricing and the diversion of export proceeds,” Prabowo said.

Indonesia dominates global markets as the top supplier of thermal coal and palm oil. The Southeast Asian country, home to approximately 287 million people, also possesses the planet’s largest confirmed nickel deposits — a strategic mineral both China and the United States are vying to secure.

Currently, government-owned companies manage just a small fraction of Indonesia’s commodity export operations, according to industry analysts.

Enhanced government involvement will provide Indonesia with stronger “bargaining power” when negotiating with major world powers seeking access to the nation’s abundant natural resources, according to Dinita Setyawati from the energy research organization Ember.

The centralized commodity management approach might also help Indonesia tackle persistent environmental damage from excessive resource extraction, she noted, though success will hinge on proper policy execution.

“There’s going to be a question of trust,” Setyawati said. “Most notoriously, corruption needs to be watched to make sure that everything goes according to what it should be.”

In recent months, authorities have intensified efforts against illegal mining activities. The administration has promoted domestic processing of materials like coal and nickel, implementing a ban on unprocessed nickel ore exports in 2020.

This week’s declaration from Prabowo represents the administration’s most significant step toward direct commodity oversight, said Putra Adhiguna from the Energy Shift Institute, a Jakarta-based research group.

He explained the measures will increase government income and help offset budget gaps created by expanded subsidies designed to shield consumers from elevated fuel costs resulting from energy market disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. This could substantially affect the nation’s economy.

Indonesia’s central bank increased its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point to 5.25% on Wednesday, primarily responding to the declining value of the rupiah currency.

The export oversight initiative’s initial stage is scheduled for June through August, when private firms will transfer their trading operations to government-owned enterprises. State companies are projected to oversee all commercial transactions between international purchasers and domestic suppliers by September.

“This policy will optimize tax revenue and government revenue, as well as the management and sale of our natural resources,” Prabowo said. He continued that “we do not want our revenue to be the lowest simply because we lack the courage to manage what belongs to us, what belongs to the Indonesian people.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Civilians in Tehran are now being taught how to use Kalashnikov-style assault rifles by members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in public demonstrations. Military parades through the city showcase vehicles equipped with Soviet-era machine guns, while a ballistic missile similar to those used against Israel was recently displayed at a mass wedding ceremony.

These public displays of armaments have become commonplace in Tehran, serving as a bold statement of resistance as U.S. President Donald Trump warns he might resume military action against Iran if diplomatic talks fail and the nation continues controlling the Strait of Hormuz.

The military exhibitions underscore real security concerns Iran is grappling with: Trump has hinted that American troops might forcibly seize Iran’s enriched uranium supplies and has previously acknowledged providing weapons to Kurdish forces for distribution to anti-government demonstrators.

However, these shows also serve to bolster and inspire hardline supporters while providing rare public spectacle during uncertain times, as citizens deal with widespread job losses, business shutdowns, and soaring costs for food, medicine, and essential items. The implication that more hardliners will be armed could also help prevent future uprisings against Iran’s religious government, which brutally crushed nationwide protests in January through a crackdown that activists claim resulted in more than 7,000 deaths and tens of thousands of arrests.

“This is necessary for all our people to get trained because we are in a war situation these days,” said Ali Mofidi, a 47-year-old Tehran resident at a weapons training Tuesday night. “If necessary, everyone should be available and know how to use a gun.”

For months, state-controlled television and government text messages have flooded citizens with appeals to join the “Janfada,” meaning “ones who sacrifice their lives.” At one time, hardliners urged families with sons as young as 12 to send them to Revolutionary Guard checkpoint duties — a practice Amnesty International condemned as a war crime.

Government leaders claim more than 30 million Iranians — in a nation of approximately 90 million — have signed up through online registration or at public events to give their lives for Iran’s theocracy. This number cannot be independently verified, and there has been no evidence of large-scale mobilization similar to what Ukraine experienced before Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, when authorities distributed weapons and citizens collaborated to create gasoline bombs.

Nevertheless, there have been multiple public announcements and television presenters have appeared with weapons during live state TV broadcasts as part of efforts to stoke enthusiasm.

“Looking back at the moment I registered my name, I realize I wasn’t truly contemplating the dangers of fighting on the front lines. In that moment, like everyone else, my thoughts were solely on Iran,” wrote journalist Soheila Zarfam in a column for the state-owned Tehran Times newspaper. “My life might end, but Iran would endure, and that was all that truly mattered.”

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi has criticized the public weapons demonstrations, particularly footage of young boys handling assault rifles, saying: “Scenes like these are reminiscent of child hostage-taking and arming by groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, and militias in Sudan and Congo.”

A recent government-organized demonstration by nomads in Iran saw them carrying everything from bolt-action Lee–Enfield rifles of the British Empire to a blunderbuss, a predecessor of the shotgun more familiar to the age of pirates on the high seas.

But during weeks of an unsteady ceasefire, most of the weapon demonstrations appear focused on Tehran, not the rural areas where there is a tradition of keeping rifles and shotguns at home.

At a demonstration Tuesday night in Tehran, male and female participants divided into separate classes. Hadi Khoosheh, a member of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force and trainer, demonstrated how to handle a folding-stock Kalashnikov-style assault rifle.

“At the end of the training those who completed the course will receive a card titled ‘Janfada,’ proving they have received basic and preliminary training for this type of gun and they are able to use it if, God forbid, something happens to our country,” Khoosheh said.

However, the weapons training was rudimentary at best for the young boys and older men gathered. One struggled to insert the rifle’s magazine and inadvertently pointed the barrel of the unloaded weapon at others — a major safety breach that people are taught to avoid in basic firearms training.

“Definitely we will stand against (the Americans) and won’t give up even an inch of our soil,” said Mofidi, the man at the training. “No matter if they come from the sea or land, we will stand by our flag.”

Turkey’s top diplomat will address fellow NATO foreign ministers this week regarding the upcoming alliance summit scheduled for the Turkish capital in July, according to a foreign ministry official who spoke Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to participate in NATO foreign ministers’ discussions on Thursday and Friday in Helsingborg, Sweden.

The Turkish capital will serve as the venue for the next NATO leaders’ gathering on July 7-8.

According to the ministry source, Fidan plans to outline Turkey’s goals for the Ankara meeting and update partner nations on Turkish preparations to make the event a significant occasion that reinforces NATO’s unity and integrity.

The foreign minister will also share details about Turkey’s NATO contributions and showcase “Turkey’s best practices regarding the conversion of defence expenditure into capabilities.”

Fidan intends to stress the importance of advancing transatlantic defense industry partnerships within NATO without limitations.

Another Turkish diplomatic official indicated that members of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), which includes several Middle Eastern nations, along with Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Australia — referred to as the Indo-Pacific Four — might receive invitations to participate in the Ankara summit at the foreign minister level.

The official noted that NATO member countries will reach consensus in the coming days regarding summit attendees, with potential discussion of this matter during the Sweden gathering.

LONDON (AP) — British officials have discreetly relaxed restrictions on Russian oil imports in a bid to protect citizens from rising living costs caused by the blockage of a crucial Middle Eastern shipping route.

New trade permissions that took effect Wednesday allow the importation of Russian crude that has been processed into jet fuel and diesel by third-party nations, including India and Turkey.

The conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran, along with Iran’s blockade of the strait, has caused global fuel costs to skyrocket and raised fears about jet fuel availability. Approximately one-fifth of global oil typically moves through this waterway.

U.K. Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson stated the modifications are “for a time limited period and on a very specific issue.”

Since Russia launched its comprehensive invasion in 2022, Britain has stood as one of Ukraine’s most steadfast supporters, with officials maintaining that their Russian sanctions remain among the world’s most stringent.

However, lawmaker Emily Thornberry, who chairs Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that Ukrainians would “feel very let down” by this decision. She argued that Ukraine’s partners should continue pressuring Russia’s petroleum sector because it “is absolutely crippling their economy.”

American officials have similarly loosened Russian restrictions. This week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent approved a 30-day sanctions exemption permitting purchases of Russian oil shipments currently in transit.

Tuesday saw finance ministers from the United States, Britain and other Group of Seven developed countries release a collective statement confirming “our unwavering commitment to continue to impose severe costs on Russia in response to its continued aggression against Ukraine.”

NEW DELHI (AP) — Among the bustling streets of New Delhi, where three-wheeled auto-rickshaws often serve as moving advertisements, travelers are encountering an unexpected sight: portraits of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The image appears alongside the message “Happy Birthday America!”

Roughly 100 three-wheelers displaying prominent pictures of Trump and the Statue of Liberty have emerged throughout India’s capital over recent weeks. In a metropolis where countless rickshaw backs typically showcase advertisements for obscure medical clinics, language schools and natural health products, the American promotional material is particularly noticeable.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor launched this distinctive marketing effort last month. The campaign represents part of America’s wider initiative to commemorate the nation’s 250th independence milestone, featuring festivities, cultural programs and public engagement activities across multiple nations.

When revealing the program on social media last month, the U.S. Embassy declared, “Freedom is on the move … literally!”

The embassy also encouraged Delhi residents to hail these specially marked vehicles, stating, “Catch them if you can — they’ll be popping up all over Delhi soon.”

The United States aims to repair diplomatic relationships with India following tensions created by Trump’s trade policies, which increased tariffs on various Indian products. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is anticipated to arrive in New Delhi this weekend.

However, numerous auto-rickshaw operators find the campaign meaningless.

Ganesh Kumar, whose rickshaw displays one of the Trump advertisements, explained he initially declined when campaign organizers contacted him.

“I told them I didn’t want it,” Kumar stated. However, he changed his mind after organizers presented him with an appealing offer.

“They said, ‘Please let us put (the poster). We’ll give you a packet of tea,’” he recalled.

Pradeep Kumar, another driver, mentioned he accepted the poster primarily because his auto-rickshaw’s covering was damaged and required replacement.

When questioned about his understanding of the advertisement’s message, Kumar responded: “I know he is Trump. Don’t know much other than that.”

While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces declining public support, far-right politician Ulrich Siegmund from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is experiencing a surge in popularity that could make history.

Supported by national polling that shows his party leading Merz’s conservative coalition by up to 7 percentage points, the 35-year-old politician anticipates becoming Germany’s first AfD state leader following September elections in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

Months before formal campaign activities begin, Siegmund has been connecting with constituents through “citizen dialogues” to build support.

“People have simply had enough. They want their old, safe Germany back,” he explained to Reuters following a gathering in Halberstadt last week, where supporters lined up for photos. “There’s a wonderful sense of a new beginning in the state. And that’s exactly what we need.”

The town of Halberstadt, home to approximately 40,000 residents and featuring a medieval cathedral and traditional half-timbered architecture, defies the stereotype of economic decline often associated with former East Germany.

Despite challenges facing its traditional smoked sausage industry, the community has attracted significant investment, including a 500 million euro ($580 million) Daimler Truck logistics facility that employs 450 people. A renovated downtown shopping area is scheduled to open next month.

Nevertheless, Halberstadt hasn’t escaped the broader pessimism affecting Germany as global economic conditions deteriorate and Chinese competition threatens the nation’s manufacturing sector.

“People aren’t actually doing that badly,” observed Halberstadt mayor Daniel Szarata, a member of Merz’s Christian Democrat party. “But uncertain times always fuel fear.”

Throughout Europe, traditional political parties have lost support to groups like the AfD, which received slightly more than 20% in last year’s election and now polls at 29% according to a recent INSA survey, similar to Britain’s Reform Party, which gained significantly in recent local contests.

In Berlin, Merz’s coalition of conservatives and center-left Social Democrats has struggled with reform efforts while attempting to revitalize a job-shedding economy.

The administration has emphasized its immigration restrictions, a key issue driving AfD support since former Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed over one million refugees in 2015.

However, Merz’s personal approval ratings have dropped to as low as 16% in Infratest dimap polling, as international conflicts have increased energy costs and the economy approaches stagnation.

The regional AfD chapter, which claims Germany faces losing its national character to widespread immigration and progressive social policies, has been labeled “far-right extremist” by the Saxony-Anhalt branch of the Verfassungsschutz, Germany’s internal security agency.

This designation hasn’t damaged the party’s electoral prospects. Current polling in Saxony-Anhalt, which has fewer foreign residents than more industrialized western regions, shows support reaching 41%, approaching the threshold needed for single-party governance.

“I like the fact they want to do something for us Germans,” said Ruediger Printky, one of hundreds attending Siegmund’s presentation. “Everything’s getting more expensive. And nobody is doing anything right. When I look at fuel prices and what the government has done, it’s a disaster.”

Established parties have committed to avoiding cooperation with the AfD through a “firewall” approach intended to prevent its participation in coalition governments.

But Siegmund, who views Saxony-Anhalt as a stepping stone toward national AfD success, declares his intention to govern independently.

The firewall represents an attack on democratic principles, he argued, “and that’s why here in Saxony-Anhalt, we’re saying quite clearly we have to go it alone.”

Through Germany’s federal structure, state administrations oversee education, law enforcement and domestic security, while participating in national governance via the upper parliamentary chamber, the Bundesrat. A far-right electoral victory would send shockwaves throughout the nation.

In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD disputes claims that it threatens democratic institutions, while making clear its plans for substantial changes. The possibility of controlling the interior ministry and regional security services concerns government officials.

“If we take control of the interior ministry, we will be responsible for the Verfassungsschutz. Then we’ll have a look at the files,” stated Christian Hecht, an AfD state legislator who shared the platform with Siegmund in Halberstadt.

Szarata described the polling figures as “very, very alarming” while expressing hope that voters would reconsider their choices at the ballot box.

“They [the AfD] have the advantage that they have never had to prove they can run anything,” he explained. “People are investing their hopes, though honestly, I don’t think those hopes will be fulfilled.”

Siegmund, who maintains an approachable demeanor and substantial TikTok presence, rejects criticisms about lack of governing experience, blaming established parties for current problems while attacking the media, Merz’s coalition, transgender rights advocates and environmental activists.

In the packed auditorium, attendee Rene Doering seemed persuaded by the message. “You just have to give them a chance,” he commented.

BEIJING – Three people were wounded during a stabbing incident at a Shanghai dining establishment on Tuesday, according to China’s foreign ministry officials who spoke Wednesday.

The victims included two citizens from Japan and one Chinese citizen who were attacked by an individual described as having mental health problems, ministry representatives confirmed.

“The injured were promptly taken to hospital for treatment, and the suspect has been apprehended by police,” ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a regular press conference.

The attack occurred at a restaurant in Shanghai, with all three victims receiving immediate medical attention following the incident.

WARSAW, May 20 – Poland’s defense minister stated that no decisions have been made regarding reducing American military forces in Poland, and that recent US actions may only postpone their deployment temporarily. The minister made these remarks following a meeting with US Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Christopher Mahoney.

On Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance informed reporters that a US military deployment to Poland had been postponed, while clarifying that it would be incorrect to characterize this as withdrawing troops from Europe.

Russian military forces conducted a large-scale nuclear weapons training exercise this week, releasing video footage that officials say shows troops transporting nuclear warheads to mobile launch platforms and positioning them at deployment sites.

The country’s Defence Ministry announced that military units practiced achieving “the highest levels of combat readiness for the use of nuclear weapons” during the training operation.

The exercise spanned three days beginning Tuesday and took place throughout Russia and Belarus, occurring amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Western nations over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russian officials describe the situation as an existential confrontation with the West.

According to the Defence Ministry, the massive drill involved 64,000 military personnel along with more than 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships and 13 submarines. The training included practicing launch procedures for Russian tactical nuclear weapons stationed in Belarus.

Released training footage depicted Russian nuclear forces traveling in convoy formation through dense forest areas, concealing their equipment with camouflage, and positioning launch tubes for firing.

The Iskander-M missile system featured in the exercise has a maximum range of 500 kilometers (310 miles) and can be equipped with either nuclear or conventional warheads.

Recovery operations have concluded for a tragic diving incident in the Maldives that claimed five Italian lives, with officials announcing Wednesday that the final two bodies have been brought to the surface from a deepwater cave.

The fatal accident involved five Italian divers who had obtained proper authorization to conduct coral research at the Devana Kandu location. The team was exploring an underwater cave system when the tragedy unfolded last week.

Officials from the Maldives president’s media office confirmed the completion of recovery efforts for what has become the island nation’s most devastating diving incident on record. Investigators are examining several potential factors that may have contributed to the deaths, including the possibility that the diving team went much deeper than anticipated.

“Both remaining divers recovered from the cave and brought to the surface,” a media office representative stated Wednesday. The official confirmed that all recovered remains have been transported to a morgue facility in Male, the nation’s capital.

The research expedition was headed by Monica Montefalcone, 51, a University of Genoa professor and marine ecologist who was a regular diver in Maldivian waters in the Indian Ocean, and also included her daughter.

Recovery efforts began Friday when the team instructor’s body was retrieved. Two additional divers’ remains were brought up Tuesday after Finnish specialists were brought in to assist with the complex operation.

The search and recovery mission also claimed another life when a Maldives National Defence Force diver participating in the effort died Saturday from decompression illness while attempting to locate the bodies.

MOSCOW, May 20 – Russia’s biggest bank is looking to Chinese manufacturers for computer processors to run its artificial intelligence platform, according to statements made during President Vladimir Putin’s recent trip to China, as ongoing Western sanctions prevent access to cutting-edge technology from abroad.

“We are hoping that we will be able to use Chinese microchips for GigaChat,” Chief Executive German Gref told state broadcaster Channel One.

The AI system GigaChat was created by Sberbank, the nation’s top financial institution, which has been leading Russia’s advancement into artificial intelligence technology.

The financial institution’s attempts to purchase sophisticated processors from China are meeting intense competition, as China’s largest internet companies, including ByteDance, Tencent, and Alibaba, are also scrambling to secure orders for Huawei’s Ascend 950 AI processors.

The Ascend 950, representing China’s most sophisticated chip technology, still falls behind U.S.-based Nvidia’s H200 model in capabilities. Gref did not specify which particular processors Sberbank was attempting to purchase.

Russia lags behind the leading AI nations, the United States and China, in technological development and relies extensively on foreign electronics for critical sectors, including defense applications. China serves as its primary source for such technological hardware.

The highest court in the Philippines has turned down a senator’s attempt to prevent authorities from arresting him and handing him over to the International Criminal Court.

On Wednesday, the Philippine Supreme Court denied Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s request for a temporary restraining order that would have blocked his detention. The former police chief’s current location remains unknown.

The International Criminal Court seeks dela Rosa on charges of crimes against humanity connected to his involvement in the deadly anti-drug operations that took place when Rodrigo Duterte served as president from 2016 to 2022. The senator has rejected claims that he participated in unlawful killings.

Last week, Philippine officials confirmed they were working to detain the former top police official who spearheaded the controversial crackdown. In his court filing, dela Rosa contended that domestic law enforcement lacked the legal power to carry out an arrest warrant from an international tribunal.

This court ruling represents another development in an unfolding drama that has captivated the Philippines since the beginning of last week and removes a barrier to his detention.

After staying hidden for six months, dela Rosa surfaced last week and sought sanctuary in the Senate building for several days. He then disappeared in the early morning hours of May 14, following a chaotic night marked by gunshots after he requested assistance and claimed his arrest was approaching.

The outspoken dela Rosa served as Duterte’s primary lieutenant in implementing a violent campaign that resulted in thousands of suspected drug traffickers being killed during police raids.

When the operation was at its height, murders of people who used drugs increased sharply, with law enforcement attributing these deaths to vigilante groups and territorial disputes.

Human rights organizations state that determining an exact number of casualties may be impossible and claim police conducted systematic executions and concealed evidence, allegations that officers reject while maintaining that victims were armed and fought back during arrests.

Duterte is presently held in The Hague following his arrest last year and faces trial on crimes against humanity charges. He continues to assert his innocence.

Dela Rosa’s legal representative did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

The court noted that although it rejected the restraining order request, other matters raised in the senator’s legal filing still require consideration.

On Friday, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated that authorities will “definitely” move to apprehend dela Rosa and carry out the ICC warrant.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung condemned Israel’s detention of South Korean citizens in international waters during a Wednesday cabinet meeting, describing the actions as inappropriate.

The president stated that the South Korean nationals were held for reasons that do not meet international law standards, and questioned whether such conduct should go unchallenged.

Lee also commented that he thinks numerous European nations would be prepared to detain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu based on International Criminal Court warrants, though he emphasized that Seoul needs to reach its own conclusions on this issue.

The Trump administration plans to reveal criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro on Wednesday, representing an escalation in Washington’s pressure tactics against the Caribbean nation’s communist leadership.

The charges targeting Castro, age 94, will reportedly stem from a 1996 incident where Cuban military aircraft shot down planes operated by Cuban exile pilots, according to a U.S. Justice Department official who spoke to Reuters anonymously last week.

The Miami U.S. Attorney’s office has scheduled an event beginning at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) to commemorate victims of the incident. The Justice Department announced Tuesday it would make a statement alongside the ceremony, though officials declined to elaborate on the announcement’s specifics.

President Donald Trump has pursued regime change in Cuba, where communist leaders have maintained power since Raul Castro’s late brother Fidel Castro spearheaded a revolution in 1959.

The U.S. has essentially established a blockade against the island nation by threatening sanctions on countries providing fuel supplies, causing power outages and damaging Cuba’s already weakened economy.

Cuba has not yet responded directly to the indictment threat, though Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez showed defiance in public statements on May 15.

“Despite the (U.S.) embargo, sanctions and threats of the use of force, Cuba continues on a path of sovereignty towards its socialist development,” Rodriguez said.

BROTHERS TO THE RESCUE

Born in 1931, Raul Castro played a crucial role with his older brother in the guerrilla campaign that overthrew U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista.

He participated in defeating the U.S.-organized Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, and held the defense minister position for decades. He took over from his brother as president and continues as an influential behind-the-scenes presence in Cuban politics.

He held the defense minister role during the 1996 incident.

The two small aircraft that were destroyed were operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based organization of Cuban exile pilots. All four crew members were killed.

The organization stated its purpose was searching the Florida Straits for Cuban refugees fleeing the island, and regularly conducted flights near the Cuban coastline.

The Cuban government has maintained the attack was a justified response to aircraft violating Cuban airspace. Fidel Castro stated Cuba’s military acted under “standing orders” to destroy planes entering Cuban airspace. He claimed Raul Castro did not issue a specific command to shoot down the planes.

The U.S. condemned the attack and implemented sanctions, but did not pursue criminal charges against either Castro brother. The Justice Department charged three Cuban military officers in 2003 but they were never extradited.

The International Civil Aviation Organization later determined the shootdown occurred over international waters.

TRUMP SAYS CUBA ‘IS NEXT’

Filing criminal charges against a U.S. adversary like Castro would mirror the earlier drug-trafficking indictment of imprisoned former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an ally of Havana’s.

The Trump administration referenced that indictment as justification for the January 3 raid on Caracas by the U.S. military in which Maduro was captured and transported to New York to face the charges. He has pleaded not guilty.

Trump claims Cuba’s communist government is corrupt, and in March warned that Cuba “is next” after Venezuela.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated on Monday that any U.S. military action against Cuba would result in a “bloodbath” and that the island poses no threat.

A former Polish deputy government official facing corruption allegations may have escaped Hungary by crossing into Serbia, according to Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar during a Tuesday evening interview with private television network TVN24.

Magyar is currently visiting Poland for two days, and discussions on Wednesday may address how former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro and his deputy Marcin Romanowski—both sought by Warsaw prosecutors—managed to exit Hungary before Magyar assumed leadership.

Prosecutors allege that Ziobro and Romanowski improperly used money from a crime victim assistance fund and deployed surveillance software against political adversaries. Hungary’s previous leader Viktor Orban had granted both men asylum protection.

While Ziobro is currently in the United States, where Reuters reported Monday that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau directed State Department officials to process and approve his visa, Romanowski’s current location remains unknown.

Speaking through an interpreter, Magyar told TVN24: “From what I understand, Ziobro… left through the Schengen Area about a day before my inauguration,” referencing the European Union’s border-free travel zone.

“I just spoke with my colleagues, and… there are signs that Mr Romanowski also left through Serbia, but this information is not yet confirmed,” Magyar added.

Serbian foreign ministry officials did not respond immediately to requests for comment after business hours.

On Wednesday, Magyar is scheduled to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki in Warsaw. Magyar and Tusk will then travel north to the port city of Gdansk for a meeting with former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa.

According to a knowledgeable source, Warsaw intends to provide Budapest with access to U.S. liquefied natural gas through a new Gdansk terminal expected to begin operations in 2028. Orlen is already supplying U.S. LNG to Ukraine.

During his TVN24 interview, Magyar expressed Hungary’s desire for more affordable gas prices for LNG deliveries.

“It’s not yet a great, competitive price,” he stated. “We would be the happiest if there was a lower transit fee, or if the European Union could be persuaded to make the gas arriving via LNG more competitive.”

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced Wednesday that he would seek to discuss ongoing U.S. weapons sales with President Donald Trump if the opportunity arose, describing such purchases as vital for maintaining peace while emphasizing that outside powers cannot determine the island’s destiny.

The statement comes as Lai reaches the midpoint of his four-year presidency, facing increased pressure from China, which views Taiwan as a rebellious territory that must be brought under Beijing’s control through military action if needed. Recent comments from Trump have also sparked worries about America’s longstanding backing of Taiwan despite the absence of official diplomatic relations.

During a press conference, Lai outlined what he would communicate to Trump, stressing that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait remains vital for worldwide security. He characterized China as the force undermining peace in the waterway.

The Taiwanese leader explained he would inform Trump that Taiwan’s growing military spending responds to security threats, and that purchasing American weapons serves as a critical tool for preserving regional stability. “Only strength can bring peace,” Lai declared.

“No country has the right to annex Taiwan,” Lai said at the news briefing. “Democracy and freedom should also not be seen as provocation.”

He expressed enthusiasm for expanded collaboration between Taiwan, the United States, and other democratic nations in advancing peace across the strait.

During the previous week, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a stern message to the U.S., warning Trump at their Beijing meeting that the “Taiwan question” represents the most critical matter in Chinese-American relations. Xi cautioned that both countries will “have clashes and even conflicts” without proper handling of the issue.

Trump had previously authorized a historic $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December. Speaking on Fox News last Friday following his China visit, Trump indicated his approval of an additional $14 billion arms deal for Taiwan would depend on China’s response, calling it “a very good negotiating chip.”

Trump later informed reporters he needed to speak with Taiwan’s leader, though he did not mention Lai by name. Beijing has labeled Lai a separatist.

In Wednesday’s address, Lai emphasized that democracy does not come without effort.

“Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by external forces, nor can it be hijacked by fear, division, or short-term interests,” he stated, without identifying specific external actors.

He noted Taiwan’s readiness to participate in constructive exchanges with China based on equality and respect, while strongly opposing united front strategies that “package unification as peace.”

Apart from geopolitical concerns, Taiwan plays a crucial role in manufacturing artificial intelligence servers, computer processors, and advanced equipment. The AI surge has driven Taiwan’s top technology firms to unprecedented profits and sales. However, experts express concern about the island’s dependence on semiconductor manufacturers and tech companies, which could pose risks if the AI trend proves unsustainable.

Lai announced plans for a $3.1 billion initiative to speed up modernization and transformation of smaller businesses and traditional industries, with technology sectors leading conventional industries forward.

In Beijing, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, criticized Lai’s Sunday Facebook post that blamed China for altering the status quo. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, she called his statement full of “lies and deception, hostility and confrontation.”

She claimed Lai remained committed to Taiwan independence while promoting division and conflict across the strait.

“(Lai) is the destroyer of the status quo of Taiwan’s strait,” Xinhua reported her saying.

Devastating flooding across several Chinese provinces has resulted in at least 12 fatalities and prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, according to state media reports.

China’s state television network CCTV announced Wednesday that five people died and 11 remain unaccounted for in Shimen County within Hunan province in central China following severe rainfall in the area. Emergency rescue teams are actively searching for survivors. More than 19,000 residents had been moved to safety by Tuesday evening, according to the Chinese official news agency Xinhua.

The county experienced an extraordinary 339 millimeters (approximately 13 inches) of precipitation in a single 24-hour span that concluded Monday morning at 7 a.m., Xinhua reported. One community within the county saw 240 millimeters (roughly 9 inches) fall in mere hours, establishing new rainfall records.

Adjacent Hubei province witnessed roadways transformed into waterways, requiring emergency teams to use inflatable watercraft for resident rescues. Multiple homes were either flooded or destroyed, Xinhua stated. As of Tuesday morning, three fatalities and four missing persons were reported in that province.

CCTV also announced Tuesday that severe precipitation and flooding in southwestern Guizhou Province resulted in four deaths with five people still missing. The flooding damaged homes, destroyed roadways, and knocked out communication systems in various locations. More than 3,700 residents required relocation from one affected area, Xinhua reported.

In an unrelated incident, 10 people lost their lives when a pickup truck plunged from a bridge in the southern Guangxi region on Saturday, according to Xinhua.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Wednesday that diplomatic relations between his nation and China have reached historic heights during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.

During their discussions on May 20, Putin also extended an invitation for Xi to make an official visit to Russia next year, signaling the continued strengthening of ties between the two world powers.

BEIJING — Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for high-level discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a diplomatic encounter occurring just days following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent journey to China.

Putin received a formal welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People from Xi. Following the ceremonial reception, both delegations engaged in bilateral discussions, with plans for a signing ceremony of cooperative agreements.

The timing of Putin’s arrival, coming shortly after Trump’s Beijing trip, serves to reinforce China’s position as a major global diplomatic power, according to analysts.

“The message is clearly one that China maintains friendship and strategic partnership with whichever power it likes, and the USA is just one of them,” said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov previously stated there was “no connection” between Trump and Putin’s visits, explaining that the Russian leader’s trip was arranged several days following a Feb. 4 videoconference between Putin and Xi.

The agenda for the Russian and Chinese leaders includes discussions on energy cooperation, security matters, and broader diplomatic relations. According to Chinese state media reports, both nations agreed to extend a friendship treaty originally established in 2001.

Following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, China emerged as Russia’s leading trade partner. Beijing maintains it remains neutral in the conflict while continuing commercial relationships with the Kremlin despite U.S. and European economic and financial sanctions.

China serves as the primary buyer of Russian oil and gas exports, with Moscow anticipating increased demand due to the war in Iran. China has also disregarded Western demands to cease providing high-tech components for Russia’s weapons industries.

According to Ushakov, Russian oil exports to China increased by 35% during the first quarter of 2026, with Russia ranking among China’s largest natural gas suppliers.

During “the crisis in the Middle East,” Russia continues as a dependable energy provider while China remains a “responsible consumer,” Ushakov stated.

Earlier this month, Putin highlighted that Moscow and Beijing achieved “a very substantial step forward in our cooperation in the oil and gas sector.”

“Practically all the key issues have been agreed upon,” he said. “If we succeed in finalizing these details and bringing them to a conclusion during this visit, I will be extremely pleased.”

Putin also characterized their bilateral partnership as an essential stabilizing element in global affairs.

“Interaction between such nations as China and Russia undoubtedly serves as a factor of deterrence and stability,” he said.

Moscow views China’s dialogue with the U.S. as an additional stabilizing factor for the worldwide economy, Putin noted.

“We stand only to benefit from this, from the stability and constructive engagement between the U.S. and China,” he said.

Two Chinese oil tankers carrying crude successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to shipping data, as optimistic statements from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance suggest progress in resolving the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Speaking Tuesday, President Donald Trump indicated the conflict would conclude “very quickly” while Vice President JD Vance highlighted advancement in negotiations with Tehran aimed at ending the hostilities.

“We’re in a pretty good spot here,” Vance stated during a White House press briefing.

Trump’s remarks came one day after he announced delaying planned military action following Tehran’s newest proposal to conclude the conflict.

“I was an hour away from making the decision to go today,” Trump explained to White House reporters on Tuesday.

According to Trump, Iranian leadership is desperately seeking an agreement, though he warned that fresh U.S. military action would occur within days without a successful accord.

The United States has faced challenges ending the conflict it initiated alongside Israel approximately three months ago. Throughout the hostilities, Trump has consistently claimed a Tehran agreement was imminent while simultaneously threatening significant strikes against Iran for failing to reach a settlement.

Domestic political pressure continues mounting on the U.S. president to secure an agreement reopening the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial pathway for worldwide oil and commodity shipments. With elevated gasoline costs and Trump’s declining approval numbers ahead of November’s congressional elections, pressure remains intense.

The conflict has created unprecedented global energy supply disruptions, trapping hundreds of tankers in the Gulf while damaging energy infrastructure and shipping operations throughout the region.

The two Chinese vessels, part of a small group of supertankers transporting Iraqi crude that have departed the Gulf this month, carried approximately 4 million barrels of crude through the narrow waterway, based on LSEG and Kpler data.

Oil markets responded positively to encouraging White House and Gulf signals, with Brent crude dropping to $110.16 per barrel before recovering most losses.

“Investors are keen to gauge whether Washington and Tehran can actually find common ground and reach a peace agreement, with the U.S. stance shifting daily,” commented Toshitaka Tazawa, an analyst at Fujitomi Securities.

During a White House briefing, Vance acknowledged challenges in negotiating with Iran’s divided leadership. “It’s not sometimes totally clear what the negotiating position of the team is,” he explained, noting the U.S. is working to clarify its own boundaries.

Vance also mentioned that preventing regional nuclear proliferation represents one goal of Trump’s policy approach.

Ebrahim Azizi, who leads the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, posted on X that Trump’s attack postponement resulted from understanding that any action against Iran would trigger “facing a decisive military response.”

Iranian state media reported Tehran’s most recent peace proposal includes ending hostilities across all fronts including Lebanon, withdrawing U.S. forces from areas near Iran, and providing reparations for damage from U.S.-Israeli attacks.

Tehran additionally requested sanctions removal, release of frozen assets and termination of the U.S. marine blockade, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi as quoted by IRNA news agency.

The conditions outlined in Iranian reports seemed largely unchanged from Iran’s earlier offer, which Trump dismissed last week as “garbage.”

The U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign resulted in thousands of Iranian deaths before suspension under an early April ceasefire. Israel has caused thousands more casualties and displaced hundreds of thousands in Lebanon, which it invaded while pursuing the Iran-supported Hezbollah militia.

Iranian attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf nations have resulted in dozens of deaths.

While the Iran ceasefire has generally remained intact, recent drone launches from Iraq targeting Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, appear linked to Iran and its allies.

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated they initiated the conflict to limit Iran’s regional militia support, dismantle its nuclear program, destroy missile capabilities and establish conditions for Iranians to overthrow their government.

However, the conflict has not eliminated Iran’s near-weapons-grade enriched uranium stockpile or its capacity to threaten neighbors through missiles, drones and proxy militias.

The Islamic Republic’s clerical leadership, which had confronted mass protests earlier this year, survived the superpower assault without signs of organized resistance.

The European Union made significant progress Wednesday toward completing a trade agreement with the United States, reaching a preliminary deal on legislation that would eliminate import taxes on American products.

The agreement stems from a trade framework negotiated at U.S. President Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland last July. Under that arrangement, the EU committed to eliminating import taxes on U.S. industrial products and providing favorable access for American agricultural and seafood items, while the U.S. maintains 15% tariffs on most European goods.

After nearly 10 months since the initial framework was established, the European Parliament and the Council representing EU member nations reached consensus on legislative language to implement the EU’s tariff reductions. Following five hours of discussions, negotiators also established stronger provisions to halt the concessions if Trump abandons the agreement and included an expiration clause ending the deal at 2029’s close unless new legislation extends it.

This internal EU agreement should help stabilize the world’s most significant trading partnership, which involves $2 trillion annually in goods and services exchanges. The development comes one week after Trump’s China visit, which featured positive rhetoric but yielded no substantial progress. European exports to America represent approximately 20% of the EU’s goods shipments, though Trump seeks to use tariffs to narrow the goods trade deficit with Europe, which exceeds $200 billion.

“I am proud to announce that Europe has avoided a damaging escalation of transatlantic trade tensions and protected European companies, investments and millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic,” Zeljana Zovko, the lead trade negotiator in the European People’s Party on the U.S. deal, said in an X post.

“The EU walks the talk, while defending our interests. Once approved, it’ll boost transatlantic stability and cooperation,” European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic wrote on X.

Trump established a July 4 deadline, threatening to implement significantly higher tariffs on European products including automobiles if the EU fails to fulfill its trade commitments by that date. He previously warned of increasing tariffs on EU automotive imports to 25% from the existing 15%.

European legislators had previously delayed the necessary legislation twice following Trump’s threats to impose additional tariffs on European allies who didn’t support his proposed Greenland acquisition and after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his global tariffs.

The bloc appears positioned to meet Trump’s July 4 timeline, with final approval voting in the European Parliament anticipated in mid-June.

EU lawmakers had sought stronger guarantees, but negotiators rejected their proposed “sunrise clause” that would have delayed EU duty cuts until the U.S. met its obligations, and the “sunset clause” was extended from March 2028’s end to December 2029.

The European Commission retains authority to suspend tariff preferences by year’s end if the U.S. maintains tariffs above 15% on steel and aluminum “derivative” products such as wind turbines and refrigerators.

EU member governments showed less enthusiasm for including such provisions, worried they might provoke the Trump administration and create business uncertainty for European companies.

Taiwan’s president emphasized Wednesday that outside nations have no authority to determine the island’s destiny, declaring that only Taiwan’s citizens can chart their own course while vowing to preserve their democratic freedoms.

President Lai Ching-te delivered these remarks while commemorating his second anniversary in office, facing mounting pressure from multiple directions. China continues to assert territorial claims over Taiwan and has labeled Lai a “separatist,” while the United States, traditionally Taiwan’s strongest ally, has also applied pressure.

Recent developments have intensified these tensions. Following his recent meeting with China’s Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about continuing weapons sales to Taiwan last week, describing such sales as a “good negotiating chip” and stating he was “not looking to have somebody say, ‘Let’s go independent.’”

During his address from the presidential office in Taipei, Lai emphasized that democratic governance requires active protection rather than passive acceptance.

“Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by external forces, nor can it be held hostage by fear, division, or short-term interests. Taiwan’s future must be decided jointly by its 23 million people,” he declared.

The president outlined Taiwan’s strategic goals as preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait while preventing outside nations from altering the existing cross-strait arrangements.

“Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community, not a party that undermines stability,” Lai stated.

While expressing openness to dialogue with China based on equal standing and mutual respect, Lai firmly dismissed any attempts that “package unification as peace.”

Comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding Japan’s monetary policy could help the Bank of Japan overcome domestic political resistance to raising interest rates next month, according to financial analysts.

Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, Bessent expressed confidence that BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda would take necessary action if given adequate independence from Japan’s government, indicating Washington’s preference for additional rate increases by the central bank.

Following his Tuesday meeting with Ueda, Bessent posted on X that Japan’s economic fundamentals remained robust and excessive currency fluctuations were unwelcome, implying that the country’s solid growth warranted a stronger yen and higher BOJ rates.

These statements arrive before the BOJ’s upcoming policy meeting scheduled for June 15-16, where financial markets are anticipating an 80% probability of raising the short-term policy rate from 0.75% to 1%.

Nevertheless, a June rate increase might encounter resistance from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her dovish advisors, several of whom have expressed opposition to immediate rate hikes.

Bessent’s statements mirror his previous comments suggesting yen weakness could be tackled through higher BOJ rates. Last October, he encouraged Takaichi to permit the BOJ to increase rates. Two months afterward, the BOJ raised interest rates from 0.5% to 0.75%.

Mari Iwashita, executive rates strategist at Nomura Securities, believes Bessent probably shared his BOJ perspectives with Takaichi and Katayama during his Tokyo visit last week, strengthening the possibility of a June rate hike.

“The fact Bessent stopped by in Tokyo, as well as his latest remarks, show Ueda has Washington’s full support in raising rates,” Iwashita said. “Takaichi may consent to a hike if the BOJ says it would help keep yen falls at bay,” she said.

When questioned about Bessent’s statements, Katayama informed a news conference that the government has consistently honored the relationship outlined by the BOJ law — which ensures central bank independence while requiring the BOJ to collaborate closely with the government on economic policy.

Japan’s chief government spokesperson Minoru Kihara refused to comment when asked Wednesday whether Bessent had advocated for additional BOJ rate hikes during his meeting with Takaichi and Katayama last week.

“The government hopes the BOJ works closely with the government and guides appropriate monetary policy to stably, sustainably achieve 2% inflation accompanying wage gains, rather than one led by cost-push factors,” he said, when asked for the government’s view on whether the BOJ should hike rates in June.

The crucial factor would be whether the BOJ can organize a meeting between Ueda and Takaichi before the governor’s highly anticipated speech on June 3, where he might hint at the probability of an immediate rate hike, analysts suggest.

Takaichi and her advisors have openly expressed concerns about an immediate BOJ rate hike, contending that the central bank should coordinate its policy with government efforts to continue reflating the economy through spending and investment.

The BOJ’s June meeting occurs around the same time the government prepares a supplementary budget to finance subsidies designed to soften the impact on households from rising fuel costs caused by the Middle East conflict.

It may also align with increasing indicators of economic pressure from the Iran war, which is elevating living costs and creating supply disruptions in an economy heavily dependent on fuel imports from the Middle East.

“The premier is said to be cautious about further rate increases, though the administration may nod to a June hike if there was strong pressure from Washington,” said a source familiar with government negotiations with the BOJ.

A worldwide bond market selloff, fueled by investor concerns over inflationary risks from the conflict, also complicates the BOJ’s decision.

Beyond establishing its short-term policy rate, the BOJ will also examine its bond reduction plan extending through March next year and outline a new plan for fiscal 2027 at the June meeting.

Financial market volatility could compel the BOJ to proceed cautiously on reducing its extensive debt holdings, providing worried bond investors some comfort as rising yields expose deteriorating fiscal pressures and inflation concerns.

Federal prosecutors are conducting a second criminal investigation targeting former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, potentially setting the stage for additional charges against the deposed leader, according to a Justice Department official and another source with knowledge of the matter.

The Miami-based U.S. Attorney’s Office has been running the investigation for several months, both sources revealed, speaking anonymously due to the ongoing nature of the probe.

According to the Justice Department official, the Florida investigation was already underway when President Donald Trump authorized the military operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, 69, this past January. The other source indicated the probe is focusing on possible money laundering violations.

Neither Maduro’s legal representative nor a Justice Department spokesperson provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

CBS News initially broke the story about the Florida-based investigation. Whether this probe will result in new charges remains uncertain.

Maduro is currently facing narcoterrorism conspiracy charges and other drug trafficking-related offenses in Manhattan federal court. He has entered a not guilty plea and remains detained at a Brooklyn correctional facility while awaiting trial.

The Manhattan indictment, which was initially filed in 2020, served as the legal basis for the U.S. special operations raid in Caracas that removed Maduro from power in Venezuela.

The Florida investigation could provide the Justice Department with an alternative prosecution path should legal challenges arise in the New York proceedings. In March, Trump indicated that Maduro would be facing additional charges in the United States.

The Miami U.S. Attorney’s Office on Monday revealed money laundering charges against Alex Saab, an associate of Maduro. The same office is anticipated to file charges on Wednesday against former Cuban President Raul Castro related to the 1996 shootdown of aircraft operated by a Cuban exile organization.

The arrest and extradition of Saab indicates increased cooperation between American and Venezuelan law enforcement agencies under acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president.

Global oil markets retreated Wednesday following fresh statements from U.S. President Donald Trump predicting the Iran conflict will conclude “very quickly,” though energy traders continue to express caution regarding diplomatic efforts and ongoing Middle Eastern supply chain interruptions.

Brent crude futures dropped 45 cents, representing a 0.4% decline to $110.83 per barrel by 0050 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures decreased 27 cents, or 0.3%, settling at $103.88.

Both oil benchmarks experienced nearly $1 declines Tuesday following statements from U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicating advancement in diplomatic discussions, with both nations expressing reluctance to resume military operations.

“Investors are keen to gauge whether Washington and Tehran can actually find common ground and reach a peace agreement, with the U.S. stance shifting daily,” said Toshitaka Tazawa, an analyst at Fujitomi Securities.

“Oil prices are likely to remain elevated given the possibility of renewed U.S. attacks on Iran and expectations that, even if a peace deal is reached, crude supply will not quickly return to pre-war levels,” he said.

While Trump told U.S. lawmakers late Tuesday about rapidly concluding the conflict, he previously indicated the United States might need to launch additional strikes against Iran and had come within an hour of authorizing an attack before delaying the decision.

His statements regarding potential additional strikes followed his announcement that he had delayed planned military action resumption after Tehran presented a new proposal to conclude the U.S.-Israeli war.

During Tuesday’s remarks, Trump also claimed Iran’s leadership is desperately seeking an agreement and cautioned that additional U.S. military action could occur within days without a resolution.

The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran has resulted in the practical shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil shipments, creating what the International Energy Agency describes as the globe’s most significant oil supply interruption.

Citi announced Tuesday its projection for Brent crude to climb to $120 per barrel in the immediate future, arguing that energy markets are underestimating risks of extended supply disruptions and broader potential complications.

To compensate for global supply shortages resulting from the conflict, nations are drawing upon their commercial and strategic reserves.

Within the U.S., crude oil stockpiles declined for the fifth consecutive week, based on market sources referencing American Petroleum Institute data released Tuesday, with fuel inventories also showing decreases.

U.S. crude reserves tracked by the Energy Information Administration are projected to have dropped approximately 3.4 million barrels during the week ending May 15, according to a Reuters survey. The weekly EIA report is scheduled for release later Wednesday.

Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast announced significant changes to his administration on Tuesday, appointing Martin Arrau to serve as the country’s new security minister and selecting Claudio Alvarado as the government’s spokesperson.

Alvarado, who currently serves as interior minister, will continue in that capacity while taking on his additional role as spokesperson. Arrau is stepping down from his position leading the public works ministry. Transport Minister Louis de Grange will assume responsibility for the public works portfolio, overseeing both departments moving forward.

The president, who took office just two months ago, made public safety a central theme of his election campaign, vowing to strengthen border controls and reduce criminal activity while promoting economic expansion through reduced regulations, budget reductions and business-friendly initiatives.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan authorities announced this week they will release 300 individuals from detention, including some who have been held on political grounds for extended periods.

The planned releases were revealed Tuesday by National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez during proceedings at the legislative building in Caracas. While Rodríguez did not directly label those being freed as political detainees, human rights advocates have characterized many of their cases as politically driven arrests.

“We’re not asking anything of anyone, nor are we asking for anything in return,” Rodríguez said. “We simply ask that you appreciate the gesture, and if at any point you become aware of any opposition member who has committed a crime against public funds, please report it, and we will assist you in filing the complaint.”

The timing of this announcement follows increased pressure on acting President Delcy Rodríguez, the National Assembly president’s sister, regarding the in-custody death of Víctor Hugo Quero last year and the recent passing of his mother, Carmen Navas, on Sunday.

Navas, age 82, passed away just 10 days after Venezuela’s prison authorities issued a statement revealing that Quero had died in July following hospitalization while detained. Officials had kept this information secret even as Navas desperately searched for her son, visiting jails, courts, and government offices demanding proof he was alive. Quero had been in custody since January 2025.

According to the official statement, Quero, a 51-year-old salesperson, succumbed to “acute respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism” 10 days after being hospitalized for digestive problems. Authorities claimed they didn’t contact his family because he hadn’t provided emergency contact details.

Navas was buried Tuesday in Caracas. The previous day, several dozen protesters, primarily university students, held a demonstration honoring Navas and holding Venezuela’s leadership responsible for both her death and her son’s.

According to Foro Penal, a Venezuelan organization monitoring prisoner rights, over 400 individuals remain imprisoned in the South American nation for political reasons.

This week’s announcement mirrors a similar declaration made following the January 3 U.S. military action against the country that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. During that time, Jorge Rodríguez described the planned prisoner releases as efforts “intended to seek peace” without identifying specific parties involved.

The earlier releases drew approval from U.S. President Donald Trump, though family members of those still imprisoned and human rights organizations have criticized Venezuela’s leadership for the limited scope and sluggish implementation of the release process. Last week, Trump promised reporters he would ensure all political prisoners gain freedom.

“We’re gonna get them all out,” Trump said.

The European Union announced Wednesday that it has reached a preliminary agreement on new legislation designed to eliminate import taxes on American goods, representing a crucial component of the trade arrangement negotiated with the United States last July.

The agreement is expected to help prevent the implementation of increased American tariffs on European exports, marking a significant step forward in transatlantic trade relations.

A senior Russian official has expressed alarm about American and European Union initiatives to gain access to valuable minerals in Central Asia, according to statements made to a Russian newspaper on May 20.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin shared these concerns with Izvestia newspaper, highlighting Moscow’s unease with Western activities in the region.

The G7 countries, which include the United States and European Union members, have been seeking new sources for essential materials as they work to reduce their reliance on China. These rare earth elements and critical minerals are crucial components in electric vehicle production, clean energy technologies, and military equipment.

Moscow views the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as falling within its area of influence, even as Beijing has also expanded its presence in the mineral-rich region.

“We are concerned by the intensity with which Washington is pushing agreements on critical minerals and rare earth metals,” Galuzin stated during his interview published on Wednesday.

“This is not merely about economic competition, but about an attempt to push Russia out and create a Western-controlled infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of our borders,” he added.

The competition for these resources gained additional attention when U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted critical minerals as a major focus during a November meeting with Central Asian leaders at the White House. During that gathering, he stressed his administration’s commitment to strengthening American supply chains through international partnerships.

Lebanese health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, among them four women and three children, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The deadly attacks continue the pattern of near-daily violence from both sides that has persisted even with a fragile, U.S.-mediated ceasefire currently in effect for the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Israeli military officials did not provide immediate comment regarding the casualties or specific incidents, though they confirmed targeting more than 25 Hezbollah infrastructure locations in southern Lebanon between Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon.

The current round of Israel-Hezbollah fighting commenced on March 2 when the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group launched rockets at Israel, occurring two days following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.

Lebanese government officials reported that a single attack on the village of Deir Qanoun al Nahr in the coastal Tyre province resulted in 10 fatalities, including three children and three women. Three additional people sustained injuries, including one child.

While the ministry offered no additional details regarding the attack, the state-run National News Agency reported that it demolished a house, trapping several people beneath the debris. Recovery teams retrieved their bodies later that day.

The ministry also documented another airstrike on the southern city of Nabatieh that claimed four lives and injured 10 others, including two women. A third attack in the neighboring village of Kfar Sir resulted in five deaths, including one woman.

These recent fatalities occurred one day after the death toll in the current fighting between Israel and Hezbollah exceeded 3,000, and two days following the extension of the U.S.-brokered truce for an additional 45 days. The ceasefire has been active since April 17.

Israel has conducted an invasion of southern Lebanon and launched bombardments of Beirut, the capital, along with other regions, stating its focus on Hezbollah infrastructure. Hezbollah, functioning as both a militant organization and influential political entity in Lebanon, has maintained resistance to disarmament pressure, including from Lebanon’s own government.

The conflict has forced more than a million Lebanese people from their homes, with some taking shelter in tents positioned along roadways and near the Mediterranean Sea in Beirut.

Meanwhile, Israel has faced challenges in stopping persistent Hezbollah drone strikes aimed at its forces operating on Lebanese territory and northern Israeli border communities.

Israeli military officials confirmed that one soldier died on Tuesday during combat operations in southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of Israeli military deaths to 21 since the current conflict began.

According to a Tuesday report from Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump plans to participate in the G7 leaders gathering scheduled for June in France, where he will address topics including artificial intelligence, trade policies, and crime-fighting efforts, a White House official told the news outlet.

The president’s agenda includes discussions on connecting U.S. aid with trade agreements, encouraging the use of artificial intelligence technologies developed in America, and working to diminish China’s influence over essential mineral supply networks, according to the Axios report.

This year’s G7 summit will be hosted by France, with world leaders meeting at the lakeside resort of Evian-les-Bains located at the base of the French Alps from June 15-17.

Relations between Trump and several G7 member nations have become more tense recently, particularly due to his conflict with Iran and other international matters.

The United Kingdom’s foreign office confirmed early Wednesday that James Roscoe, who served as deputy head of mission at the British embassy in Washington, has departed from his role.

Roscoe held the position of deputy ambassador to the United States before leaving his post, according to the announcement from Britain’s foreign ministry.

Regional officials in Russia reported drone strikes targeting manufacturing facilities near Nevinnomyssk in the southern Stavropol region on May 20, according to Governor Vladimir Vladimirov’s announcement on social media.

The governor did not release additional information about the attacks. The targeted area houses Nevinnomyssky Azot, a major chemical manufacturing facility that has previously been struck by Ukrainian drone operations.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian regional authorities reported that five individuals sustained injuries when Russian forces struck Dnipro, a city in the country’s southeast. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha made the announcement via Telegram, though Reuters was unable to independently confirm these reports.

Both Russia and Ukraine have consistently denied intentionally striking civilian targets during the ongoing conflict.

NEW YORK (TV Delmarva) — The United Nations announced Tuesday that it has revised downward its economic projections for worldwide growth while increasing inflation expectations due to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts and climbing energy costs.

Economic analysts at the U.N. now project worldwide GDP expansion at 2.5% for 2026, a reduction from the 2.7% prediction made in January. Officials warned the figure could drop further to just 2.1% under more challenging conditions.

Such weak expansion would rank among the poorest performance levels seen this century, excluding periods during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis, according to Shantanu Mukherjee, director of economic analysis in the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, who spoke during a press briefing.

Worldwide inflation expectations have been adjusted upward to 3.9% for this year, representing an increase of 0.8% from January projections, following military strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Iran’s response included blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other petroleum-based products.

“Increased energy prices are a potent factor, as are the prices of refinery products that are crucial to industrial production and commercial transport,” Mukherjee said.

However, he emphasized that inflation impacts will vary across different nations.

Wealthier developed nations are expected to see inflation climb from 2.6% in 2025 to 2.9% in 2026. Developing countries face steeper increases, with inflation anticipated to jump from 4.2% to 5.2% as elevated energy, transportation and import costs reduce actual purchasing power.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to attend a NATO foreign ministers gathering in Sweden this week, as European allies express mounting concerns about President Donald Trump’s commitment to the alliance and America’s military presence in the region amid ongoing tensions over the Iran war and escalating energy costs.

The State Department announced Tuesday that Rubio will participate in the NATO conference in Helsingborg on Friday, marking one of the final high-level NATO sessions before alliance leaders convene for their summit in Ankara, Turkey, this July.

Following the Sweden meeting, Rubio will continue to India for visits to four cities: Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. During his time there, he plans to meet with Indian officials and is anticipated to hold discussions with his counterparts from India, Australia and Japan, the other three nations in the “Quad” grouping of Indo-Pacific democracies.

During his time in Sweden, Rubio will reiterate longstanding American calls “for increased defense investment and greater burden sharing in the alliance,” according to a State Department announcement.

The department noted he will also address Arctic concerns and convene with NATO’s Arctic member nations “to discuss our shared economic and security interests in the Arctic and our strengthened posture in the High North.”

While the announcement didn’t specifically reference Greenland, Trump has upset Europeans with ongoing discussions about acquiring the Danish territory. Trump’s special envoy for Greenland, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, made a visit to the island this week.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated Monday that his meeting with Landry was respectful and constructive, though he emphasized that the Greenlandic people demand self-determination.

“The Greenlandic people are not for sale. Greenlandic self-determination is not something that can be negotiated,” Nielsen was quoted by Danish TV 2 as saying after meeting Landry.

Europeans who have concerns about Trump often view Rubio’s participation in transatlantic meetings favorably due to his more diplomatic approach and composed manner.

He has been sent on multiple such assignments this year, including the Munich Security Conference in February and a recent trip to Italy, where he met with Italian leaders and the pope following Trump’s criticism of the pontiff regarding his positions on crime and the Iran war.

Prior to the NATO foreign ministers gathering, the alliance’s senior military leader said Tuesday he doesn’t anticipate additional reductions of American forces from Europe in the near future, beyond the 5,000 troops Trump announced would depart the continent.

These comments from U.S. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich come after Trump’s unexpected announcement of the military move earlier this month. The U.S. leader has disagreed with allies regarding the Iran war and demanded modifications.

The Pentagon subsequently clarified it would reduce European troop numbers by thousands through canceling scheduled deployments to Poland and Germany rather than withdrawing forces currently based there.

When questioned Tuesday about Trump’s intentions for troop numbers in Poland, Vice President JD Vance said the administration’s priority is advancing “European independence and sovereignty.” He also challenged claims that the U.S. is cutting troop levels in Poland.

“What we did is that we delayed a troop deployment that was going to go to Poland,” Vance told White House reporters. “That’s not a reduction. That’s just a standard delay in rotation that sometimes happens in these situations.”

Trump’s announcement caught NATO off guard and occurred despite American commitments to coordinate military decisions with allies and prevent security vulnerabilities.

Trump expressed particular frustration with Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the United States was being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership and criticized what he described as insufficient U.S. strategy in the conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Sweden this week for discussions with NATO foreign ministers, followed by a diplomatic visit to India, the State Department announced Tuesday.

The diplomatic trip comes amid ongoing tensions between the current administration and both NATO allies and India. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened withdrawal from the NATO alliance while also implementing significant tariffs on India.

Rubio’s first stop will be Helsingborg on May 22, where State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said he will “discuss the need for increased defense investment and greater burden sharing in the Alliance.”

During his Sweden visit, the Secretary of State will also hold discussions with representatives from Arctic Seven nations including Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. These talks will focus on “shared economic and security interests,” according to Pigott.

Following the NATO meetings, Rubio will spend May 23 through 26 in India, making stops in Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. His agenda includes conversations about energy security, trade relationships, and defense cooperation.

The current administration has consistently pushed NATO member countries to increase their contributions to collective military efforts. Tensions have escalated after European nations refused to provide naval support for securing the Strait of Hormuz and following Trump’s previous suggestion to purchase Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.

European leadership has acknowledged the need for greater responsibility in regional security matters. NATO member nations established new spending benchmarks last year, targeting 3.5% of GDP for core defense and 1.5% for broader security measures including cybersecurity, infrastructure and logistics.

While Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained positive relations during Trump’s initial presidency, the relationship deteriorated after India faced some of the steepest U.S. tariffs last year. Many of those tariffs have since been reduced, and both nations are currently negotiating a trade agreement to prevent future tariff increases.

India participates in the Quad alliance alongside the United States, Japan and Australia. Japan’s Jiji Press reported that Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi plans to visit New Delhi on May 26 for a Quad meeting focused on strengthening supply chains for critical minerals as a response to China.

The State Department’s announcement did not reference any Quad meeting plans.

During an April phone conversation, Trump and Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining open and secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 40% of India’s crude oil imports.

A Brazilian senator has confirmed he held a face-to-face meeting with a controversial banker following the financier’s arrest and subsequent release under electronic monitoring conditions.

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro made the admission on Tuesday regarding his encounter with Daniel Vorcaro, whose failed financial institution Banco Master collapsed amid fraud investigations. Vorcaro was initially detained last year before being released with monitoring equipment, then imprisoned again in March on charges of corrupting a former central bank official.

The senator’s connection to the disgraced banker came under public examination after The Intercept Brasil news outlet published details of their relationship last week. Master bank was shut down permanently in November during ongoing probes into questionable lending practices.

The senator, who holds right-wing political views and harbors presidential aspirations, has maintained that his association with Vorcaro centered solely on securing funding for a documentary about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. He characterized the arrangement as a straightforward investment without any reciprocal political benefits.

During Tuesday’s media briefing, the senator explained that his late 2025 meeting with Vorcaro aimed to terminate their business discussions once the banker’s alleged misconduct became widely known.

“I did go to meet him to put an end to the matter and to say that if he had told me the situation was as serious as it was, I would have looked for another investor much earlier,” Flavio Bolsonaro told reporters.

The revelation has sent shockwaves through Brazilian financial markets, with investors concerned the scandal could influence the outcome of this year’s closely contested presidential election.

Recent polling data shows Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has gained a seven-point lead over the senator in the first major survey conducted since the banker controversy emerged. Previous polls had shown the two candidates running essentially even.

Political opposition figures in the Bahamas are calling for a formal investigation following accusations by a United States federal agent linking an unnamed senior politician to drug trafficking activities.

According to court documents, a suspected drug dealer who lived through a recent aircraft accident near Florida was found carrying approximately $30,000 in cash stored in a bag marked with an unidentified high-ranking Bahamian official’s name.

The individual in question had been sent back to the Bahamas over ten years ago following convictions for drug and money laundering offenses. Federal authorities now accuse him of moving cocaine from the Bahamas into the United States. Court filings from May 14 in the Southern District of New York detail allegations that he met with the unnamed politician at Nassau’s Bahamian Parliament building in October 2024 to discuss arrangements for moving approximately 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of cocaine. The documents claim the politician “could provide security for the planned cocaine shipment” and was presented to another unnamed suspect as a “future associate.”

These accusations add to mounting troubles for the Bahamas, where the police commissioner stepped down in December 2024 following the indictment of a sergeant and two officers in what federal prosecutors described as “a massive cocaine conspiracy enabled by corrupt Bahamian government officials.”

Michael Pintard, who leads the opposition Free National Movement party, stated Monday that he doubts the Bahamas’ prime minister, who won reelection on the same day as the plane crash, will take action against those involved.

“We issued warnings about the close relationship between members of this administration and characters of interest to police locally and internationally,” he told reporters.

Latrae Rahming, spokesman for the office of the prime minister, did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Tuesday.

“If the prime minister has not spoken to it, I don’t want to be the first one to address a matter of that significance,” he told local reporters on Monday.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Michael Coleman asserted in his deposition that multiple drug trafficking organizations are ferrying loads “under the protection of local officials” in the Bahamas.

He alleged that the suspected drug trafficker who survived the plane crash owns a business he uses to “bid on Bahamian government-issued construction contracts and launder his narcotics trafficking proceeds.”

Coleman said the suspect was one of 11 people who survived the crash off the coast of Florida late last week. He was rescued and later arrested.

The DEA agent said the agency has been investigating drug trafficking organizations operating in countries including the Bahamas since roughly 2022.

Dr. Duane Sands, chairman of the Free National Movement party, told The Nassau Guardian newspaper on Monday that the current administration was bringing shame and embarrassment to the Bahamas as he called for a commission of inquiry.

“The Bahamian people are entitled to know,” he was quoted as saying. “The heart and soul of our country are at stake.”

Nigerian military officials announced Tuesday that combined operations with American forces have eliminated 175 Islamic State fighters during recent coordinated attacks in the country’s northeastern region.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the joint missions with U.S. Africa Command targeted and destroyed militant checkpoints, weapon storage sites, operational centers, and financial networks belonging to Islamic State West Africa Province, the group responsible for an extended insurgency in the area.

Islamic State has increasingly focused its efforts on African operations after experiencing significant losses in Middle Eastern territories, with Africa representing 86% of the organization’s worldwide activities during the initial quarter of 2026, based on data from crisis monitoring group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data.

“As of 19 May, assessments indicate that 175 ISIS militants have been eliminated from the battlefield,” Nigeria’s Defence spokesperson Major-General Samaila Uba said in a statement.

The military operations eliminated several key Islamic State figures, beginning with Abu-Bilal al-Minuki on May 16, whom both nations identified as the organization’s second-highest global leader. Additional weekend raids resulted in the deaths of Abd al-Wahhab, an ISWAP commander responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda operations, along with Abu Musa al-Mangawi and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, described as a senior communications official and close ally of al-Minuki.

Defence Headquarters officials stated these missions are part of a continuing effort to “hunt down and destroy” militants posing threats to Nigeria and surrounding areas.

A deadly drone attack struck a crowded marketplace in Sudan’s West Kordofan province on Tuesday morning, leaving 28 people dead and injuring dozens more, according to a local human rights organization.

The Emergency Lawyers, a rights advocacy group that monitors violations during Sudan’s ongoing conflict, reported on social media that the marketplace in Ghubaysh was hit during peak hours when it was packed with civilians. The organization attributed the attack to the army.

Sudan has been engulfed in warfare since April 2023, when longstanding friction between the military and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted into full conflict. The RSF currently maintains control over West Kordofan.

A representative from Sudan’s military told The Associated Press that the army does not attack civilians or civilian facilities. A second military source also disputed the allegations, claiming that an army drone targeted two RSF military vehicles that were refueling near the marketplace, destroying both vehicles and killing occupants without harming any civilians.

Both sources requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to speak with media outlets. The RSF has not yet responded to requests for comment.

According to the Emergency Lawyers, thousands of residents throughout West Kordofan and surrounding regions depend on the Ghubaysh marketplace for food and vital goods.

Sudan’s civil war has claimed no fewer than 59,000 lives, forced approximately 13 million people from their homes, and created famine conditions across large portions of the nation. Over 30 million citizens require emergency humanitarian aid.

Unmanned aircraft attacks have emerged as the most lethal danger facing civilians in Sudan’s war, with both military forces and the RSF receiving drone supplies from various nations across the Middle East and other regions.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk has recently urged action to halt drone shipments to Sudan. U.N. data shows that drone strikes killed no fewer than 880 civilians from January through April.

According to Türk, both the army and RSF deploy drones to gain control of disputed territories, interrupt enemy mobilization, and create instability in opponent-held regions. The RSF recently launched drone strikes against Khartoum International Airport and other locations near Sudan’s capital, which fell under army control last year.

Data from the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project reveals that drone attacks killed at least 2,670 people in 2025, including both fighters and civilians, representing a 600% surge in drone-related fatalities and an 81% rise in drone strikes compared to the prior year.

Experts indicate that sophisticated drones provided by international supporters have enabled both warring factions to escalate attacks on heavily populated zones, intensifying the conflict and raising concerns about a broader proxy war.

Tehran has outlined its conditions for resolving ongoing regional tensions, calling for swift US military withdrawal from the area, financial compensation, cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, and removal of economic sanctions, based on Iranian media coverage and official statements.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Tehran is also seeking the unfreezing of Iranian assets and termination of what he characterized as a US naval blockade against the nation, the IRNA news agency reported.

A Walla report indicated that disputes concerning Iran’s nuclear activities continue to be the main barrier in Tehran’s most recent proposal. The report noted that Israeli and American objectives conflict with Iranian requirements and referenced an analysis suggesting Iran may be using the talks to buy time.

Walla additionally reported that preparations have been made with other Middle Eastern nations in case President Trump chooses to approve fresh military strikes on Iran.

Reuters noted that Iran’s current proposal bears strong similarities to an earlier offer that President Trump rejected last week.

In a Monday Truth Social post, he revealed that leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates had requested he postpone plans for additional strikes on Iran during ongoing talks.

“This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!” President Trump wrote.

Prior to Monday’s announcement suspending planned military action, President Trump had been organizing what was characterized as a significant operation targeting Iran. He subsequently explained his decision to postpone the action was to create space for diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

At the same time, Iranian military leaders have issued warnings about further escalation should Iran face renewed attacks.

Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia indicated Iran would retaliate by widening the conflict, according to Iran’s state media.

“If the enemy acts foolishly and once again falls into the trap of the Zionists and carries out another act of aggression against our dear Iran, we will open new fronts against them using new methods and capabilities,” he said.

Two African nations have formed a new alliance to strengthen their control over Red Sea maritime activities while regional disputes with Ethiopia continue to escalate.

Officials from Egypt and Eritrea formalized a maritime transportation partnership on Sunday in Asmara, with President Isaias Afwerki overseeing the ceremony. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir traveled to the Eritrean capital for the signing.

The new partnership will create a direct cargo shipping connection linking Egyptian and Eritrean Red Sea ports. Officials say the arrangement aims to boost trade relationships and improve logistics coordination between the two nations.

Both governments declared that Red Sea security matters should be handled exclusively by countries that border the waterway, rejecting involvement from external regional powers.

Leaders from both countries also conducted an Egyptian-Eritrean Business Forum to explore joint investment opportunities and commercial partnerships. The discussions covered transportation infrastructure, mining operations, pharmaceutical development, and fishing industries, plus sharing knowledge about port construction and expansion projects.

This collaboration emerges as Egypt and Eritrea strengthen their coordination throughout the Horn of Africa region while managing ongoing conflicts with Ethiopia. These disputes involve Ethiopia’s attempts to gain Red Sea port access through neighboring Somaliland, plus continuing disagreements about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project.

The two countries, separated by a border spanning 1851 kilometers, have been increasing their economic and naval coordination as part of wider regional partnership initiatives.

Egypt has been building stronger diplomatic and military relationships across the Horn of Africa. During late 2024, Cairo established a three-way cooperation agreement with Eritrea and Somalia designed to enhance regional coordination while restricting Ethiopian influence throughout the area.

Iranian military forces deployed air defense systems Monday evening on Qeshm Island following reports of unmanned aircraft activity above the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz region, according to Iranian news outlets.

The Mehr News Agency reported that defense systems were brought online late Monday on the island, which is positioned close to the crucial shipping corridor.

According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iranian defense units were mobilized to eliminate what they characterized as “hostile targets” following the reported detection of unmanned aircraft over Qeshm Island’s airspace.

Government officials did not quickly offer an official statement regarding why the defense systems were deployed.

Provincial officials in Hormozgan later confirmed through the country’s Students News Network that the island experienced no strikes, harm, or detonations.

Social media users shared information about the event before government announcements were made public, with multiple posts alleging that explosions were audible on the island overnight.

This event represents another in a string of reported unmanned aircraft interceptions conducted by Iranian defense forces in recent weeks, including similar occurrences over Tehran.

On May 6, Iranian officials announced their defense systems had intercepted what they called “small drones and reconnaissance drones” in the vicinity of Qeshm Island within the Strait of Hormuz. Officials reported no casualties from that incident.

Security experts are raising alarms about digital currencies serving as primary channels for terrorist financing, following recent discoveries of massive funding networks that moved hundreds of millions of dollars to extremist organizations.

Military and intelligence officials recently disclosed findings about an Iranian-coordinated funding operation that channeled vast sums to terror groups through Turkey. According to authorities, Iran supplied the money and oversaw the network using operatives and intermediaries connected to financiers in Turkey, who then managed and coordinated the funds.

Officials say the money was cleaned through multiple avenues, including currency exchanges, shell companies, charitable organizations, legitimate businesses, and digital currency networks.

These illegal financial pathways enable terrorist organizations to survive and function. Military authorities stated that such mechanisms were among those that made possible the devastating October 7, 2023, attack.

Dr. Gideon Fisher, an attorney with the Law Office of Dr. Gideon Fisher & Co., explained to The Media Line that his practice has been focusing on the financial infrastructure that enables terrorism to operate, particularly networks utilizing digital currency. Following the massacre, his firm has represented numerous attack victims. He is presently working with thousands, all officially recognized as terror victims by the National Insurance Institute.

Fisher noted that legal action can be pursued not just against the terrorist organization that executed an attack, but also against parties that allegedly funded those activities or made them possible. The objective, he stated, is not only to assist victims, though that remains the main priority, but also to make future terrorism financing more difficult.

“On top of the moral obligations, it is a strategic move to cut off terrorism at its financial groups,” Fisher told The Media Line.

Digital currency is commonly considered one of the main financial channels utilized by terrorist organizations.

Initially, digital currency became infamous through platforms like Silk Road, where it facilitated illegal activities, including terrorism and other criminal operations. While the industry has become much more regulated recently, the anonymous characteristics of digital currency have made it simpler for terrorist entities to hide fund flows and disguise complex transaction networks. Specialists say these systems have also been exploited by state-connected actors seeking to circumvent international sanctions, similar to the network recently exposed by military forces.

Fisher’s legal team has filed suit against the Palestine Liberation Organization, claiming it illegally transferred money to terrorists, including payments to families of Palestinians jailed for attacks that harmed or killed people. He contended that the money encouraged and enabled terrorist organizations to strengthen their operations before October 7.

“In our lawsuit against Binance, we describe that they intentionally and/or negligently provided extensive cryptocurrency services to Hamas, and they were asked to do so because Hamas realized that they cannot use the banking system,” Fisher said. “No banks would provide Hamas with any services, so Hamas was forced to use an alternative method, and they chose crypto. They had thousands of transactions that helped facilitate the October 7 attack.”

Binance ranks among the world’s largest digital currency exchanges. The lawsuit claims the company violated international sanctions and US laws prohibiting financial support for terrorism.

Dr. Amir Bushansky, blockchain and crypto advisor to the law office of Dr. Gideon Fisher, shared Fisher’s concerns, but noted the digital currency industry has transformed significantly in recent years, partially due to legal cases and increasing regulation. He said that, unlike previously, it is now much more difficult to hide one’s identity on crypto networks, particularly in the United States.

“More and more misuse in criminal activities is being traced down in the crypto market,” Bushansky explained. “Naturally, there were rumors, even lately, that part of the reduction in the Bitcoin value was due to some Iranian leaders pulling their funds.”

While allegations about past activity remain central to lawsuits like Fisher’s, Bushansky said the regulatory environment surrounding digital currency has become far more stringent in recent years. He observed that anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements now make it much more challenging to engage in criminal activity or finance terrorism on major crypto platforms.

Digital currency users operate through wallet numbers and public addresses rather than verified names and identities. As such, any individual can open a digital account and transfer funds without being identified or traced.

“You were not exposed by your name and address identity, and therefore you could pass on funds around the world,” Bushansky explained. He contrasted that system with traditional banking, where AML and KYC regulations already required institutions to track funds, verify their source, and understand the purpose of transactions, making transfers far more traceable for both senders and receivers.

But Bushansky said new international regulations are increasingly binding digital currency platforms to the same standards as banks, and that by 2027, AML and KYC requirements are expected to apply broadly across the crypto industry.

“From 2027, the crypto stock exchange will be bound to supply details about the users to tax authorities around the world,” Bushansky said. “Many countries have already signed on to the plan.”

Snir Levi is the founder and CEO of Nominis, a blockchain intelligence company that traces and maps illegal digital currency wallets. The company works with regulators and organizations seeking to combat crypto-enabled illicit activities and terror financing.

“We provide services today for clients all over the world, including law enforcement agencies, payment providers dealing with cryptocurrencies. With our platform, they’re able to conduct risk screening for wallets and understand where funds came from – the ‘source of funds’ and the destination of funds, to confirm that the wallet they are about to interact with has not been linked or involved in money laundering or terror financing,” Levi told The Media Line.

Nominis, for example, develops forensic tools that help investigators identify connections between digital wallets. The company also has a designated team focused on monitoring high-risk jurisdictions and tracking activity related to terror financing, illegal weapons, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal operations.

Currently, the company is particularly focused on detecting wallets connected to terror financing, including networks similar to the one recently identified by military forces.

“We have uncovered a lot of wallets that are linked to illicit activities and other terror financing entities in Gaza, but also in other places in the world. And based on these, we’re able to detect other illicit entities and networks, such as shell companies,” he said. Shell companies are businesses used to conceal the true source or destination of funds.

Nominis also played a role in uncovering a scheme reported earlier this year by The Washington Post, in which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly exploited the global digital currency ecosystem to move nearly $150 million through two London-registered exchanges, ZedCex and ZedXion, between 2023 and 2025.

According to Levi, Nominis helped corroborate and verify that wallets linked to the IRGC routed massive volumes of the USDT stablecoin through the TRON blockchain into accounts on exchanges acting as crypto hubs. The funds were allegedly funneled through platforms that obscured the origin and destination of transactions, making it harder for authorities to trace potential terror financing activity.

Levi also shared links to crypto brokers operating in Gaza, including Quick4Pay, which on its website advertises a large client base in “occupied Palestine” and other Arab states.

“Readers need to understand how deep this problem is,” Levi said. He warned that, despite expected regulatory changes, enforcement may remain limited largely to the United States and certain Western countries. He argued that if other jurisdictions continue allowing limited transparency and oversight, digital currency could remain a significant channel for terror financing and potentially facilitate future attacks.

The Islamic State terror organization has dramatically intensified its messaging this week, distributing new propaganda materials that encourage members and international fighters within Syria to “continue fighting” against Syrian government forces while discouraging surrender or departure from the nation.

This messaging campaign arrives during a critical period as Syrian leadership works to strengthen security oversight across eastern territories and desert regions, where dormant terror cells continue sporadic operations. Security experts indicate this latest communication represents the organization’s strategy to capitalize on current security vulnerabilities and reestablish itself as an active threat following years of military defeats and loss of controlled territory.

The statement credited to ISIS specifically targeted international fighters, asserting that Syrian government forces “will gradually eliminate them” while encouraging participation in what the group termed a “new phase of fighting.” The communication also promoted strikes against Syrian military and security personnel, particularly targeting Deir ez-Zur, Raqqa, and desert areas where ISIS has maintained irregular operations recently.

Security analysts monitoring Syrian developments view this messaging as ISIS’s effort to reassert both media influence and military capability while attempting to revive inactive cells and reorganize surviving fighters following substantial casualties over recent years.

ISIS initially appeared publicly in Syria during 2013, expanding from Iraq during the Syrian conflict’s chaos and deteriorating security environment. Originally operating as “Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham,” the organization eventually separated from al-Qaida and engaged in violent conflicts with Syrian opposition groups.

From 2014 to 2015, ISIS achieved maximum strength after capturing extensive territories throughout Syria and Iraq, notably seizing Raqqa city, which it proclaimed the “capital of the caliphate,” along with significant portions of Deir ez-Zor, Syrian desert areas, and Iraqi border regions. During this period, the organization maintained extensive networks of domestic and international fighters, plus funding through petroleum sales, taxation, smuggling operations, and comprehensive media campaigns that recruited thousands of global fighters.

Throughout its expansion period, ISIS developed into one of the region’s most extreme and structured militant organizations, attracting thousands of foreign combatants from Arab, Asian, European, Caucasus, and North African nations.

United Nations and Western intelligence estimates suggest over 40,000 international fighters joined ISIS in Syria and Iraq between 2013 and 2017. However, the group progressively weakened following military campaigns by the US-led international coalition, combined with Syrian army operations, Russian forces, and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), leading to major stronghold losses and culminating in its final territorial defeat at Baghouz in 2019. Subsequently, the organization transitioned to covert operations using small mobile units rather than direct territorial governance.

Current attacks primarily involve ambushes, improvised explosives, targeted killings, and swift strikes on checkpoints and military installations, especially throughout the expansive Syrian desert between Homs and Deir ez-Zor and remote areas along the Iraqi border. A February 2025 UN Security Council Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team report estimated ISIS maintains 1,500 to 3,000 fighters across Iraq and Syria, with most leadership concentrated in Syria. These operatives reportedly function in small units supported by logistical networks, smugglers, and sympathizers facilitating movement and supply chains.

UN investigators and counterterrorism specialists report thousands of foreign nationals with suspected ISIS connections remain in al-Hol, Roj, and other SDF-operated detention centers throughout northeastern Syria. The unresolved foreign fighter situation continues presenting major security challenges, with UN monitors cautioning that extremist networks in Syria still exploit instability and limited government control in certain areas.

Specialists believe ISIS’s recent appeal to these fighters demonstrates organizational concerns about losing remaining experienced personnel while attempting to mobilize them for new operations focused on guerrilla tactics and prolonged conflict strategies.

Abdul Rahman Riyad, a Syrian affairs analyst specializing in security and political developments, explained to The Media Line that the recent message “reflects ISIS’s attempt to exploit any transitional phase or security shifts in order to reactivate its cells.” He noted the organization recognizes its inability to maintain broad territorial control and now depends on propaganda, incitement, and attrition strategies using small mobile units. He also observed that targeting foreign fighters reveals concerns about fragmenting remaining human and military resources.

Retired Brig. Gen. Mustafa al-Sheikh, a security and strategic affairs expert, told The Media Line that ISIS “is no longer capable of returning in the traditional form it appeared in during 2014, but it still poses a security threat due to the flexibility of its cells and their ability to move through desert regions.” He described how ISIS currently employs rapid ambushes, limited nighttime operations, and targeting military transportation and supply routes, explaining that “what we are witnessing today is a different version of the organization, one that depends more on guerrilla warfare and security exhaustion than on direct control of cities.”

Syrian academic and political researcher Dr. Mahmoud al-Hamza told The Media Line that ISIS’s latest communication contains “more propaganda and psychological dimensions than indications of a broad military comeback.” He explained the group attempts to maintain its reputation among supporters following years of defeats, emphasizing mobilizing rhetoric and projecting active operations despite ongoing security pressure. He added that ISIS exploits security weaknesses or economic and social crises to rebuild covert networks, particularly in desert and border areas that remain challenging to secure completely.

Syrian authorities maintain the group’s threat remains manageable. A security spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry told The Media Line that security agencies “continue to monitor ISIS cell movements closely” and have successfully prevented multiple plots and arrested organization-linked individuals in recent months.

The spokesperson, whose identity remains confidential for security purposes, stated the recent propaganda messages “reflect the weakness the organization is experiencing more than any real strength on the ground.” Security forces continue desert and eastern Syrian operations and will prevent terrorist threats from reemerging through intensive security and intelligence coordination preventing exploitation of security gaps.

While ISIS no longer maintains the military and political capabilities that previously enabled establishing its proclaimed “caliphate,” recent developments suggest the organization’s threat persists as it continues seeking opportunities to exploit instability and security vulnerabilities for reactivating armed networks within Syria. As Syrian forces and allies maintain pursuit operations, the foreign fighter issue and camps throughout northeastern Syria remains among the country’s most complex challenges, amid increasing concerns these environments could foster extremism resurgence in coming years.

The Islamic State organization has intensified its messaging campaign over recent days, distributing new propaganda materials that call on its members and international recruits within Syria to maintain their armed resistance against government forces and avoid surrendering or departing the nation.

This messaging campaign arrives during a critical period as Syrian authorities work to strengthen security measures across eastern territories and desert regions, where dormant ISIS cells continue periodic operations. Security analysts interpret this latest communication as the group’s effort to capitalize on current security challenges and reassert itself as a viable fighting force following years of military defeats and loss of controlled areas.

The statement credited to ISIS particularly targeted international combatants, asserting that Syrian government forces would systematically eliminate them and encouraging participation in what the organization termed a fresh combat phase. The communication also promoted attacks on Syrian military and security personnel, with specific emphasis on Deir ez-Zur, Raqqa, and desert territories where ISIS has maintained sporadic activity in recent months.

Security specialists monitoring Syrian developments view this messaging as ISIS’s attempt to strengthen both its media visibility and military operations while working to reawaken inactive cells and consolidate remaining fighters following substantial casualties over recent years.

ISIS initially appeared publicly in Syria during 2013, expanding from Iraq during the Syrian conflict’s upheaval and declining security environment. Originally known as the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham, the organization eventually separated from al-Qaida and engaged in violent conflicts with Syrian opposition groups.

The group achieved maximum influence between 2014 and 2015, capturing extensive areas throughout Syria and Iraq, including Raqqa city, which it designated as its caliphate headquarters, plus significant portions of Deir ez-Zor, desert regions, and Iraqi border zones. During this period, the organization maintained extensive networks of domestic and international fighters, funded through petroleum sales, taxation, smuggling operations, and comprehensive media campaigns that recruited thousands of global participants.

Throughout its expansion period, ISIS became among the region’s most extreme and structured militant organizations, drawing thousands of international fighters from Arab, Asian, European, Caucasian, and North African nations.

United Nations and Western intelligence assessments suggest over 40,000 international fighters joined ISIS in Syria and Iraq from 2013 to 2017. The organization subsequently weakened through military campaigns by the US-led coalition, combined with Syrian army operations, Russian forces, and Syrian Democratic Forces, losing major strongholds and ultimately its final territorial base in Baghouz during 2019. Since then, the group has transitioned to covert operations using small mobile units rather than direct territorial administration.

Current attacks primarily involve ambushes, explosive devices, targeted killings, and swift strikes on checkpoints and military installations, particularly throughout the expansive Syrian desert between Homs and Deir ez-Zor and remote areas along the Iraqi frontier. A February 2025 UN Security Council Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team assessment estimated ISIS strength in Iraq and Syria at 1,500 to 3,000 fighters, with most, including senior leadership, located in Syria. These combatants reportedly function in small units supported by logistical networks, smugglers, and sympathizers facilitating movement and supply operations.

UN investigators and counterterrorism specialists report thousands of foreign nationals with suspected ISIS connections remain in al-Hol, Roj, and other detention centers operated by the Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria. The uncertain situation of international fighters continues as a significant security challenge, with UN observers cautioning that extremist networks in Syria benefit from ongoing instability and limited government control in certain regions.

Security experts believe ISIS’s recent appeal to these fighters demonstrates organizational concerns about losing remaining experienced personnel while attempting to mobilize them for guerrilla warfare and prolonged conflict strategies.

Abdul Rahman Riyad, a Syrian affairs analyst specializing in security and political developments, explained to The Media Line that the recent message demonstrates ISIS’s efforts to take advantage of transitional periods or security changes to reactivate its cells. He noted the organization recognizes its inability to maintain broad territorial control and now depends on propaganda, incitement, and attrition tactics through small mobile units. He observed that the group’s emphasis on international fighters reveals concerns about the breakdown of its remaining human and military resources.

Retired Brig. Gen. Mustafa al-Sheikh, a security and strategic affairs expert, stated to The Media Line that ISIS cannot return to its traditional 2014 formation, but continues threatening security through flexible cell operations and desert mobility. He described ISIS’s current reliance on quick ambushes, limited nighttime operations, and targeting military transportation and supply routes, explaining that the current version emphasizes guerrilla tactics and security exhaustion over direct urban control.

Syrian academic and political researcher Dr. Mahmoud al-Hamza told The Media Line that ISIS’s latest appeal contains more propaganda and psychological elements than indicators of significant military resurgence. He explained the group seeks to maintain its reputation among supporters following years of defeats, emphasizing mobilizing rhetoric and portraying continued activity despite ongoing security pressure. He added that ISIS exploits security weaknesses and economic or social crises to rebuild covert networks, particularly in desert and border areas that remain challenging to secure completely.

Syrian authorities maintain the group’s threat remains manageable. A security spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry told The Media Line that security agencies continue closely monitoring ISIS cell activities and have recently prevented multiple plots while arresting organization-linked individuals.

The spokesperson, whose identity remains confidential for security purposes, indicated that recent propaganda messages demonstrate the organization’s weakness rather than actual ground strength. Security forces continue desert and eastern Syria operations and will prevent terrorist threats from reemerging through intensive security and intelligence coordination designed to prevent exploitation of security gaps.

While ISIS no longer maintains the military and political capabilities that previously enabled its self-proclaimed caliphate, recent developments suggest the organization’s threat persists as it continues seeking opportunities to exploit instability and security vulnerabilities to reactivate armed networks within Syria. As Syrian forces and allies maintain pursuit operations, the international fighter issue and northeastern Syria camps remain among the country’s most complex challenges, with growing concerns these environments could foster extremism resurgence in coming years.

NATO’s highest-ranking military commander stated Tuesday that he anticipates no additional reductions in American military personnel stationed across Europe, at least in the immediate future, beyond the 5,000 service members that U.S. President Donald Trump recently declared would depart the continent.

These comments from U.S. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich came after Trump’s unexpected announcement earlier this month regarding the troop reduction. The American president has engaged in disputes with international partners concerning the Iran conflict and has demanded various modifications.

Defense officials later clarified that the reduction would involve canceling scheduled deployments to Poland and Germany rather than removing military personnel currently based in those locations.

Trump’s declaration caught NATO off guard and occurred despite American commitments to collaborate on military decisions with partner nations and prevent security vulnerabilities.

“It will be 5,000 troops coming out of Europe,” Grynkewich told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where top officers from across the 32-nation military organization were meeting. “It’s all that I’m expecting in the near term.”

Trump expressed particular frustration with Germany following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s statement that the United States was being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership and his criticism of what he described as insufficient U.S. strategy in the conflict.

There had been initial concerns that additional reductions might follow, and Grynkewich’s statements may help ease those worries.

Under the current plan, approximately 4,000 soldiers from the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team will not proceed to Poland as originally scheduled, while the German deployment of roughly 1,000 personnel specialized in operating long-range rocket and missile systems has been suspended. Officials are still finalizing many specifics.

Grynkewich mentioned that he had discussions earlier that day with military leaders positioned along the front lines with Ukraine and Russia — including commanders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland — regarding “some of the options and how we might array capabilities on the eastern flank.”

While he maintained that European security would remain intact, he cautioned that European partners should prepare for additional reductions in future years.

“Over the long term, we absolutely should expect additional redeployments as European continues to build capability and capacity and step up to provide more of the conventional defense of Europe,” Grynkewich said.

“It’s going to be an ongoing process for several years,” he said, but added: “We’re going to stay well-synchronized with our allies moving forward.”

The number of departing troops represents a relatively small portion compared to the estimated 80,000 American military personnel currently positioned throughout Europe and hasn’t caused significant concern among partner nations, though the lack of coordination in their withdrawal and the perception that Germany was being penalized has created tension.

An Israeli cabinet member has directed the removal of a Palestinian community in the occupied West Bank, stating this decision comes in response to reports suggesting he could face international war crimes prosecution.

The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has not confirmed whether the International Criminal Court has formally notified him of any warrant, or if he’s acting based on media coverage. The Hague-based court maintains confidentiality regarding warrant requests and proceedings.

The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants for other Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, related to war crimes allegations stemming from Israel’s military operations in Gaza. While Israel rejects the court’s authority, such warrants could complicate international travel for those named.

Smotrich leads a far-right religious political party and has championed an aggressive expansion of Israeli settlements throughout the occupied West Bank. He characterized potential arrest attempts as a “declaration of war.”

“From today, any economic or other target that I have the power to harm within the framework of my powers as Minister of Finance and as a minister in the Ministry Defense will be attacked,” he stated.

The minister identified Khan Al-Ahmar as his initial target – a Bedouin Palestinian community that has been embroiled in a prolonged legal struggle to maintain residence on their land. Smotrich, who supervises West Bank settlement policies, authorized a directive demanding the village’s immediate evacuation.

The legal enforceability of this order and its implementation timeline remain uncertain. Israeli news outlets indicate the directive requires security cabinet approval. Previous efforts to relocate the community’s residents have faced court challenges. Peace Now, an organization that monitors settlement activity, warned that village structures could face demolition within weeks.

“Minister Smotrich seeks to take revenge on The Hague and the international community at the expense of one of the most vulnerable communities, which for years has struggled simply for the right to live on the small piece of land in its possession,” Peace Now stated. The organization described the village’s potential destruction as “part of a broader government plan to take control of the entire central West Bank area” and displace Palestinians from the region.

Khan Al-Ahmar’s legal protections ended in 2018 when Israel’s Supreme Court denied an appeal against its demolition, generating significant international criticism.

Israeli authorities maintain that the settlement, housing approximately 200 Palestinians and a European Union-funded educational facility, was constructed illegally on government property. However, opponents argue that obtaining Israeli construction permits is virtually impossible, and that the village’s demolition and resident displacement serves to facilitate new Jewish settlements.

The community sits within territory where Israel’s government is developing a new settlement complex called E1, a particularly contentious project that Palestinians and advocacy organizations say would strategically prevent the establishment of a viable, connected Palestinian state.

Israel has already announced development plans for this area.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway imposed sanctions on Smotrich in June 2025, along with Israel’s hard-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, for “inciting extremist violence” against Palestinians in the West Bank.

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz confronts his most serious challenge since taking office six months ago, as nationwide demonstrations and road blockades have effectively placed the political capital under siege.

For two weeks, road closures organized by the Bolivian Workers’ Central, COB, along with peasant unions and miners, have resulted in bare store shelves throughout La Paz and critically low oxygen supplies at hospitals. Government officials report at least three fatalities occurred when emergency responders couldn’t reach medical facilities due to the blockades.

Monday witnessed clashes between police and supporters of Bolivia’s former President Evo Morales in the capital, as they joined various groups calling for the current president’s removal. Paz operates without a legislative majority or strong party support to stabilize his administration.

This crisis represents the most significant test for Paz, a centrist leader with pro-business leanings who assumed power six months ago during a period of conservative electoral victories across the region.

“Those seeking to destroy democracy will go to jail,” Paz declared on Friday, as the blockades spread throughout nearly all of Bolivia.

The COB initially focused on wage increase demands, while peasant unions called for reliable gasoline supplies. Mining groups are conducting separate negotiations for expanded mining territory access. Public school educators are also in independent discussions about pay raises.

“These demands have been largely addressed in a manner consistent with current realities; however, there are dark forces seeking to destabilize our democracy,” said presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez, in an allusion to influential former President Evo Morales.

While Paz maintains he took over a “bankrupt state,” critics fault his slow response to what they call the nation’s worst crisis in four decades, characterized by fuel scarcity and inflation that reached nearly 20% in the previous year.

Business groups report the continuing demonstrations and highway blockades are costing Bolivia’s economy more than $50 million daily and have left approximately 5,000 vehicles stuck on roadways.

Morales organized the recent march from his hiding place in Bolivia’s isolated tropical regions. He has remained in the remote highlands for eighteen months, avoiding arrest on charges related to alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl. He maintains the accusations are politically driven.

The Movement Toward Socialism, MAS, which controlled Bolivia for twenty years under Morales and subsequently Luis Arce, experienced a devastating electoral loss last year after a public dispute between the two former leaders.

“The government and the right wing claim that I am a political corpse and that I lack the ability to mobilize anyone, yet they continue to blame me,” Morales said recently on the social media platform X. “As long as structural demands — such as those concerning fuel, food and inflation — remain unaddressed, the uprising will not be quelled.”

Despite his aggressive statements, political observers doubt Morales retains significant mobilization capabilities, suggesting he’s amplifying the unrest solely to avoid prosecution.

The end of the MAS period has left Bolivia’s political scene severely divided, with no party establishing clear dominance.

Paz achieved an unexpected election win, but the Christian Democratic Party — his path to the presidency — soon split within the legislature. The president also maintains a public conflict with his vice president, former police officer Edman Lara.

Paz launched his presidency energetically, engaging with international partners to end the isolation that marked the MAS years. Though his diplomatic efforts resulted in various investment and loan commitments, much of this funding remains unrealized.

His initial action eliminated fuel subsidies, raising gasoline and diesel costs without immediate public backlash from citizens tired of previous shortages. However, the administration imported poor-quality gasoline, prompting transportation worker protests over vehicle damage.

The “junk gasoline” controversy sparked strikes and demonstrations among transport workers and led to two senior resignations at the state oil company.

The current unrest in Bolivia concerns neighboring countries. Eight allied Latin American nations, spanning from Chile to Costa Rica, issued a joint declaration condemning “any action aimed at destabilizing the democratic order.” Argentina announced plans for a week-long humanitarian airlift to address supply shortages.

The United States, currently rebuilding diplomatic ties with Bolivia after years when Morales positioned the country against Washington, expressed support for Paz’s efforts “to restore order for the peace, security and stability of the Bolivian people.” The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory this week warning American citizens visiting Bolivia to remain alert.

GENEVA (AP) — An international oversight committee monitoring the Gaza ceasefire will urge the United Nations Security Council to demand that Hamas surrender its weapons, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The document from the Board of Peace, an international committee established by U.S. President Donald Trump to monitor the delicate truce between Hamas and Israel, is scheduled for Security Council discussion on Thursday during their Middle East session.

“At this stage, the principal obstacle to full implementation (of the ceasefire) remains Hamas’ refusal to accept verified decommissioning, relinquish coercive control, and permit a genuine civilian transition in Gaza,” the report said.

Hamas issued a statement dismissing the document and claiming it contains “fallacies.”

A diplomatic source familiar with the document verified its legitimacy, speaking anonymously since it remains unpublished.

The president’s 20-point truce agreement demands Hamas give up its weaponry and dismantle its extensive tunnel system. The plan also includes Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, installation of a new technocratic Palestinian administration, deployment of international security personnel, and reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory following more than two years of conflict.

Last week, the Board of Peace leader, former U.N. Mideast envoy Nickolay Mladenov, admitted the ceasefire had stagnated since beginning in October, noting that the weapons dispute had frozen all advancement.

“Reconstruction cannot commence where weapons have not been laid down,” the board’s report to the Security Council says. “The critical variable — the single factor that unlocks every other element of the plan — is the conclusion of an agreement on the Roadmap for the full implementation of the plan that includes full decommissioning by Hamas and all armed groups in Gaza.”

The Palestinian militant organization, which orchestrated the Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel that triggered the Gaza conflict, has blamed Israel for not fulfilling its ceasefire duties and has attempted to tie any weapons surrender to Israeli military withdrawal. Israel’s forces have extended their Gaza presence since the ceasefire began and now occupy approximately 60% of the region.

The latest document urges the Security Council to “reiterate publicly, clearly and consistently that the decommissioning of weapons in Gaza is not merely a requirement (of the UN’s resolution to end the war) but critical for reconstruction to begin, for a timebound Israeli forces withdrawal, and for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood to be pursued.”

The Security Council approved the Board of Peace through a resolution in November.

Hamas stated the document “contains a number of fallacies that absolve the occupying government of its responsibilities for the daily violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.”

The organization claimed the document overlooked Israel’s “failure to uphold the majority of its commitments” in the ceasefire agreement, including ongoing border crossing limitations and blocking entry of materials and equipment necessary for basic infrastructure repairs and housing for the mostly displaced residents.

“The report’s adoption of the occupation’s conditions regarding disarmament is a dubious attempt to muddy the waters and derail the ceasefire agreement,” Hamas said in a statement.

The group urged the Security Council and Mladenov to force Israel to meet its first-phase ceasefire obligations, “foremost among them the cessation of the daily aggression against our Palestinian people in Gaza.”

The document highlighted almost daily ceasefire breaches, “some of which are serious, and their human consequences — civilians killed, families living in fear, and continued impediments to humanitarian access — cannot be minimized.”

Israel’s military continues conducting airstrikes in Gaza throughout the ceasefire and has advanced further into the territory, where it now holds more area than the ceasefire agreement permitted. Living situations remain desperate, with most of the territory’s 2 million residents housed in tent settlements without essential services.

Mladenov stated last week that his office addresses violations from both parties daily. However, he consistently highlighted the disarmament matter as a key obstacle, declaring Hamas’ duty to surrender its weapons is “not negotiable” and that advancement on all other matters was stalled.