Category: World News

MANILA, Philippines — Shots were fired Wednesday evening at the Philippine Senate building where Senator Ronald dela Rosa has been taking refuge from law enforcement officials seeking his arrest on International Criminal Court charges, according to an Associated Press reporter and other witnesses present.

The cause of the shooting and whether anyone was wounded remained unclear. Dela Rosa has been under the protection of fellow senators inside the legislative building while Philippine officials attempt to apprehend him for potential transfer to the ICC.

Senate President Alan Cayetano made a brief statement to reporters, confirming that building security informed him of the gunfire before quickly departing without offering additional information.

“The emotions are high here,” Cayetano said. “This is the Senate of the Philippines and we are allegedly under attack.”

The ICC made public its arrest warrant for dela Rosa on Monday. The 64-year-old former national police commander oversaw President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug enforcement campaigns that resulted in the deaths of thousands of suspected low-level offenders.

The warrant, initially issued in November, accuses dela Rosa of murder as a crime against humanity involving “no less than 32 persons” during his tenure leading the national police from July 2016 through April 2018 under Duterte’s administration.

Dela Rosa has pledged to challenge the ICC warrant through all available legal channels. On Wednesday evening, he urged his supporters to come to the Senate complex to help block what he described as his imminent detention.

When National Bureau of Investigation officers attempted to take dela Rosa into custody Monday, he escaped to the Senate chamber and requested assistance from colleague senators. Cayetano announced at that time he would hold the government agents in contempt.

Health officials in southwestern France have temporarily barred passengers and crew members from leaving a cruise vessel docked in Bordeaux following reports of numerous gastroenteritis cases aboard the ship.

The Ambassador Cruise Line ship Ambition, carrying approximately 1,700 people, arrived from Belfast and Liverpool before being held at port as a safety precaution. French television reports indicate one passenger has died during the voyage.

Regional health authorities emphasized that this apparent stomach illness outbreak bears no connection to a separate hantavirus incident that occurred on the luxury vessel Hondius during its journey from Argentina to the Canary Islands.

Ambassador Cruise Line announced through social media that they have put stronger cleaning and safety measures in place on the Ambition. “Once clearance is granted, guests will be permitted to disembark,” the company stated.

Officials described the passenger restriction as temporary while they await results from medical examinations.

Stomach-related illnesses frequently occur on cruise vessels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already documented four separate outbreaks this year on cruise ships, including two cases of E.coli and two instances of norovirus.

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, primarily causes nausea and loose bowel movements. While highly transmissible, the condition typically resolves without serious complications, though severe cases may result in fluid loss requiring medical attention.

This illness differs significantly from hantavirus, which carries a much higher death rate but rarely spreads between people except through prolonged direct contact.

Albrecht Weinberg, a centenarian who lived through the horrors of Nazi concentration camps and dedicated his later years to sharing his testimony, passed away Tuesday in Leer, Germany, at the age of 101, according to local officials.

The survivor had experienced unimaginable suffering during World War II, imprisoned in multiple concentration camps including Auschwitz, Mittelbau-Dora, and Bergen-Belsen, and forced to endure three death marches. Weinberg’s passing occurred just weeks following his 101st birthday celebration and the debut of a film documenting his experiences, titled “Es ist immer in meinem Kopf” (“It Is Always in My Head”), which attracted hundreds of viewers.

Weinberg entered the world on March 7, 1925, in Rhauderfehn, a community close to Leer. As a young man, he was taken into custody for forced labor and managed to survive some of the most infamous facilities in the Nazi camp system. The Holocaust claimed the lives of most of his relatives, including siblings Dieter and Friedel, based on records from the Claims Conference’s survivor testimony project.

According to Leer Mayor Claus-Peter Horst’s public statement, Weinberg devoted his remaining years to continuously sharing his survival story. “Since returning from New York to his East Frisian home 14 years ago, Albrecht recounted tirelessly and with incredible energy his terrible experiences during the Nazi era and warned again and again against forgetting,” Horst said.

During Germany’s struggle with both the declining population of living Holocaust witnesses and rising concerns about far-right political movements, Weinberg established himself as a regular presence in educational institutions and community events. Though he was honored with Germany’s Order of Merit in 2017, he made the decision in 2025 to return the award following a parliamentary migration vote that received backing from the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD). This legislative action shattered a decades-long postwar tradition of avoiding dependence on far-right support for parliamentary majorities.

Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, honored Weinberg’s memory, describing him as “a bridge—between past and present, between pain and hope, between the dead he could never forget and the young people whom he encouraged to seek the truth,” according to The Associated Press.

According to a Reuters investigation, Saudi Arabia conducted secret airstrikes on Iranian territory in late March, marking a retaliatory response to attacks the kingdom endured during recent regional hostilities, four sources told the news agency.

The military operations represent the first documented instance of Saudi forces striking targets within Iran’s borders.

A source familiar with the situation described the military action as “tit-for-tat strikes in response to attacks Saudi Arabia had suffered.”

The Reuters investigation revealed that these strikes exposed vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities, despite the nation’s strong military partnership with the United States and its longstanding dependence on American security guarantees. According to the report, hostile attacks during the conflict managed to breach the U.S. protective security framework safeguarding the Gulf nation.

Sources indicated that Saudi officials notified Iran following the completion of their military operations. Reuters documented that extensive diplomatic communications ensued, accompanied by Saudi threats of potential further military action. These diplomatic exchanges ultimately resulted in mutual agreements designed to lower tensions between the rival nations. This informal de-escalation pact reportedly became effective approximately one week prior to the April 7 ceasefire agreement reached between Washington and Tehran.

The revelation of Saudi military action emerged one day following The Wall Street Journal’s disclosure that the United Arab Emirates had similarly conducted strikes within Iranian territory during the same conflict period. The publication reported that the UAE operation took place in early April, coinciding with President Trump’s ceasefire declaration, though the exact timing relative to the announcement remained unclear.

During the conflict, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates employed contrasting approaches, Reuters found. While Riyadh worked to prevent further escalation and kept diplomatic channels open with Iranian representatives, including Iran’s ambassador stationed in Riyadh, the UAE pursued a more aggressive stance focused on punishing Tehran.

Israeli Eurovision contestant Noam Bettan secured his place in Saturday’s grand final following Tuesday’s semifinal performance in Vienna, though his appearance sparked both enthusiastic support and vocal opposition from audience members.

Bettan performed his entry “Michelle” as the tenth act of the evening, ultimately earning enough votes to advance alongside nine other nations: Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Poland.

The performance was marked by disruptions, with venue security removing multiple spectators who engaged in anti-Israel demonstrations. Local authorities escorted out one protester who yelled “genocide” during Bettan’s time on stage.

Speaking to Israeli media afterward, Bettan acknowledged the hostile reception but remained focused. “The calls were really, really loud. But I focused on the performance,” Bettan explained following his stage exit. He continued, “I searched with my eyes for the Israeli flags in the crowd. That strengthened me.”

Upon learning of his advancement to the final round, Bettan expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating he was thankful “to all the people of Israel, to all the Jews in the world, and to everyone who voted for us.”

“Wow, I had an amazing performance, I enjoyed every moment, see you in the final. I truly felt like I was singing for the State of Israel. I was simply channeling the people and felt like I was a conduit,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eurovision organizers issued a warning to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster regarding an online promotional campaign supporting Bettan, citing updated competition regulations designed to restrict external promotional efforts.

Eurovision director Martin Green revealed that officials quickly contacted the Israeli delegation after discovering online videos featuring Bettan. “Within 20 minutes, we had contacted the KAN delegation to ask them to immediately stop any distribution of the videos and remove them from any platforms where they had been published. They immediately acted to do this,” Green stated.

When questioned by The Times of Israel, Kan responded that it “is following all of the rules of the competition.” A delegation insider noted that contestants from Malta and Romania had conducted similar promotional campaigns this year.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Palestinian musician Bashar Murad took the stage at an elegant Brussels venue Tuesday night, delivering an emotional rendition of Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” in both English and Arabic. The crowd responded with thunderous applause as the last notes echoed through the hall.

Murad’s performance was part of a growing movement of alternative concerts protesting Israel’s inclusion in this week’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Critics are voicing opposition to Israel’s participation amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza and surrounding regions.

This year’s Eurovision, celebrating its 70th anniversary with the theme “United by Music,” has seen five nations — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland — refuse to participate. Despite the boycotts, 35 countries are still competing, with ten nations including Israel and frontrunner Finland securing spots in Tuesday’s semifinals.

The “United for Palestine” concert in Brussels brought together European performers with Palestinian musicians like Murad, who nearly represented Iceland in the 2024 competition.

“It’s always amazing to be in the same room with people who believe in the same things as you and people who believe that we can’t just let the show go on,” Murad explained.

Murad’s parents, including his father who helped found the prominent Palestinian band Sabreen, had previously tried without success to get Palestine admitted to Eurovision in 2007 through the European Broadcasting Union in Geneva.

Israel has been a Eurovision participant since 1973, claiming victory four times and maintaining strong cultural ties to the annual competition.

However, Israel’s continued involvement has generated increasing controversy as international anger mounts over casualties in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Iran. Mass demonstrations have swept from Rome to Madrid, with European Union officials considering additional sanctions.

“We have to create an alternative because the participation of Israel is problematic,” stated Katrien De Ruysscher, who leads activist organization SOS Gaza. Her group partnered with rights organization 11.11.11 to coordinate the Brussels gathering.

Previous Eurovision events in Malmo, Sweden in 2024 and Basel, Switzerland the year before witnessed significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations demanding Israel’s removal. Allegations also surfaced that Israel’s government violated competition guidelines to assist their representative.

Contest organizers have strengthened voting procedures this year following claims of ballot manipulation, though participants continue to be evaluated by national panels and global audiences.

The European Broadcasting Union rejected calls to exclude Israel, prompting the five-nation boycott.

Amnesty International’s secretary general Agnès Callamard argued Eurovision should remove Israel just as it did with Russia in 2022 following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Songs and sequins must not be allowed to drown out or distract from Israel’s atrocities or Palestinian suffering,” Callamard declared.

Similar protest concerts are occurring across Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Italy and Spain, according to Brussels event organizers.

Spanish public television, which traditionally broadcasts Eurovision, will instead air an alternative program Saturday evening called “La Casa de la Música.” The special will honor the network’s 70-year history with performances by 20 established and emerging artists, including Benidorm Fest winners who would typically advance to Eurovision.

Despite these alternative events, none will match Eurovision’s massive reach — the contest attracted 166 million viewers in 2025 and maintains its devoted fanbase.

Murad expressed hope that counter-programming might encourage reflection on Eurovision’s founding principles of musical unity.

“The purpose of these alternative programs that are happening is to remind Eurovision what it’s actually about and to try to hopefully bring it back, to correct its course, and make it actually live up to the things that it claims to be about,” he said. “A lot of people in the world feel that the competition has lost its meaning.”

President Donald Trump touched down in Beijing Wednesday evening for critical discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a turbulent period marked by global concerns over warfare, trade disputes, and artificial intelligence developments.

Trump’s visit comes during a challenging period for his administration, with domestic approval ratings suffering due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and subsequent inflationary pressures from that war. The president aims to secure victory through new agreements for China to purchase additional American agricultural products and aircraft, stating he plans to discuss trade matters with Xi “more than anything else.”

Upon Air Force One’s landing, Chinese officials rolled out a red carpet welcome for the American president.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Washington ambassador Xie Feng, executive foreign affairs vice minister Ma Zhaoxu, and U.S. Beijing envoy David Perdue were scheduled to receive Trump, the White House confirmed.

The elaborate welcome featured approximately 300 Chinese young people, along with a military honor guard and band performance.

The leaders will conduct bilateral discussions and attend a formal state dinner during the visit.

Trump’s team hopes to launch discussions for creating a bilateral Board of Trade with China to resolve ongoing disputes between the nations. This proposed board could help avoid future trade conflicts like the one sparked last year following Trump’s tariff increases, which China responded to by restricting rare earth mineral exports. Those tensions led to a temporary ceasefire agreement last October.

While Trump has no scheduled public appearances Wednesday following his arrival, he’s planned for multiple meetings with Xi Thursday and Friday.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conducted what Chinese state television CCTV described as “candid, in-depth and constructive” discussions Wednesday regarding economic and trade concerns while exploring expanded cooperation opportunities.

The trade negotiations between the world’s largest economies took place in South Korea just hours before Trump’s Beijing arrival.

According to CCTV, the talks followed important agreements previously reached by both nations’ leaders and emphasized mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation principles.

The White House initially indicated Huang’s schedule prevented his participation, but later changes allowed him to join the delegation.

His last-minute inclusion sparked widespread online discussion and humorous content across Chinese social media platforms.

Users on Xiaohongshu and Weibo created and shared doctored photos showing Huang gripping Air Force One’s exterior with his hands.

A White House official confirmed these prominent American business leaders from technology and agriculture sectors received invitations to accompany Trump’s China trip:

1. Elon Musk – Tesla and SpaceX CEO
2. Tim Cook – Apple CEO
3. Kelly Ortberg – Former Rockwell Collins CEO
4. Jensen Huang – Nvidia President and CEO
5. Larry Fink – BlackRock Chairman and CEO
6. Stephen Schwarzman – Blackstone Chairman, CEO and co-founder
7. Brian Sikes – Cargill Chairman and CEO
8. Jane Fraser – Citi Chairman and CEO
9. Jim Anderson – Coherent CEO
10. H. Lawrence Culp – GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO
11. David Solomon – Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO
12. Jacob Thaysen – Illumina CEO
13. Michael Miebach – Mastercard CEO
14. Dina Powell McCormick – Meta President and Vice Chairman
15. Sanjay Mehrotra – Micron Chairman, President and CEO
16. Cristiano Amon – Qualcomm President and CEO
17. Ryan McInerney – Visa CEO

Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz continues strangling global energy distribution while causing worldwide economic hardship, though the Islamic Republic’s domestic economic struggles are challenging its capacity to sustain the conflict and resist Washington’s pressure.

Iranian citizens face skyrocketing costs for food, medical supplies, and other necessities. The nation has simultaneously experienced massive unemployment and business failures due to strike-related damage to critical industries and the government’s extended internet shutdown.

“The economic cost of the war and the U.S. naval blockade has been very substantial and unprecedented for Iran,” explained Hadi Kahalzadeh, an Iranian economist and Brandeis University research fellow.

However, Kahalzadeh noted that Iran has survived decades of economic pressure and sanctions, and its adaptive capabilities remain intact.

The International Monetary Fund projects Iran’s economy will contract by approximately 6 percentage points over the coming year.

Ukrainian armed forces announced Wednesday they had successfully targeted multiple Russian energy facilities, including an oil terminal, refinery, and gas processing facility, as the country resumes its campaign against Russian energy infrastructure following a brief pause in operations.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff and drone forces commander Robert Brovdi, who posted updates on Telegram, the attacks targeted the Tamanneftegas terminal in Russia’s Krasnodar region and a gas processing facility in Astrakhan, both located in southern Russia.

The operations resulted in fires breaking out at fuel storage reservoirs, military officials reported.

Ukrainian forces also targeted a refinery facility in Yaroslavl, situated northeast of Moscow, with strikes hitting primary oil processing units, according to military statements.

These attacks are part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to target Russian petroleum facilities, as Moscow relies on income from its substantial oil and gas resources to fund its military operations in the conflict that has now entered its fifth year.

BEIRUT (AP) — Eight people died Wednesday when Israeli drones targeted three vehicles traveling on a major highway south of Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Among the victims were a mother and her two young children.

Israel’s military confirmed it had targeted Hezbollah facilities across multiple locations in southern Lebanon, coming just hours after ordering residents in six southern villages to leave their homes.

The deadly strikes come as Lebanon and Israel prepare for another session of direct negotiations in Washington on Thursday, with the Trump administration working to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations that have remained in a state of conflict since Israel’s establishment in 1948.

Health Ministry officials verified the three separate attacks in an official statement but did not specify how many people were in each targeted vehicle.

Two of the Wednesday drone attacks occurred on the highway connecting Beirut to the southern port city of Sidon, while Lebanon’s state-run National news agency reported a third strike in the town of Saadiyat, located near the busy roadway. State media also reported a fourth attack during the early afternoon at Sidon’s northern entrance, where a car was hit.

An Associated Press photographer witnessed the remains of three victims from two of the strikes that occurred near the coastal communities of Barja and Jiyeh.

Throughout southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes continued to be reported across various towns and villages, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for additional attacks against Israel. Both sides have maintained their exchange of fire despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that took effect on April 17.

The current Israel-Hezbollah conflict began on March 2, when the Lebanese militant organization launched rockets into northern Israel, occurring two days following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine informed reporters on Tuesday that 380 people have lost their lives and 1,122 have been injured since the ceasefire began. These figures bring the total casualties since the war’s start to 2,882 deaths and 8,786 wounded.

The United Nations has initiated the process to select its next secretary general, with the appointment scheduled to be finalized before year’s end. Among the top contenders for the position is Michele Bachelet, who previously served as Chile’s president and currently holds the role of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Bachelet has drawn attention for her controversial stance on reproductive rights, advocating for unrestricted abortion access through all stages of pregnancy and supporting government-funded abortion services worldwide. Additionally, she has endorsed transgender rights initiatives, including medical transition procedures for minors.

The selection process for the UN’s top leadership position will continue throughout the coming months as member nations evaluate potential candidates.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that more than 100 Russian drones struck Ukrainian territory on Wednesday, following earlier attacks that claimed at least eight civilian lives.

“Russia continues its strikes and is doing so brazenly — deliberately targeting our railway infrastructure and civilian sites in our cities,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.

The nighttime assault hit residential areas and rail systems in the Dnipro and Kharkiv regions, port facilities in Odesa, and power plants in Poltava, according to the Ukrainian president. He noted that 14 regions faced bombardment throughout Tuesday alone.

“It is important to support Ukraine and not remain silent about Russia’s war. Every time the war disappears from the top of the news, it encourages Russia to become even more savage,” Zelenskyy stated, seemingly referencing global attention shifting to conflicts in Iran.

Russia’s relentless assault continues despite Ukraine’s growing confidence from recent battlefield successes and claims from both President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin that the conflict might be ending soon, though neither has offered supporting evidence.

Speaking to reporters before departing for a Beijing summit, Trump expressed optimism about negotiations between the warring nations.

“The end of the war in Ukraine I really think is getting very close,” Trump declared Tuesday. “Believe it or not, it’s getting closer.”

During a weekend address, Putin suggested his invasion of Ukraine might be “coming to an end.”

Both leaders failed to explain their reasoning behind potential peace prospects in Europe’s most prolonged military conflict since World War II. Previous U.S.-led diplomatic initiatives have stalled over fundamental disagreements about territorial concessions to Russia and future security guarantees for Ukraine.

European nations are now weighing whether to engage Putin directly in negotiations. For years, Europe has sought to diplomatically isolate the Russian president while imposing economic sanctions on his country.

The battlefield dynamics have evolved significantly in recent months. Ukraine has transformed from desperately seeking international military aid to sharing its advanced drone expertise with other nations facing similar threats.

Ukrainian forces have successfully struck energy infrastructure and manufacturing facilities deep within Russian territory using long-range drones and missiles, with three Russian regions reporting attacks Wednesday. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defense systems destroyed 286 Ukrainian drones across Russian territories, occupied Crimea, and the Azov and Black Sea regions.

Along the 780-mile battle line, Russia’s larger and better-equipped military has seen its advance slow consistently since October, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

Russia’s spring military campaign has struggled, with Russian forces experiencing their first net territorial loss since 2024 began, the Washington-based research organization reported.

“Not only are Ukrainian defensive lines holding, but Ukrainian forces have managed to contest the tactical initiative in several areas of the front line even as Russia continues to lose disproportionate amounts of manpower to achieve minimal gains,” the ISW stated Tuesday.

Chinese leadership is mounting fierce opposition to pending American legislation designed to limit Beijing’s access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, escalating tensions just days before crucial diplomatic meetings between the world’s two largest economies.

The controversial legislation, dubbed the MATCH Act, is anticipated to feature prominently in this week’s high-profile discussions in Beijing, where President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet for the first time since their nations established a delicate trade agreement in South Korea last year.

While the Trump administration has refrained from implementing fresh technology export restrictions on China despite ongoing national security worries, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have taken initiative to address this void. Both chambers of Congress introduced bills last month designed to hamper Chinese semiconductor manufacturers’ ability to create AI chips, partly through mechanisms that would pressure allied nations to restrict equipment sales to China.

Beijing’s response has been swift and pointed. Chinese authorities have openly condemned the proposed law, developed retaliatory strategies should it pass, and according to sources familiar with the situation, called in American embassy personnel in China to voice their objections to the potential legislation.

Additionally, China’s Ministry of Commerce arranged a meeting in April at its Washington embassy with US semiconductor industry leaders to discuss chip-related matters, including the MATCH Act, though the specific companies involved were not disclosed.

“Congress understands how important it is for the United States to win the AI race with China — and Beijing understands its chipmaking industry is extremely vulnerable to American export control,” explained Ryan Fedasiuk, a former State Department adviser on US-China relations who anticipates the bill will surface during this week’s Beijing discussions.

Sources indicate that while other issues will dominate the summit agenda, Chinese representatives have already brought up the legislation during preliminary meetings leading up to the main talks.

The White House has remained neutral on the proposed law. When asked Friday about the bill and whether it might be discussed in Beijing, a White House representative declined to comment, stating: “We don’t get ahead of the President on pending legislation.”

Chinese embassy representatives in Washington also refused to comment on whether the bill has been raised in diplomatic conversations or discuss the embassy industry meeting or the summoning of US diplomatic staff in China.

However, Chinese officials have been vocal in their criticism since the bill’s introduction last month, and the government has announced potential countermeasures it could deploy if the legislation becomes law.

“The U.S. is using all sorts of pretexts to coerce other countries into joining its technological blockade against China,” stated Liu Pengyu, the Chinese embassy spokesperson, when asked about the MATCH Act by Reuters last month.

Following a House Foreign Affairs committee vote on April 22 that advanced the proposed legislation alongside other AI and semiconductor-related bills, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued its own statement.

“Should the relevant bills be enacted into law, they would severely undermine the international economic and trade order,” a MOFCOM spokesperson declared. China will “decisively take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.”

On April 13, China announced a new decree it could deploy against US regulations like the MATCH Act, including placing those who support or enforce inappropriate foreign extraterritorial actions on a “Malicious Entity List.” The measure also creates opportunities for legal challenges.

The MATCH Act seeks to eliminate loopholes in chipmaking equipment sales to China by focusing on essential technology from the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands — the three nations that control the market. Should foreign countries fail to restrict these exports within months of the law taking effect, the proposed legislation establishes a framework for the US to impose its own controls. The bill also mandates licensing for equipment maintenance services.

Netherlands-based ASML, the global leader in deep ultraviolet immersion lithography equipment, is considered a primary target of the legislation and could face new limitations in the Chinese market. Japanese equipment manufacturer Tokyo Electron is also seen as potentially affected. ASML declined to provide comment, while Tokyo Electron did not respond to requests for comment.

The MATCH Act passed the House Foreign Affairs committee with a 36-8 vote last month, after the draft legislation underwent multiple revisions following lobbying efforts. Micron, America’s largest memory chip manufacturer, was a key supporter behind the bill, as Reuters previously reported.

Britain’s communications watchdog has imposed a record-breaking penalty of 950,000 pounds ($1.28 million) against an online platform that hosts suicide-related discussions, marking the most substantial financial punishment issued under the nation’s digital safety legislation.

Ofcom announced Wednesday that it would not disclose the identity of either the forum or its operator due to the sensitive nature of the material involved. The regulatory agency revealed that the platform has been connected to more than 130 fatalities across Britain and has been referenced in multiple coroner investigations.

According to the oversight body, the website contained material that promotes or facilitates suicide—which constitutes a criminal violation in Britain—including step-by-step guidance on harmful methods and conversations that might influence at-risk individuals.

“This is a significant fine on a suicide forum known for exploiting the most vulnerable in society,” stated Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s director of enforcement.

Cater indicated that modifications implemented by the operator to limit British access proved inadequate. The regulator noted that the website remained accessible without virtual private network technology and that access limitations were not uniformly enforced.

The Online Safety Act, considered among the globe’s most comprehensive digital safety frameworks, requires platforms featuring user-created material to evaluate and reduce risks of users encountering prohibited content while ensuring swift removal.

The regulator’s probe, conducted from March 2025 through April 2026, discovered that harmful suicide-related material remained consistently available, including posts highlighted or reshared by the platform’s own administrators.

Officials determined that the operator had neglected to conduct proper risk evaluations, establish adequate systems to prevent exposure to prohibited material, or ensure rapid content removal.

The foreign-based operator has been given 10 business days to meet Ofcom’s demands. The agency stated it is working toward obtaining a judicial directive that would compel internet providers to restrict British access to the forum should violations persist.

International human rights organizations are calling on Poland to end its cooperation with United States deportation operations that send Ukrainian nationals back to their war-torn homeland through Polish airports.

Amnesty International and Human Rights First issued a joint appeal Wednesday, claiming these deportation practices could violate international legal standards by forcing people into dangerous conditions.

The organizations report that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted at least two deportation operations through Poland in November 2025 and March 2026, sending more than 50 individuals back to Ukraine.

“Forcibly transferring Ukrainians into an active war zone, where missiles strike nationwide, shocks the conscience and violates international law,” stated Uzra Zeya, CEO and president of Human Rights First.

Zeya continued, “Poland, which has offered generous safe haven to so many Ukrainian refugees, should refuse to facilitate the Trump administration’s forced transfers that send Ukrainians back to life-threatening circumstances.”

The advocacy groups revealed they contacted Polish officials on April 17 expressing their concerns about flights departing Phoenix, Arizona and landing at Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland. After receiving no reply, they chose to make their correspondence public.

Polish Interior Ministry Spokesperson Karolina Galecka responded that her country has no formal deportation agreement with the United States, calling it “an internal matter between two countries — Ukraine and the United States.”

Galecka explained Poland serves merely as a transit location without direct involvement, with Border Guard personnel only conducting standard clearance procedures.

“Perhaps a Ukrainian citizen who is to be deported from the United States to Ukraine has no right to enter Poland. And here, a simple check is being carried out within the framework of statutory authority,” Galecka explained.

Bartosz Gorski, vice president of Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, refused to discuss the deportation flights and avoided questions about Polish government participation.

The US Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Records show another flight carrying Ukrainian deportees arrived at Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport on April 30, though passenger numbers remain unknown.

President Donald Trump has intensified immigration enforcement since returning to office, with ICE expanding detention and removal operations. The administration defends these policies as necessary for border security and reducing illegal immigration, while critics argue they violate constitutional protections and civil liberties.

The human rights groups maintain that current conditions in Ukraine make deportations unsafe, noting that international law prohibits Poland from sending individuals to locations where they face threats to life or freedom.

“Polish authorities must investigate these incidents, establish the whereabouts of those affected and ensure they are protected from refoulement, treated with dignity, and provided with an effective remedy,” said Anna Błaszczak-Banasiak, director of Amnesty International Poland.

In a significant diplomatic development, Turkey has eliminated several customs barriers with Armenia, creating opportunities for indirect commercial exchange between the two nations after more than three decades of tense relations.

While Turkey was among the initial nations to acknowledge Armenia’s independence when it broke away from the Soviet Union in 1991, relations soured quickly. Turkey sealed its border with Armenia and suspended all direct commerce in 1993 to support Azerbaijan, its close ally, during the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

The countries have maintained no official diplomatic ties since that time, with their relationship complicated by deep historical animosity rooted in the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman military forces during World War One – events Armenia and numerous other nations classify as genocide.

According to Wednesday’s announcement from Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, the updated trade rules now permit merchandise traveling from Turkey through a third nation to Armenia, or in the opposite direction, to be officially labeled with either “Armenia” or “Turkey” as the final destination or origin point.

Armenia’s economy, which represents only a small portion of Turkey’s economic size and relies heavily on energy imports from Russia and Iran, responded positively to the development.

“This decision is significant for expanding trade and business ties between the two countries, promoting economic connectivity in the region, and ensuring peace and prosperity,” stated Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan, as reported by the Armenpress state news agency.

Currently, both Yerevan and Ankara are engaged in discussions about reopening their 311-kilometer (193-mile) shared border.

Turkey has expressed willingness to reopen this eastern boundary, but only under the condition that Armenia finalizes a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, a nation sharing cultural and linguistic connections with Turkey. Armenia has also shown interest in border reopening.

Last August, Armenia and Azerbaijan reached a peace framework brokered by the United States to end nearly four decades of hostilities, though they have not yet formalized a comprehensive peace treaty.

A complete peace agreement could dramatically reshape the South Caucasus region, an energy-rich area bordering Russia, Europe, and Iran that serves as a corridor for oil and gas pipelines but remains divided by closed borders and persistent ethnic disputes.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli confirmed Wednesday that efforts to reopen border crossings between the two countries remain ongoing.

Earlier this month, both nations signed an agreement to restore the historic Ani Bridge, a 10th-century structure that crosses a river along their mutual frontier.

LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is battling to save his political career as King Charles III prepares to deliver the government’s legislative agenda to Parliament on Wednesday. The embattled Labour leader is facing mounting pressure to resign following devastating electoral defeats last week that have thrown his leadership into question.

On Tuesday, Starmer held a crucial meeting at Downing Street with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who many view as a potential successor. The meeting comes as speculation grows about a possible leadership challenge within the Labour Party.

The King’s Speech ceremony follows centuries-old traditions, with the monarch traveling by horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace to Parliament. After donning the Imperial State Crown, King Charles will lead a formal procession to the House of Lords chamber.

In a symbolic display of parliamentary independence, an official known as Black Rod will summon members of the House of Commons, but the chamber doors will be slammed shut and only opened after three ceremonial strikes. The king will then read the government’s legislative program before lawmakers begin days of debate.

During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Starmer acknowledged responsibility for the electoral failures but vowed to continue leading. “I took responsibility for the losses in last week’s elections but would fight on,” he stated.

Several Cabinet members publicly backed the prime minister as they departed Downing Street. Works and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden noted that no one directly confronted Starmer during the meeting, while Business Secretary Peter Kyle praised the prime minister’s “really steadfast leadership.”

Deputy leader David Lammy cautioned Labour members that internal divisions only benefit populist right-wing forces, particularly Reform UK’s Nigel Farage. “He has my full support, and what I say to colleagues is, look, let’s just step back,” Lammy said. “Take a breath.”

However, multiple junior ministers resigned Tuesday, including several first-time lawmakers elected during Labour’s overwhelming victory in July 2024. Housing Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh became the first to quit, calling on Starmer “to do the right thing for the country.”

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, a prominent Labour figure, also stepped down. In her resignation letter, she called Starmer “a good man fundamentally” but criticized his inability to implement significant reforms.

Labour’s popularity has collapsed despite removing the Conservative Party from power after 14 years of rule. Critics point to policy failures, economic struggles, and questions about Starmer’s judgment, including his controversial selection of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite Mandelson’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Political observers are closely watching Health Secretary Streeting, who enjoys strong support among Labour lawmakers. Some speculate he may pressure Starmer to step aside, potentially triggering a cascade of resignations similar to the 2022 downfall of Boris Johnson.

The King’s Speech will outline several key initiatives, including measures to combat the cost of living crisis, establish a national wealth fund for infrastructure investment, and strengthen asylum regulations. Controversial proposals may include eliminating jury trials for certain cases, lowering the voting age to 16, and requiring public officials to cooperate fully with investigations.

With the next general election required by 2029, Labour faces the possibility of losing power if current polling trends continue following last week’s historic local election defeats.

Nigerian military officials are pushing back against reports of massive civilian casualties following an airstrike earlier this month in the country’s northwest region.

Defense officials stated Wednesday they have found no confirmed evidence that non-combatants were killed during the May 10 aerial operation in Zamfara state, dismissing casualty reports as unconfirmed and inaccurate.

The human rights organization Amnesty International claimed earlier this week that the airstrike killed at least 100 civilians when it hit a busy marketplace in Tumfa village. The group called for authorities to launch an immediate inquiry into the incident.

According to Amnesty International, eyewitnesses reported that many victims were women and children. Similar casualty figures have appeared in local news reports.

“No credible, substantiated evidence of civilian casualties has been established through any official assessment or independent verification,” stated Major-General Michael Onoja, the spokesperson for Defense Headquarters.

Onoja explained that the military operation followed international humanitarian guidelines and was aimed at a “confirmed high-level gathering” of militant commanders in the village, based on intelligence from multiple sources.

The defense spokesperson acknowledged that verifying casualties immediately after such operations is challenging, but said follow-up assessments confirmed that “several terrorists were neutralised.”

Nigerian forces have been engaged in ongoing conflicts with criminal groups in the northwest region, typically referring to these armed groups as terrorists. The military is simultaneously fighting a 17-year-old Islamist insurgency in the country’s northeastern areas.

NEW DELHI, May 13 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has substantially downsized his official motorcade in an effort to conserve fuel, according to a government source who spoke Wednesday. The decision comes just days after Modi called on Indian citizens to implement cost-cutting measures as energy prices climb due to the ongoing Iran conflict.

On Sunday, Modi made a public appeal encouraging people to embrace frugal spending habits, which included limiting non-essential international trips, utilizing public transportation, decreasing gold buying, and reducing cooking oil consumption. The prime minister cited mounting global energy costs that are straining India’s foreign currency reserves.

After Modi’s public statement, social media users began criticizing the extensive motorcades used by top Indian officials, along with Modi’s domestic air travel and his planned European trip aboard the official government plane.

The government source explained that Modi’s motorcade vehicle count was decreased while maintaining necessary security elements, following guidelines from the Special Protection Group responsible for protecting the prime minister. The source did not reveal specific numbers regarding the motorcade’s current size.

Modi receives the nation’s top level of personal protection, and his motorcade previously included approximately twelve vehicles before the recent reduction.

The prime minister implemented smaller motorcades during this week’s trips to Gujarat, his home state, and Assam in northeastern India, according to the source. Modi has also requested the addition of electric vehicles to his motorcade when practical, but without purchasing new ones.

The source requested anonymity since they lacked authorization to discuss the matter with reporters.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

India ranks as the globe’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, depending significantly on supplies from the Strait of Hormuz for crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and cooking gas. The waterway has been affected by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Rising oil costs pose risks of expanding India’s current account deficit, damaging economic growth, and increasing inflation as Washington and Tehran work toward ending hostilities, over a month after a fragile ceasefire temporarily halted fighting.

While India has not yet increased petrol and diesel prices, an uptick is expected soon due to Middle Eastern developments.

The Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan announced Wednesday that legislator Puma Shen will represent them in the upcoming Taipei mayoral race, despite Beijing having imposed sanctions on him for activities China labels as promoting “separatism.”

The November elections for mayors and county leaders across Taiwan will serve as an important indicator of political sentiment before the island’s next presidential election scheduled for early 2028. China considers Taiwan part of its territory.

Shen faces an uphill battle against incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an from the opposition Kuomintang party, as polling data suggests Chiang maintains strong support for reelection.

During a press conference introducing Shen, President Lai Ching-te, who also leads the DPP, praised the candidate as “first rate talent” with deep appreciation for Taiwan’s democratic transformation from authoritarian governance.

“He also understands that the greatest threat to democracy and human rights still comes from China, and so he has actively engaged in efforts to counter cognitive warfare and disinformation, building Taiwan’s social defence resilience,” Lai added.

Beijing imposed sanctions on Shen in 2024, targeting both him and the Kuma Academy he helped establish. This organization conducts civilian defense training to help residents prepare for potential military action from China.

The sanctions prevent Shen from entering China and block the academy from conducting operations there, though these restrictions carry minimal real-world impact since DPP leadership rarely visits China and would be prohibited from running such programs regardless.

Taiwan’s government, led by the DPP, maintains that Beijing lacks legal authority over the island and insists that only Taiwan’s citizens can determine their political future.

Shen earned his doctorate in criminology and law from the University of California, Irvine. Both he and Chiang speak fluent English and frequently interact with international visitors.

The DPP has achieved victory in Taipei’s mayoral race just once, when Chen Shui-bian governed the city from 1994 to 1998 before becoming Taiwan’s first DPP president.

In the 2022 local elections, the DPP secured control of five cities and counties compared to the KMT’s 14 victories.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued alerts Wednesday about potential Russian drone assaults throughout the day, reporting that over 100 drones had entered Ukrainian airspace as Moscow shifts its attack strategy to daytime operations.

“Russia continues its strikes and is doing so brazenly – deliberately targeting our railway infrastructure and civilian sites in our cities,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X.

Moscow has traditionally conducted major drone and missile assaults under cover of darkness since the conflict began more than four years ago. However, recent weeks have seen Russia repeatedly launching hundreds of drones and missiles during daylight hours.

The military set a new record for weapons deployed in a single assault on March 24. Daytime strikes cause greater disruption to everyday civilian activities.

“It is important to repel every attack with resilience. It is important to support Ukraine and not remain silent about Russia’s war,” Zelenskyy added.

Ukrainian air defense forces confirmed that Russia launched 139 drones against the nation starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday (1500 GMT), with 111 successfully intercepted or disabled.

While Moscow claims it does not deliberately target civilians, thousands have died during the conflict. Russian officials justify strikes on civilian infrastructure as legitimate military targets that weaken Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Ukraine has recently escalated its own long-distance attacks on Russian energy facilities, though on a more limited scale.

Ukrainian forces launched renewed drone strikes against Russian energy facilities Wednesday, marking the first major attacks since a temporary ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump concluded two days earlier.

The coordinated assault targeted oil refineries and port facilities across Russia as Ukraine continues its strategy of disrupting Moscow’s energy revenues to weaken its war capabilities in the ongoing four-year conflict.

Russian defense officials reported intercepting and destroying 286 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions during overnight operations Wednesday.

In Russia’s southern Krasnodar region, falling drone debris sparked a blaze near an industrial complex in Volna village, close to the Taman port where oil and other energy products are processed, according to regional officials.

Another Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire at a gas processing and fuel production facility in Russia’s Astrakhan region, local authorities confirmed.

Regional Governor Igor Babushkin posted on Telegram that “All enemy aircraft were either shot down or neutralised by electronic warfare systems. The debris caused a fire.”

Babushkin reported no injuries or fatalities from the incident and said firefighters expected to contain the blaze within hours.

The targeted facility sits near the Caspian Sea, approximately 1,040 miles from Ukraine’s border.

President Donald Trump plans to make artificial intelligence a central topic during his upcoming discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, marking the first time AI has taken such prominence in high-level diplomatic talks, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the planning.

The meeting comes at a time when competition between America and China in artificial intelligence has escalated into what some experts describe as resembling a nuclear arms race from the Cold War era. The urgency for dialogue has increased following Anthropic’s release of its advanced Mythos AI model, which has raised concerns on both sides, analysts report.

Chinese officials were denied early access to preview the Mythos system, sparking worries that the technology might be used maliciously to infiltrate Chinese software infrastructure and banking networks.

The inclusion of NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang and senior White House technology policy adviser Michael Kratsios in Trump’s diplomatic team indicates that serious discussions about AI and NVIDIA’s advanced H200 processors may feature prominently in the summit talks.

Beijing has proposed establishing a formal AI communication framework headed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese deputy finance minister Liao Min, according to a source with knowledge of China’s diplomatic outreach. This proposed dialogue was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Expectations remain modest, however, since neither agency specializes in artificial intelligence matters, and the Trump administration has only recently begun pursuing safety reviews for cutting-edge AI systems.

White House representatives have recognized that sophisticated AI technologies like Mythos necessitate establishing a “channel of communication” with China to prevent conflicts from emerging during their implementation.

Research firm IDC China cautions that excluding Chinese companies from Mythos access could widen a “generational gap” in AI defense capabilities between China and Western nations.

Anthropic announced last month that Mythos discovered “thousands” of significant security flaws in operating systems and software, prompting banks and governments worldwide to urgently strengthen their cybersecurity protections.

The United States has previously established technology safeguards with Beijing, particularly regarding nuclear proliferation, and in 2024 both countries agreed that human oversight, not AI systems, must govern nuclear weapon decisions.

Researchers now warn that the risks are escalating: sophisticated AI could speed up biological weapons development, cause financial market disruptions, enhance cyber attacks and misinformation efforts, and potentially operate beyond human oversight as “rogue” systems acting independently.

Both nations could establish a blame-free communication line to report suspected AI-related incidents, suggested Kwan Yee Ng, who leads international AI governance at Beijing-based AI safety firm Concordia AI.

“Getting senior Western figures to engage directly with China (on AI) has become increasingly difficult, though a positive signal from the Xi-Trump summit could change that,” Ng stated.

While a military communication line exists, U.S. officials have criticized China for frequently failing to respond to calls.

Additional experts recommend creating safety measures for advanced AI models or pledging to decrease AI-powered malicious activities, similar to the 2015 U.S.-China Cybersecurity Agreement.

“China likely hopes the U.S. will appropriately distinguish between AI governance and technological containment,” said Sun Chenghao from Tsinghua University, who has taken part in unofficial U.S.-China Track II AI discussions.

As AI competition intensifies, U.S. legislators are advocating for extensive new restrictions on China’s semiconductor supply chain access, while the Trump administration simultaneously relaxes certain limits on advanced chip exports to China.

The MATCH Act has prompted objections from Beijing and may be discussed during summit meetings, alongside current U.S. chip export restrictions, according to three sources knowledgeable about the situation.

“This is a really crucial window for Beijing to act and try to get the U.S. to commit to shutting it down,” said Reva Goujon, a geopolitical strategist at Rhodium Group.

Although Chinese AI companies like DeepSeek increasingly emphasize their dependence on domestic processors, U.S. restrictions on chip manufacturing equipment continue to hinder Beijing’s self-reliance efforts as domestic factories struggle to increase production. Power computing shortages have compelled numerous Chinese AI systems to limit user access in recent months.

Conflicts are also intensifying on another issue: the White House has charged China with large-scale theft of American AI laboratories’ intellectual property.

In a sharp editorial last week, the Communist Party’s primary publication cautioned that Western AI policies have evolved beyond focused restrictions to what it termed a “systematic ecosystem blockade” against China.

“When one side sees AI as a proliferation risk to be contained and the other sees containment as an attack on a general-purpose technology, that makes it really difficult to find common ground,” Ng explained.

Tensions from the Middle East conflict are expected to complicate a gathering of foreign ministers from BRICS nations beginning Thursday in New Delhi, potentially hampering the economic bloc’s efforts to issue a unified statement.

The alliance, which started with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has grown to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates in recent years.

Tehran has pressed India, which holds the BRICS chairmanship for 2026, to leverage the organization’s platform in building support for condemnation of U.S. and Israeli military actions in the Gulf region.

The most significant disagreements have surfaced between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, nations positioned on opposite sides of a conflict that began February 28 with U.S. and Israeli military operations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi plans to arrive Wednesday evening for the two-day conference running through May 15, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also scheduled to participate.

UAE representation at the gathering remains unclear. Recent tensions have escalated following reports of military strikes by UAE and Saudi Arabian forces against Iran in response to Iranian attacks.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted in March that direct involvement of certain BRICS members in the conflict had made it “difficult for us to forge a consensus.”

A separate ministry official expressed optimism to Reuters about achieving a joint declaration following the ministerial discussions.

“Glad that the foreign ministers from all the BRICS countries, except China who is otherwise tied up, are coming. This is a good sign on efforts to build a BRICS coalition around a matter of interest to emerging economies and the global south,” commented former Indian diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri.

“Of course political solutions are difficult but the fact that they are meeting is positive and hopefully it will lead to a way forward.”

Rising energy costs from the conflict have forced several BRICS countries, including India, to implement emergency economic protection measures for their markets and citizens.

Beijing has maintained a relatively neutral position thus far, reflecting its strong relationships with both Iran and Arab nations with Sunni majorities.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong will attend in place of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who cannot travel due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing this week.

A fire erupted at a Russian gas processing facility Wednesday following a Ukrainian drone strike in the southern Astrakhan region, according to local officials.

Regional Governor Igor Babushkin reported on Telegram that Ukrainian aircraft targeted the area but were intercepted. “All enemy aircraft were either shot down or neutralised by electronic warfare systems,” Babushkin wrote on Telegram. “The debris caused a fire.”

The governor confirmed no one was hurt in the incident and said crews expected to put out the flames within several hours.

The affected facility sits near the Caspian Sea, approximately 1,040 miles away from Ukraine’s border.

MOSCOW, May 13 – Russia’s top diplomat expressed frustration Wednesday over the lack of concrete progress in US-Russia relations, despite optimistic statements about cooperation possibilities.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged that while there has been encouraging talk about the vast potential for US-Russia partnerships, actual developments have been absent.

Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential race, the new administration opened communication channels with Russian President Vladimir Putin and made multiple pledges to bring the Ukraine conflict to an end, though a peaceful resolution remains out of reach.

Speaking to RT India in English, Lavrov noted that promising statements regarding collaboration in technology, energy, and various other sectors have failed to materialize into tangible results. He did express Moscow’s gratitude for Trump’s efforts to begin conversations with Russian leadership.

“However, nothing is happening in real life,” stated Lavrov, who has held the foreign minister position since 2004, according to a transcript released by Russia’s Foreign Ministry.

The veteran diplomat observed that current discussions with Moscow mirror those that took place during Joe Biden’s presidency. “Aside from this regular dialogue — which is normal in relations between people and countries — everything else follows the pattern initiated by President Biden,” Lavrov explained.

“The sanctions imposed under him have remained in force. Moreover, the Trump administration has adopted its own initiatives in order to punish Russia’s economy.”

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Rising fuel prices triggered by the Iran conflict are pushing desperate consumers across Asia to embrace rooftop solar energy systems, creating a potential financial boon for China as the globe’s dominant solar technology supplier.

The Philippines, currently facing a national energy crisis, conducted a survey of 20 regional solar companies that revealed weekly installations jumped 70% with customer inquiries increasing six-fold since hostilities commenced.

“This crisis is a driving force for solar,” said Brenda Valerio of the nonprofit New Energy Nexus, which conducted the survey. “People want solar and people want solar now.”

China appears positioned to capitalize on war-driven demand. Chinese clean technology equipment exports reached record levels in March, according to energy think tank Ember, while global solar interest continues climbing.

“China really is, by far, leading this race,” said Li Shuo, director of the Asia Society Policy Institute’s China Climate Hub, who described the renewable industry as “a one-man show.”

The Philippines, heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude oil and liquefied natural gas, ranks among Southeast Asian nations most severely affected by Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Domestic airlines are considering fuel rationing measures. Public transportation workers are receiving emergency cash assistance. Gasoline and diesel costs have surged dramatically. Government offices have adopted four-day work schedules and must maintain air conditioning temperatures at 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher to preserve energy.

Climate nonprofit 350.org estimates that oil and gas price increases during the Iran war’s initial 60 days have cost Filipino consumers, businesses and public institutions over $600 million.

“When we got our energy bill after the Iran war broke out, we were very shocked. It was wow. It was a significant increase,” said Jaime Quemado, who recently purchased a rooftop solar system in Manila.

Quemado also expressed growing worries about possible power outages, prompting his search for alternative energy sources like “solar, which is very abundant here in the Philippines.”

Consumer interest in rooftop solar systems skyrocketed from approximately 115 inquiries in February, before the Iran war started on Feb. 28, to over 450 by mid-April, the New Energy Nexus survey showed.

Solar organizations must “ride this wave and take advantage of this momentum,” Valerio said.

During two scorching days in Manila, EcoSolutions technicians endured extreme heat while installing an 18-kilowatt rooftop solar array featuring 28 panels from major Chinese manufacturer LONGi and four batteries from Suzhou-based battery company Dyness.

The conflict has “helped the solar industry really get its footing,” EcoSolutions president Richmond Reyes said.

Joel Remegio of the Association of Solar Installers of the Philippines called the energy crisis a “game changer” for the country’s emerging solar sector.

Clean technology like rooftop solar can be rapidly deployed because it is “accessible to all of us,” according to Marissa Cerezo of the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau.

This “gives us the power to choose them,” she said.

Solar adoption is spreading throughout Southeast Asia.

Indonesia established an aggressive goal to deploy 100 gigawatts of rooftop solar by 2034, a dramatic increase from its current 1.3 gigawatts. Vietnam aims to install rooftop solar on at least 10% of government buildings and residences nationwide by 2030. Thailand is evaluating new policies to enhance rooftop solar benefits by expanding the amount of excess energy the national grid can purchase.

The energy crisis is motivating these decisions, according to Yu Sun Chin of the research group Zero Carbon Analytics.

“It totally makes sense for policymakers to take another look at rooftop solar and see ways that they can save costs,” she said.

Online marketplaces and utility companies throughout the United States and Europe have also documented increases in solar sales and inquiries since the Iran war started.

“Solar is definitely one of the easiest things people can do” to reduce monthly electricity costs, said Jan Rosenow, a professor of energy and climate policy at Oxford University.

The accessibility and cost-effectiveness of rooftop solar make it the most practical clean technology option given the higher expenses for purchasing electric vehicles or installing heat pumps, Rosenow said.

Ember, the energy think tank, reported China exported 68 gigawatts worth of clean technology products in March, matching Spain’s total solar capacity and doubling its February production. The Iran war is accelerating global energy transformation, Ember determined.

Exports to Africa reached 10 gigawatts, a 176% increase from February, with substantial growth in Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia. Exports to other Asian countries doubled to 39 gigawatts, including significant increases to India, Malaysia and Laos.

Ramnath Iyer of the U.S.-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis said the transition’s pace depends on whether world leaders “decide to go ahead with electrification and move away from fossil fuels.”

Li of the China Climate Hub noted Chinese companies maintained excess inventory of solar panels and other equipment before the war, positioning them perfectly to exploit current demand.

“When it comes to the clean tech sector, China at this point in time is already so far ahead,” Li said. “The current situation in Iran will help China cement its dominance.”

Spain’s government is moving forward with comprehensive technology regulations designed to make social media platforms and artificial intelligence systems safer, even as major tech companies intensify their lobbying efforts to stop the proposed rules.

Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez told Reuters that corporate interests won’t derail the country’s regulatory plans. “The profit of four tech companies cannot come at the expense of the rights of millions,” Lopez stated, noting that “powerful voices” are working to oppose measures that would restrict dangerous AI applications and require companies to reveal how their social media recommendation systems operate.

Lopez’s statements align with recent remarks from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who announced Tuesday that the Commission plans to target harmful and addictive features used by social media companies through its forthcoming Digital Fairness Act.

Spain joins a growing international movement, alongside Australia, France and Greece, in pursuing stricter tech oversight. In February, Spanish lawmakers introduced legislation to prohibit social media access for teenagers, with the bill currently advancing through parliament. Additional proposed rules would make platform executives personally liable for hate speech content appearing on their services.

The regulatory push drew harsh criticism from X owner Elon Musk, who labeled Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez both a tyrant and totalitarian figure.

According to Lopez, Spain prefers coordinating with other European Union nations rather than acting alone, since unified rules across the 400-million-person bloc would be more effective than individual country approaches. He cautioned that supporters of unrestricted tech policies will eventually regret championing “the law of the jungle.”

The minister connected Spain’s regulatory drive to mounting concerns about online harassment, cyberbullying, and artificially generated explicit images targeting minors, particularly young girls. Lopez characterized the psychological effects on children as reaching pandemic levels.

Spain has emerged as a leading European voice promoting what Lopez termed “trustworthy AI” – technology frameworks that prioritize privacy protection, democratic values, child safety and public welfare over rapid deployment and maximum profits.

When asked about identifying anonymous users who commit online crimes, Lopez emphasized that digital anonymity shouldn’t provide legal immunity. “What isn’t legal in the real world cannot be legal in the virtual world. Full stop,” he declared.

The leader of Cyprus believes the United Nations could present a new peace proposal to heal the island’s long-standing division before UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres completes his current term in December.

President Nikos Christodoulides, speaking for the Greek Cypriot community in ongoing discussions with Turkish Cypriots, shared these remarks during a Tuesday evening television interview with Alpha TV Cyprus.

According to Christodoulides, he received word that Guterres felt optimistic following conversations with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during March meetings.

“We might be close to developments, which may lead to a peace plan,” Christodoulides stated during the broadcast.

The Mediterranean island nation has remained partitioned since 1974, when Turkish forces occupied the northern territory following a military coup backed by Greece.

The roots of the conflict trace back to shortly after Cyprus gained independence from British rule in 1960, when a joint governing arrangement between the two ethnic communities broke down amid violent clashes.

Today, Greek Cypriots operate the internationally recognized government in the southern portion, while Turkish Cypriots manage the northern region, with a United Nations-monitored neutral zone separating the two areas.

Previous substantial peace talks fell apart in 2017 due to disputes over Turkey’s potential involvement in a proposed federal system that would have created two autonomous regions under a unified central authority.

Back in 2004, Greek Cypriots voted down a UN reunification proposal, citing inadequate provisions for security guarantees, questions about the sustainability of the merged nation, and unresolved property claims for thousands of displaced residents.

Turkish Cypriots, whose northern territory receives recognition only from Turkey, had supported that earlier proposal.

South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced Wednesday that his country is exploring ways to gradually support maritime security operations in the Strait of Hormuz, following high-level discussions with American defense officials.

During a press briefing with South Korean journalists in Washington, Ahn revealed details of his Monday meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, where Seoul outlined its position on potential involvement in the strategic waterway.

“We said at about this level that, fundamentally, we will participate as a responsible member of the international community and that we will review ways to contribute in a phased manner,” Ahn stated, according to confirmation from Seoul’s defense ministry.

The minister outlined several potential forms of graduated assistance, including diplomatic backing, personnel deployment, intelligence sharing, and providing military equipment. However, he emphasized that detailed conversations about expanding South Korean military presence had not occurred.

“There was no deep discussion on something like specifically expanding our military’s participation,” he explained, noting that any future commitments would require approval through South Korea’s domestic legal processes.

Wi Sung-lac, who serves as South Korea’s presidential national security adviser, told reporters during a Wednesday roundtable that the government is examining whether to join America’s Maritime Freedom Construct, designed to protect shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The defense talks occurred one day after Seoul condemned an assault on a South Korean-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz the previous week. South Korea’s presidential administration issued strong criticism of the incident while maintaining that investigations into who was responsible remain ongoing.

Ahn confirmed he addressed the ship attack with American officials, stating that Seoul would determine its response only after completing its investigation.

During Monday’s meeting, Hegseth emphasized Washington’s expectation for allies to “stand shoulder-to-shoulder” against increasing global security challenges, referencing President Donald Trump’s authorization of Operation Epic Fury as demonstration of the administration’s commitment.

The U.S. Defense Secretary commended Seoul’s plans to boost military spending and take on greater security responsibilities for the Korean Peninsula, describing it as effective alliance burden-sharing.

Ahn reported that Hegseth showed understanding regarding South Korea’s stance on a conditions-based transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from American forces, along with Seoul’s objective to complete this transition quickly.

However, the minister noted that Washington maintained a “slightly different view” on the OPCON transfer timeline, adding that South Korea would continue working to align American perspectives with their position.

President Lee Jae Myung’s government has indicated its intention to finalize the operational control process during his presidency, which extends through 2030, once the country satisfies military capability requirements previously agreed upon with Washington.

The defense leaders also discussed other partnership matters, including South Korea’s plans for developing nuclear-powered submarines.

Ahn clarified that their discussions did not address potential reductions in U.S. military personnel stationed in South Korea or changes to the strategic flexibility of American troops deployed in the country.

French President Emmanuel Macron is under fire following a controversial moment at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya where he took over the stage to silence what he deemed disruptive audience members.

The French leader left his seat and approached the stage during a presentation featuring artists and young entrepreneurs, taking the microphone to address what he characterized as a “total lack of respect” from attendees who were talking during the session. Speaking in English, Macron told the crowd he would “restore order” after becoming visibly agitated by the noise level in the room.

The Monday incident quickly gained traction on social media platforms, generating mixed reactions ranging from support to sharp criticism and ridicule.

The summit represents France’s attempt to redefine its relationship with African nations, moving away from its historical role as a dominant colonial force toward what French officials characterize as an equal partnership. During Tuesday’s proceedings, Macron unveiled a $27 billion investment package targeting multiple African sectors including energy, artificial intelligence, and agriculture.

While some attendees supported Macron’s intervention, others viewed it as inappropriate and reminiscent of colonial-era attitudes.

“Just imagine what would happen if an African leader did the same thing in America or Europe,” commented Thierno Mbaye, a history student at a Dakar university. “He acted like a schoolteacher scolding children,” Mbaye explained to The Associated Press.

The criticism extended to France itself, where lawmakers questioned Macron’s approach.

“It’s stronger than him: as soon as he sets foot on the African continent, he can’t help but behave like a colonizer,” wrote Danièle Obono, a representative from the hard-left France Unbowed party, in a social media post.

The 30-nation summit, scheduled to conclude Tuesday with a signed declaration from all participating heads of state, occurs during a period of strained relations between France and several of its former West African colonies.

For decades, France maintained what critics called “Françafrique” – a system of economic, political, and military influence that included deploying thousands of troops throughout regions under its former control.

Following sustained criticism from African leaders and opposition groups who described France’s approach as condescending and heavy-handed, the country has pulled most of its military presence from the region. The troop withdrawal from Senegal was completed in July.

Macron had already generated controversy before the summit began when he declared during a Sunday press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto that “we are the true Pan-Africanists.”

“We believe that Africa is a continent, and that this continent has an enormous amount to build,” Macron stated.

The Pan-Africanist movement historically focuses on African unity and the elimination of colonial influence, making Macron’s claim particularly provocative given France’s extensive colonial history across the continent.

“Pan Africanism is not a brand, Mr. Macron, neither is it a diplomatic posture,” Togolese human rights activist Farida Nabourema wrote in a Monday open letter. “It is a political philosophy that said no to everything France spent three centuries saying yes to: slavery, colonialism and neocolonialism.”

Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst with geopolitical risk consultancy Control Risks, suggested Macron is attempting to recover from France’s diplomatic and military failures in West Africa by focusing on eastern African nations where France maintains better relationships.

Ochieng noted that Macron’s statements raise questions about whether France’s renewed African engagement represents genuine equal partnership or simply strategic rhetoric.

French government officials from both the presidency and Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

On Tuesday, Macron emphasized that Paris would respect African nations’ independence, stating that “sovereignty and autonomy is shared, and your success is our success.”

Alioune Tine, who founded the Afrikajom Center think tank, interpreted Macron’s Pan-Africanist claim as potentially targeting Russia, which has emerged as France’s replacement as a security partner in several West African countries.

“When Macron describes himself as the ‘true’ pan-Africanist, it is also a subtle response to the pro-Russian pan-Africanist voices online, which French officials tend to view as inauthentic or politically manipulated,” Tine explained.

Tine acknowledged that Western powers, including France, typically maintain paternalistic relationships with African states, but credited Macron with attempting to move away from colonial practices through a more informal diplomatic approach designed to rebuild trust.

An Ipsos poll commissioned by the French Foreign Ministry and conducted in nine African countries prior to the summit found that 74% of respondents maintain a positive view of France. The highest approval ratings came from English-speaking nations and respondents under 35 years old.

Macron, who became the first French president born after the colonial period, promised following his 2017 election victory to fundamentally restructure France’s relationship with African nations.

LONDON — Britain’s King Charles III will present his government’s legislative priorities to Parliament members Wednesday during the traditional ceremonial opening, complete with the historic pageantry that marks this significant political event.

The central question remains whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer will survive politically to execute these plans, and if he does weather the current governmental turmoil, whether he’ll possess sufficient political capital to advance his agenda through Parliament.

This King’s Speech represents Starmer’s second effort to rescue his leadership position following devastating defeats for his Labour Party in recent local and regional voting. These electoral setbacks have further undermined his already fragile hold on authority and intensified demands from Labour Party colleagues for his resignation, as they argue Starmer has failed to aggressively address escalating living costs, economic disparity, and deteriorating public infrastructure.

Starmer’s troubles deepened following his Monday address to party members, which was promoted as the beginning of his political comeback. Critics dismissed the speech as “tone deaf” and lacking the decisive policy measures necessary to address Britain’s challenges. Cabinet member Jess Phillips, who served as Safeguarding Minister, stepped down Tuesday, stating the administration needed to “have a row, push back, make arguments, bring people along.”

Wednesday’s King’s Speech will highlight the contrast between Britain’s ceremonial grandeur and its contemporary challenges as a medium-sized nation facing military budget constraints, mounting debt, and diminished global standing. The country continues wrestling with immigration control and funding essential services including healthcare and education.

The royal address forms part of Parliament’s state opening ceremony, a cornerstone political tradition featuring elaborate ceremonial displays that demonstrate Britain’s transformation from absolute monarchy to parliamentary democracy, where true authority rests with the elected House of Commons.

Political observers will scrutinize this year’s proceedings particularly closely given Starmer’s vulnerable political standing.

Expected legislative proposals include measures targeting the cost-of-living emergency, establishing a national wealth fund to encourage private infrastructure investment, and strengthening asylum seeker regulations. Additional possibilities include the administration’s disputed plan to eliminate jury trials for certain cases in England and Wales, reducing the voting age to 16, and implementing a “duty of candor” requiring public officials to provide truthful testimony and cooperate with investigations.

Starmer’s challenge lies in the fact that many anticipated proposals have already been publicly announced, raising doubts about his ability to satisfy skeptical party members.

Nevertheless, the speech anchors a day steeped in ceremony and tradition maintained since 1852, incorporating customs dating to the 1500s.

The monarch customarily journeys from Buckingham Palace to Parliament, covering less than one mile in a horse-drawn carriage. Upon arrival, he assumes the Imperial State Crown and ceremonial robes before leading a formal procession into the House of Lords chamber.

An official known as Black Rod, named for the ceremonial ebony staff carried, proceeds to the House of Commons to invite members to the joint parliamentary session. Commons chamber doors are ceremonially shut in Black Rod’s presence to demonstrate the chamber’s independence from royal authority, reopening only after Black Rod strikes the doors three times.

Following the Commons members’ entry into the Lords chamber, the monarch reads a government-authored speech outlining the legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session.

After the address concludes and the king departs, both parliamentary houses commence several days of debate regarding the speech’s contents.

LONDON — The Princess of Wales is planning her first international journey since revealing her cancer has gone into remission, with a scheduled visit to Italy dedicated to studying early childhood education methods.

Catherine, widely known as Kate, will visit the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia to examine their innovative child-focused educational philosophy, which has gained international recognition among educators worldwide. Her office describes the journey as an international research mission to investigate various methods of supporting young children and their caregivers.

The destination selection for Kate’s initial foreign travel following her 2024 cancer battle was deliberate, as early childhood development represents the primary charitable focus for the future queen and mother of three children.

“She wants to make a point that she is going to keep making this her cause,” explained Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty Magazine.

The educational philosophy practiced in Reggio Emilia centers on recognizing that children possess multiple ways of thinking, learning and communicating, requiring educators to collaborate with students in their learning journey.

According to Kensington Palace officials, the visit will emphasize how environmental factors and human connections surrounding children are essential for building foundations for resilient and healthy development.

“The Reggio Emilia approach clearly suits the narrative at the start of international operations,” Little noted.

This trip supports her leadership of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, established in 2021 to raise awareness about the critical importance of supporting children during their first five years.

The 44-year-old princess, among Britain’s most beloved royal family members, has demonstrated exceptional ability to draw public attention to causes she champions.

When Catherine revealed her completed chemotherapy treatment through a professionally produced social media video, she entered territory previously unexplored by royal family members, who historically avoided discussing personal health matters publicly.

Her approach utilized modern communication methods, sharing through social platforms how cancer disrupted her privileged life, creating connection with countless others facing similar battles.

Subsequently, when announcing her remission status, she dedicated time to supporting fellow cancer patients at the medical facility where she received her own care.

Through social media, she expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her and Prince William throughout the challenging treatment and recovery period. During her visit to London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, she embraced patients and praised her own medical care as outstanding.

“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery,” the princess wrote in a message signed with her initial, C. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.”

Her current normal includes serving as the primary advocate for early childhood education, encompassing learning and development for children from birth through age five.

Significant work remains in Britain, where advocates report insufficient available spaces and inadequately trained educators.

Edoardo Masset, associate research director at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, emphasized the importance of Kate’s early childhood development focus for bringing attention to issues significantly impacting children.

“This relationship between early years education and success later in life is supported not only by strong theoretical arguments, but also by a large body of evidence on the effectiveness of programs for preschool children,” Masset wrote in a blog post.

SYDNEY, May 13 — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has implemented significant changes to property investment tax incentives, sparking praise from prospective homebuyers while drawing sharp criticism from real estate investors in what analysts view as a pivotal policy decision for his second term.

The Labor administration reduced tax write-offs for property investors and modified the capital gains tax structure in Tuesday’s budget announcement, abandoning the previous flat 50% discount for assets owned longer than one year in favor of an inflation-adjusted system. This represents a reversal of campaign commitments made during last year’s election cycle.

The policy changes carry exceptional significance in Australia, where real estate investment dominates national financial planning and wealth-building strategies, despite housing costs ranking among the globe’s least affordable markets.

Government officials prepared for the announcement by emphasizing generational equity concerns, a messaging strategy political experts believe targets younger demographics. Early responses revealed a clear divide, with many young Australians supporting the reforms while current investors expressed doubts about their impact.

“I think for too long, the way that tax has been set up in this country massively benefits those who already have wealth, those who already have assets, those who already own homes, those who are already investing,” said Sharath Mahendran, a 24-year-old student in Sydney who does not own a home and supports the changes.

However, Jack Henderson, a 29-year-old investor who owns 17 properties, argued the modifications would unfairly burden smaller-scale investors lacking sophisticated tax planning resources.

“Your normal mum-and-dad investor who is literally just trying to get ahead by buying one or two investment properties, which is over 80% of property investors in Australia, that’s who it’s going to affect, which is sad,” he said. “They’re not going to know what to do.”

The capital gains tax discount, established in 1999 under a conservative coalition administration, combined with years of declining interest rates and substantial immigration, has pushed housing costs beyond reach for typical Australians without family wealth.

During his budget presentation, Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlighted that residential property values have increased more than 400% since 1999, outpacing average wage growth by a factor of two.

Currently, Australia claims five positions among the 15 least affordable cities globally based on price-to-income ratios, with only Hong Kong’s densely populated market exceeding Sydney’s costs, according to Demographia research.

Labor previously suffered electoral defeat in 2019 while campaigning on similar reform proposals. The party gained confidence after securing power in 2022 and significantly expanding its parliamentary majority in last year’s election, though observers still anticipated the capital gains and negative gearing policies would remain untouched.

Chalmers acknowledged Wednesday that the policy shift would prove “very politically contentious,” while conservative opposition leaders condemned the administration for violating election promises and pledged to resist the changes.

Political analysts characterized the move as surprisingly aggressive for the typically cautious Albanese.

“Once they won with such a massive majority, what really came out of that was not so much of a vindication of their election strategy, but pressure from voters to say, ‘hey, you don’t have any excuses anymore’,” said Greg Jericho, chief economist at the Australia Institute think tank.

Last year’s election marked the first time Millennial and Generation Z voters exceeded Baby Boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — who have predominantly benefited from existing tax advantages.

Chalmers projected that 75,000 prospective homebuyers previously excluded from the housing market would gain purchasing power through these policy adjustments.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear and increasingly unacceptable to see so many young Australians, and Australians more broadly, locked out of the dream of owning their first home,” Chalmers said in a television interview on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to land in Beijing today for crucial diplomatic meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts continue without resolution.

The president’s delegation includes several prominent business leaders, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang being a recent addition to the traveling party. Trump has stated his goal is to “open up China” through these discussions.

Prior to the scheduled talks, Chinese officials have emphasized their position on Taiwan, declaring their opposition to Taiwanese independence is “as firm as a rock” and their ability to “crush” separatist movements remains “unbreakable.”

However, there are indications of possible cooperation between the two nations. Both countries are exploring the possibility of extending an agreement regarding Chinese restrictions on rare earth exports, though customs records indicate Beijing continues to limit shipments of these materials essential for defense and manufacturing sectors.

Meanwhile, the economic impact of Middle Eastern tensions has begun affecting financial markets, particularly following Tuesday’s inflation report that exceeded expectations.

Market analysts have essentially eliminated the possibility of Federal Reserve interest rate reductions this year, with many now considering rate increases more probable. The likelihood of at least a 25 basis point increase at December’s Federal Reserve meeting has jumped from under 22% to over 35% this week, based on CME’s FedWatch Tool data.

These prospects initially caused market declines on Wednesday, though regional stocks later recovered. S&P 500 e-mini futures gained 0.1% while MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan also rose 0.1% after earlier losses.

South Korean markets experienced significant volatility, dropping as much as 3.2% before rebounding to gain 2.4%. Samsung Electronics saw dramatic swings, falling 6.1% before recovering to trade 1.8% higher, following failed wage negotiations with its South Korean workers union on Wednesday.

This labor dispute could lead more than 50,000 employees to proceed with a comprehensive strike that may disrupt production of artificial intelligence and other semiconductor chips.

European markets showed positive momentum in early trading, with pan-regional futures climbing 0.6%, German DAX futures advancing 0.4%, and FTSE futures gaining 0.5%.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — While Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy markets and cause worldwide economic strain, the nation’s domestic financial crisis is putting severe pressure on its ability to endure ongoing conflict and resist pressure from Washington.

Citizens across Iran are grappling with skyrocketing costs for essential items including food and medical supplies. The nation has simultaneously experienced widespread unemployment and business failures due to strike-related damage to crucial industries and extended government-imposed internet blackouts.

The financial impact of ongoing hostilities and America’s maritime blockade “has been very substantial and unprecedented for Iran,” according to Hadi Kahalzadeh, an Iranian economist and research fellow at Brandeis University.

However, Iran has endured multiple decades of financial pressure and sanctions, and its ability to adjust remains intact, Kahalzadeh noted.

“Iran can probably avoid a complete economic collapse or total shortage of essential goods, but at a very high cost,” he explained. “The main cost will be passed to ordinary Iranians through higher inflation, more poverty, weaker services and a much harder daily life.”

The International Monetary Fund forecasts Iran’s economy will contract by approximately 6 percentage points over the coming year. Government statistics released in mid-April showed yearly inflation reached 53.7%, while food price inflation exceeded 115% compared to the previous year’s figures.

Iran’s rial has simultaneously plummeted, losing more than half its worth over the past twelve months and hitting a historic low of 1.9 million per dollar at the end of last month. These economic hardships contributed to widespread demonstrations that swept the nation in January.

Sitting under an overpass in downtown Tehran, 56-year-old Hossein Farmani waited with fellow taxi drivers for potential passengers. Opening his car’s trunk to retrieve a kettle for tea, he contemplated the dramatic price surges over recent months. Tea prices, like milk and other staples, have increased more than 50% since hostilities began.

“If things keep heading in this direction, we’re going to suffer a lot more,” Farmani said.

While costs had been climbing gradually over two years, an Associated Press survey of Tehran grocery stores revealed dramatic increases since February, before the conflict started: poultry and lamb prices rose 45%, rice climbed 31%, and eggs jumped 60%.

Government officials have announced assistance programs to help citizens cope with crushing expenses. However, many policies — including a 60% minimum wage increase and voucher systems for basic goods — are actually fueling inflation, according to Taymur Rahmani, a University of Tehran economist, writing in the prominent business publication Dunya-ye Eqtesad.

Free public transportation introduced since the conflict began has also hurt the capital’s already struggling taxi operators.

Mohammad Deljoo, a 73-year-old driver waiting nearby, explained he supports his two children on just $4 daily income. While store shelves remain stocked, he attributes problems to “price gouging.”

“We only buy what’s absolutely necessary, things like bread and potatoes. Even eggs have become too expensive for us,” Deljoo said. Vehicle tire and parts costs have increased fivefold within a year.

“One price today, another tomorrow. How is that possible?” he questioned.

Facing widespread layoffs, many citizens are desperately seeking alternative income sources. Ali Asghar Nahardani, 32, said his ride-sharing company hasn’t paid him in over a month, forcing him into street vending to cover basic expenses.

“We’re just living day by day, trying to get through this situation while the war conditions continue,” he explained.

The strait’s closure has driven up global energy costs. Within Iran, however, the conflict represents another blow to a once-thriving middle class already devastated by decades of sanctions.

By 2019, Iran’s middle class had already contracted to approximately 55% of the population, according to Mohammad Farzanegan, a Middle Eastern economics professor at the University of Marburg. Additional sanctions, conflicts, corruption, and poor economic management have further reduced that figure, he said.

The current conflict will likely force millions more Iranians into poverty, based on a United Nations development agency report from late March.

A fitness instructor living in central Tehran characterized the economic emergency as a mental health crisis affecting Iranian society. Many clients can no longer afford her services, and remaining customers increasingly discuss managing depression symptoms.

“The system is just collapsing. The layoffs are in factories, in companies, in startups, in whatever your work is,” she said via Telegram voice message, requesting anonymity due to safety concerns.

The trainer has dramatically reduced grocery purchases.

“The last time I bought meat was about two months ago.” She’s also discontinued therapy sessions started after her divorce last year. “I am pursuing a master’s in psychology so it’s given me the tools to handle my anxieties,” she said.

A Karaj resident near the capital reported his insurance company experiencing plummeting vehicle and property policy sales. Families are sliding into poverty, he said, also speaking anonymously fearing retaliation.

The Karaj resident, who participated in January’s anti-government demonstrations, attributed the prolonged decline to “severe systemic corruption” and the Islamic Republic’s expensive backing of militant organizations in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.

“Most people blame the government and its ambitions,” he wrote via WhatsApp.

Iranian leadership has attempted to maintain domestic support by expressing sympathy while encouraging citizens to endure economic hardship for the war’s sake.

In Friday messages on his official Telegram channel, new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei called the current conflict phase an “economic battlefield” and urged employers to “avoid layoffs as much as possible.” Khamenei, believed injured early in the war by Israeli attacks, has not appeared publicly since.

Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf — who has become a central figure in both war efforts and U.S. negotiations — encouraged Iranians to “be frugal” with spending. He stated on his official Telegram account that government officials and citizens “have a duty to help each other” to minimize economic impacts.

America’s blockade has severely limited Iran’s vital Gulf commerce. More than 90% of Iranian trade, especially oil exports generating billions in revenue, moves through southern ports, Farzanegan estimated.

Farmani, the taxi driver, said he opposes accepting what he called a “humiliating” peace with America and Israel.

“A country that has sacrificed so many martyrs and has so many people willing to give their lives cannot simply let others from across the world dictate terms to us.”

Leaders from the United States and China are expected to discuss prolonging an agreement regarding Chinese restrictions on rare earth mineral exports during their upcoming summit meeting this week. Despite these diplomatic talks, new data from Chinese customs officials reveals that Beijing continues to limit shipments of these essential materials that are crucial for defense systems and manufacturing operations.

The ongoing supply constraints and elevated costs globally highlight how restrictions implemented as a response to President Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs have remained a significant consequence of that policy, even after most of those duties were reduced.

China maintains the strictest controls over several specialized rare earth elements that are produced at large scale only within Chinese borders. These materials are essential for aerospace applications, defense systems, semiconductor production, and powerful magnets used in electronics and manufactured products, including electric vehicles.

Shipments of the heavy rare earth elements yttrium, dysprosium and terbium remain approximately 50% below previous levels since restrictions began in April 2025 compared to the preceding 12-month period, according to Chinese customs records.

The quantities involved are typically measured in tens of tons, and their reduction has been masked by an almost complete recovery in overall rare earth export numbers during the past year.

Ilya Epikhin, senior principal at consultancy Arthur D. Little, explained that “Headline export volumes can be misleading.”

Epikhin added, “China appears to be selectively licensing exports while preserving leverage over supply chains considered strategically sensitive, particularly where defense or advanced technology applications are involved.”

These supply shortages seem to contradict what the White House reports China committed to during a summit in South Korea last October, which was to “effectively eliminate China’s current and proposed controls on rare earth elements.”

Following that summit, China removed a broader range of restrictions but maintained its April 2025 controls. Beijing has consistently justified these measures and states it approves qualifying applications. China’s Ministry of Commerce did not provide responses to Reuters’ inquiries.

The difference between these positions and a potential extension of the October agreement will be discussed when the leaders convene again this week, along with possible Chinese purchases of Boeing aircraft and U.S. agricultural and energy products.

A senior U.S. official informed reporters on Sunday that discussions with Beijing regarding rare earths are ongoing, and both nations seek stability, though it remains uncertain whether the agreement will be extended during or following Trump’s visit.

Additionally, a second U.S. official speaking anonymously told Reuters that supply shortages remain problematic.

The White House recently had to intervene with Beijing to obtain approvals for a major U.S. company with defense and civilian divisions that was losing hundreds of millions in monthly revenue because it could not secure an export license, according to a third U.S. official who declined identification due to lack of authorization to speak publicly.

Reuters previously reported in February that certain U.S. aerospace companies had temporarily halted production due to shortages of yttrium, which is used to shield turbine blades from extreme heat.

A White House official responded to Reuters’ questions by stating, “The President’s team is engaging continuously with China to ensure the flow of rare earths while building out trusted and resilient supply chains.”

While the controls were established in response to Trump’s tariffs, their effects are impacting U.S. allies just as severely as Washington.

Costs outside China since April 2025 have increased between four and five times for dysprosium and terbium and approximately 140 times for yttrium, with prices continuing to rise, according to consultancy Argus data.

This demonstrates how major consumers of Chinese rare earths including Japan and Germany are also experiencing supply cuts that are, in some instances, more severe than those affecting the U.S., Chinese customs data revealed.

Dysprosium is frequently added to magnets to enhance their strength, and since April 2025, Japan, the largest rare earth magnet producer outside China, has received only 4% of the dysprosium it imported during the previous 12 months. Germany has received zero shipments.

Manufacturers are currently paying between 1.5 and 3 times more for magnets than before the controls were implemented, according to Neha Mukherjee, rare earth research manager at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.

Germany, Japan, the U.S., and other nations are funding projects to reduce dependence on China, including a recent G7 initiative focused on alternative supply chains.

Nevertheless, completely replacing China remains years away, according to David Merriman, research director at consultancy Project Blue.

Merriman stated, “The situation looks set to get worse before getting any better.”

BEIJING — While President Donald Trump prepares for his Wednesday arrival in China’s capital, residents of Beijing are carrying on with their normal routines despite the upcoming high-profile diplomatic meeting.

The president’s visit will include meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping that are planned to continue through Friday. During their discussions, the two world leaders plan to address multiple topics including trade relations, Taiwan, and the conflict in Iran, with the United States hoping China will leverage its relationship with Tehran.

The Associated Press has compiled a collection of photographs showing everyday scenes from Beijing as the city prepares for the significant diplomatic visit.

BEIJING, May 13 – Chinese officials delivered stern warnings about Taiwan’s independence movements on Wednesday as President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for high-level diplomatic talks.

During a weekly press conference, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office declared the nation’s determination to prevent Taiwan’s independence remains unwavering, with capabilities to defeat separatist movements described as steadfast.

The status of Taiwan, a democratically-run island that Beijing considers part of its territory, will likely feature prominently in discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their two-day meeting schedule.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pushed back against Beijing’s claims during remarks at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit on Tuesday, describing the island as a free and independent democracy that refuses to yield to external threats.

Chinese officials rejected these assertions outright. Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han dismissed President Lai’s statements during the Beijing briefing.

“No matter how many times Lai Ching-te repeats his lies, even a thousand times, they remain lies, and they will never become the truth,” Zhang Han stated.

“Our resolve to oppose Taiwan independence is as firm as a rock, and our capability to crush Taiwan independence is unbreakable.”

While Beijing maintains it prefers what it calls “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, Chinese leadership has consistently refused to rule out military action to achieve its territorial goals.

The United States serves as Taiwan’s primary international ally and weapons provider, even without official diplomatic recognition. Trump’s administration recently approved an unprecedented $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan in December.

Philip Davis achieved a milestone in Bahamian politics Tuesday, securing victory for his Progressive Liberal Party and becoming the first prime minister to win back-to-back terms in almost three decades.

Speaking to Reuters following the election results, Davis expressed his appreciation for the voters’ decision. “The Bahamian people have spoken, and I receive their verdict with humility and gratitude,” he stated.

The re-elected leader described the outcome as a clear directive from citizens to continue his administration’s work. “This victory is a mandate to keep moving The Bahamas forward, to expand opportunity, strengthen security, ease the pressure on families, and deliver progress across our islands,” Davis explained.

The election results mark a significant political achievement in the Caribbean nation, where leadership changes have been more frequent in recent decades.

Worker compensation in Australia experienced a deceleration during the opening months of 2024, with private companies leading the slowdown in pay increases, according to government statistics released Wednesday from Sydney.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that its wage price index climbed 0.8% during the January-March period, matching the prior quarter’s performance and meeting economist expectations. Year-over-year compensation growth decreased to 3.3% from the previous 3.4%.

Private sector wage increases fell to 3.2% annually, marking the weakest performance since the end of 2022. Government employee pay growth also declined, dropping from 4.0% to 3.3%. The healthcare and social assistance sectors provided the biggest boost to overall wage increases during the quarter.

WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Donald Trump touches down in Beijing this Wednesday, observers will closely monitor the ceremonial reception China provides, including which officials welcome him, the musical selections, and whether local children participate with flowers and flags.

Within China’s strictly structured diplomatic hierarchy, ceremonial events and formal protocols hold significant meaning. Trump’s welcome appears designed to be cordial and appealing to a U.S. president who appreciates grand displays, though it’s expected to fall short of the elaborate “state visit plus” treatment President Xi Jinping provided Trump in 2017.

“That reflects greater Chinese confidence in their position, greater skepticism of Trump, and the awkwardness of the current relationship,” said Rush Doshi, C.V. Starr senior fellow for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and an assistant professor of security studies at Georgetown University.

Over the past nine years, relations between China and the United States have transformed from cooperative engagement to strategic rivalry, reaching particularly low points during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing trade disputes.

According to experts, China’s growing economic influence and its control over global supply chains have strengthened Beijing’s negotiating position, leading to more practical approaches from the Trump administration. The current conflict with Iran, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and destabilized global markets, has further enhanced Xi’s advantageous position entering these talks.

The Iranian conflict, which started with American and Israeli military actions on February 28, forced a postponement of Trump’s originally planned late-March visit. This trip to Beijing will be considerably shorter than his 2017 journey, and first lady Melania Trump will not accompany him.

“The context for this visit is wholly different,” said Danny Russel, a former senior U.S. diplomat, who does not expect Beijing to outdo itself this time in receiving Trump. “The schedule has been compressed to basically one day and stripped down to the basics.”

However, America maintains unique importance in China’s international relationships, and Chinese leaders will still provide Trump with substantial ceremonial grandeur because they view it as an effective diplomatic strategy, Russel explained.

Based on the 2017 visit, Trump can anticipate descending from Air Force One onto a red carpet with gold trim while being welcomed by an enthusiastic gathering.

During the formal welcoming ceremony the following day, Xi and other Chinese leaders will greet him, with their positions potentially revealing diplomatic significance. Trump will then review military honor guards, arranged precisely by height, whose attention will follow both leaders as they proceed along the red carpet. A 21-gun salute will likely conclude the formal reception.

“It’s no secret to any government that President Trump responds positively to flattery and spectacle,” Russel said. “The pomp and pageantry is designed both to flatter Trump and to pacify him, making him more amenable to Chinese asks and reducing the risk of an embarrassing public confrontation.”

Xi will also provide unique experiences, as he has during previous American presidential visits. In 2014, he took former President Barack Obama on an evening walk through the Zhongnanhai leadership compound. During 2017, he arranged a private dinner for Trump at the Palace Museum within the former imperial palace grounds.

For this visit, the special connection between the Chinese and American leaders will unfold at the Temple of Heaven, a historic imperial location, near the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a distinctive blue-tiled structure famous for its circular architecture and triple-layered roof. The White House confirms Xi will personally guide Trump through this World Heritage location, where Chinese emperors historically prayed for abundant crops.

Park officials have closed the entire complex Wednesday and Thursday, while main features including the hall and Echo Wall were shuttered Tuesday for “the maintenance of ancient architecture,” according to park administrators.

Such closures are uncommon. The facility remained open when British and Spanish prime ministers toured the Palace Museum and Summer Palace in Beijing during their visits this year. Additionally, Xi did not personally escort those leaders.

Beijing designated Trump’s initial presidential visit as a “state visit plus,” the only such designation China has granted any foreign leader. That trip featured extraordinary arrangements never before offered.

Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, personally toured the Palace Museum with Trump and the first lady, sharing afternoon tea and watching traditional opera in a royal theater that hadn’t hosted performances for a century. They also shared dinner there — an unprecedented honor for any foreign leader.

At the subsequent formal ceremony, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” played while both presidents reviewed Chinese military units, an uncommon selection chosen specifically to impress Trump.

Trump, who frequently mentions his positive relationship with Xi, continues referencing that nearly nine-year-old visit.

“You know, last time I went to China, President Xi, he treated me so well, he gave me a display,” Trump said in February. “I never saw so many soldiers, all the same height, exactly the same height within a quarter of an inch.”

China’s treatment of Trump during this visit will provide insights into current relationship dynamics, according to Doshi, who worked on former President Joe Biden’s National Security Council and assisted with planning Biden’s 2022 and 2023 summits with Xi.

“China uses diplomatic protocol as a method of signaling favor or disfavor. That is why we should pay close attention to how President Trump is received,” Doshi said.

Vietnam’s state-owned oil trading company has made an urgent appeal to the U.S. Navy, requesting permission for an oil tanker carrying Iraqi crude to navigate through American naval blockade operations in the Persian Gulf region.

The request comes as the Maltese-flagged supertanker Agio Fanourios I, loaded with 2 million barrels of crude oil, was forced to reverse course after exiting the Strait of Hormuz on May 10. Maritime tracking systems indicate the vessel changed direction on May 11 while traveling through the Gulf of Oman.

“U.S. forces redirected the vessel as part of ongoing enforcement of the blockade against Iran,” U.S. Central Command confirmed when asked about the incident by Reuters.

The American military has broadened its maritime blockade targeting Iran to encompass cargo considered contraband, though officials maintain that other oil shipments from the Gulf region remain free to transit.

According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the tanker had successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday using shipping lanes designated by Iranian authorities.

The ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has resulted in the closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded and creating significant disruptions to global energy markets. This critical shipping channel handles approximately 20% of worldwide energy supplies.

In a formal letter dated May 12 and addressed to U.S. military and diplomatic officials, Petrovietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL) Vice President Hoang Dinh Tung emphasized the critical nature of the cargo.

“This cargo is of extreme importance to Nghi Son Refinery (NSRP), to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and to the Vietnamese people,” Tung wrote in the correspondence reviewed by Reuters.

“NSRP’s feedstock inventories are critically low; any further delay risks halting refinery throughput, with cascading consequences for millions of Vietnamese consumers, businesses, public services and industries.”

PVOIL provided definitive confirmation that the vessel was loaded with Iraqi Basra crude oil purchased from Iraq’s state oil marketing organization SOMO. The loading process took place between April 10 and 14.

U.S. military officials have not indicated whether they will grant Vietnam’s request to allow the tanker to continue its journey.

BEIJING (AP) — For almost five decades, American presidents have navigated a delicate diplomatic balancing act regarding Taiwan and China, where even minor verbal mistakes can spark international tensions.

The United States maintains a “One China” policy that acknowledges Beijing’s stance that Taiwan belongs to China, while simultaneously maintaining unofficial relationships with the self-governing island.

This approach deliberately maintains vagueness through what experts call strategic ambiguity. The U.S. commits to providing Taiwan with defensive capabilities against potential Chinese aggression, but stops short of specifying exactly what military response it would provide against Beijing.

As former assistant defense secretary Joseph Nye told Chinese officials in 1995 when they questioned America’s response to a Taiwan crisis: “We don’t know, and you don’t know.”

“The idea was, stick to the very careful language that’s been crafted and don’t vary,” explained Mike McCurry, who served as White House press secretary during Bill Clinton’s presidency. “Because there are too many people listening and paying attention.”

This carefully constructed policy aims to safeguard Taiwan’s security and independence without making excessive commitments or antagonizing Beijing. The policy may face renewed scrutiny during President Donald Trump’s current visit to China. Historical examples show how U.S. officials have previously stumbled over this delicate language, necessitating rapid diplomatic damage control.

“It’s the precision of the words,” noted John Kirby, who worked as a spokesman across multiple Democratic administrations at the State Department, Pentagon, and President Joe Biden’s White House. “They just have to be so extraordinarily precise when you’re talking about Taiwan because, quite frankly, the stakes are enormously high.”

A review of presidential missteps regarding Taiwan policy reveals a pattern of verbal confusion:

Biden made four separate suggestions that America would provide military intervention if China invaded Taiwan, prompting White House staff to repeatedly clarify that he wasn’t abandoning decades of established precedent.

In an August 2021 ABC News interview, Biden discussed America’s military commitment to NATO allies under attack and included, “Same with Taiwan.” The White House subsequently stated that Taiwan policy remained unchanged.

During a CNN forum that October, Biden declared America was committed to Taiwan’s defense against Chinese attack, leading to similar White House corrections.

At a May 2022 Tokyo press conference, Biden answered “yes” when questioned about using military force to protect Taiwan. “That’s the commitment we made,” he stated, forcing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to reconfirm America’s “One China” policy adherence.

Biden made similar implications during a September 2022 “60 Minutes” CBS interview, triggering additional White House clarifications.

Trump, as president-elect in 2016, accepted a phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen — potentially the first president to do so since America ended diplomatic relations with the island in 1979. He later dismissed the controversy, posting: “Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call.”

The following year, Trump’s White House released a statement about a Germany meeting between Xi and Trump that incorrectly identified Xi as president of the Republic of China — Taiwan’s official name — rather than the correct People’s Republic of China. Officials later corrected the transcript.

“There is a lot of difficulty to navigate a lot of these concepts. However, the reason why that is the case — a lot of misunderstanding and misspeaking — is because those concepts are conceptual traps set up by China,” said Miles Yu, who served as principal China policy adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during Trump’s first term. “You cannot explain something that’s unexplainable.”

Yu, currently a senior fellow and China Center director at the Hudson Institute, supports more definitive statements regarding America’s Taiwan defense commitment. He described the “One China” policy concept, or Beijing’s “One China” principle claiming Taiwan as an inseparable Chinese territory, as “completely of Chinese making.”

“No one inside the Chinese high command has ever believed there is any ambiguity as to America’s resolve to defend Taiwan,” Yu stated.

He argued that America has consistently maintained Taiwan defense plans proportional to Chinese threats, demonstrated by Washington’s repeated force deployments to the Taiwan Strait during periods of heightened tension.

Currently, Trump’s White House maintains no policy changes have occurred but dismisses the need for careful verbal maneuvering, pointing to Trump’s approval of significant Taiwan arms sales.

Following the 1949 Chinese civil war conclusion, Washington recognized Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists as China’s legitimate government, even after that administration relocated from Beijing to Taiwan. However, through an agreement with Beijing starting in 1979 under Jimmy Carter, America began following the “One China” policy.

Carter’s administration conducted months of secret negotiations with China to establish this agreement. Yet Carter later stated it “does nothing to prevent” future presidents or Congress from “even going to war” to defend Taiwan.

During a 1998 Shanghai roundtable, Bill Clinton endorsed the “three no’s”: America not supporting Taiwan independence; rejecting the “two Chinas” concept of separate China and Taiwan; and opposing Taiwan’s membership in international organizations.

However, the following year, Clinton stated, “You know what I’ve done in the past,” appearing to reference previous U.S. military interventions and suggesting similar action regarding Taiwan.

In a 2001 Associated Press interview, George W. Bush was questioned whether America might use military force against a Chinese Taiwan attack and responded, “It’s certainly an option.” Bush later told CNN this didn’t indicate a tougher stance, saying, “I have said that I will do what it takes to help Taiwan defend itself.”

Five years later, during Chinese President Hu Jintao’s Washington state visit, Bush’s White House announcer mistakenly announced the Republic of China national anthem would play, instead of the People’s Republic of China. The correct anthem was eventually played.

In 1989, George H.W. Bush said during a China banquet that while America follows “the bedrock principle that there is but one China, we have found ways to address Taiwan constructively without rancor.”

During a 2014 Beijing joint press conference with Xi, Barack Obama stated, “We encourage further progress by both sides of the Taiwan Strait towards building ties, reducing tensions and promoting stability on the basis of dignity and respect.”

Nevertheless, maintaining accuracy remains challenging.

“Anybody who has been at the State Department, the Pentagon or even the White House podium can tell you: When the issue of Taiwan came up, you went to your notes,” Kirby explained. “You didn’t freelance it.”

Kirby remembered that he “got cocky once and didn’t,” misrepresenting the policy and creating “a little kerfuffle.”

Major errors typically first prompt complaints from U.S. policy officials, Kirby said, who express their dissatisfaction clearly: “You’ll be highly encouraged to make a statement correcting it right away.”

MEXICO CITY – A Mexican state investigator has disclosed new details about U.S. officials who died in a vehicle accident in northern Mexico last month, revealing that one of the victims had been observed with a firearm just days before the fatal crash.

Wendy Chavez, who leads a specialized investigative unit within the Chihuahua attorney general’s office examining the incident, stated that one of the deceased Americans had been spotted carrying a weapon at a local security facility prior to the accident. Intelligence sources have indicated the victims were CIA personnel.

Mexican law typically prohibits U.S. government officials from carrying weapons while operating within the country’s borders.

South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced Wednesday that his country is exploring gradual ways to support international maritime security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, following high-level discussions with American defense officials.

Speaking to South Korean reporters during a Washington press conference, Ahn indicated Seoul would consider non-military forms of assistance rather than direct military engagement in the strategic waterway.

“We said at about this level that, fundamentally, we will participate as a responsible member of the international community and that we will review ways to contribute in a phased manner,” Ahn stated, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The defense minister outlined several potential support options Seoul might consider, including diplomatic backing, personnel assignments, intelligence sharing, and providing military equipment. However, he emphasized that detailed conversations about expanding South Korean military involvement had not occurred.

“There was no deep discussion on something like specifically expanding our military’s participation,” Ahn explained, noting that any final decisions would require following South Korea’s domestic legal processes.

These discussions between American and South Korean defense leaders occurred just one day after Seoul condemned an assault on a South Korean-flagged ship near the Strait of Hormuz the previous week.

South Korea’s presidential administration issued strong criticism of the incident while stating that investigations into who was responsible for the attack were ongoing.

During their meeting, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told his South Korean counterpart that Washington anticipates allies will “stand shoulder-to-shoulder” as global security challenges increase. Hegseth referenced President Donald Trump’s authorization of what he termed Operation Epic Fury as demonstration of the current administration’s commitment.

The American defense chief commended Seoul’s plans to boost military spending and take on greater security responsibilities for the Korean Peninsula, describing these efforts as exemplifying how alliance partners should share defense burdens.

In separate discussions, Ahn reported that Hegseth showed understanding regarding South Korea’s stance on transferring wartime operational control from American to South Korean forces based on meeting specific conditions, with both nations aiming to complete this transition quickly.

The defense ministers also discussed other partnership matters, including South Korea’s plans for developing nuclear-powered submarines, according to Yonhap’s reporting.

Ahn noted that their conversations did not address potential reductions in American military personnel stationed in South Korea or changes to the strategic flexibility of those forces.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Massive demonstrations swept through Argentina’s major cities Tuesday as citizens rallied against President Javier Milei’s severe budget reductions targeting the nation’s public university system, a beloved institution that serves as a source of national pride in the economically troubled South American country.

Large crowds gathered in central Buenos Aires and marched toward government buildings to condemn the financial shortfalls threatening the foundation of Argentina’s higher education network. The country’s public universities have operated without tuition since 1949 and serve as a pillar of its educated middle class, having graduated five Nobel Prize winners over the decades.

Lawmakers approved legislation last year designed to cover universities’ operating expenses and increase faculty pay to match soaring inflation rates. However, Milei’s administration has refused to enact the measure while mounting a legal challenge against it in court.

Similar to his supporter and ally former U.S. President Donald Trump, Milei frequently condemns university environments as centers of “woke” ideology. The libertarian leader has dramatically reduced public education spending as part of his broader strategy to drastically cut government expenditures, marking a stark departure from what he calls decades of irresponsible financial management that bred corruption under previous left-wing administrations.

Tuesday’s demonstrations drew participants from diverse age groups and political backgrounds as Milei confronts dropping public support amid economic decline, reduced wages, and rising joblessness. Recent corruption allegations have also damaged his standing, particularly an ongoing probe into excessive spending by close associate and Cabinet chief Manuel Adorni that seems incompatible with his government salary and reported wealth.

“How much does Adorni cost us?” read one of several student protest signs alluding to the alleged misuse of public funds.

Alejandro Álvarez, Milei’s undersecretary for university policies, dismissed Tuesday’s demonstration as “completely political” and claimed the administration had provided universities with compensation for increased operational expenses — minimal adjustments that labor groups have denounced as inadequate.

In their effort to overturn the university funding law, Milei’s team contends the legislation lacks details on how the government will provide the required financial increases during a period of strict budget constraints. The dispute is anticipated to reach the Supreme Court, with student demonstrators Tuesday urging the nation’s top judicial body to “listen to the outcry throughout the country’s public squares.”

Faculty salaries at universities have dropped approximately 33% in real terms since Milei assumed office in late 2023, accounting for persistent inflation, according to the primary teachers’ union.

Ricardo Gelpi, who leads the renowned University of Buenos Aires, reported that declining purchasing power has prompted at least 580 research faculty members in engineering and science fields to abandon the public system for private institutions or higher-paying positions elsewhere.

“It’s very clear this government is determined to defund public education,” said Sol Muñíz, 24, a law student at the University of Buenos Aires at the march. “University is a source of pride for us. It is the best thing we have.”

MEXICO CITY, May 12 – Mexican government officials strongly disputed a CNN report on Tuesday that alleged the Central Intelligence Agency orchestrated a deadly security operation targeting a cartel member near the nation’s capital.

Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch took to social media platform X to firmly deny the claims, stating that Mexico “categorically rejects any (allegations that attempt) to normalize, justify or suggest the existence of lethal, covert or unilateral operations by foreign agencies on Mexican soil.”

The CNN report had claimed earlier Tuesday that a CIA operation resulted in the death of a cartel member in an explosion that occurred outside Mexico City, but Mexican authorities moved quickly to refute these allegations.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Dozens of people gathered at a major intersection in Haiti’s capital city Tuesday, holding tree branches and calling for police intervention after deadly gang warfare over the weekend drove hundreds of families from their homes in the Cite Soleil district.

Among the demonstrators was 67-year-old Roselaine Jean-Pierre, who joined about two dozen others demanding government action even as gunfire echoed through nearby streets.

“I did not do anything to deserve this,” said Jean-Pierre, who abandoned her residence Sunday and has been sleeping on Port-au-Prince’s streets since then.

Several demonstrators reported witnessing killings during the weekend violence in Cite Soleil, where charred vehicles and dead livestock littered the area. Government officials have not provided casualty figures.

“I know of seven people that have been killed and also people that have been shot,” said Michel-Ange Toussaint, who had briefly returned to her Cite Soleil residence to collect clothing.

According to Toussaint, the civilian attacks started Sunday evening around 6 p.m., causing many residents to escape the neighborhood seeking refuge. “It is our good feet that saved us,” Toussaint said.

Criminal organizations have seized control of more than 90% of Port-au-Prince following President Jovenal Moïse’s assassination at his residence in July 2021. Law enforcement reports these groups have extended their criminal operations — including theft, abductions, sexual violence and rape — beyond the city into rural areas. The country has remained without a president since the killing.

The medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders issued a Monday statement announcing they had evacuated their Cite Soleil medical facility due to Sunday’s violent confrontations.

International peacekeeping forces connected to a United Nations mission began arriving in Haiti in April to help combat the persistent violence.

The U.N. Security Council authorized a 5,550-member peacekeeping force in late September, though the full deployment to the Caribbean nation remains incomplete. An undisclosed number of soldiers from Chad have been stationed there so far.

Research published this year by the International Organization for Migration revealed that criminal gang activity has forced more than 1.4 million Haitians from their homes, with roughly 200,000 now residing in overcrowded and inadequately funded shelter locations throughout the capital city.

Brazilian officials announced Tuesday that the European Union will halt imports of the country’s animal products starting in September, a surprising development that follows closely behind the implementation of a historic trade agreement worth an estimated $22 trillion.

The massive EU-Mercosur trade deal became effective in May, creating a vast trans-Atlantic marketplace. However, the agreement currently faces legal challenges at the European Court of Justice, with European agricultural interests and environmental advocates expressing concerns about competitive disadvantages, economic impacts, pricing issues, and environmental protections.

Brazil’s agriculture ministry expressed shock at the European decision, stating they received the news “with surprise” and confirming their intention to challenge the ruling. Reports from Brazilian news outlets indicate the EU cited insufficient documentation proving that animal products from Brazil and neighboring countries are free from growth-promoting antimicrobial additives.

Brazilian diplomatic representatives plan to meet with EU animal product officials on Wednesday “to seek explanations about the decision,” according to the ministry’s statement.

Data from Brazil’s animal products trade association shows that European Union nations ranked as the third-largest market for Brazilian beef exports in 2025, trailing only the United States and China in volume.

The EU-Mercosur free trade pact officially launched on May 1, following its signing on January 17 during a summit of the South American trading bloc that encompasses Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen implemented the agreement on a provisional basis, effectively bypassing the EU Parliament where legislators are now mounting a legal challenge through the bloc’s court system. Should the European judicial body rule against the agreement, it will be terminated.

Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism Tuesday that the ongoing Ukraine conflict is nearing its conclusion, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly disagreed with this assessment.

Putin told reporters over the weekend that “I think that the matter is coming to an end.”

When asked about Putin’s comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Tuesday that significant three-way diplomatic efforts involving Ukraine and the United States have been underway to bring the conflict to a close, now entering its fifth year.

“This accumulated groundwork in terms of the peace process allows us to say that the completion is indeed approaching,” Peskov stated to reporters, while noting he could not provide specific details at this time.

Before beginning a state visit to China on Tuesday, Trump echoed similar sentiments about an approaching resolution between the two nations, though he also declined to provide specifics.

“The end of the war in Ukraine I really think it’s getting very close,” Trump commented as he departed the White House.

Zelenskyy, however, expressed a markedly different view. Speaking on Monday, he stated: “Russia has no intention of ending this war. And we are, unfortunately, preparing for new attacks.”

Trump has organized several rounds of negotiations with both sides in an attempt to resolve the conflict, though no peace agreement has materialized. Russia, which currently controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, is demanding that Kyiv surrender additional land. Ukraine insists that Russian forces must completely withdraw.

Peskov indicated Russia would support continued U.S. mediation and that Putin is willing to meet with Zelenskyy face-to-face once peace negotiations are completed.

“And for that finalisation, in order to put a full stop to it, a great deal of preparatory work still needs to be done,” he explained, suggesting the conflict could conclude as soon as Kyiv and Zelenskyy “take the necessary decision.”

The opposing forces recently agreed to a brief U.S.-brokered ceasefire from May 9-11, timed to coincide with the anniversary commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

While neither side reported major air strikes during the temporary truce, both continued to report ongoing combat along the front lines and made mutual accusations of drone and artillery strikes.

CANNES, France — Tuesday marked the beginning of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, launching nearly two weeks of continuous movie premieres that will conclude May 23 when the coveted Palme d’Or is awarded.

The prestigious French Riviera event opened with an homage to Peter Jackson, presenting the “Lord of the Rings” director with an honorary Palme d’Or. Elijah Wood, who portrayed Frodo Baggins in Jackson’s trilogy, made the introduction.

“I’ve never figured out why I’m getting a Palme d’Or. I’m not a Palme d’Or sorta guy,” the disheveled New Zealand director remarked.

Jackson received a musical tribute featuring the Beatles’ “Get Back,” referencing his acclaimed 2021 documentary. The filmmaker was spotted lip-syncing from his seat on stage.

The honor of officially launching the festival went to 88-year-old Jane Fonda and Chinese-Singaporean performer Gong Li.

“Cinema has always been an act of resistance,” Fonda declared.

During the presentation of the jury responsible for selecting the Palme d’Or winner, panel members delivered frank commentary about conducting a film festival amid global political turmoil.

Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty, recognized for his collaborations with director Ken Loach, referenced this year’s festival poster featuring “Thelma and Louise” while addressing attendance at Cannes during what he termed “genocide in Gaza.”

Drawing from “King Lear,” Laverty stated: “Madmen lead the blind.”

“Cannes has a wonderful poster,” Laverty continued. “Isn’t it fascinating to see some of them like Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo blacklisted because of their views in opposing the murder of women and children in Gaza? Shame on Hollywood people who do that.”

South Korean director Park Chan-wook, known for “Oldboy” and “No Other Choice,” leads the nine-person jury. He emphasized the connection between politics and filmmaking.

“Art and politics are not concepts that are in conflict with each other,” Park explained. “One cannot disqualify a film on the pretext that it has a political message. Just as one cannot reject a film because it would not be political enough.”

Additional jury members include Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, Ruth Negga and Demi Moore, who gained Cannes recognition two years prior for her return performance in “The Substance.”

The festival has occasionally welcomed figures who receive cooler receptions in Hollywood. Three years prior, Cannes notably opened with Johnny Depp’s “Jeanne du Barry.”

James Franco made a surprise appearance at Tuesday’s opening ceremony. The 48-year-old actor previously attended Cannes in 2024.

In 2021, Franco and fellow defendants paid $2.2 million to resolve litigation claiming he coerced acting school students he taught into inappropriate and exploitative sexual scenarios.

Two decades after Guillermo del Toro debuted his celebrated fairy tale “Pan’s Labyrinth,” the filmmaker returned to Cannes Tuesday for a 4K restoration screening. Del Toro noted the film’s continued relevance, which follows a young girl and fascist officer in 1940s Spain.

“We are, unfortunately, in times that make this movie more pertinent than ever because they tell us everything is useless to resist, that art can be done with a —-ing app,” del Toro commented.

TEL AVIV, Israel — A comprehensive investigation has concluded that sexual violence served as a calculated and pervasive component of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 assault and its consequences, according to findings released by an Israeli research organization.

The Civil Commission, an independent entity focused on documenting gender-based violence following Hamas’ 2023 assault on Israel that triggered the Gaza conflict, published their findings Tuesday in a document called “Silenced No More.”

Researchers conducted a two-year examination that incorporated over 400 witness accounts and nearly 2,000 hours of video evidence, identifying 13 distinct patterns of abuse including gang rape, sexual torture and forced nudity.

“Our findings demonstrate that it was a deliberate tactic within the broader architecture of the terror inflicted on victims and hostages,” stated Cochav Elkayam-Levy, who founded and chairs the commission while serving as the report’s primary author.

Since the Gaza war commenced, sexual violence allegations have become highly politicized, with both sides attempting to undermine each other’s claims.

Israeli officials have referenced incidents from the October 7 assault and hostage treatment to underscore what they characterize as Hamas brutality and support their military objective of eliminating future Gaza-based threats. Israel’s government has criticized the global community for allegedly dismissing or minimizing sexual violence evidence, claiming anti-Israel prejudice.

The Associated Press could not independently confirm the report’s conclusions, and some observers have questioned Elkayam-Levy’s earlier research. However, notable figures including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rahm Emanuel and Facebook pioneer Sheryl Sandberg have supported her efforts.

United Nations officials state they have discovered “reasonable grounds” to believe Hamas fighters perpetrated rape and additional sexual violence during their offensive. International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan has indicated he believes three senior Hamas officials bear responsibility for “rape and other acts of sexual violence as crimes against humanity.”

Human rights organizations and Palestinians detained by Israel following the attacks have also provided extensive accounts of sexual violence and torture within Israeli detention facilities.

In March, Israel dismissed charges against five soldiers previously accused of beating and sodomizing a Palestinian prisoner in an incident allegedly partially recorded on video. Hard-line political figures, who had vigorously opposed the charges, celebrated the decision to drop them, while human rights advocates said it demonstrated Israel’s reluctance to probe misconduct.

Neither Israel’s government nor Hamas immediately responded to AP requests for comment.

The commission — consisting of researchers, legal experts and trauma specialists — gathered digital evidence, conducted interviews and recorded testimonies. Officials said they also verified information using independent data sources.

According to the report, Hamas and its allies primarily focused on women and hostages, though children also experienced violence and abuse.

One instance described two young hostages who returned being compelled to perform “sexual acts on one another,” including removing clothing while captors touched their private areas.

The document stated sexual torture aimed to intensify pain and suffering, with survivors experiencing burning, mutilation and forced object insertion. Some victims were discovered handcuffed or restrained. Armed groups also filmed acts of abuse and killings, distributing footage via social media, the report indicated.

The investigation recorded attacks at various locations, including the Nova Music festival, where hundreds died and others were kidnapped. The AP previously discovered evidence that sexual assault occurred during Hamas’ October 7 rampage, including testimony from a festival attendee who said he heard a woman screaming for help and shouting, “They’re raping me, they’re raping me!”

Hostages also faced sexual harassment and assault, some lasting months, the report stated.

Several freed hostages have publicly discussed sexual assault during captivity. In Israeli media interviews, Romi Gonen described repeated sexual assault and harassment by three men.

Another former hostage, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, told the New York Times he experienced sexual abuse from a captor and received death threats for speaking about it.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva unveiled a massive public security initiative on Tuesday, allocating 11 billion reais ($2 billion) to combat organized crime in what political observers view as an effort to strengthen his law enforcement reputation before October’s electoral contest.

The comprehensive program targets areas where Lula has faced persistent criticism from political opponents regarding his approach to public safety matters.

Key components of the initiative include intensifying efforts to stop illegal weapons trafficking, disrupting criminal organizations’ financial networks, improving murder case investigations, and upgrading the nation’s correctional facilities. Brazilian officials announced that approximately 1 billion reais ($190 million) will be allocated through December.

The funding will enable authorities to acquire sophisticated equipment including unmanned aircraft, body scanning technology, metal detection devices, cellular signal jamming equipment, X-ray systems, surveillance technology, radar systems, genetic identification tools, and transportation vehicles. The program specifically targets two major criminal enterprises: the First Command of the Capital (PCC) and the Red Command (CV).

Speaking at the presidential palace in Brasilia during the program’s announcement, Lula, who is seeking his fourth presidential term, revealed he had discussed security matters with U.S. President Donald Trump during his recent Washington visit.

“I told him we had proposals on financial asphyxiation (of crime gangs), fighting money laundering. Some of the weapons (used in Brazil) come from the United States,” Lula stated. “I told him that, if he wants to be a part of this, there’s space. But he will have to work in agreement with what are decisions of Brazil’s government and Brazil’s police.”

Congressional supporters of the president indicated that opposition state governors, who oversee regional law enforcement agencies, are hesitant to utilize resources from Tuesday’s announced program.

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and former Goias state Governor Ronaldo Caiado have consistently promoted hardline crime policies while criticizing Lula’s Workers’ Party for what they characterize as insufficient attention to public safety.

While Lula avoided responding to such criticism during the program launch, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin criticized former President Jair Bolsonaro, who has nominated his son as a presidential candidate.

“The only security policy in the previous presidency was to distribute weapons, allow weapons,” Alckmin stated. “And those end up with criminals, with organized crime. It is police who should be able to bear arms.”

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Law enforcement officials in Honduras detained three individuals Tuesday, including a former high-ranking politician, in connection with planning the 2024 murder of an environmental activist that highlighted government corruption and the dangers faced by those defending natural resources in Central America.

Former Tocoa mayor Adán Fúnez was taken into custody at his residence Tuesday as the suspected mastermind behind the killing, after years of allegations from religious and environmental groups.

The victim, Juan López, fought against corruption and spearheaded community opposition to an iron oxide mining operation in Colon, a remote area in northwestern Honduras. Activists argued the project threatened the region’s pristine forests and clear waterways, including protected conservation zones. López frequently criticized Fúnez, who backed the mining venture and maintained close ties to former Honduran President Xiomara Castro.

López demanded Fúnez’s resignation in September 2024 over corruption allegations.

Shortly afterward, a masked shooter killed the environmental and human rights advocate with six gunshots to the chest and one to the head, prompting calls for accountability from the Biden administration, Pope Francis and the United Nations. The killing also brought accusations against Fúnez, an influential figure in the region’s long-running violent land disputes. The murder recalled international outrage over the 2016 assassination of Honduran environmentalist Berta Cáceres.

More than a year after the killing, authorities arrested Fúnez alongside businessman Héctor Eduardo Méndez and Juan Ángel Ramos Gallegos. Prosecutors charged them with criminal conspiracy that violated fundamental rights.

“These three individuals are believed to be the intellectual authors of the environmentalist Juan López’s death,” Public Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Yuri Mora told The Associated Press.

The arrests follow several other detentions made months earlier, though environmental and religious leaders had long identified Fúnez as the assassination’s orchestrator. The public trial for all three defendants is scheduled to start in June.

Environmental advocacy carries significant risks in Honduras. Activists like López frequently serve as unwelcome watchdogs in resource-abundant regions of Latin America, which ranks as the world’s most dangerous area for environmentalists, according to advocacy group Global Witness.

Global Witness recorded 117 defender deaths in 2024, with 82% occurring in Latin America. Five activists died in the small Central American country, compared to 18 the previous year, based on their latest findings. In López’s hometown of Tocoa, environmental advocates opposing the mining project have faced systematic targeting for years, with eight activists jailed for over two years in what attorneys described as retribution for their activism.

Dalila Santiago, López’s close associate and fellow movement leader, expressed surprise at Fúnez’s arrest given Honduras’ widespread culture of impunity. Santiago described the detentions as validation that their struggle for justice and land protection justified the violent consequences they endured. She emphasized that Honduran officials must pursue other responsible parties and business executives connected to the mining operation.

The Honduran mining companies — Inversiones Los Pinares, Inversiones Ecotek and their parent organization — face environmental destruction charges filed by Honduras’ Public Prosecutor’s Office following López’s murder. The companies have highlighted the hundreds of employment opportunities the mine generated and their regional economic contributions.

“We’ve been calling for justice for so long,” Santiago said. “And we need the masterminds behind this to be caught and punished.”

Iraq and Pakistan have negotiated separate agreements with Iran to allow energy shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to five sources familiar with the arrangements, showcasing Tehran’s growing influence over critical energy transportation routes.

Regional conflict involving the U.S. and Israel has dramatically reduced energy shipments from an area that typically provides 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Recent U.S. blockades of Iranian ports have further complicated the situation. While Iran initially attempted to completely shut down strait traffic, experts say the strategy has evolved.

“Iran has shifted from blocking Hormuz to controlling access to it … Hormuz is no longer a neutral transit route, it is a controlled corridor,” said Claudio Steuer from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

Iraq, which typically ships most of its crude through the strait, has been severely impacted by the closure. Pakistan, attempting to mediate the conflict, relies heavily on Gulf energy imports and has experienced dramatically higher fuel costs.

Through a previously unreported arrangement between Baghdad and Tehran, Iraq obtained safe passage for two massive crude carriers, each transporting approximately 2 million barrels of oil, which successfully navigated the strait this past Sunday.

Baghdad continues working to obtain Iranian permission for additional transits, according to an Iraqi oil ministry official knowledgeable about the original agreement and ongoing negotiations. The government aims to protect oil revenues that comprise 95% of its national budget.

“Iraq is a close ally of Iran, and any deterioration in Iraq’s economy would also damage Iran’s economic interests in the country,” the official explained.

Two additional Iraqi oil ministry officials and a shipping industry source confirmed the Tehran negotiations. All sources requested anonymity since they lacked authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

Iraqi government representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, two tankers carrying Qatari LNG are traveling to Pakistan following a separate bilateral arrangement between Islamabad and Tehran, two industry sources told reporters, also requesting anonymity due to media restrictions.

Pakistan previously received approximately 10 LNG shipments monthly before the conflict began and now faces high summer electricity demand for air conditioning.

Sources indicated that neither Iraq nor Pakistan made direct payments to Iran or its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for the transit arrangements.

Qatar was not directly participating in the bilateral agreements, industry sources noted, though it notified the United States before the Pakistan shipments.

Pakistani petroleum and information ministries, along with Qatar’s foreign ministry, did not immediately respond to comment requests.

Additional countries are exploring similar arrangements, according to sources familiar with the discussions, as escalating energy costs and supply disruptions heavily impact economies, particularly in Asia.

“As more governments become willing to cut deals with Iran for passage, it risks normalising the idea that Iran will control the Strait of Hormuz on a more permanent basis,” explained Saul Kavonic, research director at consultancy MST Marquee.

Before the conflict, approximately 3,000 vessels traveled through Hormuz monthly. Current traffic represents roughly 5% of previous levels, shipping data indicates.

The disruption has driven Brent crude prices up more than 50% since the conflict began in late February. European and Asian LNG prices have increased between 35% and 50%.

Iran has expressed intentions to maintain strait control after the war ends. Tehran has demanded reparations, sanctions relief, and access to frozen assets as settlement conditions, which President Donald Trump called “garbage,” eliminating hopes for a conflict resolution deal.

Industry sources report Iran is formalizing its strait control. Iraq has been asked to submit documentation for each tanker to enable transit through designated maritime routes under Iranian naval supervision, one Iraqi oil ministry official revealed.

Specialized Iraqi oil ministry teams are providing Iranian authorities with comprehensive vessel information, including destinations, shipping details, ownership, and cargo specifications to prevent incidents.

A Pakistani source involved in Iranian vessel passage negotiations mentioned some procedural difficulties.

“The IRGC sometimes changes the goalposts, so it is hard to keep things on track, but we are working through it,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian military officials are pushing back against allegations from a human rights organization that a weekend airstrike resulted in the deaths of 100 civilians at a local marketplace, highlighting ongoing concerns about military operations targeting armed groups in the nation’s unstable northern regions.

According to a Monday statement from Amnesty International, Nigerian forces conducted an aerial attack Sunday on a marketplace located in Tumfa within Zamfara state. Ibrahim Bello Garba, a Red Cross representative in the region, verified the military operation occurred and confirmed that “multiple civilians” lost their lives in the incident.

“In one village alone, 80 people were buried and there is no evidence that any of those people killed is a bandit. They are all civilians. The majority of them are young girls and small boys,” Amnesty International Nigeria director Isa Sanusi told the AP.

While military officials acknowledged conducting aerial operations in the area, they contested the casualty reports. “No verifiable evidence of civilian casualties as being suggested in the media has been established,” according to military sources.

Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, serving as a military spokesperson, emphasized that “Civilians are not the target, and everything is being done to avoid civilian casualties.” He noted that military operations remain active in the region.

This latest accusation adds to a growing list of incidents involving unintended military strikes affecting civilian populations in the West African country, which continues battling various militant organizations including Boko Haram.

Just last month, Nigerian air force operations resulted in an accidental strike that claimed 100 lives.

Military experts point to insufficient coordination between aerial units and ground forces as a contributing factor to these incidents, which have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths. Government representatives maintain their operations specifically target members of armed militant groups.

The challenge of distinguishing targets becomes more complex as armed groups frequently operate among civilian populations in their areas of control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Tuesday that his country successfully conducted a test launch of its newest intercontinental ballistic missile, describing the weapon as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade Russia’s nuclear capabilities. The announcement came just days after Putin’s recent statements suggesting the conflict in Ukraine may be approaching its conclusion.

The nuclear-capable Sarmat missile is scheduled to begin active military service before the end of this year, according to Putin. The weapon is designed to take the place of the older Soviet-era Voyevoda missile system.

“This is the most powerful missile in the world,” Putin declared, explaining that the combined destructive capability of the Sarmat’s multiple independently targeted warheads exceeds that of comparable Western weapons by more than four times.

Putin has consistently used nuclear threats as a diplomatic tool since ordering Russian forces into Ukraine in February 2022, attempting to discourage Western nations from increasing their military assistance to Ukraine.

Following his participation in Saturday’s Red Square military parade marking the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II—notably the first such parade in nearly twenty years without heavy military equipment on display—Putin stated that the Ukrainian conflict is nearing its conclusion.

Throughout his tenure since 2000, Putin has directed comprehensive modernization of Russia’s nuclear capabilities inherited from the Soviet Union, including deployment of hundreds of new land-based intercontinental missiles, construction of advanced nuclear submarines, and upgrades to nuclear-capable aircraft.

Russia’s nuclear modernization program prompted the United States to begin its own expensive arsenal upgrade initiative.

The final nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States lapsed in February, marking the first time in over fifty years that the world’s two largest nuclear powers operate without restrictions on their atomic weapons stockpiles, raising concerns about an unlimited arms competition.

The Sarmat missile—known by the Western designation “Satan II”—is intended to replace approximately 40 Soviet-built Voyevoda missiles. Development of the weapon began in 2011, and prior to Tuesday’s test, the missile had achieved only one confirmed successful launch and reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure during a 2024 test attempt.

Putin explained Tuesday that the Sarmat—among several advanced weapons systems he unveiled in 2018 while asserting they would neutralize potential U.S. missile defense systems—matches the Voyevoda’s power while offering superior accuracy. The missile can achieve suborbital flight patterns, Putin noted, providing it with a striking distance exceeding 35,000 kilometers (21,700 miles) and enhanced ability to overcome potential missile defense barriers.

Among Moscow’s new weapon systems is the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, which can travel at speeds 27 times faster than sound. Initial units of this weapon have already been deployed.

Russia has also deployed the nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, using conventional versions of this weapon twice in strikes against Ukraine. The Oreshnik’s maximum range of 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) allows it to strike any location across Europe.

Putin additionally revealed that Russia is approaching completion of two other advanced weapons: the nuclear-armed Poseidon underwater drone and the Burevestnik cruise missile, which operates using miniaturized nuclear reactors.

The Poseidon system is engineered to detonate near enemy coastlines, creating radioactive tsunamis. The Burevestnik possesses essentially unlimited operational range due to its nuclear propulsion system, enabling it to remain airborne for extended periods while circumventing air defense systems before attacking from unexpected angles.

Putin characterized these advanced weapons as Russia’s response to American missile defense systems developed following Washington’s 2001 decision to abandon a Cold War-era agreement that restricted missile defense capabilities.

Russian defense strategists have expressed concern that missile defense systems might encourage Washington to attempt a preemptive nuclear strike designed to eliminate most of Moscow’s nuclear forces, with the expectation of intercepting any remaining retaliatory missiles.

“We were forced to consider ensuring our strategic security in the face of the new reality and the need to maintain a strategic balance of power and parity,” Putin said.

A Holocaust survivor who dedicated his final decades to educating others about the Nazi era has passed away at 101 years old in northwestern Germany, local officials announced Tuesday.

Albrecht Weinberg died in the town of Leer just weeks after celebrating his birthday and attending the debut of a documentary about his experiences titled “Es ist immer in meinem Kopf” (“It is always in my head”), which drew hundreds of attendees, according to a city statement.

“Since returning from New York to his East Frisian home 14 years ago, Albrecht recounted tirelessly and with incredible energy his terrible experiences during the Nazi era and warned again and again against forgetting,” said Mayor Claus-Peter Horst.

Born on March 7, 1925, in Rhauderfehn near Leer, Weinberg endured imprisonment at Auschwitz, Mittelbau-Dora and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps, as well as surviving three forced death marches as World War II concluded. He dedicated many years to sharing his story with high school students and community groups about the horrors he witnessed.

In a recent interview, Weinberg described how his wartime trauma continued to affect him daily. “I sleep with it, I wake up with it, I sweat, I have nightmares; that is my present,” he explained.

He expressed deep concern about preserving Holocaust memory for future generations. “When my generation is not in this world anymore, when we disappear from the world, then the next generation can only read it out of the book,” he said.

In 2017, Germany honored Weinberg with its Order of Merit, though he returned the award last year following a parliamentary vote. He protested the decision where a motion by Friedrich Merz, now Germany’s chancellor, to increase border restrictions for migrants passed with support from a far-right political party.

Israel’s German ambassador Ron Prosor honored Weinberg on social media, describing him as “a bridge — between past and present, between pain and hope, between the dead he could never forget and the young people whom he encouraged to seek the truth.”

BOGOTA, Colombia – Civilians in Colombia endured their most devastating year of armed violence in a decade during 2025, according to a new report released Tuesday by the International Committee of the Red Cross highlighting the country’s worsening security crisis.

The humanitarian organization documented that forced displacement doubled last year, affecting 235,000 individuals as criminal organizations and insurgent groups battled both government forces and each other for territorial dominance. Community lockdowns enforced by rebel factions in rural towns and villages also surged by 99% compared to the previous year.

Colombia has experienced decades of warfare as insurgent movements and narcotics traffickers compete with government forces for control over remote regions, particularly strategic routes connected to cocaine smuggling operations.

While a 2016 peace agreement between Colombian authorities and the country’s most powerful rebel organization, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), initially decreased rural bloodshed, security conditions have since declined across numerous regions. Smaller armed factions have moved to seize territories previously controlled by FARC fighters, imposing taxes on local enterprises and threatening civilians who resist their authority.

“The humanitarian situation in 2025, is the result of a progressive deterioration that the ICRC has warned about since 2018,” stated Olivier Dubois, the ICRC’s chief of mission in Colombia.

President Gustavo Petro’s government has spent the last four years attempting to curb rural violence through negotiations with surviving rebel organizations and establishing temporary ceasefires with several groups.

However, opponents argue these truces have allowed insurgent forces to reorganize, acquire weapons, and tighten their control over local populations, leading to increased recruitment of minors into criminal organizations.

Political violence has also escalated throughout Colombia, exemplified by the fatal shooting of a presidential candidate during a campaign event in Bogota last year. Government officials have attributed the assassination to one of the country’s rebel factions.

The United Nations Human Rights office in Colombia reported in February that the nation’s security conditions were experiencing significant “backsliding,” with killings of human rights advocates rising 9% during the previous year.

Tuesday’s Red Cross report also revealed that 965 individuals were killed or wounded by explosive weapons, including landmines and drone attacks, representing a 33% increase from the prior year.

The humanitarian organization called on all parties involved in Colombia’s ongoing conflict to honor civilian protections and safeguard those seeking to withdraw from hostilities.

“Respect for international humanitarian law is not optional,” the group emphasized.

A Jerusalem-based watchdog organization revealed Tuesday that it will experience its first leadership change since its founding, with current Vice President Olga Deutsch set to become CEO and president effective January 1, 2027.

NGO Monitor’s founder Gerald Steinberg, who has guided the organization for a quarter-century, will transition to the role of president emeritus while maintaining his involvement in research and writing activities.

Deutsch brings more than ten years of experience with the organization to her new role, having managed European engagement initiatives, fundraising efforts, and international partnership development during her tenure.

Speaking about her upcoming responsibilities, Deutsch expressed both reverence and determination for the task ahead. “I step into this role with humility and a profound sense of historic responsibility,” Deutsch said. “Gerald foresaw that human rights groups would weaponize their influence against the Jewish state and Jewish communities worldwide; since October 7, that warning has become reality, with the threat growing every day.”

Deutsch emphasized the organization’s continued mission to examine groups that target Israel while supplying critical information to government officials and policymakers.

“At this critical moment, NGO Monitor stands singularly positioned to expose the actors behind these campaigns, and to arm decision-makers with facts needed to inform sound policy decisions,” Deutsch said. “Together with our exceptional team, and our professional and lay leadership, I am honored to lead this mission forward.”

The organization traces its origins to 2002, when Steinberg launched NGO Monitor following the Durban Conference. The initiative emerged as what the group characterized as a counter-response to the growing political power of human rights nongovernmental organizations, especially concerning advocacy related to Israel.

NGO Monitor describes its core mission as conducting research, promoting transparency, and examining organizations and funding sources involved in human rights and humanitarian advocacy work.

Steinberg expressed confidence in the organization’s direction under new leadership. “As I transition into the role of President Emeritus, and continue with research and writing, I do so with full confidence in NGO Monitor’s future,” Steinberg said.

“Olga is distinctly qualified to lead NGO Monitor forward, and under her leadership, NGO Monitor will continue to expand the impact of its research and uphold the vision that has guided me for the past quarter century,” he added.

Culinary professionals from across Israel gathered at Tel Aviv’s waterfront to showcase their heritage through food, proving that even amid regional tensions, the spirit of celebration endures. The annual EAT Festival, running from May 11-14 at Charles Clore Park, drew massive crowds despite looming security concerns.

Roey Mantzour, who operates the Arayes catering business specializing in meat-filled pita bread, believes Israeli cuisine mirrors the nation’s character. “The food in Israel reflects who we are: smart, diverse, a gathering of exiles from all over the world who came here to live. And here, we have the best food in the world,” Mantzour explained.

Monday evening’s festival opening saw thousands of visitors flooding the seaside park, creating a lively atmosphere filled with aromatic spices, grilled meats, baked goods, and desserts. Vendors offered an extensive range of options, from traditional meat dishes and street food to plant-based alternatives, sweets, and beverages.

The event demonstrated Israelis’ determination to maintain normalcy and joy during challenging times. Families, couples, tourists, and friend groups filled the park, embracing the creative energy of Tel Aviv against the Mediterranean backdrop. Daily festivities begin at 6 p.m., featuring live music and dining as the sun sets over the coastline.

Yaniv Wahby traveled from Daliyat al-Karmel in northern Israel to serve traditional Druze specialties including stuffed grape leaves, rice-filled cabbage rolls, za’atar pastries with olive oil, and signature Druze flatbread topped with various ingredients from labneh and chocolate to fresh fruit, halva, and hummus.

Wahby’s northern community has endured significant hardship from Hezbollah rocket attacks in recent months, nearly forcing him to close his business due to decreased tourism. However, he maintained an optimistic outlook at the festival. “We really suffered in Daliyat al-Karmel. During the war, things were very difficult,” Wahby shared with The Media Line. “Now, thank God, we finally have a little breathing room. We came here, as we do every year, to create a good atmosphere and give people a chance to be happy. We’re giving it everything we’ve got.”

Chef Moti Yevdayev, an Azerbaijani immigrant who arrived in Israel in 1998, presented his mother’s traditional recipes while wearing colorful traditional clothing in turquoise, red, and yellow hues. “From the age of one, I was always near the tandoor oven, my aunt, my mother, and my whole family while they cooked,” Yevdayev told The Media Line. “Over the years, I grew up and decided I wanted to enter the culinary world because food is what I love most.”

Yevdayev emphasized the authenticity of Azerbaijani cooking, highlighting fresh vegetables and minimal seasoning. According to the chef, the cuisine relies primarily on salt, pepper, saffron, and “lots of love and patience.”

His featured dish, shah plov, consists of rice steamed with dried fruits, raisins, chestnuts, meat, caramelized onions, and pomegranate, all encased in dough and baked for hours. “It creates this incredible crust while everything inside steams together into one perfect bite, sweet, sour, salty, and rich,” the chef described.

Additional offerings included qutab, a grilled pastry with spinach and herbs or meat, brushed with vegan butter substitute to maintain kosher standards, and gürzə dumplings with both meat and vegetarian potato-onion versions. He also brought authentic stuffed grape leaves directly from Azerbaijan.

Currently serving as chef for the Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel, Yevdayev manages all embassy events and leads kosher culinary tours internationally. Security concerns have prevented his long-held restaurant dreams, though he hopes this year will finally allow that goal to materialize.

“Today we’re here at the festival in Tel Aviv. This is a huge dream of mine,” Yevdayev said. “We make all the food here by hand. It’s very hard work. Around 20 older women came to help cook because only they know the traditional folding, stuffing, and preparation techniques. It’s honestly beautiful to watch, almost like a movie.”

Asian cuisine was well-represented through authentic Thai and Korean food stalls. Suni Kim originally visited Israel eight years ago for the Jerusalem Marathon and fell in love with the country. After returning permanently a year later, she met her husband and now has a one-year-old child. Three years ago, she established Tel Aviv’s first Korean restaurant, Kimchi’s Korean Restaurant.

Kim’s festival offerings included authentic Korean dishes such as bibimbap, Korean barbecue, and Korean corn dogs – “anything that you see on TikTok that people love to try,” she explained to The Media Line.

Observing the packed park around her, Kim praised Israeli resilience. The people of Israel are “very, very brave. One day, there’s a tragedy, and the next day, they recover so fast. And it’s very, very impressive.”

She noted that despite living under war’s shadow, “everyone’s excited to come out for the food, so it shows the energy.”

Jerusalem’s renowned Machneyuda restaurant, established by celebrity chef Assaf Granit, sent representative Gal Hadar to the festival. According to Hadar, they participate because “the sea is here. You can get a tan. It’s not cold here,” and crucially, “The people of Tel Aviv want polenta. They don’t want to travel to Jerusalem for polenta, so the polenta comes to them.”

Machneyuda’s signature polenta with mushroom ragout and truffle oil was featured alongside buns filled with chorizo and siska, a spiced meat preparation. Hadar explained that superior siska originates from Jerusalem because “that is where the Kurdish people live and they brought their traditions and food culture there.”

When asked if Tel Aviv residents appreciate Jerusalem cuisine, Hadar responded confidently: “Yes, very much. We try our best to make them love it.”

Mantzour showcased his specialty dish of pita stuffed with kebab meat, typically fatty lamb. “We grill it over a very low flame so the pita becomes crispy while the kebab stays soft,” he described to The Media Line. “We serve it with dips like tahini, red harissa, and pickles.”

While acknowledging arayes as traditionally Lebanese, he jokingly remarked that “we took it from the Arabs like everything else.” Despite this humor, he expressed genuine pride in participating annually since the festival’s inception a decade ago.

“Tel Aviv is undoubtedly the culinary center of Israel,” Mantzour stated, emphasizing this year’s special significance. “This event is extremely important this year because there haven’t been many events since Purim. This is a very major event in Israel, and it’s important that it happens. We’re very happy it’s taking place despite the tension in the background.”

Tamir Cohen, Mantzour’s colleague, echoed these sentiments. “Food in Israel is the best therapy for us Israelis,” Cohen concluded. “Through food and culinary culture, we continue living. For us, food is the cure for all the madness we experience as a nation. We are a people constantly living through wars, but we also love to enjoy life, celebrate, and eat.”

Hadar from Machneyuda added: “Am Yisrael Chai – long live the people of Israel.”

A Palestinian-Syrian journalist’s investigation into a luxury development project in Damascus sparked controversy not for its corruption allegations, but because of the reporter’s Palestinian heritage, highlighting growing tensions for Palestinian refugees in post-Assad Syria.

When Qusai Amameh published his report about Mount Qasioun’s redevelopment plans for a five-star hotel and commercial complex, he anticipated discussions about transparency and reconstruction priorities. However, the criticism he received centered on his Palestinian identity rather than his journalism.

On May 3rd, Syria Shift, a platform allegedly connected to Syria’s Ministry of Information, released a video called “The Palestinian Filter” targeting Amameh, who serves as editor-in-chief of the Syrian platform Street. The segment focused on his Palestinian background instead of addressing his reporting content, raising fundamental questions about belonging and acceptance in modern Syria.

Fayez Abu Eid, who leads the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria, explained to The Media Line how social media has amplified hostility toward Palestinian refugees. “As political debate has moved onto social media and digital platforms, it’s become easier for criticism to cross the line into hostility, especially toward Palestinian refugees in Syria. There’s a difference between criticizing a person or a political position and blaming an entire community. When people start speaking in broad generalizations, it can fuel prejudice and deepen stereotypes,” he stated.

The controversial video sparked widespread condemnation from journalists, activists, and Palestinian rights advocates who accused the platform of encouraging discrimination and collective suspicion. Following intense public backlash, Syria Shift eventually deleted the video from its platforms.

Palestinian community members view this incident as part of a broader pattern affecting minorities in post-Assad Syria. Similar to how Alawites face scrutiny due to their association with the former regime and Druze communities encounter separatism accusations, Palestinians increasingly find themselves viewed with suspicion rather than as integral members of Syrian society.

These concerns intensified in April when Syrian security forces detained Palestinians throughout Damascus and surrounding areas following demonstrations against an Israeli law imposing death penalties for certain Palestinians convicted of terrorism-related offenses. Authorities arrested at least 30 individuals from Khan al-Shih camp alone, with additional detentions in Jaramana, al-Huseiniyeh, Rukneddine, and al-Hamah. Many were transported to undisclosed locations without official explanation.

The controversial Israeli legislation, promoted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, passed the Knesset on March 30th with a 62-48 vote. Palestinian leaders and rights organizations condemned the law as creating discriminatory punishment systems, and its passage triggered regional protests.

Thousands of Syrians demonstrated from Damascus to Daraa, showing solidarity with Palestinians and opposing Arab normalization with Israel. In Damascus, protesters who had gathered at Umayyad Square broke away from the main rally and attacked the United Arab Emirates embassy. The UAE subsequently condemned what it termed “riots, acts of vandalism, and assaults” at its diplomatic facilities.

US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack called on Damascus to protect all diplomatic missions while continuing “the courageous work of reconciliation,” describing Syria’s regional reengagement as a defining chapter. The Syrian Foreign Ministry distanced itself from the violence, stating it did not represent the Syrian people.

Ryan Maarouf, a Syrian journalist from As Suwayda, told The Media Line that the new authorities are applying the same control strategies to Palestinians that they’ve used with other minority groups. “Just as the authorities tried to impose central control over the Druze, Alawites, and Kurds, it is natural that they would seek the same with Palestinians: ensuring full loyalty, preventing any independent political space, and eliminating any force that could be seen as a future source of concern,” he explained.

Maarouf noted that Damascus interprets Palestinian political expression through an Israeli security lens. “The Palestinian file in Syria is not only a social or legal issue. It is also tied to Israel’s security file, because any political or organizational Palestinian presence can be read by Israel as a threat, which makes the authorities even more sensitive toward it,” he said.

Following the UAE Embassy incident, some commentators broadly implicated Palestinians, with pro-government voices using the event to incite against the community and revive accusations that they represent political and security burdens. Rather than being viewed as refugees with historical Syrian connections, they were portrayed as destabilizing external forces.

Human rights organizations have warned that Palestinians are increasingly characterized either as security threats or remnants of the old regime, leading to enhanced scrutiny and social exclusion. Activists argue that the rapid resurgence of collective blame demonstrates that the Amameh case represents a wider atmosphere treating Palestinians as permanent outsiders.

Abu Eid emphasized the humanitarian toll Palestinians endured during Syria’s conflict years. “During the years of war, Palestinians in Syria paid a severe humanitarian price, even though many tried as much as possible to stay out of the conflict,” he said. “More than 7,500 Palestinians were arrested by the former regime’s security forces, around 1,500 died under torture, and the fate of more than 5,000 remains unknown to this day.”

Yarmouk camp, established in 1957 for Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, exemplifies this suffering. Located on Damascus’s southern edge, the camp housed approximately 160,000 residents by 2011, making it Syria’s largest Palestinian refugee community. The Free Syrian Army entered in December 2012, followed by an Assad regime siege in July 2013 that cut off food and medicine supplies. Over 160 people died from starvation, and a 2018 regime offensive destroyed most of the camp, including UN Relief and Works Agency facilities.

A Yarmouk camp social worker, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, told The Media Line that while Palestinians haven’t experienced direct ground-level measures, media discourse close to authorities has become increasingly harsh. “There is a growing feeling that some voices are trying to demonize Palestinians and portray them as an obstacle to Syria’s stability, and this is causing real concern among Palestinians in Syria,” the worker said.

According to UNRWA’s 2026 humanitarian appeal, 92% of Palestine refugees in Syria—more than 384,000 people—face food insecurity, up from approximately 63% in March 2024. Additionally, roughly 30%, or more than 125,000 people, remain in protracted internal displacement.

Abu Eid confirmed that suspicion has persisted under the new government. “Even today, many Palestinians feel they are viewed with suspicion or treated through broad narratives that ignore the diversity of their positions and experiences during the war,” he said. “This feeling grows stronger when decisions affecting them are issued and then later amended or apologized for.”

These fears escalated last year following reports that official documents had replaced “Syrian Palestinian” with “Palestinian resident.” The social worker described more extensive changes: “The description ‘Syrian Palestinian’ was replaced with ‘resident Palestinian,’ and the original place of registration was removed in favor of classifying them as ‘foreigners.’ This created serious fears for us as Palestinians, because we consider ourselves Syrians as well, not only Palestinians.”

While Syrian authorities characterized these changes as technical errors, Palestinian groups viewed them as attacks on their legal identity. Abu Eid explained the community’s interpretation: “When terms like ‘Palestinian resident’ appeared instead of ‘Syrian Palestinian,’ many people did not see it as a simple technical issue. They understood it as a possible sign of a deeper change in the legal approach to Palestinians and a warning that their long-established rights could be weakened.”

Maarouf offered a more skeptical perspective: “When the label ‘Palestinian resident’ appeared instead of ‘Syrian Palestinian,’ I do not see it as merely a technical mistake, but rather as a way of testing public reaction to any future change related to the legal and social status of Palestinians.”

Palestinians in Syria have historically maintained a unique legal status. Law 260 of 1956 granted many Palestinian refugees rights similar to Syrian citizens in employment, education, public services, and residence, while preserving their Palestinian nationality and excluding them from political rights like voting or holding office.

Maarouf emphasized the deep integration Palestinians achieved over decades: “Palestinians in Syria lived for decades almost as Syrians. They served in the army, owned homes, and built full lives. Presenting them today as an external party or a temporary guest is not just an administrative issue, but a clear political message.”

This contrasts sharply with Palestinian experiences in Lebanon, where they cannot own property, practice dozens of professions, or obtain citizenship, with UNRWA reporting that over 80% live below the poverty line.

A joint April analysis by Syrians for Truth and Justice, the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, and Justice for Life documented presidential decrees and ministerial decisions throughout 2025 that amended laws and restructured state institutions without parliamentary approval. The reclassification of Palestinians as “foreigners” has raised concerns that Damascus is adopting Lebanon’s model of permanent legal marginalization.

While the Ministry of Information launched a media code of conduct in February to regulate hate speech and promote post-Assad professionalism, critics argue that pro-government media and online networks continue treating minorities—including Druze, Alawites, Kurds, and Palestinians—through loyalty and suspicion frameworks.

This pattern has resulted in documented violence. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom stated in its 2026 Annual Report that transitional authorities “exhibited systematic and ongoing tolerance for egregious violations of religious freedom” throughout 2025, recommending Syria for Country of Particular Concern designation. On March 7, 2025, fighters loyal to transitional authorities or operating under the Ministry of Defense killed at least 1,500 Alawite civilians in two days of summary executions along the Syrian coast. A July 2025 escalation in Suwayda displaced approximately 187,000 Druze, according to Syrians for Truth and Justice.

In March, Kurdish civilians returning from Nowruz celebrations in Afrin faced attacks by groups that forced them to step on Kurdish flags while General Security personnel watched without intervention. These attacks occurred two months after a presidential decree recognizing Kurdish cultural rights and criminalizing ethnic incitement.

The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria reported that monitoring of the April detention campaign suggests several possible justifications, including alleged Islamic State affiliations, alleged connections to Assad regime remnants, and the UAE embassy attack. The Ministry of Interior had already arrested two individuals connected to the embassy incident, with spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba accusing them of former Syrian regime ties. While some Khan al-Shih detainees were later released, others remain in custody.

Abu Eid concluded with a call for balanced recognition: “Any fair approach to Palestinians in Syria must recognize both realities at once: They are part of the Syrian social fabric, but they are also a refugee community with a unique legal and historical status. Ignoring either side makes the issue far more dangerous and unstable.”

Devastating floods have swept through six provinces in South Africa, claiming the lives of at least 10 people and leaving thousands of homes in ruins since the severe weather began on May 4.

Government officials have officially declared a natural disaster in response to the widespread flooding, severe thunderstorms, powerful winds, and even snowfall that have impacted the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Mpumalanga provinces. This official designation allows authorities to access emergency funding and deploy additional resources for disaster response.

Cape Town has experienced some of the worst damage, prompting the Western Cape provincial government to temporarily shut down schools and close portions of the popular Table Mountain tourist site. Officials reported Tuesday that flooding has impacted no fewer than 26 informal settlements surrounding the city, with more than 10,000 structures suffering damage.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his grief Monday over the weather-related deaths as the Southern Hemisphere enters its winter season, stating he felt “deep sadness” about the loss of life.

“Authorities are making the best use of science to pre-empt some of these events and to respond to the aftermath,” Ramaphosa said.

Climate experts warn that severe flooding throughout Southern Africa is becoming more intense due to extreme weather conditions. Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have all experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall in recent months, creating what many consider the region’s most devastating flooding in years.

This marks the second time this year South Africa has faced such extreme weather conditions. In January, officials declared a national disaster following torrential rains and flooding in the northern region that killed at least 30 people, damaged thousands of homes, and destroyed critical infrastructure including roads and bridges.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary completed its historic political transition Tuesday as Péter Magyar’s cabinet ministers officially took their oaths of office, bringing to a close Viktor Orbán’s 16-year reign over the Eastern European nation.

The ceremony installing 16 new ministers occurred just two days following parliamentary committee reviews, demonstrating the 45-year-old attorney’s determination to rapidly dismantle the political framework Orbán established during his extended tenure as leader.

Magyar’s European Union-aligned Tisza party delivered a decisive electoral victory over Orbán’s nationalist Fidesz movement last month, capturing more parliamentary support than any political organization in Hungary’s post-Communist era.

This electoral triumph provided Tisza with a commanding two-thirds parliamentary majority, positioning the party to reverse numerous policies that earned Orbán criticism as an authoritarian leader from the far-right.

Speaking after his ministers’ installation ceremony in Hungary’s legislative building, Magyar declared that “the government now being formed will be the government of all Hungarians” and “a servant of the nation and not of the prime minister,” delivering a clear rebuke to his predecessor’s approach.

“We must repair the destruction, division, backwardness and loss of trust over the past two decades by making Hungary a functioning, livable and self-reliant country again,” he stated.

The electoral results gave Tisza control of 141 parliamentary positions from the total 199 available, while Orbán’s EU-skeptical Fidesz party retained just 52 seats, falling dramatically from their previous 135. The extreme-right Mi Hazánk (Our Homeland) movement secured six positions.

Nearly 3.4 million Hungarian voters who supported Tisza anticipate Magyar will pursue accountability measures against Fidesz leadership and their business partners for alleged wrongdoing and corrupt practices during the previous administration.

Magyar intends to establish a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, a specialized agency responsible for examining and attempting to reclaim public resources allegedly misappropriated throughout Orbán’s leadership period. He has additionally announced Hungary’s participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, enabling EU investigators to examine fraud allegations and monitor how bloc funding was utilized.

The new leader has also promised to halt operations at Hungary’s state broadcasting network — commonly viewed as Orbán’s party propaganda outlet — until journalistic neutrality can be reestablished.

During his inaugural address, Magyar once again demanded that numerous Orbán appointees holding extended-term positions resign by May 31, specifically naming the president, attorney general, media authority director, and Constitutional Court chief justice.

The incoming administration will oversee 16 ministerial departments, an increase from Orbán’s final government structure of 12. Magyar has committed to substantially reorganizing governmental operations, creating independent ministries for health, environmental protection, and education that were previously consolidated under Orbán’s system.

He has also emphasized restoring democratic frameworks and legal accountability that deteriorated during Orbán’s administration, while pursuing consequences for individuals he claims oversaw and profited from systematic official corruption.

Magyar’s leadership is anticipated to reshape political relationships throughout the European Union, where Orbán frequently disrupted bloc operations by blocking important decisions, particularly regarding assistance for Ukraine.

Supporting these objectives, Magyar’s team has indicated priority efforts to release approximately 17 billion euros ($20 billion) in EU funding that was suspended during Orbán’s tenure due to rule-of-law and corruption issues. These resources are critically needed to revitalize Hungary’s economic performance, which has remained stagnant over the past four years.

In a Facebook video message Monday, newly appointed Foreign Minister Anita Orbán, a diplomatic and international policy specialist, explained her department’s main objective will be to “bring EU funds home” and “consolidate Hungary’s place in Europe and in the EU.”

Other cabinet officials installed Tuesday included Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány, a former Shell corporation executive, and Finance Minister András Kármán, an economist and previous Erste Bank executive.

A comprehensive investigation released Tuesday reveals that Hamas and allied Palestinian militant groups employed systematic sexual violence during their October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, according to a detailed civil commission report.

The extensive 300-page document, called “Silenced No More,” was compiled by the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children following two years of intensive research, witness interviews, forensic analysis, and examination of visual evidence.

Investigators reviewed an enormous collection of evidence including over 10,000 photographs and video clips, more than 1,800 hours of recorded material, and conducted over 430 interviews with survivors, witnesses, former hostages, experts, and family members of victims.

The commission documented 13 distinct patterns of sexual and gender-based violence that occurred both during the initial assault and while victims were held captive in Gaza. These included rape, gang rape, forced nudity, sexual torture, mutilation, posthumous sexual abuse, and attacks committed in front of family members. Investigators also found instances where family members were forced to commit sexual acts against each other, which the commission termed “kinocidal sexual violence.”

“The scale, coordination, and repetition of the conduct demonstrate a widespread and systematic attack against civilians in which sexual violence was deliberately used as a method of terror,” the investigation concluded.

The report details how attackers filmed, broadcast live, and shared images of abuse and killings on social media platforms and through victims’ personal accounts, weaponizing the documentation as psychological warfare against families and Israeli society.

Commission investigators determined that the documented actions constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal acts under international law. They called on Israeli officials and international governments to recognize sexual and gender-based violence as a separate category requiring specific criminal accountability in future legal proceedings.

These conclusions support previous findings, including a March 2024 United Nations report by Special Representative Pramila Patten, whose investigation found “reasonable grounds” to believe conflict-related sexual violence took place during the October 7 attacks and “clear and convincing information” that Gaza hostages experienced sexual violence.

During the October 7 assault, Hamas-led militants breached the Gaza border into Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. Israeli officials report that hundreds of attackers were captured inside Israel following the assault. The Israeli Knesset approved legislation Monday to create a specialized court system for prosecuting October 7 defendants, including those facing charges related to sexual crimes.

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confronts his most serious corruption crisis to date as criminal charges have been filed against his former chief of staff in a multimillion-dollar laundering operation.

While Zelensky himself has not been implicated in the extensive investigation that has shaken Ukraine since November, the allegations against his former top aide Andriy Yermak represent the closest that anti-corruption investigators have come to the president’s inner circle.

The 54-year-old Yermak, a former film producer who orchestrated Zelensky’s remarkable transformation from television comedian to wartime president, was formally designated as a suspect Monday evening in an alleged $10.5 million money laundering operation involving a luxury housing project near Kyiv.

Through his attorney, Yermak dismissed the allegations as baseless when speaking to Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne.

Anti-corruption court officials are currently considering prosecutors’ request to set Yermak’s bail at $4 million.

Zelensky has remained silent regarding the charges against his longtime associate, with his communications adviser stating Monday that it was premature to address the matter. The president’s office has not responded to detailed inquiries about the case.

Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko from the Penta think tank believes the charges against Yermak may not immediately threaten Zelensky’s position but could damage his reputation if he seeks re-election post-war.

“This entire affair is a delay-action mine for President Zelenskiy that may not explode now, but later,” Fesenko stated.

The charges stem from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau’s extensive “Midas” investigation, which has captivated the nation as anti-graft agencies have intensified their wartime activities.

Previous revelations last year exposed an alleged $100 million energy sector kickback scheme involving Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelensky from his entertainment career. The scandal erupted as Russia was targeting Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure, sparking public outrage.

The controversy prompted a government reorganization that led to Yermak’s resignation in November. Mindich subsequently fled to Israel and maintains his innocence.

The investigation gained renewed attention recently when Ukrainian media outlets and opposition politicians released what they claimed were wiretapped conversations involving Mindich.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the authenticity of these transcripts, which allegedly captured Mindich discussing a prominent Ukrainian drone manufacturer with national security chief Rustem Umerov. Umerov’s spokesperson has denied any misconduct. Ukraine’s chief anti-corruption prosecutor confirmed Tuesday that Umerov served as a witness in the “Midas” investigation.

Additional transcript excerpts reportedly feature Mindich and an unidentified woman discussing real estate matters and referencing individuals called “Andriy” and “Vova” – the latter being a common nickname for “Volodymyr.”

Opposition parliament member Oleksiy Honcharenko remarked, “This is now something that Zelenskiy himself, personally, cannot ignore.”

NABU director Semen Kryvonos informed reporters Tuesday that Zelensky has not been the focus of any investigations. Current Ukrainian law prohibits criminal investigations of sitting presidents.

The timing of these charges is particularly delicate as Ukraine continues to rely on essential Western financial assistance, which is partially tied to anti-corruption initiatives. Meanwhile, U.S.-supported peace efforts have stagnated in the conflict’s fifth year.

Some legislators, including members of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, view the Yermak case positively as evidence of Ukraine’s commitment to combating corruption.

Parliamentary foreign affairs committee chairman Oleksandr Merezhko noted, “Partners see that Ukraine has an independent anti-corruption system that is performing its function.”

Despite increased attention on corruption issues, Zelensky’s public support has remained relatively steady in recent months, with approximately 58% of Ukrainians expressing trust in their president, according to May 4 data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

However, a May 6 survey revealed that 54% of respondents consider corruption a greater threat to Ukraine’s future than the ongoing war with Russia when forced to choose between the two.

Kyiv residents interviewed Tuesday expressed mixed reactions of concern and wariness.

Valentyna Nevoyt, 70, commented, “Clearly the president is involved, because it can’t be that people near him were in very close contact and he didn’t know anything about what they were doing.”

Currency exchanger Natalia Chernilevska, 53, acknowledged the risk of Zelensky becoming personally implicated while praising his wartime leadership.

“For me, Zelenskiy is an example of a good leader of the country who is fighting to the end,” she said.

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader is pushing his country’s government to abandon upcoming face-to-face negotiations with Israel, arguing such meetings favor the enemy and demanding a return to indirect diplomacy.

The two nations are set to begin two days of Washington-hosted discussions this Thursday, aiming to halt the current conflict that erupted two months ago after the Iran war and address the broader relationship between these longtime enemies who have been fighting since Israel’s establishment in 1948.

In a letter to his organization’s leadership, Naim Kassem argued that face-to-face negotiations serve Israel’s interests and represent “concessions by Lebanese authorities.” He insisted Lebanon’s leadership should return to indirect diplomacy with Israel, similar to previous approaches that led to the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

Third-party mediators typically facilitate indirect negotiations.

Kassem also declared that disputes over Hezbollah’s weapons stockpile remain a domestic Lebanese matter and should not be included in discussions with Israel. Lebanon’s government has pushed for the militant organization’s disarmament following the latest fighting that began in early March, declaring all military operations by the group unlawful.

Lebanese officials have also called for an end to hostilities, Israeli forces leaving Lebanon, Lebanese military deployment south of the Litani river, freedom for Lebanese prisoners in Israeli custody, and the return of displaced civilians to their communities.

Kassem announced Tuesday that his organization stands ready to work toward achieving these five government objectives.

Even with the U.S.-mediated ceasefire that took effect April 17, both Israel and Hezbollah continue launching daily strikes against each other.

Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine reported Tuesday that 380 people have died and 1,122 have been injured since the ceasefire began.

He noted that since the current war started March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel two days after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Lebanon’s casualties have reached 2,882 killed and 8,786 wounded.

Starting early Tuesday, Israeli warplanes conducted strikes across southern Lebanon and hit the village of Sohmor in the eastern Bekaa Valley, according to the state-run National News Agency. The agency reported that airstrikes on Jibchit village resulted in three deaths and four injuries Tuesday.

Israeli forces had previously warned residents of Sohmor and four southern Lebanese villages to evacuate.

The National News Agency also reported that Israeli troops entered portions of the southern village of Deir Mimas along the Litani River and destroyed a solar-powered water pumping station serving the community. The agency said the 5 a.m. (0200 GMT) explosion caused extensive damage.

Israeli military officials shared images of soldiers positioned along the Litani River but did not specify exact locations.

Hezbollah released a statement claiming its fighters targeted Israeli forces Tuesday morning near the Litani River in Deir Seryan village using rockets, though no additional information was provided.

Also Tuesday, Hezbollah acknowledged that one of its military leaders died in an airstrike near Beirut last week. The organization published a photograph of Ahmed Ghaleb Balout, describing him as a commander who dedicated most of his life to combat.

Balout died May 6 during an airstrike on a Beirut suburb.

This marked the first airstrike near Beirut since the ceasefire took effect.

Israeli military officials announced Thursday they had eliminated Balout, whom they identified as a leader in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, along with two additional militants.

Israeli construction crews demolished approximately 50 Palestinian businesses this week in al-Eizariya, a town located southeast of Jerusalem, as part of preparations for a disputed road construction project in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli officials maintain the demolitions are necessary to construct a roadway that will benefit Palestinian communities. However, Palestinian leaders contend the road represents part of a larger strategy to redirect Palestinian vehicles away from a new highway designed to connect Israeli settlements in the region.

The construction falls within the E1 corridor, a strategically important West Bank area that Israel is developing in ways that Palestinian officials say would block the creation of a future Palestinian state.

“The shops that were demolished are where Israel is planning to build a new road that will divert all Palestinian traffic to that road so that they can close down the whole area of E1 for Palestinians,” explained Hagit Ofran, who leads the anti-settlement organization Peace Now.

The destruction occurred on Tuesday in al-Eizariya, coming less than one week after some business owners received evacuation orders for structures built without official permits. Legal representatives filed appeals reaching Israel’s Supreme Court, but the demolitions proceeded regardless.

Israeli officials stated the demolished structures, which included automotive service centers, metal recycling facilities, and produce vendors, were constructed illegally and that property owners had received warnings for “several years” about potential enforcement action.

COGAT, the Israeli military agency responsible for civilian matters in the West Bank, announced the buildings were blocking the planned roadway intended to link Palestinian communities.

Israeli authorities describe the new transportation network as a solution to traffic problems that will enhance living conditions for Palestinian residents in the region.

Human rights organizations and the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority argue the demolitions connect to Israel’s broader plans to restructure transportation infrastructure and establish separate roadway systems based on Israeli versus Palestinian identification. They claim Israel’s proposed tunnel-and-bypass system will force Palestinian drivers off a main Israeli highway connecting West Bank settlements to Jerusalem, effectively blocking access to significant portions of the territory.

Several of the destroyed businesses had partially obstructed walkways and access routes into the community. Palestinians maintain that obtaining legitimate building permits from Israeli authorities is virtually impossible, even while Israeli settlement construction continues expanding rapidly.

Mohammad Abu Ghalieh, a 48-year-old business owner, expressed shock at having to rebuild following the demolitions.

“Forty-eight years of night and day to build something for his children and himself, and in one day and one night, everything was gone,” he stated.

Daoud al-Jahalin, who leads a nearby village council, reported that over 200 families would lose their sources of income.

The E1 development generates particular controversy because it extends from Jerusalem’s outskirts far into the occupied West Bank, separating the cities of Ramallah and Bethlehem while restricting Palestinian movement between northern and southern areas.

Israeli leadership and settlement critics alike acknowledge the E1 initiative would create obstacles for establishing a connected Palestinian state throughout the West Bank. Israel plans to construct approximately 3,500 residential units adjacent to the current Maale Adumim settlement.

Israel took control of the West Bank during the 1967 Middle East conflict. The global community largely views Israeli settlement development in occupied territories as violations of international law and barriers to peace.

ATHENS, Greece — Greek defense officials confirmed Tuesday that an explosive-laden military drone discovered on a Mediterranean island last week was manufactured in Ukraine, with authorities describing the situation as an “extremely serious” threat to regional maritime safety.

The unmanned watercraft was located by a fisherman inside a coastal cave on Lefkada island on May 7, who then pulled it toward a nearby harbor. Greek naval forces transported the device to a mainland military facility the following day for examination before safely disposing of the explosives, according to Greece’s state broadcaster ERT.

“We have certainty now that it is a Ukrainian USV,” stated Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, using the military term for unmanned surface vehicle.

Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

Speaking to European Union defense ministers during a Brussels meeting, Dendias indicated he would address the matter with both his European counterparts and Ukrainian leadership directly.

“You understand that the presence of that USV — the drone, the sea drone — affects the freedom of navigation and affects also the security of navigation,” Dendias explained. “This is an extremely serious issue.”

Ukrainian forces have deployed similar waterborne drones against Russian naval targets in the Black Sea region, recently expanding operations to target oil transport vessels as part of efforts to disrupt Moscow’s energy export capabilities.

While Greek officials provided limited additional information about the drone’s specifications, naval specialists noted similarities to Ukraine’s Magura-class vessels — a design created by Ukrainian intelligence services.

The island of Lefkada sits along a heavily trafficked shipping route connecting Greece and Italy, frequented by tourist vessels, commercial ferries, and cargo ships.

“It appears that the (drone) suffered some malfunction and was moving in an uncontrolled way,” explained Stefanos Gikas, Greece’s deputy maritime affairs minister, during a Monday television interview. “So this craft — a black thing without navigation and carrying explosives — could have struck a tourist vessel.”

The escalating drone warfare between Ukrainian and Russian forces has resulted in numerous incidents affecting NATO and European Union territories, primarily involving suspected Russian drones violating member nation airspace.

“They are violating our airspace. And it’s very clear that inside the European Union we should rearrange our capacities, our capabilities, in order to decrease this type of violations,” Romanian Defense Minister Radu-Dinel Miruța told reporters in Brussels Tuesday.

“It is very important to understand that this is a common threat,” he added. “It is happening on the entire eastern flank.”

Kuwait has formally accused Iran of orchestrating a military assault on one of its strategic islands earlier this month, claiming that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces attempted to infiltrate territory that houses a major Chinese-backed port development.

The Middle Eastern nation announced Tuesday that six armed Iranian paramilitary operatives tried to breach Bubiyan Island on May 1, located in the northwestern section of the Persian Gulf near the borders with Iraq and Iran.

According to Kuwaiti officials, the infiltration team planned to execute “hostile acts” on the island, though authorities did not specify the exact nature of the intended operations.

Kuwaiti security forces successfully intercepted four of the attackers, while two managed to flee during the confrontation. One Kuwaiti security officer sustained injuries during the incident, which was initially reported on May 3 without details about Iranian involvement.

The detained suspects have been identified as two Revolutionary Guard naval captains, one Guard naval lieutenant, and one Guard army lieutenant, according to Kuwaiti authorities.

Bubiyan Island serves as the location for the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port, currently under development as part of China’s extensive “Belt and Road” infrastructure initiative. This same port facility has previously been targeted during regional conflicts involving Iran.

The timing of Kuwait’s allegation appears significant, as it coincides with President Trump’s scheduled diplomatic visit to Beijing for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Iran is expected to be among the key topics during their summit, particularly given China’s history of purchasing Iranian oil despite international sanctions and Beijing’s concerns about the ongoing energy crisis caused by regional instability.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed another significant military development in the region during a Tel Aviv conference. “I’d like to say a word of appreciation for United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham accord member,” Huckabee stated. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”

This marks the first public confirmation of Israeli military deployment to the UAE, highlighting the strengthening defense partnership between the two nations that established diplomatic relations in 2020. The UAE has been seeking to reassure investors and residents about security following Iranian missile and drone attacks even after regional ceasefires.

The ambassador expressed optimism about expanding regional cooperation, saying he was “very optimistic” that additional Middle Eastern countries would soon join the Abraham Accords for formal diplomatic recognition of Israel.

However, Huckabee acknowledged the challenges facing regional diplomacy, noting that many Arab states remain angry about Israel’s extensive military operations following Hamas’s 2023 attack, which have resulted in widespread destruction in Gaza and Israeli control over territories in Lebanon and Syria.

“The Gulf states now understood they will have to make a choice — is it more likely they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee asked. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to take over your land, and is not sending missiles to you.”

In related regional developments, Bahrain announced Tuesday that prosecutors have sentenced at least two dozen individuals on charges including espionage and conspiracy with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Three defendants received life sentences, while others got shorter terms on Iran-related charges.

The narrow Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian influence, and diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran appear stalled, raising concerns about potential renewed conflict in the strategically vital region.

WASHINGTON – A crucial diplomatic meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is taking place in Beijing on May 14th and 15th, drawing international attention as the world’s two largest economies work to navigate escalating global tensions.

The two-day summit agenda covers numerous contentious issues, including commercial disagreements, technology concerns and artificial intelligence developments, Taiwan’s security situation, Middle East ceasefire initiatives, and allegations regarding China’s relationship with Iran. The leaders will also address agricultural trade deals, Boeing aircraft transactions, export restrictions, and collaborative efforts to combat fentanyl and other illegal drugs.

Experts suggest major diplomatic victories are improbable, though both nations hope to avoid additional deterioration in their relationship. The Taiwan question represents perhaps the most delicate discussion point – reports indicate Beijing seeks to make the self-ruled territory a central focus of negotiations, while certain American allies worry about a deal-making approach regarding Taipei. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery cautioned that Taiwan could be “on the menu” during the diplomatic talks. China’s foreign minister has called on the U.S. to “make the right choices” regarding Taiwan, while American officials maintain their policy remains unchanged and caution that any forced modification of Taiwan’s current situation would create regional instability.

The situation involving imprisoned Hong Kong media executive Jimmy Lai is anticipated to arise during discussions – Lai’s relatives hope Trump will urge Xi to secure his freedom. The White House has emphasized America’s ongoing military assistance to Taiwan, highlighting recently authorized defense equipment transactions.

GOTLAND, Sweden — Military leaders from NATO nations gathered this week on a strategic Swedish island to conduct war games simulating an attack by an unnamed adversary massing forces near the alliance’s eastern frontier. In a notable development, Ukrainian military advisors joined the exercise to share their battlefield expertise in drone combat.

The Associated Press observed the Swedish-organized training exercise as European nations grapple with dual challenges: escalating Russian aggression and uncertainty about America’s continued NATO commitment.

The military simulation, which included American personnel, addressed real-world security concerns. An Associated Press investigation has documented Russia’s intensified sabotage campaign across Europe, featuring cyberattacks on vital infrastructure and widespread disinformation operations.

Exercise planners designed a scenario where Gotland island faced electrical blackouts and food supply disruptions from sabotage attacks, examining potential NATO responses before triggering Article 5, the alliance’s mutual defense provision.

“In theory, it could happen tomorrow,” said Rear Adm. Jonas Wikström, director of the exercise.

Swedish Defense Chief Gen. Michael Claesson acknowledged America’s crucial military role in European security, explaining that “any change in the American presence” impacts alliance capabilities. He emphasized to the AP that despite President Trump’s announced European troop reductions, interpretations “as the Americans are leaving — and they are not” miss the mark.

Nevertheless, European defense officials are closely monitoring the Trump administration’s NATO policies. Trump has previously characterized the alliance as a “paper tiger” and recently ordered at least 5,000 American troops withdrawn from Germany, threatening additional removals.

The president has also criticized NATO partners for failing to support America in Iran-related conflicts, while U.S. air defense systems and missiles have been relocated from Europe to the Middle East, creating potential security gaps. Several European countries have been informed of delays in their American weapons purchases.

Claesson dismissed suggestions that recent initiatives — including a “hybrid navy” partnership among Nordic, Baltic, British and Dutch forces — represent preparation for reduced American support.

However, he noted, “everything that offers European allies freedom of action is good.”

Britain and Norway are also developing joint frigate capabilities, according to Marte Gerhardsen, state secretary at Norway’s Defense Ministry.

Since Trump’s January 2025 return to office, he has suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine and occasionally supported Moscow’s positions in war-ending negotiations.

During this week’s exercises, Ukrainian forces demonstrated their combat experience and potential value as future NATO members.

Ukrainian drone specialists invited to train Western troops in aerial warfare tactics decisively defeated Swedish forces during simulations, a 24-year-old pilot reported to the AP.

“They stopped the training three times” to allow troops tactical adjustments, but in actual combat “they would have been dead,” explained the pilot, identifying himself by his military call sign Tarik.

Swedish personnel show promise but require improved drone technology and tactics, while commanders need enhanced understanding of unmanned warfare, said another pilot using the call sign Karat.

He detailed operating small, first-person-view attack drones against Russian positions on front lines. Drone operators sometimes receive reconnaissance support but often work “blindly.”

Western military personnel cannot comprehend the reality, he added: “You need to see this with your own eyes.”

All Western forces must “learn rapidly” in drone operations and countermeasures, with Ukrainians offering the “fastest” learning opportunity, Claesson stated.

“What they’ve taught us is you have to really focus on your survivability and how you can’t be detected,” explained U.S. Brig. Gen. Curtis King. Simultaneously, Western nations must develop “deep” detection systems for long-range drone identification.

This expertise is critically needed along NATO’s Russian border, where recent months have seen multiple drone violations, including Ukrainian aircraft diverted by Russian electronic jamming.

The objective involves creating integrated systems allowing radar from various manufacturers and countries to share threat data, King explained. While this process has begun, “we’re not there yet.”

Exercise planners selected Gotland island due to its strategic Baltic Sea position between Russian-controlled Kaliningrad — where Moscow has deployed missiles — and mainland Sweden.

“If you control Gotland, you pretty much control the central part of the Baltic Sea,” Claesson observed.

The Baltic Sea serves as Russia’s economic lifeline, with “shadow fleet” vessels transporting oil and liquefied natural gas that funds Moscow’s Ukrainian war effort.

Following the Cold War’s end, Sweden essentially eliminated Gotland’s military presence, but Russia’s 2022 Ukrainian invasion prompted reconsideration and reinforced military deployment. Sweden and Finland both joined NATO in 2024.

“A very reasonable scenario” involves Russian President Vladimir Putin using Gotland to challenge NATO by seizing a small portion of alliance territory to test collective response, Claesson suggested.

NUEVA VENECIA, Colombia — Standing in his small speedboat, Jhon Cantillo pulls up a dense mass of bright green aquatic vegetation and points toward the endless expanse of water now blanketed by the invasive plant.

The thick vegetation creates an almost solid green carpet across the water’s surface when viewed from above. Below the surface, lengthy stems dive deep into the water column with roots stretching toward the bottom, making complete removal nearly impossible.

This environmental disaster is playing out in Colombia’s Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta, an enormous coastal marsh system located roughly 19 miles from Santa Marta on the Caribbean shoreline. What once served as a crucial transportation route and fishing ground has transformed into what local leaders call an ecological emergency as thick plant growth strangles the waterways.

“What we’re seeing here today is a problem. One that affects not only movement or fishing, but the community as a whole,” said the 32-year-old Cantillo, who works as an environmental and social advocate in the Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta region.

Local residents report that the rapidly expanding invasive species from Asia — known scientifically as Hydrilla verticillata — has taken over the wetland during the past twelve months after initially emerging around mid-2025. The thick plant growth, which community members call “horse tail,” is blocking traditional fishing paths, jamming waterways and preventing access to areas where people gather freshwater, while increasing expenses for communities that depend almost completely on the lagoon for survival.

The Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta represents one of Colombia’s most critical fishing habitats, functioning as breeding grounds for numerous marine species.

In Nueva Venecia and Buenavista — two remote fishing villages constructed almost completely on wooden platforms above the water — vast areas of previously open water now lie beneath the invasive vegetation. Both communities exist largely as informal settlements without access to many essential government services.

Nueva Venecia — established in 1847 as a fishing village — houses approximately 4,500 residents in roughly 500 brightly painted dwellings. Buenavista, which developed during the 1950s, contains about 1,150 people living in 163 equally colorful structures, where residents navigate between homes, businesses and educational facilities using small watercraft and canoes.

“A year ago, there were canoes fishing here. Teachers and students crossing the lagoon. Today, what we see is a problem,” Cantillo said.

The consequences are spreading throughout these already struggling communities. Fishing yields have declined, transportation has grown more challenging and households are experiencing increased expenses as they must purchase drinking water.

In Nueva Venecia, a local fisherman worked without a shirt under the intense midday sun, removing dried pieces of vegetation from his fishing equipment, which he had spread in the sunlight to facilitate cleaning.

“We can’t work because of this plant,” said 61-year-old Santander Cueto. “It doesn’t let us cast our nets — everything gets tangled.”

Tasks that were once simple now require much more time to complete.

“The lagoon’s completely covered. There’s nowhere left to fish,” said Demóstenes Guerrero, 58, a fisherman and representative of a fishing association in Buenavista.

In certain locations, community groups venture out in wooden vessels to carve narrow pathways through the densest plant growth, creating channels for canoes to navigate without fouling their motors. These activities require intensive labor and depend primarily on community volunteers, and must be repeated every few days since the quickly growing vegetation rapidly blocks the passages again.

The marsh system covers approximately 1,600 square miles of lagoons, mangrove forests and wetlands — roughly equivalent to Los Angeles — and has held UNESCO biosphere reserve status since 2000.

The Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta receives water from the Magdalena River — one of Colombia’s primary waterways — which transports untreated sewage from throughout much of the nation, explained Julián Arbelaez, a water and sanitation engineer working in the area.

This influx of nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, establishes perfect conditions for invasive plants when water movement slows in wetland environments like this one.

“That load causes the river to enter a state of eutrophication,” Arbelaez said, describing a phenomenon where excessive nutrients promote accelerated plant development.

The plant growth is also preventing access to cleaner water sources. Community members normally travel by boat to gather freshwater from channels linked to the Magdalena River, but many of these pathways are now obstructed. Consequently, Arbelaez explained, people are increasingly obtaining water nearer to their residences — frequently in locations contaminated by raw sewage.

Community members report that another invasive species, Eichhornia crassipes, which remains on the water’s surface, has existed in the lagoon for an extended period and also interferes with fishing and transportation, although its effects have been less dramatic.

Local officials say modifications in water circulation have also contributed to the emergency, with freshwater now controlling areas where saltwater previously helped control or eliminate Hydrilla verticillata.

Sandra Vilardy, a Universidad de los Andes professor with a doctorate in ecology who has studied the region for approximately two decades, explained that research remains limited regarding how the plant arrived and that current theories are still hypothetical.

She indicated that maritime shipping represents one of the most probable introduction methods, with the vegetation possibly entering through major river networks before expanding into wetlands via smaller boats and dredging operations. Another possibility, she noted, involves the disposal of aquarium plants into waterways, a frequent source of biological invasions worldwide, though she observed this explanation seems less probable given the area’s environmental characteristics.

“This is a monster in terms of growth,” Cantillo explained, detailing how it expanded from minimal presence early last year to encircling entire communities within months.

Attempts to eliminate the plant can actually worsen the problem, since pieces can separate and spread to new areas. Community members say removal efforts have been mostly restricted to small-scale manual clearing by fishermen and occasional test programs by government agencies, with no successful comprehensive solution implemented.

The emergency is now causing some residents to contemplate relocating permanently.

“We now face a risk that we didn’t have 20 or 25 years ago — the risk of mass displacement,” Cantillo said.

Demonstrations and highway blockades have occurred as anger increases over what locals characterize as an inadequate and delayed government response.

Alfredo Martínez, director of CORPAMAG, the regional environmental agency, stated that Hydrilla verticillata lacks official classification as an invasive species in Colombia and that national management protocols remain under development. He reported that monitoring and removal activities are proceeding with local community participation, noting that no additional expansion has been detected since March and that reduced water levels may be limiting its growth.

César Rodríguez Ayala, a community leader in Nueva Venecia, described how the emergency is impacting virtually every element of daily life.

“If the fisherman can’t work, the shop doesn’t sell,” he explained. “We are living a very difficult situation, economically and environmentally.”

Although mechanical removal techniques are available, complete elimination appears unlikely in the near future due to expensive costs and restricted resources, according to Cantillo.

“We are part of Colombia too,” Rodríguez stated. “We live on the water, but we also deserve to be seen — and helped — in a moment like this.”

The United Nations children’s agency announced Tuesday that 70 young people have died in Palestinian territories outside of Gaza since the beginning of 2025, averaging approximately one death per week, with more than 800 additional children sustaining injuries.

According to UNICEF, the majority of casualties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem resulted from gunfire using live rounds, though some children were also stabbed, physically assaulted, or attacked with pepper spray.

“These are not isolated incidents. They point to a sustained pattern of the worst kind of violation — violations against children,” spokesperson James Elder said during a press conference in Geneva following his recent trip to the West Bank.

Elder reported that Israeli forces were responsible for 93% of the child fatalities recorded since January 2025. The remaining deaths resulted from attacks by settlers, unexploded weapons, or unintentional strikes by Palestinian forces.

Israeli military officials had not provided a response to requests for comment at the time of the report. Human rights organizations have documented an escalation in violence targeting Palestinians by both Israeli settlers and military personnel beginning in 2023.

International consensus, including the United Nations and most nations worldwide, considers Israeli settlements in West Bank territory seized during the 1967 conflict to be in violation of international law, though Israel challenges this interpretation.

Uganda’s longtime leader Yoweri Museveni took the presidential oath on Tuesday, beginning his seventh consecutive term and solidifying his control over the East African nation for nearly 40 years.

The 81-year-old former rebel commander secured victory in January’s presidential race, capturing 72% of votes in an election overshadowed by violence and claims of electoral misconduct.

During his inauguration address, Museveni highlighted his administration’s economic achievements since assuming office in 1986. He pointed to projections showing the nation’s economy could experience growth exceeding 10% in the coming fiscal year as the country prepares to launch oil production.

Questions about who will eventually replace Museveni continue to grow. Many observers believe he is positioning his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to take over leadership, though Museveni has publicly rejected claims that he is preparing Kainerugaba for the presidency.

Opposition figure Bobi Wine, the popular musician-turned-politician who came in second place in Uganda’s last two presidential contests, remains in exile in the United States. Wine fled the country following a military assault on his residence after the election.

The Islamic State terrorist organization has taken responsibility for a fatal assault on Syrian government troops in the country’s eastern region, marking the group’s first deadly strike against the current Syrian administration since February.

The Monday assault in Hasakah province resulted in the deaths of two Syrian army personnel, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing President Ahmed al-Sharaa as he works to strengthen governmental control across Syria, nearly eighteen months after removing Bashar al-Assad from power.

Syria’s official news outlet SANA initially reported that two military personnel died and additional soldiers sustained injuries when unidentified attackers targeted a military transport vehicle in the Hasakah countryside on Monday.

Through its Amaq News Agency, Islamic State released a short declaration stating that their operatives had “killed and wounded six members of the apostate Syrian army” in an ambush conducted in the same region.

During the height of Syria’s civil conflict ten years ago, Islamic State maintained control over approximately one-fourth or more of Syrian territory before being driven out by a coalition led by the United States along with other opposing forces.

Al-Sharaa previously fought against Islamic State during his time leading the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front throughout the civil war period. He broke away from al Qaeda in 2016.

Under al-Sharaa’s leadership, the Syrian government became part of the American-led coalition fighting Islamic State last year.

In February, Islamic State announced a renewed campaign of operations targeting al-Sharaa’s administration and executed multiple attacks, including one assault that resulted in the deaths of four Syrian government security officers near Raqqa.

Voters across the Bahamas cast their ballots Tuesday in a surprise election that could make history, as Prime Minister Philip Davis attempts to secure back-to-back terms for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Davis and his Progressive Liberal Party face off against the Free National Movement, headed by Michael Pintard, in a contest that centers on economic concerns and housing challenges affecting island residents.

The election caught many by surprise, coming months before the originally scheduled October date. Davis made the decision to move up the vote to avoid potential disruptions from the Atlantic hurricane season, according to an official from his administration. This marks the second consecutive snap election, following the September 2021 vote that initially brought Davis to office.

Forty-one House of Assembly positions are up for grabs, representing a two-seat increase from the previous election based on recommendations from the independent constituencies commission. Davis enters the race with significant momentum, as his party controlled 32 of the previous 39 legislative seats, while the opposition seeks to reclaim control after their 2021 loss.

Economic pressures have dominated campaign discussions, with voters expressing frustration over increasing living expenses, wages that haven’t kept pace, and ongoing difficulties finding affordable housing. The International Monetary Fund highlighted these concerns in a 2025 analysis, recognizing government housing initiatives while suggesting additional public investment might be needed.

In response to voter concerns, Davis eliminated value-added taxes on grocery store food purchases in the months leading up to the election, though opposition leaders dismissed this as inadequate relief for struggling families.

Two races have captured particular public interest. In Garden Hills, current representative Mario Bowleg faces a challenge from Rick Fox, the former NBA champion who won three titles during his professional basketball career and is now running under the FNM banner.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, whom Davis defeated in 2021, is mounting an independent campaign for a seat he has represented for almost 20 years. Minnis chose to run independently after his former party, the FNM, declined to endorse his candidacy.

Security officials in eastern Libya report they have successfully rescued 120 migrants from human trafficking facilities and sent them back to their home countries, while also discovering three bodies along the Mediterranean coastline.

The Ajdabiya security directorate released details showing that an Egyptian migrant who had fled captivity and was discovered wandering exhausted in the coastal community of Bishr provided crucial information that guided law enforcement to where the other victims were being detained.

According to the official statement issued late Monday, the Egyptian escapee had been confined alongside fellow Egyptians and migrants from various other countries “inside a den used to torture migrants and blackmail their families.”

Libya has served as a major pathway for migrants escaping war and economic hardship seeking passage to Europe through perilous journeys across desert terrain and Mediterranean waters since Muammar Gaddafi’s government fell during a NATO-supported rebellion in 2011.

The nation’s oil-based economy also attracts desperate migrants looking for employment opportunities, but widespread security problems across the vast territory leave these individuals exposed to exploitation and violence.

The rescue mission to liberate the imprisoned migrants spanned nearly two weeks, according to the Ajdabiya security directorate.

While in captivity, the victims had been “forced to plead for help under whippings and beatings, while their suffering is documented in videos sent to their families to extort money from them,” officials stated.

The remains of two migrants from Bangladesh and one from Egypt were discovered along the coastline in Bishr, situated approximately 122 kilometers (76 miles) west of Ajdabiya, authorities reported. A vessel was also located on the beach.

Officials released photographs that appeared to show rescued migrants seated on floors following their recovery from the traffickers, along with images of identification documents, marine engines, blue water storage containers and wooden boats in various stages of completion.

Authorities indicated they also dismantled a small boat manufacturing operation and have issued arrest orders for human traffickers who remain at large.

The rescued migrants have been returned to their countries of origin, though specific details about the deportation process were not disclosed.

Student demonstrators took to the streets of India’s capital on Tuesday following the government’s decision to void a critical medical school entrance examination after officials found evidence that test questions had been compromised.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, administered on May 3 to approximately 2.3 million aspiring medical students nationwide, was officially canceled by India’s federal National Testing Agency on Tuesday. Agency officials stated the examination’s integrity had been compromised and announced plans to schedule a replacement test.

Members of the National Students’ Union of India, affiliated with the opposition Congress party, gathered in New Delhi to voice their outrage over the situation. Video footage captured protesters shouting demands for justice, with some attempting to breach police barriers set up around the demonstration area.

Union President Vinod Jakhar called for the “strictest possible action” against individuals responsible for the security breach and demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan step down from his position. Jakhar stated the protesters had lost confidence in the current government’s ability to handle the situation properly.

This marks the second time in recent years that the medical entrance examination has faced similar security issues. In 2024, test questions were also compromised in certain regions of India, though officials chose not to invalidate and reschedule the exam at that time.

VIENNA – The Eurovision Song Contest launched Tuesday evening in Vienna under a cloud of political tension, as Israel’s participation sparked boycotts from five nations over the ongoing Gaza conflict.

What has traditionally served as a lighthearted celebration of pop music and theatrical performances for seven decades now finds itself at the center of international controversy stemming from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Public broadcasting networks from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia have withdrawn from this year’s competition, reducing participation to just 35 entries – the fewest since 2003. The boycotts are also expected to significantly decrease viewership from last year’s 166 million viewers, which exceeded the Super Bowl’s 128 million audience.

Demonstrators numbering approximately 500 gathered for the first planned protest Tuesday afternoon, with tension clearly visible throughout the Austrian capital ahead of the 9 p.m. semi-final broadcast.

Vienna’s Social Democratic Mayor Michael Ludwig responded forcefully to earlier pro-Palestinian demonstrations, declaring: “We won’t let ourselves be terrorised into silence.” His comments came after protesters disrupted a concert where he was speaking by blowing whistles.

“Unfortunately we will need large security measures because of people like you, for example. That will incur great expense, but we will nevertheless hold a festival of togetherness, I can promise you that,” Ludwig stated.

Shoura Hashemi, co-director of Amnesty International Austria, criticized Ludwig’s response on social media, calling his remarks toward peaceful demonstrators “unbearable, false, divisive” and demanding an apology.

Austrian government officials have shown strong support for Israel, while pro-Palestinian demonstrations remain relatively small. Additional protests are scheduled throughout the week, with organizers expecting up to 3,000 participants total.

Law enforcement officials warn that unplanned demonstrations could emerge, particularly during Saturday’s finale. However, cold weather with rain and temperatures staying below 64 degrees Fahrenheit may limit crowd sizes.

Irish broadcaster RTE referenced their December statement calling participation “unconscionable” when explaining their absence from the competition.

The conflict began when at least 1,200 people, primarily civilians, were killed during the October 7 Hamas attack. Israel’s subsequent military response has resulted in more than 72,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, while devastating much of Gaza.

Last year’s Israeli representative was Yuval Raphael, who survived the October attack and finished second thanks to strong public voting support.

This year’s Israeli contestant, Noam Bettam, carries no apparent political messaging but received an official warning Saturday for posting videos encouraging viewers to vote for him the maximum 10 times permitted.

Contest Director Martin Green expressed hope that boycotting nations would eventually return to the competition.

“They are members of our family, right? We miss them,” Green told reporters, adding: “We remain in dialogue to see if we can find pathways for them back.”

NAIROBI, Kenya — At Tuesday’s Africa Forward Summit, French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled massive new investment commitments while emphasizing that respect for sovereignty would define France’s evolving relationship with African nations.

The French leader detailed investment plans totaling 23 billion euros ($27 billion) targeting multiple African sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and agriculture. According to Macron, French businesses will contribute 14 billion euros ($16.4 billion) of this total, while African organizations will provide the remaining 9 billion euros ($10.5 billion).

Macron described the summit as representing a fundamental change in how the European country relates financially to African nations, particularly those with colonial histories tied to France.

Kenyan President William Ruto, whose country jointly hosted the gathering with France, emphasized sovereignty repeatedly throughout his address on the summit’s concluding day. He stressed that Africa had moved beyond European dependence toward relationships built on mutual respect between equal partners.

“New partnerships between the African nations and France must not be built on dependency but on sovereign equality, not on aid or charity but on mutually beneficial investment, and not on extraction or exploitation but on win-win engagements,” Ruto stated.

The conference, scheduled to conclude Tuesday with a declaration expected to receive signatures from all 30 participating heads of state and government, occurs during heightened tensions between France and several former colonies, particularly in West Africa.

For decades, France maintained what critics called Françafrique—a colonial-era system of economic, political and military influence that included stationing thousands of troops throughout regions under its former control.

Following sustained criticism from leaders and opposition movements in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, who characterized France’s approach as condescending and heavy-handed, the country has pulled back most of its military presence. The troop withdrawal from Senegal concluded in July.

Macron pledged that Paris would honor each African nation’s independence, stating that “sovereignty and autonomy is shared, and your success is our success.”

The French president outlined his country’s revised approach as centered on collaborative goals, noting that “the days of offering assistance are behind us.”

“I’d like to focus on co-investment,” he explained.

Macron praised the strong unity displayed by African leaders as “an image of a united continent with a shared agenda.”

LONDON — The political future of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer appears increasingly uncertain following devastating losses for his Labour Party in recent local elections.

The electoral setbacks may represent the breaking point for a leader already facing criticism over his controversial choice to name Peter Mandelson as Britain’s envoy to Washington, given the seasoned politician’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Multiple Labour members of Parliament are demanding Starmer’s resignation and calling for a leadership race to select his replacement, who would assume the role of prime minister.

Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer maintains he will remain in his position, and no official leadership challenge has been initiated.

Though no obvious favorite has emerged to succeed Starmer, several prominent figures are being discussed for the position:

At 43, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has earned recognition as among the administration’s most effective speakers and has spearheaded efforts to reform Britain’s struggling National Health Service, a cornerstone government promise.

Speculation about his prime ministerial ambitions intensified last year when Starmer’s supporters reportedly informed British news outlets that the prime minister would resist any leadership challenges, with much of the conjecture focusing on Streeting.

The lawmaker, who entered Parliament in 2015, firmly rejected suggestions he was scheming against Starmer, dismissing such claims as “nonsense.”

Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has distinguished herself through her unique background and personal journey. Raised in public housing, she became a teenage mother and left education at 16.

The 46-year-old Rayner worked extensively with labor organizations before winning her parliamentary seat in 2015 and represents the party’s progressive wing. She quickly advanced through Labour’s leadership hierarchy during their opposition years and secured the deputy leadership in 2020.

While Rayner commands substantial party backing, she was compelled to leave government last year after acknowledging insufficient tax payments on a property transaction. She continues to await results from an official investigation into that matter.

Following the controversy surrounding Epstein-related documents and Mandelson, Rayner spearheaded a parliamentary uprising that forced the government to transfer authority to Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee for determining which materials should be made public.

Former Cabinet member Andy Burnham, who serves as the well-regarded center-left mayor of Greater Manchester, has been viewed as a potential challenger to Starmer. However, his leadership chances suffered when Labour prevented him from running as their parliamentary candidate in a February special election.

According to established tradition, the prime minister must hold a seat in Parliament. Burnham’s allies prefer postponing any leadership competition to allow him time to regain Commons membership through a special election.

The 56-year-old Burnham held significant positions in earlier Labour administrations, including culture secretary and health secretary roles.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband previously led the Labour Party, though his five-year tenure as opposition leader concluded with the party’s 2015 electoral loss. While the 56-year-old Miliband has publicly dismissed interest in resuming the position, he remains among the Cabinet’s most seasoned members.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, 45, manages one of government’s most challenging portfolios, supervising immigration policy and public safety matters. Her efforts to strengthen border security and combat illegal immigration have earned favor among Labour’s more conservative members.

MANILA, Philippines — A former Philippine police chief turned senator declared Tuesday that he will resist any efforts to transfer him to the International Criminal Court for prosecution, denying he ever supported unlawful killings during his time leading the nation’s police.

The ICC in The Hague made public Monday an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who previously served as the country’s top police official and implemented former President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent anti-narcotics operations that resulted in thousands of deaths among primarily low-level drug suspects.

The warrant, initially issued in November, accuses dela Rosa of committing murder as a crime against humanity involving “no less than 32 persons” during the period from July 2016 through late April 2018 in the Philippines.

“If there are charges I must address, I will confront them in our domestic courts rather than before international authorities,” dela Rosa stated to journalists at the Senate, which placed him under “protective custody” Monday following his return after being absent for several months.

“I will pursue every available legal option,” he declared, making a direct appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.: “Don’t bring me to The Hague.”

Following his 2016 presidential victory, Duterte appointed dela Rosa, a trusted supporter, to lead the national police, which carried out the harsh anti-drug initiative.

Dela Rosa previously commanded police forces in Davao, the southern city where Duterte served as mayor for many years and established his reputation for aggressive crime-fighting tactics.

“My responsibility was to oversee the anti-drug campaign, and that campaign was never intended to eliminate people,” dela Rosa explained when questioned about the extensive casualties.

“When police officers faced life-threatening situations, naturally they had to protect themselves,” dela Rosa stated.

Duterte’s presidency concluded in mid-2022. He was taken into custody in March of last year and is currently held by the ICC in the Netherlands, where he awaits trial for alleged crimes against humanity related to multiple deaths during his enforcement campaigns.

In 2019, Duterte removed the Philippines from ICC membership, which human rights advocates claim was an attempt to avoid accountability. However, the court maintained it still has authority over offenses committed while the Philippines remained a member nation.

When questioned about whether the Philippines would execute the ICC’s arrest order for dela Rosa, government representatives indicated they were prepared and might transfer him to the international court’s authority, similar to Duterte, under Philippine legislation designed to address crimes against humanity including genocide.

“We are obligated to ensure that all individuals who should be held accountable face responsibility,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated during a press conference.

Dela Rosa cannot claim immunity from arrest while participating in official sessions or remaining within the Senate premises because the alleged crimes were severe and carry lengthy prison sentences, Castro explained.

Law enforcement has stationed nearly 350 officers around the Senate building, raising alarm among dela Rosa and supporting senators, though officials emphasized they were positioned to maintain order rather than assist in any potential arrest of the senator.

French parliament members are scheduled to vote this week on controversial legislation that would permit physician-assisted suicide for citizens seeking to end their lives with medical assistance. The practice has gained acceptance throughout much of Western Europe, with Switzerland leading the way as the first country to legalize such procedures.

Religious leaders and pro-life organizations across France are calling on citizens to contact their elected officials to oppose the measure. Critics of the proposed law argue that elderly individuals and people with disabilities would become vulnerable targets under the legislation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is clinging to power as mounting pressure builds for his resignation following devastating local election defeats for his Labour Party.

Numerous Labour Party members of Parliament are demanding Starmer step down from leadership. A potential resignation could occur following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting if his ministers inform him he has insufficient party backing.

Starmer suffered a significant setback when a junior minister became the first government official to resign from his administration. Despite the pressure, Starmer remains determined to continue in his role.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, widely rumored to be positioning himself for a potential leadership bid against Starmer, remained silent as he departed the Cabinet meeting at Downing Street.

“Wes Streeting, do you want the job, or not?” someone shouted from the street. “Are you measuring the curtains?”

Streeting was among top officials who avoided answering numerous questions shouted by reporters gathered outside.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle expressed backing for the beleaguered Prime Minister, telling media that Starmer demonstrates “really steadfast leadership” as he exited the Cabinet meeting.

Kyle indicated the meeting focused on economic matters and societal challenges. He mentioned traveling to Brussels to strengthen UK-European Union relations, which aligns with goals Starmer outlined Monday in a speech designed to regain public confidence.

A government official stated that no formal leadership challenge against Starmer has been initiated.

“The prime minister talked about the challenges we faced as a country, the crisis in the Middle East and the impact on the cost of living here,” Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall told reporters after leaving the Cabinet meeting.

“This government will do what we were elected to do, which is serve the British people. The prime minister has my full support in this,” Kendall stated.

“There is a process to challenge the leader. Nobody has made that challenge,” she added.

Treasury chief Rachel Reeves canceled her scheduled appearance at a London risk summit following the Cabinet meeting. Treasury minister Lucy Rigby will replace her at the event.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed encouraged Labour colleagues to rally behind Starmer amid resignation calls, posting on social media during the Cabinet session.

“This is not a game,” Reed wrote on X. “This instability has consequences for people’s lives. The people who will be hurt most will be those that elected us less than two years ago. We must unite behind the Prime Minister.”

Starmer reinforced his determination to remain in office Tuesday despite growing demands for his departure.

The Prime Minister acknowledged to Cabinet ministers his responsibility for the severe losses his center-left Labour Party experienced in last week’s nationwide local elections, while declaring his intention to continue fighting.

Starmer noted that procedures exist for removing a leader, but none have been activated.

“The country expects us to get on with governing,” he stated. “That is what I am doing and what we must do.”

Starmer lost his first government member Tuesday as pressure mounted for his resignation following electoral defeats.

Housing, communities and local government minister Miatta Fahnbulleh resigned and called on Starmer “to do the right thing for the country” by establishing a timeline for his departure.

Fahnbulleh, a junior minister considered to be from the party’s left wing, expressed pride in her service but criticized the government for failing to demonstrate the vision, urgency and reform mandate voters had provided.

The next national election isn’t required until 2029, but British political system permits parties to replace leaders mid-term without calling a general election.

The most straightforward scenario would involve Starmer announcing his resignation plans, which would trigger a Labour leadership contest. Such an announcement might occur if Cabinet members inform him during their regular Tuesday meeting that his party support has eroded too significantly.

Should Starmer refuse to resign, he could face challenges from one or more Labour parliamentarians.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Rescue operations continue in Malaysian waters as authorities work to locate 14 Indonesian nationals still unaccounted for following a deadly boat accident that left nearly two dozen survivors.

Officials from Perak state’s maritime division reported that 23 individuals were pulled from the water on Monday when a local fishing crew discovered them floating near Pangkor Island. The maritime office confirmed the victims were likely undocumented immigrants traveling by sea.

According to Perak maritime chief Capt. Mohamad Shukri Khotob, the fishing boat crew immediately requested emergency assistance after discovering the people in distress during pre-dawn hours. He confirmed that search efforts, which launched Monday, will persist until every missing person is found. Officials estimate the vessel was transporting 37 people total.

Mohamad Shukri revealed that investigators believe the group began their journey from Kisaran, Indonesia on May 9, with plans to reach various Malaysian destinations including Penang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur.

The surviving passengers have been transferred to marine police for interviews and processing.

Indonesia has historically served as a major source of migrant workers traveling to Malaysia in search of improved employment prospects. Dangerous sea crossings using overcrowded, substandard boats are common among those attempting unauthorized entry, frequently resulting in tragic accidents and fatalities. Malaysian industries, particularly plantation agriculture and construction, rely heavily on Indonesian laborers.

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is refusing to step down from his position on Tuesday, pushing back against mounting pressure following his party’s disappointing electoral performance.

During a meeting with his Cabinet, Starmer acknowledged his accountability for the significant defeats his Labour Party experienced in the recent local elections held throughout the United Kingdom, while declaring his intention to continue leading.

The Prime Minister emphasized that formal procedures exist for removing a party leader, and those mechanisms have not been activated.

“The country expects us to get on with governing,” he said. “That is what I am doing and what we must do.”

The political pressure intensified Tuesday when Starmer’s administration suffered its first resignation. Miatta Fahnbulleh, who served as minister for housing, communities and local government, announced her departure and called on Starmer “to do the right thing for the country” by establishing a timeline for his exit.

Fahnbulleh, a junior minister aligned with the party’s progressive wing, expressed pride in her government service while criticizing the administration’s performance. She argued the government has failed to deliver on the transformational vision, urgency and reform mandate that voters provided.

“Nor have we governed as a Labour Party clear about our values and strong in our convictions,” she said.

LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood firm against mounting pressure to step down Tuesday, informing his cabinet ministers that he intends to continue leading the government despite two days of political turmoil and increasing demands for his resignation following devastating election results.

During a cabinet meeting, Starmer – who has held the position for under two years – reiterated his stance that while he accepts accountability for one of the Labour Party’s most crushing electoral defeats, no formal process has been initiated to challenge his leadership.

“The past 48 hours have been destabilising for government and that has a real economic cost for our country and for families,” Starmer addressed his ministers, according to statements from his Downing Street office.

“The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a Cabinet.”

Financial markets showed a modest positive response to Starmer’s remarks, with British government bonds experiencing slight gains, though they continued to trade lower overall for the day.

Starmer’s determined stance contrasts sharply with sentiment within much of his Labour Party.

Tuesday saw a junior minister step down, following the earlier departure of several ministerial assistants from the government. Over 80 Labour members of parliament have openly demanded he establish a timeline for his resignation to allow the party to transition to new leadership in an organized fashion.

On Monday, Starmer attempted to strengthen his position by pledging to pursue more decisive and urgent action in addressing Britain’s numerous challenges.

He had argued that the British public would not forgive the center-left Labour Party for engaging in a leadership battle, particularly just two years after securing a commanding parliamentary majority that was expected to end the political instability that has plagued the nation since the Brexit vote a decade ago.

BEIRUT/JERUSALEM – An intensifying unmanned aircraft conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli military forces in southern Lebanon is threatening to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing regional peace, as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations over broader Middle East stability.

The Iranian-supported militant organization has dramatically escalated its use of inexpensive First Person View kamikaze drones in recent weeks, fundamentally altering the nature of hostilities that commenced when Hezbollah began launching attacks against Israel on March 2, following the start of U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran.

These fiber-optic cable-controlled unmanned vehicles can bypass Israel’s sophisticated electronic jamming systems, allowing them to strike Israeli forces positioned throughout southern Lebanon during an unstable ceasefire that took effect April 16, one week after the broader regional conflict paused.

Hezbollah has released video documentation of more than 45 FPV drone strikes, with 28 occurring during the nearly four-week period since the ceasefire halted Israeli bombardments of Lebanon’s capital, though Israel reported targeting a Hezbollah leader there Thursday.

The temporary peace agreement has resulted in Israeli ground troops maintaining control over a buffer zone extending up to six miles from the border, creating concentrated targets in territory familiar to Hezbollah operatives and leaving forces exposed to such precision attacks.

Video evidence from before the ceasefire showed unmanned aircraft striking stationary targets and military vehicles including tanks and construction equipment, with Israel reporting no fatalities. However, since the truce began, Hezbollah has shifted focus toward targeting soldier groups, conducting five documented attacks that resulted in three Israeli military deaths and one contractor fatality according to Israeli reports.

Israel has responded with at least two lethal FPV drone operations against Hezbollah personnel in April, releasing their own aerial footage allegedly showing militant fighters at close range.

The tactical deployment of FPV attack drones originated years ago thousands of miles away in Ukraine, where battlefield positions are protected with defensive netting against Russian drone assaults, and Ukrainian operators are monitoring Hezbollah’s techniques.

“They are amateurs, but they are learning,” stated Dmytro Putiata, a drone warfare specialist with Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Brigades.

REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS

Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators maintain that any U.S.-Iranian peace framework must include cessation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon to prevent escalation that could restart the broader regional conflict.

U.S.-facilitated direct negotiations between Lebanon’s government and Israel are scheduled to resume Thursday and Friday, though advancement has been limited. Israel demands Lebanon disarm Hezbollah, a requirement that risks renewed violence in a nation that endured civil war from 1975 to 1990.

Youssef el-Zein, Hezbollah’s media relations chief, indicated the organization believes continued Israeli military losses from FPV drone operations could compel an Israeli withdrawal more effectively than diplomatic talks, which Hezbollah rejects.

Israeli forces currently operating in southern Lebanon represent “an opportunity, and not a threat,” as they become easier targets, el-Zein explained.

“We know the enemy’s supremacy, but we also know their points of weakness. We are taking advantage of the points of weakness to create that balance,” el-Zein told journalists.

A Hezbollah military commander revealed that a dedicated drone unit collaborates with the group’s acquisition team to obtain components from multiple markets. These parts undergo inspection for potential Israeli tampering, according to a Lebanese military source familiar with Hezbollah’s drone operations. The organization has maintained heightened vigilance since Israel sabotaged and detonated thousands of their communication devices in 2024.

Hezbollah’s initial FPV video documents an attack from March 22, three weeks into the conflict. The first footage revealing drone components, including explosive warheads, dates to April 11.

“The drones shown in the imagery all show systems assembled from parts commonly made by Chinese enterprises and sold freely on the online marketplaces,” explained Konrad Iturbe, a Spanish-based drone specialist with experience operating and modifying commercial quadcopters.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

A standard drone costs under $400, according to both the Hezbollah commander and an Israeli drone expert. Reuters confirmed attack locations across Lebanon’s entire border region, demonstrating widespread deployment capabilities.

The April 11 footage showed a Russian PG-7L high-explosive anti-tank warhead mounted on the aircraft, according to an unnamed Ukrainian drone operator and a foreign security official monitoring Hezbollah’s unmanned systems. While Hezbollah already possessed these warheads, adapting them for drone use created extended-range precision weapons, the foreign official noted.

When questioned about potential Russian drone expertise assistance, el-Zein stated the group relies on internal specialists.

Established in 1982 with Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps support, Hezbollah possesses tens of thousands of rockets and precision missiles. The organization began developing drone capabilities in 2004 and deployed them during conflicts in 2006 and 2024.

The Ukrainian drone operator assessed that Hezbollah pilots appeared to have received several weeks of training. The April 11 footage’s spool was consistent with containers holding approximately six miles of fiber-optic cable connecting aircraft and operator – a connection the Hezbollah commander described as crucial.

“The objective is that Israeli radar systems cannot detect them, effectively blinding the enemy,” the commander stated.

ISRAELI COUNTERMEASURES

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged the drone threat as problematic. “A few weeks ago, I ordered the establishment of a special project to thwart the drone threat… It will take time, but we are on it,” Netanyahu said May 3.

Israeli military forces report nearly daily explosive drone launches against their positions in southern Lebanon. Israel’s Army Radio indicates up to 40 troops have been injured in these attacks.

An Israeli defense official explained that the aircraft are difficult to detect and neutralize due to their small size and “low and slow” flight patterns executed by Hezbollah crews with intimate terrain knowledge.

ALMA, an Israeli research organization, noted that Hezbollah’s ceasefire-period attacks predominantly utilized drones, with video distribution creating “significant psychological impact.”

Israeli critics argue solutions should already exist. The defense official, speaking anonymously about sensitive matters, said no immediate fix was available.

Israel’s defense establishment has studied the Ukrainian drone threat for over a year, the official said. New defensive measures could be implemented within weeks to months.

While advanced technological solutions undergo development, low-tech approaches like protective netting will be deployed, and rifle enhancements are expected to improve drone neutralization capabilities, the defense official indicated.

Israeli forces have also utilized their Iron Dome missile interception system and enhanced radar detection, according to a senior military official. A newly developed drone interception system tested by the Air Force in April failed, the official reported.

Both officials agreed that targeting Hezbollah drone crews represents the most effective defense. Israel published video April 13 showing a target covering his face as a drone approached, and another April 29 targeting a fighter on a motorcycle. Israel has not released images of its own drone operations.

Iturbe observed that some Hezbollah pilots have progressed from simpler fixed-angle flying to diving, accelerating and striking vehicles from above.

“Lesson clearly learned here,” he noted.

However, Hezbollah videos show drones primarily targeting armored vehicles rather than personnel, with limited consecutive strikes on single targets or secondary drone or surveillance footage.

“Individual clips of vehicles being struck are great for political videos, but do not necessarily translate into military effect,” forensic imagery analyst William Goodhind observed.

BEIJING, May 12 – As President Donald Trump prepares to travel to Beijing this week for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, American officials anticipate potential agreements involving energy and agricultural trade.

Trade barriers have significantly affected commerce between the two nations.

Below are the current import fees China has placed on American products:

• Crude oil faces a 20% fee, combining China’s 10% targeted levy on American crude oil implemented in February with an additional 10% charge applied to all American imports.

• Liquefied natural gas is subject to a 25% fee, which includes a 15% charge on American LNG from February plus the 10% broad import fee.

• Propane and ethane carry an 11% total fee, incorporating China’s existing 1% import charge on these products and the 10% fee on all American goods.

• Coal faces fees ranging from 28% to 31%, depending on the coal’s volatile content. This includes China’s standard 3% to 6% import charge, a 15% retaliatory fee on American coal from February, and the 10% general import levy.

• Soybeans are charged 13% total, combining the 10% fee on all American imports with a 3% most-favored-nation rate for soybean imports.

• Beef encounters fees between 22% and 77%, including a 12% most-favored-nation rate and the 10% general American import fee. When imports surpass quota limits, an additional 55% charge applies under a system Beijing established in December to protect its domestic cattle sector.

MANILA – The Philippine House of Representatives has launched a second impeachment effort against Vice President Sara Duterte, just over a year after the first attempt was dismissed due to constitutional issues.

The renewed charges target Duterte, who is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, for allegedly misappropriating government money, acquiring wealth without explanation, and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and a previous House Speaker.

Duterte has rejected all charges against her. Her legal team has called the accusations “defective” and labeled the impeachment process a “fishing expedition.”

Senate Trial Process

According to Philippine law, after the House approves impeachment charges, the matter goes to the Senate, where senators act as jurors in a trial overseen by the Senate president. However, the path forward may face complications.

In 2025, senators took the rare action of sending a Duterte impeachment case back to the House over constitutional questions. Previous impeachment efforts have also stalled when officials stepped down before completion, including the 2001 trial of then-President Joseph Estrada, which ended when prosecutors abandoned the proceedings.

Changed Political Dynamics

Legislators proceeded with the new complaint only after waiting for a mandatory one-year pause on filing similar charges to expire, removing a key legal barrier that blocked the previous case. This timing has increased the likelihood of a complete Senate trial.

However, the political environment has transformed significantly.

Before the House vote, Duterte supporters in the Senate orchestrated a leadership change that placed Alan Peter Cayetano, a strong Duterte family supporter, in the Senate president role. This means he will oversee any impeachment trial.

The political maneuvering was highlighted by Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s unexpected return to Senate sessions after months of absence, arriving specifically to cast the crucial vote supporting Cayetano, who previously ran alongside Duterte’s father.

Dela Rosa, another close Duterte associate, had been absent from public duties since November while facing legal challenges connected to an International Criminal Court probe into the anti-drug campaign he led as police chief.

University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Encinas-Franco explained that Senate leadership could significantly impact the proceedings’ direction.

“If you are the Senate President or a senator belonging to the majority, you will have the political space to manoeuvre the proceedings of impeachment in a way that will favour whoever your patron is,” she stated.

Conviction Prospects Uncertain

Whether Duterte’s critics can secure enough votes for conviction remains unknown.

Impeachment supporters claim the evidence is substantial and could lead to a guilty finding. However, recent changes in Senate leadership and political alliances have created uncertainty, with Duterte supporters appearing to wield considerable power in the chamber.

Political experts note that loyalties in Philippine politics shift frequently, and senators may adjust their stances considering the 2028 presidential race, which Sara Duterte has announced she will enter.

President’s Response

President Marcos has maintained distance from the impeachment initiative, stating that the process falls under Congressional authority, though the case has developed amid growing tensions between him and Duterte.

A Marcos administration communications official on Tuesday avoided directly supporting an impeachment trial but indicated that accusations should undergo proper legal review.

The official emphasized that accountability applies to everyone, and hearings are necessary to determine the facts.

Impeachment History

Duterte joins a small group of high-level Philippine officials who have faced impeachment, including former President Joseph Estrada, an ombudsman, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, and a former elections commission chairman.

Corona was the only official successfully convicted. The ombudsman and elections chief resigned following their impeachments, while Estrada’s 2001 trial collapsed when prosecutors withdrew.

Conviction Requirements

Removing an impeached official requires approval from two-thirds of the Senate, meaning at least 16 of the 24 senators must vote to convict.

A conviction would force Duterte from office and could bar her from future public positions, potentially derailing any presidential ambitions.

Should the vice president be removed, the president would nominate a replacement from Congress members, requiring majority approval from both legislative chambers voting independently.

Authorities in Germany have opened an investigation following the fatal shooting of a federal police special forces officer during a training exercise on Monday evening.

The incident occurred at a military training facility located in Putlos, a town in northern Germany, according to a police statement released Tuesday.

Preliminary evidence points to the shooting being accidental in nature, officials said in their announcement of the investigation.

The victim was a member of Germany’s federal police special operations unit who was participating in a shooting exercise when the fatal incident took place.

DELMARVA – The United States Ambassador to Israel disclosed Tuesday that Israel deployed Iron Dome missile defense systems along with military personnel to the United Arab Emirates during Iran-related conflicts.

Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s revelation highlights the deepening military cooperation between Israel and the UAE, two nations that share concerns about Iranian threats, while a fragile ceasefire continues to hold. The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains under Tehran’s influence, and US-Iran diplomatic talks have stalled, creating potential for renewed hostilities.

Speaking at the Tel Aviv Conference in Israel, Huckabee, who previously served as Arkansas governor and sought the presidency, praised the partnership that emerged from diplomatic agreements.

“I’d like to say a word of appreciation for United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham accord member,” Huckabee stated during his conference appearance. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”

The UAE, consisting of seven emirates along the Arabian Peninsula, established formal diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020.

UAE officials have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Huckabee’s statements.

The ambassador expressed confidence that more regional nations would join the Abraham Accords, the landmark 2020 agreement that also brought Bahrain into formal relations with Israel.

Nevertheless, numerous Arab nations remain angry over Israel’s extensive military operations following Hamas’s 2023 assault, which devastated Gaza and targeted Iranian-backed groups throughout the Middle East. Israeli forces currently occupy portions of both Lebanon and Syria.

“The Gulf states now understood they will have to make a choice — is it more likely they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee questioned. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to take over your land, and is not sending missiles to you.”

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities have officially designated the former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a suspect in a significant financial crimes investigation.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office revealed Monday evening that Andriy Yermak faces suspicion in a purported money-laundering operation involving 460 million hryvnia, equivalent to approximately $10.5 million.

Authorities stated through a Telegram post that their inquiry remains active.

This development falls one level below filing formal criminal charges against Yermak, who stepped down from his position in November. He had served as Ukraine’s primary representative in discussions with the United States and departed amid a controversy that created the most serious challenge to Zelenskyy’s administration since Russia launched its comprehensive military assault.

The probe creates significant political embarrassment for the Ukrainian president as he advocates for his nation’s European Union membership, an endeavor expected to span several years. Widespread corruption remains among the primary barriers hindering Ukraine’s EU acceptance.

Yermak had been among Zelenskyy’s most trusted advisors, with the president repeatedly refusing demands to dismiss him, and wielded considerable influence within the administration.

While Zelenskyy has remained silent regarding the anti-corruption agencies’ declaration, his spokesperson Dmytro Lytvyn stated “the investigation is ongoing, it’s early to draw conclusions.”

According to investigators, Yermak allegedly participated in washing illicit funds through building developments in the vicinity of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city. Authorities conducted a search of his residence in November. No additional suspects have been identified.

A determination regarding potential formal charges against Yermak may require several more months.

When Yermak announced his departure, Zelenskyy described the move as restructuring the presidential administration and expressed gratitude for Yermak’s contributions to peace negotiations.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — An explosive device attached to a rickshaw detonated Tuesday at a marketplace in northwestern Pakistan, claiming the lives of at least nine individuals and injuring over 24 others, according to law enforcement officials. The incident marks another escalation in ongoing regional violence near the Afghanistan border.

The deadly blast occurred in the Lakki Marwat district within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, confirmed local police commander Azmat Ullah. Among the fatalities were two traffic enforcement officers and one woman, Ullah reported.

While no organization has yet taken credit for the bombing, investigators are expected to focus on the Pakistani Taliban, formally called Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. This militant organization operates independently from but maintains ties with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban and has stepped up attacks on Pakistani security personnel in recent years.

Tuesday’s bombing follows closely after a devastating assault just days earlier that claimed 15 police officers’ lives through a combination suicide bombing and armed attack on a security installation in the neighboring Bannu district. That incident prompted Pakistani officials to formally protest to a high-ranking Afghan diplomatic representative.

Pakistani officials attributed Saturday’s deadly assault to TTP forces.

For years, Pakistan has maintained that Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership provides safe haven for TTP fighters. Afghan authorities have consistently rejected these accusations, insisting they prevent militants from using their territory to stage cross-border attacks.

The frequency of militant attacks within Pakistan has increased dramatically in recent years, creating diplomatic friction between the neighboring nations.

Both the TTP and similar extremist organizations have become increasingly aggressive since the Afghan Taliban regained control of Kabul in 2021.

Cross-border tensions have remained high between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with violent confrontations resulting in hundreds of casualties since late February. Chinese mediators facilitated peace negotiations between both countries in early April, though intermittent border skirmishes persist at reduced levels compared to earlier periods.

BRUSSELS, May 12 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday that the European Union is developing new rules to restrict social media companies’ operations as part of an effort to safeguard young users.

Speaking in Copenhagen, von der Leyen stated that harm to young people from social media platforms isn’t accidental “but the result of business models that treat our children’s attention as a commodity.”

The EU leader said her organization is focusing enforcement efforts on major platforms including TikTok, X, and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook properties.

“We are taking action against TikTok and its addictive design, endless scrolling, autoplay and push notifications. The same applies to Meta, because we believe Instagram and Facebook are failing to enforce their own minimum age of 13,” von der Leyen explained.

European officials have also initiated legal action against X regarding its Grok artificial intelligence system, which they say has been used to generate inappropriate sexual content involving women and minors.

Von der Leyen indicated that later this year, the Commission plans to address “addictive and harmful design practices” including “attention capture, complex contracts, subscription traps.”

The EU chief also supported implementing strict age restrictions that would prevent younger teenagers from accessing social media platforms entirely.

“The question is not whether young people should have access to social media, the question is whether social media should have access to young people,” she stated.

A federal court in Australia has mandated that mining company Fortescue pay A$150 million ($108 million) in damages to an Indigenous community for cultural harm resulting from unauthorized iron ore extraction on their ancestral territory.

This ruling represents one of Australia’s most substantial financial awards ever issued under native title legislation that acknowledges Indigenous peoples’ rights and connections to specific land areas.

Federal Court Justice Stephen Burley determined that the mining company, established by billionaire Andrew Forrest, inflicted “significant damage” on the cultural heritage of the Yindjibarndi people in Western Australia.

According to Burley’s findings, Fortescue’s Solomon Hub Project, the company’s primary iron ore extraction facility in Western Australia, had “completely destroyed” 124 heritage sites that the company had previously identified, while numerous additional sites suffered substantial harm.

LONDON, May 12 – The extended military confrontation between the United States and Iran is creating widespread economic disruption around the world, challenging the stability of international financial systems in multiple ways.

Asian markets are experiencing some of the most severe impacts, with regional currencies plummeting since U.S. and Israeli forces launched attacks against Iran in February. The region faces particular vulnerability because approximately 80% of oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz typically heads to Asian destinations.

Indonesia’s rupiah reached an all-time low on Tuesday, joining other Asian oil-importing nations like India and the Philippines, whose currencies have also dropped to unprecedented levels. For several weeks, central banks across the region have been stepping into currency markets either directly or through state-controlled banks, searching for additional tools to address the crisis. South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia are also experiencing currency pressures.

“Central banks will be reluctant to sell down reserves,” explained Mitul Kotecha, who leads Asian foreign exchange and rates strategy at Barclays. “As such, we’re probably going to see more creative measures to support their respective currencies.”

Japan faces particularly acute challenges as the conflict adds new stress to the yen, which was already weakened by the country’s low interest rate policies and concerns about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s debt-financed economic growth strategy. Since Japan relies on Middle Eastern sources for roughly 95% of its oil imports, the currency remains extremely vulnerable to rising energy costs. Government officials have stepped in as the yen approached 160 per dollar to discourage speculation.

“With oil prices spiking higher, traders naturally attacked the yen, since this is a low-yielding currency, but also one whose fundamentals is most adversely affected by high oil prices,” noted Thierry Wizman, a global foreign exchange and rates strategist with Macquarie Group.

Market experts believe intervention efforts are unlikely to stop the yen’s decline unless the conflict subsides and interest rates increase quickly.

The global food supply faces new threats just as price instability was beginning to calm following the 2022 disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A new wave of problems appears imminent as the Middle Eastern conflict restricts fertilizer availability and drives up energy costs – issues that could worsen if the El Nino weather pattern returns. The Baltic shipping index has climbed to its highest point since 2023.

Developing nations, where food represents a larger portion of inflation calculations, will likely face the most severe consequences.

“Elevated food prices are a problem across the world, but particularly in economies where food makes up a large share of the inflation basket or food supplies are reliant on imports,” said James Pomeroy, a global economist with HSBC.

American consumers are experiencing direct impacts at gas stations, where average prices have climbed from approximately $3 to more than $4.50 per gallon, according to AAA data. These fuel costs are being closely monitored as they could influence President Trump’s approach to potential negotiations before November’s midterm elections.

“If that continues to go up and we head towards $5, there’s going to be a lot of unrest domestically, and that might force Trump to change tack again on the war with Iran,” said Guy Miller, chief market strategist at Zurich Insurance Group.

The energy crisis is driving up costs for household items manufactured from oil or natural gas, including toothpaste and laundry detergent. Market analysts are tracking rising inflation expectations that might prompt central banks to increase interest rates. The European Central Bank’s Consumer Expectations Survey revealed that one-year inflation expectations surged to 4.0% in March from 2.5% in April.

Aviation companies are confronting their most serious challenge since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced global lockdowns. Jet fuel costs have increased nearly 84% since the conflict began, with shortages expected if hostilities continue. Spirit Airlines, an ultra-low cost carrier, shut down operations this month, blaming rising fuel expenses for its collapse.

While some airlines suggest supply disruption risks may be decreasing, the sector continues to underperform. European airline stocks have fallen roughly 14% this year, contrasting with a 3% gain in broader markets.

Major bond markets initially stabilized after early conflict-related selling forced traders to adjust rate forecasts. However, new vulnerabilities are appearing that analysts warn could escalate. Britain faces additional political risks that are intensifying pressure on its government bond market.

The crucial U.S. Treasury market shows 10-year yields near 4.40%, approximately 40 basis points higher than pre-war levels. Rising U.S. yields also threaten to pressure emerging markets that base their borrowing costs on Treasury rates.

“There is a danger zone for equity markets and credit markets if we get yields above the 4.5% level on 10-year Treasuries,” Miller explained. “That has tended to be disruptive.”

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer finds himself fighting to keep his position after his Labour Party experienced devastating losses in recent local elections that, if replicated nationally, would result in the party being voted out of office entirely.

Although Labour secured an overwhelming electoral triumph in July 2024, the party’s approval ratings have plummeted, with much of the criticism directed at Starmer personally.

Multiple factors have contributed to this decline, including strategic policy errors, what critics see as a lack of clear direction, Britain’s economic difficulties, and concerns about his decision-making abilities — particularly his choice to name Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States despite Mandelson’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

While the next nationwide British election isn’t required until 2029, the UK political system permits parties to replace their leaders during their term without calling a general election.

Numerous Labour members believe the only path to restoring the government’s standing and countering challenges from both conservative and progressive opponents is for Starmer to step down immediately.

“We have to change and we have to do it quickly,” stated Labour lawmaker Catherine West. “We have to lay out a timetable and we have to turn this ship around.”

However, replacing a leader presents significant challenges. Labour, in contrast to the primary opposition Conservative Party, lacks a tradition of removing its leaders. Several pathways exist for Starmer’s departure, though some are more feasible than others.

The most direct approach would involve Starmer declaring his intent to step down, which would initiate a leadership election within Labour. Such a resignation might occur if Cabinet members inform Starmer he has lost party support, or if government officials resign in protest.

Should Starmer choose to resign, the Cabinet and Labour’s governing committee would likely select a temporary leader to serve as prime minister, presumably someone not seeking the permanent Labour leadership position. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy could serve in this capacity.

According to Labour’s procedures, leadership candidates must secure backing from one-fifth of the party’s House of Commons members — currently requiring 81 supporters.

Candidates meeting this requirement must then obtain endorsement from 5% of local constituency organizations, or from at least three affiliated groups such as labor unions and cooperative organizations.

Party members and affiliates would then select the leader through a ranking system. Victory requires the first candidate to achieve more than 50% support.

King Charles III would subsequently invite the winner to become prime minister and establish a new government.

Starmer has maintained he will not resign, arguing such action would “plunge the country into chaos.”

If Starmer refuses to step down, he could face challenges from fellow Labour parliamentarians.

West became the first to act, announcing Saturday her intention to seek the party leadership if the Cabinet failed to remove Starmer by Monday. West admitted she lacks the necessary 81 colleagues’ support to trigger a leadership contest, with her action appearing designed to pressure more prominent potential candidates to act.

Unlike the Conservative Party, which has historically removed leaders including Margaret Thatcher in 1990 and Boris Johnson in 2022, Labour lacks this precedent. No Labour prime minister has ever been forced out, though Tony Blair announced his resignation plans in 2007 following a series of minor resignations.

Potential challengers would need to satisfy the eligibility requirements mentioned above, but Starmer would automatically appear on the ballot.

Those believed to have leadership aspirations include Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who resigned last year after admitting insufficient tax payments on a property purchase. An investigation into that matter continues.

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester’s well-regarded mayor, is widely viewed as among the strongest potential candidates. However, he currently cannot run because he’s not in Parliament. Earlier this year, Labour leadership prevented him from competing in a special parliamentary election.

Nevertheless, if Starmer signals his intention to retire — perhaps at Labour’s September annual conference — arrangements could be made for Burnham’s return to the House of Commons. A Labour member in a secure seat could resign, creating another opportunity for Burnham. However, winning such a special election presents challenges, given recent local election outcomes.

European lawmakers announced Tuesday they have struck a preliminary agreement designed to bolster the continent’s pharmaceutical supply chain by ramping up domestic drug manufacturing and decreasing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The proposed legislation focuses on vital medications including antibiotics, insulin and vaccines, with goals of expanding manufacturing capabilities across European Union member nations.

The agreement comes as the European Union faces mounting pressure to secure reliable access to essential medications, particularly as American pricing strategies continue to create turbulence in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Before these new regulations can take effect, both the European Parliament and European Council must give their final approval to the proposed measures.

Last month, European Medicines Agency Director Emer Cooke called on regional officials throughout the EU to strengthen their collaborative efforts in securing drug access for patients across the bloc.