Category: World News

During a historic diplomatic meeting in Ottawa on Friday, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Canadian counterpart that the nation could potentially exceed its ambitious trade expansion goals with China by 2030.

Speaking with Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Wang Yi suggested that Canadian exports to China might grow by 100%, surpassing the country’s current objective of a 50% increase by the end of the decade. He pointed to growing momentum in bilateral relations as the foundation for this optimistic projection.

“Canada is focused on growing our economy and diversifying our trading relationships,” Anand stated during their discussions. “The Canada-China economic relationship is significant,” she added.

Wang Yi’s three-day diplomatic mission marks the first time a Chinese foreign minister has visited Canada in a decade, representing a significant step toward improving relations between the two nations. On Friday afternoon, he met privately with Prime Minister Mark Carney following a handshake ceremony.

The countries established an initial trade agreement in January that reduces tariffs on electric vehicles and canola products. This deal came during Carney’s groundbreaking trip to China, making him the first Canadian prime minister to visit the country since 2017.

As Canada’s second-largest trading partner, China plays a crucial role in Carney’s strategy to decrease his nation’s heavy dependence on the United States. Following tariff impositions by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canada, a traditional ally, Carney has pledged to double Canadian exports to alternative markets within the next ten years. His administration has negotiated over 20 economic and security agreements in the past year alone.

During a Thursday speech in New York, Carney advocated for a “new partnership” with the U.S., arguing that a stronger Canada would “help make America great again.”

The Chinese foreign minister’s Ottawa visit follows the Canadian warship HMCS Charlottetown’s routine passage through the Taiwan Strait on May 23. China expressed strong opposition on Friday to any nation’s attempts to challenge its sovereignty and security “under the pretext of freedom of navigation.”

Earlier this month, Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong traveled to Taiwan for meetings with Taiwanese President Dr. Lai Ching-te and other high-ranking officials.

In his official statement, Chong explained that his visit aimed to “show solidarity with a democracy at the front lines of intimidation from the People’s Republic of China” and to defend Canada’s sovereignty. His trip came after the Chinese ambassador to Canada issued warnings regarding politicians visiting Taiwan.

VIENNA, May 29 – Tehran and Washington are engaged in talks about prolonging their current ceasefire to pave the way for negotiations covering Iran’s nuclear activities, with the United States demanding assurances that Iran cannot develop atomic weapons.

Although most of Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities were either demolished or severely compromised during Israeli and U.S. bombing campaigns in June, intelligence suggests a significant portion of the nation’s stockpiled highly enriched uranium remains intact. This surviving nuclear material represents Washington’s primary worry as nuclear discussions approach.

Trump stated on Friday through social media that Iran must consent to having enriched uranium that was buried following previous U.S. attacks be “unearthed” and eliminated under supervision from Iran and the U.N. nuclear monitoring agency.

UNDERSTANDING HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM

This material represents one of two substances, alongside plutonium, capable of forming a nuclear weapon’s core.

Unlike plutonium, which requires extraction from reactor spent fuel using large, easily detectable facilities, uranium enrichment can occur through centrifuges with considerably smaller physical presence.

Among Iran’s three known operating enrichment facilities during the June Israeli and U.S. strikes, two were located below ground. The surface facility suffered complete destruction.

Uranium reaches highly enriched status at 20% purity, becoming weapons-grade at approximately 90%.

Contemporary reactors typically utilize fuel enriched up to 5%, though some require higher enrichment levels. U.S. nuclear submarine reactors allegedly operate on fuel exceeding 90% enrichment.

IRAN’S CURRENT STOCKPILE

Iran has not updated the U.N. nuclear monitoring body regarding its enriched uranium status following the June strikes, nor permitted inspectors to return to storage locations.

The International Atomic Energy Agency calculated Iran possessed these quantities when Israeli bombing commenced on June 13:

– 440.9 kg enriched up to 60%

– 184.1 kg enriched up to 20%

– 6,024.4 kg enriched up to 5%

– 2,391.1 kg enriched up to 2%

Using IAEA calculations, the 60% stockpile could produce 10 nuclear weapons if further enriched. The 20% supply would yield one weapon, while the 5% material could create 12.

Survival rates remain uncertain. IAEA director Rafael Grossi indicated his organization believes “a bit more than 200 kg” of the 60% inventory sits within an Isfahan tunnel system that seemingly escaped major damage during June attacks. Additional material was housed at the Natanz nuclear facility, according to his statements.

REASONS FOR ALARM

U.S. officials focus primarily on the 60% material due to its potential for rapid weapons development. Washington seeks its complete elimination, while Iran maintains it has no weapons ambitions.

Higher uranium enrichment levels create exponentially easier pathways for further processing. Advancing from 60% to 90% proves simpler than progressing from natural uranium to 5%.

President Donald Trump withdrew America from a nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers that previously maintained Tehran at much greater distance from bomb-making capability than currently exists. The 2018 U.S. exit triggered the deal’s collapse, prompting Iran to rapidly expand its atomic activities.

The 2015 agreement limited Iranian enrichment to 3.67%.

However, even 90% enriched uranium requires additional processing for weapons cores. Enriched uranium exists in gaseous form and must convert to metal for weaponization.

TRANSPORTATION POSSIBILITIES

Yes. Iran previously transferred enriched materials between facilities under IAEA supervision before June attacks.

During the 2015 deal and its predecessor, Iran’s uranium stocks enriched to 20% underwent dilution or conversion to reactor fuel plates before international shipment.

International transportation of nuclear materials like highly enriched uranium involves sensitive but standard procedures.

“It requires some precaution but it can be moved,” Grossi explained to PBS in March regarding the 60% material.

IRAN’S WILLINGNESS TO NEGOTIATE

Iran’s supreme leader has directed that the 60% material should remain within the country, according to two senior Iranian sources last week.

Iranian officials suggest Tehran might consider sending half the stockpile to a third nation in exchange for 5% enriched uranium, while diluting the remainder domestically.

Leaders from a Russian-dominated economic alliance issued a stern warning to Armenia on Friday, threatening potential suspension from the trade bloc due to the nation’s pursuit of European Union membership, as ongoing tensions between Moscow and Armenian officials continue to escalate.

During a summit held in Kazakhstan’s capital of Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin joined with leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to express concerns that Armenia’s European Union membership pursuit poses “significant risks” to their economic security. The four officials directed their staff to compile a December report examining “possible consequences of suspending” Armenia from the alliance.

The leaders additionally called for Armenia to conduct a referendum allowing citizens to choose between pursuing EU membership or remaining within the Eurasian Economic Union, a trade partnership established in 2015 that facilitates unrestricted movement of goods, capital and workers. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously dismissed calls for such a vote.

This threat emerges just over one week prior to Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections, where Pashinyan, who has held power since 2018, aims to maintain his position.

Following a U.S.-mediated agreement last year that concluded decades of conflict with Azerbaijan, Armenia has progressively worked to strengthen relationships with both the United States and European Union. Pashinyan has announced plans to pursue EU membership while his administration has halted the nation’s involvement in the Moscow-controlled security alliance known as the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

Armenia’s pivot toward Western nations has frustrated the Kremlin. Putin has cautioned Pashinyan that his nation would experience severe economic harm if it continues pursuing EU membership. Recently, Moscow threatened to halt deliveries of discounted natural gas to Armenia and prohibited imports of Armenian brandy, fruits and vegetables, representing part of the Kremlin’s strategy to influence Armenia’s election results.

Putin has stated that Armenia cannot simultaneously belong to both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union. During Friday’s meeting, he cautioned that Armenia might lose as much as 14% of its Gross Domestic Product if it withdraws from the Moscow-controlled alliance.

Pashinyan has responded to Putin’s threats by maintaining that Armenia can currently balance its Eurasian Economic Union membership while building cooperation with the EU.

During Friday’s remarks, Putin also drew parallels between the current disagreements with Armenia and events in Ukraine, where attempts to establish an association agreement with the EU resulted in the removal of its pro-Moscow president, Russia’s takeover of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014, and Moscow’s backing of separatist forces in eastern Ukraine that began that same year. In February 2022, Putin launched military operations in Ukraine, initiating Europe’s largest armed conflict since World War II.

A judicial ruling in Brazil’s northern Pará state has mandated that government authorities at both federal and municipal levels take action to restore and safeguard Fordlandia, an abandoned settlement that U.S. automotive pioneer Henry Ford created in the Amazon rainforest almost 100 years ago.

Legal officials announced Friday that this ruling represents a major achievement for cultural preservation efforts.

The ghost town of Fordlandia, which currently serves as a district within Aveiro city, was constructed in 1927 by Ford Motor Co. in Pará state as an ambitious rubber production center aimed at providing a reliable source of natural rubber for automobile tires.

The settlement was planned to mirror an ideal American suburban community and at its peak became the Amazon’s third-most populous area. But plant diseases destroyed the rubber tree farms, forcing residents to abandon the community. The Brazilian government took control of the property in 1945.

Brazil’s federal prosecution office in Pará filed suit in 2015 against the nation’s Iphan architectural heritage agency and Aveiro city officials for neglecting to maintain Fordlandia. The lawsuit also sought official protected designation for the settlement.

“Fordlandia is a landmark chapter in the history of Brazil and of global industry. The project was an American effort to challenge the British monopoly on rubber, bringing cutting-edge infrastructure—including a hospital, running water, electricity and a movie theater — to the heart of the Amazon in the 1920s,” the prosecutors’ office in Pará said in a statement.

Even though the business operation failed, authorities stressed that the district continues to hold importance in Brazil’s collective heritage and deserves protection for coming generations.

A Pará judge issued orders two weeks ago requiring federal and municipal governments to rehabilitate Fordlandia. This judgment followed more than ten years of court battles.

While the district lacks formal heritage site designation, the court determined it holds historical, cultural, and architectural value that Brazil’s Constitution requires the government to safeguard.

The court order also mandates that government officials create and execute a restoration strategy for the district, with possible monetary sanctions for failure to comply.

Ghana’s legislative body voted Friday to enact new legislation that makes promoting LGBTQ activities a criminal offense, marking another step in West Africa’s increasing restrictions on sexual minorities.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, received approval through a voice vote following a unanimous endorsement from the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, according to first deputy speaker Bernard Ahiafor.

The legislation was brought forward last year after President John Dramani Mahama assumed office. Religious leaders and other advocates had pressed lawmakers from Mahama’s National Democratic Congress party to move forward with the vote, creating pressure for the president to approve the measure.

Parliament had previously passed a similar version of this legislation in 2024 during the administration of Mahama’s predecessor, President Nana Akufo-Addo, though legal challenges prevented Akufo-Addo from signing it into law.

Friday’s approved legislation keeps current penalties of up to three years imprisonment for same-sex intimate acts. The measure also prohibits “funding, sponsorship or promotion” of LGBTQ activities, carrying sentences from three to five years in prison. Additionally, it establishes a “duty to report” requirement for prohibited LGBTQ activities to law enforcement or other officials, with violations punishable by up to three years incarceration.

The legislation also modifies Ghana’s Extradition Act of 1960 to classify violations under the new law as extraditable crimes.

Multiple West African nations have enacted similar anti-LGBTQ measures in recent months.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye approved legislation in March that doubles maximum prison sentences for same-sex intimate acts to 10 years while also criminalizing efforts to promote homosexuality.

Last September, Burkina Faso’s lawmakers voted to criminalize same-sex intimate acts for the first time and banned “behaviour likely to promote homosexual practices and similar practices.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned Friday that his country’s intelligence agencies have detected preparations for a significant Russian offensive, according to his announcement on the Telegram messaging platform.

During his evening video briefing, Zelenskiy stated: “We have intelligence information about Russia preparing a new large-scale strike.”

“Our services are responding promptly and are prepared. The Air Force and other defenders of the sky will work 24/7, as they always do,” he added.

Earlier this week on Monday, Russian officials announced plans for “systematic strikes” targeting locations in Kyiv while advising foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel to evacuate the area.

Russian authorities justified this planned action as retaliation for a drone attack that occurred last week at a dormitory facility in Ukraine’s Russian-controlled Luhansk region, resulting in 21 fatalities. Ukrainian officials have rejected responsibility for that incident.

Previous Russian bombardments targeting Kyiv and surrounding Ukrainian territories last Sunday resulted in two deaths and injured multiple civilians.

Through his Telegram message, Zelenskiy urged the international community to impose additional sanctions against Russia and emphasized the urgent need to implement previously agreed-upon air defense partnerships without delay.

Federal authorities in Switzerland announced Friday they are investigating Thursday’s stabbing incident at a Winterthur railway station as a possible act of terrorism, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

The federal prosecutor has initiated criminal charges against the suspected attacker for alleged multiple attempted murder and potential involvement with or support of a terrorist organization.

The Thursday morning assault in Winterthur, located north of Zurich, left three Swiss men wounded. One victim sustained a leg wound, another suffered a neck injury, and the third was stabbed in the thigh. Medical teams transported all three to area hospitals, with one requiring emergency surgical treatment.

Law enforcement apprehended the alleged assailant, identified as a 31-year-old individual holding both Swiss and Turkish citizenship, at the station within minutes of receiving the initial emergency report.

Authorities are currently examining the attacker’s motivations through a comprehensive investigation of the suspect’s history.

Officials stated their “main hypothesis” centers on the incident being suspected terrorism.

Law enforcement revealed Thursday that the suspect had come to police attention in 2015 for allegedly distributing propaganda materials from the extremist organization Islamic State.

A Swiss publication, Blick, reported obtaining footage that appears to show an individual fleeing the station’s main area while shouting “Allahu Akbar,” which means “God is greatest” in Arabic. Reuters has not confirmed the authenticity of this video.

Federal prosecutors emphasized Friday that the event demonstrates jihadist-inspired terrorism continues to pose a significant threat within Switzerland.

A Moscow-controlled economic alliance of former Soviet nations announced Friday it may suspend Armenia’s membership over the country’s efforts to join the European Union, demanding Yerevan hold a public vote on its future direction.

The Eurasian Economic Union made the threat following a summit meeting in Astana, where leaders from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan expressed concern that Armenia’s westward shift threatens the bloc’s financial stability.

Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan skipped the gathering, citing his active campaigning for parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7. Pashinyan has been steering his nation toward closer relationships with Europe and America while publicly criticizing Moscow’s policies.

The four attending nations stated that Armenia’s western integration creates “significant risks to the economic security” of their union and announced plans to review the country’s membership status during their December meeting.

The economic bloc, established in 2015, also demanded Armenia conduct a nationwide referendum on EU membership that includes an option to remain within the Russian-led organization.

Moscow has been increasing economic pressure on Armenia in recent weeks, implementing temporary bans on agricultural products and threatening to cut off supplies of discounted oil and natural gas that the South Caucasus nation depends on heavily.

The upcoming election features Pashinyan, who advocates stronger EU and U.S. connections, competing against multiple opposition parties that generally favor Russian alignment. Polling data indicates Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party leads with approximately 30% voter support.

Russian officials have consistently maintained that EAEU membership cannot coexist with EU aspirations. Armenia enacted legislation last year formally beginning its European Union accession procedures.

Losing EAEU membership would create immediate economic disruption for Armenia’s 3 million residents. The nation’s per-capita economic output measured roughly half of Russia’s level in 2024, based on World Bank figures.

Trade statistics from Armenian government sources show Russia represented about 35% of the country’s international commerce last year, while EU nations accounted for approximately 11%. Armenia also imported 82% of its natural gas from Russia during the same period.

Military delegations from Lebanon and Israel conducted direct negotiations at the Pentagon on Friday, marking the first such discussions between the two nations in decades, even as combat operations continued in southern Lebanon.

Israeli forces advanced into the southern Lebanese village of Dibbine, located near Marjayoun, while air operations resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals. According to state media reports, five people died in aerial attacks on the villages of Deir Qanoun al Nahr and Abbasiyeh, and a municipal police officer was killed in Ebba village.

The six-person Lebanese military team met with Israeli military representatives in Washington on Friday, with the Lebanese delegation headed by Brig. Gen. George Rizkallah, the army’s operations chief. A senior Lebanese military official told The Associated Press that the goal was to establish a comprehensive ceasefire, building on the nominal truce that took effect on April 17.

The Lebanese representatives plan to request the restoration of a monitoring committee that oversaw enforcement of a previous U.S.-mediated ceasefire which ended the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in late 2024, according to the official.

A second Lebanese official, who receives regular briefings on the Pentagon discussions, confirmed that the delegation would push for full ceasefire implementation and an end to current hostilities. This official noted that successful implementation would lead to future discussions about positioning Lebanese army forces along the border and removing Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.

Both officials requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to discuss the ongoing Washington negotiations publicly.

President Joseph Aoun’s office announced he spoke by phone Friday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Lebanon’s situation and broader Middle Eastern developments. Aoun told Rubio that ceasefire implementation should be the primary focus, calling it “the essential entry point for transitioning to any other issues,” according to his office.

The current talks represent the first direct Lebanon-Israel discussions in Washington in over thirty years, following initial meetings held in April.

Israeli military forces issued multiple evacuation orders for southern Lebanon on Friday, compelling hundreds of families to relocate to safer northern areas.

Combat erupted between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters in the villages of Yohmor and Zawtar al-Sahrqieh near Nabatieh city after Israeli forces crossed the strategic Litani River, which serves as an unofficial Israeli military boundary. Extensive southern territories remain under Israeli military authority despite the April ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah, whose fighters have engaged Israeli forces in the region for several days, issued statements claiming their members attacked Israeli troops within Yohmor.

Both villages sit near the medieval Beaufort castle, positioned approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Israeli border with commanding views of southern Lebanon. It remains unclear whether Israeli forces intend to seize the castle, located north of the Litani River.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toured the northern front Friday and addressed military personnel. “I must tell you that there are very impressive results here. Our forces have crossed the Litani; they have advanced to controlling positions,” he stated.

“We are operating in Beirut, in the Bekaa, across the entire width of the front, and we are dealing Hezbollah a crushing blow,” Netanyahu added, referencing Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley and Beirut’s southern suburbs, which Israeli air forces targeted Thursday.

The southern Lebanon violence occurred as U.S. and Iranian negotiators reportedly reached a preliminary agreement Thursday to extend the ceasefire in the three-month conflict by 60 days and begin fresh discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, according to a U.S. official with knowledge of the matter.

Iran has not yet confirmed any agreement. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged Thursday evening that a tentative deal existed but expressed uncertainty about President Donald Trump’s approval.

Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah stated Friday that any U.S.-Iran agreement would halt Israel’s Lebanese offensive. Iranian officials, representing Hezbollah’s primary supporter, have maintained that any Washington deal must end the current Israel-Hezbollah war that began March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel two days after mutual attacks between Israel and Iran.

The ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict has resulted in 3,200 deaths in Lebanon and displaced over one million people.

Ukrainian weapons experts have discovered that a Russian Oreshnik missile launched at their country in January was actually manufactured nine years ago, challenging Moscow’s claims about the weapon being revolutionary new technology.

After analyzing debris from the strike, investigators determined the missile was built in 2017 using components that date back to 2016 or earlier, all originating from Russia or Belarus, officials announced Friday.

The Oreshnik represents a nuclear-capable weapon system with a striking distance exceeding 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles). Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed the missile cannot be intercepted, though numerous Western defense analysts have disputed this characterization.

Fragments collected from the limited number of Oreshnik strikes during the ongoing conflict have provided Ukrainian officials with valuable intelligence about the weapon system while raising doubts about Moscow’s promotional claims.

Ukrainian defense assessments conclude the Oreshnik represents an updated variant of the earlier RS-26 Rubezh missile, which achieved its first successful test flight in 2012.

During Friday’s briefing showcasing electronic components retrieved from Russian weapons and unmanned aircraft, a Ukrainian missile analysis specialist expressed surprise at their findings.

“We were rather surprised, because they say that this is a very new missile, but if you look at the year of assembly, it says 2017,” stated the expert, who provided only his first name Petro citing security concerns.

Moscow has deployed the Oreshnik weapon system against Ukrainian targets on at least three occasions throughout the conflict, including an attack on a community near Kyiv during an intensive aerial bombardment on May 24.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, who serves as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s sanctions adviser, confirmed the electronic components were salvaged from an Oreshnik strike on the western city of Lviv in January. Vlasiuk noted that debris analysis from this month’s most recent Oreshnik attack remains ongoing.

Vlasiuk also reported that Ukrainian forensic teams are documenting increased replacement of Western missile technology with Chinese alternatives, describing this substitution pattern as appearing “forced.”

Despite export restrictions imposed by Ukraine’s Western partners on electronics potentially useful in missile production, Western-manufactured chips obtained through illegal channels continue appearing in Russian weapons and drone systems.

Ukrainian officials have consistently urged Western nations to strengthen enforcement mechanisms preventing electronic component shipments to Moscow.

Israeli military forces have pushed beyond Lebanon’s Litani River in an expanded ground operation against Hezbollah fighters, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday during a border visit.

The advancement occurs while American military officials facilitate discussions between Israeli and Lebanese defense officials in Washington, working to implement a U.S.-mediated peace framework aimed at ending hostilities and dismantling the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization.

These Pentagon meetings also seek to strengthen an April 16 truce agreement that has struggled to stop border violence, as Israeli aircraft continue striking southern and eastern Lebanon while Hezbollah launches drone and rocket attacks against Israel.

Military officials reported this week they had widened ground operations beyond a buffer zone their forces have controlled since April 16. During Friday’s border inspection, Netanyahu announced troops had advanced further, crossing the Litani River that runs east-west approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) into southern Lebanon.

“Our forces have crossed the Litani and advanced to controlling positions,” Netanyahu told military personnel, according to statements from his office.

“We are operating in Beirut, in the Bekaa (Valley), across the entire width of the front, and are dealing Hezbollah a crushing blow.”

Lebanese security officials reported Israeli troops crossed the Litani near Zawtar al-Sharqiyah village Thursday before withdrawing to the river’s southern side later that day. Forces crossed again Friday, though sources described it as a limited advance at an eastern Litani position near the Israeli border.

The Lebanese conflict represents the deadliest expansion of the Iran war, displacing over 1.2 million Lebanese civilians through Israeli airstrikes and evacuation directives since March 2, when Hezbollah began attacking Israel to support Tehran.

Israeli bombardments have devastated Lebanon’s south, east, and capital Beirut since then, resulting in more than 3,200 deaths according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Israel reports 23 soldiers and four civilians killed during the same timeframe.

Initially, Israel commanded residents south of the Litani River to evacuate. Thursday brought new evacuation orders for people south of the Zahrani River — located roughly 10 kilometers north of the Litani — as the military designated that area a combat zone.

Israeli military commander Eyal Zamir told northern command troops Friday they would continue targeting Hezbollah “launch squads” and their operators and leadership at all levels.

“Wherever we identify a threat, we will strike it,” he stated, according to military-released remarks.

At the Pentagon, Israeli and Lebanese military representatives met to examine ceasefire implementation. The two nations agreed May 15 to extend the truce by 45 days, with talks scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. (1200 GMT).

An Israeli source familiar with the discussions said the countries were not expected to address Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold where Israel claims it has largely avoided attacks due to American pressure.

A U.S. official confirmed the Pentagon talks proceeded as planned, stating: “The only path to lasting peace is through direct negotiations between the two sovereign governments.”

Israel and Lebanon have divided their American-facilitated talks into diplomatic and security components. Diplomatic sessions are planned for next week at the State Department.

JOHANNESBURG — An appeals court in South Africa heard arguments Friday in a contentious dispute over the final resting place of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, whose body has remained unburied for nearly a year following his death.

The former Zambian leader, who served his country from 2015 to 2021, passed away at age 68 on June 5, 2025, in a South African medical facility due to an illness that was not publicly disclosed.

The delay in burial stems from an ongoing conflict between Lungu’s relatives and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who had been political adversaries for years.

The current Zambian president seeks to have Lungu’s remains brought back to Zambia for an official state ceremony. His administration secured a victory in August when the Pretoria High Court ordered that the body be released to Zambian diplomatic officials for transport home.

But Lungu’s relatives opposed any funeral arrangements that would involve Hichilema due to their longstanding political rivalry, preferring instead to lay him to rest in South Africa. They challenged the court decision before South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal.

During Friday’s proceedings in Bloemfontein, the family’s legal representative Tembeka Ngcukaitobi contended that Zambia’s request for a state burial lacked justification because Lungu had his presidential privileges stripped before his passing. He maintained that the deceased’s widow should have the final say in burial matters.

Representing the Zambian government, attorney Ben Stoop countered that both parties had previously reached an understanding allowing Hichilema to participate in funeral proceedings and welcome international guests, but the family later abandoned this arrangement.

The panel of five justices hearing the case raised concerns about the lack of clear written evidence showing Lungu specifically wanted to be interred in South Africa, despite the possibility that he would have opposed having his political successor oversee his funeral.

The court has not announced when it will issue its decision.

Hamas issued sharp criticism on Friday following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that his nation would increase its territorial control in Gaza, calling the move a dangerous escalation that has also alarmed Palestinian residents.

Netanyahu revealed plans to grow Israel’s controlled territory from the current 53% established under an October ceasefire agreement to an initial 70%, though he provided no specific details or timeline for the expansion.

The Palestinian militant organization, whose October 7, 2023, assault on Israel sparked two years of devastating conflict in Gaza, characterized Netanyahu’s remarks as a strategy for ethnic cleansing and the forced relocation of Palestinians.

MAJOR DISPUTES POSTPONED

Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, stated that “Any attempt to impose a new reality of occupation in Gaza is null and illegitimate,” emphasizing that Netanyahu’s announcement “represents a dangerous escalation.”

Despite more than eight months of ceasefire and while global focus has shifted to the conflict in Iran, Gaza’s fundamental issues persist without resolution, marked by ongoing Israeli military actions, minimal humanitarian aid delivery, and the potential for renewed major violence.

Israeli forces have already increased their controlled territory in Gaza beyond the original 53% marked by a “yellow line” in the ceasefire agreement to approximately 64%, establishing restricted zones shown in maps distributed to humanitarian organizations.

Any additional reduction of available space for Gaza’s more than 2 million residents, who are predominantly housed in temporary tent encampments throughout the small Palestinian territory, threatens to worsen the already catastrophic living conditions.

Mohammed al-Shagra, 72, from Khan Younis, expressed his frustration: “Where do we go? To the sea? There is no space.”

The agreement negotiated last year by U.S. President Donald Trump created a Board of Peace to supervise the staged ceasefire implementation and received United Nations Security Council approval.

Nevertheless, the most challenging disagreements, including Hamas disarmament, complete Israeli military withdrawal, and the structure of Gaza’s future government, were deferred to later phases of the process. Board of Peace mediators are currently engaged in discussions with both parties regarding disarmament matters.

Both Israel and Hamas have consistently blamed each other for ceasefire violations. Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in over 900 Palestinian deaths since the truce began, while Palestinian militant activities have killed four Israeli soldiers.

Neither Israel’s military nor the prime minister’s office provided immediate responses to Reuters’ requests for additional information and commentary regarding Netanyahu’s announcement.

A Board of Peace representative declined to comment on Netanyahu’s statement. Foreign ministries from permanent U.N. Security Council members Britain and France did not immediately respond to comment requests.

A spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry expressed concern about Israeli intentions to seize additional Gaza territory and opposed any permanent partition of the Palestinian region.

RISK OF FURTHER VIOLENCE

With elections approaching this year and facing criticism over Israel’s inability to achieve strategic objectives in conflicts with Iran and Lebanon, Netanyahu may be attempting to strengthen his position with voters.

Max Rodenbeck, Israel-Palestine Project Director at International Crisis Group, explained: “He’s determined to look tough in front of the electorate and he’s blamed by his opponents for having fought this seven-front war, but having won none of the wars.”

Rodenbeck warned: “Unless there’s some sort of pushback from the Trump administration it really does risk a return to something very bloody,” noting other ways Israel has intensified pressure on Hamas, including continued aid limitations on Gaza and targeted strikes against Hamas leadership.

For Gaza’s population, where virtually all residents were forced to evacuate their homes during the war and most remain in temporary tents or shelters, the possibility of increased Israeli military pressure is deeply concerning.

Mohammed al-Jundi, a displaced resident in Gaza City, questioned: “We see no ceasefire or anything and they keep advancing beyond the yellow line. For how long will the world stay silent?”

In Israel, security advocates view renewed military pressure as the sole method to compel Hamas disarmament and secure a lasting agreement.

Kobi Michael, a researcher at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies and former strategic affairs ministry official, stated: “It looks as if we are taking a step towards another collision. But I believe this time it will be much shorter and maybe would open the path towards a new future.”

Romanian officials announced Friday that two civilians were hurt when a drone struck a southeastern Romanian city during Russia’s nighttime assault on neighboring Ukraine, an event that threatens to escalate tensions along NATO’s eastern border.

International leaders responded swiftly with condemnation and pledges of support:

ROMANIAN PRESIDENT NICUSOR DAN

“Romania is a NATO member state and will not accept, under any circumstances, that the war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine be transferred to its citizens.

“The unprecedented nature of the event demands a firm, coordinated and proportionate response – at national, allied and international level.”

He later stated: “I want to thank our partners for their solidarity, in the EU and NATO; this … proves there is Euroatlantic solidarity and unity.”

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL MARK RUTTE

“NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones.

“Russia’s reckless behaviour is a danger to us all. They continue to target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. And last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don’t stop at the border.”

OUTGOING ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER ILIE BOLOJAN

“This situation is unacceptable and represents a new violation of airspace, generated by the irresponsible and unjustified continuation of the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.”

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN

“Russia’s war of aggression has crossed yet another line.

“A Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians. On EU territory.

“We stand in full solidarity with Romania and its people.”

GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ

“Russia’s reckless drone incursion into Romania shows once again Russia’s willingness to escalate. Germany stands with our NATO Allies. The incident once again underscores the need for strong NATO posture on the Eastern flank. We are ready to defend every inch of Allied territory.”

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY

“We are ready to support Romania in whatever way is necessary under these circumstances. We count on the European Union’s new sanctions measures against Russia to be truly strong and to make Russia feel that its strikes mean significant losses for Russia itself.”

U.S. AMBASSADOR TO NATO MATTHEW WHITAKER

“We stand with our NATO Ally Romania and condemn this reckless incursion on its territory. Our thoughts are with the injured in Galati. We will defend every inch of NATO territory.”

UK FOREIGN MINISTER YVETTE COOPER

“Russia’s violation of NATO airspace, hitting a residential building in Romania, is extremely dangerous and reckless.”

CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY

“Another escalation in Russia’s unjust war of aggression against Ukraine. This incident is a serious violation of Romanian airspace and international law by Russia.”

EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF KAJA KALLAS

“Russia has long ago stopped respecting borders. Moscow cannot be allowed to breach European airspace with impunity.”

POLISH PRESIDENT KAROL NAWROCKI

“I stand in solidarity with President Nicusor Dan and the entire Romanian nation. What happened is another installment of the hybrid war in which NATO’s eastern flank countries are participating.”

FRENCH MINISTER FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS BENJAMIN HADDAD

“Russia has not only attacked Ukraine, but also threatened the European security architecture.”

MOLDOVAN PRESIDENT MAIA SANDU

“I strongly condemn Russian drones striking Romanians in their homes. This is grave.

“Russia is a danger to all and must be stopped.”

ESTONIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MARGUS TSAHKNA

“It is clear that NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, especially air defence, must be strengthened.”

SLOVAK PRIME MINISTER ROBERT FICO

“I express my full solidarity with the Romanian government, call for restraint in making inflammatory statements, and once again urge the immediate opening of dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation.”

CZECH PRIME MINISTER ANDREJ BABIS

“The Czech Republic stands firmly with our alliance partners and equally condemns the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI

“This is a very serious act, demonstrating how this war of aggression spares no one, continuing to brutally target innocent civilians, ignoring every limit, and endangering European security.”

POLISH FOREIGN MINISTER RADOSLAW SIKORSKI

“Regardless of whether it was on purpose or the result of ineptitude, Russia is still dangerous and we must defend ourselves against it.”

BELGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MAXIME PREVOT

“A weapon of war hitting an apartment building in an EU member state and NATO ally is a dangerous escalation that concerns us all.”

HUNGARIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ANITA ORBAN

“Yesterday’s Russian drone attack once again underlines that Europe and NATO’s unity, strength and deterrence are more important than ever.”

The United Nations has included Israel and Russia on its official blacklist of nations suspected of sexual violence in conflict areas, according to a Friday announcement that sparked Israel’s foreign ministry to declare it would cut all connections with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The Secretary-General’s yearly report to the UN Security Council regarding conflict-related sexual violence advances beyond the previous year’s action, when Guterres warned Israel and Russia they might be included on the roster of parties “credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape or other forms of sexual violence.”

The current report takes that step and includes disturbing accounts of violations by Israeli and Russian military and security personnel.

Hamas, Israel’s primary adversary whose October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel sparked the Gaza conflict, was previously included on the blacklist. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon posted on X Thursday that placing Israel alongside the militant organization represented a “new low.”

“This is a political decision! Disconnected from the facts and reality!” Danon stated in another message from the Israeli UN mission, which noted he learned of the decision during a telephone conversation with Guterres.

Russia’s UN mission has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

Inclusion on the roster does not automatically trigger specific penalties like sanctions, though public identification and condemnation can inflict considerable reputational harm on the nations involved. Countries repeatedly listed face exclusion from UN peacekeeping missions.

Danon stated Israel had provided comprehensive responses to every accusation and had extended invitations for UN officials to visit and assess the circumstances, but they declined to do so.

“Given that Antonio Guterres has chosen to violate every standard of honesty, integrity and professionalism, Israel has decided to sever all ties with the Secretary-General’s Office and will wait until a new UN Secretary-General is appointed,” the ministry announced on X.

A replacement UN secretary-general is scheduled to be selected later this year.

When questioned about Danon’s statements during a routine briefing Thursday, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric responded: “I can tell you from the Secretary-General’s point of view, his door remains open to Israeli representatives, as to the other 192 member states and the two observer states.”

This year’s document stated that in 2025, “the United Nations verified multiple incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, including as a form of torture, inflicted against 14 men, seven women, nine boys and one girl from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.”

The report indicated 13 incidents happened in 2025, with 18 occurring in 2023 and 2024.

“Violations consisted of rape, including with objects, gang rape, attempted rape, physical violence to the genitals, instances of targeted shooting of the genitals, touching of breasts and genitals, strip and cavity searches conducted without apparent security justification, forced nudity and threats of rape,” the document detailed.

“Rape and gang rape, in some cases repeated, were perpetrated against nine victims, the majority from Gaza,” it continued, noting that perpetrators included Israeli military and security personnel and occurred mainly during detention and questioning across multiple locations, including military facilities, checkpoints, and during Israeli operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The report noted that victims included journalists and human rights advocates, and that some violations were recorded on video or in photographs, including one rape incident.

The document further stated that sexual violence against female prisoners primarily involved rape threats, forced nakedness, unwanted contact, and humiliating strip searches without justification, while men and boys experienced rape, attempted rape, and genital violence.

This led to five male victims experiencing severe rectal bleeding or swelling lasting days or weeks, according to the report.

Regarding Russia, the document stated the UN human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine had confirmed 310 instances of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian military and security forces.

These cases, involving rape, gang rape, genital mutilation, electric shocks, and genital beatings, affected 280 men, 26 women, and four girls, the report noted.

WASHINGTON — Doubts emerged Friday regarding a proposed agreement between the United States and Iran to prolong their current ceasefire arrangement, with questions remaining about presidential backing and Iranian officials emphasizing military power over diplomatic discussions.

Vice President JD Vance announced Thursday that the two nations had reached a preliminary understanding. However, he noted that negotiators were still working through “a couple of language points” and could not confirm whether President Trump would endorse the arrangement.

Speaking on X Friday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated his nation has “no trust in guarantees or words,” only actions, declaring “no step will be taken before the other side acts.”

“We do not gain concessions through talks, but through missiles. In negotiations, we only make them understand that,” Qalibaf posted, having participated in this week’s negotiations in Qatar. He continued: “The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war the day after it is signed.”

A U.S. official with knowledge of the discussions revealed the preliminary deal would extend the current ceasefire in the three-month conflict by 60 days while launching fresh discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

The official, speaking anonymously without authorization for public comment, said early negotiations during the 60-day extension would address Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The Islamic Republic currently possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency — just steps away from the 90% weapons-grade threshold.

Vance explained Thursday evening that negotiators were discussing “a couple of issues on the nuclear stuff, the highly enriched stockpile, and also the question of enrichment.” The vice president indicated talks aimed to establish broad principles regarding uranium in the preliminary agreement, with detailed terms to follow in subsequent negotiations.

While Trump’s administration initially stated preventing Iranian nuclear weapons development as a primary goal, Vance characterized the conflict’s achievements in more modest terms.

“We’re in a position where we could substantially set back their nuclear program, not just during the term of this president but over the long term,” Vance stated. “That’s a very very good thing for the American people.”

Iran, which maintains its nuclear activities serve peaceful purposes, has not publicly agreed to surrender its uranium reserves. The stockpile is reportedly stored beneath three nuclear facilities severely damaged in U.S. bombing campaigns last year.

Nuclear experts suggest Iran might accept China or Russia, both Tehran allies, as potential third parties to secure the enriched uranium. However, Trump expressed Wednesday he “wouldn’t be comfortable” with such arrangements.

The draft agreement specifies Iran cannot levy fees on Strait of Hormuz passage and must clear all mines from the crucial shipping lane within 30 days, according to the anonymous official.

Throughout the conflict, Iran has essentially blocked the strait, previously handling roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade. This closure has driven worldwide energy prices dramatically higher.

Iran reports allowing limited commercial traffic — approximately two dozen vessels daily recently, compared to over 100 daily before hostilities began. The Islamic Republic has also imposed transit fees on certain ships and created an official oversight agency this month, prompting new U.S. sanctions this week.

The proposed agreement would see America gradually end its naval blockade of Iranian ports while easing sanctions to permit increased Iranian oil sales.

Despite deal discussions, the U.S. Treasury Department added fresh sanctions targeting the Iranian military’s petroleum sales division. These new measures, initially reported by The Associated Press, continue the Trump administration’s economic pressure strategy against the Islamic Republic.

Iran demands any agreement include cessation of Israel’s military actions in Lebanon against Iranian-supported Hezbollah forces. Lebanese tensions escalated Thursday as Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and the coastal city of Tyre, killing at least 14 people across southern regions.

Since the ceasefire implementation roughly seven weeks ago, both nations have exchanged attacks and mutual accusations of violations. However, they have avoided returning to full combat while maintaining diplomatic efforts.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar touched down in Washington Friday to hold discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding recent progress in Iran peace negotiations.

Initial peace discussions held in Pakistan ended without reaching a formal agreement, though Reuters reported Thursday that sources indicated Tehran and Washington had achieved a preliminary understanding to extend an April ceasefire and remove shipping limitations in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump has not yet given his approval to the arrangement, and Iran’s Tasnim news agency confirmed Friday that no final deal has been completed, noting recent modifications to the terms.

The State Department’s official schedule shows Dar will sit down with Rubio at 10 a.m. (1400 GMT). Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed Dar’s Washington arrival and indicated he plans to return home the same day.

Though Dar also serves as deputy prime minister, Pakistan’s mediation efforts to resolve the Iran conflict have been spearheaded by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and created worldwide economic hardship through rising energy costs.

Trump, who has commended Munir’s efforts, has consistently stated since mid-March that a war resolution appears imminent, despite limited visible progress between Washington and Tehran toward mutual understanding.

Iran continues demanding sanctions removal, asset unfreezing, and U.S. military withdrawal from the region, while the United States insists Iran must dismantle its nuclear program, which Tehran maintains serves peaceful objectives.

The most pressing concern involves reopening traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that previously handled one-fifth of worldwide oil and gas shipments before hostilities began.

MarineTraffic data showed no oil tankers passed through the strait during the previous 24 hours, though one Chinese-flagged vehicle carrier made the crossing. The data only tracks vessels actively transmitting their locations as of 1200 GMT Friday.

Multiple supertankers and liquefied natural gas carriers departed earlier this week.

Iranian state television reported 24 vessels navigated the strait within the past day, emphasizing that no ships may pass without authorization from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Pakistan previously announced that Dar’s Washington discussions with Rubio would center on bilateral relationships and “Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.”

Vietnam’s highest-ranking official delivered a stark warning about worldwide instability during Friday’s opening of a major Asian defense conference in Singapore.

To Lam, who serves as Vietnam’s top leader, addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue by identifying three significant threats facing nations globally. According to Lam, these include the weakening of international rules and legal frameworks, developmental challenges such as reduced economic growth and environmental issues, and deteriorating trust between countries.

“The three crises confronting our world today are not inevitable realities that we are bound to accept,” Lam stated during his address. He advocated for strengthening international legal systems, establishing inclusive and sustainable economic growth mechanisms, and promoting dialogue and openness between nations.

The annual Singapore-based conference, which continues through Sunday, attracts defense officials, military leaders, intelligence directors, diplomatic personnel, policy experts, and defense industry representatives from across the globe.

Among those present were U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and defense leaders from Australia, Britain, France, Japan, and additional countries. However, China’s defense minister was notably absent, marking the second consecutive year without Chinese ministerial participation.

Australia’s defense chief commented that China’s minimal representation at the gathering – sending only military academics and researchers rather than senior officials – represented a missed chance for meaningful international engagement.

This keynote address represents one of the most significant international appearances by a leader from the typically reserved Southeast Asian nation.

Having been appointed to the presidency last month while maintaining his position as head of the Communist Party, Lam now holds more authority than any Vietnamese leader in recent decades, positioning him for enhanced diplomatic engagement on the world stage.

American and Iranian officials worked out a preliminary agreement Thursday to prolong their current ceasefire by 60 days while launching fresh discussions about Iran’s nuclear program, a U.S. official with knowledge of the negotiations reported. Iranian officials have not yet verified any agreement. Vice President JD Vance confirmed Thursday night that negotiators had reached a preliminary deal, though he noted it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump will give his approval.

In other developments, former Attorney General Pam Bondi will appear before House lawmakers examining Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse cases, a highly anticipated testimony that brings renewed attention to the administration’s mishandled release of Epstein case documents.

Here are the latest developments:

The former attorney general is making her appearance before House lawmakers as they examine how the federal government has managed the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.

Bondi lost her position as attorney general last month, but in her earlier congressional testimony she has shown defiance when facing lawmakers’ inquiries about how the Department of Justice managed the release of Epstein case documents. She is also joined today by Department of Justice officials — a setup Democrats have condemned.

Multiple survivors of Epstein’s abuse also gathered outside the House office room where the interview is taking place in private. They urged the committee chair, Republican Rep. James Comer, to thoroughly question Bondi.

“We want justice for the survivors, we do,” Comer told them.

Democrats may find themselves in a more celebratory spirit than typical as they convene Friday in South Carolina, a state controlled almost completely by Republicans.

The party is organizing events just days after the GOP-controlled state Senate defeated an effort supported by President Donald Trump to redraw House district boundaries to benefit Republicans this fall. That initiative was designed to remove longtime Rep. Jim Clyburn, the state’s only congressional Democrat and a party powerbroker who has served since 1993.

Friday’s events begin with the Blue Palmetto Dinner, an annual party fundraiser that usually highlights potential presidential candidates and the party’s national leaders. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will serve as the main speaker.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is appearing before House lawmakers examining Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse cases, a highly anticipated testimony that brings renewed attention to the administration’s mishandled release of Epstein case documents.

Bondi showed defiance in earlier public testimony when lawmakers confronted her about the Epstein investigation. It remains uncertain whether she will take the same stance Friday, given that she no longer leads the Justice Department. The meeting will occur in private.

The recorded interview will provide lawmakers an opportunity to seek information about the Trump administration’s management of the Epstein documents and other related issues, including the prison sentence of his former girlfriend and associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The Justice Department transferred Maxwell to a prison camp in Texas last August.

“I think she absolutely could clear up many missing pieces if she wanted to,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari, an Arizona Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. “Now it’s a question of whether or not she is willing to be transparent.”

A federal judge has refused to stop Trump’s executive order establishing a federal voter list and restricting mail voting, allowing for potential major changes in how American elections are conducted shortly before this year’s midterm elections.

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee in Washington, late Wednesday dismissed the request by Democrats and civil rights groups that had contended Trump’s order would likely be ruled unconstitutional because the states and Congress, not the president, hold the authority to establish election rules. Nichols sided with the Republican Trump administration’s argument that it was premature to block the order since it has not yet been put into effect.

Nichols’ decision keeps the door open for additional challenges when the Trump administration begins to implement the president’s directive. A separate lawsuit attempting to block the executive order is proceeding in Boston. Regardless of how quickly the administration acts, no voting changes are anticipated during primary elections, which continue into next month.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Thursday that his department has completed the design for a $250 bill featuring Trump, expecting the approval of stalled legislation in Congress to place the president on a new denomination of legal tender.

Bessent stated at the White House that authorizing the new currency will depend on lawmakers on Capitol Hill, but that “we’ve created the bill” because “we have to be prepared.”

The secretary minimized the notion that the administration is promoting the matter, despite Trump’s tendency for incorporating his name and image throughout the nation’s capital and into the commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. However, he also maintained there is nothing improper about Trump’s image being part of the significant national celebration.

The chief federal prosecutor in Chicago rejected Thursday evening that his office had launched an investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the longtime advice columnist who has stated Trump sexually assaulted her 30 years ago, hours after several news organizations reported that the Justice Department was investigating whether she had lied during civil litigation against Trump.

The Associated Press and other news organizations, citing unnamed sources, reported that the federal prosecutors’ office in Chicago had launched an investigation into Carroll.

But Andrew Boutros, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, released a statement roughly 24 hours after the initial report was published saying that his office “has not opened — and has never opened — a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll.”

A person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, initially told the AP on Thursday morning that investigators were focused on Carroll but later clarified that the actual focus was on a nonprofit that had helped fund her case.

American and Iranian officials worked out a preliminary agreement Thursday to prolong their current ceasefire in the 3-month-old war by 60 days while launching fresh discussions about Iran’s nuclear program, a U.S. official with knowledge of the negotiations reported.

Iranian officials have not yet verified any agreement. Vice President JD Vance confirmed Thursday night that negotiators had reached a preliminary deal, though he noted it remains uncertain whether Trump will give his approval.

“It’s hard to say exactly when or if the president’s going to sign,” Vance told reporters.

He added: “We’re going back and forth on a couple of language points.”

The developing memorandum of understanding emerged as the fragile ceasefire in the war between the U.S. and Iran seemed to be weakening. The most recent escalation in fighting occurred less than a day earlier, when Kuwait intercepted missiles fired from Iran, according to U.S. Central Command.

Poland’s president announced Friday his intention to have a state advisory body consider removing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s highest Polish decoration following Ukraine’s controversial decision to honor nationalist fighters connected to wartime atrocities against Poles.

The diplomatic tension arose after Zelenskiy signed an order recognizing a Ukrainian special forces unit’s battlefield contributions against Russian forces by designating it with the name of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, known as UPA.

While Poland has remained one of Ukraine’s strongest allies throughout Russia’s ongoing invasion, this particular move has sparked outrage due to the UPA’s dark historical legacy. The nationalist group participated in the Volhynia massacres between 1943 and 1945, during which Polish authorities say approximately 100,000 Polish civilians were killed by Ukrainian nationalists. The violence also resulted in thousands of Ukrainian deaths through retaliatory attacks.

“Glorifying the UPA has provided Russian propaganda with ample oxygen for disinformation,” Nawrocki told reporters in Warsaw on Friday.

The president emphasized that backing Ukraine against Russian aggression remains a crucial strategic objective for Poland. However, he announced that the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle, the advisory council responsible for overseeing Poland’s most prestigious and historic state award, will convene on June 8.

“I proposed that one of the items on the agenda be the revocation of President Zelenskiy’s Order of the White Eagle,” he stated, noting that “certain mechanisms” including a Chapter meeting were required before making any final determination.

Nawrocki, a conservative nationalist who has drawn inspiration from U.S. President Donald Trump, has appealed to growing fatigue among some Polish citizens regarding the substantial Ukrainian refugee population in their country. During his electoral campaign, he pledged to prioritize “Poles first.”

Poland’s foreign ministry expressed its disapproval on social media Friday, stating that redesignating the Ukrainian military unit after the UPA “wounds the memory of the victims of that organisation and strikes at the dialogue between our nations.”

When asked about Nawrocki’s statements, a representative for the Ukrainian presidency chose not to provide direct commentary.

“We’re just thankful to Poland for all the support and we hope that our independence, and Poland’s, will remain strong despite all the Russian attempts to kill it,” the spokesperson said.

For many Ukrainians, the UPA represents heroic resistance fighters who battled both Soviet and Nazi occupying forces, serving as symbols of their nation’s struggle for independence from Moscow’s control.

Zelenskiy was awarded the Order of the White Eagle in 2023 by former President Andrzej Duda in acknowledgment of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, promote democracy, maintain peace and security across Europe, and demonstrate “steadfastness in defending inalienable human rights.”

A Russian unmanned aircraft involved in nighttime strikes against Ukraine struck an apartment complex in eastern Romania, wounding two civilians in the NATO alliance nation, according to Romanian officials who expressed growing alarm that the four-year conflict might expand beyond Ukraine’s boundaries.

Following the incident in Galati, Romanian authorities requested expedited delivery of anti-drone technology from the military alliance, with the Foreign Ministry describing the aircraft’s path as a grave breach of international law.

This event represents the most recent in a series of unmanned aircraft episodes involving both Russian and Ukrainian drones that have troubled NATO member nations and heightened alliance tensions, prompting sharp criticism from Romania’s partners.

Gen. Gheorghe Maxim, serving as interim commander for Romania’s military joint staff, stated during Friday’s news briefing that the occurrence “is not an attack from Russia against Romania,” while noting that “Romanians should understand that Russia is a threat to the security of the countries in the area.”

Emergency responders and law enforcement arrived at the location in Galati, which sits along the Danube River close to Ukraine and Moldova’s borders.

Ukraine’s air force reported destroying 217 unmanned aircraft during Friday’s overnight period. Russia launched a total assault using 232 drones plus one ballistic missile, with strikes documented across 14 regions, military officials stated.

Romanian Defense Ministry officials confirmed radar systems monitored the drone’s movement through national airspace before it struck a building rooftop in Galati. The collision sparked a blaze, causing minor wounds to two individuals while prompting evacuations of additional residents.

Romania Describes Most Severe Incident Yet

Though Romania has previously discovered drone debris within its borders on numerous occasions since fighting began in 2022, including earlier this year in Galati during April, no injuries had occurred in previous incidents where most aircraft landed in unpopulated regions.

Responding to this latest breach, Romanian President Nicusor Dan assembled the NATO member’s highest defense council for Friday discussions regarding what he termed “the worst incident to hit the national territory” since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, placing blame directly on Russia.

“We will have proportional measures in relation to the Russian Federation. … There is no ambiguity about the author and the cause of this assault,” Dan posted on Facebook.

The president added his concern for wounded individuals, families and residents “who experienced terrible moments in their own homes.”

Romanian forces deployed two F-16 fighter aircraft and one helicopter with authorization to engage targets, while emergency notifications reached residents in affected zones.

Airspace breaches have grown so frequent in Romania that legislators passed laws last year permitting military forces to destroy incoming drones as a final option. However, Romania has maintained restraint in shooting down wayward aircraft due to risks posed to populated communities.

Russia continues employing long-distance ballistic weapons and drones to target Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure and attack urban areas, while Ukraine prepares for additional heavy bombardments.

This latest episode compounds recent drone-related challenges facing Europe. During recent months, Ukrainian drones have struck a power facility smokestack in Estonia, damaged empty fuel storage in Latvia and been destroyed by Romanian fighter jets operating from Lithuania. Ukrainian leaders apologized, explaining the aircraft targeted military installations inside Russia but were diverted by Russian electronic interference.

Since hostilities commenced in 2022, Poland, Croatia, Romania and non-NATO nation Moldova have documented airspace violations and recovered drone wreckage on their soil.

These repeated airspace intrusions have raised concerns about air defense readiness along NATO’s eastern border.

International Partners Condemn Violation

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed speaking with Romania’s president and conveying the organization’s “absolute solidarity” with its partner.

Writing on X, Rutte stated he “affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory. We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones.”

NATO partners are discussing the violation informally, though no formal session was scheduled for Friday. Romania may request official NATO consultations if it believes its territory or safety faces threats.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as evidence that Russia “has crossed yet another line.” She indicated the EU would continue strengthening eastern border security while actively preparing additional sanctions against Russia, marking the 21st package to date.

“A Russian drone incursion struck a densely populated area in Romania, injuring civilians,” von der Leyen posted on social media. “On EU territory.”

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attributed increased risk of such “serious incidents” to “Putin’s increasing nervousness, driven by military setbacks.”

Ukrainian Leader Seeks More Defense Systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Thursday he was urging the United States to supply additional Patriot air defense systems capable of countering Russian strikes.

He cautioned that shipments to Ukraine are dangerously inadequate as the Iran war redirects and reduces U.S. inventory. “I believe (the U.S.) must act quicker. We are being very persistent,” Zelenskyy informed reporters while visiting Sweden.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned the U.N. Security Council that escalating and intensifying attacks threaten to spiral beyond control, creating “unknown and unintended consequences.” He noted more civilians died during this year’s first four months than during equivalent periods in the previous three years.

Guterres advocated for increased diplomacy, immediate de-escalation and “a full and unconditional ceasefire.”

Negotiators from America and Iran have struck a preliminary agreement to extend their current ceasefire by 60 days while launching fresh discussions about Iran’s nuclear program, a U.S. official with knowledge of the situation reported Thursday.

Iran has not yet publicly confirmed any agreement. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged Thursday evening that negotiators had reached a preliminary deal, though he expressed uncertainty about whether President Donald Trump would give his approval.

“It’s hard to say exactly when or if the president’s going to sign,” Vance told reporters.

He added: “We’re going back and forth on a couple of language points.”

The developing memorandum of understanding emerged as the delicate ceasefire in the 3-month conflict between America and Iran showed signs of strain. Fighting escalated less than 24 hours earlier when Kuwait shot down missiles launched from Iran, U.S. Central Command reported.

The memorandum specifies that Iran cannot charge fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz and must clear all mines from the critical waterway within 30 days, the official said, speaking anonymously because they lacked authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

Throughout the conflict, Iran has effectively blocked the strait, which previously carried approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade. The blockade has caused oil prices to surge worldwide. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested Thursday during a news briefing that oil costs could “come down very quickly” after a deal is completed.

Iran claims it has permitted some commercial ships to pass — roughly two dozen daily in recent days, compared to over 100 daily before the conflict — but the Islamic Republic has also imposed fees on at least some vessels. The country established a formal oversight agency earlier this month, prompting fresh U.S. sanctions this week.

According to the preliminary agreement, America would slowly remove its naval blockade of Iranian ports and ease sanctions, permitting Iran to increase oil sales.

Even as news of the potential agreement surfaced, the U.S. Treasury Department announced additional sanctions targeting the Iranian military’s oil sales division. The new restrictions, initially reported by The Associated Press, continue the Trump administration’s economic pressure strategy against the Islamic Republic.

The news outlet Axios first reported details of the preliminary agreement.

A primary topic for negotiation during the 60-day ceasefire will be the fate of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, the first official indicated. The Islamic Republic possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, just one technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%, the International Atomic Energy Agency reports.

Vance indicated Thursday evening that negotiators were working to establish broad terms regarding the highly enriched uranium in the preliminary agreement, with specific details to be resolved in subsequent talks.

Vance said the ongoing discussions involved “a couple of issues on the nuclear stuff, the highly enriched stockpile, and also the question of enrichment.”

Iran has not publicly agreed to surrender the stockpile. The material is reportedly stored beneath three nuclear facilities that sustained significant damage from U.S. airstrikes last year.

Nuclear experts suggest Iran might accept China or Russia, both maintaining close ties with Tehran, as potential third parties to secure the enriched uranium. However, Trump stated Wednesday that he “wouldn’t be comfortable” with such an arrangement.

While Trump and his administration declared from the conflict’s beginning that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons was a primary goal, Vance described the war’s achievements in more measured terms.

“We’re in a position where we could substantially set back their nuclear program, not just during the term of this president but over the long term,” Vance said. “That’s a very very good thing for the American people.”

Iran, which has consistently claimed its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, has demanded that any agreement must include ending Israel’s military operations in Lebanon against the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. Tensions escalated Thursday in Lebanon as Israel launched an airstrike on a southern Beirut suburb and conducted additional strikes in the southern coastal city of Tyre. At least 14 people died across the country’s southern region.

Kuwait announced that its air-defense systems shot down incoming missiles and drones Thursday, without specifying targets. Iran claimed it had responded to earlier strikes during the week by attacking a U.S. base in an unnamed Gulf state.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry denounced Iran for what it termed “blatant aggression,” while U.S. Central Command labeled the attack on one of America’s key Persian Gulf allies an “egregious ceasefire violation.” Kuwait faced repeated attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq before the April ceasefire took effect.

This exchange occurred after U.S. officials reported late Wednesday that American forces conducted additional strikes against Iran, destroying four one-way attack drones that threatened the strait area and hitting an Iranian ground-control station in Bandar Abbas that was preparing to launch a fifth drone.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard confirmed the attack near Bandar Abbas International Airport and announced through the state-run IRNA news agency that it launched a retaliatory strike on the air base responsible for the assaults. The Revolutionary Guard did not identify whether the response targeted Kuwait, which hosts U.S. Army Central’s forward headquarters, air bases and a naval facility.

On Monday, America conducted what the Pentagon described as “self-defense” strikes against missile launch sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran.

Despite exchanging strikes and accusations of ceasefire violations, Washington and Tehran have avoided returning to full-scale warfare and continue negotiations.

Vance noted that “Ceasefires are always a little messy” but it’s “very much holding.”

Later Thursday, Iranian defenses destroyed “a hostile aircraft” near the southern city of Jam, the area’s governor, Masood Tangestani, told state broadcaster IRIB. Additional details were not immediately available.

The former leader of China’s renowned Shaolin Temple has been sentenced to nearly a quarter-century behind bars on corruption charges, according to Chinese state media reports released Friday.

Shi Yongxin, who is 60 years old, received the 24-year prison term after being convicted of embezzlement and bribery. He had been formally charged this past March following an investigation that began in July of last year.

The conviction came from a court located in Henan province in central China. Court officials determined that Shi had misused his position of authority to steal funds, misappropriate money, and engage in bribery schemes that totaled approximately 300 million yuan, which equals about $44.33 million in U.S. currency.

The criminal activity spanned almost thirty years, according to the court’s findings.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Eight female students have been taken into custody by Kenyan authorities on suspicion of deliberately setting a fatal dormitory fire, officials announced Friday. The Thursday morning blaze at Utumishi Girls School in central Kenya claimed the lives of 16 children and left 79 others with injuries.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, a division of Kenya’s national police force, the detained students are suspected of orchestrating and executing the arson attack at the boarding facility. Investigators are still working to uncover what motivated the deadly incident.

Law enforcement officials spent all of Thursday interviewing 30 students from the school. Parents were instructed to return home without their daughters and come back Friday morning. However, families found themselves waiting without clear answers about when the remaining students would be allowed to leave.

DCI spokesperson John Marete detailed the ongoing investigation in an official statement: “Investigators have conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff, and other witnesses, while forensic teams carry out a detailed review of available CCTV footage.”

Parents gathered at the school Friday morning expressed frustration over the lack of communication from authorities. One mother, speaking anonymously due to concerns about potential retaliation against her daughter, told The Associated Press: “We have not even been told about the eight that police have arrested. We are just here and no one is giving us any information.”

Officials have not yet revealed what may have prompted the suspected arson. Marete explained that the investigation continues: “Detectives continue to record statements and analyze all available evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events, establish the full circumstances of the incident, and determine the motive.”

The 16 victims were transported to a government hospital morgue Thursday, where DNA analysis is being conducted to confirm their identities.

School fires have become a significant safety concern for educational authorities across East Africa. Many facilities suffer from overcrowded classrooms and dormitories while lacking proper firefighting equipment. These incidents are often linked to electrical problems or students deliberately setting fires due to disciplinary conflicts.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Hungary’s newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar is scheduled to hold his inaugural meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday in Brussels, as he works to release billions of euros in EU funding that was suspended due to his predecessor’s undermining of democratic institutions.

Magyar’s stunning electoral victory in April brought an end to Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure, with Magyar campaigning partly on promises to rebuild relationships with the European Union. Orbán had previously attacked von der Leyen and other EU officials while systematically weakening Hungary’s democratic safeguards.

The EU suspended billions in financial assistance to Budapest in 2022 due to Orbán’s actions and worries about government corruption and attacks on judicial independence. The commission determined a year later that Hungary had implemented adequate reforms to justify releasing approximately 10.2 billion euros ($12.1 billion).

Following Magyar’s Tisza party securing a super-majority in parliament that will allow for rapid and comprehensive reforms, officials in both Brussels and Budapest have made releasing the funds a top priority to help revive Hungary’s struggling economy.

The frozen money consists of 10 billion euros in COVID recovery assistance and 6.3 billion euros in cohesion funding meant to support weaker EU economies. Officials are focusing first on releasing the COVID funds since they expire in August.

Magyar has stated his administration is implementing essential reforms including restoring judicial independence, protecting academic and media freedoms, and launching comprehensive anti-corruption initiatives to regain access to the funding.

The Hungarian leader has expressed confidence about reaching a deal in Brussels. In a Friday social media message, he announced his upcoming meeting with von der Leyen, writing that “we will reach a political agreement on the hundreds of billions of (Hungarian) forints in EU funding allocated to our country.”

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine anti-corruption court issued an arrest warrant Friday for a sitting senator accused of accepting millions of dollars in kickbacks from a flood control project, marking another scandal affecting the nation’s Senate.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada turned himself in and posted bail at the Sandiganbayan court, which will allow him to stay out of custody as his case moves forward.

The court prohibited Estrada from traveling outside the country as he faces the first of two corruption charges related to irregularities in the flood control project.

A second arrest warrant for a non-bailable charge is anticipated to be issued soon, according to top anti-graft prosecutor Jesus Crispin Remulla, who spoke to The Associated Press.

The 63-year-old Estrada has vigorously rejected accusations primarily made by a former government public works engineer claiming he accepted over 570 million pesos ($9.3 million) in illegal payments.

“I intend to avail myself of every lawful means to defend myself and clear my name,” Estrada said.

The senator previously worked as an actor, following in the footsteps of his father, former President Joseph Estrada. Both men have faced detention on separate corruption-related charges in the past.

Multiple other senators and House of Representatives members have been connected to the flood control irregularities in the impoverished Asian island nation, which faces extreme vulnerability to fatal floods and typhoons.

A different senator, Ronald dela Rosa, has remained in hiding after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity.

Dela Rosa previously served as national police chief and implemented a harsh anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte that resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily among minor suspects. The extraordinarily high death toll concerned Western nations.

Duterte, who left office in 2022 following his turbulent six-year presidency, was arrested last year on ICC orders and transported to the Netherlands, where he remains detained and will stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity beginning in November related to some of the killings.

Both Duterte and dela Rosa have rejected any wrongdoing, though Duterte had regularly threatened drug suspects with death.

Dela Rosa has been missing from the Senate since November due to arrest concerns. On May 11, he unexpectedly returned to assist an ally, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, in securing the Senate presidency with a narrow 13-vote majority in the 24-member body.

Dela Rosa rushed to the Senate floor after government agents attempted to apprehend him. He was placed under the Senate’s protective custody but escaped two days later when the chamber’s security chief and two assistants opened fire after spotting government agents in a nearby building.

The multiple gunshots caused no injuries but created pandemonium in the Senate that police investigators believe may have given dela Rosa an opportunity to flee.

Estrada, dela Rosa and Cayetano are supporters of Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who was impeached by the House of Representatives in an overwhelming May 11 vote over criminal accusations including unexplained wealth and threatening to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife and a former House speaker.

The vice president, who has declared her intention to run for president in 2028, denies the charges but has not provided detailed responses.

Despite the ongoing Senate crises, the chamber has assembled as an impeachment court for the vice president’s trial, which may begin in July.

Colombian citizens will cast their ballots Sunday in a presidential election that reflects sharp divisions over the country’s direction on peace negotiations and economic policies.

The election pits those who want to continue the current leftist administration’s approach against voters seeking change focused on security improvements and economic expansion.

Ivan Cepeda, representing the leftist Historic Pact coalition, has maintained a polling advantage based on his promises to expand President Gustavo Petro’s social programs and continue peace negotiations with illegal armed groups to resolve the nation’s six-decade internal conflict. However, political observers expect he will face significant challenges in any potential runoff election.

The 63-year-old philosopher, who has served as a congressman since 2010, wants to implement tax reforms that would expand the tax base, impose wealth taxes and eliminate exemptions for large companies to pay for social spending. He has indicated willingness to consider constitutional rewrites proposed by the left.

Cepeda’s father, a communist leader, was murdered in a 1994 paramilitary attack. He now faces opposition from a fractured right wing led by independent businessman Abelardo De La Espriella and Senator Paloma Valencia, who has backing from former President Alvaro Uribe.

De La Espriella, a 47-year-old political newcomer whose followers refer to him as “The Tiger,” has built his campaign around security issues, reducing government size and economic revival. His platform calls for aggressive action against crime, drug trafficking and illegal armed groups, along with military strengthening and construction of mega-prisons. He wants to reduce taxes and revitalize the mining and oil industries.

Valencia, 48, works as a lawyer and represents the right-wing Democratic Center party. She has similarly focused on security and economic recovery themes. She promises to fight illegal armed groups, halt Petro’s peace negotiation efforts, reduce corporate taxes to increase employment and pursue healthcare, justice and pension reforms.

Centrist contenders, including former Antioquia Governor Sergio Fajardo and former Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez, have performed poorly in polling compared to past elections.

Polling data indicates no candidate will likely receive more than 50% of Sunday’s vote, which would send the top two vote-getters to a runoff election on June 21.

The eventual winner will confront significant obstacles, including stabilizing government finances in Latin America’s fourth-largest economy, reducing poverty levels, controlling violence related to the internal conflict, and meeting social needs.

Over 41 million Colombians can participate in voting that begins at 8 a.m. local time (1300 GMT) and ends eight hours later.

The ongoing conflict and widespread displacement in Gaza has triggered a significant surge in child marriages, with families in desperate circumstances arranging marriages for daughters as young as 13 years old, seeking to provide them with safety and economic stability.

The Associated Press conducted interviews with six young girls in Gaza, ages 13 to 16, who entered into marriages, along with their families. Among these girls, two reported experiencing repeated sexual assault and severe physical violence. Four had already given birth and described high-risk pregnancies, while three experienced at least one pregnancy loss.

Government statistics reveal an uptick in underage marriages, reversing a downward trend that had been occurring prior to the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the current conflict, which is now temporarily halted by an unstable ceasefire.

Every parent interviewed by the Associated Press stated that without the war’s circumstances, they would never have considered arranging such early marriages for their children.

The report highlights key findings from these interviews and data analysis.

One mother, identified only as Majda, was interviewed while residing in a deteriorated tent following the deaths of her spouse and oldest son in military strikes. The vast majority of Gaza’s residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, with hundreds of thousands now living in overcrowded, unsanitary temporary camps offering minimal security or privacy, depending on charitable organizations for sustenance.

Facing extreme poverty and overwhelmed by loss, Majda arranged marriages for her daughters, ages 13 and 14, to two brothers in their twenties.

“I thought I was protecting them,” she said. “Fear was slaughtering me.”

Both daughters reported that their spouses sexually assaulted them and that their new families physically abused them. The younger daughter experienced two pregnancy losses, both occurring after her husband physically attacked her during pregnancy.

The six girls and their families agreed to participate in interviews only under the condition that their complete identities remain confidential due to the extremely sensitive nature of the subject matter. The Associated Press maintains a policy of not identifying victims of sexual assault. Majda consented to being identified solely by her given name.

Majda’s older daughter delivered a baby boy. Several months afterward, she escaped, traveling 15 kilometers (9 miles) on foot while carrying her infant to reach her mother’s shelter. Shortly thereafter, her younger sister also returned to Majda while expecting another child.

Majda faced intense pressure from her father and her daughters’ in-laws, who argued she lacked the resources to support both daughters, her grandson, and the expected newborn.

Believing she had no alternative, she agreed to their demands. The daughters were sent back to their spouses in early May. Since that time, Majda has been unable to establish contact with either daughter.

“They did not want to return,” she said. “They were crying.”

Gaza’s legal framework permits exceptions to the 17-year minimum marriage age when parents provide consent and a judge grants authorization. Court administrators have received instructions to reject exception requests for individuals younger than 14 years and seven months, though some families create unofficial arrangements that bypass these regulations.

The United Nations and most humanitarian organizations classify marriages involving girls under 18 as early marriages.

The majority of girls interviewed by the Associated Press indicated their parents did not force them into marriage. However, they expressed feeling obligated to reduce their families’ financial strain.

Through marriage, they became eligible to receive aid as independent family units with their spouses, rather than being included in their parents’ assistance allocation. Multiple girls also noted that with educational institutions largely closed during the conflict, they perceived no opportunity to continue their studies.

“Marriage felt like the only sense of normalcy I could restore to my life,” said a girl who agreed to be married at 17.

Girls who marry at younger ages face increased risks of sexual violence and abuse, including mistreatment from their spouse’s family, explained Amal Siyam, director of the Women’s Affairs Center in Gaza. Given the high rate of divorce in early marriages, “the girl ends up returning home with one or two children,” she said.

Prior to the conflict, child marriage rates had been gradually decreasing in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. In 2022, the most recent data released by the bureau, 17.8% of all marriages included a bride under 18, representing a decline from over 22% in 2015.

This positive trend appears to have been reversed.

Following a request from the Associated Press, the Supreme Shariah Court in Gaza, which handles marriage registration, compiled information from court staff. Their data indicates that 20.6% of the 35,474 marriages documented in 2024 and 2025 involved brides under 18, including 627 marriages of girls younger than 15.

The actual percentage is likely significantly higher since many marriages have not been officially registered amid the wartime disruption, Siyam noted. The total count of marriage contracts processed by the Shariah court decreased by 35% in 2024, the first complete year of the conflict.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip – Facing complete destitution after losing her husband and oldest son to Israeli bombing raids, Majda found herself living in a deteriorating tent surrounded by sewage and rodents. Unable to provide for her remaining children and worried about her daughters’ safety in overcrowded displacement camps, she made a heartbreaking decision she continues to regret.

The desperate mother arranged marriages for her 13- and 14-year-old daughters to men who offered protection and financial support.

“I thought I was protecting them,” she said. “Fear was slaughtering me.”

The widespread destruction caused by Israel’s military operations in Gaza has contributed to a sharp rise in marriages involving underage girls, according to specialists and government statistics. With nearly all residents forced from their homes and most surviving in deplorable camp conditions while relying on humanitarian assistance, some families have turned to marrying off their teenage daughters as a way to secure economic stability.

These arrangements have robbed girls of their youth and prospects for the future, often resulting in hazardous pregnancies.

In Majda’s case, her daughters endured terrible physical violence.

Prior to the current conflict, child marriage rates had been gradually decreasing in Gaza, data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics shows. The bureau’s most recent figures from 2022 indicated that 17.8% of marriages included a bride younger than 18, a decline from over 22% recorded in 2015.

Gaza law sets the minimum marriage age at 17, though exceptions are permitted. The United Nations and most relief organizations classify marriages involving girls under 18 as premature unions.

This positive trend has now been reversed.

Following a request from the Associated Press, the Supreme Shariah Court in Gaza, which handles marriage registration, compiled statistics from court staff. Their data reveals that 20.6% of the 35,474 marriages documented in 2024 and 2025 involved girls under 18, including 627 unions with girls younger than 15.

The actual percentage may be significantly higher since many marriages went unrecorded amid wartime disruption, explained Amal Siyam, who heads the Women’s Affairs Center in Gaza. Marriage contracts processed by the court fell by 35% in 2024, the first complete year following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas that sparked the war.

The Associated Press interviewed six girls in Gaza who married between ages 13 and 16, along with their parents, all requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic. The AP maintains a policy of not identifying sexual assault victims. Majda consented to using only her first name.

Every parent stated they would never have considered arranging such early marriages for their daughters without the war’s circumstances.

Following the deaths of her husband and son in separate bombing incidents in April 2024, Majda fell into deep depression.

She pleaded with medical staff for sleeping medication, which left her unconscious for extended periods. She became unable to care for her daughters in their makeshift seaside shelter, which was constantly battered by harsh weather. Food distribution from charitable organizations, their primary sustenance source, was unreliable and infrequent.

“I was entirely shaken from the inside,” Majda said.

Two brothers in their twenties, from a family that had lived near them in Gaza City before displacement forced everyone to flee, requested permission to marry her daughters.

Despite having married at 14 herself, Majda wanted to spare her girls the same experience. However, her father sided with the brothers’ family, insisting this was their only option. They assured Majda that while marriage contracts would be signed, the girls could remain with her until after the war ended.

“I was not in my right mind. I am still not in my right mind,” Majda said. “I don’t know how I agreed to this.”

Majda’s older daughter, then 14, resisted the arrangement. “I felt lost,” the daughter recalled. “I thought if I got married, someone would be financially responsible for me … I truly regretted it.”

Most girls interviewed by the AP said their parents didn’t force them into marriage. However, they felt obligated to reduce their families’ financial strain.

Marriage allowed them to be classified as separate households with their husbands for aid distribution purposes, rather than remaining under their parents’ allocation. Several girls also mentioned that with schools mostly closed during the conflict, they saw no possibility of continuing their studies.

One girl described being displaced over 25 times with her parents and seven siblings during the war. Her father had strongly opposed early marriage and hoped she would attend university. But their desperate situation led him to accept a marriage proposal.

She also agreed to the arrangement at age 16.

“I couldn’t forgive myself for taking a share of the little food my family had,” she explained. She also feared that she and her siblings would be left without support if their parents died in airstrikes. Now 17, she was five months pregnant during her interview with the AP.

Another girl mentioned her family’s numerous relocations, each depleting their limited resources. While sheltering at a hospital in Khan Younis, a 25-year-old man there proposed to her. At 17, she accepted.

“Marriage felt like the only sense of normalcy I could restore to my life,” she said.

Gaza law permits exceptions to the 17-year minimum age with parental approval and judicial authorization. The Supreme Shariah Court has established guidelines preventing court officials from approving exceptions for girls under 14 years and seven months.

However, parents sometimes make informal arrangements without official registration. Two mothers interviewed by the AP chose this route, one after an official rejected her request because her daughter was only 14.

In the Israeli-controlled West Bank, Palestinian authorities established an 18-year minimum age in 2019, and early marriages have dropped dramatically to approximately 5%, according to government data.

Siyam noted that during periods of widespread displacement in conflicts with Israel, some Palestinians have viewed marriage as a way to provide stability for their daughters. “Wars and conflicts lead to a return to more conservative traditions,” she observed.

Girls who marry young face greater risks of sexual violence and abuse, including mistreatment from in-laws who burden them with household duties, Siyam explained. Given the high divorce rates in early marriages, “the girl ends up returning home with one or two children.”

Majda said the in-laws violated their agreement and soon demanded her older daughter join her 23-year-old husband, who was staying in his family’s tents in Deir al-Balah.

During the initial 10 days, the girl screamed whenever her husband came near her. “I kept screaming and he hit me,” the older daughter said.

Eventually, his mother “tied up my hands above my head,” the daughter recalled. Her husband then sexually assaulted her.

Subsequently, he repeatedly threatened to have his mother restrain her if she screamed, she said. She described multiple instances of sexual assault and mentioned being hospitalized once due to bleeding.

Several months later, the family came to collect her 13-year-old sister for her 21-year-old husband. The younger girl “kept screaming that she did not want to get married,” Majda remembered.

The younger sister told the AP that she was also restrained by her mother-in-law and sexually assaulted by her husband. She reported having two miscarriages, both following incidents where her husband kicked her while pregnant.

Majda’s older daughter gave birth to a son. Months later, in November, she escaped, carrying her infant for 15 kilometers (9 miles) to reach her mother’s tent.

Shortly afterward, the younger sister also fled back to Majda. They then learned she was expecting a child.

The maternity section of Awda Hospital in central Gaza experienced an increase in teenage pregnancies during the war, according to department head Yasser Shaaban. Many suffered serious health complications from becoming pregnant at such young ages, he reported.

Additionally, the vast majority were undernourished, as Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid repeatedly pushed Gaza’s population toward starvation.

Four girls interviewed by the AP had given birth, and all experienced dangerous pregnancies or deliveries. Three had suffered at least one miscarriage.

One nearly died during childbirth from severe bleeding, her mother reported. She was 16 and severely malnourished at the time.

“I was unconscious for many days (after birth), and I couldn’t hold my daughter for a while,” the girl said.

Back with their mother, Majda’s daughters were terrified by any mention of returning to their husbands. During an April interview with the AP, her youngest daughter said going back would be like “death.”

Majda described how her younger daughter had previously been chatty and playful. But since her marriage, “she does not talk to anyone, not to her husband and not to me,” she said.

The girls had resumed schooling, but the older daughter felt isolated and ashamed as the only married student with a baby. She described herself as a child raising a child.

“I am tired,” she said. “I want to die.”

Majda faced intense pressure from her father and in-laws, who argued she couldn’t afford to support her daughters, grandson, and expected baby.

While women can divorce their husbands in Gaza, the procedure is costly and complex. Divorce also carries social stigma, particularly for women, and would make future remarriage difficult for the girls.

The in-laws promised Majda that her daughters would receive proper treatment.

Believing she had no alternative, she gave in. The girls returned to their husbands in Gaza City in early May. Majda has been unable to reach her daughters since then.

“They did not want to return,” she said. “They were crying.”

A chance encounter between a benefits office employee and a world-famous artist has led to what could become one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.

Sue Tilley was employed at an unemployment benefits office when she first encountered artist Lucian Freud. The artwork he created featuring her during the 1990s has become some of the most recognized and valuable pieces in contemporary art.

The painting titled “Sleeping by the Lion Carpet,” considered among Freud’s finest works, will be offered at Sotheby’s auction house on June 24. Experts expect it to sell for between 25 million and 35 million pounds, equivalent to $33 million to $47 million.

Despite the enormous sums her portraits have commanded at various auctions, Tilley has never received any portion of those proceeds. However, she expresses no bitterness about the situation.

“It did change my life,” Tilley shared with The Associated Press while viewing the 7 ½-foot (2.3-meter) tall nude portrait of herself displayed in the auction house. “Who would have thought I’d be in Sotheby’s?”

Created in 1996, “Sleeping by the Lion Carpet” represents the final piece in Freud’s series of four large-scale portraits showing Tilley in various resting positions. A previous work from this series, “Benefits Supervisor Sleeping,” achieved a then-record price for a living artist when it sold for $33.6 million in 2008.

“I was thrilled I was in ‘The Guinness Book of Records,’” explained the 69-year-old Tilley, whose infectious laughter reflects her joy at life’s unexpected turns. “Unfortunately, it didn’t say my name. There was a picture and it said ‘Benefits Supervisor.’ But I was still thrilled that it was there.”

The artist, who was the grandson of renowned psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, became celebrated for his raw depictions of nude subjects including friends, family members, and himself. His technique involved applying thick layers of oil paint to reveal the complex skin tones of his subjects, creating portraits that were simultaneously honest and affectionate. He even created a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, though she remained fully dressed. When he passed away at age 88 in 2011, he had earned recognition as Britain’s most distinguished portrait artist of the 20th century.

His artistic legacy has continued to flourish posthumously. Another Tilley portrait, “Benefits Supervisor Resting,” brought in $56.2 million at auction in 2015. In 2022, his work “Large Interior, W11” commanded $86 million.

Tilley’s introduction to Freud came through her friendship with Leigh Bowery, the deceased Australian performance artist who also served as one of the painter’s models. She remembers “trudging up the stairs” to reach Freud’s London workspace for sessions filled with tea and conversation, broken up by enjoyable meals. Each portrait required many months to complete.

Regarding “Sleeping by the Lion Carpet,” Tilley notes it “was the most comfortable one, because I was sitting up in a chair. Lying down on the sofa looks comfortable, but after a while it got a bit painful.”

Freud’s practice of painting friends, romantic partners, children, and professional associates resulted in artwork that was both daring and revealing. This approach has never troubled Tilley.

“I’m not really vain,” she explained. “Sometimes I get out of bed in the morning, and I look at my legs and go, ‘Oh, they look just like that painting.’”

She cherished the chaotic atmosphere of Freud’s workspace, where “he used to make you a drink and whisk it up with a dirty old paintbrush, and there was paint absolutely everywhere. I’d go home and there’d be bits of paint all over me.”

During the 1980s and 1990s, Tilley was connected to London’s artistic community, which included personalities like Bowery, who operated the experimental Taboo nightclub before his death in 1994 at age 33. She particularly appreciated Freud’s stories about his earlier bohemian experiences.

“I used to love hearing about when he was roaring around in a Rolls-Royce open top with Cecil Beaton and Marlene Dietrich and goodness knows (who), and when he met Judy Garland,” she recalled. “I used to love getting the stories of his youth and his misbehavior.”

The fact that her image will likely be purchased by extremely wealthy collectors doesn’t concern Tilley. “Benefits Supervisor Sleeping” was acquired in 2008 by Roman Abramovich, the former Chelsea Football Club owner who faced sanctions from the U.K. following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“Sleeping by the Lion Carpet” is featured in a June 24-25 auction showcasing pieces from British billionaire Joe Lewis’s collection, who holds majority ownership of Premier League soccer team Tottenham Hotspur. The sale will also include pieces by Henri Matisse, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and other masters, with a combined estimated value exceeding 150 million pounds ($201 million).

The painting might establish a new auction record. Oliver Barker, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, calls it Freud’s “magnum opus.”

“This is a painting that during his lifetime was very much described by Lucian as being the apogee of everything that he was trying to achieve as a painter,” Barker explained. “The market knows, and it’s very savvy, it wants to go for the best of the best — and this is it.”

Now retired and residing on England’s south coast, Tilley recalls that Freud “gave me a couple of etchings, and then I sold them, because I’d rather have the money, and I went on holiday.”

She harbors no resentment that Freud didn’t bequeath her one of the major paintings. Her position in art history is firmly established.

“When I was younger, I used to read art books the whole time and read all about the pre-Raphaelites and the Impressionists, all the goings on, how they’re all friends and interconnected and all the models knew each other,” she reflected.

“And now, I’ve only just realized, I’m part of that. And that’s thrilling for me that I’ve achieved my ambition without really knowing it.”

A medical organization has accused fighters connected to Sudan’s paramilitary forces of deliberately attacking civilians during a significant Muslim religious celebration, resulting in 27 deaths including elderly victims.

The Sudan Doctors Network, which monitors violence throughout the nation, held forces tied to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces responsible for Thursday’s assaults on communities in the al-Murrah region, located west of Barah town in North Kordofan.

The organization stated that these assaults have intensified the already “catastrophic humanitarian conditions that citizens are enduring due to the ongoing war.”

A comprehensive conflict began in April 2023 following escalating disputes between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces. The Kordofan area has emerged as a primary battleground, with combat escalating across multiple areas, including through unmanned aircraft attacks.

The RSF paramilitary group and its supporters maintain control over the western Darfur area and portions of the Kordofan region along South Sudan’s border — territories abundant in petroleum reserves and gold deposits. The RSF has also engaged in repeated battles with military forces over Barah.

The Thursday incidents occurred during the second day of Eid al-Adha or “Feast of Sacrifice,” a religious observance celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide.

In their statement, the medical network declared that “targeting villages and civilian areas and liquidating citizens in this horrific manner constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.”

Earlier this month, fierce fighting in southern Sudan’s South Kordofan between forces connected to the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North and the Otoro tribe resulted in more than 61 deaths, including nine children. Last week, an unmanned aircraft attack on a crowded marketplace in central Sudan claimed 28 lives and injured dozens more.

Sudan’s conflict began in April 2023 when simmering disputes between the military and RSF developed into comprehensive warfare. The fighting has claimed at least 59,000 lives, forced approximately 13 million people from their homes, and created famine conditions in numerous regions. Over 30 million individuals require humanitarian aid.

The United Nations and human rights organizations have accused both sides in Sudan’s conflict of committing serious crimes, including ethnic cleansing, unlawful executions and sexual violence against non-combatants. Relief organizations warn the actual casualty count may be significantly higher due to restricted access to combat zones across the expansive nation.

Communities in Indonesia’s East Java province gathered on Friday to commemorate two decades since a catastrophic mud volcano disaster that claimed at least 14 lives and buried entire neighborhoods under a sea of boiling sludge.

On May 29, 2006, the Lusi mud volcano began erupting in the Porong subdistrict of Sidoarjo, with scientific studies suggesting the catastrophe resulted from commercial gas exploration activities by a local drilling company. This finding contradicted claims by an Indonesian government minister at the time who maintained the event was a natural occurrence.

During Friday’s memorial, community members placed flowers, offered prayers, and honored victims at the edge of what is now a massive mud lake where their former villages once stood.

Despite years of expert efforts to contain the flowing sludge, including building containment dams, all attempts to halt the disaster have proven unsuccessful. The volcanic activity persists today, continuing to release mud from its underground source.

The fatalities occurred in two separate incidents: one worker died in August 2006 when his excavation equipment toppled from a levee, while 13 others perished in November 2006 during an explosion of an underground gas line beneath a containment structure.

The catastrophe forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, destroying not only their residences and livelihoods but also ancestral burial grounds that held generations of family history.

Among those affected was Sastro, a 55-year-old man who lost both his home and his employment at a factory that became submerged beneath the mud. The facility was among thousands of buildings consumed within the 572-hectare disaster zone.

Two decades later, Sastro now earns his living as a motorcycle taxi operator, transporting tourists who visit the site, which has evolved into an unusual attraction in East Java.

“As far as I can tell, things have been really tough ever since the Lapindo incident,” said Sastro, who like other Indonesians uses a single name.

PT Lapindo Brantas, the local mining company, was conducting gas exploration in the region when the disaster began in May 2006.

The country’s president at that time, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, directed the company to provide $420 million in compensation to displaced villagers and contribute to government emergency response funding.

While the government later stepped in with emergency financial support for affected residents, Lapindo Brantas contributed only a small portion of the total compensation needed.

Twenty years after the initial eruption, white smoke continues rising from the mud lake’s center, demonstrating that hot material is still emerging from the underground vent. Excavation equipment regularly works to dredge the mud pond’s bottom.

Overhead images reveal the vent as a tiny spot within the enormous mud lake expanse, marking the source of what became one of Indonesia’s most significant and enduring disasters.

The flowing mud has impacted more than 1,100 hectares as it consumed 19 villages spanning three subdistricts.

Survivors continue facing numerous challenges today, including environmental pollution, health complications, civil documentation issues, and ongoing uncertainty about their futures, according to Lucky Wahyu Wardana from the Indonesian Forum for Living Environment, or WALHI, in East Java.

“The Lapindo tragedy must serve as a lesson for the government to stop relying on extractive industries, as the costs of the impact far outweigh the benefits.

“Not only have lives been lost, but children who once lived in the affected areas have lost their future and face health consequences,” Wardana said. “In addition, many parents have lost their sense of history regarding their origins and hometowns.”

The UN children’s agency reports that during the past week, an average of 11 children have been killed or wounded daily in Lebanon, even as a ceasefire remains officially in effect.

Israeli military operations expanded throughout the country, with intense bombardments targeting communities and villages in Lebanon’s southern region during overnight hours from Wednesday into Thursday. Israeli forces designated a new portion of this area “a combat zone.”

Thursday saw an Israeli military strike target a structure in Beirut’s southern suburbs, occurring despite the ceasefire agreement that has proven unable to stop ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.

MADRID, May 29 (Reuters) – Spain’s governing Socialist Workers’ Party confronts multiple legal investigations involving corruption allegations, influence-peddling schemes, and other criminal charges that have ensnared members of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s close associates.

While Sanchez himself has not faced charges in any investigation, more than a dozen individuals are under scrutiny or facing trial, including his spouse and sibling, senior party leadership, and a former Socialist prime minister with significant influence.

The following details outline each investigation:

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SCANDAL

• Prosecutors in September 2023 brought charges against seven public officials, including Koldo Garcia, who advised former Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos, with Abalos subsequently facing charges as well.

• Authorities alleged the defendants collected illegal payments from government contracts for purchasing medical masks and equipment in bulk during the COVID-19 crisis.

• Abalos, who maintains his innocence, was removed from the PSOE in 2024, having previously held the organization secretary position from 2017 to 2021.

• The Supreme Court conducted proceedings in April 2026, with a verdict still forthcoming.

• Legal officials are pursuing a 24-year imprisonment term for Abalos, who gained freedom prior to trial following months of incarceration. Both Abalos and Garcia maintained their innocence throughout the legal proceedings.

PRIME MINISTER’S SPOUSE

• A Madrid judge in April 2024 initiated an inquiry into whether Sanchez’s wife, Begoña Gomez, leveraged her status to obtain sponsors for a university master’s program under her direction, potentially circumventing required public bidding procedures.

• Sanchez contends the investigation stems from political motivations orchestrated by far-right adversaries.

• Far-right party Vox and additional organizations support the accusations and pursue imprisonment for Gomez.

• A preliminary hearing is set for June 9, after which the judge will determine whether to proceed with trial or dismiss the matter as requested by prosecutors. Gomez maintains her innocence.

PRIME MINISTER’S SIBLING

• In May 2024, a judge launched an inquiry into the premier’s brother, David Sanchez, for allegedly obtaining his government position in the Socialist-controlled provincial council of Badajoz through family connections. The accusations originated from far-right organization Manos Limpias.

• Legal proceedings began on May 28 and continue through at least June 4. Prosecutors seek dismissal due to insufficient evidence. His legal representative requested case closure, characterizing the allegations as completely false.

ILLEGAL PAYMENTS

• Santos Cerdan, a legislator who replaced Abalos as the party’s third-ranking official, was summoned in June 2025 to provide voluntary testimony regarding claims that senior PSOE members received illegal payments for public construction contracts. This investigation stemmed from the mask controversy. He resigned his legislative position and departed the Socialist Party.

• He confronts accusations of bribery, criminal organization membership, and influence-peddling.

• Cerdan was held in custody before trial but received conditional release in November 2025 and currently awaits proceedings. He denies any misconduct.

UNDISCLOSED FUNDS

• As an extension of the Cerdan investigation, the High Court examines whether the PSOE operated an unreported internal fund for making secret cash distributions to high-ranking party members, including Abalos.

• The PSOE has dismissed claims of illegal funding, though its internal review identified certain “surprising” expenditures attributed to the party by Abalos’ office.

• The inquiry continues with confidential details.

ZAPATERO/PLUS ULTRA

• In May 2026, a High Court judge initiated an investigation into former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for allegedly orchestrating an influence-peddling and money-laundering operation.

• The operation’s clients included Spanish airline Plus Ultra, which secured a pandemic recovery loan worth €53 million, according to the judge.

• Zapatero, a significant Sanchez supporter, rejected all accusations. Sanchez expressed confidence in his predecessor’s innocence.

• Zapatero received a summons to provide testimony on June 17 and 18.

JUDICIAL INTERFERENCE

• In May 2026, a Madrid judge revealed a separate investigation involving Cerdan, additional PSOE officials, legal professionals, a business owner, and a law enforcement officer.

• The judge stated the accused attempted to manipulate government administrative decisions and obstruct judicial processes or police investigations that threatened PSOE or government interests.

• The judge has demanded various documents and digital records from party headquarters. Cerdan has remained silent regarding these accusations.

Australia’s defense minister criticized China’s choice to dispatch only university researchers and military academics to Asia’s premier defense conference, calling it a wasted chance for meaningful dialogue during a period when regional nations seek greater clarity about Beijing’s military intentions.

Richard Marles, Australia’s defense minister, made the comments before the start of the three-day Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore on Friday. He described the gathering as an exceptional forum for defense officials and policy experts worldwide to share perspectives and build diplomatic connections.

“We’ve seen China engage in the biggest conventional military buildup in the world since the end of the Second World War, and that has not happened with a strategic reassurance for other countries,” Marles told Reuters in an interview.

China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun chose not to attend the conference for the second consecutive year. Beijing announced plans to send a team composed primarily of military scholars and academic experts from the People’s Liberation Army instead of senior government officials.

The conference will feature Marles alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and defense leaders from France, Britain, Malaysia, the Philippines and additional countries.

“(China’s) presence is something that we welcomed in the past, and having opportunities to engage with China are important,” Marles said.

The Australian official explained that his country continues building defense partnerships throughout the Asia-Pacific region, while maintaining its strategic alliance with America as the foundation of Australia’s security framework.

Addressing concerns about potential American distraction from Asian affairs due to conflicts involving Iran, Marles stated: “We see that America remains very committed to the Indo-Pacific, and from our point of view, our alliance with the United States is absolutely fundamental to our national security.”

“The global rules-based order is under pressure in the Indo-Pacific,” he added, referring to the international system of shared laws, agreements, and institutions established after World War Two.

“This is a moment in time where we are looking to all the relationships that we have around the world, where we have common ground and where we can work together and where we can, we do.”

Marles, Hegseth and British defence minister John Healey have scheduled an announcement on Saturday regarding their AUKUS project, through which Australia will obtain nuclear-powered submarines.

While Marles refused to provide specifics, news outlets have reported the three nations are preparing to reveal substantial cooperation on unmanned underwater vehicles.

International diving experts are traveling to central Laos to assist in a complex rescue operation involving seven people who have been trapped underground for more than a week, according to a volunteer organization from Thailand announced Friday.

The group of Lao nationals had gone into the cave located in Xaisomboun province to search for gold when a landslide caused by severe rainfall blocked their way out. Volunteer rescue teams from Thailand began assisting with the operation on Sunday.

The additional rescue personnel include Robin Cuesta from France, Audita Harsono from Indonesia, Japan’s Yoshitaka Isaji, Naruchit Kiatmaneesri from Thailand and Australia’s Josh Richards, according to a social media announcement by the volunteer organization.

Kengkard Bongkawong, a cave diving expert from Thailand participating in the mission, reported Friday on social media that the trapped individuals’ physical condition is worsening while they wait for extraction.

“The rescue operation is extremely challenging, as it involves moving them through narrow passages stretching hundreds of metres and requiring underwater diving,” he said.

Video recorded Thursday by another volunteer from Thailand, Norrased Palasing, captured survivors positioned on a rock shelf far inside the cave, showing emotional reactions upon seeing rescuers. Norrased’s group successfully located five of the seven missing individuals. In the recording, he informed them that rescue teams would deliver supplies into the cave while working to remove the standing water.

One person who survived, giving his name as Lin, said, “Don’t worry about me, mum. The rescuers are here. I’m safe now. I miss you mum. I miss you mum and dad. In a few days I’ll be out.”

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced Friday that American military aircraft stationed in the NATO member nation will only be permitted to remain through the end of June, citing the United States’ failure to establish visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens.

“I fully understand the complexity of the regulatory procedures and the need for time, but we also have our priorities and procedures, and we cannot respond positively to the request for long stays of aircraft and tanks at the Sofia airport,” the Prime Minister stated, according to BTA news agency.

The announcement follows recent diplomatic efforts between the two countries regarding visa policy. Earlier this month, Radev held discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, requesting the elimination of visa requirements for Bulgarian nationals traveling to America.

According to the Prime Minister, he emphasized the urgent nature of this issue during their conversation but has yet to receive a favorable response from the United States.

Currently, Bulgaria allows American military aircraft to operate from its capital city Sofia under an arrangement that was set to expire at May’s end. Radev indicated that his government would approve a one-month extension on Friday, providing the aircraft permission to stay through June to allow the U.S. additional time to reconsider its position.

The Prime Minister recently secured a decisive victory in parliamentary elections held on April 19.

NAIROBI, May 29 – Eight students have been taken into custody by Kenyan law enforcement officials in connection with a deadly blaze at a girls’ boarding school that claimed 16 lives, according to an announcement made Friday by the police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

The students face arson charges related to the tragic fire incident at the boarding facility.

French authorities have requested a criminal investigation into alleged mistreatment of French citizens who participated in a humanitarian flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, according to statements made Friday by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

“Based on a report I requested from our Consul General in Turkey, who informed me of sexual violence, exposure to the cold, beatings, and repeated humiliation of French nationals, all of these acts are likely to constitute criminal offenses (and) I decided yesterday to refer the matter to the public prosecutor,” Barrot stated during an interview with France Inter radio.

The flotilla was stopped last week while attempting to transport humanitarian supplies to Gaza. According to organizers, participants faced serious abuse during their detention, resulting in multiple hospitalizations due to injuries and at least 15 reports of sexual assault, including rape. All detained activists have since been freed.

Legal representatives for the French flotilla participants announced plans to file their own formal complaint regarding the violence their clients endured, which they described as including humiliation, rape and torture.

However, these lawyers rejected an offer from Barrot’s office to meet and discuss the situation. In their response, they stated that “the buzz from the minister’s declarations will not make us forget that the French government has supported the state of Israel since the beginning of the genocide.”

Emergency teams battling flooding in a remote Laos cave announced Friday they are pumping water from the underground chambers in hopes of extracting five villagers who have been stuck inside for more than a week.

Recent overnight storms have made their mission more challenging, rescue officials reported. Teams are also continuing their search for two additional people who remain unaccounted for. The group had reportedly gone into the cave seeking valuable minerals.

International rescue specialists from Laos and Thailand have collaborated throughout the week, navigating winding, tight corridors with sharp rock formations and water-filled sections of the underground system. The cave sits in a mountainous region of central Xaisomboun province, roughly 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the capital, Vientiane.

The rescue team includes multiple divers who participated in the complex 2018 mission in northern Thailand that saved 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach after they spent more than two weeks trapped underground.

According to the Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People, a Malaysian diver is also participating in the operation. Kengkaj Bongkawong, who leads the Thai rescue group Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin, reported that diving specialists from Indonesia, Japan and France were traveling to join the effort.

Wednesday’s confirmation that five trapped villagers had been located sparked celebration among rescue personnel. Officials confirmed they would press forward with the search for the remaining two missing individuals.

Footage captured by Thai cave diver Norrased Palasing documented the powerful moment when he and Finnish diving instructor Miiko Paasi surfaced and found the stranded men. The video shows the men with headlamps, seated on rocks while surrounded by floodwater.

The Lao rescue organization identified the five men by their first names: Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing, and Laen. Reports indicate they were in stable condition but weakened by dehydration and hunger. Rescue divers have provided them with soft food and water.

The men could be heard crying out when they spotted their rescuers, and Norrased asked about their physical condition and circumstances.

The men introduced themselves on camera and sent reassuring messages to their loved ones.

“Don’t worry mom, dad. I’m still strong, I’m still healthy. Tomorrow I will be home. I love you mom and dad,” said the man who identified himself as Mued.

Lao authorities report the villagers typically gather resources from the mountainous, densely forested area to support themselves.

The villagers had reportedly gone into the cave searching for gold deposits. Bounphong Khammanyvong, a local official in Longcheng, the district containing the cave, explained they had spotted rocks or sand with distinctive colors inside the cave and entered hoping to extract them to determine their value.

In a Thursday interview with local media outlet Xaisomboun Province Television, Bounphong explained the villagers became trapped when heavy rainfall caused flooding that prevented their exit. An eighth member of the group who managed to escape notified authorities.

He stated the group entered on May 20, which differs from rescuers who reported the date as May 19.

Rescue Volunteer for People announced on its Facebook page that Friday’s mission included pumping water from the cave system to attempt evacuating the five villagers later that day, but heavy morning rainfall had hindered their progress.

“The front of the cave is in a low-lying area. When it rains, all water will flow down to this area and into the cave,” Bounphong explained during his interview.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A Kenyan court has temporarily blocked American plans to build a quarantine facility in the East African nation for U.S. citizens who have been exposed to a dangerous strain of Ebola virus currently spreading in northeastern Congo. The decision came after significant opposition from healthcare professionals and advocacy groups.

An official from the U.S. administration revealed on Wednesday that America intended to transport exposed citizens to this proposed Kenyan facility rather than bringing them back to American soil. The official requested anonymity when discussing the administration’s strategy. Details remained unclear about the specific location within Kenya for the proposed facility and whether Kenyan officials had formally approved the arrangement.

Kenya’s government acknowledged ongoing discussions with the United States regarding Ebola preparedness support but avoided directly addressing the quarantine facility proposal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in a statement that the U.S. government plans to provide $13.5 million to support Kenya’s Ebola readiness initiatives.

The High Court in Nairobi issued an order on Friday halting any agreements related to the Ebola facility pending the resolution of legal challenges scheduled for Tuesday.

Two separate organizations filed petitions against the facility: the Katiba Institute, which works to protect Kenya’s Constitution, and the Kenya Law Society. The Kenya Law Society requested the court invalidate any existing agreements between the two nations regarding this project, pointing to public health dangers and insufficient public consultation.

The legal group also argued that Kenya does not possess “the high-containment infrastructure required to safely manage such a facility, exposing the public to serious health risks.”

A union representing Kenyan physicians issued a 48-hour strike warning on Thursday if the government moves forward with the agreement. The union stated that since the U.S. clearly refuses to allow Ebola on American territory, Kenya should not become another “dumping ground.”

“As the vanguard of Kenya’s healthcare system, we are utterly disgusted by the government’s apparent willingness to trade national biosecurity and the lives of its citizens for foreign aid,” the union’s chairperson, Davji Atellah, said in a statement.

In northeastern Congo, healthcare professionals working with limited resources are fighting to control an outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus, an Ebola variant without any authorized treatment or vaccination.

Congolese officials have documented over 1,000 suspected infections, including at least 220 fatalities, since declaring the outbreak on May 15. However, the virus had been circulating undetected for weeks, and the WHO believes the actual scope exceeds reported numbers.

The outbreak has also crossed into neighboring Uganda, which has reported seven confirmed cases and one death.

The United Nations’ Human Rights Office issued a statement Friday demanding stronger government regulations and monitoring to protect children using digital platforms.

“Enhancing protection of children online is an urgent priority that we need to make sure not only gets done – but that it gets done right,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk said in a statement.

Tuerk also emphasized that technology companies must integrate child safety measures directly into their digital platforms.

BEIJING, May 29 – Beijing issued a sharp rebuke on Friday regarding Canada’s recent naval passage through the Taiwan Strait, declaring strong opposition to nations that threaten Chinese sovereignty and security while claiming to exercise navigation rights.

Reports from Canadian news outlets indicated that the frigate HMCS Charlottetown completed the passage last week, traveling solo without escort vessels from partner nations.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, Mao Ning, stated that while China acknowledges all nations’ maritime navigation rights under international law, the country “firmly opposes any attempt by any country to undermine its sovereignty and security under the pretext of freedom of navigation.”

Western intelligence and government officials report that Russia has escalated secret operations aimed at sabotaging Armenia’s leader ahead of next month’s election, concerned that his success could cement the former Soviet nation’s shift toward Western allies.

According to interviews with five Western intelligence officials and documents reviewed by Reuters, Moscow’s strategy before the June 7 election includes spreading false information to benefit pro-Russian candidates and an ambitious plan to bring tens of thousands of Russian-Armenians to influence the outcome.

Armenia, a nation of 3 million people without ocean access, has largely stayed within Moscow’s sphere of influence since the Cold War ended and continues to house Russian military forces. However, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who leads in polling, has strengthened ties with Europe and NATO, becoming an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, who endorsed Pashinyan’s re-election campaign on Wednesday.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Yerevan this week, finalizing a minerals agreement and a deal for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity – a planned transportation corridor through Armenia that could weaken Russian regional influence.

Armenia, which belongs to a Russian-led economic alliance, halted its involvement in Moscow’s regional security partnership in 2024. This month the country welcomed NATO’s leader at a European leaders summit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with Pashinyan’s Western turn. Recently, Moscow has threatened that Armenia could lose access to affordable natural gas and has limited imports of Armenian goods including fruit, vegetables, flowers and brandy.

“What Pashinyan is trying to do is a threat to Russia,” said Thomas de Waal, senior fellow with Carnegie Europe. Diversification “means Russia loses the virtual monopoly it’s had in Armenia.”

Three Western officials identified Moscow’s favored candidate as Samvel Karapetyan, a billionaire facing trial for allegedly advocating government overthrow.

Karapetyan, who holds Armenian-Russian citizenship, rejects the accusations. His attorney, Robert Amsterdam, told Reuters his client was unaware of any Russian backing.

Europe has repeatedly charged Russia with election interference, including recent cases in Moldova and Hungary. Russia claims that the EU and United States meddle in neighboring countries to draw them into Western influence.

Russia’s foreign ministry did not reply to requests for comment, but told reporters Thursday that allegations of Russian interference in Armenia’s domestic matters represented “spymania.”

Armenia’s government communications department refused to address the specific claims in this report, but described steps being implemented to combat false information and guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections.

In October, the Kremlin created a department called the Directorate for Strategic Cooperation and Partnership, which four sources say is directing influence operations in Armenia. The sources, like others in this report, requested anonymity.

Russian officials have discussed in recent months sending Russia-based Armenians to vote against Pashinyan, five sources reported.

Armenians form a substantial worldwide diaspora, including a Russian population that some estimates place above 2 million. Armenians cannot cast ballots in elections from overseas.

One source, a senior U.S. official, said the number of people Moscow could successfully transport remained debated within the intelligence community. However, the source noted, intelligence officials consider the concept seriously. Armenians regularly travel between the countries, with dozens of daily flights.

Russian authorities estimated approximately $50 million to transport 100,000 voters, three sources said. By mid-May, the Kremlin had assigned quotas of Armenians each region should send and asked administrators to report preparation updates, those officials added.

Reuters could not determine whether such a plan was active or if it would be sufficient to narrow the substantial gap between leading candidates.

A poll from earlier this month indicated Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party would place first with approximately 30% of votes.

The same poll showed Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia party at roughly 6%, placing second in a competitive field.

Pashinyan assumed office in 2018 when demonstrations removed his Moscow-friendly predecessor. Relations worsened after Russian peacekeepers stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnically Armenian separatist territory within neighboring Azerbaijan, could not prevent its capture by Azerbaijan in 2023.

In August, Pashinyan signed a U.S.-mediated peace agreement ending the decades-long dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the contested region. The agreement would establish the transport route through southern Armenia, enabling goods to move eastward toward Central Asia, while providing Azerbaijan direct access to its exclave of Nakhchivan and to Turkey. Moscow cautiously supported the agreement.

Washington has indicated U.S.-supported security personnel could supervise the narrow land strip, which would follow the Iranian border, a prospect intelligence officials say Russia considers unacceptable.

If Pashinyan loses power, major components of Trump’s peace initiative would likely collapse, two Western officials said.

In a video circulated online in May, masked individuals speaking an Armenian dialect threatened to kill Pashinyan. Reuters could not verify if the threat was genuine or identify those responsible. The matter is under investigation in Armenia.

Three sources, including a senior U.S. official, described serious and continuing concerns about the Armenian leader’s safety, without providing details.

Parts of the U.S. government, including the C.I.A., have recently provided covert assistance for Pashinyan’s personal security, according to a current U.S. official, a former U.S. official and a third person familiar with the arrangement. One source said the assistance included sharing information about potential threats.

The White House, State Department, U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Pashinyan’s office did not respond to requests for comment about the prime minister’s security situation. The CIA declined to comment.

Russian officials have intensified existing online false information campaigns to damage the Pashinyan government, officials said.

In one case, a Russian-supported online campaign falsely claimed a corrupt land transaction involving Pashinyan with Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, two U.S. senators who publicly raised concerns in April about Russian disinformation, the U.S. official said. Shaheen and Tillis did not respond to requests for comment.

One European official said the campaigns involve a Kremlin-connected bot network called “Storm-1516”, which participated in attempts to interfere with recent U.S. elections.

Three sources said the Kremlin had recruited Russian political consulting firms and think-tanks, including the Social Design Agency (SDA), sanctioned in the European Union and the United Kingdom for spreading disinformation to weaken support for Ukraine.

Reuters examined five Russian-language documents that sources said were created by SDA. The news organization could not independently confirm that SDA produced the documents.

One document suggested establishing a media outlet named Yerevan1 for Russia’s Armenian diaspora to foster a “negative attitude” toward Pashinyan with a “core narrative” that “Armenia can only prosper in a close alliance with Russia and under its protection.” Neither SDA nor Yerevan1 responded to comment requests.

The document concluded that Russian-Armenians could influence the election decisively if “high turnout among them can be ensured”.

Ukrainian officials announced Friday that Russian drone strikes targeted three international merchant ships as they traveled through Ukraine’s Black Sea shipping corridor late Thursday and into the early morning hours.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba reported via Telegram that the attacks sparked fires aboard all three vessels, though ship crews managed to extinguish the flames.

According to Ukraine’s seaports authority, the targeted ships operated under flags from Vanuatu, the Comoros and Panama.

Ukrainian naval forces provided additional details about one vessel, the Ant, describing it as a Turkish-owned freight ship flying the Vanuatu flag. The navy said the ship was en route to Turkey after departing from a port in the Odesa region.

The attack on the Ant resulted in a blaze and forced the evacuation of two crew members who sustained injuries, naval officials reported. The vessel was carrying cargo when the strike occurred.

This latest assault continues Russia’s pattern of targeting Ukraine’s maritime trade routes throughout the conflict, which has lasted more than four years since Russia’s invasion began. These attacks have focused on ports crucial to Ukraine’s international commerce and wartime economic stability.

A well-known Hong Kong journalist has begun serving a five-day jail term after his appeal was rejected in a case that has heightened worries about the territory’s shrinking press freedoms.

Ronson Chan, who previously served as chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, lost his appeal Friday and was immediately ordered to prison following his conviction for obstructing a police officer.

The territory was previously considered a stronghold for media freedom throughout Asia, but numerous news organizations have been shuttered, multiple journalists detained, and those continuing their work face increasingly restricted conditions since officials launched a crackdown on activist movements after the large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019.

Chan was taken into custody in September 2022 while heading to cover a story. Authorities alleged he refused to present his identification card when requested by a plainclothes officer.

A trial court imposed the five-day sentence in 2023, determining that Chan had not produced his identity card promptly and continued questioning the officer in a “reckless” manner. He challenged the ruling and was released on bail pending appeal.

Deputy High Court Judge Lily Wong confirmed both Chan’s conviction and sentence Friday, directing that he be taken into custody immediately.

Before the court session, Chan, dressed in a black shirt bearing the phrase “Free Press,” spoke with reporters about feeling troubled and conflicted. He explained his decision to remain in Hong Kong to continue his journalism work, citing press freedom guarantees in the territory’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law.

“If I end up losing today, I feel it would be quite a big irony for me personally,” he said.

During the post-2019 protest crackdown, two outspoken Hong Kong news organizations — Apple Daily and Stand News — were compelled to cease operations in 2021.

Two former senior editors from Stand News were found guilty of conspiracy to publish and distribute seditious materials in 2024. One received a 21-month prison term.

In February, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai was given a 20-year sentence after being convicted of conspiracy to collaborate with foreign entities and conspiring to publish seditious content. Six additional newspaper employees, also convicted under national security legislation like Lai, received sentences ranging from six years and nine months to 10 years.

Throughout other newsrooms, reporters encounter increasing restrictions and growing self-censorship. The decline in press freedom mirrors a wider reduction of Western-style civil rights in the former British territory, which was returned to Chinese control in 1997.

Hong Kong officials maintain that security legislation is essential for the territory’s stability.

The territory placed 140th among 180 nations and territories in the most recent World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders.

Market turbulence is strengthening arguments for Japan’s central bank to halt the reduction of its enormous bond portfolio in the upcoming fiscal year, potentially providing breathing room for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as investors grow increasingly worried about her fiscal policies.

Such a halt would represent a significant shift in the Bank of Japan’s quantitative tightening strategy, which has been underway since 2024 as part of Governor Kazuo Ueda’s campaign to reverse a decade of extensive economic stimulus measures.

During its June 15-16 session, the BOJ will examine its current bond reduction schedule that runs until March and establish a new framework for fiscal 2027.

While no modifications are anticipated for the existing reduction plan, financial markets are closely watching whether the BOJ will continue decreasing its monthly bond acquisitions in fiscal 2027 or keep the current purchasing level unchanged.

Though the BOJ has not reached internal agreement on the ultimate choice, halting the reduction is gaining favor as the preferred approach, with uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict keeping bond markets unstable, according to two sources with knowledge of the discussions.

“Markets remain volatile, so there’s no need to rush,” one source commented regarding the BOJ’s reduction plan, noting that many market participants seemed to support maintaining current purchasing levels.

Political factors may also encourage the BOJ to pause, as climbing bond yields could limit Takaichi’s spending initiatives.

“What the administration wants to avoid most is rises in bond yields,” stated one of the sources.

Recent central bank research revealed that some investors are now urging the BOJ to suspend its bond reduction strategy, underscoring the difficulties it encounters in decreasing its substantial Japanese government bond holdings.

Previous indicators suggested the BOJ might contemplate slowing its reduction plan given market uncertainty.

A more definitive signal regarding the BOJ’s bond strategy will emerge next week when the central bank publishes notes from its May 21-22 meeting with bond market participants.

“We’ve seen a pretty fast rise in bond yields, which makes it hard for investors to buy bonds. The finance ministry may be getting worried too,” explained former BOJ official Nobuyasu Atago.

“Given the political headwinds, I see no reason for the BOJ to keep tapering next fiscal year,” he added.

Worries about Japan’s deteriorating fiscal situation and increasing inflation drove the 10-year JGB yield to a three-decade peak of 2.8% last week, approaching the 3% projection the finance ministry used when preparing its fiscal 2026 budget. Exceeding 3% would increase debt servicing expenses and limit resources for additional spending.

The BOJ’s interest rate decision could also influence its reduction plan, with an increase in short-term rates to 1% from 0.75% viewed as highly likely at the June meeting.

Although the central bank has stated its reduction program carries no monetary policy consequences, the argument for slowing quantitative tightening grows stronger if it implements a rate increase, analysts note.

“With the bond market so unstable, it would be natural for the BOJ to play it safe and avoid causing undue market turbulence,” said Mari Iwashita, executive rates strategist at Nomura Securities, who anticipates a reduction pause in fiscal 2027.

“A combination of a taper pause and rate hike would be a good one,” she explained, as the former would reduce upward pressure on yields while the latter would address concerns that the BOJ is falling behind in managing inflation risks.

Increasing debt and unstable yields have intensified challenges for central banks unwinding balance sheets that expanded dramatically from years of extensive asset purchases designed to stimulate their economies.

In the United States, analysts question whether new Federal Reserve chief Kevin Warsh can advance his proposals for a smaller balance sheet as U.S. Treasuries lose appeal.

The BOJ has also proceeded carefully with its quantitative tightening program that started in 2024, gradually reducing purchases and currently cutting monthly buying by 200 billion yen each quarter.

Political obstacles for the BOJ’s quantitative tightening have increased under Takaichi, who has promised to reduce taxes and increase spending through debt-financed funding.

Regardless of reduction decisions, a decrease in the BOJ’s holdings, currently around 500 trillion yen, will continue steadily due to maturing JGBs rolling off, which has already reduced its balance sheet by 20% from its late 2023 peak.

This provides additional justification for the BOJ to maintain current purchasing levels, said former BOJ executive Akira Otani, currently managing director at Goldman Sachs Japan.

“When inflationary risks from the Middle East conflict and the government’s proactive fiscal policy are putting upward pressure on bond yields, proceeding with further tapering could cause political friction by pushing up yields,” he stated.

A court in Kenya has temporarily blocked plans by the United States to establish an Ebola quarantine facility within the East African nation’s borders.

High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi issued the suspension order late Thursday, also prohibiting Kenya from accepting any individuals who have been exposed to or infected with Ebola under the proposed arrangement with the United States. The temporary ban will remain in place until a legal challenge to the agreement is resolved.

The White House announced Thursday that the United States planned to establish the Kenyan facility to isolate American citizens who had encountered Ebola exposure. Under the proposal, these individuals would not be returned to American soil if they showed symptoms, but would instead be transported to a third nation.

The Katiba Institute, a Kenyan rights organization, filed the legal challenge on Thursday to block the facility’s creation.

“The secretive, unilateral establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility raises grave constitutional concerns regarding the rights to life, health, fair administrative action, public participation, and parliamentary oversight,” the rights group said.

Judge Nyaundi scheduled the next court proceeding for June 2 to continue hearing arguments in the case.

Economic analysts predict China’s manufacturing sector likely stagnated during May after experiencing growth for the previous two months, with weakening consumer demand domestically and rising costs from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran potentially impacting factory production.

Economists surveyed by Reuters anticipate the official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index will decline to 50 from April’s reading of 50.3, reaching the critical mark that divides expansion from decline. The median prediction from 14 economic experts suggests this downturn.

The National Bureau of Statistics plans to publish the PMI data on Sunday, which should provide insight into how continued supply chain interruptions and price increases from the ongoing Middle East crisis affected Chinese manufacturers, particularly with the Strait of Hormuz oil transportation route staying mostly blocked.

Data released earlier in May showed conflicting signals about China’s economic performance in April, with overseas shipments jumping significantly while domestic retail activity and factory output growth weakened. Manufacturing costs climbed as producer prices increased sharply, though industrial company earnings posted their strongest gains since November 2023.

The economy faces challenges from continued sluggish domestic consumption and excess manufacturing capacity, leaving it vulnerable to external threats like fluctuating energy costs and protective trade policies from international partners. However, worldwide demand for artificial intelligence technology has boosted orders for Chinese-manufactured electronics, supporting growth in high-tech manufacturing and maintaining strong export performance.

While U.S. President Donald Trump’s May visit to Beijing produced limited major agreements, both governments committed after the meeting to pursue mutual tariff reductions on goods worth $30 billion or more. China’s Commerce Ministry expressed hopes that the U.S. would “honour its commitment” to keep tariff rates on Chinese products at or below levels established in last year’s trade agreement.

Strong export performance and China’s energy stockpiles have so far protected the economy from war-related impacts and lessened pressure for significant economic stimulus programs, particularly after officials established more modest growth objectives for this year.

However, if cost burdens continue increasing, government leaders may need to strengthen domestic consumer spending, stabilize employment conditions, and provide additional support for the troubled housing market to protect against international economic uncertainties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears poised to dramatically intensify his military campaign against Ukraine as his forces encounter battlefield setbacks and domestic support for the conflict begins to waver.

Military analysts suggest Putin is preparing to significantly increase aerial bombardments of Ukraine’s capital, hoping such actions will boost his declining popularity at home and convince a increasingly doubtful Russian public that Moscow is prevailing in the conflict, which has now entered its fifth year.

Moscow’s threat to conduct “consistent and systematic” missile attacks on Kyiv, coupled with demands that foreign diplomatic missions evacuate the capital, demonstrates Putin’s plan to expand Russia’s bombardment campaign despite significant costs and potential global condemnation.

Large-scale exercises of Russia’s nuclear arsenal earlier this month and aggressive rhetoric from Moscow warning Ukraine’s European partners about possible retaliation for what the Kremlin describes as their participation in Ukrainian drone operations have highlighted Putin’s determination to raise the stakes.

Following territorial gains last year, Russia’s progress along the more than 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) battle line has recently stalled, while Ukraine’s military has conducted effective counterattacks and regained territory.

“The character of the war is shifting in favor of Ukrainian forces, at least for now,” the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said in a recent analysis. “Russian forces’ rates of advances are stagnating while Ukrainian forces are employing novel tactics and operational concepts in efforts to break out of positional warfare.”

The military deadlock undermines Putin’s stated objective of rapidly seizing the eastern Donetsk region that remains under Ukrainian authority. Kyiv has refused his demands to retreat from the area as a precondition for ending hostilities.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has substantially increased its long-distance attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and weapons manufacturing facilities, causing growing destruction.

Putin reduced the scope of the annual May 9 Victory Day parade, concerned about Ukrainian drone attacks. Shortly afterward, a large drone assault on Moscow’s outskirts resulted in three deaths and demonstrated that even the heavily defended capital remains vulnerable to strikes, undermining Kremlin attempts to portray the war as a remote conflict that doesn’t impact regular Russians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attacks were “significantly changing the situation — and, more broadly, the world’s perception of Russia’s war.”

Recognizing the increasing danger of Ukraine’s deep-strike capabilities, Russian legislators this week passed legislation requiring the country’s financial institutions to fund the installation of drone-jamming equipment at their locations, rather than depending on military protection.

“From Russia’s perspective, these attacks are just going to get worse,” said Thomas Withington of the Royal United Services Institute in London. He added that Ukraine’s increasingly audacious drone attacks were “exacting not only a political but an economic cost in Russia.”

Russia’s economy has stalled as the initial stimulus from enormous military expenditures has diminished. The administration has increased taxes and expanded domestic borrowing to maintain budget balance. Despite windfall oil profits from the U.S. war in Iran, core economic problems persist.

Putin is anticipated to minimize these negative trends at next week’s international economic forum in St. Petersburg, an annual gathering designed to highlight Russia’s accomplishments.

Nigel Gould-Davies of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies said in an analysis that “war-fueled high prices of capital, labor and goods, as well as rising taxes, have begun to depress the civilian sectors,” resulting in “a dual economy of overheated military output and civilian stagnation.”

Although Russia has depended on volunteer forces to conduct the war, providing them relatively generous compensation and additional benefits, Gould-Davies contended that “there are signs that this incentive may no longer be working effectively, and that Russia has begun to lose more troops than it can recruit.”

To maintain the war effort, the Kremlin must compel mobilization of human and material resources, requiring it to “curtail the last remaining post-Soviet market freedoms, labor freedom, and freedom of movement,” he said.

Indicating growing dissatisfaction, some social media personalities who previously supported the Kremlin have begun publicly criticizing government actions.

Government moves to limit mobile internet access and block widely-used messaging applications have disrupted daily life for millions, generating public complaints. Natalya Kasperskaya, a prominent IT entrepreneur and strong Kremlin ally, sharply condemned the shutdowns and efforts to block virtual private networks, warning they inflict massive harm on the technology industry.

Tatyana Stanovaya, a Russia expert who founded the R.Politik newsletter focused on Kremlin politics, noted the expanding Ukrainian drone attacks along with mobile internet shutdowns and increasing taxes have weakened Putin’s position. While he faces no immediate challenges to his authority, “the gradual fading of Putin’s credibility is real,” she said.

During early spring, Russian public opinion surveys, including one conducted by a government-operated polling organization, showed a decline in Putin’s approval numbers, though they increased slightly in May in the state-controlled poll after the organization modified its methodology to include in-person interviews. Many experts believe the figures may be exaggerated amid an extensive crackdown on opposition.

“Putin is losing his magic,” Alexander Baunov of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center wrote in a commentary. “Power remains undivided in his hands, but its spell is fading. Even loyalists complain about the mounting restrictions and repression, and once-upbeat businesspeople are now despondent.”

Following a May 22 Ukrainian drone strike on a college dormitory in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine that Moscow claimed killed 21 people, Putin authorized a massive missile attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas. Sunday’s bombardment that included Russia’s new hypersonic Oreshnik missile resulted in two deaths, injured dozens, and destroyed or damaged numerous structures.

On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced Moscow will conduct “consistent and systematic” attacks on Kyiv to target drone manufacturing sites and “decision-making centers.” It called on foreign diplomats to evacuate the capital — a request Ukraine’s allies rejected.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov contacted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to alert him of the planned strikes and advocate for the evacuation of American diplomats.

“The danger in all of these wars as they continue and then they go on is that they always have the threat of escalation, of spreading into something new,” Rubio told reporters after the call.

The Iran war has essentially suspended U.S. diplomatic efforts in Ukraine and depleted American missile stockpiles, postponing the shipment of U.S.-manufactured Patriot missiles that Ukraine urgently requires to defend against Russian attacks.

Moscow-based military analyst Sergei Poletaev said Russia views the shortage of air defense systems in Kyiv as an advantage.

“Kyiv’s air defenses have been exhausted enough to make a massive attack efficient,” he said in a recent commentary.

Along with the announced offensive against Kyiv, Russia issued numerous threats directed at Ukraine’s European partners.

The Defense Ministry released a list of European facilities it claimed were participating in producing drones and components for Ukraine. Moscow’s Foreign Intelligence Service warned the Baltic nations that their NATO membership won’t shield them from Moscow’s retaliation if they permit Ukraine to conduct attacks from their territory. Those allies have rejected Moscow’s accusations.

“We are actually very, very close to direct military confrontation,” said Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s envoy to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are scheduled to participate in a commemorative summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia this June, according to the Philippines’ top diplomat on Friday.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro announced on X that she had a phone conversation with her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, regarding ASEAN’s upcoming gathering in the Russian city of Kazan.

According to the Russian Embassy in Manila, Lavrov and Lazaro discussed “the prospects of expanding Russia’s strategic partnership” with ASEAN in preparation for the June 17 to 18 summit.

ASEAN’s membership consists of the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor and Vietnam.

While the majority of ASEAN member states supported a United Nations General Assembly resolution that condemned Russia for its Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine, the regional organization has continued its relationship with Moscow as a “dialogue partner” and participates in annual high-level meetings with Russian officials.

The diverse ASEAN membership includes states with varying international alignments. Some nations, such as Washington’s treaty ally the Philippines, which currently holds the association’s yearly rotating presidency, are viewed as aligned with the United States. Other members maintain significant trade and security relationships with China and Russia. Vietnam and Laos chose to abstain from the UN General Assembly resolution regarding the attack on Ukraine.

Multiple ASEAN members, including the Philippines Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, have either imported or shown interest in buying Russian crude oil following the spike in global fuel prices after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February.

A Philippine government official, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, confirmed that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will participate in the summit with Putin.

Singapore’s participation remains uncertain. The prosperous island nation has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and implemented sanctions against Moscow.

Myanmar’s leader, despite the country currently coordinating ASEAN’s relations with Russia, will probably be barred from attending. ASEAN has banned Myanmar’s leaders from participating in high-level meetings, including annual summits with Asian and Western nations, following Myanmar’s military forcibly removing Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government in 2021, which triggered a civil war. Lower-level career diplomats have been permitted to participate.

In 2021, ASEAN leaders put forward a five-point peace plan calling for an immediate cessation of fighting and hostilities, but Myanmar’s government has not succeeded in ending the violence or promoting dialogue.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces mounting political challenges as members abandon his party to join a rival organization established by a former ally, according to political observers and legislators.

Ibrahim assumed leadership in November 2022 following more than twenty years leading opposition efforts against government corruption.

Although his administration has brought political stability back to Malaysia, questions have emerged regarding his anti-corruption commitments, the pace of government reform efforts, and increasing discord within his governing coalition.

Rafizi Ramli, a former economic minister previously considered a possible successor to Ibrahim, declared earlier this month his intention to leave the prime minister’s People’s Justice Party (PKR), resign from parliament, and lead the relatively unknown Malaysia United Party, known as Bersama.

According to party officials, Bersama has attracted over 18,000 membership requests, with approximately one-third coming from previous PKR members.

Although most departing PKR members have been grassroots supporters or local officials rather than parliamentarians – who are legally prohibited from switching parties while serving – the scale of departures has sparked concerns about Ibrahim’s capacity to maintain power should internal coalition conflicts trigger early elections.

Hassan Abdul Karim, a PKR legislator and long-time Ibrahim ally, stated on social media Thursday that he had stopped attempting to prevent member departures because leadership ignored their grievances. Despite maintaining faith in PKR, he described the party as currently “hurt, wounded and critically injured.”

Hassan told Reuters separately that Bersama might attract substantial support from undecided voters, younger citizens, and those focused on economic issues.

“If more PKR members of parliament who support Rafizi leave the party, Anwar will lose legitimacy as prime minister,” he said.

Ibrahim’s office did not provide comment when contacted.

PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, who also serves as a deputy minister, told Reuters there was “no noticeable exodus of members leaving PKR to join Bersama.”

Government spokesperson and PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil also minimized reports of mass departures this week, noting that 5,000 people had joined during the previous two months and total membership exceeded one million.

The resignations do not immediately threaten Ibrahim’s position as prime minister, since he retains parliamentary majority support.

However, University of Nottingham Asia political analyst Bridget Welsh said the PKR division would hurt the party’s electoral prospects and diminish Ibrahim’s chances for a second term as prime minister.

“Equally important, are perceptions of how Anwar is managing his own party, as problems within PKR do not reflect well,” she said.

While the next general election is scheduled for early 2028, Ibrahim indicated earlier this month he might call early voting if administrative divisions continue expanding.

Dissatisfaction has increased among the premier’s reform-minded supporters regarding the government’s handling of an anti-corruption agency scandal, while coalition partners have occasionally disagreed over approaches to ethnic and religious matters in the diverse, Muslim-majority nation.

Two legislators told Reuters in March that national elections might occur as early as July alongside several anticipated state elections.

“We believe that a political party must practise the values of reform and democracy that it proclaims to the people. Unfortunately, we no longer see these principles being practised consistently in PKR today,” 21 local PKR members stated in a joint Monday announcement of their immediate party departure.

Multiple regional PKR leaders have also resigned this month in similar circumstances, with one stating that Rafizi’s Bersama represents a continuation of PKR’s founding principles.

Australia’s opposition Liberal Party has chosen former Prime Minister Tony Abbott as its new president, marking a decisive shift toward conservative politics as the party struggles to recover from major electoral defeats.

The center-right Liberals, who once controlled Australian politics, have faced significant challenges following devastating losses in 2022 and 2025 elections. During those contests, they surrendered large portions of their traditional urban strongholds to centrist independent candidates and Labor opponents.

Current polling data indicates the party now trails behind an emerging populist right movement, spearheaded by the One Nation party.

Party leader Angus Taylor, who took over from a more moderate predecessor in February, has already committed to reducing immigration, lowering taxes, expanding mining and gas operations, and slowing emission reduction efforts – all positions that align with Abbott’s views.

In a recent blog entry, Abbott expressed his support for the new direction, stating: “The Taylor-led Coalition is resolved to be a clear alternative, keeping government within limits and unleashing the talents of the Australian people, via our proven ability to drill, dig, and grow our way to prosperity.” Abbott did not respond to requests for comment.

The former prime minister faced no opposition and received confirmation during Friday afternoon’s party meeting, according to a party spokesperson.

Zareh Ghazarian, an associate professor of politics at Monash University, characterized the situation bluntly: “This is a party really on the ropes.”

“It needs to do something to get out of this rut,” he explained. “Bringing in a high-profile national president would potentially be a way to do that, putting the party on a more attacking footing.”

Abbott’s new role operates outside parliamentary duties. He will oversee party operations and influence governance decisions, membership matters, fundraising efforts, and strategic planning.

Recent polling highlights the magnitude of the Liberal Party’s predicament. A survey conducted this week suggests that if elections were held today, the party would secure just 12 seats in the 150-member federal parliament – its worst showing ever – while completely eliminating its coalition partner, the Nationals.

Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, an anti-immigration movement experiencing renewed support, would capture 53 seats to become the nation’s primary right-wing faction and main opposition force, according to the Access Group and Redbridge poll.

Abbott addressed this challenge directly in his blog, writing: “It’s been the Liberal Party’s political timidity that’s driven the rise of One Nation, with conservative voters despairing of ever again having a champion to vote for.”

The 68-year-old Abbott brings a reputation as a conservative Catholic, devoted monarchist, and fitness enthusiast. Party members regard him as one of their most effective campaigners and the most recent Liberal leader to successfully win power from opposition status.

His 2013 electoral victory came through a landslide campaign built around memorable three-word messages targeting illegal immigration, carbon taxes, and government expenditures: ‘stop the boats’, ‘axe the tax’, and ‘stop the waste’. Despite this success, party colleagues removed him from leadership and the prime minister’s office after only two years through an internal vote.

When asked for response, a spokesperson for Taylor referenced a recent media appearance where he expressed enthusiasm for Abbott’s appointment. “He’s going to work with me and rebuild the party,” Taylor stated during the interview.

Sarah Cameron, who lectures in public policy at Griffith University, suggested that while Abbott might help the Liberal Party secure conservative backing, Australia’s mandatory voting system typically rewards parties that appeal to moderate voters.

Abbott himself lost his parliamentary seat seven years ago to centrist independent candidate Zali Steggall.

Steggall told reporters that voters “made a decisive choice in 2019 to reject the politics Mr Abbott represented: division, climate denial and culture wars.”

“Reinstalling one of the key architects of the Liberal Party’s decline suggests the party has learnt very little,” she concluded.

Satellite imagery has uncovered a massive military construction project in China’s remote desert regions, where security experts believe the country is building extensive infrastructure to safeguard its nuclear missile capabilities from potential first strikes.

The satellite photos examined by news organizations show China constructing an expansive network of launch platforms, protective bunkers and communication centers near the isolated nuclear missile sites housing the military’s most powerful long-range weapons.

According to three security analysts who reviewed the imagery, the photographs reveal more than 80 platforms that could accommodate China’s growing collection of mobile missile systems and air-defense equipment. The facilities may also support electronic warfare operations, satellite communications and command functions.

This previously unreported construction demonstrates a major expansion of reinforced infrastructure meant to protect and operate China’s ground-based nuclear capabilities. The network represents a substantial upgrade in the country’s efforts to maintain second-strike abilities, highlighting escalating nuclear rivalry with the United States amid growing tensions over Taiwan’s status.

“We can see this infrastructure is being built on a grand scale, covering thousands of square kilometers of desert beyond the silo fields,” said Alexander Neill, an adjunct fellow at Hawaii’s Pacific Forum think tank. Based on the potential capabilities, he noted, “we’re looking at a very considerable enhancement and diversification of China’s strategic nuclear deterrent.”

Protecting these desert installations is crucial to China’s declared objective of maintaining a minimal yet effective nuclear deterrent — a strategy based on the ability to strike back if attacked first. Although the People’s Liberation Army can launch nuclear weapons from submarines and aircraft, the missile sites in northwestern Xinjiang region and Gansu province form the foundation of its nuclear arsenal.

China’s nuclear expansion ranks among the most closely watched aspects of President Xi Jinping’s military modernization efforts, partly due to what some foreign diplomats characterize as insufficient transparency from the country and unsuccessful American attempts to engage Chinese leadership about their developing nuclear capabilities and goals.

A fundamental element of China’s approach is its “no first use” policy, indicating its forces would not begin a nuclear conflict. However, some senior Western diplomats and analysts suggest China might potentially use nuclear threats to discourage outside intervention in a Taiwan conflict.

Earlier this month, Xi cautioned U.S. President Donald Trump that poor management of their nations’ Taiwan disputes, which China considers its territory, could bring them to a “dangerous place.” Taiwan’s government disputes China’s territorial claims.

China’s defense ministry did not respond to inquiries about its nuclear program and the developments shown in the satellite images. The Pentagon declined to comment on intelligence-related issues.

The new desert facilities center on two octagon-shaped installations constructed over the past six years in eastern Xinjiang. Both are located southwest of the Hami nuclear missile sites — one approximately 140 kilometers away, the other roughly 230 kilometers distant.

Satellite images reveal the octagonal structures house personnel quarters and large military vehicles. They are surrounded by armored bunkers and fortified weapons storage areas, plus airfields and rail connections linking the octagons to the Hami installations.

Images show exercises involving large military vehicles took place around the northern octagon this month and in April. Recent photographs also display large tents and what two analysts identified as camouflaged launch sites carved into the desert, some equipped with air-defense missile systems.

While the octagons have been documented before, this is the first report detailing the scope of the launch-pad network connected to the octagons, recent military activity at one facility, and analysts’ evaluations that the pads could accommodate mobile missile launchers and electronic-warfare operations.

Five security scholars consulted agreed the infrastructure could broadly support China’s nuclear program and other military functions. However, they noted that crucial details remain unclear — including what weapons China might position at the launch pads and whether the octagon structures contain truck-mounted ballistic missiles or nuclear warhead assembly facilities.

The PLA showcased nuclear-capable weapons during a Beijing parade last September marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. These included silo-based and truck-mounted intercontinental ballistic missiles.

U.S. officials and arms-control experts say China is expanding and upgrading its nuclear weapons capabilities more rapidly than any other country. The most recent Pentagon assessment of China’s military modernization indicates the nation’s warhead production has decelerated but remains on course to deploy 1,000 warheads by 2030. The December report estimated China likely has positioned 100 ICBMs across its three primary silo locations.

China has also been enhancing its early-warning capabilities, supported by its Huoyan-1 satellites, according to U.S. officials. The system can identify an approaching ICBM within 90 seconds of launch and notify a command center within three to four minutes, according to the Pentagon — enough time for China to launch its own silo-based weapons before impact.

Each octagon anchors a network of dirt roads and conduits extending deep into the desert. These pathways connect to concrete platforms positioned among rocky formations and dry creek beds.

Three security scholars said the platforms could deploy mobile air-defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment or, from some larger ones, road-mobile ICBM launchers.

Hans Kristensen, director of the Federation of American Scientists’ Nuclear Information Project, said while determining how the various installations would be utilized was challenging, “it is hard to rule anything out” considering the infrastructure’s scale in such a harsh environment.

Kristensen and Neill suggested the conduits linking the pads to the octagon structures might house fiber-optic cables for communications.

At the northernmost octagon, three analysts identified a possible space or microwave communications facility under construction, pointing to satellite dishes and two large towers.

“Taken together, I think there is a real possibility that the octagonal structures and the strange towers are linked to C3 — command, control, and communications — as well as maintenance and storage activities related to China’s nuclear operations at the Hami ICBM silo site,” said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow in nuclear policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

A third octagon-shaped facility south of the Lop Nur nuclear test sites is less advanced. It appears to function as a target range: Images reveal pock-marked terrain, damaged structures and what analysts at Vantor, a commercial satellite imagery provider, identified as replicas of Western jet fighters.

The scope of the defensive network surrounding its silos potentially distinguishes China from other major nuclear powers. The U.S. and Russia — whose warhead inventories and deployed weapons greatly surpass those of China — depend on a combination of large numbers of silos, their remote locations and reinforced construction to prevent a first strike, rather than extensive missile defense, Kristensen explained.

The magnitude of what is developing in China’s northwestern desert has surprised even experienced analysts.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” Kristensen said. “It’s an extraordinary effort.”

TORONTO — A Toronto-area man facing charges for allegedly providing deadly substances to individuals who used them to take their own lives will enter a guilty plea this Friday to 14 counts of counseling or aiding suicide, according to his legal representative.

Kenneth Law is set to appear before a Newmarket, Ontario court to formally enter his plea, with sentencing proceedings anticipated to follow at a later date. In exchange for Law’s guilty plea, Canadian prosecutors have agreed to drop 14 murder charges, confirmed his attorney Matthew Gourlay.

Law’s case has triggered investigations spanning multiple continents, with law enforcement agencies worldwide examining more than 100 deaths potentially connected to his activities. The Canadian charges specifically involve 14 individuals throughout Ontario, ranging in age from 16 to 36 years old.

Investigators say Law operated multiple websites to advertise and distribute sodium nitrite, a chemical typically used in meat preservation that becomes lethal when consumed. Law allegedly distributed at least 1,200 packages across more than 40 nations, with approximately 160 shipments reportedly going to Canadian addresses, according to police reports.

Law has remained in custody since authorities arrested him at his Mississauga, Ontario residence in May 2023. Law enforcement agencies in the United States, Britain, Italy, Australia and New Zealand have also launched their own investigations into his alleged activities.

British authorities reported in 2023 that they were examining 88 deaths involving individuals who purchased items from Canada-based websites that allegedly provided lethal materials to vulnerable people considering self-harm.

Under Canadian law, those convicted of aiding suicide face potential sentences of up to 14 years in prison, while first-degree murder convictions carry mandatory life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for 25 years.

A coroner in New Zealand determined that four suicide victims in that country had purchased materials online from a business connected to Law, though the coroner noted that Law’s actions fall outside New Zealand’s legal jurisdiction.

While recommending suicide remains illegal under Canadian law, medically assisted dying has been permitted since 2016 for individuals 18 and older. Adults suffering from serious illnesses, diseases or disabilities may request assistance in dying, but must obtain help from a licensed physician.

Financial markets face a weekend of uncertainty as they wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to make a crucial decision on a reported agreement with Iran, according to sources who spoke with Reuters.

The potential deal would extend the current ceasefire between the two nations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Trump’s final approval remains the last hurdle before implementation.

Asian markets showed little movement early in the trading day. Currency values remained stable while bond markets maintained their weekly gains, as traders believe rising fuel costs may pressure Trump to approve the agreement.

The push for Middle Eastern stability is gaining momentum as global borrowing costs climb higher. Financial experts worry that increased interest rates could worsen economic pressures and hurt investment markets.

European nations will release new inflation data on Friday, and while economists predict only minor increases, the numbers will likely strengthen expectations for interest rate increases in June.

Japan’s inflation remained under the country’s 2% goal for the fourth consecutive month, according to Friday’s data from Tokyo. However, improving manufacturing production continues to support the possibility of a Japanese rate increase next month.

Currency traders are watching the yen carefully as it hovers near 160 per dollar, a threshold that has made investors cautious about challenging government intervention to protect the currency.

Technology stocks continued their artificial intelligence-driven rally. Dell’s stock price jumped 39% in extended trading after the company increased its AI server revenue projections. In Hong Kong, computer manufacturer Lenovo has seen dramatic gains, rising 18% and posting a weekly increase of nearly 50% – its biggest weekly jump since 1997.

Friday’s key market influences include inflation reports from Germany, France, and Italy, Canadian economic growth data, and continued developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations.

BUCHAREST, Romania — Romanian officials reported Friday that a Russian drone involved in nighttime strikes against Ukraine went off course and slammed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, leaving two people hurt.

According to a statement from Romania’s Defense Ministry, radar systems monitored the drone as it entered Romanian territory before it struck the rooftop of a structure in Galati. The collision sparked a blaze, caused minor injuries to two individuals, and forced the evacuation of multiple residents.

Emergency responders and law enforcement arrived at the location. Galati sits along the Danube River, positioned east of both Moldova and Ukraine’s borders.

Romanian defense forces deployed two F-16 fighter aircraft and a helicopter with authorization to engage potential threats, while emergency alerts were issued to people living in the impacted regions.

Moscow has been deploying long-range ballistic weapons and drones to target Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure and strike urban areas, while Ukraine prepares for additional intense bombardments.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Thursday that he was urging the United States to supply additional Patriot air defense systems capable of defending against Russian strikes.

He cautioned that shipments to Ukraine are dangerously inadequate as the Iran war redirects and reduces U.S. inventories. “I believe (the U.S.) must act quicker. We are being very persistent,” Zelenskyy told reporters during a visit to Sweden.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned the U.N. Security Council that the growing escalation and intensification of attacks threatens to spiral beyond control, carrying “unknown and unintended consequences.” He noted that civilian deaths in the first four months of this year exceeded those in the corresponding timeframe over the previous three years.

Guterres urged increased diplomatic efforts, immediate de-escalation and “a full and unconditional ceasefire.”

May 22-28, 2026

During the week of May 22-28, 2026, performers in colorful costumes celebrated their special national observance in Lima, Peru. Meanwhile, damaged structures continue to stand five months following an assault by breakaway members of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in Buenos Aires, Cauca, Colombia. On the sports front, Cruz Azul claimed victory in the Mexican soccer championship over their city competitors Pumas.

The photo collection was assembled by photo editor Leslie Mazoch, who is based in Mexico City.

BEIJING, May 29 (Reuters) — The Philippine justice department has freed 64 Chinese nationals from custody after determining there was not enough evidence to support the charges brought against them, according to China’s embassy in the Southeast Asian nation.

The workers faced accusations of breaking nuclear safety regulations as well as immigration and labor laws.

The Chinese nationals, employed at a steel facility in Misamis Oriental province, had been held since May 15.

According to the Chinese embassy, six additional workers are currently going through the release process. The embassy also noted it has made multiple formal protests regarding the detentions.

SINGAPORE (AP) — Asia’s most significant defense conference begins this weekend with Beijing’s accelerating military buildup and questions surrounding America’s regional commitments taking center stage as world leaders and security officials gather in Singapore.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies is hosting the Shangri-La Dialogue as tensions mount across multiple global hotspots, including escalating Middle East conflicts that have disrupted a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war and Russia’s continued assault on Ukraine.

Vietnamese leader To Lam will deliver Friday’s opening keynote speech, followed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday, who plans to outline the Trump administration’s approach to the Indo-Pacific region.

This year, Lam has strengthened his position within Vietnam by assuming dual roles as both Communist Party general secretary and president, breaking from the Southeast Asian country’s historical practice of distributing leadership responsibilities.

Vietnam finds itself in a complex position, facing territorial disputes with Beijing in contested waters while maintaining China as its largest trading partner. Simultaneously, the United States serves as Vietnam’s primary export market and has been working to expand diplomatic ties and defense agreements to compete with Hanoi’s longtime partner, Russia.

However, recently disclosed documents revealed that despite upgrading diplomatic relations with Washington to their highest level, Vietnam’s military leadership continues to question American motives and has prepared defensive measures against potential American military action.

Given Hanoi’s careful diplomatic maneuvering between Washington and Beijing, observers anticipate Lam will emphasize building consensus to address disagreements and promoting collaborative efforts for regional peace and growth.

Lam is scheduled to hold private discussions with Hegseth during the conference. This marks Hegseth’s second participation in the summit, where he previously sparked Beijing’s anger by declaring that “the threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent,” while describing Chinese military exercises as “rehearsing for the real deal.”

Hegseth previously stated that Washington would strengthen its defensive capabilities against what the Pentagon views as rapidly emerging threats, especially regarding China’s hostile position toward Taiwan.

However, this year’s address follows closely after U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Xi cautioned that the two nations could face conflict over Taiwan without proper handling of the situation.

After their discussions, Trump praised Xi as a “great leader” and expressed optimism about having a “fantastic future together.” Trump also questioned Washington’s commitment to defending Taiwan, describing a pending $14 billion weapons package as “a very good negotiating chip for us” with China.

China maintains its claim over the independently governed democratic island, with Xi refusing to eliminate the possibility of military action to seize control.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues providing Taiwan with advanced aircraft, missiles and defensive weapons while maintaining “strategic ambiguity” regarding potential military intervention should China attack the island.

Trump has demonstrated less certainty about Taiwan compared to previous presidents, raising doubts about whether he might reduce American support for the island.

According to Pentagon officials, Hegseth’s address will emphasize the military’s “common-sense approach to safeguarding U.S. vital national interests in the Indo-Pacific.”

Given the recent Beijing meeting between the two leaders, Hegseth appears unlikely to make statements that would overshadow Trump’s own comments.

China plans to present its perspective during Sunday’s session, though Beijing is reportedly sending a lower-ranking delegation this year, with the specific speaker yet to be announced.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun was also absent from last year’s gathering.

Although the annual summit primarily addresses Asian security matters, discussions will inevitably include Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine and the Iran conflict, which has resulted in closing the Strait of Hormuz.

During normal conditions, twenty percent of global oil shipments pass through the strait, and Iran’s effective blockade has driven up worldwide oil prices, creating economic challenges internationally. Qatar’s defense minister is among this weekend’s scheduled speakers.

Prior to the conference opening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy contacted Trump and U.S. Congress requesting additional American-manufactured air defense supplies to counter escalating Russian missile strikes.

While Zelenskyy, who made an unexpected personal appearance two years ago at Shangri-La, is not anticipated to attend this year, the speaker lineup includes numerous senior European defense leaders from countries including Lithuania and Poland.

BUCHAREST, May 29 – Romanian defense officials announced Friday that a Russian drone violated the country’s airspace before crashing into an apartment building in the southeastern city of Galati, sparking a blaze on the structure’s rooftop.

The incident occurred when the unmanned aircraft breached Romanian territorial boundaries and struck the residential complex, according to a statement released by the nation’s defense ministry.

An unmanned aircraft crashed into a high-rise residential building in Romania’s Galati city near the Ukrainian border on Friday, leaving two people with minor injuries, according to Romania’s General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations in a Facebook announcement.

The aircraft collided with an apartment on the building’s 10th floor, sparking a blaze, emergency officials reported. Photos from the scene revealed firefighting crews responding to the incident and scattered wreckage on the ground below.

Emergency responders stated that the aircraft’s complete explosive load went off upon impact, prompting the evacuation of approximately 70 residents. Officials did not release additional information regarding the type of unmanned aircraft involved. Fire crews successfully extinguished the flames.

In another occurrence, an unmanned aircraft carrying no explosive materials was discovered near Basesti in Maramures county in Romania’s northwest region, with the location being secured, TVR broadcaster reported Thursday evening, referencing local officials.

Officials were examining where the aircraft originated and how it ended up in the region, according to TVR. The report indicated the device had a wingspan measuring approximately 3 metres (9.84 feet).

Meanwhile, local officials in southern Ukraine reported that multiple unmanned aircraft targeted the Izmail port in the Odesa region during the early morning hours Friday.

Izmail, situated near the Romanian border, houses Ukraine’s largest port facility along the Danube River and serves as a regularly attacked strategic site.

NEW YORK (TV Delmarva) — For the first time in over 15 years of monitoring, the United Nations has added Israeli military forces to its annual blacklist documenting sexual violence in global conflict areas, citing their handling of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli officials reject these claims.

The comprehensive 35-page document — obtained by Israel’s UN mission late Thursday before Friday’s anticipated publication — identifies 77 governmental and non-governmental entities across 12 nations accused of perpetrating or enabling sexual violence during armed conflicts. The report indicates a significant increase in documented incidents from 2024 to 2025.

This year’s listing also marks the first inclusion of Russian military and security personnel for alleged sexual violence against war prisoners and detained civilians throughout the Ukraine conflict.

The 2025 blacklist features both Israel’s military and security apparatus alongside Hamas fighters, who were previously included following their October 7, 2023 assault on Israel that triggered the Gaza conflict.

Last year’s report from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had cautioned both Israel and Russia about potential blacklisting.

Representatives from both nations responded with fury to their inclusion and condemned Guterres directly.

“We will write a letter to the secretary-general saying that these are unsubstantiated lies and alleged things which again portray Russia as a villain, like they do all the time,” stated Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia. He indicated Russia is compiling documentation and preparing its own assessment of Ukrainian treatment of Russian war prisoners.

“We are done with this UN Secretary-General,” declared Danny Danon, Israel’s UN representative, in a social media post. “Guterres has put Israel on the same blacklist along with Hamas, ISIS and the most depraved terrorist organizations in the world.” Guterres’ second five-year tenure concludes December 31.

Danon emphasized that Israel had supplied documentation, evidence and comprehensive responses addressing the report’s allegations.

The document states that in 2025, UN investigators successfully recorded “patterns of sexual violence” targeting Palestinians held in Israel and occupied Palestinian areas, confirming numerous instances of conflict-related sexual abuse, including torture, affecting 14 males, seven females, nine boys and one girl from Gaza and the West Bank. The report notes 13 incidents in 2025 and 18 during 2023 and 2024.

“Violations consisted of rape, including with objects, gang rape, attempted rape, physical violence to the genitals, instances of targeted shooting of the genitals, touching of breasts and genitals, strip and cavity searches conducted without apparent security justification, forced nudity and threats of rape,” the document detailed.

It described at least nine victims, primarily from Gaza, who experienced rape or gang rape, sometimes repeatedly, by members of the Israel Defense Forces, Israel’s correctional system, special operations units and law enforcement.

Israel’s foreign ministry stated Thursday it has “comprehensively, thoroughly, and unequivocally refuted these allegations.”

“This decision is yet another example of the UN’s long-standing, institutionalized hostility toward Israel,” the ministry posted on X.

The assessment continues to feature allegations against Hamas regarding sexual violence, though notes many specifics remain unverified due to the Israeli government’s ongoing refusal to grant UN officials necessary investigative access.

The report indicates Russian officials similarly maintain consistent denial of access to UN human rights investigators, yet investigators still confirmed 310 instances of conflict-related sexual violence in Russia and Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories against war prisoners and civilian detainees. Most victims were male, according to the findings.

Ukrainian human rights observers recorded 31 instances of conflict-related sexual violence against prisoners and civilian detainees, with most incidents occurring before 2025, the report noted. Ukraine remains absent from the UN blacklist.

SAO PAULO (AP) — The United States State Department revealed Thursday its decision to classify two major Brazilian criminal organizations as foreign terrorist groups, a designation that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has consistently characterized as meddling designed to benefit his political opponent, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, before October’s presidential race.

Prior to the elections, allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro and supporters of his son’s presidential campaign have pushed for this classification of the two organizations — First Command of the Capital, or PCC, and Red Command, or CV — while criticizing Lula for inadequately confronting these criminal networks.

Experts estimate that both organizations together likely contain more than 50,000 members, and note that most of their international ties are with Europe rather than North America.

Classifying Latin American criminal cartels as foreign terrorist groups represents a tactic employed by Trump’s administration as it shifts toward military operations and other forceful measures to address drug trafficking throughout the Western Hemisphere, including conducting fatal boat attacks against those it terms “narcoterrorists” in Caribbean waters and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

“CV and PCC are two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil. Together, they command thousands of members and have orchestrated brutal attacks against Brazilian police officers, public officials, and civilians,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated. “Their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil’s borders, across our region and into our country.”

“Today’s action taken by the State Department further demonstrates the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to dismantling cartels and criminal organizations in our region and ensuring the safety of the American people,” he continued. The classification becomes effective June 5. Until that date, both organizations will be listed as specially designated global terrorists.

Lula, who is campaigning for reelection while attempting to strengthen his anti-crime reputation, has publicly rejected labeling criminals as terrorists, while Bolsonaro’s congressional allies have openly encouraged Trump to take stronger action against the gangs.

Also Thursday, Brazilian prosecutors initiated a large-scale operation to break up fraud, money laundering and tax evasion schemes, representing the newest phase of an investigation focused on criminal gangs including the PCC and CV.

Lula’s special adviser for foreign affairs and former foreign minister Celso Amorim became the first official to publicly respond to Rubio’s announcement.

“Public security is a key topic for social economic development. Organized crime is an evil that must be fought. International cooperation is welcome, especially in matters of money laundering and arms trade. (But) pretext for intervention is unacceptable,” Amorim stated.

Public security is expected to become a divisive issue in Brazil’s presidential elections, when Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, chosen as the former president’s successor, competes against Lula. The 71-year-old Jair Bolsonaro is ineligible to run due to serving his 27-year prison term for orchestrating a coup attempt.

Experts have noted that neither Jair Bolsonaro nor Lula achieved significant success in combating the two criminal organizations, though Brazil’s federal police and prosecutors have executed multiple raids targeting them in recent years. Authorities achieved a significant victory against the PCC in August by destroying portions of its money laundering operation that involved gas stations, perfume shops and even a financial services company located on one of Sao Paulo’s major streets.

Brazil’s federal police reported that their operation, called Hidden Carbon, discovered companies connected to the PCC had laundered at least 6 billion reals ($1.1 billion) in recent years.

Political analyst Thomas Traumann describes Rubio’s action as “the Trump administration trying to meddle in the election after a request by Flávio Bolsonaro during his trip to Washington.”

“Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign was hit by his problematic businesses with a corrupted banker, he came to the Trump administration to ask for some help and he got this one,” Traumann explained. “Lula’s best moment in the polls was after Trump imposed tariffs against Brazil and he revived a narrative on national sovereignty. It is likely he will do it again.”

Brazil’s president did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Sen. Bolsonaro has not yet commented on the decision.

Russia dismissed American warnings Thursday and restated its intention to carry out systematic attacks on Kyiv, despite harsh condemnation from the United States during a United Nations Security Council meeting.

The diplomatic confrontation occurred during a session that Ukraine requested following Moscow’s weekend assault involving hundreds of drones and missiles targeting Kyiv and surrounding regions.

The weekend attack featured deployment of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, marking at least the third instance Russia has used this weapon against Ukraine since November 2024.

Deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Tammy Bruce denounced Sunday’s assault and described Russia’s deployment of the Oreshnik as “an inexplicable, dangerous and barbaric escalation” of the conflict that began with Russia’s comprehensive invasion in February 2022.

“We caution Russia not to mount so-called systematic strikes against Kyiv, which risk further civilian casualties and setting back the prospect of peace,” Bruce stated.

The weekend bombardment resulted in at least two civilian deaths and approximately 100 injuries, according to reports. Moscow claimed the attack was retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in Donetsk, the eastern region seized by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014.

Bruce’s remarks represented some of the strongest condemnation of Russia from the Trump administration, which has typically adopted a more conciliatory approach toward Russia compared to most U.S. allies.

The deputy ambassador did not specify potential U.S. responses should Moscow proceed with its threatened “systemic strikes.”

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia repeated Moscow’s claim that Sunday’s bombardment focused on crucial Ukrainian military and intelligence installations and renewed Russia’s commitment to strike “decision-making centers and command posts.”

“Since the above facilities are dispersed throughout Kyiv, we warned foreign citizens, including the staff of diplomatic missions and offices of international organizations, about the need to leave the city as soon as possible,” he stated.

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari expressed that the United Nations was “deeply concerned” about Russia’s promised “consistent and systemic strikes” against targets in Kyiv.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday that America plans to classify two Brazilian criminal organizations, PCC and Comando Vermelho, as “Foreign Terrorist Organizations” beginning June 5.

Brazil’s Lula administration has worked to prevent these classifications, fearing they could create opportunities for U.S. military intervention in Brazil or lead to sanctions against financial institutions that inadvertently conduct business with gang members.

Although the Foreign Terrorist Organization classification is scheduled to begin in June, the State Department immediately labeled both groups as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists” on Thursday, according to Rubio’s statement.

Rubio characterized these organizations as among Brazil’s “most violent criminal organizations” with influence and networks that span the region and reach into American territory.

“The Trump Administration will continue to use all available tools to protect our nation and our national security interests by keeping illicit drugs off our streets and disrupting the revenue streams funding violent narco-terrorists,” Rubio stated.

Officials in Cuba report that approximately 3 million residents deal with water shortages on a daily basis, a crisis they link to severe fuel shortages caused by what government leaders call a U.S. energy blockade. The information emerged during a government roundtable discussion held late Wednesday.

Cuba’s water infrastructure currently functions with just 37% of necessary fuel supplies as the nation grapples with its most serious energy emergency to date.

Antonio Rodríguez, who heads the state-operated National Institute of Water Resources, explained that the water sector faces particularly severe impacts since it ranks among the nation’s biggest energy users.

Information from the forum, which addressed intermittent water access affecting the country’s population of nearly 10 million, appeared Thursday on the government website Cubadebate.

Rodríguez explained that electricity powers water pumping operations, while fuel is essential for all agency functions including clearing blocked pipes, maintaining septic systems, and fixing water line breaks. The import of necessary chemicals has also stopped completely.

The agency previously bought equipment and materials valued at approximately $100 million each year, but last year’s purchases dropped to roughly $10 million due to a complete halt in credit availability, according to Rodríguez. Suppliers are delaying contracts while evaluating delivery timing and potential banking payment challenges, plus restrictions on shipping options, he noted.

The situation grows more complex due to deteriorating infrastructure and overloaded pumping facilities, particularly in major urban areas including Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Matanzas, Rodríguez stated. Numerous apartment buildings and high-rises also need electricity to operate pumps that move water to rooftop storage tanks.

While the water emergency isn’t entirely new, conditions have deteriorated significantly in recent months.

Beginning in January, the U.S. administration strengthened existing sanctions against Cuba while pushing for political changes on the island. U.S. President Donald Trump also issued late January warnings about potential tariffs on nations that sell or supply oil to Cuba, which only produces 40% of its fuel requirements.

Citizens who have already endured five years of economic hardship, rising prices and supply shortages now face daily electrical blackouts lasting as long as 20 hours.

Multiple Havana neighborhoods depend on tanker truck water deliveries, though service remains unreliable.

“It’s been five days since the water came in,” said Magaly Ribial, a 60-year-old teacher, speaking Thursday while gathering water from a tanker truck positioned near her residence in Old Havana.

At the same time, 95-year-old Dayse Izquierdo finds it difficult to transport water and depends on what neighbors share when the tanker truck, locally known as a “pipa,” makes its rounds.

Several residents reported traveling from distant parts of the city after learning that water trucks would visit particular neighborhoods.

“The water situation is widespread,” explained 55-year-old Carlos Molina. “I come from another municipality to collect water because there is none there.”

Rodríguez pointed out that solar panels and alternative energy sources power only a minimal fraction of agency operations.

Officials are working on an expedited solar energy initiative, though specialists emphasize that such technology demands significant financial investment.

North Korea appears unwilling to pursue diplomatic engagement with the United States, South Korea, or Japan, choosing instead to concentrate on strengthening its military capabilities and achieving greater self-sufficiency, according to Singapore’s foreign minister following his recent visit to the isolated nation.

Speaking to Singaporean media on Thursday, Vivian Balakrishnan shared his observations from visits to both North and South Korea on May 26 and 27, marking his first trip to North Korea since 2018, according to a transcript released by the foreign ministry.

“What’s clear is that they’re certainly in a closer relationship now with Russia. China remains indispensable to it, but they are not yet ready to open up significant channels of communication with the United States or with ROK and Japan at this point in time,” he stated.

Both U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have consistently shown willingness to engage in discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow has strengthened significantly in recent years, particularly after North Korea deployed thousands of soldiers to support Russian military operations in Kursk. Meanwhile, Beijing has worked to strengthen its influence over Pyongyang, with passenger train routes and air travel between the neighboring countries resuming in recent months.

Balakrishnan observed North Korea’s “outright, categorical rejection of reunification” with South Korea, representing a notable change from his previous visit to the country. He also commented on the development he witnessed in Pyongyang despite the nation’s increasing isolation from the international community.

“It’s a city which would fit in with any modern city throughout Southeast Asia, or even Northeast Asia, for that matter,” he remarked.

North Korea has amended its constitution to establish its territorial boundaries as adjacent to South Korea while eliminating language about reunification, according to a draft document examined by Reuters this month. This change reflects leader Kim Jong Un’s strategy to position the two Koreas as distinct nations.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who met with Balakrishnan on Thursday, stated that there are currently no signs North Korea plans to resume negotiations, though his Singaporean colleague’s discussions in Pyongyang provided a chance to communicate Seoul’s dedication to peaceful coexistence.

In an interview with the Yonhap news agency published Friday, Cho expressed his belief that North Korea will eventually engage in dialogue with the U.S. “if the price is right.”

On Thursday, South Korea’s foreign ministry announced that Cho requested Singapore and ASEAN’s assistance in efforts to restart dialogue with North Korea.

Balakrishnan revealed he extended an invitation to North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum and urged them to seek suitable opportunities for continued engagement with the international community.

Iran announced Thursday that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched an attack on a US airbase following American military strikes near Bandar Abbas, as Kuwait reported shooting down incoming missiles and drones in the latest escalation threatening a delicate Gulf ceasefire.

According to the IRGC, the counter-strike occurred at 4:50 a.m. local time in response to what they called an early-morning American attack near Bandar Abbas airport, a crucial location on Iran’s southern coastline adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard did not reveal which American installation they claimed to have attacked, and no immediate public verification emerged confirming any US base was struck, damaged, or suffered casualties.

Kuwaiti military forces announced their air defense systems were actively countering missile and drone attacks, alerting citizens they might hear explosions as defensive measures engaged incoming threats. Kuwait, which maintains alliance with the US and provides hosting for American military personnel, refrained from publicly blaming Iran for the assault or confirming whether any base was the intended objective.

These incidents occurred after fresh US military operations within Iranian territory. An American official confirmed US forces attacked a military installation near Bandar Abbas and destroyed multiple Iranian suicide drones close to the Strait of Hormuz, including a command center reportedly preparing additional launches. Washington characterized these operations as protective measures designed to safeguard US personnel and maritime commerce.

The military confrontation unfolded while President Donald Trump rejected reports suggesting an emerging agreement regarding oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping channel that handles a significant portion of global maritime oil transport. Interruptions in this waterway have already contributed to rising energy costs and created anxiety among Gulf nations hoping to prevent a wider regional conflict.

Diplomats from America and Iran have crafted a preliminary arrangement to prolong their current ceasefire by two months while launching fresh negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, a U.S. official with knowledge of the discussions revealed Thursday.

Iranian officials have not yet confirmed any such agreement, and the source emphasized that President Donald Trump still needs to approve the proposal.

This potential memorandum of understanding develops as the delicate ceasefire in the conflict between America and Iran shows signs of strain. Fighting erupted again less than 24 hours before the announcement, with Kuwait’s forces stopping missiles launched from Iran, U.S. Central Command reported.

Waterway Access Key Component

The proposed memorandum stipulates that Iran cannot charge fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz and must clear all explosive devices from this critical waterway within one month, the official said, speaking anonymously because they lacked authorization for public statements.

Throughout the conflict, Iran has essentially blocked the strait, which previously carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade. This blockade has driven petroleum prices dramatically higher worldwide. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Thursday during a press conference that oil costs might “come down very quickly” after finalizing an agreement.

Iran claims it permits some merchant ships through — approximately 24 daily recently, compared to over 100 before hostilities began — though the Islamic Republic has imposed charges on certain vessels. Officials established a formal oversight agency this month, prompting fresh American sanctions this week.

According to the preliminary terms, America would slowly end its naval blockade of Iranian harbors. The U.S. would additionally consent to easing sanctions, permitting Iran to increase oil sales.

Another U.S. official, also speaking anonymously about confidential negotiations, confirmed that general agreement terms exist but emphasized that no deal exists until Trump approves it. This source expressed uncertainty about whether Trump will accept the proposal.

Nuclear Questions Persist

Initial negotiations during the two-month ceasefire will address Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, the first official explained. The Islamic Republic possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, requiring only minor technical steps to reach weapons-grade 90% levels, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran has not publicly agreed to surrender this stockpile. Officials believe it remains buried beneath three nuclear facilities severely damaged by American airstrikes last year.

Nuclear experts suggest Iran might accept China or Russia, both maintaining strong Tehran relationships, as potential third parties to secure the enriched uranium. However, Trump stated Wednesday that he “wouldn’t be comfortable” with such arrangements.

The news outlet Axios initially reported details of this tentative agreement.

Recent Military Action

Kuwait reported Thursday that its defense systems stopped incoming missiles and drones, without specifying targets. Iran claimed it retaliated for earlier weekly strikes by attacking an American base in an unnamed Gulf nation.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry criticized Iran for what officials termed “blatant aggression,” while U.S. Central Command labeled the assault on one of America’s closest Persian Gulf partners an “egregious ceasefire violation.” Kuwait faced repeated attacks from Iran and Iranian-supported Shiite militias in Iraq before the April ceasefire took effect.

This exchange followed late Wednesday reports that American forces conducted additional strikes against Iran, destroying four attack drones threatening the strait area and hitting an Iranian control station in Bandar Abbas preparing to launch another drone.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard confirmed the Bandar Abbas International Airport area attack and announced through state-run IRNA news agency that it launched counter-strikes against the air base responsible for the assaults. The Revolutionary Guard did not identify whether their response targeted Kuwait, which hosts U.S. Army Central’s forward headquarters, air facilities and naval installations.

Monday saw what the Pentagon described as “self-defense” strikes against missile sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran.

Despite exchanging attacks and ceasefire violation accusations, Washington and Tehran have avoided returning to full combat while continuing negotiations.

Regional Complications

These developments occur amid Middle Eastern tensions.

Beyond sanctions relief and asset releases, Iran demands any agreement include ending Israel’s military operations in Lebanon against Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. Thursday tensions escalated in Lebanon as Israel struck a southern Beirut suburb and conducted additional attacks in the southern coastal city of Tyre. At least 14 people died across the country’s southern region.

Israeli military forces launched a targeted operation Thursday in Lebanon’s capital, striking at a commander with ties to Iran’s Quds Force, marking a notable escalation in Israel’s military approach in the region.

Earlier this week, Iranian officials had warned that any Israeli military action in Lebanon’s capital would negatively impact ongoing diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran.

Israeli sources identified the target as Ali al-Husni, described as the missile commander within the Imam Hussein Division, a unit connected to Iran’s Quds Force. The military action came as Israeli forces expanded their operations in Lebanon past the Yellow Line.

Military officials have not confirmed whether al-Husni was eliminated during the operation.

The attack represents a notable change in Israeli strategy, coming after earlier signals that Israel would refrain from conducting military operations in Beirut.

According to Walla, a high-ranking Israeli military official announced Wednesday that Beirut would no longer be considered a restricted zone for Israeli operations. The official explained that should tactical opportunities present themselves in the Lebanese capital, forces would move against Hezbollah positions.

A security source revealed that Israel’s political leadership had “removed the restraints” and provided the military with extensive operational authority against Hezbollah due to what the source characterized as serious breaches of the ceasefire agreement by the terrorist organization that led to multiple Israeli military casualties.

During discussions earlier this week, Israel’s political-security cabinet examined ways to prevent actions that might be seen as disrupting US diplomatic efforts regarding a potential agreement to resolve the Iranian conflict, according to officials with knowledge of the meetings.

Those present at the meeting initially agreed to avoid striking Beirut, the officials reported. Political leaders also turned down a recommendation from Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir to destroy structures in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

Al Jazeera reported that an Iranian source stated Tehran had cautioned the United States that an Israeli attack on Beirut would significantly damage current peace discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar is traveling to the Pacific island nation of Fiji this weekend as Israel prepares to launch a new embassy there, according to reports from The Media Line. The diplomatic mission represents an effort by both nations to strengthen their ties across multiple areas including diplomacy, strategy, and development.

This embassy launch comes after Fiji established its own diplomatic mission in Jerusalem last year, making the Pacific nation part of a select group of countries maintaining embassies in Israel’s capital city. Israel had previously announced plans to create a corresponding mission in Fiji by 2026, recognizing Suva’s ongoing backing of Israel in global venues such as the United Nations.

In March, Fiji’s Cabinet gave approval for establishing a permanent Israeli Embassy in Suva, characterizing the decision as advancing collaboration on security matters, climate change issues, agricultural development, new technologies, and diplomatic relations. The two nations have maintained diplomatic ties since 1970 and have worked together for many years through Israeli development initiatives, particularly in agricultural and technical support.

The new diplomatic facility will provide Israel with a stronger permanent presence in the Blue Pacific region, an area that has attracted growing interest from major powers looking to expand influence through aid programs, climate initiatives, security partnerships, and development projects. Fijian officials have positioned their relationship with Israel as part of a comprehensive foreign policy approach that balances traditional partnerships, Pacific region priorities, and engagement with nations outside the region.

The embassy establishment occurs during a politically delicate period. Fiji’s choice to open an embassy in Jerusalem faced opposition from Palestinian officials and some domestic critics, who contended the decision carried legal and diplomatic consequences due to the city’s contested status. Fiji’s leadership has justified its position as aligned with its independent foreign policy and long-established ties with Israel.

Sa’ar’s planned visit demonstrates that Israel considers this embassy opening as more than just an administrative enhancement. The Suva diplomatic mission represents another phase in a relationship that both governments have characterized as increasingly dynamic, practical, and strategically beneficial.

Iraq’s recently elected Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi issued a public demand Wednesday for all armed groups operating in the country to place themselves under government control, as the United States maintains pressure on Baghdad to reduce the power of Iran-backed militias.

A statement from al-Zaidi’s media office said the prime minister is pushing armed factions to operate “under the umbrella of the state and its official institutions.”

His announcement followed a declaration by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr that his military wing, Saraya al-Salam, which is also called the Peace Brigades, would break away from his political movement and become part of government institutions.

Al-Sadr proclaimed “the complete separation” of his armed group from his political party and its “full integration into the state.”

The cleric has a history of leading an armed faction that battled American and Iraqi government forces. In more recent years, he has spoken out against Tehran-supported armed groups and has consistently demanded they give up their weapons.

Al-Zaidi’s stance demonstrates increasing pressure from Washington on Iraq’s government to restrict the activities of militias that function outside the state’s military command structure.

The New Arab reports that the Trump administration has maintained its push for Baghdad to control Iran-aligned factions and has connected future defense cooperation and funding to efforts to diminish the power of groups operating independently of the government.

The Iraqi prime minister appealed “on all armed factions to follow the same responsible national path and operate under the umbrella of the state and its official institutions.”

Israel’s United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon has declared his mission will halt all communication with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ office following Israel’s placement on a UN registry of nations and groups accused of committing sexual violence during armed conflicts.

Danon stated the Israeli delegation would maintain “no further contact” with the secretary-general’s office throughout Guterres’ remaining tenure.

“This is a moral disgrace that proves Guterres has lost all credibility,” Danon said, condemning the choice to put Israel “on the same blacklist as Hamas, ISIS [Islamic State], and the most barbaric terrorist organizations in the world.”

The report indicates the Israeli Prison Service will be featured on the UN’s 2026 registry, with other Israeli agencies continuing under observation for potential future inclusion.

Based on UN protocols, nations and militant groups designated by the secretary-general stay on the registry for a minimum of one year. Hamas was included on the list in August 2025.

The UN registry focuses on claims of sexual violence during armed conflicts and encompasses both government forces and non-governmental armed groups alleged to have committed these offenses.

In March 2024, Pramila Patten, the UN secretary-general’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict, documented “reasonable grounds” to conclude Hamas perpetrated rape and sexual violence during the October 7 massacre and while holding Israeli hostages captive in Gaza.

Israeli officials informed Ynet that mounting pressure developed on Guterres to add Israel following Hamas’s inclusion the previous year. The officials claimed the UN leader succumbed to political influence during his term’s concluding months.

Benny Gantz, the Israeli politician and former army general, characterized the report as “antisemitic and hypocritical,” stating the United Nations had descended into “moral blindness.”

Gilad Erdan, Israel’s former ambassador to the United Nations, similarly charged the organization with prejudice, describing it as “corrupt and distorted.”

Guatemala’s leader Bernardo Arévalo rejected claims Thursday that his nation has struck a new deal with the United States for conducting anti-narcotics operations within Guatemala’s borders.

Arévalo’s statement followed reporting by The New York Times suggesting the Central American country had agreed to participate in joint anti-drug strikes.

The dispute represents another chapter in continuing friction between the Trump administration and Latin American nations trying to balance drug-fighting cooperation with the United States while protecting their national independence.

“There is no agreement. There is a request that falls within the framework of existing agreements in several countries,” Arévalo told reporters during a press briefing.

“What we are signing are types of collaboration that have been taking place in the past. We conduct maritime interdictions where the United States has been collaborating with training, capacity building and equipment,” Arévalo explained.

The president emphasized that his government’s actions comply with Guatemala’s legal framework and constitution.

“The only body that can authorize operations involving soldiers on Guatemalan soil is the Congress of the Republic. The Guatemalan government is not requesting this cooperation and has no plans to do so,” the president stated.

Pentagon acting press secretary Joel Valdez declined to address the reported agreement directly, saying he cannot “speculate on future operations or discuss matters of operational security” while noting that the Department of War collaborates with regional partners against drug trafficking and other cross-border threats.

Guatemala’s administration also released a statement and two letters showing discussions between its defense minister and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth about joint military activities under existing agreements.

The controversy follows the April deaths of two CIA operatives in northern Mexico during a mission to eliminate a drug laboratory, which brought attention to U.S. agent presence across Latin America and sparked questions about expanded American involvement in the region. Mexican authorities subsequently provided conflicting explanations about their knowledge of the CIA personnel’s activities.

Mexico recognizes that U.S. agencies operate within its territory but maintains they cannot engage in direct field operations.

Growing uncertainty surrounds the status of Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership position within Iran’s government structure, according to emerging reports from inside the country.

Recent information obtained despite Iran’s ongoing internet restrictions indicates that Khamenei currently holds no position within the Islamic Republic’s governing framework. This contradicts earlier reports suggesting he had sustained serious injuries and was receiving treatment at an intensive care facility within a classified Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps location.

A knowledgeable source from Sina Hospital, where he was reportedly taken following the February 28 assault on the leadership facility, provided additional details to The Media Line. The source stated that Khamenei’s chances of surviving the missile attack that “reduced everyone present in the leadership compound to ashes” would be “more of a miracle than reality.”

The situation remains fluid as communication restrictions within Iran continue to limit the flow of verified information about the incident and its aftermath.

Iran’s closure of a critical shipping passage has forced a massive reshuffling of worldwide aviation fuel distribution, creating extraordinary shipping routes as companies work to maintain airline operations.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has eliminated roughly 400,000 barrels daily of jet fuel shipments that previously flowed through the waterway, pushing European fuel costs beyond $200 per barrel in April – an unprecedented high.

Instead of experiencing severe fuel shortages, the aviation industry has witnessed dramatic changes in supply routing, with fuel shipments now crossing unprecedented distances as companies redraw their distribution strategies to sustain air travel.

This adaptation demonstrates the resilience of worldwide fuel distribution networks while simultaneously revealing potential vulnerabilities should the disruption continue.

European markets have compensated for much of the lost Middle Eastern fuel through increased shipments from the United States, Nigeria and India.

“It really does come down to who is shortest and most willing to pay,” said Sparta Commodities analyst James Noel-Beswick.

This market mechanism has enabled Europe to secure fuel supplies from distant locations by outbidding competing regions, though at the expense of extended transportation routes and elevated costs.

DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS STRAINED BUT FUNCTIONING

The International Energy Agency projects worldwide jet fuel consumption will reach 7.77 million barrels daily this year, showing minimal change from 2025 levels.

With Middle Eastern supplies restricted, purchasers are sourcing fuel from increasingly remote locations.

The tanker Nord Ventura completed a month-long voyage from Louisiana to transport approximately 300,000 barrels of aviation fuel to Melbourne, marking the first such delivery since at least 2017, based on Kpler tracking information.

European buyers have dispatched an unusual shipment to the Seychelles while importing supplies from New York Harbour, a region they traditionally serve as a supplier.

Asian markets have similarly attracted shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast and African sources, while China has reduced exports to preserve domestic reserves.

Essentially, the marketplace is redistributing supplies on a global scale rather than depending on its most cost-effective transportation routes.

“Jet fuel has become so expensive that, with that price, the market is figuring out alternatives for supply chains,” said Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi.

Thus far, this adaptability – combined with inventory building and refinery modifications – has helped offset the loss of Hormuz shipments.

MOUNTING STRAIN

Nevertheless, extended disruption makes this balancing effort increasingly challenging.

Storage levels already show stress. Independent reserves in Europe’s Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub have dropped to their lowest point since March, while Singapore middle distillate inventories approach two-month minimums. Europe continues struggling to completely replace lost shipments, despite elevated pricing.

“The medium-term is the bigger concern,” said Noel-Beswick of Sparta. “If the conflict drags on with no resolution in sight, we could start to see real tightness emerge towards late August and into early September.”

The IEA has indicated Europe might begin experiencing jet fuel shortages by June.

The challenge extends beyond availability to encompass cost factors. Extended routes, increased insurance premiums and competitive bidding all contribute to rising prices, creating risks that supplies remain accessible but increasingly costly.

CARRIERS MANAGING DISRUPTION – TEMPORARILY

Airlines have handled the crisis better than anticipated. Though jet fuel represents 30% to 40% of operational expenses, robust travel demand has enabled carriers to transfer some cost increases through higher ticket prices.

Industry estimates indicate airlines will face an extra $14 billion in fuel expenses during 2026, yet most have prevented major schedule disruptions.

Airport authorities and governments have helped absorb the impact through reserve building or relaxed import regulations, including Britain’s decision to continue allowing fuel imports refined from Russian crude in third countries.

However, early indicators suggest higher costs are reducing demand. The operator of Frankfurt airport, Germany’s busiest, has cautioned that rising fares might impact passenger volumes this year, now projected at the lower range of its 65 million to 66 million estimate.

Extended closure of the Strait of Hormuz will intensify pressure across shipping, refining and storage sectors – potentially driving prices even higher.

Consultancy Wood Mackenzie projects that continued disruption through late 2026 could push jet fuel prices in major markets toward $300 per barrel.

Funeral prayers took place Thursday in Gaza City for 10 individuals who died in overnight Israeli military strikes, including five children, an elderly person, and one Hamas fighter.

The strikes wounded more than 20 people, according to Shifa Hospital officials. Footage from the attack site revealed flames erupting from an upper floor window while onlookers hurried to transport injured victims, including children, to waiting ambulances.

Mohammed Shawish, who suffered injuries and lost his spouse in the attack, wept while holding her remains at the hospital morgue. “I married my wife for love. For God’s sake, I chose her because of love,” he said.

The military action occurred during the first day of Eid al-Adha, known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” a significant Islamic celebration observed by Muslims around the globe. Israeli military officials stated Wednesday evening they had conducted operations in northern Gaza targeting two Hamas fighters.

Hamas fighter Imad Isleim was among the fatalities. Mourners carried his remains Thursday, wrapped in white cloth with a Hamas banner placed on top. His relative Nidal Isleim described his death as a “shock” to the family, despite knowing such an outcome was always possible.

The military operations coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Thursday announcement that Israel was broadening its territorial control in Gaza.

“Right now we are tightening the grip on Hamas,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Thursday during a conference in Jordan. “We are now in 60% of the territory of the Gaza Strip. You know that? We were at 50%, we moved to 60%.”

He indicated the following phase would involve advancing to 70% control, with Israel “tightening the grip” on Hamas “from every direction.”

“We will deal with the remnants,” Netanyahu stated. “But the most important thing is to continue leveraging our power, to increase it.”

The conference formed part of broader discussions covering the conflict, Iran, Hezbollah, Gaza and regional strategy.

“There is still more work. What is happening right now is truly a global change. There is no doubt about that,” Netanyahu added.

Earlier this week, Israeli forces killed Mohammed Odeh, the recently named commander of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, less than two weeks following his predecessor’s death.

Throughout Gaza, 16 people died and 39 sustained injuries during the previous 48 hours, according to Gaza’s health ministry’s Thursday update. The ministry operates under Gaza’s Hamas-run government but employs medical professionals who compile and release comprehensive records considered generally credible by the international community.

Following a fragile ceasefire that began last October, 922 people have died in Gaza and 2,786 others have been wounded, the ministry reported.

Iceland’s lawmakers on Thursday approved plans for an August 29 referendum on whether to restart European Union membership negotiations, backing the government’s two-phase strategy that could result in the Nordic nation joining the 27-member bloc within this decade.

The island nation withdrew from EU negotiations in 2013 following four years of discussions when a Eurosceptic administration came to power, but rising living costs and the conflict in Ukraine have reignited public interest in union membership, according to polling data.

Should citizens vote to resume negotiations, the ultimate terms of EU membership would need approval through a second referendum, while a negative vote would halt any efforts to restart discussions, government officials have stated.

Many citizens remain undecided about EU membership and may find reassurance in the two-phase approach, according to Olafur Thordur Hardarson, a professor of political science at the University of Iceland.

“The large proportion that has not finally decided if they want to join or not, many of them, of course, want the (first)referendum because they want to see exactly what terms would be in a potential agreement,” he said.

EU membership for this nation of approximately 400,000 residents would expand the union’s presence deep into the North Atlantic Ocean during a period when U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to control Greenland, an island situated between Iceland and the United States.

“Even though Iceland of course is a very small country, putting Iceland on the EU map would sort of have a symbolic advantage,” Hardarson said.

In Iceland’s 63-member national parliament, the Althingi, 34 lawmakers supported the referendum while 8 opposed it. Fourteen members chose not to vote, and 7 were not present, the parliament’s secretary general reported.

Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir told Reuters in March that she remained hopeful Iceland could achieve EU membership as soon as 2028, anticipating that fisheries and agriculture would present the most challenging negotiation topics.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that he has ordered Israeli military forces to expand their territorial control in Gaza, targeting 70% of the Palestinian enclave where residents are already confined to a narrow coastal area.

Current Israeli military control encompasses approximately 64% of the small coastal territory, which has been devastated by a two-year military campaign that began following Hamas’ 2023 attack on southern Israel.

An October ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, which has not succeeded in stopping Israeli operations or achieving Hamas’ disarmament, originally established Israeli forces should pull back to a “Yellow Line” marking their territorial boundaries. Military maps showed this line gave Israel authority over roughly 53% of Gaza, leaving Hamas in charge of the remaining areas.

Reuters previously documented that Israel has independently repositioned concrete barriers marking the Yellow Line further into territory previously controlled by Hamas. Military maps from March revealed an expanded restricted zone that experts estimate encompasses about 64% of Gaza’s total area.

In previous public statements, Netanyahu has acknowledged military control over more than 60% of Gaza. During remarks at a conference in a West Bank settlement, the Israeli leader outlined plans for further territorial expansion.

“We were at fifty, we moved to sixty. My directive is to move to — let’s go step by step,” Netanyahu stated Thursday.

“First of all, seventy. Let’s start with that. We’re pressing them (Hamas) from all sides. We’ll deal with the remnants.”

Netanyahu characterizes the territories Israel has captured in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon as “buffer zones” designed to prevent future militant attacks following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault that triggered the Gaza conflict.

Palestinians interpret Israel’s expanding Gaza buffer zone as part of a plan for permanent displacement, citing statements from high-ranking ministers, including defense chief Israel Katz, who have expressed support for encouraging “voluntary migration” from Gaza.

The territorial expansion order coincides with intensified Israeli operations in Gaza that officials say are aimed at senior Hamas commanders involved in the 2023 attacks. Tuesday’s strike eliminated Hamas’ armed wing chief, following the killing of his predecessor ten days earlier.

Gaza health authorities report that a Wednesday night strike Israel claimed targeted two Hamas leaders resulted in at least 10 deaths, including five children, with 18 additional injuries.

The attack occurred during Palestinians’ observance of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, which many Gaza residents celebrated by gathering in tent camps and damaged buildings.

Etidal Al-Za’im described being with her family in their tent during the holiday celebration when debris from the strike on an adjacent building crashed down on them.

“We came out to the sound of a bang, we sat for an hour before we could come out through the (rubble) and find a way out of the tent,” she said.

Health officials report Israeli operations have resulted in more than 900 deaths since the truce began, while Israel reports four soldiers killed by militants during the same timeframe. Israel and Hamas continue to face an impasse in negotiations over a U.S. proposal for Gaza that would require Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament.

Another witness to Wednesday’s Israeli strike, identifying himself as Abu Azam, said a “person in Gaza has no safety at all.”

“He could be hit in the street, he could be hit in the house, he could be hit in the hospital, he could be hit on his way to the market,” Abu Azam said.

LIMASSOL, Cyprus (AP) — European Union leadership announced Thursday that protecting maritime trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz following the conclusion of Iran’s conflict will demand an expanded naval presence, including additional European warships and a broader scope for the bloc’s existing Red Sea operation.

The current EU maritime operation in the Red Sea — known as Aspides, derived from the Greek word meaning “shield” — consists of three warships defending commercial vessels against Houthi rebel assaults from Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz, located at the Red Sea’s southern terminus, previously facilitated the passage of approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies before the conflict began.

Following discussions among the bloc’s foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that Aspides’ operational framework might require modifications based on new demands, potentially including specialized mine-clearing vessels for the strait.

“But it mostly needs more ships,” she stated, revealing that one additional vessel would be deployed to the Aspides mission without elaborating further.

Earlier this year, the EU approved extending Aspides’ authorization through February 2027, allocating an extra 15 million euros ($17.5 million) in financial support.

France and the U.K. are also contemplating establishing their own naval contingent to provide ship escorts through the Strait of Hormuz after fighting ceases.

An EU official revealed ongoing discussions about potentially combining Operation Aspides with the proposed Franco-British fleet, though significant details regarding command structure for such a unified force remain unresolved. The official requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to discuss the ongoing negotiations publicly.

Maritime transportation expenses surged following Iran’s war commencement on Feb. 28, driven by elevated insurance rates. The EU official projected that costs would remain high for at least twelve months after hostilities conclude, observing that routing ships around Africa’s coastline now costs less than Red Sea transit.

Officials are exploring the possibility of providing government-backed guarantees to shipping enterprises to help lower insurance costs.

A businessman and attorney without any political background is making waves in Colombia’s presidential race this Sunday, promising harsh measures against criminal organizations and drug cartels.

Abelardo De La Espriella, who goes by the nickname ‘The Tiger’ among his followers, has positioned himself as the candidate who can fix Colombia’s economic troubles and security issues. Recent polling shows him in second place, trailing leftist opponent Ivan Cepeda.

The candidate criticizes current President Gustavo Petro’s failed efforts to negotiate peace agreements with guerrilla fighters and criminal organizations, arguing these attempts have led to increased drug smuggling and unauthorized gold extraction. He also considers his conservative opponent, Senator Paloma Valencia, as representing the political establishment.

‘Colombia is going through its darkest hours. At the end of the day this is not a battle between Ivan Cepeda and me, it is a battle between totalitarianism and democracy,’ he said in a February interview with Reuters.

‘I will dare to do what needs to be done within the framework of the constitution and the law to save and rebuild Colombia…I am the tiger for that,’ he added.

De La Espriella claims to be funding his own campaign, though Reuters was unable to confirm this independently.

The 47-year-old candidate’s appearance and speaking style have sparked comparisons to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. Like Bukele, De La Espriella wears designer sunglasses and expensive timepieces, sports a well-groomed beard, and advocates for aggressive law enforcement tactics. Bukele’s administration has imprisoned over 90,000 individuals as part of a security initiative that human rights organizations condemn but voters support for reducing murder rates.

Despite never having military service, De La Espriella performs military-style salutes during campaign events and in promotional materials.

While he rejects claims that he’s copying Bukele’s approach, De La Espriella has committed to constructing 10 large-scale detention facilities.

‘In my government there will be no peace processes. Criminals who do not submit will be taken down, as permitted by law,’ he warned.

The candidate was raised in Monteria, a northern Colombian city, where he developed an appreciation for vallenato folk music and has performed as a tenor singer.

De La Espriella is married with four children and owns various business ventures, including liquor companies, a restaurant in Miami, and investments in livestock, construction, and property development.

His legal practice has represented Alex Saab, who faces money laundering charges in the United States related to alleged work for former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as well as individuals connected to corruption cases and paramilitary organizations. De La Espriella maintains that his attorney-client relationships involved no illegal activities.

Guatemala has given the green light for collaborative military operations with the United States on Guatemalan soil to combat drug trafficking organizations, according to a Thursday report from the New York Times citing three sources with knowledge of the discussions.

President Bernardo Arevalo of Guatemala approved airstrikes and additional military actions during a phone conversation with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week, with operations potentially beginning as soon as next month, the publication reported.

The U.S. Defense Department also plans to push Honduras to approve similar joint military actions, the report indicated, noting that the Trump administration is focusing on these two nations as a way to pressure Mexico into accepting collaborative counter-narcotics operations.

The Pentagon declined to speculate about upcoming operations or address operational security matters.

“Under Secretary Hegseth’s leadership, the Department will continue working with trusted partners to defend the Homeland and secure the Western Hemisphere,” Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez stated in an email.

According to the Times reporting, the White House’s overarching approach involves establishing American military presence throughout Latin America to create leverage with Mexico.

The White House responded that the “Administration continues to work to carry out the president’s agenda.”

Neither the Guatemalan nor Honduran embassies in the United States immediately provided responses to comment requests, and the Guatemalan government was not immediately available for contact.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has consistently stated that while she supports intelligence sharing and security collaboration, she will not permit U.S. personnel or military forces to conduct operations within Mexican borders.

U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently advocated for expanded use of American military power against Mexican cartels and has warned that the United States might act independently if Washington believes Mexico’s efforts are insufficient.

BRUSSELS, May 28 (Reuters) – The European Commission commended Bulgaria’s advancement in creating an independent anti-corruption agency on Thursday, while emphasizing the nation must sustain its reform efforts to secure the remaining EU pandemic recovery funds before the August 2026 cutoff date.

Bulgaria was allocated €6.2 billion ($7.2 billion) in grants through the EU’s recovery program, but the funding depends on completing various reforms, including creating the anti-corruption agency and transitioning energy production toward renewable sources.

The country has already collected €3.3 billion in EU funding, though achieving the remaining benchmarks and objectives has been challenging due to five parliamentary elections held over the past three years.

“We all know that there is the deadline in August 2026. So, the goal is to unlock resources by then. For this, we must maintain momentum on reforms,” European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen stated following discussions with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

“I very much welcome that the legislative process is already well under way. Your government is therefore delivering on this significant milestone,” she stated, highlighting that Bulgaria could receive €370 million from the EU upon completing the reform.

She additionally mentioned that enhancing the profitable segment of the state-owned Bulgarian Energy Holding, particularly its clean energy production division, would represent a significant advancement for Bulgaria’s energy infrastructure.

“In total, there are 1.2 billion euros in the plan for clean energy investments in Bulgaria,” she stated.

Beyond the recovery fund, the EU stands prepared to provide Bulgaria with €3.2 billion in affordable loans through its SAFE program designed to strengthen defense capabilities of EU nations, particularly those on the bloc’s eastern border that could face potential Russian aggression.

“We will support Bulgaria with more than €3.2 billion under SAFE as we just discussed. And we are ready to sign our loan agreement with Bulgaria at any time,” von der Leyen stated.

WASHINGTON – The Treasury Department delivered a sharp warning to Oman on Thursday, cautioning the nation against any participation in establishing toll charges for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with officials promising sanctions against countries that support such measures.

“The United States Government will not tolerate any effort to impose a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on X.

“Oman, in particular, should know that the U.S. Treasury will aggressively target any actors involved – directly or indirectly – in facilitating tolls for the Strait and any willing partners will be penalized,” Bessent added.

The warning comes as tensions continue over control of the critical shipping lane that serves as a vital passage for global maritime trade.

The director of Israel’s airport authority announced Thursday that Ben-Gurion International Airport is functioning at severely reduced capacity due to American military aircraft operations taking up significant space and resources at the facility.

Sharon Kedmi, who leads the Israel Airports Authority, spoke with Kan’s Reshet Bet radio and explained that military operations are restricting 70% of normal airport functions at the country’s primary aviation hub located near Tel Aviv.

“We are only utilizing one-third of the airport’s operational capacity,” Kedmi stated. “We are at the limit of our capabilities. There will be flights that we will announce in the coming days that are being cancelled.”

According to Kedmi, international airlines won’t be resuming operations anytime soon, and approximately 3 million travelers may face flight cancellations. Currently, numerous American tanker aircraft are stationed at the airport.

The financial impact has been substantial, with the airport authority reporting losses of 700 million shekels ($248 million) over the past two months. Kedmi warned that continued disruptions could result in losses reaching into the billions of shekels.

While projections initially called for 18 million passengers to travel through the facility, Kedmi noted that “right now it looks like we won’t exceed 15 million.”

“We have no information when the U.S. military’s activities at the airport will end. We are in a constant state of flux,” Kedmi explained.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem directed inquiries to the State Department, which has not yet provided a response.

Reports from earlier this month indicated that Civil Aviation Authority head Shmuel Zakay had raised similar concerns about American military aircraft disrupting civilian operations, preventing foreign carriers from returning and driving up ticket prices.

Zakay reportedly told the Transportation Minister that “Ben-Gurion has turned into a military airfield with limited civilian activity,” and expressed concerns about negative effects on domestic airlines.

News outlets have reported that when the Iran conflict began, Israeli carriers relocated aircraft to other countries, and not all planes have been brought back to the airport.

PARIS (AP) — French lawmakers in the National Assembly have unanimously approved legislation to formally eliminate a centuries-old slavery regulation that remained buried in the country’s legal code.

The chamber voted 254-0 on Thursday to pass the measure removing Code Noir from French law, sending the proposal to the Senate where backers anticipate approval. The timing of the upper chamber’s vote remains uncertain.

King Louis XIV enacted Code Noir — known as Black Code — at Versailles Palace in 1685 to establish regulations governing enslaved people throughout France’s colonial territories.

French philosopher Louis Sala‑Molins characterized it as “the most monstrous legal text of modern times.”

The law’s 60 provisions initially applied to French Caribbean territories including Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint-Domingue, which is now Haiti, before expanding to cover French Guiana, Louisiana, and the Indian Ocean territories of Réunion and Mauritius.

Historical records show France transported approximately 1.4 million enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean, ranking third among European nations in the slave trade behind Portugal and Britain.

The majority labored in sugar cane fields and processing facilities where syrup was cooked over open flames, along with coffee, cotton and indigo production.

Conditions proved so lethal that mortality rates exceeded births, leading plantation owners to continuously import new groups of enslaved Africans to replace those who died.

By 1789, Saint-Domingue — present-day Haiti — contained approximately 500,000 enslaved individuals, surpassing all other Caribbean colonies. The territory generated much of the globe’s sugar and coffee output and gained recognition as the world’s wealthiest colony.

While Code Noir lost its enforcement power when France ended slavery in 1848, lawmakers never officially removed it from legal records.

Article 44 classified enslaved people as “movable property.”

Owners held the right to purchase, sell, use as collateral, or bequeath them to heirs — similar to real estate or household items.

Article 28 stated enslaved individuals could “own nothing that does not belong to their master.”

All wages earned and gifts received became the owner’s possession.

Enslaved people lacked legal identity.

Beginning in 1839, colonial authorities assigned each enslaved person a numerical identifier and registration code.

Freed individuals received surnames only after emancipation.

Article 38 established penalties for escape attempts.

First-time offenders faced ear removal and shoulder branding with a fleur-de-lis — the French royal emblem.

Second attempts resulted in severed leg tendons and additional branding.

Third attempts carried the death penalty.

Article 33 mandated execution for any enslaved person who struck an owner, spouse or children with sufficient force to cause visible injury or bleeding — or struck them in the face.

The provision declared such individuals “shall be punished by death.”

Before addressing enslaved people, the code’s opening article mandated the expulsion of all Jewish residents from French colonies within three months.

It labeled them “declared enemies of the Christian name.”

Articles 2 and 3 required baptism and Catholic upbringing for all enslaved people.

Public practice of other faiths was prohibited.

Children inherited their mother’s legal status.

Offspring of enslaved women were born into bondage — regardless of the father’s free status.

Enslavement began at birth.

Code Noir allocated children food portions equal to half an adult’s ration.

Several provisions appeared designed to “protect” enslaved individuals.

Owners were supposed to provide food and clothing, avoid torture, and refrain from separating husbands, wives and young children through sales.

Historians note these protections were routinely disregarded.

Owners who murdered enslaved people rarely faced punishment.

ADEN, Yemen (AP) — Yemen’s former president Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi passed away Thursday at 80 years old, ending a life marked by leading a divided nation through civil conflict and humanitarian crisis while governing primarily from foreign soil for nearly a decade before relinquishing power in 2022.

According to state television in Yemen, Hadi’s death occurred at his home in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, though additional circumstances were not provided.

Rashad al-Alimi, who heads the Presidential Leadership Council that serves as the governing body for Yemen’s internationally recognized administration, praised Hadi’s commitment to the Yemeni people’s “right to a just state, freedom and human dignity.”

“He led the battle to defend the republican system,” al-Alimi posted on X.

Officials declared a three-day period of mourning with flags to be displayed at half-mast.

Hadi assumed the presidency in 2012 following the departure of long-serving leader Ali Abdullah Saleh amid Arab Spring demonstrations. With backing from the United States and Gulf nations, Hadi won a single-candidate election designed to shepherd Yemen through democratic transformation.

However, his administration quickly faced mounting turmoil.

In his early presidential term, Hadi attempted sweeping governmental changes, including bringing together the nation’s disparate military groups under unified command.

Critics charged him with showing preference to Yemen’s eastern petroleum-rich regions while neglecting the mountainous interior areas controlled by Houthis, the Iranian-supported faction.

Additional threats emerged from Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, widely regarded as among the terrorist network’s most lethal offshoots. The organization executed an attack in Sanaa during 2012 that claimed more than 100 lives.

The pivotal crisis of Hadi’s tenure occurred in 2014 when Houthi militants advanced southward from their northern territories and seized Sanaa as public frustration mounted over economic difficulties and governmental chaos.

Aided by forces supporting former President Saleh, Houthi troops occupied Yemen’s presidential compound in January 2015. Hadi stepped down and fled to Aden, though he subsequently reversed his resignation as a Saudi-led military alliance joined the fighting in March 2015 attempting to reinstall Hadi’s administration.

Despite maintaining international recognition as president, much of the actual governance was shaped by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the coalition’s primary members.

His power eroded further as fractures developed within the anti-Houthi partnership.

Relations with the UAE deteriorated after Hadi removed senior Emirati-supported officials, including Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who commanded the separatist Southern Transitional Council, or STC.

The STC ultimately gained control of Aden and portions of southern Yemen, restricting Hadi’s government to exile in Riyadh and isolated eastern territories.

Though the STC avoided directly calling for Hadi’s ouster, it declined to subordinate its military units to his authority and charged his administration with embracing Islamist groups connected to the Islah party, Yemen’s affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood. The STC was dissolved earlier this year.

Hadi’s remaining time in office was spent largely away from public attention in the Saudi capital. In April 2022, following announcement of a U.N.-mediated truce, he handed authority to al-Alimi, who took charge of the newly established presidential council supported by Saudi Arabia.

Born September 1, 1945, in Yemen’s coastal Abyan province during the period when the country’s southern region remained under British control, Mansour Hadi came from the prominent Al-Fadl tribe, among the south’s largest and most established clans.

Following his education, Hadi entered military service, completing training at Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. His initial military assignments took him to Egypt and Russia before his return to Yemen.

Hadi held senior military rank when civil conflict began in 1986, stemming from disputes between competing factions within Southern Yemen’s governing Socialist party. He aligned with President Ali Nasser Mohammed, accompanying him in escape to northern Yemen, which remained a separate nation at that time.

Following Yemen’s unification in 1990, Hadi received promotion to general rank and later to defense minister under then-President Saleh. As recognition for commanding successful military operations against southern independence movements in 1994, Saleh named Hadi as vice president of the unified republic.

Hadi leaves behind his spouse, Hala, and six children. Memorial service details have not been announced.

The United Nations is moving forward with plans to eliminate senior leadership roles during the coming two years as part of sweeping organizational changes, the Secretary-General announced Thursday.

Antonio Guterres, who will complete his decade-long tenure as U.N. chief by the end of 2026, is pushing for significant reform and budget reductions while the organization faces a financial emergency caused in part by outstanding dues, including from top contributor the United States.

The Secretary-General has praised major achievements in the ‘UN80’ reform initiative thus far, pointing to reductions in the 2026 budget and the relocation of more than 2,000 positions from high-cost cities such as Geneva and New York to more affordable locations.

However, additional steps are necessary, he informed the General Assembly in New York, emphasizing that member nations hold the power to drive change.

“Genuine reform requires tough choices. This is no time for complacency, self-interest, or foot-dragging,” he said.

The 2027 budget will feature efforts to eliminate organizational layers and begin reducing senior-level positions, with continued cuts planned for 2028, Guterres explained, though he did not provide specific details. Job transfers to less expensive locations will also continue, he noted.

Budget documents show that U.N. cost-reduction plans for 2026 implemented much smaller reductions to senior staff compared to lower-level employees, despite a growing number of high-level positions in recent years.

Numerous senior roles are informally designated for major powers who fiercely protect them as sources of status and power.

Guterres called on nations to pursue more aggressive reforms, stating that “bureaucratic inertia and defensiveness” were blocking some changes, including combining or shutting down U.N. agencies.

“At this stage, the overall direction and scale of UN80 lie in the hands of Member States to determine,” he said.

The United States, which owes the organization approximately $4 billion and has announced intentions to leave many U.N. organizations, has consistently demanded a more effective United Nations concentrated on peace and security matters.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for reform objectives this week. “Overlapping bodies and mandates in the U.N. system should be streamlined, resources be better integrated and a culture of efficiency be promoted,” he told reporters in New York.

Several of the five contenders seeking to succeed Guterres as secretary-general have also indicated the necessity to reform or reinvent multilateralism.

Israeli forces conducted an attack on Thursday targeting a structure in the southern outskirts of Lebanon’s capital, marking the first such operation near Beirut in several weeks during an ongoing ceasefire that has not prevented combat between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Military officials from Israel confirmed they executed a targeted operation in Beirut without providing further specifics.

According to two Israeli security sources, the operation aimed at Ali al-Husseini, identified by them as the leader of the missile unit within the Imam Hussein Division, a group that Israeli authorities claim has ties to Hezbollah and Iran.

Neither Hezbollah nor Iran provided immediate responses regarding the attack. A security source from Lebanon reported that the operation involved two precision-guided missiles directed at a structure in the southern outskirts of Beirut.

The operation further weakened an already deteriorating ceasefire that Washington announced on April 16, designed to end the conflict between Israel and Iran-supported Hezbollah that began on March 2.

Combat between these long-standing adversaries has persisted, primarily focused in southern Lebanon. Except for an attack on Beirut’s southern outskirts in early May that resulted in the death of a Hezbollah commander, the capital and surrounding areas had avoided fresh attacks during the truce period.

According to Israeli officials, military forces had refrained from conducting operations in Beirut for three weeks following requests from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Israeli surveillance aircraft continue to operate over Beirut daily.

The two Israeli security sources indicated that Thursday’s operation followed what they termed “very intense dialogue” with the Trump administration over recent days.

Significant Israeli attacks struck communities and villages in southern Lebanon overnight and continuing into Thursday, after Israel designated a new section of the region “a combat zone.”

Israeli military authorities instructed residents to evacuate any communities south of the Zahrani River, located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Israel’s border with Lebanon.

Combined with a border area under military occupation, Israel’s evacuation directives over the past three months cover roughly 2,000 square kilometers of Lebanon – approximately one-fifth of the nation’s total area.

An Israeli attack Thursday morning resulted in six deaths, including two children and their parents, near the southern community of Adloun, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

A separate attack on the port city of Sidon claimed five lives, including two women. Sidon sits outside the area marked as a combat zone by Israeli forces, and the attack occurred without advance warning.

Taghrida Ramadan, a resident of Sidon, spoke to Reuters about being awakened from sleep by the strike that hit a building opposite her home.

“We looked around and found the rubble on us – stones from the strike, because it was nearby and directly facing us,” Ramadan said. Though her residence sustained damage, her family members avoided serious harm.

A later Israeli attack on Thursday killed two Syrian citizens, including a child, in the city of Tyre, which sits within the zone Israel ordered evacuated.

The European Union has prohibited applications that digitally strip clothing from photographs as part of its continuing efforts to combat online pornography and the sexual exploitation of minors. These programs enable users to manipulate innocent photographs of regular individuals, creating fake nude images that appear to show the person without clothing, which are then distributed across the internet. Minors are especially vulnerable to this type of exploitation. Supporters are calling for United States regulators to implement comparable measures.

MOSCOW, May 28 – Moscow’s foreign ministry challenged European nations on Thursday to provide evidence supporting accusations that Russia is disrupting GPS signals across the continent.

An official from Lithuania stated Tuesday that Russia has the capability to interfere with GPS signals as far as 450 kilometers (280 miles) into European territory from its Kaliningrad territory, thanks to significantly enhanced technological capacity.

European countries have repeatedly blamed Russia for electronic disruption activities following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, though President Vladimir Putin’s administration has consistently rejected these claims, instead pointing to Western disinformation campaigns.

“Let them first present at least some evidence,” foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told reporters when asked about the allegations.

“Then something can be discussed, something can be talked about. So far, these are just words, and you can’t take their word for it.”

In the previous year, a Spanish military aircraft carrying Defence Minister Margarita Robles encountered GPS interference while flying near Kaliningrad, and an aircraft transporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced signal jamming during a flight to Bulgaria.

TOKYO, May 28 – Officials from Japan and the Philippines announced Thursday their intention to negotiate a classified information sharing agreement that would facilitate increased military equipment transfers from Tokyo to Manila, potentially including warships.

The two nations have been strengthening their defense and security relationship as they respond to China’s increasing assertiveness throughout the South China Sea region and near Taiwan. Japan has recently eliminated long-standing limitations on combat equipment exports, a policy shift that is expected to benefit the Philippines.

“In order to respond to the increasingly severe strategic environment in the region, we will continue to deepen cooperation with the Philippines,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated during a press conference in Tokyo alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The leaders agreed to upgrade their relationship to a “Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership.”

Under a new defense equipment cooperation framework, Japan is exploring the possibility of supplying naval destroyers and patrol aircraft to Manila.

The closer relationship with Japan aligns with Marcos’ efforts to strengthen security partnerships with the United States and its allies as the Philippines faces ongoing confrontations with Chinese vessels in contested waters.

Takaichi and Marcos also reached an agreement on energy security cooperation, including an initiative by Takaichi to assist Asian nations in better managing energy disruptions following the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

MILAN (AP) — Law enforcement officials in Italy have confiscated assets valued at more than 200 million euros ($232 million) connected to the drug trafficking operations of deceased crime boss Matteo Messina Denaro, according to anti-mafia prosecutors who announced Thursday that the action represents a significant strike against the Sicilian Mafia’s efforts to reconstruct its economic strength.

Among the confiscated items were over 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of gold bars, substantial amounts of cash, high-end timepieces and approximately 20 upscale properties, law enforcement officials revealed during a press briefing.

Messina Denaro passed away in a correctional facility medical unit roughly nine months following his capture in January 2023, bringing to an end three decades of evading authorities. He had been convicted in absentia for his role in numerous killings, including his participation in orchestrating two 1992 bombings that claimed the lives of prominent anti-Mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.

During the probe into drug trafficking proceeds spanning multiple decades, officials detained three individuals and mandated the confiscation of assets, enterprises and financial interests exceeding 200 million euros in value.

Over 150 Italian financial police personnel conducted operations within Italy and internationally, spanning locations such as Andorra, Gibraltar, the Cayman Islands, Switzerland, Lebanon, Monaco and Spain.

Giovanni Melillo, Italy’s national anti-mafia prosecutor, stated the confiscations represent part of a comprehensive campaign to destroy the Sicilian Mafia’s financial foundation and stop it from reconstructing criminal operations with worldwide economic and social reach, including the use of threats and intimidation.

Authorities in Switzerland say a knife-wielding attacker injured three people at a railway station Thursday morning before law enforcement took him into custody.

The incident occurred just after 8:30 a.m. at the station in Winterthur, according to a statement from Zurich regional police. Officials report the suspect is a 31-year-old Swiss citizen, though investigators have not yet determined what motivated the attack.

Emergency responders transported the three injured individuals to area hospitals. The victims, all Swiss nationals aged 28, 43, and 52, sustained wounds of undisclosed severity.

Winterthur, home to approximately 123,000 people, sits in northeastern Switzerland close to Zurich, the nation’s largest metropolitan area.

SEOUL, South Korea — A 68-year-old Chinese political activist remains in South Korean custody following a dangerous sea journey in a small rubber boat, marking his fourth known attempt to flee his homeland in hopes of reuniting with family members abroad.

Dong Guangping was discovered Monday evening aboard a 3.3-meter (10.8-foot) inflatable vessel near a western South Korean island, where coast guard officials detained him for suspected immigration law violations.

Coast guard authorities requested a formal arrest warrant, but a local court rejected the request Thursday, stating it was “difficult to recognize sufficient grounds and necessity” for his detention. Officials announced later Thursday they would transfer him to immigration authorities while continuing their investigation.

The activist’s future remains uncertain. Authorities may seek another arrest warrant or file charges without keeping him in custody. Should Dong request refugee protection, the Justice Ministry indicated it would evaluate his application.

Although evidence of political persecution in China could strengthen his refugee claim, experts point out that South Korea has approved fewer than 2% of refugee applications in recent years.

The former Chinese police officer has faced multiple detentions in his home country due to his political activities. He served three years in prison starting in 2001 for “inciting subversion of state power” and was jailed for more than eight months following a 2014 arrest for taking part in a memorial commemorating victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, based on previous Amnesty International reports.

During Thursday’s court appearance, he informed reporters of his desire to travel to Canada through South Korea to join his wife and daughters, who have already established residence there, according to South Korean news outlets.

His previous escape efforts included fleeing to Thailand and Vietnam, where officials sent him back to China. Dong also made an unsuccessful attempt to swim to a Taiwanese island.

Chinese Canadian activist Sheng Xue commended Dong’s courage in a Wednesday post on X. She revealed that Dong had discussed the boat escape plan with her, though she considered it extremely risky. She said she reconnected with Dong via Messenger after his arrival in South Korea.

“Dong Guangping said that when he reached Korean waters, he was already in a state of unconsciousness. He hadn’t slept for over 50 hours and had been blown by sea winds for over 30 hours,” she said.

Coast guard officials handling the case reported no serious health concerns when Dong was apprehended. They said he informed investigators he departed from Weihai city in China’s eastern Shandong province but has declined to answer most other inquiries.

When questioned about Dong’s situation during a regular briefing Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded that she was “not familiar with that.”

South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Il told reporters Thursday that Dong’s case would probably be processed according to domestic law, while directing additional questions to Justice Ministry immigration officials.

The Canadian Embassy in Seoul acknowledged awareness of reports regarding Dong but stated it could not provide additional commentary.

While rare, Dong is not the first Chinese activist to reach South Korea by watercraft. In 2023, Kwon Pyong, another Chinese dissident, arrived in South Korea on a jet ski, claiming he was fleeing persecution for ridiculing China’s communist government. He was initially held in South Korea but later reportedly relocated to the United States to pursue asylum.

A joint military unit from Germany and the Netherlands will assume control of NATO ground forces in Estonia and Latvia later this year as part of efforts to reinforce the alliance’s eastern border defenses against possible Russian aggression, officials announced Thursday.

The 1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC), headquartered in Muenster, Germany, is scheduled to establish a tactical command center for NATO operations in the Baltic region by mid-2026. The alliance plans to officially approve this new command structure during the summer months.

Currently, NATO military units across all three Baltic countries and northern Poland operate under a single multinational command center located in Szczecin, Poland.

A military official explained to Reuters earlier this week that this reorganization would enable NATO to achieve “mass at speed,” helping to address the area’s limited geographic buffer zone and security weaknesses.

“The deployment of an additional tactical headquarters in the region strengthens coherence within NATO and contributes to Russia’s deterrence,” German and Dutch defense ministries declared in their joint announcement Thursday.

Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgoz stated that 1GNC had “thoroughly prepared” for its upcoming responsibilities, referencing her visit to the corps facility in March.

This development stems from decisions made during the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague and expands upon the NATO Force Model established at the 2023 Vilnius summit, which focused on deploying additional forces with faster response capabilities.

A Colombian senator is making history in her bid to become the South American nation’s first woman president in this Sunday’s election, campaigning on promises to bolster security and strengthen the economy.

Paloma Valencia, a 48-year-old right-wing lawyer and legislator, comes from two influential conservative political families and has the endorsement of former President Alvaro Uribe. Uribe achieved significant military successes against leftist rebel groups during the 2000s and continues to wield political influence, despite facing legal challenges including fraud and bribery convictions that were later reversed. Uribe maintains his innocence and claims the legal proceedings are politically motivated.

“Uribe is like a father to me. I never make mistakes when it comes to loyalties. I want to take everything that worked in President Uribe’s government and do it again,” Valencia stated during a recent campaign appearance. “I’m going to copy Uribe, who got Colombia back on track.” Valencia has recently fallen to third place in polling.

The May 31 first-round election will determine who replaces President Gustavo Petro, who cannot run for another term. Should no candidate receive more than half the votes, a runoff election will take place in June.

As one of Congress’s most prominent opposition figures, Valencia represents Cauca province, an area severely affected by violence during a six-decade armed conflict that claimed over 450,000 lives.

Valencia has been critical of the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas and has opposed Petro’s unsuccessful attempts to negotiate with other illegal armed organizations.

“With me there will be no talks with the ELN, nor with the FARC, nor with the so-called Gaitanista Army. We will reactivate all arrest warrants and pursue them and hunt them down to bring them to prison,” Valencia declared at a recent Bogota campaign event, referring to various guerrilla and criminal organizations.

Valencia’s political heritage runs deep – her paternal grandfather was conservative former President Guillermo Leon Valencia, while her maternal grandfather established a prominent university.

Before entering politics, she earned a master’s degree in creative writing from New York University and worked as both a newspaper columnist and radio host.

Her initial attempt at elected office in 2006 was unsuccessful when she lost a congressional race, but she has served as a senator for Uribe’s Democratic Center party since 2014. During her tenure, she has supported legislation benefiting sugar producers, helping small businesses become formal enterprises, and reducing work hours.

Valencia is married to academic Tomas Rodriguez and is the mother of a young daughter.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Sweden Thursday for discussions with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson regarding bilateral defense cooperation, according to statements from both the Ukrainian leader and Swedish government.

The nations are developing “a major defense package” and negotiating an agreement to supply Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, Zelenskyy announced on social media.

The Ukrainian president has worked to expand defense partnerships with other nations by sharing the drone technology expertise his country has developed during more than four years of conflict with Russia’s invasion.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian experts have assisted Middle Eastern countries — particularly in the Gulf Arab region — in bolstering their air defense capabilities during the Iran war. He also states they have provided support at American military installations in the Middle East. Ukraine has additionally signed joint drone manufacturing deals with European Union nations, which worry that Russian President Vladimir Putin harbors military goals extending past Ukraine.

Ukrainian drones monitoring the 1,250-kilometer (780-mile) battle line and attacking supply routes at greater distances have constrained Russia’s larger military force.

“Ukraine’s successful mid-range and front-line drone strike campaigns are limiting Russia’s ability to transport personnel to the front line and to supply and sustain front-line positions,” stated the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, in a Wednesday evening analysis.

Russia has seized approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory thus far. This includes the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia captured in 2014. The price of taking that territory has been enormous, with the leader of U.K.’s GCHQ intelligence agency stating Wednesday that nearly half a million Russian soldiers have died in the conflict.

Russia, nevertheless, maintains superiority in long-range ballistic missiles, which it has deployed consistently throughout the war to harm Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure and bombard urban areas.

Russian military units launched nearly 90 missiles along with hundreds of drones targeting Kyiv last weekend in an attempt to overpower air defenses as part of its intensifying long-distance aerial offensive against Ukrainian civilian zones.

Zelenskyy has sent correspondence to U.S. President Donald Trump and Congress requesting additional American-manufactured air defense ammunition to counter Russian ballistic missiles, Kyiv officials announced Wednesday.

Ukraine requires more U.S. Patriot PAC-3 missiles and additional air defense systems, Zelenskyy stated in the correspondence, cautioning that shipments to Ukraine are falling perilously behind as the Iran war redirects U.S. supplies.

The Ukrainian capital is preparing for additional heavy attacks. However, no foreign diplomats are reported to have followed Moscow’s suggestion to evacuate Kyiv before what the Russian Foreign Ministry announced earlier this week would be “systemic strikes” on Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported Thursday that all diplomatic missions in the capital have maintained normal operations.

A criminal court in Bangkok cleared a prominent progressive political figure Thursday of charges related to insulting the monarchy and violating computer crime laws.

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who leads the Progressive Movement, faced prosecution over remarks he made in a 2021 Facebook Live session regarding a government contract for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing that went to a business owned by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The statements were delivered as part of broader criticism targeting the vaccination program under former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s administration, which Thanathorn accused of mishandling vaccine procurement and distribution.

According to a statement from the Bangkok Criminal Court, Thanathorn’s remarks were directed at criticizing Prayuth’s leadership and contained no malicious intent toward the monarchy.

The kingdom’s lese majeste statute, known as Article 112 of the Criminal Code, threatens prison sentences of up to 15 years for those who insult the royal family, though opponents argue it serves as a weapon against political opposition. Computer crime violations can result in five-year sentences.

Acquittals in royal insult cases occur infrequently in Thailand, where government institutions maintain conservative positions and officials remain protective of the monarchy’s standing.

“Personally, I feel relieved,” Thanathorn told media representatives following the court decision.

He urged respect for the rights of those imprisoned for political reasons.

“They are not criminals in a literal sense,” he said. “They are in jail because they think and they speak.”

Youth-driven democracy movements beginning in 2020 pushed for reforms to the royal defamation statute, but many demonstrators became subjects of prosecution under the same legislation.

According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, an advocacy organization, over 290 individuals, including numerous student protesters, have faced Article 112 charges since early 2020.

The prosecutor’s office indicated it may pursue an appeal of the verdict.

Thanathorn helped establish the Future Forward Party, which was later dissolved but emerged as a significant political player by placing third in the 2019 election just one year after formation. The party frequently criticized military influence in government.

Parliamentary authorities removed Thanathorn in 2020 following a court determination that he violated election regulations through previous media company ownership. The Constitutional Court disbanded Future Forward that same year over alleged campaign finance violations.

The party’s replacement, Move Forward Party, captured the most legislative seats in the 2023 election, marking a significant victory for progressive politics after nearly ten years of military-influenced governance, though conservative legislators prevented the party from leading the government.

Courts ordered the dissolution of that party in 2024 after accusations it violated constitutional provisions by proposing changes to royal defamation laws.

The movement’s current form, the People’s Party, finished second in the 2026 election and now serves as the primary opposition force.