Category: World News

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — A luxury hotel on a tropical island off Central Africa’s coast has been transformed into an unlikely prison for asylum seekers under a controversial deportation agreement with the United States.

The Bamy Hotel, with its palm-lined entrance and marble lobby adorned with the country’s presidential portrait, now serves as a detention center rather than welcoming tourists or business visitors. Since November, the facility has housed people against their will as part of a $7.5 million arrangement between the Trump administration and Equatorial Guinea’s leader, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

The hotel, owned by the president’s family, functions as a temporary holding facility. Of at least 32 individuals detained there since late last year — all previously granted protection by US courts, according to their attorneys — 25 have been compelled to return to African nations where they may face danger. Those remaining endure pressure from officials to depart.

“Government people would come all the time and say: Where is your passport? You need to go back to your own country,” explained a 26-year-old man from an East African nation who was held at the facility. He requested anonymity due to fear of repercussions, as did two other deportees who spoke with The Associated Press.

Immigration attorneys describe these third-country deportations as a legal workaround used by the Trump administration to indirectly compel asylum seekers to return to their origins.

The authoritarian nature of Equatorial Guinea’s government — similar to other nations with comparable agreements — makes it challenging for international journalists to visit and document conditions firsthand. The AP gained access to the island of Bioko during a recent papal visit and became the only global news organization to observe the migrant detention hotel.

Individuals from Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Mauritania now find themselves stranded in a nation many had never known existed before their arrival. They spend their days walking the hotel’s lengthy hallways and staring through windows at a swimming pool they cannot access.

While no physical mistreatment has occurred, detainees experience severe psychological strain knowing they likely face return to countries they fled in fear.

“I am scared and depressed,” the East African man stated.

Due to his ethnic background and refugee status, he believes he would face imprisonment or death if forced to return home. Human rights specialists say all asylum seekers at the hotel confront significant persecution risks in their countries of origin.

Through a series of unclear and often confidential agreements, the Trump administration has sent thousands of people to nearly two dozen nations other than their homelands, according to advocacy groups, as part of extensive US immigration enforcement efforts. These partner countries are primarily in the developing world, says Third Country Deportation Watch, with approximately twelve located in Africa. Specialists believe nations accepting deportees may seek to build favorable relationships with the US regarding trade, migration or assistance negotiations.

The Trump administration refused to discuss specifics of its Equatorial Guinea arrangement. A State Department representative stated, “we remain unwavering in our commitment to end illegal and mass immigration.”

Equatorial Guinea’s government did not respond to requests for comment.

During the East African man’s interview, a government supervisor with limited English proficiency sat nearby, using his phone in an otherwise vacant conference room.

Following his journey from Africa through Brazil, the man reached the US border in August 2024 and was detained. He was then transferred between detention facilities in California, Arizona and Louisiana before arriving in Equatorial Guinea nearly six months ago.

Daily life at the hotel follows a monotonous routine made surreal by the circumstances, he explained.

Detainees occupy luxurious rooms that receive infrequent cleaning and eat rice and meat served at white-clothed tables in the hotel restaurant. After becoming ill from the food multiple times, the East African man now consumes minimal amounts.

A local attorney provides fresh toothbrushes, phone SIM cards, and feminine hygiene products for women.

Healthcare provision has been inconsistent. The East African man received immediate hospital treatment for an eye complaint. However, when he developed malaria and typhoid, medical attention was delayed until his condition severely worsened, requiring intravenous treatment. He reports other detainees have faced similar delays.

When the East African man recently voiced complaints to a police officer about his circumstances, the officer suggested his troubles would end if he went to the hotel’s fourth floor and jumped from the window.

“What can I do now? It’s become worse,” he said, his weakened frame trembling. “I started losing my mind.”

Equatorial Guinea ranks among Africa’s wealthiest nations due to petroleum reserves. However, it also faces widespread corruption and human rights violations, according to US officials.

The former Spanish territory experienced economic collapse after 1968 independence. Its fortunes changed in the 1990s when American companies began offshore oil drilling. The resulting economic transformation left over half the population in poverty despite national wealth.

Rights organizations report that oil revenues have been largely captured by Obiang and his relatives. The president’s 57-year-old son and successor, Teodoro “Teodorin” Obiang Nguema, displays his extravagant lifestyle on TikTok — showing infinity pools, lobster dinners, and private jet travel — while citizens cannot access the platform.

The younger Obiang, serving as vice president, has faced international sanctions due to corruption throughout his father’s government. However, the US removed sanctions, permitting him to attend a senior UN meeting in New York last September, shortly before deportations to Equatorial Guinea commenced.

Critical voices are virtually absent in Equatorial Guinea, where rights groups and the State Department accuse the government of detaining, torturing and killing dissidents.

Despite this record, American companies remain the largest foreign investors, and the US government provides military training funding.

Remaining detainees at the Bamy Hotel understand they could be sent home at any moment.

Officials from the UN’s International Organization for Migration and refugee agency visited the hotel in November, promising to return. They have not done so.

The East African man is the sole detainee permitted legal representation, though the reason remains unclear.

Although Equatorial Guinea lacks asylum procedures, his attorney submitted a formal appeal to the prime minister’s office — a desperate attempt with minimal success prospects.

He was instructed to appeal for clemency from the vice president, but his asylum request was denied.

The following morning, authorities deported five others, leaving him distressed while awaiting his outcome. Officials informed him he would be next to leave.

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian citizens will select their next president and vice president on May 31 in an election being viewed as a judgment on the current administration’s policies under President Gustavo Petro.

Petro, age 66 and a former participant in Colombia’s M-19 guerrilla movement that fought for social justice during the 1970s and 1980s, has pursued disputed peace talks with remaining rebel organizations while advocating for social and economic changes including a complete revision of the country’s employment laws.

His foreign policy approach has also differed from past Colombian administrations by confronting the United States on issues such as drug enforcement policy and immigration, though he has maintained some cooperation with the Trump administration on these topics.

These policies face scrutiny as citizens prepare to vote, putting to the test Petro’s statement that “the people will decide if the revolution is defeated or if it moves forward.”

While 14 candidates appear on the ballot, the contest has essentially become a competition between three main contenders.

Colombia’s constitution prevents Petro from running for another term. His party, the Historical Pact, has nominated Iván Cepeda, 63, a three-term senator recognized for advocating for victims of government crimes during Colombia’s extended conflict.

Cepeda faces competition from Abelardo de la Espriella, 47, a flamboyant attorney known as “The Tiger” who is campaigning as an independent and portrays himself as an outsider. He maintains he is seeking the presidency without backing from any of the country’s major political parties.

De la Espriella has represented high-profile clients including business leaders accused of money laundering, a sex worker who exposed misconduct by U.S. Secret Service agents, and an acid attack victim whose case led to legislation imposing severe penalties for such attacks, which typically target women.

Another contender with significant backing is Paloma Valencia, 48, a senator from the Democratic Center, the party headed by former President Álvaro Uribe. Valencia’s campaign receives support from most traditional parties and economists concerned about rising debt levels during the Petro presidency who want Colombia to return to more conventional policies.

A runoff election will take place on June 21 between the leading two candidates if no one receives 50% of the vote.

Cepeda has pledged to expand the economic changes initiated by Petro, which include substantial minimum wage increases, including a 23% boost this year, along with increased taxes on wealth and corporate earnings.

The senator has also committed to continuing peace discussions with remaining rebel organizations while promoting rural development by providing subsidized loans to small farmers through a government-operated bank.

Cepeda has indicated he will seek a “national agreement” to advance reforms. However, he has also stated that without such an agreement, he would call for a constituent assembly, a process that could allow Colombia to rewrite its constitution. Opponents claim this would threaten Colombia’s democracy by weakening the independence of the country’s Congress and courts.

Valencia and De la Espriella strongly oppose constitutional revision. Both candidates have stated they will halt peace negotiations with rebel groups and confront them more aggressively.

They have also committed to lowering business taxes and enabling oil and gas investments that were prevented during the Petro administration.

De la Espriella has pledged to cut government spending by as much as 40% over four years and eliminate various government departments, including the Ministry of Equality, an agency established under Petro to address discrimination against ethnic minorities and promote economic inclusion for disadvantaged groups.

Over 41.2 million people are registered to vote, including 1.2 million living overseas. This represents the third-largest presidential election in Latin America following Brazil and Mexico. Voting is voluntary.

More than half of Colombian overseas voters reside in three nations: the U.S., Spain and Venezuela. During the previous presidential election in 2022, 59% of overseas-registered Colombians voted, according to the National Registrar’s Office.

In 2022, 21.3 million voters participated in the first round of the presidential election, while 22.6 million people voted in the runoff, according to the National Registrar’s Office.

A 2016 peace agreement between Colombia’s government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, resulted in the demobilization of over 13,000 fighters.

However, multiple criminal organizations did not join the agreement and some former FARC leaders returned to conflict after several years of retirement. Since the peace deal was implemented, various smaller groups have been battling for control of rural territories previously held by FARC.

The Petro administration has tried to conduct peace negotiations with these groups and provided them with multiple ceasefires as incentives to remain in talks.

However, critics argue these rebel organizations have exploited peace discussions to reorganize, rearm and strengthen their control over communities where they extort businesses and benefit from illegal activities, such as cocaine trafficking.

The Red Cross reports that the humanitarian impact of Colombia’s armed conflict reached its most severe level in ten years last year, with displaced persons doubling in 2025 to 225,000 people. The Red Cross also reported that in 2025, there were 965 people killed or wounded by explosive devices including land mines and drones, representing a 33% increase from the previous year.

Brazil’s lower house of congress moved the country closer to joining a regional trend toward shorter work weeks, passing a constitutional amendment Wednesday that would establish a 40-hour, five-day work schedule.

The measure has strong public support as Brazil approaches its October presidential elections, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva backing the initiative and frequently advocating for it. The change represents part of a broader regional movement that has earned praise from labor advocates while drawing sharp criticism from business interests.

Under the current system, Brazilian workers put in five eight-hour shifts plus an additional four hours on a sixth day, totaling 44 hours weekly. The approved amendment would eliminate the sixth work day while maintaining current wages for approximately 37 million workers and cap the work week at 40 hours. The new rules would guarantee workers two full consecutive days off each week, ideally Saturday and Sunday.

“People who have this workweek from Monday to Saturday are the ones that have to work the hardest and are paid the least,” lawmaker Paulo Pimenta, Brazil’s government whip in the lower house, told his peers as they voted. “We need to be brave and do justice.”

While numerous opposition legislators supported the measure following months of constituent pressure, some maintained their opposition to the plan.

“I don’t care this is an election year. I think we need to be responsible. This will be a problem for many companies,” lawmaker Kim Kataguiri said. “We are doing this in a rush and workers should know they might end up worse than they are now if business leaders stop hiring.”

The legislation provides companies with 14 months to implement the changes, a crucial element in the negotiation process. Many corporate executives and legislators had pushed for a gradual implementation spanning 10 years.

“This was built with a lot of responsibility, thinking about workers and families in Brazil,” said lawmaker Leo Prates, who drafted the amendment in the lower house. “We need to accomplish this for the Brazilian people.”

Wednesday evening’s lower house approval sends the amendment to the upper chamber. Brazil’s Senate has not scheduled its vote and could modify the proposal before it reaches Lula for final constitutional approval.

Lula’s primary electoral opponent, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, advocates replacing the existing work week structure with a more flexible hourly payment system, an approach that appears popular mainly among certain business leaders.

Several other Latin American nations have recently implemented similar work week reductions.

Mexican lawmakers in February approved President Claudia Sheinbaum’s proposal to reduce the 48-hour work week. The changes will be phased in gradually, reaching a 40-hour work week by 2030.

Chile enacted its “40-Hour Law” in 2023, cutting its work week to 40 hours effective last year. The law covers all workers under Chile’s Labor Code while preserving current pay levels.

However, Argentina has moved in the opposite direction under libertarian President Javier Milei and may expand its 48-hour work week. A labor reform package enacted earlier this year increases the maximum daily shift from eight to 12 hours and eliminates overtime compensation, among other changes that Argentine labor organizations claim benefit employers over workers.

A multinational peacekeeping mission for Gaza announced with fanfare in February has yet to deploy a single soldier, as escalating regional conflicts and diplomatic complications derail the ambitious plan.

The International Stabilization Force for Gaza was unveiled during the first gathering of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, with an American general selected to oversee the proposed 20,000-person deployment promising to deliver “future prosperity and enduring peace” following the destructive Israel-Hamas conflict.

However, three months later, the designated commander remains without troops as all five nations that committed forces have failed to deliver meaningful deployments.

Peacekeeping efforts have encountered significant obstacles as Hamas continues to resist disarmament while Israel expands its territorial control and maintains military operations against what it identifies as militant positions, frequently resulting in civilian casualties.

The conflict with Iran has created additional challenges for Arab and Muslim nations considering cooperation with the United States and Israel, whom many regional populations perceive as hostile actors, while the accompanying global energy shortage has strained their available resources.

The most significant setback occurred approximately one week following the February 28 U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, when Indonesia indefinitely postponed its commitment to provide 8,000 personnel. The original deployment schedule called for 1,000 troops in April with the remaining forces arriving in June.

Indonesia’s contribution represented the largest portion of the multinational commitment, which also included pledges from Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania. U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who addressed the Board of Peace gathering, was designated as the force commander.

Indonesian officials halted their participation due to what Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin described as insufficient commitment from a preoccupied Washington administration, stating “we have not yet received any implementation guidelines.”

“New dynamics have emerged,” he informed parliament. “Because the intensity of the conflict between U.S. and Iranian forces remains very high, the BoP has tended to be left behind. Since the BoP has been left behind, the ISF has also been left behind.”

Internal political considerations may have influenced Indonesia’s withdrawal, according to Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, director of the Indonesia-Middle East/North Africa desk at Jakarta’s Center for Economic and Law Studies.

The Iran conflict faces overwhelming opposition in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim nation. Economic hardship from rising prices linked to the fighting has combined with widespread doubt about the Board of Peace initiative.

“If you talk to the people on the street, I don’t think they believe that the Board of Peace will actually help the people of Gaza,” Rakhmat explained. He noted additional concerns about deploying military personnel to the Middle East during domestic economic difficulties.

Indonesia suffered the loss of four peacekeepers serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon during clashes between Israel and Iran-supported Hezbollah. This incident has further damaged public support for such international military commitments, he said.

The U.S. military’s Central Command refused to provide comments or make Jeffers available for interviews, directing all inquiries to the Board of Peace.

Board of Peace spokesman Brad Klapper similarly declined to discuss Indonesia’s withdrawal or the stabilization force’s prospects, instead referencing May 21 statements delivered at the U.N. by Nickolay Mladenov, a former Bulgarian defense minister appointed by Trump to direct the Board of Peace.

Mladenov indicated the international force could not commence operations without agreement and execution of the ceasefire’s second phase, requiring Hamas disarmament and the beginning of Israeli withdrawal. Israeli forces currently occupy approximately 60% of Gaza.

Mladenov has attributed the impasse to Hamas, declaring its disarmament “non-negotiable” and blocking advancement on other issues, including Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction efforts.

“You cannot build a future with armed groups running the streets, hiding in tunnels and stockpiling weapons,” Mladenov stated in Jerusalem this month. “You cannot deliver reconstruction with militias on every corner.”

Hamas maintains Israel has repeatedly breached the ceasefire, preventing further implementation, and has criticized Mladenov for favoring Israel.

Israeli military actions have resulted in more than 880 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began, according to local health authorities. Israel claims these operations responded to truce violations.

Hamas is also demanding Israeli withdrawal from territories captured after the ceasefire’s start, according to an Egyptian official familiar with the negotiations, who spoke anonymously to discuss private discussions. Egypt has traditionally mediated with Hamas.

Multiple countries that promised forces have declined to deploy troops without an agreement on Hamas disarmament, the official said.

Kazakhstan has limited its stabilization force support to “the humanitarian component,” including medical units with a field hospital. Its Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Albania’s Defense Ministry also refused to discuss its troop commitment, describing it as a “dynamic and ongoing process.”

Earlier this month, its chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Arben Kingji, informed reporters that while the military had “participated in reconnaissance activities,” no troops had been deployed. He said only a small number would be sent as part of the stabilization force headquarters, without specifying numbers, adding that additional contributions remained under consideration.

Kosovo, expected to contribute 20 troops, announced in April it was in the “final phase of preparations.” The Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for updates.

Morocco’s Foreign Ministry also failed to reply. At the Board of Peace inaugural meeting, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said it would deploy “high-level military officers to the joint military command of the ISF.”

Despite Indonesia’s delays, Rakhmat suggested it was premature to eliminate eventual participation in the stabilization force.

President Prabowo Subianto is a former army general eager to elevate Indonesia’s international standing and avoid damaging economic relationships with the U.S., Rakhmat said.

“Prabowo wants to strengthen ties to Washington and sign different agreements with the U.S., so to completely withdraw and completely cancel the plan, I don’t think it’s on the table,” he said.

TOKYO (AP) — A four-day diplomatic mission to Japan by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is concluding Thursday with an extraordinary display of hospitality from his hosts.

The visit has featured a formal palace dinner, a distinguished national honor, and clear signals that Tokyo wants to strengthen relationships with a country it views as a crucial defense ally — and significant arms buyer — amid growing concerns about China’s military presence across Asia.

Marcos’ trip, which ends with his Friday departure, has included a formal reception by Emperor Naruhito, who presented him with the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.

Thursday’s agenda includes discussions between Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with expectations that the meetings will produce announcements further enhancing defense and military equipment collaboration.

During remarks to Japanese lawmakers Wednesday, Marcos noted that the focus on elevating bilateral relations demonstrates an “exceptional level of trust” between the two countries.

Both governments are keeping China at the forefront of their thinking as they strengthen a military partnership that the United States anticipates will serve as a barrier against Beijing’s territorial goals in the East and South China Seas and its claims over Taiwan, the independently governed island that China considers its territory.

Marcos represents the first significant potential buyer of Japanese military equipment since Takaichi’s administration eliminated restrictions on exporting deadly weapons. This policy shift in April marked a departure from Japan’s post-World War II pacifist approach as the country accelerates its defense and arms manufacturing expansion.

The two countries have committed to pursuing discussions regarding the sale of several Abukuma-class destroyers and Japanese navy TC-90 training aircraft. Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who watched joint live-fire training exercises with his Japanese counterpart this month, has also shown interest in Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles.

According to Japanese officials, Marcos’ state visit also connects to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the nations and to the Philippines currently serving as the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Marcos and Takaichi are also anticipated to establish formal discussions aimed at creating a military intelligence sharing agreement, which would allow better communication and strengthen three-way military cooperation with the U.S., their shared ally, according to Japanese officials.

Japan has delivered a package of five coastal surveillance radars to the Philippines through official security aid, and intelligence-sharing would improve reconnaissance collaboration.

Japan seeks to strengthen its relationship with the Philippines beyond Marcos’ term, which concludes in 2028, as Tokyo aims to prevent what it views as inconsistent China policies by some former Philippine administrations.

Marcos has adopted a firm position against China regarding territorial conflicts in the South China Sea. Under his leadership, the Philippines and Japan have quickly strengthened their security connections both bilaterally and in partnership with the U.S.

Japan and the Philippines established an agreement in 2024 permitting their military forces to easily visit each other’s territory for joint training exercises. This created opportunities for Japan to send 1,400 military personnel as regular participants in combined military training.

The nations signed an additional defense agreement this year that would permit the duty-free supply of ammunition, fuel, food and other essential items when their forces conduct joint training.

Throughout the state visit, Marcos and Takaichi are also scheduled to address energy cooperation and a Japan-led international funding initiative announced in April.

This initiative aims to assist Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, in maintaining stable oil reserves through financial support for building required infrastructure as they deal with consequences from the Iran conflict that has stopped oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has introduced legislation to his country’s parliament seeking approval for a major loan agreement with the European Union, according to parliamentary documents released Thursday.

The proposed legislation outlines a framework that would enable Ukraine to secure 90 billion euros in total funding, which equals approximately $104 billion based on current exchange rates, according to supporting documentation accompanying the draft.

The draft legislation now awaits parliamentary consideration for ratification of the loan agreement with the EU.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced Thursday they launched a strike against an American military installation at 4:50 a.m. local time, according to reports from Tasnim news agency. The Iranian forces described their action as retaliation for what they characterized as an earlier morning American attack near the airport in Bandar Abbas.

Iranian officials did not reveal the location of the American base they claim to have targeted.

The Revolutionary Guards issued a warning that future incidents they consider acts of aggression would prompt a “more decisive” response. They placed blame for any resulting consequences on what they termed the “aggressor.”

A veteran Indigenous leader in Brazil is stepping up to continue his uncle’s decades-long battle to protect the Amazon rainforest and Indigenous rights.

Chief Megaron Txucarramae, 75, has dedicated his life to defending the Kayapo people’s interests, working to establish boundaries for their Amazon territory and fighting against unauthorized mining operations and dam construction projects.

The leader now faces his biggest responsibility yet: carrying on the work of his uncle and teacher, Chief Raoni Metuktire, a 94-year-old Indigenous activist recognized around the world for his environmental advocacy.

Chief Raoni recently spent a week receiving intensive medical treatment for pneumonia before returning to his community. His health struggles have occurred multiple times in recent years. For many years, Chief Raoni has been an international symbol of Indigenous activism, meeting with world leaders, religious figures, and celebrities like musician Sting during 1980s campaigns to save the rainforest. Both chiefs guide Kayapo settlements along the Xingu River, where the Amazon rainforest borders Brazil’s expansive grasslands.

The Kayapo people first encountered non-Indigenous Brazilians during the 1950s, when Chief Megaron was just a child.

Soon afterward, he started collaborating with Chief Raoni and now declares his readiness to take up the cause.

“I have followed it closely,” he said. “And I will continue it, continue his struggle.” He made these comments to Reuters while in Pykany village during a Greenpeace-organized expedition to investigate unauthorized mining activities on Kayapo territory.

Megaron’s mission comes during a critical period for the Amazon. Almost 20 percent of the rainforest has disappeared due to agricultural development, cattle ranching, and mining operations, while climate change has brought more severe dry periods and forest fires.

“The best thing is to preserve the Amazon, to preserve what is ours, what belongs to everyone,” he said. “It helps people breathe better, it holds back the winds, it keeps the heat from becoming too intense.”

His goals include continuing advocacy for the Kayapo and other Indigenous communities, building international understanding of the forest’s significance, and working toward greater Indigenous participation in Brazil’s government.

Brazilian lawmakers have enacted multiple measures in recent years that restrict Indigenous rights, including legislation that reduces land protections for certain Indigenous communities.

Chief Megaron expressed particular concern about the possibility of an anti-Indigenous candidate winning the October general elections.

Chief Raoni had backed President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during his 2023 swearing-in ceremony, following the tenure of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who had promised to stop creating new Indigenous reserves. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the ex-president’s son, is challenging Lula in the upcoming election.

“They can’t kill us with weapons, but they want to pass laws to exploit [our land], to destroy our culture, to put an end to our customs,” he said. “The more Indigenous people there are in Congress, the better for us.”

During the 2022 elections, seven Indigenous candidates won seats among the 594 total Congressional positions.

He also aims to support his uncle’s efforts to prevent young Indigenous people from abandoning their forest homeland and traditional ways of life.

“You can learn, you can reach university, but you must not stop being Indigenous,” he said. “That is his struggle.”

Kuwait’s military announced Thursday that defense systems were actively countering incoming missile and drone threats targeting the country.

Military officials explained that any explosion sounds heard by residents were from their air defense systems successfully neutralizing the attacks. The army did not identify where the hostile fire was originating from.

Australia’s government announced Thursday it has filed a massive lawsuit against chemical manufacturer 3M, demanding more than $1.43 billion in compensation for contamination linked to firefighting foam containing dangerous PFAS chemicals.

The legal case represents the largest lawsuit ever initiated by Australia and targets both the Minnesota-based company and its Australian subsidiary for environmental, economic and cultural damages caused by the contamination, officials said.

“Make no mistake, this legal action against 3M is significant,” Attorney-General Michelle Rowland told reporters.

“The Commonwealth is seeking more than A$2 billion in damages to recover significant past and future expenses incurred in investigating and managing contamination resulting from the historical storage and use of this foam,” Rowland stated.

Australian officials claim 3M provided assurances that the firefighting foam was safe for disposal, would break down naturally, and posed no toxicity risks when the government utilized it at 28 military installations nationwide.

However, Rowland accused 3M of concealing its own research that demonstrated “significant adverse environmental effects” from the product’s use.

In response, 3M indicated it plans to contest the allegations in court proceedings.

“3M has never manufactured PFAS in Australia and ceased sales of the products at issue in Australia around two decades ago,” the company stated.

“Despite this, the Department of Defence continued to use PFAS-containing firefighting foams for nearly two decades longer,” 3M added.

PFAS represents a category of synthetic chemicals commonly found in products designed to resist heat, stains, grease and water.

These substances, dubbed “forever chemicals,” persist indefinitely in the environment without natural decomposition, creating concerns about their buildup in ecosystems, water supplies and human bodies.

Scientific studies have connected PFAS exposure to various health problems including liver damage, reduced birth weight and testicular cancer.

Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil revealed the department has invested $1.3 billion addressing contamination consequences, including $408 million in legal settlements with impacted communities.

The cleanup efforts have involved treating or removing over 200,000 metric tons of contaminated soil and processing more than 13 billion liters of water.

“This is the most significant legal action undertaken by Commonwealth and Defence in living memory,” Khalil said.

“To put it plainly, we are taking on 3M on behalf of the Australian people and the Australians that are affected,” he added.

3M has confronted thousands of PFAS-related lawsuits. The company reached a $10.3 billion settlement in 2023 with numerous U.S. public water systems to resolve water pollution claims.

WASHINGTON, May 27 — Federal officials on Wednesday imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iran by placing the Persian Gulf Strait Authority on the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals list, according to the department’s website.

The authority serves as Iran’s administrative body for handling passage requests through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s control over this critical waterway, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, has created significant disruption to global economic markets.

The strait was shut down by Iran following the commencement of military operations by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28.

Last week, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority released a map that reinforced Iran’s territorial claims over an extensive area of water surrounding the strategic chokepoint.

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, which oversees the SDN list containing thousands of sanctioned individuals and organizations, made the designation official.

A prominent defense research organization warned Thursday that military confrontation between the United States and China over Taiwan could spiral into nuclear conflict, with both nations likely to launch extensive attacks on each other’s command and communication centers.

The London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) released the strategic evaluation before this weekend’s major annual defense gathering in Singapore. The organization stated the world stands at the threshold of a fresh nuclear arms competition “with the Asia-Pacific at its core.”

“Regional states and those with strategic interests are expanding their nuclear arsenals, while non-nuclear weapons states pursue long-range conventional-strike capabilities: both challenging strategic stability,” the IISS assessment said.

Taiwan is anticipated to be a major discussion point at the IISS’ Shangri-La Dialogue, alongside Iranian conflicts and questions about American regional commitments.

The unofficial conference spans May 29 to 31, bringing together a diverse group of ministers, generals, intelligence chiefs, diplomats, analysts and weapons makers.

The gathering follows a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Beijing earlier this month, which led to some concern in Taipei about the U.S. commitment to help the democratically ruled island defend itself.

Beijing has never ruled out the use of force to take control of Taiwan, but has also said it would prefer “peaceful reunification.” Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

China has ramped up pressure on Taiwan by increasing its military presence around the island, keeping Taipei on high alert for further Chinese moves following the summit.

Trump’s Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will be speaking at the Singapore conference on Saturday, China has yet to confirm that its Defence Minister Dong Jun will be attending.

The 156-page IISS assessment examines evolving military doctrines across the region as well as how a conflict over Taiwan might play out.

Although American and Chinese forces would have different objectives in a Taiwan situation – the Chinese seeking to keep the U.S. and its allies away while America strengthens Taiwan’s defenses – both nations could be anticipated to initiate massive operations spanning all military areas.

“Conflict with China would risk escalation, potentially to a nuclear level, given the strategic importance of Taiwan to Beijing,” the document says.

“There is currently little public evidence to suggest that both militaries understand the necessary guard rails to prevent, or rules of engagement that would restrict, both sides potentially targeting each other’s key command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance nodes,” the assessment says.

“The prospect of nuclear escalation will thus continue to loom large in an major U.S.-China conflict.”

While both the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals still dwarf China’s stockpiles, U.S. officials and arms control analysts say China is expanding and improving its atomic weapons capabilities faster than any other nuclear power.

A Pentagon report released in December said China was on track to field 1,000 warheads by 2030.

The Federation of American Scientists estimates that Russia and the U.S. field 4,400 and 3,700 active warheads respectively while China has 620.

Washington imposed new economic penalties Wednesday on Iran’s maritime control agency as part of an extensive financial pressure strategy during ongoing hostilities, focusing on the nation’s recently established organization that oversees vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

The action, initially disclosed by The Associated Press, represents Washington’s continued strategy of combining financial pressure with military measures to compel Iranian officials toward a settlement that would conclude the conflict and reopen the crucial shipping lane through which one-fifth of global oil and natural gas typically flows. President Donald Trump has indicated an agreement is approaching, though discussions continue.

The decision arrives amid increasing energy costs and other expenses resulting from Iran’s effective blockade of the strait, creating political challenges for Trump and fellow Republicans before upcoming midterm congressional elections.

“The Iranian military’s latest attempt to extort global maritime trade is proof that Economic Fury has left the regime desperate for cash,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

The penalties focus on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority and any individual or organization working with the recently announced agency that authorizes passage through the strait and imposes fees potentially reaching $2 million per ship.

Iran’s influential paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has supported this supervision initiative, claiming the sole secure passage for transit through the vital waterway follows their designated corridor and warning that vessels departing from that route encounter multiple attacks and dangers.

Iran’s grip on the strait has triggered global energy disruptions following the commencement of hostilities by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28. Costs have increased for oil, gas and associated products, with analysts indicating recovery of shipping and pricing would require weeks or months after the waterway’s reopening.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports for more than a month, with Trump stating it “will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.”

These recent financial measures occur as Washington and Tehran have participated in some of their most intensive diplomatic discussions and negotiations in years, seeking to conclude the war and establish a framework for addressing longer-term disputes between the long-standing adversaries.

Trump stated Wednesday that Iran is “negotiating on fumes” and indicated the parties are approaching an agreement even after U.S. military officials reported conducting strikes on missile facilities and vessels deploying mines in “self-defense.” Later Wednesday, American forces executed additional defensive strikes on an Iranian military installation after destroying Iranian attack drones, according to U.S. officials who lacked authorization for public comment and requested anonymity.

“They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said at a Cabinet meeting Wednesday. “So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be — either that or we’ll have to just finish the job.”

The Republican president has also restated his warning that combat would continue without a settlement but has stepped back from those threats multiple times over recent months.

American military forces launched fresh overnight attacks against an Iranian military installation that defense officials say presented a danger to US personnel and commercial shipping vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday.

The official, requesting anonymity, revealed that American forces have also destroyed several Iranian drones that presented comparable risks to regional security.

These previously unreported military operations took place while diplomatic efforts continue to resolve a three-month conflict that has resulted in thousands of casualties and caused worldwide energy costs to surge dramatically since hostilities began February 28 with American and Israeli military actions.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday rejected claims from Iranian state media suggesting that Iran and Oman would share control of Strait of Hormuz shipping operations as part of a potential peace agreement. Trump stated the critical waterway would continue operating normally.

American forces previously conducted what officials described as defensive military operations against Iran on Monday, which Iranian authorities characterized as breaking the nations’ delicate ceasefire agreement. Those US operations targeted vessels attempting to deploy mines and missile launching facilities that Central Command determined threatened American military personnel.

Moscow announced Wednesday that its military forces have seized two Ukrainian settlements – one located in the northeastern Kharkiv region and another in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry.

Ukrainian military officials and the nation’s most popular military monitoring blog questioned the validity of Moscow’s claims.

The Russian Defence Ministry stated its troops had gained control of Hraniv in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border, as well as Vozdvyzhivka in a heavily disputed area of Zaporizhzhia region.

Ukraine’s 14th Army rejected Moscow’s announcement, maintaining that Hraniv remains under Ukrainian military control.

“Units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine are reliably holding designated defensive lines, effectively repelling enemy offensive actions, and inflicting significant losses on them in personnel and equipment,” the unit posted on Facebook.

DeepState, a Ukrainian military blog that monitors both sides across the 1,250-km (775-mile) battle line using publicly available information, declared the Russian claim about Vozdvyzhivka’s seizure to be false.

The blog reported that while a contingent of Russian soldiers had temporarily entered the settlement earlier this month, they were either forced out or eliminated.

On Tuesday, the 14th Army also refuted the seizure of one of two settlements that Russian forces claimed to have taken in Sumy region, a border territory where Moscow says it seeks to establish an expanded buffer zone.

Russia, which controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian land, has maintained an extended military operation aimed at gaining full control of the eastern Donetsk region, declaring village captures on a weekly basis.

However, Ukraine’s military has reported in recent weeks that Russian progress has decelerated and its forces are in their most advantageous position in several months.

A Brazilian senator seeking his country’s presidency conducted high-level diplomatic meetings in Washington this week, including sessions with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro confirmed the Wednesday meetings occurred one day after he visited President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday.

These Washington visits take place while the senator faces political turbulence following his admission that he solicited funds from a banker, who is now imprisoned, to finance a documentary about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. The senator maintains his innocence regarding any misconduct.

Public opinion surveys show the senator’s support has declined since this controversy became public knowledge this month, though he continues to run neck-and-neck with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in projected runoff scenarios for the October presidential race.

According to the senator, his conversations with American officials this week covered topics including combating organized crime, rare earth minerals, and freedom of expression issues.

Bolsonaro revealed that his father’s medical situation was also discussed during the meetings, including the Oval Office session with Trump. His father is currently under house arrest while serving a 27-year prison term following his conviction for attempting to orchestrate a coup.

President Lula had previously met with Trump at the White House earlier this month.

Venezuela’s interim government has selected U.S. financial firm Centerview Partners to guide the country’s massive debt restructuring effort without conducting a formal competitive bidding process, according to eight individuals familiar with the selection.

The oil-rich nation is working to overhaul more than $150 billion in debt obligations. When interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s administration announced this initiative, officials promised transparency that would distinguish their approach from past governments.

However, the selection of Centerview Partners as financial adviser has sparked concerns about fairness and openness among investors and government officials. The firm, which has grown in recent years by recruiting talent from established companies like Lazard, stands to earn tens of millions in advisory fees from this prestigious assignment.

Centerview will develop Venezuela’s financial strategy and lead negotiations on debt that the country stopped paying under former President Nicolas Maduro in 2017. The restructuring involves billions of dollars in obligations expected to be reduced, with the final amount determining the nation’s financial stability and economic recovery prospects.

Questions have emerged about investor Mauricio Claver-Carone’s involvement in securing Centerview’s appointment, according to seven sources. Claver-Carone served as a Latin America envoy during portions of President Donald Trump’s first and second terms but currently holds no official government position.

When asked about the absence of a competitive selection process, Claver-Carone told Reuters: “How does an open process work in Venezuela? What else right now has an open bidding?” He added that the Venezuelan government had discussions with other firms. “We want American firms that can work with the U.S. government, that have worked with the U.S. government, that can be trusted.”

Claver-Carone confirmed he has been assisting the U.S. government with Venezuela policy implementation since July. He said he provided his opinion about Centerview when Rodriguez and other officials sought his views, though he did not formally endorse the company.

A Centerview spokesperson stated: “Centerview was hired by Venezuela because our team is the world leader, with unique experience working on the largest sovereign-debt restructurings and no conflicts of interest.” The spokesperson emphasized that Claver-Carone “was not involved in our pitch for the business and we don’t have any financial or other relationship” with him.

Venezuelan government officials did not respond to requests for comment.

A State Department spokesperson described Claver-Carone as an expert with regional connections who “as a good U.S. citizen, routinely consults and shares his perceptions with U.S. officials.”

The U.S. capture of Maduro on January 3 created opportunities to reopen the Latin American nation, which possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, following years of severe sanctions and economic decline.

Washington’s licensing authority and influence in global financial and energy markets provide significant control over Venezuela’s economy, affecting investment decisions and trade relationships. Numerous investors and advisers have traveled to Caracas seeking business opportunities.

The capital’s luxury hotels are filled with investors exploring deals involving real estate, furniture, and rare earth minerals. While preliminary agreements are being signed, legal uncertainty and high asset valuations make it unclear how many will become final contracts, according to four lawyers and financial advisers.

Centerview representatives met with Venezuelan officials as early as February and made multiple trips through May, three sources reported.

Veteran banker Matthieu Pigasse leads Centerview’s team, which includes Charles Albinet and Hamouda Chekir. The group brings extensive sovereign debt restructuring experience, having advised countries from Argentina to Congo Republic to Greece, which involved the largest sovereign debt restructuring in history.

Pigasse, 58, is a prominent French banker often described as “left-leaning” in media coverage. His clients have included major corporations L’Oreal and Kering. The self-described punk music enthusiast owns media holding Combat in France and maintains ownership in newspaper Le Monde.

Recently, Pigasse has made media appearances opposing what he characterizes as expanding right-leaning media influence in France.

Regarding Centerview’s selection, Pigasse told Reuters: “I have known Delcy Rodriguez and worked with her for the past 15 years.”

Pigasse began his career at Lazard, where he worked alongside Chekir and Albinet advising governments. However, major debt advisory firms including Lazard, Rothschild and Alvarez & Marsal were not formally invited to compete for the Venezuela assignment, according to four sources.

Selecting an adviser without a formal competitive process is uncommon, three sources noted. Officials from Lazard, Rothschild and Alvarez & Marsal declined to provide comments.

Some observers point to Claver-Carone’s influence in the selection. He currently serves as managing partner of LARA, the Latin America Real Assets Opportunity Fund, which invests in energy, infrastructure and industrial projects throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

His apparent government backing despite lacking formal authority has created concerns among investors and Venezuelan political figures, sources said.

Claver-Carone explained that his business partner, Jessica Bedoya, a former colleague from his time leading the Inter-American Development Bank, met with Rodriguez regarding U.S. policy relationships and security matters.

With diplomatic relations being reestablished, Claver-Carone said he expects his informal role to conclude soon. He confirmed having no financial interests in Venezuela or Centerview.

Bondholders anticipate Venezuela will maintain momentum and reach a creditor agreement by the end of 2027.

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s administration revealed Wednesday its commitment to spend $75 million on the BR-319 roadway that passes through Amazon rainforest territory, despite environmental advocates warning the project may speed up forest destruction and intensify climate issues.

The government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concurrently revealed environmental safeguarding measures designed to protect the forest from possible highway-related damage. The roadway links northern states Amazonas and Rondonia to Brazil’s remaining regions.

“From an environmental standpoint, it will be the most modern road in the world,” Lula stated at an Amazonas state ceremony, joined by Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco.

“Any foreigner who comes here to weigh in on the climate issue, we will show what we’ve done here,” Lula stated.

The BR-319 roadway opened in 1976 yet stays mostly unpaved. It passes through Amazon rainforest territory and connects to Manaus, the Amazon’s biggest city with over 2 million people. The route follows the Madeira River — a major Amazon River tributary affected by droughts that interrupt freight transportation.

During Wednesday’s event in Iranduba, an Amazonas city located approximately 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Manaus, Brazilian officials also revealed regional investments featuring projects from government oil company Petrobras and subsidiary Transpetro in Amazonas. Lula appeared with regional politicians anticipated to back his reelection bid for a fourth non-consecutive term this October.

Authorities presented a video detailing environmental safeguarding strategies for the roadway, featuring environmental oversight of a 50-kilometer-wide (31-mile-wide) zone on both sides of the route throughout its length. They explained the roadway needs enhanced government presence since it travels through one of the rainforest’s most delicate regions.

Officials also promised to establish inspection stations, enforcement agency facilities and develop new conservation areas. They stated plans to contract a private company in 2028 for enforcement support.

Tuesday saw Lula touring a highway section, photographing with equipment and workers, and seemingly operating machinery while work progressed on the unpaved route.

Environmental organizations, including the Climate Observatory, have legally contested the project. In 2024, Climate Observatory initiated legal action to reverse the 2022 preliminary authorization for BR-319 highway paving, claiming officials disregarded technical advisories from Brazil’s environmental agency and neglected to mandate essential protections like Indigenous consultation and climate impact assessments.

Additional legal actions temporarily stopped a related bidding procedure in April, though a superior court quickly reversed the halt.

Minister George Santoro stated Wednesday that the complete highway will be contracted and under construction by June’s end.

The Amazon, Earth’s biggest rainforest, serves a vital function in controlling global climate patterns. The route passes through one of the ecosystem’s most preserved areas, containing numerous protected zones and Indigenous lands.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that constructing new rainforest roads increases deforestation by encouraging illegal side route development. A 2014 study in Biological Conservation journal revealed 95% of forest clearing happens within 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) of roads. Each 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) of official roadway generates roughly 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) of unofficial routes.

Marina Silva, a previous environment minister under Lula’s administration, stated during last year’s Senate hearing that BR-319 area deforestation increased immediately following roadwork announcements. She left office in April to pursue Congress candidacy.

Marcio Astrini, executive director of Climate Observatory, stated the government is circumventing proper procedures in implementing environmental protection measures. A deforestation prevention strategy for the highway, he argued, should have been discussed, authorized and executed before paving started — not simultaneously as currently occurring.

“Just the simple announcement under (former President Jair) Bolsonaro’s government that the road would be rebuilt nearly doubled land grabbing and deforestation in the area. Laying asphalt there creates another incentive,” Astrini stated. “If there are no protection measures in place, it just becomes yet another driver of deforestation.”

Moscow has issued a stark ultimatum to Armenia, threatening to cut off discounted energy supplies if the South Caucasus nation continues its pursuit of European Union membership.

The warning comes as Armenia prepares for parliamentary elections on June 7, with polls showing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party maintaining a strong advantage over candidates favoring closer Russian ties. Pashinyan has cultivated stronger relationships with Western nations, drawing Moscow’s displeasure.

Maria Zakharova, who speaks for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed the formal notification to the RIA news agency. “The Russian Embassy has officially forwarded a letter…stating that if the process of accession to the EU continues, the Russian side will suspend or unilaterally terminate the Agreement on Cooperation in the Supply of Natural Gas, Petroleum Products and Rough Diamonds,” she stated.

The landlocked country of approximately 3 million people has historically maintained strong connections with Russia and belongs to the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union. Armenia houses Russian military installations and relies heavily on Moscow for energy needs, with 82% of its gas originating from Russia last year, the Interfax news agency reported.

During a campaign event, Pashinyan indicated Armenia had no plans to exit the Eurasian Union, arguing that membership in both organizations could coexist. “For now, Armenia can be a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and proceed with reforms to achieve European standards. We are on this path,” Russian news outlets reported him saying.

“When the time comes to make a choice, we will make a choice. We must have an alternative so that no one can say of Armenia — who needs it, where is it heading?” he added.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly following Azerbaijan’s recapture of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region in September 2023, which led to a massive departure of ethnic Armenians despite Russian peacekeeping forces being stationed there.

Pashinyan blamed Russia for failing to safeguard his nation during that crisis and has subsequently worked to strengthen connections with Brussels and Washington. Armenia has also halted its involvement in a Moscow-led regional defense alliance.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to the Armenian capital on Tuesday, where he finalized a strategic partnership agreement demonstrating improved bilateral relations. Armenia also passed legislation last year beginning its EU membership application process.

Moscow contends that EU membership would conflict with Armenia’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union. This month, Russian officials criticized Armenia for being pulled into what they termed the EU’s “anti-Russian orbit” and for giving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy “a platform for anti-Russian remarks.”

The cooperation deal that Russia threatens to cancel enables Armenia to purchase oil, gas and rough diamonds without export taxes and at significantly reduced prices.

Moscow confirmed that Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev sent the warning letter to Armenia’s Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Ministry.

According to the letter’s text published by Russia’s Kommersant newspaper, Tsivilev described Armenia’s EU orientation as “inconsistent with the nature of the partnership between the governments and economic entities of our countries.”

Armenian ministry officials told state media on Wednesday they had not received any correspondence from Tsivilev.

Israeli military forces announced Wednesday they have expanded their designated combat zone in southern Lebanon and are directing civilians in the region to relocate northward, threatening to use “great force” against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah within the area.

The military’s announcement on X appears to indicate an intensification of conflict following more than 120 strikes that targeted Lebanon’s southern and eastern regions on Tuesday, occurring despite a ceasefire that was announced on April 16.

“We advise residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Zahrani River, as all areas south of the river are considered a combat zone,” an Israeli military spokesperson posted on X.

The Zahrani River flows from east to west approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Israel’s border with Lebanon, with the Lebanese territory located south of the waterway encompassing roughly 2,000 square kilometres.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that Israel required additional action in Lebanon to safeguard communities in northern Israel from Hezbollah threats.

Previously, the Israeli military had directed people living below the Litani River further south to depart. The forces had already issued specific evacuation orders and conducted strikes in several dozen towns situated between the Litani and Zahrani rivers.

Wednesday’s directive marked the first instance that residents were commanded to evacuate the complete zone south of the Zahrani.

The Israeli military encouraged civilians to maintain distance from Hezbollah operatives, facilities and weapons locations.

Lebanese security sources informed Reuters that people were moving north toward the port city of Sidon, which is already sheltering thousands of displaced individuals from other areas of southern Lebanon. The latest announcement occurred as Muslims throughout Lebanon were observing Eid al-Adha celebrations.

Over 1.2 million Lebanese citizens have been displaced due to Israeli strikes and evacuation directives since March 2, when Hezbollah launched attacks at Israel in solidarity with its ally Iran.

Following that date, Israeli strikes have battered Lebanon’s southern and eastern regions as well as its capital Beirut, resulting in more than 3,200 deaths, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Combat has persisted in southern Lebanon despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced on April 16. The World Health Organization has reported that at least 608 people in Lebanon have died in Israeli attacks since the truce began.

The Israeli military reported that 10 of its soldiers had died since the April 16 ceasefire, with six killed by Hezbollah’s explosive drones.

The Israeli military has extended its ground operations in southern Lebanon beyond a security zone occupied by its troops, though it provided no specifics regarding the scope of advancement past the so-called Yellow Line.

The Lebanese capital Beirut has avoided new strikes, though Israeli surveillance drones can be heard flying overhead daily and a warplane was audible flying low on Wednesday, according to Reuters reporters in the city.

Three senior Israeli officials indicated Israel believes it has operational freedom in southern Lebanon but faces more constraints in Beirut.

The officials informed Reuters that Israel seeks to avoid appearing to undermine U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential agreement with Iran by destroying buildings in the Lebanese capital.

A former political leader in Northern Ireland is facing serious criminal charges after prosecutors allege he sexually abused two young girls over more than two decades.

Jeffrey Donaldson, age 63, who previously headed the Democratic Unionist Party, entered not guilty pleas to 18 charges on Wednesday. The criminal counts include rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault allegations involving two complainants from 1985 through 2008.

During opening arguments at Newry Crown Court, prosecutor Rosemary Walsh informed the jury that both alleged victims contacted authorities over two years ago to report what they described as “difficult and traumatic incidents they say happened when they were children.”

Donaldson stepped down from his leadership position with the DUP and left his seat in the U.K. Parliament following his arrest in March 2024.

His departure sent shockwaves through the DUP, coming just after the party had rejoined Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government following a boycott. This return to cooperation occurred after Donaldson secured favorable changes to post-Brexit trade policies with the European Union.

During his tenure as DUP leader from 2021 to 2023, Donaldson held significant influence within Northern Ireland’s unionist community, which advocates for preserving the region’s connections to the United Kingdom.

According to Walsh’s statements to jurors, both complainants reported that Donaldson inappropriately touched them during their elementary school years. The prosecutor indicated that one victim, identified in court documents as Complainant B, alleged the abuse persisted for multiple years.

Complainant B also testified that years after the alleged incidents, a church-organized meeting took place where Donaldson expressed regret “for what had happened in the past.”

During police questioning, Donaldson characterized the sexual abuse allegations as “unbelievable.”

Eleanor Donaldson, the defendant’s spouse, faces separate charges for allegedly assisting in her husband’s crimes, though Judge Paul Ramsey determined she is mentally unfit for trial proceedings.

While jurors will review evidence related to Eleanor Donaldson’s case, she cannot face conviction or sentencing. Court officials anticipate the trial will continue for approximately one month.

LA PAZ, Bolivia — Just half a year after taking office, Bolivia’s centrist President Rodrigo Paz finds his administration under siege from violent demonstrations that have brought the nation to a standstill.

When Paz was sworn in, many Bolivians felt hopeful after enduring their country’s most severe economic downturn in decades and growing tired of nearly 20 years of mostly socialist rule. His pro-business approach quickly eliminated lengthy queues at fuel stations by securing imported gasoline. The nation’s struggling currency gained strength in unofficial markets as investors responded positively to his deficit-reduction strategy. International relationships improved dramatically, with numerous foreign delegations attending his inauguration ceremony.

However, that initial hope has turned to fear as explosive protests threaten the administration that has aligned itself with the Trump government. Protesters armed with dynamite have surrounded major urban areas, creating critical shortages of food, gasoline, and medical equipment. Rural and Indigenous communities who originally supported Paz’s promises to transform the system while maintaining social programs are now demanding he resign.

The demonstrations have exposed deep divisions within Paz’s coalition. Many former backers from Bolivia’s historically powerful Movement Toward Socialism party, known as MAS, who helped him defeat more conservative opponents, now feel abandoned by his administration.

After taking power, Paz formed partnerships with more conservative congressional factions while sidelining his populist running mate who many credited with his election victory. His cabinet appointments excluded members of Bolivia’s Indigenous majority population. He endorsed agricultural reform legislation that Indigenous farmers feared would lead to their displacement. When he eliminated fuel subsidies, prices jumped nearly 90%, and drivers complained the imported gasoline damaged their vehicles.

Paz attempted to ease the economic burden by providing direct payments to struggling families and raising minimum wages by 20%. He also reversed the contentious land legislation. However, his refusal to grant additional wage increases angered the country’s main labor organization.

The geographic layout of Bolivia makes La Paz particularly vulnerable to siege tactics. Blockades positioned on the mountainous routes into the capital can completely cut off more than 1.6 million people living in the metropolitan area, representing over 13% of Bolivia’s total population.

This blockade strategy has historical roots in Indigenous resistance movements, dating back to an 18th-century uprising against Spanish colonial rule. Similar tactics in 2003 and 2005 brought down two pro-Western administrations protesting foreign control over natural gas resources, ultimately leading to former President Evo Morales’ rise to power.

The current roadblocks surrounding La Paz have continued for four weeks. Thousands of supply trucks carrying food and critical items like hospital oxygen remain stuck on highways. Meat, eggs, and fresh produce have vanished from store shelves. Military planes are now flying subsidized poultry into the capital. Government officials report at least four deaths due to lack of medical access, while hospitals continue operating but reserve supplies for emergency cases.

Business owners and transportation workers who oppose the protests are pressuring Paz to clear the roads by any means necessary. During a Tuesday march in the city center, they carried white flags and banged cookware while shouting, “We want solutions! We can’t take it anymore!”

Despite security forces using tear gas against demonstrators and detaining more than 120 individuals, Paz has avoided using stronger measures to break the blockades. Concerned that protester deaths at police hands would worsen the situation, he continues advocating for negotiation as the best solution.

“There shouldn’t be any deaths in Bolivia,” he stated Wednesday while establishing a council to give underrepresented social groups more influence in economic policy. “What we need is dialogue. For the love of our country, let’s talk.”

Paz has offered teacher bonuses and reached settlements with some protesting mining groups. He cut his own pay in half, dismissed his unpopular labor secretary, and named an Indigenous lawyer to replace him.

Pressure is mounting for Paz to declare a state of emergency, which would give military forces control over public order for 60 days. Following congressional approval of legislation expanding the army’s authority in civil disturbances Tuesday night, Paz now has constitutional power to take this step. He considers it a final option.

Morales, the former labor organizer who became Bolivia’s first Indigenous president in 2006 and governed for 14 years, is pushing for immediate elections.

“Paz only has two paths left: a suicidal decision like militarization or … an election in the next 90 days,” he posted on social media.

For nearly two years, Morales has been hiding in Bolivia’s central Chapare coca-farming region, avoiding arrest on human trafficking charges related to sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl. He maintains the accusations are politically driven.

Several unions and Indigenous organizations opposing Paz have connections to Morales, whose constitutional violations and power-grabbing attempts cost him much of his support base and led to his controversial 2019 removal. His supporters from coca-farming unions officially joined the protest movement last week, marching through mountain regions to the capital demanding Paz’s resignation. Paz’s administration claims Morales is financing the demonstrations, which he denies.

Trump-aligned governments recently elected throughout Latin America, including those in Argentina, Chile, Honduras, and Costa Rica, have expressed support for Paz while condemning the protests as destabilizing forces.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, one of the region’s remaining leftist leaders, defended the protests, calling them a “struggle for Latin American dignity” and “response to geopolitical arrogance.” Bolivia subsequently expelled Colombia’s ambassador.

The United States has taken a firm position, describing the unrest as an attempted coup.

“We will not allow criminals and drug traffickers to overthrow democratically elected leaders in our hemisphere,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared last week. The American Embassy in La Paz announced it would close Wednesday and Thursday due to the violence.

An oil tanker owned by a Greek company suffered a mysterious blast along its hull while sailing in waters off Oman on Tuesday, creating new worries about maritime safety near one of the world’s most important shipping passages. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported the explosion struck the left side of the vessel near the waterline, approximately 60 nautical miles from Muscat.

Officials identified the ship as the Olympic Life, a massive crude oil carrier managed by Springfield Shipping and owned by Olympic Shipping & Management. Authorities confirmed the vessel and all crew members remained safe following the incident, and the ship was traveling empty without any cargo aboard. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency stated investigators have not determined what caused the blast.

The explosion damaged one of the ship’s fuel storage tanks and resulted in a minor fuel spill, which crews successfully stopped from spreading. According to Reuters, the incident happened at approximately 9:20 am UTC, though the Wall Street Journal cited the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency as reporting the time closer to 9:45 am UTC.

The geographic location makes this incident particularly concerning for international commerce. The Gulf of Oman borders the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that connects oil-producing nations in the Gulf region with markets worldwide. Massive quantities of the planet’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas typically travel through this strait, making shipping safety in the area a crucial factor in maintaining ceasefires and advancing diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran.

This explosion occurred while Washington and Tehran continue complex negotiations regarding Hormuz passage rights, economic sanctions, frozen assets, and Iran’s nuclear activities. The incident also follows recent American military strikes against Iranian missile installations and ships that Washington claimed posed threats near the waterway. Iran has criticized these strikes as violations of the ceasefire agreement, while American officials maintain the actions were necessary for defense.

No government or organization has publicly accused any nation or militant group of responsibility for the tanker explosion. As long as investigators work to determine whether the blast resulted from a mine, drone attack, missile strike, or other cause, this incident serves as another troubling reminder that even a single explosion in this shipping corridor can disrupt energy markets across the globe.

Israeli military officials announced Wednesday they had successfully eliminated Mohammed Odeh, the recently appointed commander of Hamas’ military operations in Gaza, during a Tuesday operation that targeted multiple structures being used as hideouts in Gaza City. The operation followed months of intelligence gathering by Israeli Defense Forces and Shin Bet.

According to Israeli military sources, Odeh had assumed leadership of Hamas’ armed wing just last week following the death of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who was killed by Israeli forces on May 15. Military officials stated that Odeh previously led Hamas’ military intelligence operations and accused him of participating in the planning and coordination of the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of around 250 individuals.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially announced Tuesday’s operation against Odeh on social media without confirming whether the target had been killed. “We have now attacked Mohammed Odeh in Gaza – the leader of Hamas’s military wing and one of the architects of the October 7 massacre. We will reach everyone,” Netanyahu posted online.

Defense Minister Israel Katz subsequently confirmed Odeh’s death in a joint announcement with Netanyahu, stating that the “commander of the armed wing of the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza was eliminated yesterday and sent to meet his associates in the depths of hell.”

The military operation targeted Gaza City on the day before Eid al-Adha celebrations. Medical officials at Palestinian hospitals reported a minimum of three fatalities and 12 injuries from the strike, while Reuters cited Gaza officials claiming that Odeh’s wife, son, and three additional individuals were killed, with more than 20 people sustaining injuries.

Since the October 2023 attack, Israeli operations have resulted in the deaths of multiple high-ranking Hamas officials, including several successive leaders of the organization’s military branch. These targeted eliminations have significantly disrupted Hamas’ senior leadership structure, although the group maintains operations throughout Gaza using smaller units and regional commanders.

The operation took place despite an October ceasefire agreement that has not prevented continued Israeli military actions and ongoing Hamas activities in the territory. Health officials in Gaza report that more than 72,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, though this number does not differentiate between civilian casualties and combatants.

Following more than ten years of conflict, economic sanctions, and financial collapse, Syria is capturing fresh interest from regional and international investors examining reconstruction possibilities across energy, infrastructure, logistics, real estate, and digital services sectors. However, sanctions risks, fragile institutions, deteriorated infrastructure, and political instability persist in making the nation among the region’s most dangerous investment environments.

The magnitude is staggering. The World Bank has calculated Syria’s reconstruction requirements at $216 billion, with potential expenses ranging from $140 billion to $345 billion, following years of warfare that harmed residences, government buildings, utilities, transportation systems, industrial facilities, and critical services.

Some analysts and investors view that destruction as creating what they describe as an unusual opportunity: a nation needing nearly complete reconstruction, from electrical grids, roadways, bridges, ports, airports, hospitals, schools, and water systems to housing, telecommunications, banking infrastructure, and government services. Others consider Syria to remain a high-risk setting where political instability, ongoing sanctions issues, vulnerable institutions, and weak financial frameworks could delay or prevent significant investment.

The revived interest comes after various political and economic changes following Damascus’ return to the Arab League and its renewed relations with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, and other Arab nations. It has also been supported by sanctions relief in Europe and renewed international conversations about economic recovery, though targeted sanctions and compliance risks continue as significant barriers for banks, contractors, and investors.

The European Union has removed broad economic restrictions imposed during the Assad era while keeping targeted measures against individuals and entities connected to the former regime. The International Monetary Fund has also resumed engagement with Syria, while recent logistics and port agreements have contributed to the perception that segments of the international business community are once again exploring the Syrian market.

The disparity remains sharp. The US State Department continues to recommend Americans avoid travel to Syria, citing serious security threats, while commercial conversations increasingly center on reconstruction, energy, logistics, housing, and digital services.

Mustafa al-Nuaimi, a Syrian affairs analyst and researcher, told The Media Line that Syria’s postwar period will not be determined exclusively by politics or military strength, but by economics as well.

“Rebuilding a country the size of Syria means contracts worth billions of dollars and long-term influence over strategic sectors such as electricity, energy, ports, telecommunications, and infrastructure,” he said.

According to al-Nuaimi, current developments indicate the start of early competition over “postwar Syria,” with regional and international players seeking influence in the country’s future economy before the framework of reconstruction is completely established.

At the focus of investor attention is electricity. Syria’s power sector suffered severe damage during the war, with power plants, transmission lines, fuel supply chains, and distribution networks all impacted. Ongoing electricity shortages continue to interrupt daily life, industry, commerce, and public services.

Syrian-Saudi businessman Nabil Al-Mazloum told The Media Line that the electricity crisis has generated significant demand for investment in power generation, solar and renewable energy, transmission improvements, and projects designed to address the country’s severe energy shortage.

Economic projections indicate that restoring the electricity sector alone could need tens of billions of dollars. Al-Mazloum said Syria’s domestic power demand makes the sector among the most appealing areas for investors, especially because electricity is vital for restarting factories, commercial operations, and essential services.

Real estate and construction are also fundamental to the reconstruction discussion. Extensive areas of Aleppo, Homs, the Damascus countryside, and other regions need rebuilding of residential areas, commercial districts, industrial zones, hotels, and public facilities. A future return of refugees and internally displaced Syrians could dramatically increase demand for housing, schools, clinics, transportation, and municipal services.

Yet reconstruction is not merely a business prospect. Property disputes, refugee rights, land ownership records, sanctions compliance, corruption concerns, territorial fragmentation, and unresolved political questions could determine who profits from rebuilding and whether displaced Syrians can return to homes and communities changed by years of war.

The oil and gas sector remains another potential area of focus, despite the sharp decline in Syrian production during the conflict. Oil fields, pipelines, refineries, and related infrastructure need extensive rehabilitation, while Syria’s location provides it broader significance in regional energy considerations.

Still, energy investment remains politically and legally complex. US sanctions exposure, divided territorial control, and overlapping local and foreign interests around energy resources continue to make the sector challenging for major international companies, even where commercial opportunities are evident.

Beyond heavy infrastructure, some investors view technology and digital services as less vulnerable to political and physical risk. Syria has a large young population, increasing smartphone usage, and demand for e-commerce, software, digital payments, technical services, and telecommunications. Those sectors could grow rapidly if economic opening continues and banking and regulatory systems strengthen.

Adel al-Shammari, head of investor support within Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ expatriate affairs department, told The Media Line that the Syrian government acknowledges that Arab and foreign capital will be crucial to any recovery. He said officials are working to revive the economy and promote investment in energy, infrastructure, industry, real estate, and services.

“There is increasing interest from Arab and foreign businessmen in the Syrian market,” al-Shammari said, adding that the government is seeking to simplify administrative procedures, encourage partnerships, and create a more flexible environment for new projects.

“Syria today is not what it was during the war years,” he said. “There are major opportunities in electricity, energy, industry, real estate, and services, and the state is working to create the right conditions to attract investors.”

Al-Shammari acknowledged, however, that sanctions, banking restrictions, and difficulties with financial transfers remain major obstacles for companies and businessmen considering work in Syria.

Lebanese businessman Raouf Abou Zaki, who works in energy and real estate development, told The Media Line that Syria represents “one of the most important long-term investment opportunities in the region.”

According to Abou Zaki, investors who enter post-conflict markets early are often positioned to benefit most if stability improves.

“Whoever waits until Syria becomes fully stable will enter too late,” he said.

He said the scale of destruction has created demand across almost every major sector, including electricity, construction, logistics, services, and technology. Lower operating costs and depressed real estate prices, he added, could offer investors a cheaper entry point than in more developed Arab markets.

Abou Zaki said Gulf businessmen have begun studying potential projects in solar energy, real estate, light industry, logistics, and services, though many remain cautious because of sanctions, financing obstacles, and uncertainty over Syria’s political and legal environment.

A Syrian businessman familiar with the market told The Media Line that the growing optimism does not fully reflect conditions on the ground. He said the issue is not whether Syria has economic opportunities, but whether investors can operate in a clear and reliable administrative environment.

He pointed to bureaucracy, slow procedures, weak banking infrastructure, difficulties in financial transfers, and legal ambiguity in some sectors as major concerns. Many Arab businessmen, he said, are monitoring Syria closely but prefer to wait for greater clarity before entering directly.

That caution remains central to Syria’s investment story. The country may offer one of the Middle East’s largest reconstruction markets, but it also carries some of the region’s most serious investment risks. Damaged infrastructure, limited financing, unresolved sanctions exposure, weak governance, fragile institutions, and incomplete security continue to complicate any long-term economic recovery.

For now, Syria sits between two realities: a country still burdened by war, sanctions, institutional collapse, and political risk, and a potential reconstruction market drawing renewed attention from governments, investors, and companies seeking an early position in the postwar economy. The opportunity is real, but so is the danger. In Syria, rebuilding will not be only about contracts and capital; it will also be about power, legitimacy, and who gets to shape the country after years of destruction.

Tehran charged Washington on Tuesday with breaking the ceasefire following American military operations against Iranian targets in the country’s southern region, hitting missile facilities and vessels near the Strait of Hormuz while diplomatic discussions in Qatar continued regarding a potential deal to halt the conflict and resume commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. The United States characterized the operations as defensive measures designed to safeguard American military personnel from Iranian threats.

Officials from Iran characterized the military actions as evidence of “bad faith and unreliability” and stated they damaged negotiations that seemed to be progressing toward a temporary agreement. Tehran declared the operations breached the ceasefire and issued warnings about responding to additional hostile actions. American officials said the mission focused on missile launch facilities and vessels trying to deploy mines near Hormuz, the crucial Gulf corridor that has emerged as the focal point of recent diplomatic efforts.

The Qatar discussions have centered on prolonging the ceasefire, restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing Iranian assets, and establishing additional negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi participated in the Doha meetings before departing the nation, while American officials indicated conversations might resume in upcoming days.

The situation has created a challenging scenario for President Donald Trump’s administration: pursuing an agreement to ease strain on worldwide energy markets while maintaining military operations against Iranian facilities it claims pose risks to American troops and maritime commerce. The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas transport, making its reopening essential for Washington, Gulf nations, and energy-importing countries.

Iran has additionally started restoring internet connectivity following one of the nation’s most extended countrywide blackouts, which had increased economic hardship and isolated numerous businesses and residents throughout the conflict.

The recent military operations do not seem to have terminated the negotiations, but they have reduced opportunities for agreement. With Iran labeling the attacks a violation and Washington maintaining it responded defensively, the ceasefire’s future hinges on whether both nations can maintain dialogue while continuing military actions along its boundaries.

The latest installment of ‘Facing the Middle East with Felice Friedson’ tackles themes of conflict, oppression, historical memory, and ethical obligations. The show’s host begins by exploring how the Islamic Republic attempts to connect with Iranian expatriates while simultaneously strengthening its control over domestic opposition, before presenting an exclusive investigation into sexual violence and government suppression within Iran, a discussion regarding Black-Jewish unity in America, and a defense expert’s evaluation of unstable truces involving Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza.

The program opens with Ashkan Rostami, an Italian-Persian political analyst specializing in Iran, Israel, and Middle Eastern regional affairs. Rostami examines correspondence allegedly distributed via Iranian embassy networks to diaspora Iranians following the war’s beginning. One communication encouraged recipients to participate in a government initiative opposing what the regime labels the “big and small Satan,” referring to America and Israel. A separate message requested monetary assistance, with Rostami noting the provided account seemed linked to the Red Cross in Kenya. According to him, this effort demonstrates a typical government strategy: disconnect internet access within Iran, separate domestic populations, and attempt to rally or fragment overseas Iranians.

The show subsequently features an exclusive investigation by The Media Line’s Omid Habibinia, who interviews women and families throughout Iran regarding sexual assault, imprisonment, state killings, and government oppression under the Islamic Republic. The investigation contains accounts from women claiming security personnel employed rape, rape threats, and sexual degradation to frighten demonstrators and prevent women from rejoining street protests. The report also analyzes the regime’s increased reliance on executions, coerced admissions, and security accusations against opposition members, minorities, and political detainees.

The most heartbreaking segments emerge through individual testimonies: demonstrators, family members of killed protesters, and relatives of imprisoned individuals describe detentions, isolation, shootings, and terror during wartime circumstances. Human rights expert Azadeh Pourzand cautions that recent military actions by the US and Israel have provided the Islamic Republic with additional justification to escalate oppression.

Shifting from Iran to America, the program examines the interconnected histories of Black and Jewish Americans. The host interviews Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavez Jr. and Dr. Sherry Rogers from Spill the Honey, a group dedicated to maintaining and educating about these connected stories. Rogers talks about her film ‘Shared Legacies,’ which captures testimonies from civil rights activists and Jewish supporters who collaborated during the fight for racial equality. Chavez, who served with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the 1960s, expresses concern that younger people are becoming disconnected from Black and Jewish heritage during a period of increasing antisemitism, racism, Holocaust denial, and misrepresentation of the transatlantic slave trade.

The concluding segment showcases Jonathan Conricus, a former Israel Defense Forces lieutenant colonel and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. In conversation with The Media Line’s Gabriel Colodro, Conricus maintains that Iran, Israel, Gulf nations, Hezbollah, and other area participants are utilizing the prolonged ceasefire to restock supplies and organize for future combat. He states that discussions advanced by President Donald Trump remain significantly divided, particularly concerning Iran’s atomic program, missile systems, and the Strait of Hormuz.

Conricus additionally addresses Lebanon and Gaza, stating that the Israel-Hezbollah truce functions more theoretically than practically, while the tunnel system operated by a militant group remains challenging to evaluate despite years of Israeli military actions.

The host concludes by encouraging audiences to distribute accounts of truth and optimism, emphasizing that journalism must expose both wrongdoing and strength in one of the globe’s most disputed areas.

Israeli forces issued evacuation directives Wednesday for civilians throughout southern Lebanon as military operations expand in the region. Military officials announced they would deploy “extreme force” in their campaign against the militant organization Hezbollah.

This evacuation order represents the first such directive issued since a truce became effective on April 17, occurring during heightened tensions in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli forces have advanced beyond the Litani River and are moving toward the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh.

The intensified military activity occurs just two days prior to scheduled discussions at the Pentagon between Lebanese officials and military leaders, where strengthening the existing ceasefire arrangement will be among the topics addressed.

Previously, Israeli military commanders had specifically instructed civilians in the southern communities of Nabatiyeh and the coastal city of Tyre to evacuate and maintain distance from what officials identified as Hezbollah personnel and military installations.

Since the ceasefire period began, Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in almost continuous attacks. The militant group has taken credit for multiple strikes targeting both Israeli military personnel operating in Lebanon and communities along Israel’s northern border. After an increase in explosive drone strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that military forces would broaden their offensive operations throughout Lebanon.

Iranian citizens started getting back online Wednesday as government officials ended an internet blackout that lasted for months. However, people using the restored service report sluggish connections and patchy coverage across different regions, with popular platforms such as YouTube and Instagram still facing significant limitations similar to restrictions that existed before the January cutoff during widespread protests.

Government officials defended the internet blackout as necessary for military reasons following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28. The decision to restore partial connectivity this week coincided with ongoing negotiations that appear to be moving toward a lasting ceasefire agreement. Many Iranian citizens worry that internet access could be severed again without warning.

According to internet monitoring firm Netblocks, Iran’s connectivity levels – which track how well devices can reach the internet – have reached approximately 86% of pre-shutdown capacity. Meanwhile, data from internet analysis company Kentik shows that actual internet traffic, measuring data transfer volumes and indicating real usage patterns, sits at roughly 40% of previous levels.

Iranian cybersecurity expert Amir Rashidi noted that significant service interruptions persist across the country. “It’s too early to say the shutdown is over,” he posted on X.

The country’s approximately 90 million residents experienced one of the globe’s most extensive and restrictive national internet blackouts for the majority of 2026. Young professionals whose livelihoods depended on online work watched their earnings disappear completely. Employment losses and the collapse of internet-based businesses compounded the conflict’s already severe economic impact.

The communication blackout created enormous challenges for Iranian families trying to stay in touch during months of civil unrest and warfare. During certain periods, telephone services were also disconnected, though these were eventually restored.

One Tehran resident explained that for months she could barely maintain contact with her sons living in other countries. She expressed disbelief that officials had actually restored internet access, saying she had expected authorities to find reasons to extend the blackout indefinitely.

A taxi driver confirmed that service had returned but remained unreliable. He voiced optimism that connections would strengthen enough for him to use messaging applications with relatives and friends. Both individuals requested anonymity due to safety concerns.

Internet costs skyrocketed during the shutdown period, with Tehran residents sometimes paying approximately $7.50 per gigabyte. Pricing has now dropped back to around $2.25 for 30 gigabytes, returning to levels seen before the protest movement began.

Even before the complete shutdown, Iran maintained strict controls over access to major social media platforms, forcing many users to depend on virtual private networks or VPNs. The expense of these workaround tools increased dramatically during the blackout, putting them beyond the financial reach of many people as the economy suffered severe damage.

Companies are beginning to establish their online presence again, posting announcements about their return on platforms including Instagram and Telegram.

A gaming content creator and technology influencer from the central city of Isfahan described how the shutdown devastated his audience on YouTube and Instagram, where he had invested years building a substantial following.

“All my views and interactions are way down. I’ve been erased from the algorithm,” he explained in a voice message sent through WhatsApp, noting that his internet connection remained slower than pre-shutdown speeds.

“The situation is such that many content producers have had their income reduced to zero, have moved on to other jobs, or have been forced to sell their equipment to survive,” he continued. He also requested anonymity due to fears of government retaliation.

Iranian officials initially cut internet access in January as massive anti-government demonstrations erupted across the nation before being violently suppressed. The crackdown resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests.

Just as that initial cutoff was beginning to be relaxed, the government implemented a total internet blackout following the outbreak of war, after U.S. and Israeli attacks killed Iran’s supreme leader along with other senior officials.

The extended shutdown drew widespread criticism as it inflicted additional damage on an economy already struggling with inflation, attacks on critical industries, and a U.S. blockade affecting Iranian ports.

The internet blackout generated estimated daily losses of $30-40 million, with indirect economic damage likely reaching twice that amount, according to Iran’s Chamber of Commerce member Afshin Kolahi, who spoke to a local newspaper last month. Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi reported that roughly 10 million people work in jobs requiring internet connectivity.

Citizens retained access to a domestic network during the shutdown, but this system offered much more limited functionality, with users complaining about poor performance and extensive censorship. High-ranking government officials received special SIM cards providing them access to the global internet. Facing mounting pressure, authorities eventually expanded SIM card access to include certain professional groups during the blackout period.

WASHINGTON — During a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Donald Trump expressed confidence about ongoing negotiations with Iran, claiming the Iranian side is “negotiating on fumes” as talks continue at a critical juncture.

The president’s optimism about reaching an agreement comes just days after he stated that his administration and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a settlement, though discussions remain fluid.

Trump seeks an agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while providing him with a convincing case that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been sufficiently reduced to claim success, bringing closure to a conflict that has proven politically damaging for Republicans.

The potential agreement delays many crucial matters for future resolution and has already drawn sharp criticism — including from some of the president’s own allies — who argue that Iran’s hardline leadership will emerge from the conflict wounded but strengthened. This development unfolds as midterm elections approach and Republicans express concern that increasing costs and fuel prices are souring voters’ attitudes.

Speaking at the beginning of his Cabinet meeting, Trump acknowledged that additional work remains to finalize an agreement, but he expressed confidence that both parties would reach their goal.

“They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said. “So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be — either that or we’ll have to just finish the job.”

However, discussions became more complex following what the Pentagon described as “defensive” strikes by U.S. forces on missile launch facilities and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran on Monday. The U.S. claimed it acted with “restraint” given the ongoing ceasefire, while Iran condemned the action as evidence of “bad faith and unreliability.”

Republican Supporters Express Doubts

Despite Trump’s assertion that an agreement is achievable, significant differences appear to exist between the U.S. and Iran on several crucial matters. The president also faces criticism from Republican colleagues, including Sens. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Ted Cruz of Texas, who believe the terms appear too advantageous for Tehran.

These lawmakers oppose elements of the agreement that have become public, arguing they too closely mirror the nuclear deal that Democratic President Barack Obama negotiated with Iran, which Trump abandoned during his first presidency.

According to the proposed agreement, Tehran would surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium — a central Trump requirement — in exchange for sanctions relief. This information comes from two regional officials and one senior Trump administration official, all speaking anonymously due to the delicate nature of the negotiations.

One regional official with direct access to the negotiations explained that the method for Iran’s uranium surrender would be determined during a 60-day period of additional talks. Some material would likely be diluted, while the remainder would be transferred to another country, the official noted.

Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which represents a brief technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has not publicly agreed to surrender its uranium.

In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump stated that the uranium, believed to be stored beneath nuclear facilities damaged by U.S. airstrikes last year, would either be given to the U.S. or “destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event.” This statement indicates a relaxation of Trump’s earlier demand that the U.S. directly control Iran’s uranium stockpile.

Impact on Israel’s Lebanon Operations

A significant unresolved matter involves whether the ceasefire will extend to Israel’s operations against Hezbollah, the Iranian-supported militant organization in Lebanon. Iran has demanded that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire agreement negotiated with the United States.

The administration appears to maintain flexibility regarding the Lebanon situation. The developing memorandum of understanding calls for a ceasefire between the U.S. and its partners against Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, while also emphasizing Israel’s right to respond to immediate threats and defend itself.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that the Israeli military is “deepening its operation” in Lebanon. During the night, Israel’s military engaged with the Iran-backed militant Hezbollah organization along a strategic river in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces advanced northward.

Jonathan Conricus, a former spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, predicted that Israel expects Iran would quickly use any sanctions relief to rebuild its military strength and support proxy organizations, including Hezbollah and Hamas in Gaza.

“We’re not done fighting, because the Iranian regime isn’t done,” said Conricus, who serves as a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank.

Trump Links Abraham Accords to Iran Agreement

On Monday, Trump stated that any agreement to conclude the Iran conflict should require several additional nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-facilitated agreements from Trump’s first term designed to normalize diplomatic and economic relationships with Israel.

Trump’s expectation that other Middle Eastern and majority Muslim nations could quickly join the accords may be overly optimistic.

Saudi Arabia, for instance, the most influential power in the Arab world and long considered the most valuable target for the normalization initiative, has maintained that creating a guaranteed pathway to a Palestinian state remains a prerequisite. This is something that Israel strongly rejects.

Trump promoted the Abraham Accords expansion during a weekend call with leaders of Middle Eastern allied nations.

DHAKA – A unique albino buffalo in Bangladesh that gained the moniker “Donald Trump” because of its blonde hair has avoided ritual slaughter during Eid al-Adha following government intervention, according to a Home Ministry official who spoke Wednesday.

The massive 700-kilogram (1,543-pound) creature had been purchased for ceremonial sacrifice when officials intervened at the eleventh hour, expressing concerns about security issues stemming from intense public fascination before Thursday’s religious observance.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed issued orders to save the buffalo from slaughter, reimburse the purchaser, and relocate the animal to Dhaka’s national zoo.

“At the last moment, the decision was taken to spare the buffalo from sacrifice due to security concerns and the unusual level of public interest,” a ministry official said.

What started as an ordinary Eid livestock transaction transformed into a national sensation when footage spread across social media platforms. Large crowds flocked to the farm where people journeyed from distant locations to witness its golden-colored fringe and peaceful temperament.

Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha explained the animal received its distinctive name from his younger brother, who noticed the physical similarity.

Mridha described the buffalo as exceptionally docile, requiring special care including consistent feeding schedules and routine washing.

Such albino buffalo are uncommon in Bangladesh, where livestock typically display darker coloring, making this specimen particularly notable during the busy Eid animal trading period – although its famous nickname ultimately proved to be its salvation.

Iranian authorities have tightened media controls by issuing new directives to international news organizations, requiring them to prevent Israeli media outlets from accessing their content from the country.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which supervises media operations, sent instructions to multiple international news organizations operating in Tehran, including The Associated Press. The directive mandates specific language must be added to “all submitted content, including photos, videos, reports, and other media productions.”

The ministry’s instructions, translated from Farsi, warned that “Responsibility for failing to comply with this directive rests with the submitting media outlet.”

These heightened restrictions arrive three months following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, which escalated into an ongoing regional conflict that occasionally intensifies. On the 88th day of the conflict, President Donald Trump claimed a peace agreement was near, while Iran on Tuesday criticized recent U.S. strikes as evidence of “bad faith and unreliability.”

Under the new requirements, news organizations must include language stating their content cannot be utilized by Israeli media outlets or Farsi-language television stations operating outside Iran. For several years, Iran has prohibited international media from distributing certain materials to BBC Persian, VOA Persian, Manoto TV and Iran International, threatening to close their operations in the country for violations.

However, numerous overseas Farsi-language media organizations continue to obtain images and videos from Iranian state media through various websites and messaging applications, despite these limitations.

Freedom House, a Washington-based organization, categorizes Iran as lacking free and independent media, observing that hard-liners within the theocracy control all television channels while journalists at other outlets experience harassment and detention. Although satellite dishes are prohibited, many citizens use them to view Farsi-language programming from abroad, and internet access to external sites has been blocked for weeks.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Approximately 300 Ghanaian citizens departed for their homeland Wednesday as Ghana launched a voluntary evacuation initiative responding to growing anti-immigration hostilities in South Africa.

At Johannesburg’s Tambo International Airport, families and passengers assembled with their belongings while authorities and law enforcement managed the evacuation procedures.

The evacuation comes after fresh protests against undocumented immigration erupted across various South African regions, where joblessness, criminal activity, and limited public services have intensified social friction.

Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, informed media at the airport that additional individuals beyond those initially registered arrived seeking departure.

He indicated their paperwork would be handled before the subsequent Ghana-bound flight, scheduled for Sunday departure.

Ghana previously called in South Africa’s ambassador regarding alleged assaults on Ghanaian residents before declaring plans to remove affected nationals.

Loren Landau, a migration expert and political analyst at the University of the Witwatersrand, described Ghana’s action as diplomatic messaging expressing displeasure with recent developments.

“I think in this case, it’s less about Ghana trying to protect its citizens per se, or these 300. This is a symbolic move to try to send a message to their sort of bigger counterpart, South Africa, that this is politically unacceptable,” said Landau.

Several evacuees had been detained at the Lindela Repatriation Centre on immigration violations.

Over 800 Ghanaians enrolled with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria seeking evacuation after weeks of demonstrations and growing anxiety among foreign residents.

Ghanaian officials stated the evacuation operation proceeded with South African coordination following worries about migrant safety and welfare.

South African leaders have denounced attacks on foreign residents while recognizing illegal immigration concerns.

Nigeria has also criticized the treatment of its nationals and indicated it may evacuate some citizens as well.

A chilling courtroom scene unfolded in Austria as a 24-year-old Kurdish Syrian refugee facing murder charges told a judge he would carry out deadly violence again if given the opportunity, according to Austrian media covering the proceedings.

The unnamed defendant appeared in court in Klagenfurt on Wednesday to face charges stemming from a brutal knife attack in the southern Austrian town of Villach last February. The assault claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and left five others injured when the man used a jackknife in the attack.

Court proceedings revealed that the defendant has admitted to conducting the violent assault and pledging loyalty to Islamic State. When the presiding judge asked through an interpreter if he would repeat such crimes given another chance, the defendant nodded in affirmation, media outlets including national broadcaster ORF and news agency APA documented.

Prosecutors described to the court how the man experienced what they termed “lightning radicalisation” through the social media platform TikTok, a transformation so rapid it caught even his own brother off guard, according to trial reports.

The defendant now faces charges of murder, attempted murder and terrorism-related crimes, with a potential life sentence awaiting if found guilty. During the trial’s opening day, he spoke very little while seated behind a protective barrier as part of heightened security protocols. Court officials prohibited reporters from bringing any electronic devices into the courtroom.

This marks Austria’s second fatal attack by an Islamist militant, following a November 2020 incident in Vienna where a gunman killed four people and wounded 22 others before police fatally shot the attacker.

The Villach proceedings, scheduled to conclude Thursday, are running simultaneously with another terrorism trial involving a 21-year-old defendant accused of plotting an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024. Authorities successfully prevented that planned assault. The second defendant, identified as Beran A, has admitted guilt to charges related to the concert plot but denies involvement in other alleged schemes. A verdict in that case is also anticipated Thursday.

Iranian state media reported Wednesday that Tehran could restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to levels seen before the current conflict within 30 days, as part of a potential framework agreement with the United States that would also involve the withdrawal of American forces from Iran’s region.

According to the television report, the United States would halt its naval blockade of Iranian vessels, referencing a memorandum of understanding currently being discussed between both nations to conclude the war that has severely restricted global energy supplies through the vital shipping corridor.

Iranian state television claimed to have accessed an unofficial version of the memorandum, though it emphasized the document remains incomplete and may never reach final agreement.

The White House rejected the claims, describing them as “complete fabrication” in a statement posted on social media.

Iranian government officials have not provided any response to the report.

The television broadcast noted that the matter of American military presence in the area requires additional negotiations, without providing further specifics.

The report made no reference to Iran’s nuclear program, which the United States seeks to eliminate.

This latest state television announcement represents another indication of potential movement toward an agreement, though both Tehran and Washington have publicly maintained vastly different positions, and the terms described by the broadcaster failed to address all American requirements.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated Tuesday that several more days might be needed, following President Donald Trump’s weekend comments that raised expectations for a swift conclusion to the conflict.

Major obstacles have centered on reopening and controlling the waterway that previously carried one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas before hostilities began, as well as eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Oil markets dropped more than 5% Wednesday following the Iranian television announcement.

The scope of any American military reduction described by Iranian state media remains unclear.

Currently, the U.S. military maintains approximately 15,000 troops enforcing the Iranian blockade, with thousands more stationed at regional bases in Gulf nations including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

American naval ships carrying thousands of sailors and Marines routinely operate in the region, making port visits in locations such as Oman. The Pentagon has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Iranian sources indicate that nuclear program discussions would occur during a second phase of negotiations – an approach that may prove unacceptable to some of Trump’s key allies.

Trump, scheduled to meet with senior advisors at the White House Wednesday, has stated that eliminating Iran’s nuclear program to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons represents the war’s primary objective. Iran maintains its program serves only peaceful purposes.

Earlier Wednesday, a high-ranking Iranian official speaking to reporters at the first International Security Forum in Moscow said reopening the strait continues to present challenges.

“As long as we have not agreed on all issues, we consider that nothing has been agreed,” Iran’s deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani, told reporters when questioned about a waterway reopening agreement.

State television reported that the framework, which would exclude military ships and envision Iran controlling vessel movement through the strait alongside Oman, has not been completed and that Tehran would take no action without “tangible verification.”

The conflict, which started February 28, has resulted in thousands of deaths and triggered an unprecedented disruption to oil supplies, driving up costs for fuel, fertilizer and food products.

The war has also generated domestic political challenges for Trump, with polling data showing public opposition to the conflict six months ahead of mid-term elections.

Despite ongoing peace negotiations, the United States conducted what it termed defensive strikes Tuesday against missile installations and vessels attempting to deploy mines in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province.

Iran’s foreign ministry characterized the strikes as a “gross violation” of a fragile ceasefire that has held for nearly seven weeks.

The United Nations human rights office has issued a warning that Israeli military forces may be committing war crimes through the killing of Palestinian civilians who approach the armistice boundary with Hamas.

According to UN data provided exclusively to Reuters, roughly one-third of the 453 verified Palestinian deaths since the October ceasefire through February 5 occurred near the military boundary line. This amounts to 152 individuals – including 102 men, 15 women, 24 boys and 11 girls – who were killed in proximity to what Israel calls the “yellow line.”

Ajith Sunghay, who leads the U.N. Human Rights Office in the occupied Palestinian territory, expressed grave concerns about the pattern of deaths. “The available information raises serious concerns that the Israeli army is shooting at and killing presumed civilians simply on the basis of their proximity to the so-called yellow line, which would amount to unlawful killings and thus war crimes,” Sunghay stated, describing the trend as deeply troubling.

He further noted that the victims “do not appear to have posed any risk to the life of the Israeli military, including some cases in which they appear to have been shot while carrying out daily activities or having approached or crossed Israel’s so-called yellow line.”

The Israeli military has established this boundary using concrete blocks placed at intervals to mark what they term a “yellow line.” However, military forces have repeatedly moved these markers further into territory controlled by Hamas, and current Israeli maps indicate their restricted military zone now encompasses nearly two-thirds of Gaza.

This expansion has created anxiety among displaced Palestinians living in temporary shelters and damaged buildings near the boundary, as they fear being targeted while the population becomes compressed into an increasingly smaller area.

Sunghay highlighted the confusion surrounding the boundary’s location, explaining that “nobody clearly knows exactly where it starts, where it ends, and how it moves, and when it moves.”

Israeli authorities justify their control of seized territory in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon as necessary “buffer zones” to prevent potential militant attacks following the Hamas-led assault of October 7, 2023, which triggered the current conflict.

The ceasefire arrangement facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump has not stopped Israeli military operations in Gaza, with Israeli forces continuing to target Hamas leadership, resulting in two deaths in recent weeks.

Gaza health officials report that approximately 900 Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes since the truce began, though they have not provided location-specific breakdowns. During the same timeframe, four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants, according to the country’s military. Hamas has not released casualty figures for its fighters.

Israeli military officials, who maintain that their forces near the armistice line are working to counter militant threats, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the UN allegations.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International inspectors have uncovered dozens of chemical weapons munitions from the former Assad government that were previously unknown, according to a Wednesday report from the global chemical weapons monitoring organization.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, headquartered in The Hague, detailed in its May findings that investigators were permitted to examine “high-priority undeclared locations” beginning this month. The report stated that “Dozens of undeclared chemical munitions such as aerial bombs and rockets … have been found at several of these undeclared locations.”

Syria became a member of the OPCW in 2013, declaring chemical weapons existed at 26 sites throughout the nation. However, the monitoring organization believes approximately 100 additional locations may contain such weapons.

After the removal of Assad from power in December 2024, Syria’s transitional government led by interim-President Ahmad al-Sharaa has promised to eliminate any leftover chemical weapons from the previous administration.

During an address to the OPCW in The Hague last year, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani requested international assistance in eliminating these prohibited weapons from his nation.

Syria’s current leadership has vowed to “destroy any remains of the chemical weapons program developed under the Assad regime, to put an end to this painful legacy, to bring justice to victims, and to ensure that the compliance with international law is a solid one,” he said.

Syria became an OPCW member in 2013 to prevent potential military strikes following a chemical weapons incident near Damascus. While Assad’s administration rejected claims of chemical weapons usage, the OPCW has previously documented evidence of their continuous deployment by Syria throughout the prolonged civil conflict.

The watchdog organization has also determined that the Islamic State group employed chemical weapons during the warfare.

TORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed Wednesday that Canada has selected surveillance aircraft manufactured by Sweden’s Saab and Canada’s Bombardier instead of choosing between two competing American alternatives.

The prime minister stated his administration has begun discussions to acquire Saab’s Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft, constructed using the Canadian-built Bombardier Global 6500 platform, which will boost domestic manufacturing.

Carney emphasized the aircraft includes 20% U.S. components. The federal government had previously indicated its intent to purchase six surveillance aircraft.

Last year, Canada became part of a significant European Union defense initiative, with Carney working to reduce the country’s military procurement reliance on the United States.

The Saab aircraft feature advanced radar systems that provide awareness of aircraft and missile activity across hundreds of miles. These planes can identify threatening aerial or naval activity and guide fighter aircraft toward their objectives.

“Saab’s GlobalEye will be a key resource for the Canadian Armed Forces to detect and deter threats across the Arctic,” Carney said.

The competing American choices included Boeing’s E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and L3Harris’s Aeris X system.

NATO is similarly evaluating the Saab aircraft against the American alternatives.

Carney had stated previously that Canadian military equipment purchases would limit U.S. spending to no more than 70 cents per dollar.

Actions by U.S. President Donald Trump — including initiating trade disputes and proposing Canada as America’s 51st state — angered Canadians and established conditions that helped Carney secure the prime minister position after pledging to counter Trump’s escalating hostility.

The Canadian administration is examining its planned F-35 fighter jet acquisition from the U.S. to consider alternatives. Carney indicated that opportunities for increased Canadian production influence decisions. Saab has proposed conducting Gripen fighter jet assembly and maintenance operations within Canada.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Officials in South Africa and organizations representing Afrikaner interests strongly disputed claims made by the Trump administration on Wednesday regarding an alleged humanitarian crisis affecting the country’s white population.

This justification was used to expand America’s refugee intake, specifically targeting white Afrikaners. On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced it would accept an additional 10,000 white South Africans as refugees in the coming year, expanding the annual limit while preventing individuals from other nations from accessing the same program.

U.S. President Donald Trump published his decision in the Federal Register, stating he was expanding refugee admissions due to “an unforeseen emergency refugee situation.” Trump attributed blame to South Africa’s leadership for “recent increases in the incitement of racially motivated violence,” though he provided no concrete evidence.

South Africa’s international relations department responded Wednesday by calling allegations of widespread persecution against white Afrikaners baseless, noting that some people who participated in immigration programs have decided to return to South Africa.

“This reality is further corroborated by the actions of individuals who, despite having availed themselves of this preferential immigration program, have since resolved to return home,” spokesman Chrispin Phiri said.

The Afrikaner labor organization Solidariteit contended that refugee designation isn’t an appropriate remedy for Afrikaners, who ought to flourish within South Africa. Representative Jaco Kleynhans stated the group had not engaged with the Trump administration about any “unforeseen emergency refugee situation,” while acknowledging America’s right to set its own refugee policies regarding Afrikaners.

The organization “is in no way aware of anything that the Trump administration could be referring to,” Kleynhans said.

AfriForum, an advocacy group representing the nation’s white Afrikaner minority population of over 300,000 members, indicated it “does not have information” about the specific claim of an emergency refugee crisis.

The group’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, explained their mission centers on “fighting to create the circumstances in South Africa where there is no need for Afrikaners to leave.”

Trump halted America’s refugee program immediately upon taking office and has subsequently transformed it into a pathway specifically for Afrikaners — white South Africans primarily of Dutch ancestry — to enter the United States. Critics argue this decision to concentrate a long-established program on a single demographic has abandoned people worldwide who are escaping conflict and hardship.

Refugee advocacy organizations have questioned the prioritization of white South Africans over individuals from nations experiencing warfare and natural catastrophes. The vetting process for U.S. refugee status typically requires multiple years.

According to Dr. Bryony Fox, a social justice researcher at Stellenbosch University, the Trump administration’s preference for white Afrikaner refugee admissions creates concerns about discriminatory humanitarian aid, inconsistent refugee protection, and favoring advantaged populations while overlooking other refugee communities facing extreme difficulties.

“This risks politicizing refugee protection in a way that may ultimately weaken the legitimacy and universality of the refugee regime itself,” she said.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The Trump administration has boosted refugee slots for white South Africans to 17,500 this year, adding 10,000 new positions based on claims of “recent increases in the incitement of racially motivated violence” by South Africa’s Black-led government and political parties.

The administration’s Tuesday announcement did not specify what incitement prompted this expansion, marking the latest assertion by the U.S. president that minority white Afrikaners face persecution — a claim South African officials firmly reject.

The foundation for this refugee resettlement was established through an executive order last year, which characterized Afrikaners as victims of racially motivated violence driven by government policies.

Afrikaners trace their ancestry to Dutch and French colonists who arrived in South Africa during the 1600s.

American officials point to isolated attacks on white farmers’ homes as proof of racial persecution. However, South African authorities and experts argue this misrepresents reality, noting that Black farmers and agricultural workers also fall victim to what are primarily violent robberies rather than racially motivated crimes.

South Africa indeed struggles with violent crime affecting all racial groups, including white farmers.

Official crime data shows more than 23,000 homicides occurred nationwide between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, impacting all races but disproportionately affecting the impoverished Black majority. By contrast, AfriForum, an Afrikaner advocacy organization, recorded 29 farm-related homicides in 2025. Agricultural killings account for roughly 0.1% of total homicides.

South African law enforcement reports that Black individuals were also among farm homicide victims, though rural crimes aren’t typically categorized separately or broken down by victim race.

AfriForum, which leads efforts to highlight rural crime concerns, doesn’t publish statistics on Black farmers and agricultural workers killed, stating it “does not racialize the issue.”

The administration claimed recent increases in racial violence incitement by South African government officials and politicians created “an unforeseen emergency refugee situation” and “grave humanitarian concerns” for Afrikaners.

The specific incidents referenced remain unclear, as no public incitement to violence has emerged from South Africa’s government, which consists of a 10-party coalition — some led by white individuals. White South Africans, including those with Afrikaner background, hold Cabinet positions.

Afrikaners belong to South Africa’s white minority, which includes people of British and other backgrounds. Approximately 4.5 million white people live among South Africa’s 62 million residents, with over 80% being Black and additional minorities of Indian and multiracial heritage.

Claims of an “emergency refugee situation” for Afrikaners don’t align with daily life in South Africa, where Afrikaners serve as prominent politicians, business executives, and sports figures.

Afrikaans, their language, enjoys widespread use and school instruction as one of 11 official languages, while Afrikaner monuments and churches remain standing and maintained within the nation’s multicultural framework.

The administration has previously highlighted one far-left opposition party that has inflamed racial tensions by occasionally using a decades-old chant from the anti-apartheid resistance era, which ended in 1994. The chant contains lyrics “kill the Boer” — referring to white farmers — and has faced hate speech investigations.

South African leadership hasn’t condemned the chant, arguing it holds historical significance tied to the anti-apartheid struggle and shouldn’t be interpreted literally. Afrikaner groups like AfriForum have criticized this government position and demanded the chant be banned.

The far-left party operates outside the government and lacks national political influence.

The Trump administration has also cited South Africa’s affirmative action legislation as evidence of anti-white policies. These laws aim to create opportunities for Black people and others oppressed under white minority rule, while also supporting women and disabled individuals, though their effectiveness remains debated.

These policies have drawn attention from allies like South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who claims he was denied a license for his Starlink satellite internet service because of his race.

Government officials call this characterization misleading. Starlink can operate in South Africa but must comply with affirmative action requirements in that sector, mandating previously disadvantaged groups hold minority stakes in local entities. The government notes over 600 American companies currently operate in South Africa while following affirmative action rules.

South African officials have previously stated that Afrikaners remain free to emigrate to the U.S., just as other South Africans have sought opportunities abroad. However, they argue against classifying them as refugees fleeing persecution.

“The assertion that white Afrikaners, in particular, endure systemic persecution is entirely without foundation,” South African foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Approximately 6,000 South Africans have relocated to the U.S. since the Afrikaner program launched last year, according to American government data.

The administration maintains broader disagreements with South Africa’s government, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestinian conflict. South Africa, a long-standing Palestinian supporter, has accused close U.S. ally Israel of genocide in Gaza through a high-profile case at the United Nations’ top court.

Israel, established following the Holocaust, has strongly rejected these allegations and argued that the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, constituted a genocidal act.

American officials have pointed to South Africa’s stance on this issue and the country’s diplomatic ties with Iran as evidence of anti-American foreign policy, which South Africa disputes.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International Criminal Court officials announced Wednesday that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face trial for crimes against humanity beginning November 30.

Prosecutors allege the former president bears responsibility for dozens of killings, claiming he directed fatal anti-narcotics operations during his time as mayor of Davao, a southern Philippine city, and throughout his presidency.

“The expediency of the trial is of the upmost importance,” presiding Judge Joanna Korner said, rejecting requests from the registry of the court to delay the start date over concerns about a lack of translators.

Duterte, who held the presidency between 2016 and 2022, was taken into custody in the Philippines last year and transported to The Hague, where the international court operates. He maintains his innocence regarding all accusations.

Korner called on court personnel to guarantee translation services would be provided for Philippine languages, including Tagalog. The court’s official languages are English and French.

Death toll figures from Duterte’s time in office differ significantly, ranging from over 6,000 according to national police records to as many as 30,000 as reported by human rights organizations.

Duterte has chosen not to attend any court proceedings, having waived his right to be present. Judges determined last month that he was mentally competent to face trial, after an earlier session was postponed due to health concerns.

This month, the court made public an arrest warrant for Ronald Marapon dela Rosa, who headed the national police under Duterte and assisted in implementing his anti-drug campaigns that resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily among minor offenders.

Dela Rosa has disappeared after a confrontation at the country’s Senate building that involved gunshots. Philippine officials are searching for him and have promised to surrender him to the court.

OTTAWA, May 27 (Reuters) — Canada revealed Wednesday its decision to purchase a fleet of early warning aircraft from Sweden’s Saab, choosing the Swedish option over a competing model from Boeing as part of efforts to decrease dependence on U.S. defense contractors.

Prime Minister Mark Carney informed reporters that Canada will select Saab’s GlobalEye system, which utilizes Bombardier’s Global 6500 jet as its platform. The alternative Boeing E-7 Wedgetail aircraft had also been under consideration, though that model has experienced scheduling setbacks and budget increases.

“(This move) builds Canadian strategic autonomy, creates Canadian jobs, and reinforces Canada’s position as a global leader. And it is the product of choice for many of Canada’s partners, including France, Sweden, and the UAE,” Carney said.

The Swedish company Saab is also being considered as a potential supplier for Canada’s Gripen fighter aircraft needs.

While Canada has an existing agreement to purchase 88 F-35 jets from Lockheed-Martin, Prime Minister Carney directed the military last year to examine possibilities for reducing that order and acquiring aircraft from alternative suppliers. This review came after the United States imposed tariffs on important Canadian exports. No final determination has been made public regarding changes to the F-35 purchase.

Chinese military officials announced they mobilized naval and aerial units to force out a Dutch warship that they claim unlawfully entered waters around the Paracel Islands in the contested South China Sea on Wednesday.

According to a statement from Zhai Shichen, a spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, helicopters operating from aircraft carriers have made multiple flights and “intruded into China’s airspace.”

“We firmly oppose this and solemnly urge the Dutch side to immediately cease its infringing and provocative acts,” Zhai stated, emphasizing that the Chinese military will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security.

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Muslims worldwide are preparing for Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice, but celebrations in Mali’s capital carry a somber tone this year. An economic blockade imposed by armed militants connected to al-Qaida has caused sheep costs to skyrocket, making the holiday’s traditional practice of slaughtering an animal and distributing meat to those in need financially impossible for many households.

The supply crisis and inflated costs stem from a blockade targeting Bamako that was declared this month by members of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, a group with al-Qaida ties. These fighters routinely assault truck convoys and vehicles bringing supplies to the capital, frequently burning them completely.

Mali, which has no coastline, relies extensively on fuel and merchandise transported by truck from neighboring coastal countries including Senegal and Ivory Coast. According to analysts, the militants’ economic siege aims to cripple the nation’s financial stability and weaken the military government’s authority.

The siege isn’t complete, since the armed factions avoid maintaining roadblocks for extended periods due to concerns about Malian military retaliation, allowing some supplies to continue reaching Bamako and preventing complete food scarcity for the time being.

However, the blockade has increased costs for certain products like meat and created fuel shortages, compelling citizens to wait in long lines at the limited gas stations still operating.

Since September 2025, the group had already enforced a stifling road blockade on oil imports.

Mountaga Touré, 38, a teacher, explained he searched multiple livestock markets before abandoning his plan to purchase a sheep for the celebration, noting that sheep costs have nearly doubled since the blockade began.

“The small sheep that used to cost $177 are now $266 or more,” Touré said.

In certain areas of Bamako, citizens have replaced the customary sheep with cattle, combining their resources to buy one animal so they can obtain meat for this significant Muslim observance in West Africa.

The blockade comes after extensive, synchronized attacks by separatist and extremist forces throughout Mali last month, representing the most significant assault in the nation in more than ten years.

Mali has endured insurgencies waged by extremists associated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, along with a separatist uprising in the northern region, for more than a decade.

After a 2020 military takeover, the governing junta shifted away from Western partners toward Russia for assistance in fighting Islamic extremists. However, security conditions have deteriorated recently, analysts note, with a unprecedented number of militant attacks. Military forces and Russian mercenaries have also faced accusations of killing civilians they believe are working with militants.

The Malian military and its Russian Africa Corps mercenaries are working around the blockade by providing protection for truck convoys transporting goods and fuel to supply Bamako markets. The armed forces also frequently report striking positions controlled by armed groups.

However, residents report that the protective escorts and military strikes haven’t been sufficient to properly supply the capital.

“Usually, I bring up to 200 sheep to Bamako to sell during Tabaski,” said Amadou Cissé, 45, a livestock trader specializing in Eid sheep, using the West African word for the holiday. “But this year I barely brought 50 because there is not enough space in army-escorted trucks.”

Cissé explained that the sheep he requested remain in Diema, a community approximately 345 km (215 miles) west of Bamako, where many animals destined for the capital are sourced.

“I was told more escorted convoys would be organized, but so far none have left Diema, so I doubt the sheep will arrive before the holiday,” he said.

Drissa Traoré, who has sold sheep in Bamako for more than ten years, reported that available inventory has decreased substantially in recent times. “This year, we have barely half the number of sheep we usually have during Tabaski,” he said.

The dangerous conditions have also impacted travel arrangements for many people.

Sidi Diarra, who works at a prominent financial company in Bamako, mentioned he typically observes the holiday with his family in Segou, approximately 240 km (150 miles) from the capital.

“This year, I am afraid to go because of attacks by extremist groups. It is safer to stay in Bamako,” he said.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian lawmakers voted Wednesday to maintain their country’s membership in the International Criminal Court, overturning the prior administration’s plan to exit the global war crimes tribunal under Viktor Orbán.

Orbán’s administration had announced Hungary’s intention to leave the ICC last year, following a state visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit proceeded despite an outstanding ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

International organizations and the ICC had condemned Orbán’s administration for not arresting Netanyahu during his visit. Orbán responded by labeling the ICC a “political court.”

Hungary’s exit from the court was scheduled to become official on June 2.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar introduced the reversal legislation on Monday, arguing that maintaining international peace and defending human rights requires accountability for serious international crimes through “an international judicial forum.”

The legislation further states: “To this end, it is necessary to maintain Hungary’s participation in the Statute of the International Criminal Court.”

The measure passed primarily along party lines, with Magyar’s governing Tisza party providing 133 supporting votes, while 37 lawmakers opposed and five abstained.

The Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the ICC, praised Hungary’s decision to remain. The organization issued a statement Monday ahead of the parliamentary vote, saying it “congratulates the government of Hungary for this important decision.”

The ICC had previously determined that Hungary violated its legal duty to apprehend Netanyahu. In July, judicial panel members stated that the “failure to arrest suspects severely undermines the court’s ability to carry out its mandate.”

Hungary helped establish the ICC, with Orbán personally signing the Rome Statute that created the tribunal in 1999.

Had Hungary proceeded with withdrawal, it would have joined only the Philippines and Burundi as countries that left the ICC. Hungary also would have become the sole European Union member nation not participating in the court.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Mountaineering experts, climbers, and government officials convened in Nepal’s capital city Wednesday to address mounting concerns about Mount Everest expeditions amid rising temperatures and unprecedented crowding that’s creating serious environmental and safety issues.

The gathering, called the “Everest Summiteers Summit,” took place during what experts believe was the busiest climbing period ever recorded on the planet’s tallest mountain. In just several days this month, hundreds of adventurers along with their Sherpa guides made their way to the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit.

This climbing season saw Nepal authorize a unprecedented 494 permits for international climbers, with summit achievements estimated to exceed 900 people. This figure would mark the highest total ever recorded during spring climbing months, though official tallies won’t be released until later.

A sherpa guide who holds the record for most successful climbs — 32 ascents — expressed concerns about the overwhelming numbers creating dangerous conditions.

“Nepal should only allow no more than 250 climbers that are issued permit to climb from the Nepal side,” Kami Rita Sherpa said. “It will be good if the government was to limit the number.”

Recent photographs from the mountain reveal lengthy queues of climbers experiencing bottlenecks, secured to safety ropes while awaiting their turn to approach the peak.

During climbing season, which concludes this month, approximately 3,000 individuals including climbers, guides, and support staff establish temporary residence on Mount Everest. Removing all waste materials when camps are dismantled continues to pose significant difficulties.

Government regulations mandate that climbers must pack out their trash, yet substantial amounts remain abandoned on the mountain. Expedition members emphasize that environmental preservation must stay a top concern.

“We should take the rubbish from the mountain and we should protect our Himalayas,” said He Jing, a renowned Chinese climber.

Present regulations allow anyone to obtain climbing authorization by paying the government’s $15,000 permit fee.

However, Nepalese authorities are developing updated rules that would require climbers to demonstrate previous mountaineering experience.

Nathaniel Douglas, a climber from Seattle, told The Associated Press during the conference that he observes inexperienced individuals attempting Everest after viewing social media content, despite having no mountain climbing background.

“So they really don’t understand what mountaineering is, like what it actually takes to summit Mount Everest and get back down safely,” he said.

British mountaineer Adriana Brownlee, the youngest woman to climb all 14 highest peaks, said the weather on the mountains was getting warmer, increasing the risks for climbers.

“Every year the (Khumbu) Icefall seems more unstable because of global warming,” she said. adding that water underneath is melting faster, causing the seracs — blocks of ice — to fall much easier because of the movement underneath.

Last month, climbers were forced to postpone their ascents when a massive serac posed a dangerous threat to the climbing route directly above base camp.

Rescue teams in central Laos have successfully located five villagers who became trapped in a flooded cave more than a week ago, though search efforts continue for two others who remain unaccounted for, officials announced Wednesday.

The group of seven villagers had entered the cave located in Xaisomboun province on May 19 when sudden heavy rainfall caused flash flooding that sealed off their escape route, according to rescue teams from Laos and Thailand participating in the operation.

Bounkham Luanglath, representing the Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People, which has been collaborating with local officials on the rescue mission, confirmed to The Associated Press that five individuals were discovered safe and alive, while efforts to locate the remaining two will persist.

“I’m still shaking. Our team made it happen,” he stated in a voice message.

Footage released by a Thai rescue organization appeared to capture the moment when divers surfaced and located the stranded villagers. The video shows the individuals, each equipped with headlamps, positioned on a rock formation surrounded by flood waters.

Additional footage depicted rescue personnel both inside and outside the cave celebrating with cheers, jumping, and embracing one another following the successful discovery.

International rescue specialists from Thailand joined the operation over the weekend, including divers who participated in the complex 2018 rescue operation in northern Thailand that successfully freed 12 schoolchildren and their soccer coach after they spent more than two weeks trapped underground.

The cave sits in a challenging, isolated location within Xaisomboun province’s Longcheng district, positioned approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Vientiane, the capital city. Rescue personnel at the location have documented through social media the difficult mountainous conditions and persistent rainfall that have complicated their efforts.

Online footage shared by Thai rescue teams revealed that accessing the cave entrance demands a challenging uphill trek on foot covering roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). The cave opening itself presents additional obstacles with its steep, rocky terrain and narrow width that permits only one person to pass through at a time.

While no official explanation has been provided regarding the villagers’ purpose for entering the cave, Bounkham indicated that local residents commonly visited the location in search of gold, despite repeated safety warnings from authorities advising against cave entry due to dangerous conditions.

Opposition figures in Argentina are moving to form a unified front against President Javier Milei as his public support continues to decline ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof, who leads the Peronist Justicialista party in his province, confirmed to Reuters that discussions are ongoing to create a Peronist alliance. The coalition could potentially bring together politicians from various parties who oppose Milei’s economic policies, despite his success in curbing severe inflation through widespread budget cuts.

The Peronist movement suffered a significant setback in October’s midterm elections, where voters endorsed Milei’s ambitious economic reform agenda. That loss highlighted deep divisions within the opposition and raised serious questions about its ability to mount an effective challenge going forward.

While Milei has indicated plans to seek re-election, the opposition has yet to name its standard-bearer. Potential candidates include Kicillof and Sergio Massa, a former economy minister with Peronist ties who lost the 2023 presidential race to Milei.

Recent survey data suggests Milei could face a difficult path to a second term. A May survey by Opina Argentina found Milei’s La Libertad Avanza party essentially tied with Peronist forces. Separate polling by Trespuntozero indicates 42% of voters would definitely or possibly support Kicillof, while only 34% expressed similar sentiment for Milei.

The Peronist movement remains closely linked to opposition figure Cristina Kirchner, the former president currently under house arrest in Buenos Aires while serving a six-year corruption sentence. During her administration, extensive government spending was cited as a driver of rising inflation, a problem that continued under President Alberto Fernández’s tenure when she served as vice president.

Current approval numbers show Milei at 39% positive ratings according to Opina Argentina, a sharp drop from 53% over a year ago. His standing has been damaged by government corruption controversies and declining purchasing power that hasn’t kept pace with inflation. Kicillof holds a slight edge at 43% approval, while Massa registers 33%.

Building a unified Peronist coalition may prove challenging given tensions between factions that span from center-left to center-right ideologies. However, the shared goal of defeating Milei could “act as an incentive for all actors to set aside some of their interests and come together in a coalition,” according to Facundo Nejamkis of Opina Argentina.

Campaign activities for the October 2027 presidential election are anticipated to begin in August, following the World Cup and local winter break period.

Banking employees across Russia could soon find themselves on the front lines of air defense under legislation passed by the nation’s lower parliamentary chamber.

The proposed law would require financial institutions to fund and install electronic interference equipment at their locations, while designated workers would be trained to destroy approaching unmanned aircraft, according to the measure that received final approval on Tuesday.

State news agency Interfax reported the legislation was initially introduced last August before being broadened in scope. The proposal now awaits consideration by the upper house Federation Council and must receive Russian President Vladimir Putin’s signature to become law.

The nation faces mounting challenges defending its vast territory against an increasing number of strikes from advanced Ukrainian long-distance unmanned vehicles. Military experts and Western officials note that smaller aircraft are also hampering Russian forces along the 1,250-kilometer front and disrupting supply operations for the invading military.

Financial institutions have not emerged as primary targets for Ukrainian aircraft during the four years of conflict since Moscow’s invasion began.

The legislation provides limited specifics, creating numerous uncertainties about implementation. Installing equipment nationwide and providing staff training would demand extensive organizational resources.

The initiative would include Russia’s central bank and major institutions, including majority state-owned Sberbank. Given the widespread presence of banking facilities in communities throughout the country, incorporating them into air defense networks could significantly expand protective coverage.

The move could undermine Putin’s attempts to insulate Russian civilians from the conflict by directly involving ordinary citizens in warfare and increasing visibility of the invasion’s impact.

The Duma-approved legislation authorizes bank workers to disrupt or intercept aircraft control transmissions and destroy threatening unmanned aerial, underwater, and ground vehicles at their facilities without awaiting security service coordination.

“Jamming will be used to make it more difficult for (the drones) to target and attack the relevant targets,” Anatoly Aksakov, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, told Russian media outlet RBK. “Plus, we’ll also use means to shoot down these drones, thereby protecting the relevant targets.”

Individual organizations will decide which staff members receive authorization to implement these defensive measures.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Law enforcement authorities conducted a search of Spain’s ruling Socialist Party headquarters on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct, according to the Civil Guard.

The operation at the Madrid office represents another setback for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s political organization, which has faced numerous corruption allegations in recent months.

Civil Guard officials informed The Associated Press that officers were executing court orders to collect evidence related to a National Court investigation examining corruption allegations against former party officials and other suspects.

Authorities stated the operation is specifically focused on an investigation overseen by National Court judge Santiago Pedraz examining potential misconduct by Socialist party member Leire Díez.

The investigation into Díez began in 2025 after audio recordings surfaced in Spanish media suggesting her involvement in efforts to undermine a Civil Guard anti-corruption unit member. Additional reports connected her to alleged attempts to interfere with state prosecutors’ work. The judge’s investigation aims to determine whether she received party payments to allegedly conduct these activities.

The Socialist party maintained she was operating independently. Díez, who has departed the party, has rejected any wrongdoing.

A court statement released Wednesday indicated that judge Pedraz directed the Civil Guard to “confiscate diverse documentation and electronic archives in an investigation of a ring designed to destabilize judicial processes that were affecting the ruling party.”

The judge indicated that beyond Díez, he is examining the suspected involvement of former Socialist heavyweight Santos Cerdán — already under scrutiny in another corruption matter — along with a former Andalusia regional government member, a police officer, a business owner and two attorneys. The judge is investigating them for suspected bribery, providing false testimony, document forgery, influence peddling, and corruption.

Last week another court announced it was examining former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero regarding a government airline bailout. He has rejected any misconduct allegations.

Sánchez’s wife and brother are under investigation for suspected influence peddling, which both have disputed.

Most significantly for the Socialists, Cerdán and a former minister under Sánchez are both facing investigation for allegedly participating in a kickback scheme that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, which they have contested.

Sánchez, who has served as prime minister since 2018, has characterized the cases involving his family as a “smear campaign.” However, the corruption investigation involving his former associates prompted him to request the nation’s “forgiveness” in 2025.

His minority administration relies on support from a junior coalition partner, which has maintained its backing despite the legal proceedings.

Sánchez, who has gained international attention for progressive positions that have drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, has not been directly connected to any of the scandals.

MANILA, Philippines — A new investigative commission was established Wednesday to examine the deadly drug enforcement campaign conducted under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, with organizers seeking to compile witness testimonies and evidence for potential prosecutions.

The commission is being spearheaded by a Catholic bishop and includes a former judge from the international court system. Duterte concluded his turbulent six-year term in 2022 and was subsequently detained and transported to the Netherlands last year to face charges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity related to the killings.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a close supporter of Duterte who previously served as his top police official and initially implemented the violent enforcement efforts, faces ICC charges as an alleged accomplice in the numerous deaths that drew criticism from Western nations and human rights organizations.

Dela Rosa has disappeared from public view and is being pursued by Philippine law enforcement, which has committed to executing the ICC arrest warrant and delivering him to the international tribunal.

Both dela Rosa and the outspoken former president have rejected claims they approved unlawful executions, though Duterte frequently made public threats against suspected criminals during his presidency.

Thousands of police personnel who participated directly in the harsh enforcement operation that resulted in the deaths of numerous impoverished suspects have escaped thorough investigation, with very few facing criminal conviction, human rights organizations report.

“This is long overdue,” Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David stated during a press briefing. The independent “EJK Truth Commission” he helped establish will concentrate on assisting victims, their relatives and even remorseful law enforcement personnel in achieving resolution, David explained.

“This is an opportunity for a catharsis … so we can recover our dignity as a country,” David commented. “Ultimately, what we aspire for is healing not only for the victims but also our institutions.”

Raul Pangalangan, an esteemed Philippine attorney who previously served as an ICC judge for several years, explained that the commission he will lead “was created to ensure that the stories of victims, survivors and families are heard, verified and preserved.”

The commission intends to conduct open hearings.

“These things happened because everybody looked the other way,” Pangalangan stated. “It is almost a conspiracy of silence.”

Commission representatives indicated they will make their research available to government officials to assist in investigations, prosecutions and accountability efforts. They plan to submit regular reports to justice and human rights agencies, they announced.

David appealed to civic organizations, educational institutions, faith communities and other groups to support the commission’s work and mentioned that a major German charitable organization has provided financial backing.

Commission member Raquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist with the state-run University of the Philippines, told The Associated Press that determining facts years after the deaths occurred would be challenging. Some law enforcement personnel involved in the killings attempted to avoid responsibility, she noted.

Official death records for 13 drug suspects whose bodies were recovered after Duterte left office indicated they died from natural causes such as heart attack and pneumonia, she reported.

“When I examined the remains, I found that they were hit by gunfire,” Fortun revealed.

LONDON – A new defense and security agreement was finalized Wednesday between Britain and Poland as both nations work to address mounting threats from Russia’s increasingly hostile actions, according to officials from the British government.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer put their signatures on the treaty during a ceremony in London. The agreement will enhance border protection, combat organized criminal activities, and strengthen defense collaboration with the European Union, British officials announced.

This latest military partnership with an EU nation follows comparable pacts with France and Germany, highlighting Starmer’s campaign to mend relationships damaged by Brexit nearly a decade ago while responding to calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for European nations to shoulder greater responsibility for continental security.

Prior to departing Poland, Tusk stated that both countries view “Russia as a strategic threat,” and the two leaders were anticipated to address rising hybrid warfare, cyber attacks, and espionage activities.

“The challenges Europe now faces demands an even stronger partnership,” Starmer said in a statement.

“This treaty is the biggest step forward in our defence and security relationship with Poland in a generation, allowing us to confront modern security threats that may be less visible but no less dangerous,” he added.

British officials indicated the agreement will enable both countries to merge their expertise and industrial capabilities for developing and producing advanced next-generation weaponry, including enhanced air and missile defense capabilities.

Tusk emphasized that cybersecurity represents a major component of the treaty beyond traditional defense measures. Polish officials note their country’s position as a central point for military assistance to Ukraine has made it a primary target for Russian intelligence operations, cyber warfare, and propaganda campaigns.

This Polish agreement represents the most recent bilateral defense partnership Britain has pursued under Starmer’s leadership. The Prime Minister has achieved greater success in international relations than domestic politics, where political opponents are positioning themselves and could potentially force a leadership challenge.

Following demands from Trump’s administration for Europe to increase its self-defense capabilities, raising uncertainty about the NATO alliance’s future, both Britain and Poland have actively pursued defense agreements with other countries.

Britain and France reached an agreement last year to strengthen their defense partnership, including enhanced cooperation regarding their nuclear weapons programs, while Starmer also concluded a treaty to expand relations with Germany.

Poland finalized a defense agreement with France in 2025 to boost military cooperation and is currently developing a comparable treaty with Germany.

Three hundred citizens of Ghana lined up at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport early Wednesday morning to catch one of the initial flights back to their homeland following weeks of anti-foreigner demonstrations that raised security fears across South Africa.

The departing group consisted of women and children among the 300 individuals, with officials calling it a voluntary evacuation program for Ghanaian residents who reported feeling unsafe in the country.

Officials from South Africa have been collaborating with their Ghanaian counterparts to process a roster of approximately 800 individuals who have expressed interest in departing.

An unnamed South African immigration officer told the eNCA television network: “What we found is that of the 300, only 10 of them are legal in the country, so quite a number of them are in non-compliance to our immigration act.”

The evacuation came after weeks of anti-foreigner demonstrations, with protesters calling for stricter enforcement against what they termed illegal immigrants and blaming foreign residents for contributing to criminal activity and joblessness.

The demonstrations have been marked by violent incidents targeting migrants from various sub-Saharan African nations.

A Ghanaian citizen preparing for departure said continuous intimidation influenced his choice to leave.

“I’m happy that I’m going to my country … it’s not easy to be in someone else’s country and be disturbed all the time,” the man told reporters, choosing not to reveal his identity.

Organizations advocating for migrant rights argue that foreign nationals are being unfairly blamed by South Africans for the nation’s economic challenges, including joblessness rates exceeding 30% that particularly impact the Black community.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, explained that the departures were designed to reduce tensions while maintaining positive diplomatic relations between both nations.

“The demonstrators have said they want us to work together. We must ensure that those who are undocumented are returned home and that institutions are allowed to function,” Quashie stated, rejecting suggestions of strained diplomatic relations with South Africa.

South African officials have denounced attacks against foreign residents and promised to take action against xenophobic violence, stating such behavior contradicts the country’s democratic principles.

The restored leader of Turkey’s primary opposition political organization announced Wednesday that a party congress will be scheduled after legal requirements are fulfilled, following a judicial decision that removed prior leadership and sparked internal turmoil and financial market fluctuations last week.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu informed media representatives that he plans to work with the Republican People’s Party (CHP) legal advisors to determine when the congress should occur.

The reinstated chair stated a congress “will be held, there is no alternative,” emphasizing it must occur on proper legal grounds and follow established party procedures.

Kilicdaroglu indicated all choices would be made through group consensus, noting the party assembly will likely meet and that the organization would operate strictly according to legal guidelines and protocols.

He rejected rumors regarding member expulsions from the organization, stating any such actions must comply with existing regulations.

Kilicdaroglu also condemned the decision to lock the party headquarters in response to the judicial decision, calling it inappropriate to prevent public access or prevent legislators from entering the facility.

Former CHP leader Ozgur Ozel suggested Tuesday that a leadership election should involve the party’s 2 million members rather than party representatives.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday that investigators believe an Iranian anti-ship missile was responsible for striking a cargo vessel operated by local shipping company HMM in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month.

Officials from the Iranian embassy in Seoul have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

The ministry revealed their findings during a briefing where they disclosed results from a government investigation examining the May 4 strike on the bulk carrier. The incident resulted in a fire and damage to the vessel’s lower stern hull.

Investigators examined debris from unknown objects discovered inside the ship following the strike on the vessel.

The examination revealed that the ship, called Namu, was struck twice, with the first warhead failing to detonate while a second one exploded.

Materials found in the debris suggested the objects were manufactured in Iran, according to ministry officials.

“Their engines were similar to turbojet engines made in Iran,” stated First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo, who noted that one piece contained markings that seemed to be from an Iranian manufacturer.

The explosive devices were similar to those found in Iranian anti-ship missiles, specifically the Noor or Qader models, Park explained.

South Korea plans to call in the Iranian ambassador to present the investigation findings and lodge a formal complaint, he announced.

Seoul will also require Iran to implement responsible actions to ensure such incidents don’t happen again, Park stated.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared shortly after the incident that Iran had attacked the South Korean ship, and called on Seoul to participate in U.S.-led initiatives to protect shipping routes through the strait.

Tehran has previously rejected any involvement in the attack.

BUDAPEST, May 27 (Reuters) — Hungarian lawmakers voted Wednesday to maintain their nation’s participation in the International Criminal Court, overturning a 2025 decision by the previous administration under Viktor Orban to exit the organization.

The former government under Orban had chosen to leave the ICC, claiming the judicial body had become “political.” Current Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who defeated Orban in last month’s electoral contest, had promised to maintain Hungary’s ICC membership.

LONDON, May 27 – The Iran conflict has now stretched into its fourth month, creating a stark divide in global financial markets as elevated oil prices fuel fresh concerns about inflation among policymakers, and weakening currencies present challenges for several Asian nations.

However, the ongoing conflict has provided a boost to certain assets, particularly petroleum and the dollar’s status as a secure investment.

Here’s an examination of the notable gainers and those suffering losses.

PETROLEUM’S BROADER CONSEQUENCES

Crude oil’s approximately 40% surge has disrupted expectations for inflation and monetary policy. In physical trading, petroleum prices have climbed well beyond $100 per barrel and reached nearly twice their pre-conflict levels during early April.

A historic 400-million-barrel drawdown from major economies’ strategic stockpiles, combined with traders securing alternative supply sources, has helped offset the supply shortage. However, pressure on the worldwide energy infrastructure continues to mount.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SURGE SUPPORTS EQUITIES

International stock markets have managed to navigate the turbulence thus far, as renewed artificial intelligence enthusiasm and broader expectations for a peace agreement outweigh the conflict’s negative effects.

American equities have reached new peaks, as has South Korea’s Kospi index. European markets are approaching record territory.

SK Hynix achieved a $1 trillion market capitalization for the first time Wednesday, joining fellow memory chip companies Samsung Electronics and Micron Technology in reaching this benchmark during an AI-fueled surge.

However, not every sector is benefiting.

The S&P 500 passenger airlines index has declined more than 6% since hostilities commenced due to worldwide flight disruptions. A global luxury portfolio has dropped 10%, showing investor concerns that inflation might impact consumer spending.

HSBC Private Bank global CIO Willem Sels noted the firm maintains an underweight stance on consumer-related products and services.

“It provides us with a hedge in case the conflict accelerates,” he said. “Consumption has done reasonably okay, certainly in the U.S. where you have better-off households who still consume a lot and are benefiting from AI.”

DOLLAR MAINTAINS DOMINANCE

The dollar has emerged as another beneficiary, with investors turning to its safe-haven characteristics. It has risen 1.5% versus other major currencies since hostilities began, outpacing the Swiss franc and yen.

Climbing U.S. Treasury yields have enhanced the dollar’s attractiveness, though some observers note it continues facing U.S. policy uncertainty and will probably decline when the conflict concludes.

“We are currently neutral but still expect a weaker dollar in the medium term,” said Van Luu, global head of solutions strategy at Russell Investments.

ASIAN CURRENCIES EXPERIENCE PRESSURE

Asia had purchased approximately 80% of petroleum transported through the now-closed Strait of Hormuz, and remaining fuel supplies cost more than previously. This situation is damaging growth and making their currencies among the worst performers since the conflict began.

India’s rupee, Indonesia’s rupiah and the Philippine peso have reached record lows versus the dollar, prompting some nations to raise interest rates or utilize foreign exchange reserves to mitigate the impact.

Sri Lanka surprised markets Tuesday with a 100 basis point increase.

Among Asian currencies, only China’s yuan has maintained stability, supported by significant domestic energy supplies.

ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO WORLDWIDE ECONOMY

The petroleum price spike has also damaged the global economy, especially nations dependent on energy imports.

Within the euro zone, economic activity contracted at its steepest pace in over two-and-a-half years during May, according to S&P’s composite purchasing managers index.

The conflict’s effects are worsening Europe’s financial weaknesses, the European Central Bank cautioned in a Wednesday report.

British firms also reported declining activity alongside rising input costs due to increased energy expenses.

The U.S., which maintains oil and gas independence and where AI investment is climbing, has experienced less economic damage.

Nevertheless, the international nature of petroleum markets means U.S. gasoline prices have reached a four-year peak of $4.56 per gallon.

BONDS SUFFER LOSSES

Government bonds are also among the losing investments, as the petroleum price surge has led traders to consider the possibility of higher rates responding to energy-driven inflation.

Anticipation of increased fiscal and military expenditures has added pressure on longer-term securities.

The Federal Reserve may abandon its easing stance soon, and U.S. 30-year Treasury yields have climbed to their highest levels since 2007, trading above 5%.

German Bund yields have reached their highest point in more than 15 years as traders anticipate at least two ECB rate increases by year’s end.

Israeli military officials announced Wednesday they successfully targeted and eliminated the newly appointed commander of Hamas’ armed forces in Tuesday’s airstrikes on Gaza City, marking another high-profile killing less than two weeks after eliminating his predecessor.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israeli military sources confirmed the Tuesday operations resulted in the death of Mohammed Odeh, who they identified as the latest military chief of the organization.

Relatives of an individual named Mohammed Odeh verified his death in the bombing but did not verify his role as the military commander. Hamas leadership has remained silent on the matter.

Katz described him as “one of the architects” of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that sparked more than two years of conflict in Gaza and noted this marks the fourth occasion Israel has eliminated the commander of Hamas’ armed wing since that assault. The prior commander, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, was eliminated on May 16.

Tuesday’s bombing resulted in a minimum of three fatalities and 12 wounded individuals, occurring just before Eid al-Adha, an important Islamic celebration.

“We pledged to eliminate everyone who led the October 7 massacre and this is what we will do: they are all bound to die, everywhere,” Katz posted on X Wednesday. “We pledged that Hamas will not hold civilian or military rule.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces upcoming fall elections, similarly vowed that Israel would pursue all participants in the Oct. 7, 2023, assault.

The bombing occurred while Muslims were making preparations for Eid al-Adha, typically a celebratory period marked by family reunions and festive meals.

The religious observance remains muted again this year throughout Gaza, where the overwhelming majority of residents continue living as refugees in makeshift accommodations following the destructive conflict. Approximately 90% of Gaza’s population exceeding 2 million has lost their residences, based on U.N. data, with most now housed in massive temporary encampments plagued by rodent problems and standing wastewater. Survival depends entirely on humanitarian assistance.

Eid al-Adha, known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” represents a significant Islamic observance celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. The four-day celebration, which coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, traditionally brings families together while children receive new clothing and presents.

“This is not Eid … we’re dead,” stated Mahmoud Saqer, a refugee from Khan Younis, describing residents as traumatized by the continuing human tragedy and violence throughout the region.

Throughout Khan Younis and Gaza City, surrounded by demolished structures including a destroyed mosque, residents assembled for Eid prayers with minimal festive atmosphere except for occasional balloon displays along one roadway. Tahrir al-Khatib observed that the happiness typically associated with Eid has been extinguished in Gaza.

“There’s no Eid. My children were killed. Eid is only for the people who lost no one,” expressed Ayda Al-Banna, a displaced woman from Gaza City, who attended Eid prayers alongside her granddaughter.

A truce established between Israel and Hamas last October continues to face challenges. Israeli military operations have resulted in over 880 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began. Israel maintains its operations respond to Hamas violations or dangers to its forces, though Palestinian medical authorities report numerous civilians among the casualties. Four Israeli military personnel have also died during this timeframe in Gaza.

Israel initiated its Gaza campaign following the Hamas assault in October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 individuals taken captive.

Gaza’s Palestinian Health Ministry reports more than 72,700 Palestinians have died from Israeli military action. The ministry, operating under Gaza’s Hamas administration, does not separate civilian and combatant casualties.

BERLIN (AP) — German authorities have taken into custody a Syrian man suspected of helping plan a violent attack at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial that left a Spanish visitor seriously injured earlier this year.

Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that the suspect, identified only as Khalaf A. according to German privacy laws, faces charges of being an accessory to attempted murder and causing bodily harm.

According to investigators, the man spent the day before the February 21, 2025 incident with Wassim Al M., the convicted attacker, and provided encouragement for the planned assault.

Wassim Al M., who is also Syrian, received a 13-year prison sentence in March after being found guilty on multiple charges, including attempted murder and seeking to join a foreign terrorist organization.

Court proceedings revealed that the attacker had traveled from Leipzig to Berlin specifically to conduct an assault on behalf of the Islamic State group.

During sentencing, presiding judge Doris Husch explained that the perpetrator selected the Holocaust Memorial as his target because “he believed he would find people of Jewish faith there.” The attack involved stabbing the Spanish visitor in the throat, followed by the attacker shouting “Allahu akbar,” meaning “God is great.”

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe consists of 2,700 gray concrete blocks situated near the Brandenburg Gate in central Berlin, serving as a tribute to the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

The violent incident occurred just two days prior to Germany’s national election, during which immigration policy emerged as a major campaign topic following several fatal attacks involving immigrants in the preceding months.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police in an Australian state are developing a heavily armed quick-response unit following a deadly December shooting that claimed 15 lives and injured three officers who carried only handguns during a Sydney Hanukkah event, officials revealed during a government investigation Wednesday.

During testimony at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, which is examining antisemitism’s growth in Australia before the Dec. 14 Bondi Beach incident, New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson outlined a significant weapons disparity.

The department has responded by creating plans for an Armed Response Command, outfitted with semiautomatic rifles, while also restarting a priority operation targeting antisemitic incidents and retaliatory attacks on Muslim communities, Hudson testified.

Previously, rifles in the department were mainly limited to two specialized paramilitary units, he explained.

Two men, identified as father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, allegedly used two shotguns and a hunting rifle to fire upon hundreds of Hanukkah celebrants in a beachside park. Just four officers were on scene, carrying Glock pistols that work effectively only at close range.

“On Dec. 14, our police officers were placed at significant risk being in a gunfight armed with 9 mm Glocks against long arms,” Hudson stated to the commission.

Eleven officers arrived within five minutes of the alleged shooting by the Akrams. Three of those responding officers were among the many people injured in the attack. Officers fatally shot the father and captured the wounded son in under eight minutes from the initial gunfire, Monday’s hearing revealed.

Following the incident, police also reactivated Operation Shelter, which had been created to address rising community tensions following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Hudson noted.

Hudson had created Operation Shelter as a “high visibility” proactive police initiative to prevent street violence escalation in Sydney. During its busiest period, 200 officers were deployed daily to the operation, which could pull additional personnel from other assignments when needed.

Operation Shelter was functioning “in name only” during the Bondi attack, Hudson said Wednesday, noting that officials quickly restarted the program after the shooting and upgraded it to an “active policing resource” that will continue until the armed response unit becomes fully operational within the next 18 months to two years.

Representatives from European Union member countries approved legislation Wednesday that would eliminate tariffs on numerous American products, according to an EU source familiar with the proceedings. The action is designed to prevent threatened higher U.S. tariffs on European automobiles and other exports.

The agreement originated from negotiations held at a Scottish golf resort owned by President Donald Trump last July. In that arrangement, European officials committed to eliminating tariffs on American industrial products and providing favorable treatment for U.S. agricultural and seafood exports, while accepting 15% American tariffs on most European goods.

Nearly ten months after reaching that initial agreement, European officials have not yet implemented their portion of the arrangement. This delay prompted Trump to warn he would impose “much higher” tariffs on European products if the EU fails to meet its obligations by July 4.

Diplomatic representatives from all 27 EU nations have now approved the legislation needed to implement the tariff reductions. This decision followed negotiations between EU government representatives and European Parliament members last week, which also established protective measures in case the Trump administration violates the trade agreement.

The European Parliament must still approve the legislation. The parliamentary trade committee plans to conduct a preliminary vote next Tuesday, with the full assembly expected to make a final decision in mid-June.

The protective provisions, advocated by EU legislators, include a clause terminating the trade agreement at the end of 2029 and language allowing the European Commission to halt portions of the deal if the United States fails to maintain 15% tariffs on washing machines, wind turbines and other products containing significant steel or aluminum. These items currently face 25% tariffs.

Latvia is bolstering its anti-drone capabilities along borders shared with Russia and Moscow-allied Belarus after unmanned aircraft have crossed into the NATO member nation, according to a military official.

Recent weeks have seen Ukrainian drones drift into Baltic NATO countries’ airspace, creating confusion and heightening tensions with Russia during a period when U.S. dedication to NATO’s mutual defense principles faces scrutiny.

Ukraine, which has been striking Russia’s Baltic oil loading facilities, has attributed the wayward drones to Russian interference with their aircraft’s navigation signals, causing them to deviate from intended flight paths.

On May 7, two such unmanned vehicles detonated at an unoccupied oil storage site in Latvia. Another crashed into a lake on Saturday after entering the country undetected, with a fisherman observing the incident.

An incoming drone prompted Lithuanian legislators in the capital Vilnius to seek underground protection on May 20, while a NATO fighter aircraft destroyed another unmanned vehicle over Estonia on May 19.

“We plan to deploy (drone) interceptor teams over the next two weeks”, Modris Kairiss, head of the Latvian Army Autonomous Systems Competence Centre, told Reuters at a side event of the Drone Summit conference in Latvia.

These units will include up to four soldiers operating from rugged terrain vehicles with killer drones capable of eliminating incoming military aircraft within a 10-km (6-mile) range, he explained.

The quantity of such units patrolling Latvia’s 400-km border with Russia and its ally Belarus remains classified information.

“We do need to increase the number of such teams, but we need to balance this against other army needs. If we put them on every kilometer of the border, we will quickly burn all army resources”, he said.

Speaking at a military testing facility where Latvia is evaluating cutting-edge drone technologies through a NATO program, Kairiss explained that neutralizing military drones during peacetime presents complications, as radar information in NATO nations is classified and distributing it to soldiers responsible for drone destruction proves cumbersome.

“It’s not enough to engage with anything you notice. We need to identify it first”, to avoid hitting a civilian airplane, Kairiss said.

An additional emerging challenge for Latvia’s military, and NATO overall, involves the increasing deployment of small drones, Kairiss noted.

“They are several steps ahead of the anti-drone systems… Detection and interception of the small targets is hard, and it’s the big challenge that soon we will all face,” he said.

MADRID, May 27 – Law enforcement officials conducted a search at the headquarters of Spain’s governing Socialist Party on Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspected illegal payment schemes, according to Spanish media reports. The action comes amid multiple corruption investigations involving associates of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

A representative from the Guardia Civil confirmed to Reuters that officers had accessed the PSOE offices, though no additional information was provided due to the confidential nature of the proceedings.

The law enforcement action was conducted under a court order requesting specific information with advance notification, which differs from surprise raids designed to collect broader evidence without prior warning.

Party representative Montse Minguez spoke to Catalunya Radio, stating the organization remained composed and was providing complete cooperation with judicial authorities, emphasizing their commitment to providing any requested materials.

The Prime Minister’s party has faced numerous corruption allegations recently, with several investigations targeting close associates and relatives.

Last week, a court announced that former Socialist leader Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a close associate of Sanchez, was under investigation for allegedly orchestrating an influence-peddling and money-laundering operation, dealing another setback to the leftist administration. Zapatero has rejected any accusations of misconduct.

A leader of Tibet’s government-in-exile began his second consecutive term Wednesday after being inaugurated in Dharamshala, India, following his victory in elections earlier this year.

Penpa Tsering, age 58, has headed the exile administration located in Dharamshala since 2021. He won another five-year term during February voting among Tibetans residing in India and other countries. Tsering initially joined the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in 1996 and held the speaker position from 2008 before advancing to the chief executive role.

Established in 1959, the Tibetan exile government, currently known as the Central Tibetan Administration, operates with executive, judicial and legislative divisions.

During Wednesday’s ceremony, Tsering declared that the Central Tibetan Administration “remains firmly committed to the ‘Middle Way Policy’ envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” explaining that this approach pursues resolution through nonviolence, dialogue and lasting mutual benefit.

“Until a resolution is achieved, we will continue the back-channel communications with caution and steadiness with the Chinese government,” he stated.

The inauguration ceremony occurred with the Dalai Lama present, who arrived at the location accompanied by red-robed monks while drums beat and prayers were chanted. Hundreds of monks and Tibetans watched as Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission conducted the oath administration.

February’s election represented the fourth direct vote for Tibetan exile leadership since the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, officially stepped back from administrative governance in 2011.

China maintains Tibet has belonged to its territory since the mid-13th century and the Communist Party has controlled the Himalayan area since 1951. However, many Tibetans claim they maintained effective independence throughout most of their history and believe the Chinese government seeks to extract resources from the region while destroying its cultural heritage.

China refuses to acknowledge the Central Tibetan Administration and has avoided discussions with the Dalai Lama’s representatives since 2010. India regards Tibet as Chinese territory while providing sanctuary to the Tibetan exile government.

Beijing claims the Dalai Lama wants to split Tibet from China, which he rejects. Certain Tibetan organizations support independence for Tibet, given minimal advancement in negotiations with China.

Yu Jing, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, rejected the exile administration’s legitimacy on Sunday, declaring it was “not recognized by any sovereign country” and lacked authority to represent Tibetans or manage the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process.

During his 90th birthday celebration last year, the Dalai Lama emphasized that Chinese officials would play no part in selecting his successor and the Dalai Lama institution would persist beyond his death.

Beijing has expressed its desire to restore diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic and rebuild what it calls their historical friendship, according to statements made by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to his Czech counterpart Petr Macinka, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday.

While the Czech Republic officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taiwan, which China considers its territory, Prague has developed stronger connections with the island nation in recent years and has received increased investment from Taiwan.

According to CCTV, Wang emphasized that both nations should “strengthen dialogue and cooperation, enhance political mutual trust and gradually expand practical cooperation in areas such as economy, trade and tourism” to guide their relationship in the proper direction.

Wang characterized Taiwan as a domestic matter for China and expressed hope that the Czech government would “practice the One-China principle … and promote China-Czech relations back on a healthy development track.”

Beijing has expressed disapproval of connections between Prague and Taipei, maintaining that the democratically-governed island lacks authority for diplomatic relationships between nations, a position that Taipei’s government firmly disputes.

Last week, Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung traveled to Prague and participated in a forum there.

Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil plans to lead a business delegation to Taiwan next week, where he is scheduled to meet with President Lai Ching-te.

Tensions also escalated last year when Czech President Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama in India during July. Additionally, a delegation from the Czech parliament visited Dharamshala in December and held meetings with the Tibetan spiritual leader.

In March, China expressed strong opposition to the Czech Senate’s approval of a draft resolution regarding the Dalai Lama’s succession, claiming it “grossly interfered” with domestic matters.

Israeli military officials announced Wednesday that they eliminated Hamas’s recently named military commander in a Gaza operation, continuing their campaign against the organization’s leadership structure.

Military sources confirmed that Mohammad Odeh was killed during Tuesday’s operation in Gaza.

A family member verified Odeh’s death to news agencies and indicated funeral services would occur following midday prayers in Gaza City. While Hamas leadership has not released an official response, Odeh’s family stated he died alongside his wife and son in the attack.

Gaza medical authorities reported that six individuals, including at least one woman, lost their lives and more than 20 sustained injuries in the same Israeli airstrike that demolished the top floor of a residential building in Gaza City’s Rimal district. Emergency responders continued searching the area for additional victims.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Tuesday that Odeh had led Hamas’s intelligence operations during the October 7, 2023 cross-border assault on Israel that sparked the current Gaza conflict. According to Netanyahu, Odeh received his appointment roughly one week ago to succeed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the organization’s top military leader, who was eliminated by Israeli forces on May 15.

Hamas-affiliated sources would not verify Odeh’s designation as the new military commander but acknowledged he was considered a likely candidate to replace Haddad, given his role leading military intelligence and his status as potentially the final surviving member of the armed wing’s senior command structure.

Prior to the attack, Israel declared it had broadened ground operations in Lebanon, where it has engaged Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters since launching strikes against Iran alongside the United States in late February. Israeli forces are also escalating military actions in the West Bank.

Israel and Hamas remain at an impasse in indirect negotiations regarding the second phase of a ceasefire agreement, which would involve the group’s disarmament and Israeli military withdrawals.

The October ceasefire left Israeli forces controlling more than half of Gaza, while Hamas maintains authority over a narrow strip of coastal area.

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared in a statement that Hamas would lose both civilian and military authority over Gaza and that plans for what he termed “voluntary migration” from the territory would be executed “at the right time and in the right way.”

Approximately 900 Palestinians have died in Israeli attacks since the truce took effect, based on Gaza health ministry data that does not separate combatants from civilians.

Four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants during the same timeframe, according to military officials.

Israel has eliminated dozens of Hamas leaders and military personnel since the Gaza conflict began, pledging to kill or capture anyone involved in the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Hamas does not release casualty figures for its fighters. Israel maintains its post-ceasefire strikes target those planning attacks or attempting to approach its armistice line with Hamas.

More than 72,000 Gazans have died since fighting commenced in October 2023, with most being civilians, according to Gaza health officials. Israel states it employs extraordinary measures to minimize civilian casualties.

Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel resulted in 1,200 deaths, based on Israeli records.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Wednesday that his country seeks to elevate its relationship with Britain to the highest level possible, with a primary focus on defense cooperation against Russian threats, as he prepared to depart for London.

The United Kingdom is set to formalize a new defense and security agreement with Poland on Wednesday aimed at bolstering military cooperation amid growing hostile activities throughout Europe, according to government officials. This pact follows comparable agreements Britain has already established with France and Germany.

Chinese officials have carried out the death sentence against a man who murdered a wealthy gaming executive using poison in a workplace revenge scheme, according to media reports from Taiwan.

The executed individual, Xu Yao, was found guilty of murdering Lin Qi, who established the Shanghai-based gaming company Yoozoo Games. Lin’s firm possessed the movie rights to a bestselling science fiction book series called “The Three-Body Problem.”

The science fiction novels, written by Chinese author Liu Cixin, have been published in over 40 languages and transformed into various entertainment formats, including the Netflix television series “3 Body Problem” that debuted in 2024.

According to media accounts, Xu previously led a division within Yoozoo Games and killed Lin in December 2020 after being marginalized by the company founder. This occurred shortly after Xu had assisted his boss in securing the Netflix agreement.

Court proceedings concluded with Xu’s conviction in 2024, and authorities executed him on May 21, media outlets reported.

The gaming company acknowledged the execution through a Tuesday announcement on the Weibo social media service.

“Recently, the case concerning Mr. Lin Qi, the founder of Three-Body Universe, has finally reached its conclusion, and justice has ultimately been served,” the statement read.

“All of us at the company are deeply grateful for the upholding of justice,” it continued.

Neither Yoozoo Games nor the Shanghai High People’s Court provided immediate responses to requests for additional information on Wednesday.

Media reports indicate that Xu purchased expensive toxic materials online, spending hundreds of thousands of yuan (equivalent to tens of thousands of dollars). These included alpha-amanitin, a deadly substance present in certain toxic mushrooms.

The perpetrator concealed these poisons within fake probiotic supplements and also placed them in coffee pods, drinking water, and whisky containers before distributing them to Lin and additional company workers.

Medical personnel hospitalized Lin in December 2020, where he passed away several days afterward at age 39.

Multiple other individuals became ill from the poisoning but survived, according to media accounts.

“The Three-Body Problem” book series has achieved widespread success in China and internationally. Its creator, Liu, made history as the first Chinese author to receive the Hugo Award, considered the most prestigious honor in science fiction.

Within China, these works have sparked expansion of the science fiction entertainment sector, encompassing films, computer games, publications, periodicals and exhibitions.

Off-course Ukrainian military drones have been crossing into the airspace of Baltic nations over recent weeks, creating confusion and heightening regional tensions with Russia during a period when questions persist about U.S. dedication to NATO’s mutual defense agreements.

These airspace violations have happened while Ukraine intensifies its drone campaign against Russian Baltic seaports that process roughly 40% of the country’s oil and gas exports, four years into Moscow’s comprehensive invasion.

In the majority of incidents, both Kyiv and Baltic officials have verified the wandering drones belong to Ukraine but point to Russia as responsible for forcing them off their intended routes through electronic warfare systems that interfere with or manipulate guidance signals.

Both Russian and Ukrainian forces commonly deploy such electronic countermeasures to disrupt opposing drone and missile navigation systems.

Moscow has alleged the Baltic nations are cooperating to allow Ukraine access to their airspace for launching strikes against Russian facilities. Both the Baltic countries and Ukraine reject these accusations.

The three Baltic NATO members – Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – strongly back Kyiv and claim Russia employs threatening rhetoric to intimidate them, hoping they will pressure Ukraine to halt its offensive operations.

“They’re desperately now using any kind of opportunity to divide the Western part of the world and … to put more pressure on Ukraine not to launch these attacks,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a phone interview.

While most wayward drones have caused no harm, either crashing in empty areas or departing Baltic airspace, anxiety levels are rising.

A NATO fighter aircraft destroyed a suspected Ukrainian drone over Estonia on May 19, marking the first instance NATO’s Baltic air mission had “fired a missile in defence of the Alliance” since these nations joined in 2004, according to NATO officials speaking to Reuters.

On May 20, Lithuanian parliament members evacuated to underground shelters as a drone neared Vilnius. The next day, air raid warnings sounded across northern Lithuania.

“The threat level is growing. Drones are flying in. They are Ukrainian, but some are loaded with explosives and can hit civilian objects. We must protect people,” Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas told Reuters.

Asta Skaisgiryte, foreign policy adviser to Lithuania’s president, explained the Baltic region faces particularly intense challenges now due to Ukrainian advances in drone technology that enhance their long-distance strike capabilities.

She suggested Russia might be intentionally rerouting drones into neighboring countries’ airspace.

Multiple drones have penetrated Baltic airspace without detection, exposing weaknesses in air defense systems along NATO’s frontier with Russia and Belarus.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina stepped down after dismissing her defense minister, holding him accountable for inadequate air defense preparations.

Even while maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine, Estonian leaders have informed Kyiv that airspace breaches are unhelpful and expressed expectations for better drone control.

A Ukrainian military source described a “serious” investigation underway to understand how Russia manipulates Ukrainian drones to stray into Baltic airspace.

A senior Swedish military source suggested Ukraine deliberately flies drones near the Baltic-Russian border, using it as protection since Russia would avoid firing into NATO territory and risking direct conflict.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry rejected this claim, accusing Russia of jamming drones to intentionally redirect them toward the Baltics while stating Kyiv selects flight routes that minimize risks to Baltic partners.

“We have intelligence about Russia deliberately doing this, these are not just abstract claims on our side,” said Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry.

Russian embassies in Vilnius and Stockholm did not respond to comment requests.

During a recent U.N. Security Council session, Russia’s ambassador claimed Moscow possessed information about Ukrainian plans to launch military drones from Latvia and other Baltic states, warning Russia would retaliate.

Though Latvia’s representative called his statements “pure fiction,” Russia’s foreign intelligence service SVR alleged Riga had approved the arrangement despite concerns about becoming “a victim of Moscow’s retaliatory strike.”

Tsahkna and Kaunas interpreted such declarations as evidence of Russian weakness amid struggles to counter Ukrainian drones or achieve significant battlefield progress.

Linas Kojala, director of the Vilnius-based Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, warned of miscalculation risks from “provocative” Russian actions.

“The tensions are high, there is a risk of an unintended escalation,” he told Reuters.

While European leaders consider Russia a significant threat, the United States – NATO’s primary military force with tens of thousands of European-based troops – has delivered conflicting messages about its continental defense commitment.

President Donald Trump has hinted the U.S. might withdraw from NATO, and Washington announced delays to a Polish troop deployment this month, though later revealed plans for an additional 5,000 personnel.

A Baltic security official, speaking anonymously, characterized Russian rhetoric as primarily aimed at domestic audiences to highlight “war-mongering Europeans.”

“They want to hide the fact that they are actually struggling in coping with the Ukrainian drone attacks,” the official said. “From our perspective, the security situation in the region has not changed.”

A Chinese farm owner never anticipated that his simple job posting for shepherd positions would become an internet phenomenon, attracting hundreds of desperate job seekers and highlighting the nation’s employment challenges.

Zuo Xiaoyong found himself overwhelmed when more than 700 people responded to his advertisement for just two shepherd roles. The applicants included office workers from major cities like Shanghai and Chongqing, factory employees from various regions, and recent college graduates.

The job listing, posted in late April, generated massive attention on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of X, accumulating 59 million views in just hours and sparking over 21,000 discussion threads.

“I didn’t expect it to go viral,” Zuo commented, noting that one-tenth of those who applied were recent university graduates, while others were struggling with debt, demanding factory jobs, or workplace stress.

“It seems ordinary people are having a hard time finding work,” he observed.

The massive response reflects deeper issues in China’s employment landscape. Despite official unemployment rates remaining slightly above 5%, underemployment continues to climb, and private sector wages have failed to keep pace with economic expansion for nearly ten years. Workers in both blue-collar and white-collar positions frequently criticize the demanding ‘996’ work schedule – laboring from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days weekly.

Economic experts predict worsening job market conditions in upcoming months due to rising factory costs from international conflicts, increasing artificial intelligence implementation, and a record-breaking 12.7 million university graduates entering the job hunt this summer.

Lynn Song, chief China economist at ING, described the reaction to Zuo’s advertisement as “symptomatic of what continues to be a highly competitive and often low-rewarding labour market.”

“Urban jobs are becoming less attractive and more rare,” Song added.

China’s 5% economic expansion depends significantly on booming exports, as manufacturers reduce profits to capture global market share, intensifying pressure on domestic workers.

Among the applicants was James Guo, who sought the position due to exhaustion from his container manufacturing job.

“You have no idea what it’s like to work more than 13 hours a day, fastening screws until your hands are swollen and covered in blisters, without even having time to go to the bathroom,” the 21-year-old explained. “The workload is too intense, I can’t take it anymore.”

Zuo’s job requirements involved managing 3,000 sheep across a 2,000-hectare pasture during summer months and handling demanding indoor feeding and cleaning tasks during harsh winters when temperatures plummet below minus 30 Celsius.

The compensation offered 8,000 yuan ($1,178) monthly per shepherd, exceeding the national urban private company average of approximately 6,000 yuan, plus provided housing and food.

Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research Group, noted that master’s degree holders from prestigious universities in Shanghai typically seek comparable salaries, but most earnings disappear on rent for cramped apartments and basic living costs.

Zuo, who also manages 200 cattle, emphasized that the generous pay reflects the job’s difficulties.

“The salary is high, but whether you can work long-term and get through the winter is what matters most,” Zuo stated. “This is not tourism.”

Half the applicants were born during the 1990s, representing an age group affected by what Chinese workers term the ‘curse of 35,’ as research indicates most employers, including government agencies, dismiss candidates exceeding that age.

“We are seeing the ‘curse of 35’ move from a tech-sector meme to a broader economic reality,” explained Christian Yao, senior lecturer in human resource management at Victoria University of Wellington.

Wu, a 28-year-old e-commerce employee who provided only her surname for privacy, earns 10,000 yuan monthly but found the shepherding opportunity appealing.

“I want to escape city life and stop dealing with all kinds of difficult people,” Wu shared. “I could enjoy a peaceful, secluded life away from the world.”

Ultimately, Zuo selected four shepherds – two married couples – all born in the 1980s with previous farming experience. While maintaining a waiting list of 40 additional couples, he refuses to consider unmarried individuals or young city dwellers.

“In our place, you might not see people for a whole year,” Zuo concluded. “Whether someone can endure such loneliness, I don’t know.”

Counterfeit merchandise continues to flow freely through Vietnamese markets despite ongoing government enforcement campaigns and looming U.S. trade penalties, according to recent observations by news reporters.

At Hanoi’s Ninh Hiep wholesale market, vendors openly acknowledge that enforcement efforts have minimal lasting impact on their operations. One merchant selling knockoff designer polo shirts explained the routine nature of police visits.

“Police come once a year with a TV crew. They film the seizure of a shop, and then it’s business as usual,” the vendor stated.

The Ninh Hiep market ranks among approximately 30 “notorious markets” globally that the U.S. Trade Representative has identified in its most recent annual assessment of counterfeiting and intellectual property theft.

U.S. officials have also highlighted streaming platforms like MyFlixerz, which they believe operate from Vietnam and attract hundreds of millions of monthly users worldwide by providing illegal access to movies and television programs. These sites remained active as of May 27, despite announced enforcement measures.

Neither the U.S. Trade Representative nor Vietnam’s foreign ministry provided responses to requests for comment.

The United States considers Vietnam’s intellectual property violations a significant threat to American economic interests. On April 30, Washington labeled the Southeast Asian country as the globe’s most serious intellectual property offender and indicated it could initiate an investigation by the end of May, potentially resulting in trade penalties.

This designation came as Vietnam’s exports to America surged, creating a U.S. trade deficit of $54.8 billion with Vietnam during the first quarter of this year – exceeding deficits with major trading partners China and Mexico, according to U.S. government statistics. The current administration has consistently emphasized its goal of reducing trade imbalances.

Following April’s classification as a “priority foreign country” for intellectual property violations – making Vietnam the first nation added to this worst-offender category in 13 years – the foreign ministry responded that Vietnam has made “strenuous efforts” to safeguard intellectual property rights and called on the United States to provide “an objective and balanced assessment of Vietnam’s efforts and achievements.”

In response to the U.S. announcement, Vietnamese authorities initiated an anti-counterfeiting and online piracy campaign running from May 7 through 30.

Similar enforcement action occurred last year following the previous administration’s implementation of 46% tariffs on Vietnamese imports, which have since been lowered to 10%. Vietnam has been pursuing trade agreement discussions with Washington, its primary export destination, for the past year.

News reporters made two visits to Ninh Hiep this month – once before the crackdown began and again on May 25 – interviewing approximately 10 market vendors. All described a pattern of routine government enforcement operations that produce limited long-term results. The vendors requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of their business.

One seller revealed that recent police activity had caused some shops to reduce their displays of branded counterfeit items, but noted, “Fakes are still available in our storage if ordered.”

Officials responsible for anti-counterfeiting enforcement did not respond to requests for comment.

Reporters observed numerous stalls selling counterfeit clothing featuring brands such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Gap and Alo Yoga. Many products included Chinese-language labels identifying their manufacturers. When questioned, shop workers acknowledged the items were fake, primarily imported from Guangzhou, China, with a smaller portion manufactured domestically in Vietnam.

Previous enforcement campaigns have shown limited effectiveness, with some merchants noting that enforcement pressure and new tax regulations have affected their business. Another “notorious market” in Ho Chi Minh City faced police raids last year but continues operating.

Motorcycle riders still navigate Ninh Hiep’s cramped pathways, seeking merchandise for resale in downtown Hanoi and other retail locations.

“As long as there is demand, there will be supply,” one vendor observed.

KRYVYI RIH, Ukraine — When a Russian missile strike cost Iryna Nakonechna her left leg and claimed her husband’s life last year, the Ukrainian woman made a drastic decision to eliminate all connections to her past existence.

She chopped off her flowing dark hair and cleared out furniture, clothing, keepsakes and photos from her residence. Only one memento from her earlier life stayed: a picture showing her with her husband, Serhii Nakonechnyi.

Abandoning her former identity became essential, she explained, to survive the difficult transformation needed to create a new existence with an artificial limb.

Now, Nakonechna displays sharp wit and bubbly energy, with sudden bursts of loud laughter. She sports a short pixie cut and striking red cat-eye glasses, and creates small knitted toy capybaras — creatures that have emerged as an unofficial emblem among Ukraine’s amputee community. However, behind the brightness in her gaze exists sorrow intertwined with the challenging journey of becoming a different person. This represents a frequently unmentioned truth behind the stories of strength surrounding Ukraine’s tens of thousands of limb-loss survivors from the conflict that started over four years ago with Russia’s comprehensive invasion.

“The most challenging aspect was learning to accept myself with these injuries, wounds that extend beyond the physical,” she explained. “Understanding how dramatically my existence has transformed has been extremely hard.”

Ukraine’s precise count of war amputees remains unclear, but the figure keeps climbing as explosive devices, artillery fire, and missile and drone attacks cause devastating injuries to military personnel and civilians alike. This growth has sparked an expansion of rehabilitation and prosthetic care, while simultaneously transforming Ukrainian society. Artificial limbs have become increasingly prominent and meaningful symbols of endurance and resistance.

Nakonechna, 50, continues walking with an uneven gait and relies on a walking stick while adapting to the prosthetic that extends to her upper thigh. The air attack also restricted movement in her arms, creating challenges when lifting heavy items.

The following phase in Nakonechna’s recovery involves mastering walking without assistance from a cane, according to her physical therapist, Anastasiia Stetsenko.

She needs to develop not just physical strength, but mental confidence as well. She must learn to trust herself during movements most individuals consider automatic: ascending stairs, bending down to retrieve objects, walking on uneven pavement, or keeping up with her 2-year-old grandson during playground visits.

Nakonechna’s weekly hour-long appointments with Stetsenko start by detaching her prosthetic and placing it against the wall.

Next, Stetsenko instructs Nakonechna to raise a plastic bar while sitting, coordinating the motion with her breathing pattern.

“You are a demon,” Nakonechna tells Stetsenko, when the workouts become challenging.

Subsequently, Stetsenko positions Nakonechna on her back to rotate her amputated limb in gentle circles, evaluating her movement capabilities.

“This feels like an extreme sport,” Nakonechna remarks.

Eventually, Stetsenko recommends she perform squats while holding a ballet barre, among the most difficult movements for her to master again.

“I will respond as my grandson would,” Nakonechna declares. “Just no.”

Both women burst into fits of laughter, resembling longtime companions rather than therapist and client.

The assault occurred on March 5, 2025. Following their evening meal, Nakonechna and her husband decided to take advantage of unusually mild spring temperatures with a nighttime walk.

They were positioned near a hotel entrance in downtown Kryvyi Rih when a Russian missile ripped through the structure, throwing them in different directions.

Her ears buzzed as her husband, now meters away, cried out in pain.

She lifted herself up and felt her left shoulder grinding. The bones had shattered. She reached toward her left leg but felt nothing.

The pair were transported to separate medical facilities. Her husband passed away the following day.

“I never got to say goodbye,” Nakonechna stated. “I wasn’t even at the funeral.”

During the following two months, time became a haze as Nakonechna endured twice-weekly surgical procedures.

By May of that year, she could finally sit upright once more.

She experienced relief, she noted, but it marked just the start.

The residence Nakonechna previously shared with her husband now appears completely different.

“I had to get rid of everything from the past,” she stated. “And focus on living my life, even if it was half the life I had before.”

Nakonechna asked her 77-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia, to come live with her. During lunch, her mother cautiously places a pot of borscht on the table. Nakonechna mentioned such activities are no longer simple for her.

She expresses sadness that she still cannot pick up her grandson, Tymofii. One day, the child attached a sticker showing a cartoon capybara with a prosthetic leg onto her own artificial limb. She kept it there.

A precise craftsperson, she subsequently started creating knitted toy capybaras through Superhumans, a contemporary war-trauma facility focused on prosthetics and rehabilitation. Throughout the conflict, veterans began placing these toys and stickers of the gentle, cheerful animals on their limbs to help strangers feel comfortable. The capybara has since become a symbol of strength and the drive to find happiness again after tragedy.

Nakonechna’s creations rapidly gained popularity, and she dedicates hours to knitting them. Her preferred moment comes when putting together the final pieces, transforming the creation into a complete toy.

“When I count the stitches, I think only about the stitches, not about the life that could have been and unfortunately is not,” Nakonechna explained.

Recently, she achieved a personal milestone: For the first time following her injury, she put on shorts.

This simple action represented a significant transformation.

“I accepted myself as I am,” she declared.

Taiwanese authorities are investigating allegations that three people illegally transported Nvidia computer chips to China by first routing the shipment through Japan, according to a Bloomberg News report published Wednesday.

The report, which cited sources with knowledge of the investigation, claims prosecutors believe the individuals managed to successfully complete at least one such smuggling operation.

The news agency Reuters noted they were unable to independently confirm the Bloomberg report’s details.

LONDON (AP) — The United Kingdom and its international partners face the possibility of defeat in digital warfare against enemies like Russia if citizens, businesses and government agencies don’t make cybersecurity a far more pressing priority, according to a top British intelligence official.

Anne Keast-Butler, who leads the communications intelligence agency GCHQ, plans to deliver a warning Wednesday that Moscow is “relentlessly targeting critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust” throughout Britain and Europe. Speaking at a historic World War II codebreaking facility outside London, she will claim Russia is conducting technology theft while planning sabotage operations and assassination plots.

Keast-Butler intends to state that swift developments in artificial intelligence indicate “the ground beneath our feet is shifting” and there exists a “narrowing window for the U.K. and allies to stay ahead” of nations like China, which she describes as a science and technology “superpower.”

She will contend that efforts must be made “from boardrooms to living rooms” to make cybersecurity “10 times more urgent,” based on excerpts provided beforehand by GCHQ, which stands for Government Communications Headquarters.

This represents another in a series of alerts from Western intelligence officials and security specialists that Russia is escalating aggressive actions in what they call a “gray zone” that remains just short of actual warfare.

Over recent months, government officials in nations including Sweden, Poland, Denmark and Norway have claimed that computer hackers connected to Russia have attacked their essential infrastructure, including electrical facilities and water systems.

Richard Horne, who directs the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre, cautioned last month that antagonistic nations including Russia, China and Iran are responsible for the most dangerous cyber attacks facing the country. He indicated such assaults might escalate significantly if Britain enters an international military conflict.

Keast-Butler intends to emphasize how crucial international cooperation remains as U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach to foreign relations and dismissal of traditional allies creates tension between London and Washington.

Notably, she will present the annual GCHQ director’s address at Bletchley Park, an estate located 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of London where hundreds of mathematicians, code specialists, puzzle solvers, chess experts and other professionals labored to break Nazi Germany’s supposedly impenetrable secret communications.

Their efforts both reduced the length of the war and accelerated the development of contemporary computing technology.

Israel’s armed forces reported Wednesday that a missile launched from Lebanese territory landed in an uninhabited section of Israel following the activation of warning sirens across multiple northern communities, with authorities confirming no casualties occurred.

A Canadian official confirmed Tuesday that the country has finalized an agreement to ship liquefied natural gas to Germany through a proposed export terminal on the Pacific Coast.

According to the official, who requested anonymity since they lacked authorization to discuss the matter before Wednesday’s formal announcement, Canada will enter into the contract with Germany’s SEFE group, an organization focused on Securing Energy for Europe. The gas will come from the planned KSI Lisims export facility located along British Columbia’s coastline.

Under the agreement, as much as 1 million metric tons (1.1 million US tons) of liquefied natural gas will be shipped annually.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has established an objective to increase non-U.S. trade by 100% within ten years. Currently, Canada, despite its abundant oil and gas resources, sends nearly all of its energy exports to the United States.

British Columbia Premier David Eby stated earlier Tuesday that securing a contract to provide Canadian liquefied natural gas to Germany represents a crucial milestone for the partners involved in the Ksi Lisims project as they consider moving forward with their $10-billion Canadian (US$ 7.2 billion) processing plant and export terminal.

The Ksi Lisims facility, situated on Pearse Island near the Alaska border, has obtained necessary permits, but the consortium has not yet committed to final investment approval that would trigger construction.

According to Eby, establishing purchase contracts with buyers represents an essential requirement before Ksi Lisims can achieve that goal.

The joint venture has previously secured supply contracts with a division of London-headquartered Shell and France-based TotalEnergies.

SEFE operates as a prominent German energy company. The organization previously functioned as Gazprom’s German division until Germany took control of it in 2022 amid Europe’s energy shortage connected to the Ukraine conflict and ongoing Middle East tensions.

When European nations backed Ukraine, Russia dramatically reduced natural gas deliveries used for home heating, electricity production, and industrial operations, sparking an energy shortage that has driven up inflation and forced manufacturing facilities to close as costs have soared.

Before the conflict began, Germany relied heavily on Russian gas imports.

North Korea announced Wednesday that its recent weapons testing involved several advanced military systems, including nuclear-capable cruise missiles that the nation’s leader Kim Jong Un intends to position with front-line forces along the South Korean border as he continues building up military strength.

The announcement from North Korean state media followed Tuesday’s detection by South Korean forces of multiple projectiles launched by the North, including at least one short-range ballistic missile fired toward western waters. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the missile traveled approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) without providing details about other weapons systems used.

According to North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency, Kim oversaw Tuesday’s weapons trials that included ballistic missiles equipped with new warheads for battlefield nuclear operations, nuclear-capable cruise missiles using artificial-intelligence guidance systems, and 240-millimeter rocket artillery featuring “ultra-precision” navigation capabilities. South Korean military officials have not yet responded to North Korea’s assertions.

KCNA reported that Kim showed approval of the testing results, especially the cruise missile systems designated for front-line long-range artillery units positioned near the South Korean border. The agency stated he demanded accelerated modernization and strengthening of artillery forces to ensure “no one can match.”

Kim has accelerated North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs following the breakdown of diplomatic talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. He has also taken a confrontational stance toward South Korea, labeling it his nation’s “most hostile enemy” and working to cut long-established inter-Korean relationships. State media reported that during last week’s meeting with military leaders, Kim discussed reinforcing border units as part of the state objective to transform the frontier into “an impregnable fortress.”

Kim’s international strategy has increasingly turned toward Russia, which has accepted thousands of North Korean soldiers and substantial conventional weapons shipments for its Ukraine conflict. He has also pursued stronger relationships with China, North Korea’s primary ally and economic supporter, while presenting Pyongyang as part of a larger coalition opposing Washington.

Trump has stated multiple times his desire to restart diplomatic engagement with Kim, but Pyongyang has dismissed these attempts and maintained that Washington must drop nuclear disarmament demands as a requirement for negotiations.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Officials leading a major Australian investigation into antisemitism announced Tuesday that Jewish individuals who testified before the commission are experiencing online harassment and intimidation.

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion was established following a December attack where two gunmen, reportedly motivated by the Islamic State group, killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. These royal commissions represent Australia’s most significant type of public investigation.

Virginia Bell, a former High Court judge leading the commission, reported that Jewish individuals who shared their experiences with antisemitism during public sessions that started May 4 have faced online “harassment and intimidation.”

“We have received reports from a number of witnesses concerning a dramatic increase in online hate messages after they have given evidence,” Bell said.

“Quite what this undiluted level of hatred and bigotry directed towards members of the Jewish community is thought to benefit by those who post these remarks is lost on me,” she added.

Bell noted the commission is documenting these “offensive social media posts,” and authorities have been contacted about at least one harassment case.

“The commission has, as one of its principal objects, understanding and assessing the lived experience of antisemitism by members of the Jewish community and it is being informed by conduct of this character,” she said.

The initial two weeks of proceedings examined how widespread antisemitism is within Australia’s organizations and broader society.

During the opening week of testimony, authorities arrested a 68-year-old man for displaying a shirt featuring a “prohibited Nazi symbol” near the commission building in Sydney, according to police.

The design appeared to incorporate a Star of David superimposed over a swastika with the slogan: “Antisemitism. Proud to be accused. Speak up!”

Commission officials released a statement expressing they were “appalled” that someone wore an “antisemitic shirt” near their location. They reassured witnesses that security measures were implemented around the facility.

“The royal commission is determined to investigate antisemitism in Australia without fear or intimidation,” the statement said.

A prominent religious leader in southern Syria has announced that his community’s movement to break away from the central government cannot be stopped, marking a significant escalation in tensions within the war-torn country.

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who serves as the spiritual leader of the Druze community in As-Suwayda province, made the announcement during a televised address that featured unusually harsh criticism of Syrian authorities. The religious leader branded Damascus as a “terrorist government” and demanded international action regarding what he termed “violations and crimes” against people living in southern Syria.

Al-Hijri stated that “self-determination” has become a non-negotiable path forward, explaining that the Druze community in As-Suwayda wants to create an independent political and security structure free from Damascus’ control in an area he called “Jabal Bashan.”

“There is no leadership or guardianship over this mountain except by those chosen by its people,” al-Hijri stated, appearing to dismiss any outside political or military influence.

The comments highlight growing friction between local groups in southern Syria and the national government, following years of economic devastation, worsening security situations, and weakened government control throughout various regions.

In perhaps the most striking portion of his address, al-Hijri openly thanked Israel—including both its government and citizens—for what he characterized as assistance with “the Druze cause.” He also mentioned “international allies and guarantors” working to strengthen Druze independence in the area.

These comments represent some of the most politically charged public statements made in Syria in recent years, considering the long history of official antagonism between Syria and Israel and the potential for such declarations to have major regional and political consequences during current Middle East tensions.

The increasing demands for self-governance in As-Suwayda pose a fresh challenge to Syria’s national unity, particularly as the nation continues dealing with security instability and political division more than ten years after the Syrian conflict began. Experts caution that additional self-rule movements could encourage more sectarian and regional division during a period when Syria still confronts major obstacles regarding rebuilding and political stability.

Those backing independent administration in As-Suwayda, though, contend that the action responds to what they view as the Syrian government’s inability to safeguard local populations and deliver essential security and services.

Al-Hijri’s statements arrive during an especially delicate regional period, with Israel-Iran tensions continuing to intensify and local armed groups expanding their power in southern Syria, making any political or security changes in As-Suwayda increasingly significant to regional and international observers.

Although the Syrian government has not yet provided an official reaction to these statements, the address demonstrates broader changes in political sentiment across portions of southern Syria and may signal the start of a new chapter in disputes over governance and Syria’s future governmental structure.

Israeli security officials reportedly held discussions with an exiled Palestinian political figure in the United Arab Emirates during the ceasefire period, according to media reports from Kan.

The meeting allegedly involved Shin Bet chief David Zini and Mohammed Dahlan, a Palestinian politician who has been living in exile and is considered a political opponent of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Kan’s report indicated the discussion occurred while Zini was traveling in the UAE. Dahlan previously held a senior position within the Preventive Security Force in the Gaza Strip and has long been considered a potential figure who could participate in Gaza’s administration following Hamas.

When asked about the reported meeting, the Shin Bet refused to provide direct confirmation, stating: “We do not comment on the schedules of the service chief.”

Dahlan relocated to Abu Dhabi in 2011 after experiencing a contentious political conflict with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The situation intensified when Dahlan faced allegations of attempting to undermine the leadership, engaging in financial misconduct, and purported participation in Yasser Arafat’s poisoning. Throughout his time in exile, Dahlan has developed strong ties with UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Despite various appeals for reconciliation, Abbas has consistently refused to restore relations with Dahlan, who has maintained his public criticism of the PA from his UAE base.

This alleged encounter follows earlier reporting by the Wall Street Journal in May detailing how Mossad chief David Barnea traveled to the UAE on multiple occasions in March and April during Operation Roaring Lion to coordinate war-related matters.

In recent statements to The Economist, Dahlan shared his perspective on post-conflict Gaza administration. He proposed that the Gaza Strip should operate under technocratic leadership for two years prior to conducting elections and establishing some form of Palestinian statehood, regardless of whether borders are clearly defined.

While Dahlan’s suggestions may share certain similarities with President Trump’s 20-point plan, there is no evidence suggesting his direct participation in the current framework being considered.

The existing technocratic committee chosen to oversee Gaza Strip administration is led by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority deputy minister.

Russian legislators have enacted new legislation authorizing the nation’s central bank and financial institutions to deploy anti-drone defense capabilities and provide weapons to employees for protection against aerial attacks, according to documentation released by the lower parliamentary chamber on Tuesday.

Following Moscow’s comprehensive invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has maintained regular drone operations targeting Russian territory, with energy facilities often serving as primary objectives as Kyiv seeks to cut off Moscow’s revenue streams and end the conflict.

Anti-drone protection systems will be positioned at the central bank, Sberbank which is the nation’s largest banking institution, and the Russian Cash Collection Association. Personnel at these facilities will receive authorization to carry weapons.

According to statements reported by RBC news, Anatoly Aksakov, who leads the financial committee in Russia’s lower parliamentary house, the State Duma, indicated that these institutions will bear the expenses for drone protection systems themselves.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Alexander Shokhin, who heads Russia’s most influential business organization, informed President Vladimir Putin that companies are prepared to fund the acquisition of advanced weaponry and electronic defense systems to protect their facilities from drone assaults.

Singapore’s top diplomat Vivian Balakrishnan held discussions with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui on Tuesday in Pyongyang, focusing on ways to enhance diplomatic relations between their countries, according to North Korea’s state-run KCNA news agency reporting Wednesday.

The two officials also shared perspectives on international and regional matters, though KCNA provided no additional details about those conversations.

Following his North Korean visit, Balakrishnan is scheduled to travel to South Korea, marking an uncommon diplomatic journey to both Korean nations by a Singapore official.

The Singaporean minister served in his country’s cabinet when Singapore played host to the historic first meeting between North Korean and American leaders in 2018.

During that June 2018 gathering, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un put their signatures on a joint declaration committing to establish new peaceful diplomatic relations and collaborate on dismantling Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.

Trump has expressed interest in arranging another meeting with Kim and has described their relationship positively, though North Korea has not provided a direct response to these diplomatic overtures.

A senior British intelligence leader will deliver stark warnings Wednesday about mounting security challenges facing the United Kingdom from hostile nations and rapidly evolving technology threats.

Anne Keast-Butler, who heads GCHQ, plans to address what she describes as a critical juncture for Britain during her agency’s inaugural annual lecture. Her prepared remarks characterize the current global situation as a “new era of radical uncertainty, contested geopolitics and rapidly changing technology.”

“The risk of miscalculation is as high as I’ve ever seen it,” Keast-Butler will tell audiences, according to advance excerpts from her presentation.

GCHQ serves as one of three British intelligence branches, focusing on communications monitoring and national cybersecurity operations. The agency has consistently raised alarms about security risks from Russia and China in recent years.

Just last month, officials from the National Cyber Security Centre, operating under GCHQ’s umbrella, cautioned that Britain should prepare for increased cyberattacks from unfriendly governments.

Speaking from Bletchley Park, the historic site where British codebreakers operated during World War Two, Keast-Butler will describe how Russia is “scaling up its daily hybrid activity against the UK and Europe” while “relentlessly targeting critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust.”

The intelligence chief will also outline her organization’s efforts in “disrupting Russia’s efforts to smuggle Western tech, fending off cyber attacks, and countering reckless sabotage and assassination attempts,” based on speech previews.

Regarding technological developments like artificial intelligence breakthroughs, Keast-Butler will note that the “ground beneath our feet is shifting,” creating competitive pressures for Britain and allied nations to maintain their advantage over rivals including China.

RAQQA, Syria (AP) — Officials in Syria issued evacuation warnings Tuesday for people living along the Euphrates River after water levels climbed significantly over recent days, triggering widespread flooding across northern and eastern regions.

The flooding has impacted two provinces – Raqqa in the north and Deir el-Zour in the east – though no injuries have been documented so far. Such flooding events have become uncommon in Syria following the construction of Turkish dams years ago that now regulate water flow into Syria and Iraq.

According to state media reports, the rising waters have damaged farmland along with residential and commercial properties in areas that saw fighting between government troops and Kurdish forces earlier this year.

Officials attribute the flooding to unusually heavy rainfall this season, which forced authorities to release water through gates at the Euphrates Dam to relieve structural pressure on the facility.

The state news agency SANA reported that opening the dam gates has created a flow rate of approximately 1,800 cubic meters (63,566 cubic feet) per second, potentially causing further water level increases.

Forecasters predict river levels could climb an additional 2 meters (6.5 feet) in the coming hours.

Mohammed Amin, 65, owns the well-known Greek House restaurant in Raqqa, which suffered partial submersion and thousands of dollars in losses. Fish were spotted swimming through the main dining area where water reached several centimeters deep.

“Our losses are huge,” Amin stated, explaining that refrigeration equipment failed and floodwaters swept away more than 200 chairs positioned along the riverbank.

Sabha Mohammed, 50, who was forced to leave her home in Maadan within Raqqa province, watched as flood waters destroyed much of her possessions at the riverside tent where she currently lives. “It was early in the morning when the flood began,” she explained.

Syria’s Civil Defense organization issued safety warnings advising people to stay out of the river and avoid crossing small bridges or using boats during the flooding. The agency also recommended that residents relocate themselves and their livestock to elevated areas.

LIMA, Peru (AP) — An international heritage organization that focuses on preserving world-famous archaeological locations has extended an offer to collaborate with Peru’s leadership to address persistent issues at Machu Picchu, where visitors regularly encounter lengthy waits, excessive crowds, and undependable transportation services.

The New7Wonders foundation made this announcement on Tuesday, several months following their September warning that Machu Picchu’s status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — a title awarded in 2007 — could be jeopardized due to ongoing visitor service problems.

Jean Paul De la Fuente, who heads the foundation, stated he had observed “no progress” at the ancient site following last year’s alert, blaming Peru’s “political paralysis” for the lack of improvement.

De la Fuente, who is currently visiting Peru to meet with tourism authorities, expressed his readiness to engage with Peru’s incoming administration to “explore solutions” for the inadequate services plaguing the location.

Peruvian officials have not yet responded to the offer. The country is preparing for a presidential runoff election on June 7 to select its next leader — marking the ninth president in ten years.

The electoral contest features Keiko Fujimori, whose father previously served as president before being imprisoned for human rights violations, competing against Roberto Sanchez, a former commerce minister who has pledged significant changes to the country’s mining industry. The winner will form the next government.

“People travel to Machu Picchu thinking that they will visit a marvel of the world,” De la Fuente said. “But for many that dream is turning into a nightmare.”

The ancient Inca fortress, constructed during the 15th century, received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983. Twenty-four years later, it earned recognition through an internet-based survey organized by the New7Wonders foundation, where travelers selected seven modern world wonders.

De la Fuente noted that visitor numbers have increased dramatically since that designation, while Peruvian officials have failed to implement necessary infrastructure improvements.

He emphasized that removing Machu Picchu’s wonder status is not currently under consideration, though he hopes the government will review his organization’s improvement proposals.

“We hope to be able to work with a new leadership once its in place, to find a positive outcome for Machu Picchu,” De la Fuente said. “Going from a negative situation to making sure than Machu Picchu can be an example that many of the other wonders of the world can look up to.”

WASHINGTON, May 26 (Reuters) – The United Nations Security Council issued a formal condemnation Tuesday regarding an assault on the Barakah Nuclear Plant located in the United Arab Emirates, declaring in an official statement that such actions represent a breach of international law.

The security council stopped short of assigning responsibility for the assault.

According to UAE officials from the previous week, six unmanned aircraft were deployed against the nation from Iraqi territory, with one of the drones sparking a blaze at the nuclear facility in the Gulf nation. Iraq serves as a base for influential militia organizations backed by Iran, which have taken credit for strikes against “enemy bases in Iraq and the region” throughout the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Late Tuesday evening, Israeli forces launched dual airstrikes in Gaza City, resulting in three fatalities and leaving 12 people wounded, according to medical officials. The military action occurred just hours before Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most significant religious celebrations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with defense minister Israel Katz, issued a joint statement confirming the strikes aimed at Mohammed Odeh, who they identified as Hamas’ new military wing commander. The officials described Odeh as “one of the architects” behind the October 7, 2023, assault that sparked more than two years of ongoing conflict.

This latest military action follows another recent Israeli operation that eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the former commander of Hamas’ military branch, less than two weeks earlier.

Hamas has not yet responded to the strikes. Medical personnel transported the victims’ remains to Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, where officials verified the casualties.

The timing of the operation coincided with the start of Eid al-Adha, traditionally marked by festive family reunions and celebratory feasts.

For Gaza residents, this year’s holiday observance remains muted, as most of the population continues living in displacement camps and makeshift accommodations following extensive warfare destruction.

The October ceasefire agreement between Israeli and Hamas forces continues to face challenges. Since the truce began, Israeli military operations have resulted in more than 880 Palestinian deaths. Israeli officials justify these actions as responses to Hamas ceasefire breaches or security threats against their troops, though Palestinian medical authorities report significant civilian casualties among the fatalities. During the same timeframe, four Israeli military personnel have also lost their lives.

Israel’s Gaza military campaign began following Hamas’ October 2023 offensive, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in 250 individuals being taken captive.

Gaza’s Palestinian Health Ministry reports that Israeli military action has killed more than 72,700 Palestinians. The ministry, operating under Gaza’s Hamas administration, does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties in its tallies.

ATHENS, Greece — The former Greek prime minister who battled European creditors during his nation’s financial crisis has made his political comeback, announcing the formation of a new party ahead of upcoming elections.

Alexis Tsipras unveiled the Greek Left Alliance on Tuesday during a rally held outdoors near the Acropolis, with enthusiastic supporters in attendance.

“We cannot stand by and watch society suffocate,” Tsipras declared, claiming the current center-right administration’s business-friendly policies have increased income disparity. “We don’t want to get used to a world of war and injustice.”

The 51-year-old politician has concluded a three-year hiatus from political activity, though he continues to divide public opinion.

Tsipras gained power in 2015 by pledging to eliminate the severe austerity policies required by Greece’s European lenders and the International Monetary Fund. The confrontation shook international markets as Greece nearly exited the eurozone. The country ultimately agreed to additional loans and continued austerity measures.

The former leader now aims to draw support — and possibly legislators — from competing opposition groups as he prepares to confront conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his attempt at securing a third term.

During the party launch, Tsipras emphasized affordable housing, enhanced worker protections, and growing economic disparity — issues his supporters believe could appeal to younger and working-class voters facing increased living expenses. He also denounced the administration’s strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Even with ongoing cost-of-living pressures and a corruption controversy affecting his administration, Mitsotakis maintains a substantial lead in polling, supported by consistent economic expansion and decreasing joblessness.

The nation’s opposition remains severely divided, with seven parties holding parliamentary seats.

Multiple new groups and smaller organizations are working to build momentum before the election. Recently, the parent of a 19-year-old college student who died in Greece’s 2023 train crash created an anti-corruption movement, increasing challenges for established opposition factions.

Supporters of Tsipras claim he protected working-class Greeks throughout the nation’s most difficult economic period and accepted difficult compromises to prevent national catastrophe.

However, detractors charge him with deceiving voters by opposing austerity measures during his campaign, then later agreeing to a strict bailout deal.

“No matter how hard Mr. Tsipras tries — investing in communication that has no substance — to bury his record deep in the ground, the truth will follow him forever,” government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said.

Oil markets experienced significant volatility Tuesday as Brent crude futures surged approximately 4% following U.S. military action in Iran, dealing a blow to weekend optimism that Washington and Tehran might reach a deal to conclude their three-month conflict and reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz to shipping.

While international oil prices climbed, U.S. crude futures declined as they adjusted to Monday’s Brent selloff that occurred while American markets were shuttered.

The global Brent benchmark increased $3.44, or 3.6%, closing at $99.58 per barrel, whereas U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped $2.71, or 2.8%, finishing at $93.89.

Monday saw Brent reach its lowest point since April 20, falling 7% amid fresh optimism for a U.S.-Iran accord. American crude markets were closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday.

WTI hit its lowest close since April 22 on Tuesday, with U.S. gasoline futures plummeting 7% and diesel declining 4% to five-week lows.

American officials have repeatedly indicated they were nearing an agreement with Iran to cease hostilities, though no deal has materialized beyond a temporary truce that has minimized attacks.

Tuesday brought Iranian accusations that the U.S. violated the ceasefire through what America termed defensive operations in southern Iran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested reaching a conflict-ending agreement might “take a few days.”

Iran’s foreign ministry characterized the U.S. operations in the southern Hormozgan province, where Iranian media documented explosion sounds early Tuesday, as a “gross violation” of the fragile seven-week ceasefire.

Previously, both nations had signaled advancement on a memorandum of understanding that could end hostilities and resume Strait of Hormuz shipping, providing negotiators 60 days to address more complicated matters, including Iran’s nuclear activities.

“We are still waiting for more details on a potential deal,” said Giovanni Staunovo at UBS. “Meanwhile we see renewed tensions in the Middle East, while flows through the Strait remain restricted.”

The American military action coincided with Iran’s chief negotiator and foreign minister conducting discussions in Doha with Qatar’s prime minister to pursue an agreement.

Iran has essentially blocked nearly all non-Iranian vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since late February when the conflict commenced, restricting roughly one-fifth of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas transportation.

Nevertheless, vessel tracking information revealed three LNG carriers recently transited the Strait heading to Pakistan, China and India, alongside a supertanker transporting Iraqi crude to China that had been stranded for almost three months.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported Tuesday that a tanker experienced an external blast on its port side near the waterline, approximately 60 nautical miles from Oman’s capital, Muscat.

Pakistan intends to expand domestic storage capacity for crude oil and refined products to enhance energy security, according to government documentation shared with oil producers and major global trading companies.

American consumer confidence decreased in May as concerns about war-related inflation escalated and households maintained negative labor market outlooks.

Rising inflation increases consumer costs for goods, prompting central banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve to consider tighter monetary policies that would likely raise borrowing expenses and slow economic expansion.

China’s top diplomat called on Tuesday for all sides involved in the Iran conflict to maintain their dedication to ceasefire negotiations and continue working toward compromise.

The statement from Foreign Minister Wang Yi came as tensions escalated, with Iran accusing the United States of breaking the ceasefire following what the U.S. described as defensive military actions in southern Iran. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that reaching an agreement to end the fighting could require “a few days” of additional negotiations.

Speaking to reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York following his leadership of a 15-member Security Council session, Wang expressed his desire for progress toward peace.

“We hope that the parties concerned can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway, so that peace can return to the Middle East as early as possible,” Wang told the media.

The Chinese Foreign Minister acknowledged the complexity of resolving deep-rooted conflicts, using a metaphor to illustrate his point.

“As we have been saying, it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice, and long-standing issues cannot be resolved overnight,” Wang stated.

Despite the challenges, Wang emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in diplomatic efforts.

“However, every step forward in the negotiation brings more hope to peace, and one day earlier the conflict is ended means less civilian casualties,” he added.

Three sources familiar with the situation revealed Tuesday that Canadian satellite company Telesat has conducted initial discussions with Italian officials regarding the provision of encrypted communication services for government personnel, diplomats, and military officials working in dangerous locations.

The pursuit of satellite communication solutions has emerged as a particularly delicate matter in Italy following the breakdown of negotiations with Elon Musk’s Starlink service last year, highlighting increasing strains between European and American interests.

According to company information, Telesat currently manages 11 geostationary satellites and has plans to deploy between 150 and 200 low-Earth-orbit satellites starting this year to serve both commercial and military clients.

The unnamed sources indicated that Telesat officials engaged in preliminary conversations with Italian government representatives, though no financial terms were discussed during these early meetings.

According to one source, the most recent discussions occurred within the past month. A separate source noted that Italian officials have not yet provided any response to Telesat’s proposal.

When contacted, a Telesat representative stated the company could not offer any comments regarding the matter at this time.

Reuters previously reported that Rome had explored a potential five-year agreement worth €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) with SpaceX’s Starlink, which leads the industry with approximately 7,000 operational low-Earth-orbit satellites.

Low-Earth-orbit satellites function 36 times nearer to Earth compared to conventional satellites, resulting in reduced transmission delays and delivering superior, faster internet connectivity even in isolated regions.

SAO PAULO (AP) — Twelve months ago, Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro promoted his family’s ties to U.S. President Donald Trump as a significant political advantage. This week, the senator has traveled to Washington to strengthen that alliance once more as he works to stabilize his faltering presidential campaign following revelations that he accepted millions from a corrupt banking executive.

The senator touched down on Tuesday with no announced public schedule. His political opponent in October’s election, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, held a three-hour session with Trump on May 7. The 80-year-old president is pursuing a fourth non-consecutive term in office.

The Trump administration has remained silent regarding the Bolsonaro controversy.

The former President Jair Bolsonaro’s son has faced intense criticism since May 13, when leaked communications published by The Intercept from a federal police probe revealed he obtained approximately $12 million from Daniel Vorcaro, the former head of the now-closed Banco Master.

Vorcaro faces charges of stealing hundreds of millions from bank clients after persuading them to participate in questionable investment schemes. Federal police in Brazil calculate the institution’s overall fraud at 12 billion reais ($2.3 billion).

Flávio Bolsonaro has rejected all allegations of misconduct and maintains that Vorcaro’s funds were utilized to finance a biographical film about his father. While Bolsonaro is not anticipated to face charges in the matter, the probe remains ongoing.

Opposition figures have launched attacks following the disclosure.

“Anyone getting close to a criminal banker gives a bad sign,” former Minas Gerais Gov. Romeu Zema, a Jair Bolsonaro supporter who is running for the presidency, said on Monday.

The senator’s campaign has experienced turbulence as he hunts for a vice presidential candidate and works to build coalition partnerships. These alliances are crucial for securing additional funding and complimentary television and radio coverage, which depends on each party’s representation in the lower legislative chamber.

Prior to the public emergence of Bolsonaro’s ties to Vorcaro, he already faced limited backing from much of the business sector.

Former Goias Gov. Ronaldo Caiado and Renan Santos, both seeking the presidency, have expressed skepticism about Bolsonaro, while some political figures suggest that former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro should take his place as the presidential nominee.

“Michelle would bring many voters back. She has a good name for herself,” former environment minister and lawmaker Ricardo Salles said in a recent podcast. “She is much softer and that could work.”

Michelle Bolsonaro resides with the former president in Brasilia, where he remains under house arrest following his conviction for attempting a coup. She has stayed quiet about the connection between the senator and the failed banking executive, as well as about potentially launching her own presidential campaign.

“That is none of my business. I have to take care of my husband,” she said last week.

Sen. Marcos Rogerio, among Flávio Bolsonaro’s primary congressional supporters, stated the presidential candidate has been providing appropriate explanations regarding his dealings with Vorcaro.

“Moments like this deserve our attention. He needs to make it all clear. But he has also argued in favor of a congressional inquiry on Banco Master. This thing will not bar his candidacy at all,” Rogério told journalists on Saturday. “We are not going to re-evaluate his bid or choose a different person. The senator’s candidacy is still standing.”

Political analyst Lula Guimaraes, who has advised candidates from various political backgrounds in Brazilian campaigns, indicated the revelations would have been devastating for Bolsonaro had they emerged closer to election day.

The ongoing police investigations may continue to damage his prospects, though voters could set the matter aside when casting ballots, Guimaraes noted.

“As of now, people in Brazil want to know who will win the next World Cup. They want to know whether Neymar will play or not. That alone will make this whole affair less visible for a month,” Guimaraes said. “I don’t think this alone will be deadly for Flávio Bolsonaro, but even the man himself said there’s more about him and Vorcaro to come out. He’d better buckle up.”

The head of Israel’s biggest defense company says his firm is working on new technology to stop deadly explosive drones from Hezbollah that have been killing Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

Bezhalel Machlis, who leads Elbit Systems, told Reuters in an interview Tuesday that his company is actively collaborating with Israel’s defense ministry to create a rapid response to the drone problem. The solution might include what he called an “energy weapon solution,” noting that his company is “very active in energy weapons such as lasers.”

“There are other means, which are also relevant to this threat. We are heavily involved in the development of a solution (to) this challenge” of explosive drones, Machlis explained after his company announced strong first-quarter earnings and profit increases.

The Iran-supported Hezbollah has deployed these inexpensive, simple-to-build kamikaze drones against Israeli forces who have stayed in southern Lebanon following an April 16 ceasefire. These drones pose a significant challenge for air defense systems to stop and are also causing devastating damage in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Facing mounting pressure to tackle this threat, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday his intention to intensify strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, he didn’t outline a specific strategy for dealing with the drones, which can bypass Israel’s advanced jamming technology.

Currently, Israel has resorted to basic methods like nets to prevent the First-Person-View drones, operated through fiber-optic cables, from striking troops.

The Israel-Hezbollah fighting represents the most lethal extension of the wider U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, where prospects for a quick resolution dimmed Tuesday after U.S. forces launched strikes in the country’s southern region.

Iran maintains that any agreement to conclude the war must include stopping Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Netanyahu has insisted on maintaining the authority to strike throughout the region to counter perceived dangers.

On Tuesday, Hezbollah announced that its forces deployed explosive drones and rockets against Israeli troops moving toward the southern Lebanese community of Zawtar al-Sharqiya, calling it retaliation for Israeli attacks on Lebanese villages.

This drone threat and the Israeli defense sector’s efforts to develop countermeasures come during a surge in Israeli military exports, with international demand for Israeli defense technology including ammunition, laser systems, electronic warfare equipment, and night-vision devices rising dramatically since the Gaza conflict began in 2023.

Machlis reported that Elbit is experiencing increased demand across Europe, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from the United Arab Emirates.

“We are active in this region,” Machlis commented regarding Elbit’s Middle East operations. “It is fast growing.”

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced Tuesday that his party will use its parliamentary majority to establish investigative panels examining alleged corruption and power abuses during Viktor Orbán’s previous administration.

Magyar’s center-right Tisza party secured a decisive victory over the autocratic former leader in last month’s elections. The overwhelming win provided Tisza with a two-thirds majority, enabling them to reverse numerous policies that earned Orbán criticism as a far-right authoritarian leader.

A central campaign pledge for Tisza involved holding Orbán, his nationalist-populist Fidesz party, and their business allies responsible for suspected wrongdoing.

Speaking Tuesday, Magyar announced that six parliamentary investigative panels will examine various aspects of Orbán’s time in office, including suspected misuse of public money handled by Hungary’s National Bank — a matter currently under police review involving potentially hundreds of millions of dollars.

“We will put all corruption and abuses of power on full display,” Magyar said. “The Hungarian people have the right to know who benefited from their money, who stole their money, who got rich from the vulnerability of the people.”

Throughout his 16-year tenure as Hungary’s prime minister, Orbán faced accusations from numerous critics of overseeing widespread public fund misuse, including directing profitable government contracts to relatives and business figures connected to his party.

Critics also accused him of wielding government power to weaken democratic institutions, prompting the European Parliament to declare in 2022 that Hungary was no longer a democracy.

Since assuming office earlier this month, Magyar’s party lawmakers have introduced a constitutional amendment restricting prime ministers to eight-year terms — a limitation that would apply to Magyar himself. Orbán, who completed four consecutive terms, would be barred from serving as prime minister again under this proposal.

Magyar stated Tuesday that his administration would also consider applying the eight-year restriction to other elected positions, noting: “No one should imagine that electoral authority is inherited forever. Power exercised without limits leads to loss of control over time in any democratic system.”

Another investigative committee will examine details surrounding a pardon granted to an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case by Hungary’s former president, Katalin Novák, which resulted in her 2024 resignation, Magyar explained.

The new premier has also committed to passing a constitutional amendment dissolving Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Office, an agency established by Orbán’s administration in 2023 to investigate non-governmental organizations, media companies and political parties under the guise of preventing foreign interference.

Magyar additionally promised his government would eliminate “political privileges” previously granted to officeholders, including salary reductions for the prime minister and cabinet members, state company executives, and legislators.

Officials in Hong Kong announced Tuesday they will offer 10,000 new vehicle permits for drivers working with ride-sharing platforms such as Uber, representing roughly half of what transportation industry groups had requested.

Currently, Hong Kong operates approximately 18,000 licensed taxis and limits private car-hire permits to 1,500 vehicles, with these drivers able to accept rides through mobile apps. However, additional drivers working through these platforms operate illegally and have previously faced criminal charges, despite being widespread throughout the city.

Hong Kong officials revealed specifics of their regulatory plan last summer to formalize oversight of the industry, responding to years of lobbying from taxi operators.

The Smart Transportation Alliance, representing ride-hailing companies and other transport businesses, had requested in May that authorities approve 20,500 new vehicle permits during the initial rollout phase.

However, in documentation presented Tuesday to lawmakers, Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau stated that limiting permits to 10,000 would be reasonable and suitable, considering both passenger needs and public road capacity. Officials indicated they would reassess the limit later to determine if modifications are necessary.

City legislators approved legislation last year mandating licenses and permits for ride-hailing platforms and their vehicles and drivers. When issuing licenses, Hong Kong’s transport commissioner may evaluate companies based on their track record, financial stability and planned regional investments. Licensed operators must provide “proper and efficient” service.

Driver requirements include being at least 21 years old, holding a driver’s license for a minimum of one year, maintaining a clean record without serious traffic violations over five years, and successfully completing an examination.

According to Tuesday’s announcement, most new ride-hailing rules will take effect in August, with remaining provisions implemented by August 2027. At that point, all platforms must obtain licenses and verify that their associated vehicles and drivers hold proper permits.

The proposals require companies to implement technology such as facial recognition systems to confirm drivers match the registered vehicle owners.

Law enforcement has previously arrested several Uber drivers suspected of operating without permits, and in 2018, more than two dozen drivers received fines.

Many taxi operators have historically opposed platforms like Uber, viewing them as competitors that harm their livelihoods. However, Uber, which launched Hong Kong operations in 2014, maintains popularity in the financial center, where numerous residents express dissatisfaction with taxi service quality. Uber has recently incorporated licensed taxi drivers into its platform.

In earlier legislative submissions, Uber’s Hong Kong division stated it maintains over 30,000 active drivers citywide over the past year. The company warned that even with 15,000 permits issued and enforced, booking wait times during peak periods could double from current levels, with fares potentially increasing up to 70%.

Uber said in a Tuesday statement that the legislative proposal represents an important step toward establishing clear regulations, but noted the initial quota falls “significantly lower” than necessary to satisfy rider demand. The company added that more than 20,000 people would lose earning opportunities under the proposals.

“This legislation is just a start. We hope to continue working closely with the government on an efficient allocation framework and a practical review mechanism that allows the system to evolve over time,” the company stated.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed being “deeply concerned” on Tuesday regarding Russia’s declared intentions to target Ukrainian defense facilities and command centers located in Kyiv.

The U.N. leader delivered these comments to the Security Council following Moscow’s Monday declaration of its plans to carry out such attacks, coming just one day after launching one of its most intense bombardments of the Ukrainian capital since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine started.

The Secretary-General noted that Russia’s announcement came in response to reports about a Ukrainian drone strike that hit an educational facility and student housing in Starobilsk, a Ukrainian city currently under Russian control.

“We condemned the attack on the school – as we condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur,” Guterres stated.

“Now more than ever, it is imperative to avoid any escalation of a conflict that has already exacted a devastating toll on civilians, and that risks making the search for peace even more distant, prolonging the suffering of people,” the U.N. chief continued.

BRUSSELS, May 26 (Reuters) – Several European nations and the European Union called in Russian diplomatic officials Tuesday following Moscow’s warnings for foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel to evacuate Ukraine’s capital amid threats of renewed attacks.

Russian officials announced Monday their plans to target Ukrainian military installations and government decision-making facilities in Kyiv, coming just one day after launching one of the most intense bombing campaigns against the city since the conflict started.

The European Union’s foreign affairs department called in Russia’s chargé d’affaires, according to the bloc’s foreign policy spokesperson on Tuesday.

Russia’s “threat to foreign citizens & diplomats to leave Kyiv is an unacceptable escalation”, spokesperson Anitta Hipper said in a post on X, calling for Moscow to “stop hitting civilians”.

The EU’s delegation is remaining in Kyiv, the spokesperson added.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said he had summoned Russia’s ambassador Nikolai Korchunov to address “the explicit threats against foreign personnel in Ukraine”.

Sweden on Monday evening summoned the Russian ambassador to “condemn Russia’s false claims of airspace violations in the Nordic-Baltic region and Russia’s threats against Latvia and other countries in the region”.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The head of Africa’s most economically advanced nation is confronting impeachment proceedings stemming from a years-old controversy involving approximately $580,000 in cash hidden in furniture at his wildlife ranch before being stolen.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stands accused of improper conduct regarding where the money came from and allegedly trying to conceal the 2020 theft through his private security personnel to keep the cash’s presence secret. He has rejected any wrongdoing.

Here’s background on the “Farmgate” controversy and the reasons impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa have been renewed years after the initial incident.

The controversy initially emerged in 2022 when a former director of South Africa’s state security agency entered a police station, disclosed the theft and charged Ramaphosa with money laundering and additional crimes. The robbery at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala ranch occurred in February 2020, one year following Ramaphosa’s electoral victory, but remained hidden from public view.

Following these disclosures, Ramaphosa confirmed the theft occurred, but rejected any misconduct, stating he reported it immediately to the commander of his police protection detail.

Ramaphosa explained that the $580,000 in U.S. currency taken from the furniture came from legitimate buffalo sales at his ranch. He stated the cash was placed beneath sofa cushions in a guest bedroom at his farm residence by an employee worried that other staff had access to a safe.

Ramaphosa operated as a successful businessman prior to his presidency and is recognized for his passion for livestock and game breeding.

A neutral panel designated by Parliament conducted an investigation and released findings indicating preliminary evidence of serious improper conduct by Ramaphosa, including inadequate reporting of the theft, questionable money sources and the possibility that the actual amount exceeded Ramaphosa’s claims.

Ramaphosa also reportedly used his connections with the then president of neighboring Namibia to help quietly locate a theft suspect who had escaped there, the report stated. It advised a complete investigation.

Ramaphosa weathered an initial Parliamentary vote regarding the controversy in late 2022 when his African National Congress party — which held a majority then — voted to dismiss the panel findings, halting any impeachment proceedings.

Nevertheless, two opposition parties brought a case to South Africa’s highest Constitutional Court, contending that the panel report evidence should have prompted formation of an impeachment committee to thoroughly examine whether Ramaphosa committed misconduct and deserved an impeachment vote.

The court decided this month in the opposition parties’ favor, declaring the 2022 Parliamentary vote failed to follow proper procedure and should be overturned, renewing the controversy and impeachment possibility.

Parliament has announced it will establish an impeachment committee for a thorough investigation.

Ramaphosa has stated he will not step down and submitted his own court documents this week challenging the panel report conclusions, national broadcaster SABC reported on Tuesday. He has called it having “grave flaws.”

Removing Ramaphosa through impeachment would need at least two-thirds of South Africa’s 400-member Parliament to support it, under the nation’s constitution. Although Ramaphosa’s ANC lost its clear majority in 2024, it retains sufficient numbers to prevent an impeachment.

The 73-year-old Ramaphosa is in his final presidential term, scheduled to conclude in 2029.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — In a direct challenge to presidential authority, Senegal’s National Assembly chose dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as parliament speaker on Tuesday, just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him from office. The move raises concerns about potential political gridlock in the West African nation as it struggles with unprecedented debt levels.

Last week, the president dismissed Sonko along with the entire cabinet after months of growing friction between the two leaders whose once-strong alliance had propelled them to power. The dismissal prompted the previous parliament speaker to step down. On Monday, the president appointed a replacement prime minister and plans to unveil a new cabinet soon.

Both leaders assumed their positions after winning the March 2024 presidential race, pledging sweeping changes including anti-corruption efforts, job creation for the nation’s expanding youth demographic, and better utilization of natural resources for national benefit.

However, the former partners have publicly clashed over major policy decisions in recent months, particularly regarding discussions with the International Monetary Fund about potential lending arrangements.

In his new position as speaker, Sonko will wield significant influence over legislative priorities, government oversight, and bill introduction — authority that could create direct confrontation with his former boss, according to Babacar Ndiaye, a political analyst at the Senegal-based Wathi think tank.

While Sonko pledged not to exploit his parliamentary role for personal vendettas against the president, he vowed to maintain strict government oversight and utilize all available constitutional mechanisms to fulfill that responsibility.

The two politicians previously worked together within the Pastef party, which maintains commanding control of parliament with 130 seats out of 165 total. As party leader, Sonko maintains the potential to undermine the president’s governing agenda.

The political drama unfolds as Senegal confronts escalating financial difficulties and increasing living costs. The nation ranks among Africa’s most debt-burdened countries by GDP ratio, following a government review last year that uncovered $13 billion in previously undisclosed obligations from the former government.

Iran sharply criticized U.S. military operations conducted Monday, characterizing them as evidence of “bad faith and unreliability” while diplomatic efforts continue toward reaching an agreement to conclude the ongoing conflict.

American military officials described Monday’s operations in southern Iran as protective measures, stating that targets encompassed missile launching facilities and vessels deploying mines, emphasizing that the U.S. demonstrated “restraint” given the multi-week truce period.

Iran’s foreign ministry characterized the operations as a breach of the ceasefire and cautioned that Washington would be held accountable for “all consequences,” though specific details were not provided.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will leave no act of aggression unanswered,” it added in a statement.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday said it had shot down and deterred drones and a fighter jet that entered its airspace, according to Iran’s official Mizan news agency, which did not specify when the incident occurred.

The impact these events will have on ongoing diplomatic discussions remains uncertain. The military actions occurred following Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf’s travel to Qatar for the negotiations, which U.S. President Donald Trump described Monday as “proceeding nicely.”

These operations represent the most recent escalation in the delicate truce that commenced April 7 and has remained mostly intact.

Diplomatic discussions focus partly on the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping channel near southern Iran that facilitated passage for one-fifth of global crude oil and natural gas before hostilities began with U.S.-Israeli operations in February. Tehran responded by essentially blocking the waterway, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded and disrupting the worldwide economy.

The waterway has emerged as a significant bargaining tool for Tehran during negotiations, alongside the ongoing matter of Iran’s nuclear program and highly enriched uranium. Iran seeks removal of the U.S. military blockade of Iranian ports that started on April 17.

The strait also generates increasing worry as fertilizer supplies face severe disruption for at-risk global agricultural producers.

“What we are witnessing today is not only a geopolitical crisis, it is a systemic shock to the global agrifood system,” the director-general of the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, Qu Dongyu, said Tuesday.

Trump has brought a fresh perspective to negotiations for resolving the conflict, stating that any agreement to conclude the war should mandate several additional nations, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to become part of the Abraham Accords, a collection of U.S.-facilitated diplomatic, economic and security agreements designed to normalize relationships with Israel.

Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates became the first countries to join in 2020; Sudan, Morocco and Kazakhstan have followed. Egypt and Jordan already formally recognize Israel and have long-standing peace treaties. Turkey first recognized Israel in 1949.

Israel’s conduct against Palestinians, including in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has alienated Gulf Arab states and the wider Muslim world, but Trump has been keen to build on the Abraham Accords, forged during his first term. He even has suggested that Iran eventually could sign on.