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Multiple Central European countries initiated emergency removals of infant food products from retail stores this Monday following the discovery of rat poison contamination in HiPP brand baby food containers during weekend testing.

Austria’s health ministry issued urgent warnings to parents, childcare facilities, and nurseries to exercise extreme vigilance when feeding infants with HiPP products. The German-based manufacturer initiated a recall after laboratory testing in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic revealed the presence of rat poison in product samples.

Officials suspect criminal interference with 190-gram containers of carrot and potato baby food formulated for 5-month-old infants, which were distributed through SPAR grocery chains in Austria. Initial contamination was detected through Saturday testing.

Austrian investigators announced Monday they are actively searching for a second potentially contaminated container that may have been purchased at a Spar location in Eisenstadt, an eastern Austrian municipality, according to the Austrian news agency APA.

“It is deeply disturbing that someone is apparently willing to endanger the health of babies for criminal motives,” Health Minister Korinna Schumann told APA.

Czech authorities discovered two contaminated HiPP containers at a retail location in Brno. State prosecutors in Brno verified the discovery but declined to provide additional information due to the ongoing criminal investigation.

The Germany-headquartered HiPP corporation confirmed that contaminated containers were identified in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The company stated that “retail partners in both countries have already removed all jars of HiPP baby food from sale as a precaution.”

Slovak law enforcement officials confirmed they are examining suspicious containers recovered from a store in Dunajska Streda.

Slovenia’s health inspectorate announced the preventative removal of all HiPP products from Spar and additional supermarket chains throughout the country.

Austrian officials also contacted Hungarian authorities, warning that contaminated products may have been purchased by residents living near the border area surrounding Eisenstadt.

Burgenland Police in Austria indicated that suspicious products likely display a white label with a red circle on the container bottom. Additional warning indicators include compromised or previously opened lids, unusual or rotten odors, and the absence of the typical popping sound when initially opening the jar.

The Burgenland prosecutor’s office is pursuing the investigation under charges of “intentional endangerment of the public.”

HiPP issued a statement last week clarifying that the recall “is not due to any product or quality defect on our part. The jars left our HiPP facility in perfect condition.”

As a safety measure, HiPP announced the recall of all baby food containers sold through Austria’s SPAR retail network, including SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR and Maximarkt locations.

According to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, rat poison commonly contains bromadiolone, a substance that inhibits blood coagulation. Consumption of rat poison may cause bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bruising, and blood in bowel movements.

The agency warned that symptoms may manifest two to five days following ingestion.

PARIS, April 20 – Elon Musk has been called to appear before French prosecutors in Paris as authorities expand their investigation into his social media platform X, examining allegations connected to the site’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, algorithmic manipulation, and unauthorized data harvesting.

The cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor’s office is spearheading the investigation.

Reuters was unable to contact Musk’s representatives regarding the summons. When initial allegations surfaced in July, Musk rejected the claims and characterized the investigation as “politically motivated.”

The investigation began on January 12, 2025, when Paris prosecutors launched a probe following two formal complaints, one submitted by a French legislator, regarding allegedly biased algorithms.

Initially, the case focused on unauthorized data harvesting and algorithmic manipulation charges before being transferred to police on July 9, 2025.

Authorities broadened their investigation in November 2025 after discovering new evidence, adding charges related to involvement in possessing and distributing child exploitation imagery and denying crimes against humanity.

By January 2026, investigators added another charge concerning the distribution of sexual content using someone’s likeness without permission, following the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images through X’s Grok system.

According to prosecutors, X transitioned in 2025 from using the SAFER child protection system to developing their own internal monitoring system. Officials documented an 81.4% decrease in reports X submitted to the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding France between June and October 2025.

Prosecutors further claim that Grok allowed users to generate sexualized content, including images of minors and victims of the Crans-Montana fire, while also producing hate speech and material that glorified crimes against humanity.

Consulted experts told prosecutors that proper safeguards could have prevented these issues.

Investigators also point to X’s failure to supply basic user information in multiple hate speech and antisemitism investigations, which has obstructed their inquiries.

The Paris prosecutor’s office announced the summons following a February police raid on X’s Paris headquarters, conducted with Europol assistance. Officials stated they are coordinating with prosecutors in other nations.

Musk has been called for an “audition libre,” a voluntary questioning session where authorities can interview someone without making an arrest. The individual can leave at any time and choose not to speak, though any statements made are officially documented and may have legal implications.

The investigation can proceed regardless of whether Musk provides testimony. Legal professionals suggest it’s advisable to explain any refusal to appear to avoid the impression of obstructing the investigation.

The potential criminal charges being examined include:

• Involvement in possessing pornographic images of minors

• Involvement in organized distribution or provision of pornographic images of minors

• Violation of personal image rights (sexual deepfakes)

• Denial of crimes against humanity (Holocaust denial)

• Unauthorized data extraction from automated systems by organized groups

• Tampering with automated system operations by organized groups

• Operating an illegal online platform through organized groups

Diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between the United States and Iran hit a potential roadblock following the American seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump announced that American negotiators would travel to Pakistan to continue discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran. However, Iranian officials have expressed hesitation about proceeding with the diplomatic process in light of the recent ship seizure.

The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for international shipping and oil transport. The timing of the seizure has complicated efforts to advance peace negotiations between the two nations.

The planned talks in Pakistan were intended to build on previous diplomatic efforts, but Tehran’s reluctance following the maritime incident has cast doubt on whether the negotiations will proceed as scheduled.

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev’s center-left coalition has secured a decisive victory in the country’s parliamentary elections, bringing an end to five years of political instability, election officials announced Monday.

Election results with 96% of votes tallied showed Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria coalition capturing 44.7% of the vote by early Monday. The commanding lead put them more than 20 points ahead of their closest competitors – veteran politician Boyko Borissov’s center-right GERB party and the reform-minded We Continue the Change party, which finished in a virtual tie at 13.4% and 12.9% respectively.

Two additional parties are expected to claim seats in Bulgaria’s 240-member parliament based on preliminary tallies.

Borissov acknowledged his defeat and offered congratulations to the winning coalition.

Speaking to reporters, Radev characterized his coalition’s success as “unequivocal,” calling it a “victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear.” He pledged that Bulgaria would “make every effort to continue on its European path.”

“But believe me, a strong Bulgaria and a strong Europe need critical thinking and pragmatism. Europe has fallen victim to its own ambition to be a moral leader in a world without rules,” Radev stated.

Throughout his presidential tenure, Radev developed a reputation for pro-Russian sympathies. He consistently challenged European Union initiatives to provide military assistance to Ukraine in its conflict against Russia’s invasion. Radev has maintained that backing Ukraine could drag Bulgaria into the war and has advocated for renewed diplomatic engagement with Russia to resolve the crisis.

The 62-year-old former military pilot stepped down from his largely ceremonial presidential role in January, several months before his second term expired, to pursue the more influential position of prime minister.

Radev, who completed a Master of Strategic Studies at the U.S. Air War College in 2003 before becoming Bulgaria’s air force commander, draws support from two distinct groups: those seeking an end to oligarchic corruption and those attracted to his Euroskeptic and Russia-aligned positions.

The nation’s previous conservative administration fell in December following massive anti-corruption demonstrations that brought hundreds of thousands of protesters, primarily young people, into the streets.

Radev’s public standing rose as he positioned himself against established criminal networks and their connections to senior political figures. During campaign events, he promised to “remove the corrupt, oligarchic model of governance from political power.”

Bulgaria, a member of both NATO and the European Union, has faced ongoing criticism for failing to address corruption and weaknesses in its legal system.

The country of 6.5 million people has endured divided parliaments since 2021, creating unstable governments that have lasted less than a year before falling to street demonstrations or legislative maneuvering.

Weary of constant electoral cycles, Bulgarian citizens expressed cautious reactions to the election outcome.

“Above all, we expect a more stable judicial system, and for trust in institutions to truly be restored. Until now, they have been heavily influenced by various figures, many of whom, as we can see from the current results, have now left the government,” said Nikoleta Dimitrova, a 37-year-old shop assistant from Sofia.

Accountant Cveta Gerogieva, 55, remained skeptical: “I hope that we will really live a better life, but I am not sure that there will be stability for a long period. Probably we will vote again.”

TOKYO — Japanese officials Monday warned residents along northern coastlines about heightened possibilities of a catastrophic earthquake after a powerful 7.5-magnitude tremor struck earlier in the day.

Government meteorological experts and Cabinet officials announced there’s approximately a 1% probability that a mega-quake could hit Japan’s northern shores within the coming week following Monday’s significant seismic event near the Chishima trough.

Authorities emphasized their warning does not constitute an earthquake forecast, but they encouraged citizens to enhance emergency preparations, including stockpiling food supplies and readying evacuation kits, while maintaining normal routines.

This marks the second such regional warning issued within recent months. A similar alert was announced after a major December earthquake, though no subsequent large quake materialized.

Monday’s powerful tremor occurred off the Sanriku coast in northern Japan at approximately 4:53 p.m. local time (0753 GMT), striking at a shallow depth of roughly 10 kilometers (6 miles), meteorological officials reported.

The earthquake triggered tsunami waves, with authorities detecting an 80-centimeter (2.6-foot) surge at Kuji port in Iwate prefecture within an hour of the initial quake. A smaller 40-centimeter (1.3-foot) wave was recorded at another port within the same prefecture.

Tsunami warnings remained active across Japan, with officials cautioning about potential waves reaching 3 meters (10 feet) in height. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center based in the United States declared the tsunami danger had subsided.

Japanese meteorological agencies instructed coastal residents to immediately evacuate shoreline and riverside areas, seeking higher elevation shelter. Officials also warned communities to prepare for possible aftershocks lasting approximately one week.

Television broadcasts on NHK showed numerous residents driving to elevated parks and facilities. In Hokkaido’s Tomakomai town, one resident brought his child to a hilltop park after collecting them from tutoring school, planning to remain until authorities lifted the alert.

Emergency management officials said Iwate and three additional northern prefectures issued voluntary evacuation recommendations affecting more than 128,000 residents.

Fire and disaster management authorities reported they continue monitoring conditions, but no casualties or structural damage have been confirmed, including at power facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Nuclear safety regulators confirmed all atomic power plants and associated facilities in the affected region remained undamaged with no irregularities detected.

A similar 7.5-magnitude earthquake in December resulted in dozens of injuries.

Monday’s event occurred 15 years after the devastating March 11, 2011, magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northern Japan, killing over 22,000 people and displacing nearly half a million residents, primarily due to tsunami destruction.

Approximately 160,000 Fukushima residents evacuated their homes due to radioactive contamination from the tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility. About 26,000 of those evacuees have not returned, having relocated permanently, living in areas that remain restricted, or harboring ongoing radiation concerns.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A critical two-week ceasefire in the Iran conflict is set to expire Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with Pakistan’s capital city making preparations for potential renewed diplomatic discussions between Iran and the United States.

The temporary truce, which involves Iran, Israel and the United States, was established following several ultimatums issued by President Donald Trump that at one point threatened Iran’s entire “civilization.” Given the pattern of previous deadline extensions and last-minute developments, additional delays or unexpected shifts are anticipated before the Wednesday cutoff.

Potential negotiations in Islamabad face significant obstacles as the ceasefire deadline approaches, with discussions expected to focus on the Strait of Hormuz situation, Iran’s nuclear activities and related matters. The fragile nature of the truce became evident over the weekend when Iran launched attacks on vessels in the strait, while U.S. forces intercepted and seized an Iranian ship attempting to evade the American naval blockade, demonstrating that renewed warfare remains a possibility.

The temporary halt in hostilities commenced on April 8, although Iranian forces continued targeting Gulf Arab nations and Israel even after the ceasefire took effect. A puzzling assault on an Iranian petroleum facility located on an island also occurred that same day. Despite these incidents, the ceasefire has generally remained intact. Without an agreed-upon extension from all parties – either through public statements or by allowing the deadline to pass without resuming combat operations – the two-week agreement will lapse on April 22. The absence of any diplomatic breakthrough significantly increases the risk of renewed conflict.

Pakistan previously hosted negotiations between Iranian and American representatives from April 11 through the early hours of April 12. These discussions marked the most senior-level diplomatic contact between the two nations since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance participating, though no agreement was reached. Recent preparations by Pakistani officials mirror those made for the initial talks, indicating another round of negotiations may be planned, though neither Iran nor the United States has yet dispatched diplomatic teams to Pakistan.

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway at the Persian Gulf’s entrance through which one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments travel, remains essentially blocked due to Iranian military actions in the area, including attacks that occurred on Saturday. Additional concerns exist that Iran may have placed explosive mines in shipping lanes typically used during peacetime. Reports indicate Iran has been demanding up to $2 million per vessel for safe passage through the strait since the conflict began. Reopening this vital shipping route represents a primary objective in ongoing negotiations and serves as Tehran’s most significant bargaining chip against Washington, especially as nations worldwide implement energy rationing and face potential jet fuel shortages. This weekend, U.S. Navy forces targeted an Iranian cargo vessel that attempted to breach the American blockade, with Marines boarding the ship via helicopter.

Iran’s stockpile of weapons-grade uranium remains within the country’s borders, presumably buried at enrichment facilities that were bombed during a 12-day conflict last June. Iran has not conducted uranium enrichment since that time but continues to assert its right to do so for civilian purposes while denying any intention to develop nuclear weapons. Both Trump and Israeli officials have demanded that Iran completely eliminate its nuclear program and surrender its existing uranium stockpile. Iran refused these terms in a 10-point proposal it submitted for ending the war.

HAGATNA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard has verified that a capsized vessel discovered in waters near Saipan is indeed the cargo ship that vanished during a devastating typhoon, leaving six crew members unaccounted for.

Coast Guard officials announced Monday that they continue their search for the missing crew members. The upturned vessel was initially discovered on Saturday in the waters surrounding the U.S. territory.

A crew aboard an HC-130 Hercules aircraft from the U.S. Air Force 31st Rescue Squadron positively identified the capsized boat as the cargo ship Mariana on Sunday evening, according to a Coast Guard statement.

The 145-foot American-registered dry cargo vessel experienced mechanical problems on Wednesday when its starboard engine failed just as a powerful typhoon approached Saipan and surrounding islands, bringing devastating winds and heavy rainfall.

Following the crew’s distress call reporting the engine failure and requesting help, Coast Guard personnel established regular hourly communication with the struggling vessel.

However, all communication ceased on Thursday. A search aircraft was dispatched that morning but was forced to return to Guam due to dangerous wind conditions from the storm.

HANOVER, Germany – During a meeting at Germany’s premier industrial trade fair on Monday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Brazil’s capacity to significantly increase production of essential metals while offering German technological assistance.

Speaking at the Hanover industrial exhibition alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Merz highlighted promising opportunities. “There are significant opportunities in the cost-effective extraction of certain metals required for e-mobility and wind turbines,” the German leader stated.

Merz emphasized his country’s readiness to collaborate, saying “Germany is prepared to support Brazil with technological know-how and expertise in order to further expand these relations.”

Through a translator, President Lula acknowledged Brazil’s growing investments in essential minerals and rare earth elements, but set clear conditions for future partnerships. “We will not accept any models that reduce our country to mere resource extraction, serving only to meet demand from abroad,” Lula declared.

The Brazilian president also expressed interest in strengthening military ties with Germany. “We are engaged in dialogue regarding strategic areas such as tanks, air defence and drones, as well as joint projects,” he explained.

Officials from both countries were scheduled to hold formal government consultations later Monday to discuss these partnerships further.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to New Delhi on Monday, where the two leaders announced ambitious plans to significantly expand economic cooperation between their nations.

The leaders outlined a goal to boost bilateral trade from its current level of approximately $27 billion to $50 billion by 2030, focusing on enhanced supply chain partnerships, better market accessibility, and increased investment opportunities.

“India and South Korea are going to transform their trusted ties into a futuristic partnership,” Modi stated during the meeting.

The discussions between Modi and Lee occur as both nations seek to bolster their relationship while navigating global economic challenges and supply chain interruptions caused by the Iran conflict.

Lee announced that the countries have committed to substantially enhancing economic partnerships, with particular emphasis on shipbuilding, defense technology, and artificial intelligence sectors. He noted that both nations will also broaden industrial cooperation and increase trade and investment in advanced manufacturing, along with sensitive sectors including critical minerals and nuclear energy.

To strengthen supply chain resilience, Lee revealed that South Korea intends to boost imports of naphtha, a petroleum-based product, from India to help mitigate potential supply disruptions related to Middle Eastern tensions. India represented approximately 8% of South Korea’s naphtha imports in the previous year.

Following his Indian visit, Lee is set to continue his diplomatic tour with a trip to Vietnam.

Israeli military commanders on Monday instructed Lebanese civilians to avoid returning to a wide swath of southern Lebanon territory along the border, strengthening their control over the region even after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire began last Thursday.

The 10-day truce, negotiated through American diplomatic channels, has largely stopped active fighting between Israeli forces and the Iran-supported Hezbollah militia that emerged from broader regional tensions between Washington and Tehran.

However, the peace agreement remains unstable, with Israeli military units maintaining positions far into southern Lebanese territory to establish a protective barrier against potential Hezbollah attacks on northern Israeli communities, while the militant organization claims it retains the “right to resist” Israeli military presence.

Israeli defense officials released a map through social media platforms showing a red boundary line across 21 southern villages, instructing residents to avoid entering the zone between that line and the international border. Military spokespeople said their forces were holding positions in the south “in the face of ongoing terrorist activities” conducted by the Iranian-backed organization.

The published map identified more than 50 additional southern communities where residents should not attempt to return. Military officials also declared the Litani River area off-limits to civilians, though the waterway flows primarily north of the main restricted zone.

On Sunday, Israeli defense forces had published a similar territorial map, revealing for the first time their new positioning inside Lebanon. The deployment line extends from east to west, penetrating 5-10 kilometers beyond the border into Lebanese soil, covering regions where Israeli forces have been demolishing villages.

Senior Hezbollah leader Mahmoud Qmati warned residents of the organization’s stronghold in Beirut’s southern districts on Saturday against returning to their residences due to continued risks of Israeli military strikes.

Municipal authorities throughout the south have similarly advised civilians against coming home, stating that conditions remain unsafe.

In a Monday statement, Hezbollah claimed that explosive devices previously positioned by their fighters had detonated while Israeli military vehicles moved through a southern area on Sunday, reportedly destroying four armored tanks.

Israeli military representatives did not immediately provide a response when asked to comment on these allegations.

Israeli defense officials confirmed on Sunday that one soldier had died and nine others sustained injuries during operations in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon became involved in the broader regional conflict on March 2, when Hezbollah launched attacks in support of Tehran, triggering an Israeli military campaign that has resulted in over 2,300 deaths, including 177 children, and displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to Lebanese government officials.

Hezbollah has not released its own casualty numbers. Sources familiar with the group indicate that at least 400 of its fighters had been killed by the end of March.

The militant organization has launched hundreds of rockets and drone attacks against Israel. These assaults have killed two Israeli civilians while 15 Israeli soldiers have died in Lebanon since March 2, according to Israeli authorities.

Israeli officials issued formal apologies Monday after photographs surfaced showing one of their soldiers destroying a Christian crucifix with an axe in a Lebanese village.

The disturbing images, which circulated on social media over the weekend, captured an Israeli soldier using the blunt end of an axe to strike a fallen Jesus sculpture at a religious shrine. The photographs were shared by Younis Tirawi, who identifies as a Palestinian journalist and has previously published images allegedly showing Israeli military misconduct in Gaza.

News organizations confirmed the incident took place in Debel, a southern Lebanese village that remains one of the few communities where civilians have stayed during Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah, which started March 2nd following rocket attacks by the Iran-supported group.

The destroyed crucifix belonged to a small family shrine located in a residential garden on the village outskirts, according to local priest Fadi Falfel.

“One of the Israeli soldiers broke the cross and did this horrible thing, this desecration of our holy symbols,” he said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the soldier’s behavior disgraceful and shameful, posting an apology on social media platform X. “We apologize for this incident and to every Christian whose feelings were hurt,” Saar said.

Military officials announced they are launching an investigation into the matter.

“The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) views the incident with great severity and emphasises that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops,” the military said. “The IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place.”

Debel sits among numerous southern Lebanese communities currently under Israeli military control. Last Thursday, Israel and Lebanon implemented a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement designed to end hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

“We have every kind of crisis,” Falfel said.

“We thought the ceasefire would bring us some relief but we’re still surrounded, unable to travel to and from the town. There are some houses on the edge of town that we’re barred from accessing.”

Israeli military representatives state they are coordinating with humanitarian organizations to address the basic needs of residents in Debel and surrounding communities.

BRUSSELS — Representatives from over 60 countries convened in Brussels Monday to meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa regarding stability, security, and sustainable peace efforts in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. The international gathering takes place while global focus remains concentrated on ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts involving Iran and Lebanon.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, who co-hosted the conference alongside EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas, expressed concerns that continued violence in the West Bank and ongoing destruction in Gaza are making prospects for a two-state solution increasingly challenging.

“We observe without naivety that the two-state solution is being made more difficult by the day,” Prévot stated. “But Belgium and many European and Arab partners continue to believe that this remains the only realistic path to a lasting peace, for Israelis, for Palestinians and for the stability of the entire region.”

The European Union serves as the primary financial supporter of the Palestinian Authority, led by 90-year-old President Mahmoud Abbas, who has governed from Ramallah for the past twenty years. While the EU has chosen not to participate directly in President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, favoring UN multilateral approaches and international legal frameworks, the organization seeks to maintain its diplomatic influence in the strategically important Mediterranean region.

European anger over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has prompted numerous EU officials to criticize Israel’s military actions and apply pressure to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration. Following the recent removal of Hungary’s long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Netanyahu ally, the bloc may now have sufficient political backing for stronger measures such as targeted sanctions against Israeli settlers or partial suspension of Israeli relations.

West Bank Palestinians report that Israel has exploited the Iran conflict to strengthen its territorial control, with increased settler violence and additional military movement restrictions imposed under security justifications.

Regarding Gaza’s future, Mustafa emphasized the need for unified governance, stating: “Gaza requires ‘one state, one government, one law and one goal.’”

“Our common objective of achieving one security structure under the legitimate authority should guide the effective coordination between the International Stabilization Force, the Palestinian Authority, security institutions and other international actors. Security must not be fragmented,” he explained.

Mustafa also advocated for “the gradual and responsible collection of arms from all armed groups and also the full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.”

Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado announced her intention to return to her homeland before 2026 concludes, while pressing the United States to expedite electoral preparations in the South American nation.

In a recent Reuters interview conducted Sunday evening, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient stated she “absolutely” anticipated being back in Venezuela in the near future. She cautioned that postponing elections could increase the likelihood of domestic turmoil.

“We believe that in order to (manage) the anxiety and expectations and the urgency of the Venezuelan people in an orderly, civic way, it is very important to start taking steps towards what the whole country requires and demands, which is free and fair elections,” she said.

Following President Nicolas Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces in January, some opposition members hoped Machado, age 58, would assume a leadership position in governing Venezuela. However, President Donald Trump appointed Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former deputy, to lead instead, citing Machado’s insufficient support for immediate governance.

Machado departed Venezuela in December, breaking a decade-old travel restriction to accept her Nobel Prize, after spending over a year primarily in concealment following the controversial 2024 elections.

Those elections saw Maduro declared victorious over opposition contender Edmundo Gonzalez, sparking nationwide demonstrations. Machado, who has an industrial engineering background, was prohibited from seeking office.

While Rodriguez has earned commendation from the U.S. administration for her work, Machado dismissed this as evidence of Trump’s long-term support for Rodriguez.

“What I heard was President Trump praising how she follows his instructions,” she said.

“They (the Rodriguez government) have never been as weak as they are right now… they are starting to realize that things have changed and this is a totally different moment.”

Machado emphasized that Venezuelans anticipate significant governmental and economic reforms following Maduro’s detention, and these expectations must be addressed quickly to avoid potential “anarchy.”

“It’s like a huge dam that’s been (gathering) more and more and more energy, frustration, and courage, and expectations,” she said.

“My challenge, our challenge, is to channel those energies peacefully, civically, with one objective, which is an electoral process. If people feel that this is not the purpose of all that’s going on, these forces could get out of hand.”

She indicated that voter registration systems require updating to include previously disenfranchised citizens and new electoral council members must be chosen, processes that could be completed “in eight or nine months.”

Machado avoided directly criticizing Trump’s pace, noting she had presented him with her Nobel Prize medal.

“We wouldn’t be where we are right now, moving ahead, if it wasn’t for the U.S. administration and President Trump’s decision to bring Nicolas Maduro to justice.”

“But certainly I understand the urgency and demands of my people and I think we should move ahead in the democratic and electoral process.”

During her Madrid visit, Machado organized a Saturday gathering for Venezuelan exiles, attracting thousands to a plaza in Spain’s capital where she promised their eventual homecoming.

Approximately 25% of Venezuela’s population has dispersed throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and the United States since 2014, escaping an oil-reliant economy damaged by poor governance.

While meeting with Spain’s conservative opposition politicians, she refused to see Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, criticizing the Spanish government’s inadequate response to the Maduro administration.

“We expected Spain to be perhaps the main voice in highlighting the horrible situation of our country, the crimes against humanity that have been committed, the terrorism of state that has been deployed. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”

“Fortunately there are other voices – and I’ve met with some of them this week – and we certainly feel that we do have in Europe an ally to Western values and to build back in Venezuela institutions that will last for centuries.”

Since her Venezuelan departure, Machado has primarily resided in the United States and expressed joy at reconnecting with her three grown children.

“As a mom I’ve always felt very guilty in terms of the consequences my family, especially my children, have suffered because of my decisions,” she said.

“I tell myself every day that I do it for them, for every single young Venezuelan and those that have not been born yet, that they will have a country that they feel proud about and they can live as free citizens.”

For security purposes, Machado had requested her children relocate abroad after she became a legislator.

She has also appreciated discovering technological advances from the past two decades that hadn’t reached Venezuela, particularly finding Uber transportation services remarkable.

“On the other hand, I am used to my country. I feel I should be back with my people and I’m counting the days.”

TOKYO, April 20 – A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake rocked Japan’s northeastern coastline Monday, prompting officials to warn of potentially dangerous tsunami waves reaching heights of up to 10 feet along vulnerable shorelines.

According to Japan’s Meteorological Agency, the seismic event originated beneath the Pacific Ocean at a depth of approximately 6 miles. Officials indicated that the most significant wave activity was anticipated to impact the Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido regions.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the media, confirming that an emergency response team had been activated while calling on people in threatened zones to seek immediate shelter. “The government had set up an emergency task force and urged citizens in the affected areas to evacuate to safety,” Takaichi told reporters.

Television coverage from broadcaster NHK captured vessels departing Hachinohe port in Hokkaido as crews prepared for incoming waves, while emergency alerts reading “Tsunami! Evacuate!” appeared on television screens throughout the region.

Transportation networks experienced immediate disruptions, with high-speed rail operations in Aomori – situated at Honshu island’s northern edge – suspended following the tremors, according to Kyodo news reports.

The seismic activity registered as an ‘upper 5’ on Japan’s intensity measurement system, indicating ground motion severe enough to impair mobility and potentially cause structural damage to unreinforced masonry walls.

As one of the globe’s most seismically active nations, Japan experiences tremors approximately every five minutes. Positioned within the Pacific Basin’s “Ring of Fire” – a zone of volcanic activity and oceanic trenches – the country experiences roughly 20% of all worldwide earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or greater.

While no active nuclear facilities currently operate in the Hokkaido and Tohoku areas, both Hokkaido Electric Power Co and Tohoku Electric Power Co maintain several decommissioned nuclear installations in these regions. Tohoku Electric reported it was assessing potential impacts on its Onagawa nuclear facility.

LONDON — Authorities in London have taken two teenagers into custody following a weekend firebombing at a synagogue, as Jewish community leaders voice growing alarm over a series of recent attacks targeting their institutions.

London Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes announced Monday that officers apprehended the suspects, ages 19 and 17, during overnight operations related to the attack on Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow. According to Jukes, who spoke with the BBC, police have now made 15 arrests connected to six separate attacks on Jewish facilities and one Persian-language media outlet that have occurred in recent weeks.

Investigators are pursuing what Jukes described as a “serious line of inquiry” suggesting Iran may be paying local criminals to execute these attacks as Middle East tensions escalate, including the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with the Islamic Republic.

“We’ve seen a pattern with other actors of thugs for hire, people taking cash that looks like quick and easy money,” Jukes stated.

“This is part of the modern hybrid war fought by proxies,” he continued.

The latest attack occurred Saturday evening when someone hurled a bottle filled with flammable liquid through a window at the Harrow synagogue, resulting in smoke damage throughout the building, according to police reports.

BEIJING, April 20 – Chinese officials voiced opposition Monday to ongoing joint military training exercises involving the United States, Philippines, and Japan, arguing such partnerships threaten stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

During a routine press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that military alliances between nations should not damage relationships and confidence among countries in the region.

“What the Asia-Pacific region most needs is peace and tranquility, and what it least needs is the introduction of external forces to create division and confrontation,” Guo stated during the briefing.

The Chinese official issued a stern warning to the participating nations about their security cooperation efforts.

“We would like to remind the relevant countries that persisting in tying themselves together on security will only lead to setting themselves on fire and backfiring,” Guo said.

The comments came in response to questions about the yearly joint military training exercises organized by the Philippines and the United States, which now include participation from Japanese military forces.

SOFIA, April 20 – The political party linked to Bulgaria’s former President Rumen Radev, who maintains pro-Russian positions, has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the nation’s parliamentary elections held on Sunday.

Official election data reveals that Progressive Bulgaria captured 44.7% of the vote share after election officials finished counting 91.68% of all ballots cast across the country.

The substantial margin suggests Radev’s political movement has gained significant traction among Bulgarian voters in the latest legislative contest.

MOSCOW – Russian authorities announced Monday they have arrested a 57-year-old German woman on allegations of planning an explosive attack targeting law enforcement officials.

According to Russia’s state-run RIA news agency, the Federal Security Service reported the woman was taken into custody in Pyatigorsk, located in the Stavropol region of southern Russia. Officials claim she was carrying explosive materials in a backpack at the time of her arrest.

Russian security services allege the explosive device was intended to be set off by “an Islamist from Central Asia,” according to the media reports.

The details surrounding the arrest and the specific allegations could not be independently confirmed by news organizations outside of Russia.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian authorities released new casualty figures Monday from their ongoing military conflict with Israel and the United States, revealing that fatalities have reached at least 3,375 people.

Abbas Masjedi, who leads Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization, provided the updated death count to Iranian media outlets.

According to Masjedi’s statement to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency and other media sources on Monday, nearly all victims have been identified, with just four bodies remaining unidentified.

The forensic official’s report did not distinguish between civilian deaths and military personnel casualties, but provided demographic breakdowns showing 2,875 male victims and 496 female victims.

Among the most concerning statistics, Masjedi reported that 383 of those killed were minors aged 18 and younger.

The casualty figures have sparked uncertainty about whether military personnel are included in the count, especially considering the extensive aerial bombardments that have struck military installations and weapons facilities throughout Iran.

A U.S. Navy operation that forcibly captured an Iranian cargo vessel has created uncertainty around planned diplomatic meetings between Iranian and American negotiators in Pakistan this week.

President Donald Trump revealed Sunday that American diplomats would travel to Pakistan on Monday for continued discussions with Iranian representatives. Trump’s statement had sparked optimism about potentially extending a temporary ceasefire agreement that expires Wednesday, though Iranian officials have yet to confirm their participation.

During the same announcement, Trump disclosed that American forces had intercepted the Iranian cargo vessel attempting to bypass a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. This marked the first such capture since the blockade of Iranian shipping lanes commenced last week.

Trump explained that a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer operating in the Gulf of Oman “stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom” and that U.S. Marines now control the ship, called Touska, while they examine “what’s on board!”

Iranian military leadership responded by condemning the vessel capture as maritime piracy and promised a swift response from Tehran.

The growing tensions threaten to worsen an energy crisis affecting worldwide markets and could push both nations back toward active hostilities that have already claimed over 3,000 Iranian lives, nearly 2,300 Lebanese casualties, 23 Israeli civilians and 15 Israeli soldiers, plus more than a dozen deaths across Gulf Arab nations. Thirteen American military personnel have also perished in the conflict.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted a meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker at the American Embassy in Islamabad on Monday.

The discussion centered on enhancing Pakistani-American diplomatic ties and organizing the second round of negotiations scheduled for Islamabad this week, according to Naqvi’s office.

Officials did not provide a specific timeline for when the discussions would commence.

Naqvi updated Baker on protective protocols, explaining that extraordinary precautions have been implemented to safeguard visiting diplomatic teams.

“We have made comprehensive security arrangements for our distinguished guests,” Naqvi stated.

Baker expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s contributions to reducing regional conflicts and supporting diplomatic dialogue.

Pakistani officials worked Monday to organize the second round of Iranian-American negotiations, even as uncertainty remains about whether the meetings will actually occur.

Pakistan has increased diplomatic communications since Sunday with both Washington and Tehran to guarantee the talks begin as early as Tuesday, according to unnamed officials who lacked authorization to speak publicly.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducted a telephone conversation late Sunday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, though Sharif’s office issued a statement that made no reference to the upcoming negotiations.

Officials began blocking major roadways and enhancing security throughout Islamabad over the weekend, especially around an upscale hotel where the diplomatic teams are expected to convene.

Security forces established military checkpoints, shuttered tourist attractions, and directed prominent hotels to restrict reservations to maintain room availability.

Iran released updated casualty figures Monday for its conflict with Israel and the United States, with the country’s forensic leader reporting at least 3,375 deaths from the fighting.

Abbas Masjedi, who heads Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization, provided the statistics.

Masjedi, speaking to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency and other media outlets Monday, noted that only four victims remain unidentified.

His statement did not distinguish between civilian and military casualties, reporting instead that 2,875 victims were male and 496 were female.

According to Masjedi, 383 of those killed were minors aged 18 or younger.

Questions arose about whether Masjedi’s numbers included military personnel, particularly considering the extensive bombing campaigns targeting defense installations and weapons storage facilities throughout Iran.

Iranian authorities announced Monday the execution of two men accused of arson attacks conducted for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.

An Iranian opposition group in exile previously identified the men as their members and claimed the accusations related to events occurring after their initial arrest.

Iran’s judiciary news service Mizan named the executed men as Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi.

The opposition Mujahedeen-e-Khalq organization identified Shahi as Nima Shahi.

The MEK stated both men endured “interrogation and torture” and received convictions for an incident that occurred prior to their detention.

These executions bring the total number of MEK members killed since the war began to eight.

Human rights organizations say Iran regularly conducts secret trials where defendants cannot contest the charges against them.

Hezbollah reported detonating explosive devices Sunday afternoon during an assault on Israeli military units in southern Lebanon.

The organization announced Monday that bombs placed by Hezbollah operatives exploded and eliminated four tanks from an eight-tank convoy traveling past Deir Siryan village.

This represents the first attack claim by Hezbollah since a 10-day ceasefire took effect at midnight Thursday.

Israeli military officials have not yet responded to the allegations.

Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, argues that global fuel prices can only stabilize if economic and military pressure on Iranian oil shipments ceases.

“One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” Aref posted on X. “The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone.”

MANILA, Philippines — Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the United States and Philippines launched one of their most extensive annual military exercises Monday, demonstrating allied strength designed to discourage regional aggression in Asia.

This year’s large-scale military training will involve additional international forces from Japan, France and Canada, all of which have established visiting forces agreements with Manila, according to Philippine military officials.

Over 17,000 American and Filipino service members will take part in the Balikatan exercise — meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog. The nearly three-week operation will feature simulated combat scenarios and live ammunition exercises across multiple locations, including Philippine territories overlooking the contested South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

Approximately 10,000 U.S. military personnel will join the training exercises, representing a significant deployment that American military leaders say demonstrates Washington’s dedication to the Asia-Pacific theater despite Middle Eastern conflicts.

“Regardless of the challenges elsewhere in the world, the United States focus on the Indo-Pacific and our ironclad commitment to the Philippines remains unwavering,” Marine Lt. Gen. Christian Wortman stated during opening ceremonies.

Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner explained that these multinational military exercises strengthen deterrence capabilities and regional resilience against hostile actions. While avoiding naming specific nations in his remarks, Brawner has previously condemned China’s escalating aggressive behavior toward Philippine naval and coast guard vessels in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely.

Multiple nations including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan maintain competing territorial claims over these waters, which serve as a crucial international shipping corridor. However, confrontations between Chinese and Filipino forces have intensified significantly in recent years.

Beijing has criticized the U.S.-Philippine military exercises, claiming they’re designed to limit China’s expanding global influence. Philippine military officials counter that the training doesn’t target any particular nation and helps prepare allied forces for natural disaster response.

The United States has consistently stated its treaty obligation to defend the Philippines, America’s longest-standing alliance partner in Asia, should Filipino forces face armed attacks in disputed maritime areas.

“We remain guided by a shared commitment to uphold international law, to respect sovereignty and to contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific where nations can thrive without coercion,” Brawner declared.

Exercise activities will include Japanese forces launching missiles from coastal positions in northwestern Ilocos Norte province to target a simulated enemy vessel approximately 40 kilometers offshore in South China Sea waters, Philippine Marine Col. Dennis Hernandez revealed to reporters.

American forces will deploy explosive-equipped marine drones to continue attacking the mock enemy ship, Hernandez added.

During a Manila visit last year, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised Philippine leaders that the Trump administration would collaborate with allies to strengthen deterrence against global threats, including Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

“Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there is free navigation whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea,” Hegseth told Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Indonesian naval officials confirmed Monday that an American military vessel traveled through the Malacca Strait during the weekend, noting the ship’s passage complied with established international maritime regulations.

The warship made its journey through the strategic waterway on Saturday, April 18, according to First Admiral Tunggul, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s Navy, who spoke with Reuters.

U.S. military officials at Indo-Pacific Command identified the vessel as the USS Miguel Keith, stationed in Japan. Navy Commander Matthew Comer described the ship’s activities as “conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.”

While Comer declined to reveal the warship’s intended destination, citing standard Navy security protocols regarding future vessel movements, he noted the ship had completed maintenance work in South Korea during early April.

According to U.S. Navy specifications, the USS Miguel Keith measures 240 meters in length and serves as an adaptable floating headquarters capable of deploying helicopters and smaller watercraft, housing military personnel, and providing command operations support.

The Malacca Strait spans 900 kilometers and serves as a vital commercial corridor connecting Asian markets with Middle Eastern and European trading partners, handling approximately 25% of global trade shipments.

“Any vessel including warships transiting in the waters has rights of transit passage which can be exercised in a strait used for international navigation or international shipment,” Indonesia’s Navy spokesman said.

Indonesian naval authorities emphasized that while all ships have transit rights through the waterway, they must honor Indonesia’s status as a coastal nation and follow International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, Tunggul stated.

MOSCOW – Ukrainian forces conducted an extensive drone assault on the Russian Black Sea port city of Tuapse on Monday, resulting in one death and triggering fires at the strategic facility, according to Russian authorities. The strike occurred just days after firefighters extinguished blazes from a previous drone attack on April 16.

The targeted port serves as a crucial oil export terminal for Russia and handles various cargo including coal and fertilizers. The facility also houses a significant oil refinery operated by Rosneft.

Krasnodar region Governor Veniamin Kondratiev announced on Telegram that “Tuapse was subjected to another massive drone attack” and confirmed that “a fire occurred at the seaport.”

According to Kondratiev, the assault claimed the life of one man at the port facility while injuring another worker. Falling drone debris caused damage throughout the city, striking a kindergarten, elementary school, church, and apartment buildings.

Russian defense officials reported intercepting and destroying 112 Ukrainian drones during the overnight operation.

JAKARTA, April 20 – Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission delivered sharp criticism of the country’s military Monday while launching an investigation into the deaths of 12 civilians during last week’s anti-rebel operations in Papua province.

Military officials claimed they had no knowledge of civilian casualties, but the government-backed rights commission reported over the weekend that a dozen people, including women and children, were fatally shot during April 14 operations targeting separatists in central Papua. The commission noted that dozens more suffered severe injuries.

Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Officials have not yet determined whether Indonesian forces, rebel fighters, or both were responsible for the civilian fatalities.

“We condemn the enforcement operation against Papuan rebels that resulted in civilian casualties,” commission chief Anis Hidayah said in a statement.

“All forms of attacks against civilians, whether in situations of war or otherwise, carried out by state or non-state actors, constitute violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law,” she added.

Hidayah also called on Indonesia’s armed forces to reconsider their approach to operations targeting Papuan separatists.

The mineral-rich Papua region, which houses the globe’s second-largest copper and gold mining operation, has experienced ongoing separatist tensions since Indonesia assumed control following a UN-supervised referendum in 1969.

A military spokesman for Papua operations told Reuters no information had reached him about civilian deaths in the region during the previous week. Papuan rebel representatives confirmed that 12 non-combatants died as a result of military actions.

According to taskforce spokesperson Wirya Arthadiguna, the military’s Habema unit launched the April 14 operation in the Puncak area after local residents reported rebel activity in their community.

The operation in Kembru village resulted in four rebel deaths, Wirya explained. He acknowledged reports of a child’s death by gunfire in a separate incident at a neighboring village.

“No military personnel were present at that village at the time of the shooting of the child, and the two incidents took place at different locations and times and are not connected,” he said.

An Iraqi sea captain is refusing to abandon his dangerous maritime route despite escalating threats from regional warfare that has turned vital shipping lanes into potential battlegrounds.

Captain Rahman Al-Jubouri commands an oil tanker navigating the perilous waters connecting the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing conflicts between the United States, Israel and Iran have created chaos for international shipping and left maritime crews vulnerable to military strikes.

The seasoned mariner, who has spent nearly four decades at sea since beginning his career in 1984, has weathered multiple conflicts including the Iran-Iraq War and Gulf War of 1991. Now he faces fresh dangers as random military attacks target ships attempting passage through critical waterways including Bab el-Mandeb and Persian Gulf routes.

“Work has become a real risk; we don’t know when we might be bombed. We’re sailing over a ball of fire,” he said.

Al-Jubouri has spent the past four months aboard the Sea Moon, a vessel flying under Palau’s flag. His current mission involves transporting oil from the Gulf of Aden to the Gulf of Oman for delivery at Yemen’s Ras Isa port. He provided details during a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Commercial shipping has become caught in the middle of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple tankers have suffered attacks launched by Iranian military units and their regional allies. Repeated threats to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a crucial passage for worldwide oil transportation, have caused significant delays, route changes and vessels becoming trapped in Gulf waters.

This past Sunday marked a significant escalation when American naval forces intercepted and seized an Iranian cargo vessel attempting to bypass a maritime blockade near the strait, representing the first such action since port restrictions began the previous week.

The constant threat level has prompted Al-Jubouri to implement frequent emergency preparedness training for his crew members. “We’ve trained them on how to respond if the ship comes under fire, God forbid,” he said.

During the previous year, his tanker experienced direct combat while moored at a Yemeni facility. “I immediately cut the ropes, prepared the engines, and left the port at my own risk to protect the crew and the ship,” he said.

Metal fragments struck the vessel during their emergency departure, resulting in minimal structural damage while all crew members avoided injury. The tanker eventually resumed normal port activities and continued following its scheduled shipping route despite the incident.

However, not every crew member can handle the extreme stress of their assignments. Al-Jubouri revealed his team has shrunk from 27 sailors down to just 17 members, with fear driving the departures.

Extended periods away from home add emotional strain to the physical dangers. Al-Jubouri has been separated from his family for four months straight, creating the homesickness common among long-distance sailors.

“We suffer from being away from our families and our homelands,” he said. Although onboard internet connections help maintain family contact, the separation feels particularly difficult during wartime conditions.

Essential provisions continue flowing regularly, with food and drinking water supplies maintained through port visits without significant shortages occurring.

Al-Jubouri credits his extensive maritime experience spanning four decades with helping him maintain effectiveness under extreme pressure.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk faces questioning by French authorities in Paris this Monday as part of an ongoing investigation into serious allegations surrounding his social media platform X.

Prosecutors in Paris have called both Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino for what they term “voluntary interviews” regarding claims that the platform failed to prevent the distribution of child sexual abuse material and explicit deepfake images. Additional X employees are set to provide witness testimony throughout the week, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.

Whether the billionaire entrepreneur and Yaccarino will actually appear in Paris remains uncertain. Representatives for X have not responded to media inquiries, and Yaccarino’s current employer, eMed, has also remained silent on the matter.

The summons follows a February search of X’s French offices, part of a cybercrime investigation launched in January 2025. Both Musk and Yaccarino are being questioned in their roles as X executives during the timeframe under investigation. Yaccarino served as the platform’s CEO from May 2023 through July 2025.

“These voluntary interviews with the executives are intended to allow them to present their position regarding the facts and, where appropriate, the compliance measures they plan to implement,” prosecutors explained. “At this stage, the conduct of this investigation is part of a constructive approach, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that platform X complies with French law, insofar as it operates within the national territory.”

When asked about potential consequences if Musk fails to appear, the Paris prosecutor’s office declined to provide details.

The investigation began after a French legislator reported concerns that X’s algorithms may have improperly manipulated automated systems. The probe expanded when the platform’s artificial intelligence system, Grok, allegedly produced content denying the Holocaust—a criminal offense under French law—and created sexually explicit deepfake images.

Investigators are examining potential “complicity” in possessing and distributing pornographic images of minors, creating sexually explicit deepfakes, denying crimes against humanity, and manipulating automated data systems as part of an organized operation, among other potential violations.

Grok, developed by xAI and integrated into X, drew international criticism this year after producing numerous sexualized deepfake images without consent when requested by platform users.

The AI system also generated a widely circulated French-language post claiming that gas chambers at the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp were intended for “disinfection with Zyklon B against typhus” rather than mass murder—language commonly used by Holocaust deniers.

The chatbot later corrected itself in subsequent X posts, acknowledging its error, stating the original response had been removed, and citing historical evidence that Zyklon B was used to murder more than 1 million people in Auschwitz gas chambers.

In March, Paris prosecutors contacted both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, suggesting “that the controversy surrounding sexually explicit deepfakes generated by Grok may have been deliberately orchestrated to artificially boost the value of the companies X and xAI — potentially constituting criminal offenses.”

The prosecutor’s office indicated this alleged manipulation could have occurred “ahead of the planned June 2026 stock market listing of the new entity formed by the merger of Space X and xAI, at a time when company X was clearly losing momentum.”

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Justice Department has refused to assist French law enforcement in their investigation of Musk’s platform. According to the newspaper, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs sent a two-page letter last week accusing France of improperly using its legal system to interfere with American business operations.

“This investigation seeks to use the criminal legal system in France to regulate a public square for the free expression of ideas and opinions in a manner contrary to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution,” the letter stated, as quoted by The Wall Street Journal.

The correspondence also characterized France’s requests for U.S. assistance as “an effort to entangle the United States in a politically charged criminal proceeding aimed at wrongfully regulating through prosecution the business activities of a social media platform.”

French judicial officials have not responded to requests for comment on these developments.

Separately, Reporters Without Borders has filed an additional complaint against X with Paris cybercrime prosecutors. The organization “targets the platform’s policies that allow disinformation to flourish,” accusing Musk’s company of repeatedly violating the public’s right to accurate information.

“Disinformation campaigns are flooding X, some of which have accumulated several hundred thousand views. Although the staff at Elon Musk’s platform are well aware of the situation, this has not stopped them from responding to RSF’s repeated alerts with automated refusals to remove the content in question,” the organization stated. “This is a deliberate policy instated by X, and it is incompatible with the public’s right to reliable information.”

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — More than 9,000 residents were forced to evacuate after a devastating blaze swept through a waterfront settlement in Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo Island, wiping out approximately 1,000 homes, local authorities reported.

The devastating blaze began in the early morning hours on Sunday within the Sandakan district, quickly engulfing multiple rows of wooden stilt houses that were built above the ocean waters, fire and rescue officials confirmed.

Emergency responders faced significant challenges containing the inferno due to powerful wind conditions and the tightly packed nature of the dwellings, authorities explained. Narrow pathways for emergency vehicle access combined with low tide levels further complicated firefighting operations and delayed crews from reaching the most severely affected zones.

While no fatalities have been confirmed, thousands of displaced residents have been relocated to emergency shelters as relief operations continue.

These waterfront communities, known locally as water villages, represent informal housing developments that extend across much of Sabah’s shoreline, which ranks among Malaysia’s most economically disadvantaged regions. The densely constructed dwellings are primarily built from timber and other flammable materials, frequently lacking essential utilities and safety infrastructure. These communities predominantly house low-income families and marginalized populations, including native communities and individuals lacking official citizenship documentation.

According to reporting by Sabah’s Daily Express newspaper, village leader Sharif Hashim Sharif Iting indicated that an uncontrolled cooking fire may have sparked the disaster. However, fire investigators have not yet determined the official cause, and the investigation continues.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that both federal and regional government agencies are working together to coordinate emergency response efforts, with priority given to providing immediate support for displaced families.

Similar fire incidents have repeatedly affected Sabah’s waterfront communities throughout recent years. State officials have consistently recognized the extreme fire vulnerability of these settlements, though implementing comprehensive safety improvements across such communities continues to present significant logistical challenges.

Iranian authorities carried out death sentences on Sunday against two men who were found guilty of working with Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, according to reports from the country’s judicial news service Mizan.

The executed individuals were named as Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi, who officials claimed were part of an espionage operation connected to Israeli intelligence. According to Mizan, both men had undergone training in foreign locations, including Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

The pair faced multiple charges, including “enmity against God” and collaborating with enemy organizations. Iran’s Supreme Court confirmed their death sentences before the executions were performed, Mizan stated.

A leading Taiwan business executive called Monday for both Chinese and Taiwanese governments to separate political considerations from economic cooperation, following Beijing’s recent announcement of new trade incentives for the island nation.

Paul Hsu, who leads Taiwan’s General Chamber of Commerce, made the appeal after China revealed new measures this month that would relax restrictions on tourism and food imports. However, Beijing tied these incentives to Taiwan “opposing Taiwan independence.”

China considers Taiwan, which operates as a democracy, to be part of its territory and has refused diplomatic engagement with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, labeling him a “separatist.” In recent years, Beijing has intensified political and economic pressure through tourism restrictions, food import bans, and regular military exercises.

“As soon as there is an opening up, it should be as much as possible be systematic and normalised to maintain the long-term stability of business and trade exchanges,” Hsu stated during a press conference in Taipei.

Speaking alongside representatives from tourism and food industries, Hsu called on China to provide consistent trade relationships instead of abrupt policy changes. He also advocated for equal treatment regardless of which political party controls Taiwan’s cities or counties, particularly in southern Taiwan where Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party maintains strong support.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has not yet responded to requests for comment on Hsu’s statements.

Beijing’s latest policy announcements followed a visit to China by Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun, who characterized her trip as a “journey of peace” and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Hsu’s organization, which represents over one million companies, issued a statement urging Taiwan’s government to “proactively face” China’s opening offers.

The business leader emphasized that his group’s political support would go to candidates who benefit Taiwan’s industries, stressing he represents non-partisan business interests.

“As long as you put forth good policies, we will offer support. But if you stand against us, I’m sorry, I can’t support you. We have a vote — we are a democratic society,” Hsu declared.

Taiwan is preparing for significant local elections in November, with the next presidential election scheduled for early 2028.

On Sunday, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which handles China policy, promised to address industry’s “reasonable demands” while cautioning businesses against becoming “tools manipulated and exploited by the Chinese communists.”

PAPHOS, Cyprus — American taxpayer dollars are financing significant improvements to Cyprus military facilities as the Mediterranean island nation expands its capacity to serve as a regional evacuation center and humanitarian staging area for Middle East crises.

The island’s primary naval installation, Evangelos Florakis base, sits just 142 miles from Lebanon’s shoreline and will receive a new heliport funded by U.S. European Command. The facility will handle large Chinook-style transport helicopters used for evacuating people from war zones.

Meanwhile, the Andreas Papandreou air base in southwestern Cyprus will gain an expanded apron area where dozens of heavy-lift military cargo planes can quickly refuel and receive maintenance during humanitarian operations, according to Lt. Col. Paris Samoutis, National Guard spokesperson. The Associated Press received rare access to these restricted military sites.

Both enhancement projects fall under a broader upgrade initiative funded by Washington to help Cyprus handle large-scale humanitarian responses. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.

While final project costs remain under assessment, Samoutis revealed the U.S. has provided 500,000 euros ($588,000) for development planning to determine total expansion expenses for the air base apron.

This American assistance would have been unimaginable a decade ago, before Cyprus abandoned its historically neutral diplomatic stance and aligned with Western nations.

Cyprus has strengthened ties with Washington under American-educated President Nikos Christodoulides, who ended a longstanding U.S. arms embargo and opened new commercial opportunities.

Since winning election in 2023, Christodoulides has promoted Cyprus’ strategic location to European Union colleagues and American officials, positioning the nation as the West’s diplomatic, economic and humanitarian gateway to the volatile Middle East.

“As a conscientious and responsible partner, Cyprus remains a credible and safe harbor,” Christodoulides stated in December.

Previously, American forces depended on two British military installations that the United Kingdom maintained after Cyprus gained independence in 1960. A drone attack on March 2 damaged an aircraft hangar at RAF Akrotiri base, with Cypriot authorities saying the Shahed drone originated from Lebanon.

Upgrading Cyprus’ national military infrastructure provides alternative options for Washington and EU allies with regional interests, including France.

Cyprus served as an evacuation transit hub for foreign nationals fleeing Sudan in April 2023. When U.S. and Israeli forces targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, the island again facilitated departures from Israel and helped stranded Israelis return home.

During 2024, Cyprus established the Amalthea maritime corridor to deliver thousands of tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza, initially through direct shipments and later via Israel’s Ashdod port.

Multiple EU nations and other countries have stationed civilian personnel, military troops, helicopters and aircraft in Cyprus to support potential citizen evacuations. The United States deployed Marines and V-22 Osprey aircraft at Paphos air base in 2024 to assist Lebanese evacuations.

Christodoulides has emphasized that Cyprus military facilities will only support humanitarian missions, not offensive military operations.

Beyond the new heliport, the naval base will receive upgraded port infrastructure capable of hosting larger warships like frigates, which exceed the size of Cyprus’ current lighter vessel fleet, Samoutis explained. These larger ships provide essential air defense capabilities through radar and missile systems protecting incoming and outgoing transport helicopters.

The air base will also house a newly established regional firefighting coordination center designed to help neighboring Middle Eastern nations combat major wildfires. The center’s inauguration is planned for next month.

“Cyprus remains part of the solution, not the problem,” Samoutis said, repeating a phrase frequently used by Christodoulides.

LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confronts mounting pressure Monday as he attempts to contain a political firestorm that threatens his leadership.

The embattled leader will endure intense questioning in Parliament as he defends his decision to name Peter Mandelson as Britain’s top diplomat to Washington, even though the controversial politician failed to pass security clearance and had connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The scandal has prompted opposition leaders to demand Starmer’s resignation while creating unease among his own supporters who question what other critical information may have escaped the prime minister’s attention.

Initially, Starmer insisted that proper procedures were followed in selecting Mandelson for the diplomatic post. However, he now claims to be “furious” that nobody informed him when an extensive background investigation recommended against granting Mandelson security clearance. The Foreign Office ultimately approved the appointment despite these concerns.

Following last week’s disclosure by The Guardian newspaper, Starmer quickly dismissed the department’s senior civil servant, Olly Robbins. However, sources close to Robbins maintain he lacked authority to share confidential vetting details with the prime minister.

Robbins plans to present his account of the situation to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

Opposition parties across the political spectrum have united in demanding Starmer’s departure. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch wrote in the Mail on Sunday that he had “misled Parliament over Mandelson, misled the country and is taking the public for fools.”

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused Starmer of displaying “catastrophic misjudgment.”

Top government officials have rallied to support the prime minister. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated that had Starmer been aware of the security concerns, “he would never, ever have appointed him ambassador.”

Nevertheless, members of Starmer’s Labour Party, already concerned about declining approval ratings, are growing restless. The prime minister previously weathered a similar challenge in February when some Labour legislators pushed for his resignation over the Mandelson selection.

Another test looms with the May 7 local and regional elections, where voters will deliver their midterm assessment of the government’s performance, and Labour faces potential significant losses.

Political observers view the Mandelson controversy as further evidence of poor decision-making by a prime minister who has encountered numerous setbacks since leading Labour to an overwhelming electoral triumph in July 2024. Starmer has struggled to fulfill promises of economic expansion, improve deteriorating public services, and address living costs, resulting in multiple policy reversals.

Despite staff warnings about the “reputational risk” posed by Mandelson’s association with Epstein, who died in custody in 2019, Starmer selected him for one of Britain’s most crucial diplomatic positions.

Concerns also arose regarding Mandelson’s business connections to Russia and China. However, his experience as a former European Union trade commissioner and relationships with international leaders were viewed as valuable assets for managing relations with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Mandelson’s tenure lasted fewer than nine months. Starmer terminated his appointment in September 2025 after discovering that Mandelson had misrepresented the scope of his Epstein connections.

Documents related to Epstein that the U.S. Department of Justice released in January contained correspondence indicating Mandelson may have shared confidential government information with Epstein in 2009 during the global financial crisis, details that could have influenced financial markets.

British authorities initiated a criminal investigation and took Mandelson into custody in February on charges of misconduct in public office. While Mandelson has previously denied any wrongdoing and has not been formally charged, he faces no allegations of sexual impropriety.

NEW YORK — The United Nations will host auditions this week for its next leader, with only four candidates seeking the secretary-general position — a dramatic decline from the 13 hopefuls who competed a decade ago when António Guterres secured the role.

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet will kick off the selection process Tuesday, facing a three-hour grilling from representatives of the UN’s 193 member countries. She’s joined by Argentina’s Rafael Mariano Grossi, who currently heads the UN’s nuclear agency.

Wednesday will feature UN trade leader Rebeca Grynspan, followed by former Senegalese President Macky Sall.

The significantly smaller candidate pool reflects dramatic changes in global politics since 2016, when the world was more stable and peaceful — the same year Donald Trump first won the presidency.

The UN itself has lost considerable influence over the past decade. While the organization celebrated major achievements in 2016, including the Paris climate accord and ambitious development goals, today’s deeply divided world powers have left the UN unable to address its core mission of maintaining international peace.

Major conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran have paralyzed the Security Council, pushing the UN to the margins of critical global crises.

Richard Gowan, who monitors UN affairs for the International Crisis Group, explained how current tensions have shaped this leadership race differently than Guterres’ selection process.

A decade ago, many long-shot candidates joined the competition simply to boost their public profiles, Gowan noted.

“There was no real cost associated with losing,” Gowan said. “This time around, potential candidates and the governments who sponsor them are much more cautious. There is a feeling that if a candidate puts a foot wrong and offends Washington or Beijing, it could cause real diplomatic damage.”

The 2016 race generated significant momentum for selecting the first female UN leader, with women comprising seven of the 13 candidates. However, Guterres ultimately prevailed after delivering the strongest performance in member nation questioning sessions.

The UN Charter provides minimal guidance on selecting its top official, stating only that the General Assembly should choose based on Security Council recommendations. This arrangement gives the five permanent Security Council members — the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France — decisive authority and veto power.

Traditionally, the secretary-general position rotates among global regions. Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister and refugee agency chief representing Europe, succeeded South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon from Asia, who followed Ghana’s Kofi Annan from Africa.

Latin America should claim the position next, though Eastern Europe has never held the role despite losing out in 2016.

Member nations must nominate candidates under UN procedures, though countries need not nominate their own citizens. While nominations remain open indefinitely, the Security Council typically begins informal polling in late July, effectively establishing a deadline.

This week’s candidates will likely address their leadership vision, global crisis management, and the UN’s future direction, though questioning can cover any topic.

The 74-year-old Bachelet previously served as UN human rights chief after two separate terms leading Chile. Initially backed by Chile, Brazil, and Mexico, she lost Chilean support when far-right leader José Antonio Kast assumed the presidency in March and withdrew backing for the leftist former president. Brazil and Mexico continue supporting her candidacy.

Grossi, 65, has directed the International Atomic Energy Agency since 2019 following his diplomatic career and received nomination from Argentina.

The 70-year-old Grynspan, Costa Rica’s former vice president, has led the UN Trade and Development agency since 2021 and earned her home country’s nomination.

Sall, 64, received nomination from Burundi, though his native Senegal declined to endorse him, as did the fractured 55-member African Union.

A fifth candidate, Argentine diplomat Virginia Gamba, who previously represented the UN on children in warfare, was nominated by the Maldives but withdrawn in late March without explanation.

Despite having only two female candidates, pressure continues for selecting the first woman secretary-general, including from Guterres, who has prioritized gender equality in his administration. Britain and France have also expressed support for female leadership.

The advocacy groups 1 for 8 Billion and GWL Voices, representing nearly 80 global female leaders, are campaigning for a woman candidate. GWL’s president Susana Malcorra, a former Argentine foreign minister and senior UN official, competed for secretary-general in 2016.

Twenty-eight Republican lawmakers sent a March 25 letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the United States to block Bachelet’s candidacy, describing her as “a pro-abortion zealot intent on using political authority to override state sovereignty in favor of extreme agendas.”

During a recent Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz was questioned about Bachelet by Republican Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, who signed the opposition letter. While Waltz avoided stating whether America would support or oppose her candidacy, he acknowledged sharing Ricketts’ concerns.

Gowan observed that prospects for female leadership shifted significantly with Trump’s return to office.

“Before that, there was a feeling that this time a woman had to win, but now a lot of diplomats assume that Washington will insist on a male secretary-general on principle,” he said. “I am not sure that is necessarily correct.”

Survivors of Hong Kong’s most devastating fire in recent history started returning to their burned-out apartments Monday, marking their first opportunity since the November tragedy to search for personal belongings that may have survived the flames.

The devastating blaze consumed seven 31-story residential buildings in Tai Po’s northern district, claiming 168 lives and requiring nearly 48 hours for firefighters to fully extinguish. The catastrophe surpassed the severity of London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

Among those returning was 50-year-old Chung, who came prepared with canvas bags and tools, hoping to recover precious memories. “I want to get back my computer most, as some photographs of my son are stored inside,” Chung explained. “(I am) not sure if I will have enough time, once I get upstairs.”

Former residents of the Wang Fuk Court complex can make supervised visits lasting three hours each through May 4th. Safety protocols require all visitors to wear protective face masks, helmets, and gloves during their searches.

Approximately 1,000 staff members, including firefighters, have been assigned to help an estimated 6,000 expected visitors. Officials escort each group to ensure recovered items remain secure throughout the process.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk addressed reporters outside the complex, which remains surrounded by orange barriers and patrolled by security personnel. “I hope everyone will abide by the three-hour rule,” Cheuk stated.

Entry rules allow up to four people per apartment, though severely damaged units are restricted to single visitors. Government data analysis by Midland Realty reveals that many displaced residents are seniors, with over one-third being 65 or older.

Months following the disaster, Hong Kong residents continue seeking explanations for the fire’s origin while demanding those responsible be held accountable.

An independent investigative committee launched hearings in March to determine the fire’s causes and examine government allegations of construction company bid-rigging in building projects. The panel’s chief attorney attributed the failure of most fire safety systems to human error.

Government officials have warned of strict penalties for anyone attempting to “politicise” the tragedy.

The Housing Bureau rejected redevelopment plans for the site in April, citing lengthy timelines and various uncertainties. Earlier in February, officials announced plans to allocate approximately HK$4 billion ($512 million) to purchase properties from affected owners.

Maritime traffic through a crucial Middle Eastern shipping route reached its highest level in nearly two months this weekend, according to new data from shipping analytics company Kpler.

The Strait of Hormuz saw over 20 ships pass through on Saturday, representing the busiest single day for vessel movement through the strategic waterway since March 1st.

The diverse fleet included several ships that had previously loaded cargo from Iranian ports, carrying everything from petroleum products to metal goods. Among these were three vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas, with destinations including China and India.

Notable ships in Saturday’s convoy included the Panama-registered tanker Crave, which picked up LPG from the United Arab Emirates and is bound for Indonesia. Two additional tankers, the Akti A and Athina, transported refined petroleum products from Bahrain to Mozambique and Thailand.

Several major oil shipments also made the passage. The Liberian-registered Navig8 Macallister carried approximately 500,000 barrels of UAE naphtha toward South Korea’s Ulsan port. Another Liberian-flagged vessel, the Very Large Crude Carrier Fpmc C Lord, transported roughly 2 million barrels of Saudi crude oil to Taiwan’s Mailiao port.

The Indian-flagged Desh Garima moved about 780,000 barrels of UAE Das crude toward Sri Lanka, while other vessels carried diverse cargo including Qatari fertilizer bound for the UAE and petroleum coke from Saudi Arabia headed to Italy’s Ravenna port.

International stability hangs in the balance Monday following the U.S. military’s capture of an Iranian cargo vessel that attempted to breach an American naval blockade, with Tehran threatening swift retaliation for what it calls “armed piracy.”

The incident has cast serious doubt over whether a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Iran will survive past its Tuesday expiration date. Diplomatic efforts toward lasting regional stability have also suffered a major setback, as Iranian officials announced they will boycott a second round of peace negotiations the United States had planned to launch before the truce ends.

American forces currently enforce a naval blockade around Iranian ports, while Iran has repeatedly imposed and lifted restrictions on shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that normally carries approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments.

According to U.S. military officials, American forces opened fire Sunday on the Iranian-flagged vessel as it approached Iran’s Bandar Abbas port. “We have full custody of their ship, and are seeing what’s on board!” President Trump posted on social media platforms.

Iranian military sources confirmed the cargo ship had been traveling from China when intercepted. “We warn that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond and retaliate against this armed piracy by the U.S. military,” a military spokesperson declared through state-controlled media outlets.

Global markets reacted sharply to the escalating crisis, with oil prices surging and stock exchanges showing volatility as investors considered the possibility of continued minimal Gulf shipping activity.

TEHRAN ABANDONS DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS

Iranian state television reported that government officials had declined to participate in renewed peace negotiations, pointing to the continuing naval blockade, aggressive language from Washington, and what they described as America’s inconsistent positions and “excessive demands.”

“One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” Iran’s First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref posted on social media. “The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone.”

President Trump has escalated his rhetoric toward Iran, warning that American forces would target every bridge and power facility in the country should Tehran reject his proposed terms, following a recent pattern of such aggressive statements.

Iranian leadership has responded that any American assault on civilian infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes against power facilities and water treatment plants belonging to Gulf Arab nations allied with the United States.

DIPLOMATIC MISSION PROCEEDS DESPITE UNCERTAINTY

Trump announced that his diplomatic team would reach Islamabad Monday night, just 24 hours before the two-week ceasefire concludes.

A White House source confirmed to Reuters that Vice President JD Vance would lead the American delegation, having previously overseen initial peace discussions one week earlier. The team would also include Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. However, Trump later told ABC News and MS Now that Vance would not make the trip.

Pakistan, serving as the primary intermediary between the warring parties, appeared to be making preparations for the diplomatic meetings. Two massive U.S. C-17 transport aircraft touched down at a Pakistani air base Sunday afternoon, delivering security equipment and armored vehicles ahead of the American delegation’s expected arrival, according to two Pakistani security officials.

Islamabad city officials suspended public transportation and commercial truck traffic throughout the capital. Workers installed razor wire barriers near the Serena Hotel, the venue for last week’s negotiations. Hotel management ordered all current guests to vacate the premises.

The conflict has now entered its eighth week, creating what experts describe as the most devastating disruption to worldwide energy supplies in recorded history. Oil prices have skyrocketed due to the effective shutdown of the strait.

Casualty figures have reached into the thousands from combined U.S.-Israeli military operations targeting Iran and an Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon that began simultaneously when hostilities erupted on February 28. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory and neighboring Arab nations that provide bases for American military forces.

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker who has represented Tehran in the negotiations, previously indicated that both sides had achieved some progress but remained significantly divided on nuclear weapons issues and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

European allies, who have faced repeated criticism from Trump for their limited participation in the military campaign, express concern that Washington’s negotiating approach prioritizes a rapid but superficial agreement that would necessitate months or years of complex technical discussions to implement.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, with plans to significantly strengthen economic partnerships between the two nations, particularly in the shipbuilding sector.

This marks the first time a South Korean president has made a state visit to India in eight years.

Speaking at a dinner with Korean community members in New Delhi on Sunday, Lee acknowledged current limitations in their economic relationship. “The level of economic cooperation between South Korea and India is still very low,” the president stated. “Going forward, we will expand that space and make the relationship between South Korea and India completely different from what it is now.”

Both nations are working to enhance their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with goals to nearly double trade volume to $50 billion by 2030, up from last year’s $25.7 billion, according to presidential adviser Wi Sung-lac.

Lee’s visit will include business meetings with corporate executives, exploring collaboration opportunities in finance, artificial intelligence, and defense sectors, Wi noted.

The South Korean leader emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership on Sunday, stating that supply chain disruptions and global economic pressures from the Iran conflict will make the countries “the most important strategic partners” for each other. He characterized India not merely as a consumer market, but as a crucial player in worldwide production and supply networks.

Last month, South Korea made urgent requests for India to increase naphtha supplies to help mitigate potential disruptions from Middle Eastern tensions.

India supplied approximately 8% of South Korea’s naphtha imports in the previous year. South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo suggested that increased imports could help address trade imbalances between the nations.

Trade data from the Korea International Trade Association shows South Korea maintained a $12.8 billion trade surplus last year, with $19.2 billion in exports compared to $6.4 billion in imports.

During a policy discussion at South Korea’s parliament last week, Seoul National University Asia Center research fellow Maeng Hyun-chul highlighted India’s ongoing concerns about its growing trade deficit with South Korea. He noted that political relationships have lagged behind commercial connections.

Maeng suggested shipbuilding could become a major area for enhanced cooperation, aligning with India’s employment creation goals while leveraging South Korea’s industrial expertise. He also identified food and consumer products tied to Korean cultural popularity as potential growth sectors.

Following his India visit, Lee is scheduled to travel to Vietnam.