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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Republican Supporters Express Doubts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact on Israel’s Lebanon Operations

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

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

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

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

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

Trump Links Abraham Accords to Iran Agreement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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