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LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Slovenia’s legislative body voted Friday to install right-wing populist politician Janez Jansa as the nation’s new prime minister, marking a political transition for the small European Union member previously led by a liberal administration.

Parliamentary members supported Jansa by a margin of 51-36 in the 90-seat legislature. The newly appointed prime minister must return to Parliament in the coming 15 days for an additional vote to approve his proposed Cabinet.

Jansa’s selection ends a political deadlock in Slovenia following parliamentary elections two months prior that resulted in virtually even results. Previous liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob’s Freedom Movement secured victory by a narrow margin, but he could not secure enough parliamentary support to govern.

Jansa and his populist Slovenian Democratic Party finalized a coalition deal this week with multiple right-wing organizations. The incoming administration also receives support from a nonestablishment Truth party that originated as an anti-vaccination movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This upcoming term marks the fourth time in office for the experienced Slovenian politician. Jansa, 67, is an admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump and maintained close ties with former populist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who suffered a decisive electoral defeat last month.

During his address, Jansa outlined the economy, anti-corruption efforts, reducing bureaucracy, and decentralization as primary objectives for his upcoming administration. He has pledged to reduce tax burdens for wealthy citizens and boost private education and healthcare sectors.

Criticizing what he called the outgoing government’s “inefficiency,” Jansa stated his new administration would transform Slovenia into “a country of opportunity, prosperity and justice, where each responsible citizen will feel safe and accepted.”

Similar to Orban, Jansa maintained strong anti-immigration positions during Europe’s major migration crisis in 2015. Also resembling Orban, Jansa has encountered criticism for allegedly restricting democratic institutions and media freedoms during his previous 2020-2022 tenure. These actions sparked public demonstrations and drew European Union oversight.

In his remarks, Golob characterized Jansa as “the greatest threat to Slovenia’s sovereignty and democracy.”

Claiming that Jansa had made threats of arrest against him, Golob stated that Jansa’s “idea of democracy is that anyone who dares speak a word against you deserves only the worst.”

Jansa, who supports Israel, has also been a vocal opponent of the Golob government’s 2024 decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

The March 22 election faced claims of foreign interference and corruption. The approximately 2 million residents of the Alpine country remain sharply split between liberal and conservative viewpoints.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict with Russia during his Friday evening video address, stating he anticipates American suggestions for new negotiation formats.

During his nightly remarks following a virtual conference with leaders from Britain, France and Germany, Zelenskiy emphasized that current battlefield conditions favor Ukraine.

“Right now everything must be done to intensify diplomacy,” Zelenskiy said. “I am also expecting a response from the American side regarding possible formats and the schedule of meetings.”

The Ukrainian leader described the military situation as unfavorable for Russian forces, stating the battlefield trend was “not in the interests of the occupier. We continue to increase the rate at which we are destroying Russian personnel. This, together with sanctions of all forms, is forcing Russia towards choosing diplomacy.”

Zelenskiy reported that he briefed French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on current military developments along the front lines.

According to the Ukrainian president, his country has regained control of 590 square kilometers (228 square miles) of previously occupied land since January began.

A statement from Britain indicated that Zelenskiy updated the three leaders about “the progress made by Ukraine’s military in recent weeks, as it continues to ramp up its defence in the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s continued attacks.”

The British statement noted that all three leaders “confirmed they would double down on their support in the coming months” and reached consensus that “standing up to Russian aggression remains vital for European and global security.”

Officials in Taiwan stated Friday they have received no notification regarding potential delays in American weapons sales, following comments from a high-ranking U.S. official who indicated such sales were temporarily halted.

The island nation, which Beijing considers part of its territory, has been anticipating approval of a new weapons package from Washington that could reach $14 billion in value, according to previous reports.

President Donald Trump indicated uncertainty about approving the package after meeting with China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing the previous week.

During a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing Thursday, U.S. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao addressed questions about future weapons sales to Taiwan.

“We have done some foreign military sales to them. It’s just right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury – which we have plenty,” he stated, referencing American operations against Iran.

“But we’re just making sure we have everything, but then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary,” he added, noting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would determine approval of Taiwan sales.

Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo addressed reporters in Taipei, acknowledging the official’s comments.

“However, at present we have not received any relevant information about the U.S. adjusting these military sales,” she stated.

Taiwan’s defense ministry also confirmed no notification of weapons sale delays had been received.

The ministry continues to “monitor U.S. security cooperation policy” and maintain close coordination and communication with the U.S. to ensure that arms sales proceed according to plan, according to their statement.

American law requires the U.S. to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities. Beijing has consistently demanded Washington cease weapons sales.

Taiwan’s leadership disputes China’s territorial claims, maintaining that only Taiwan’s citizens can determine the island’s future.

Slovenia’s legislative body confirmed Janez Jansa as the country’s prime minister-designate on Friday, breaking a political stalemate that has persisted since March elections failed to produce a clear majority winner.

The right-leaning politician, who is pursuing his fourth term in office, obtained 51 votes from the 90-member parliament on May 22, clearing the path for establishing a new administration committed to business-friendly policies and tax reductions.

The coalition supporting Jansa consists of five center-right political parties that have outlined key objectives including financial relief for companies and families, assistance for emerging businesses and rapidly expanding enterprises, plus establishing a special fund to support the nation’s retirement system. The alliance has also promised to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, address government corruption, and transfer greater authority to municipal governments.

“Our goal is Slovenia as a highly developed, competitive, and socially cohesive state based on knowledge, innovation, fairness, and quality of life,” Jansa told lawmakers.

During the March 22 parliamentary contest, Jansa’s Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) finished in second place with 28 seats, trailing the liberal Freedom Movement (GS) led by former prime minister Robert Golob, which captured 29 seats. Golob’s political organization moved into opposition status last month following unsuccessful attempts to build a governing majority.

On Thursday, the SDS joined with four other center-right organizations – New Slovenia, Democrats, Slovenian Peoples Party and Focus – to finalize their governing partnership agreement.

This five-party alliance holds 43 parliamentary seats and gained extra support from the right-wing Resnica party, though that group will remain outside the formal government structure. Representatives of national minority groups also endorsed Jansa’s selection as prime minister-designate.

Ten people died Friday in Israeli military strikes targeting southern Lebanon, with six paramedics and a Syrian child among the casualties, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported. The deadly attacks represent the most recent violence in ongoing cross-border hostilities that persist despite a fragile, U.S.-negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The ministry detailed that the initial strike targeted Hanouiyeh village, resulting in four deaths among paramedics employed by Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Association. Two additional paramedics sustained injuries in that attack.

A second Friday morning strike hit Deir Qanoun al Nahr village in the coastal Tyre province, claiming six lives including a Syrian child and two paramedics from the Al-Rissala Scouts Association, a medical group connected to Amal movement, which allies with Hezbollah. Six others suffered injuries, among them three paramedics and a Syrian woman.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry characterized both strikes as violations of international law.

The U.N. World Health Organization reported Thursday that 169 documented attacks against healthcare personnel and medical facilities have occurred in Lebanon since the current Israel-Hezbollah conflict started, causing 116 fatalities.

Israeli military officials did not provide responses to requests for comment. The military has previously claimed that the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant organization uses ambulances to conceal military operations, though no supporting evidence has been presented.

Cross-border violence between Israel and Hezbollah continues despite the U.S.-negotiated ceasefire agreement.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced earlier this week that casualties from the most recent round of Israel-Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon have exceeded 3,000 deaths.

The current Israel-Hezbollah conflict commenced on March 2, following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel two days after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, a primary supporter of the Lebanese militant organization.

Friday also saw statements from Lebanon’s army and General Security Directorate emphasizing their officers’ discipline, professionalism and exclusive loyalty to their institutions and country.

These declarations followed Thursday’s announcement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposing sanctions on multiple Hezbollah-connected legislators, state security personnel and militant group allies for allegedly working to maintain the Iran-supported organization’s control over Lebanese government institutions while hindering disarmament initiatives.

Washington sanctioned sitting Lebanese state security officials for the first time, targeting one official from the General Security Directorate and another from military intelligence. Both face accusations of supplying Hezbollah with unauthorized support and intelligence throughout the current conflict.

Lebanon’s health ministry announced Friday that six emergency medical workers lost their lives in two separate Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon over a 24-hour period, denouncing the strikes as breaches of international law.

The ministry reported that four paramedics with the Islamic Health Association died in an Israeli attack that occurred overnight from Thursday into Friday in Hanaway, a town in southern Lebanon. A second strike Friday morning claimed the lives of two emergency workers from the Al-Rissala Scouts Association in Deir Qanoun En-Nahr, according to ministry officials.

Israeli military officials did not immediately respond to Reuters’ inquiries about the attacks.

The ministry released video footage purportedly from Deir Qanoun En-Nahr showing two individuals wearing yellow vests assisting someone along a roadside. As an ambulance draws near the pair, a bright flash appears followed by a loud explosion. The same two men are subsequently visible lying on the ground.

Reuters verified the video’s location as the western perimeter of Deir Qanoun En-Nahr by comparing buildings, vegetation and street patterns with archived satellite images of the region.

Ministry officials stated that six people total perished in Deir Qanoun En-Nahr, including the two medical workers and a Syrian child. The community had already suffered an earlier airstrike this week that claimed 14 lives, marking the most deadly single attack since a fragile ceasefire was declared last month.

Since March 2, when the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel in the initial phase of renewed conflict, more than 3,100 people have died in Lebanon.

The casualties include 123 medical personnel, along with over 210 children and nearly 300 women, based on data released by the health ministry Friday.

International humanitarian law provides special protections for emergency responders, medical staff and civilian infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities.

The World Health Organization reports that multiple hospitals in southern Lebanon have sustained damage or been completely disabled by Israeli strikes.

Thursday saw an Israeli attack near Tebnine Hospital in southern Lebanon that caused damage across all three levels of the facility, affecting the emergency department, intensive care unit, surgical wing and ambulances stationed outside, the health ministry reported.

Thousands of seafarers continue to endure harsh conditions aboard vessels trapped in the Gulf as Iran strengthens its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route.

Approximately 20,000 maritime workers remain stranded on roughly 2,000 ships in the Gulf, with many unable to disembark and facing shortages of food and fresh water while living in fear of potential attacks in what has become a war zone.

Recent interviews conducted by Reuters with affected sailors have revealed the severe hardships and anxiety they face daily, with a maritime workers’ federation warning of desperate circumstances.

“The only thing we do here is plan how to spend the night and pray to God that we do not get hit during an attack,” said Indian sailor Salman Siddiqui during a phone call from his trapped vessel last month.

For almost three months, these maritime workers have lived in isolation with small groups of crewmates, confined to cramped living spaces, shared dining rooms, and blistering hot decks under the scorching sun.

The waterway was shut down by Tehran after U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran commenced on February 28. With thousands of ships now trapped and peace talks at a standstill, Iran continues to strengthen what amounts to an effective maritime blockade.

On Wednesday, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, an organization established by Iran to handle transit requests, released a map reinforcing Tehran’s territorial claims over extensive waters surrounding the strategic chokepoint.

Vessel operators attempting to free their ships and valuable cargo must work through a complex web of fees and approvals established by Iran, according to a Reuters investigation.

“Seafarers’ vulnerability and exposure is more, let’s say, extreme because of the war,” explained Mohamed Arrachedi, network coordinator for the Arab World and Iran at the International Transport Workers’ Federation.

Arrachedi outlined numerous problems including delayed wages, refusal to assist with sailor repatriation, insufficient supplies, and constant fear of missile and drone attacks. He noted that some seafarers have contacted him while crying.

Since the conflict began, the ITF has received contact from over 2,000 Gulf sailors requesting assistance or guidance with various issues including abandonment, wage delays, and supply shortages, according to Arrachedi.

From the Saudi port of Dammam, approximately seven large vessels could be seen anchored offshore – an unusually high number under normal circumstances. As a supply boat approached a tanker amid strong winds, crew members shouted across the water while loading large bags of medical supplies.

Mohit Kohli, captain of a large freight ship caught in the Gulf when hostilities erupted after departing Singapore, said when he initially learned the Strait might close he “could not even fathom that this was remotely possible.”

While his German-owned vessel secured safe anchorage near Dammam, just over a week into the conflict, the crew began witnessing and hearing missiles and drones that Iran was launching at Gulf nations.

“The crew who was usually loud and happy were now silent. Meals got shorter. Conversations were more guarded,” he explained, describing the ship’s atmosphere during a Reuters interview this month following his return to India.

Kohli and his fellow crew members were fortunate to be on a vessel whose operators arranged for replacement crew, he noted.

Many sailors endure far worse conditions, Arrachedi explained. In cases he’s handling, some sailors haven’t received their modest salaries of $100 to $200 monthly since last year, and ship operators refuse repatriation assistance or only provide it if workers surrender back wages.

Some mariners report surviving on just one daily meal of rice or lentils and having only brief internet access to reach family members or request outside assistance, Arrachedi added.

“They need a collective intervention because they are key for our economies, for the supply chains, but also because they are active seafarers and they are civilians,” he stated.

Gulf nations are making efforts to support sailors by enabling supply deliveries and crew transfers.

“Seafarers stuck on a vessel in uncertain waters, the most important thing in the world is knowing that there is a shore open to reach,” said Suliman Almazroua, president of the Saudi Ports Authority.

The authority has assisted hundreds of vessels with resupplying food, fresh water, fuel, and medical supplies, while helping more than 500 sailors transfer from their ships, Almazroua said, describing thank-you messages from sailors he’s helped evacuate as the most fulfilling aspect of his work.

Family members of a detained Belarusian journalist are sounding the alarm about his deteriorating health condition, demanding his immediate release from prison to prevent his death.

Kiryl Pazniak, age 49, has been held in custody since authorities arrested him in September on extremism-related charges, which critics say are commonly used to silence opposition voices. The former YouTube show host could face up to seven years in prison if found guilty.

His 20-year-old daughter has also been detained on similar extremism charges. Human rights defenders have classified both as political prisoners.

According to his former wife Elena, Pazniak is battling pneumonia and COVID-19, and was transferred to a prison medical facility this month in critical condition. She contends that authorities have failed to provide him with appropriate medical treatment, putting his life at serious risk.

Government officials in Belarus have not yet responded to reports about Pazniak’s medical status or allegations of inadequate healthcare.

“Freedom of speech in Belarus has a specific price, and today 21 journalists behind bars, including Pazniak, are paying for it with their health and ruined lives,” said Andrei Bastunets, head of the Belarusian Association of Journalists. “Belarus has already become a black hole of Europe and leads the continent in the number of arrested journalists.”

The nation’s authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, has maintained strict control over the country of 9.5 million people for over thirty years. Western countries have imposed multiple sanctions on Belarus for its human rights violations and for permitting Moscow to launch attacks on Ukraine from Belarusian territory starting February 24, 2022.

Mass demonstrations erupted following the 2020 presidential election, with hundreds of thousands of citizens protesting what they believed was a fraudulent vote. The government responded with widespread arrests, detaining tens of thousands of people and subjecting many to police violence. Key opposition leaders either fled abroad or were jailed.

After U.S. President Donald Trump resumed office in January 2025, Lukashenko freed hundreds of political detainees through agreements negotiated by American officials, which resulted in the removal of certain U.S. sanctions as the isolated leader seeks better relations with Western nations.

Despite these releases, human rights organizations report that Belarusian officials continue suppressing opposition activities. The Viasna human rights center reports that 841 political prisoners remain in custody throughout Belarus.

Crowds of demonstrators in Ireland are demanding accountability following the death of a Congolese man who became unresponsive after being held down by security personnel outside a major Dublin retail establishment.

Community advocates say troubling footage showing Yves Sakila in obvious distress while being pinned down on the pavement brings back memories of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police in 2020.

The 35-year-old Sakila was pursued and apprehended on May 15 by multiple security officers who believed he had stolen merchandise from Arnotts, Ireland’s oldest and largest department store, located in central Dublin. When police officers arrived at the scene, he was already unresponsive and was subsequently declared dead at a medical facility.

“Yves Sakila was a man who did not deserve to die,” Suzie Tansia, of the Congolese Community Ireland, said at a demonstration Thursday. “He was a human being, like you and I. He was somebody’s son, and that could have been any one of us.”

According to attorney John Gerard Cullen, who is representing Sakila’s relatives, the man had allegedly taken a bottle of perfume from the establishment.

Security personnel chased Sakila as he attempted to escape, during which he collided with an elderly man in his 80s who required hospital treatment for his injuries, according to law enforcement.

Footage from the confrontation, which the Irish Network Against Racism characterized as “very disturbing,” depicts a man identified as Sakila fighting and screaming in distress while being restrained by multiple individuals for approximately five minutes.

During the restraint, another individual wearing a gray suit can be seen placing his knee on Sakila’s neck, according to the organization. The video concludes with him lying still.

“We are very concerned that this case appears to have the hallmarks of a case of excessive use of force,” said Shane O’Curry, director of the network. “The death of a Black man in such circumstances is extremely worrying, and we urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate all of the circumstances leading to this man’s death, in order to ensure minority ethnic community confidence in the criminal justice system.”

The retail establishment expressed being “deeply saddened” by Sakila’s death and announced it was reviewing its private security contractor arrangements. The store confirmed it was assisting with the police inquiry.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin has requested a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

“My deepest sympathies go out to his family, and to the wider Congolese community,” Martin said. “I don’t want to prejudice the outcome of that investigation but I think a lot of people are clearly very concerned about what has transpired here.”

Law enforcement officials are examining the death while simultaneously facing their own internal review by the ombudsman regarding their handling of the situation.

Media outlets reported that the initial responding officers placed handcuffs on Sakila before discovering he was unresponsive and beginning CPR.

While a post-mortem examination has been conducted, authorities have not disclosed the cause of death, citing operational considerations.

Cullen stated that Sakila’s relatives are disappointed with the limited information they have received.

Authorities are requesting witnesses to step forward with information.

Sakila had relocated from Congo to Galway during his teenage years and had resided in Ireland for over two decades. He had been employed in the technology sector but had been without housing in recent times. Cullen noted that Sakila battled substance addiction.

Walter Kabangu, the director of the Congolese Chamber of Commerce in Ireland who attended school with Sakila, characterized him as a “very down-to-earth young man.”

A memorial gathering took place Tuesday in front of Arnotts, and hundreds of demonstrators assembled peacefully Thursday outside Parliament.

Participants carried signs reading “Black lives matter here too,” and chanted, “Justice for Yves, dignity for all,” and “No justice, no peace.”

Prior to the demonstration, the Black Coalition Ireland conducted a press briefing and presented five requirements: a transparent examination of the death; racial sensitivity training for law enforcement; legislation against excessive force in civilian arrests; cessation of “demonizing rhetoric” toward ethnic communities; and equal treatment for all in reality — not merely in policy.

“We are demanding this because our lives matter,” said Yemi Adenuga, a Meath County councilor who is a spokeswoman for the coalition. “It would be sad to see this happen again on the streets of Dublin.”

TORONTO (AP) — Following Alberta’s announcement of a planned independence vote, Prime Minister Mark Carney declared Friday his commitment to strengthening Canada for all provinces.

The leader of Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith, revealed Thursday that citizens will vote October 19th on whether the province should remain part of Canada or pursue constitutional measures leading to a binding separation referendum. This approach disappointed independence advocates who had demanded an immediate referendum on leaving Canada entirely.

Speaking for the first time since Smith’s declaration, Carney acknowledged Alberta’s significant contributions to the nation.

“Canada is the greatest country in the world, but it can be better and we are working on making it better. We’re working with Alberta on making it better,” Carney stated during a tour of Parliament buildings currently undergoing renovations.

The Prime Minister highlighted his administration’s efforts to construct a new oil pipeline connecting Alberta to Canada’s Pacific coastline. Albertans have historically criticized Ottawa for insufficient action in bringing the province’s extensive oil resources to global markets.

Smith emphasized Thursday her preference for Alberta to stay within Canada. Political observers have drawn parallels between her position and former British Prime Minister David Cameron’s approach before the Brexit vote, where he supported the referendum to manage party factions while opposing actual departure from the European Union.

Even if voters approve a referendum, independence would not automatically follow. Federal government negotiations would be required.

Ian Brodie, who previously served as chief of staff to former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper and currently teaches political science at the University of Calgary, believes Smith is taking a cautious approach.

“A vote to see if people even want a vote. It’s a good way to let the swing voters swing against separation,” Brodie explained.

Jeff Rath, representing Stay Free Alberta, the organization that gathered petition signatures demanding a separation referendum, condemned the decision as disrespectful to independence supporters. Cam Davies, who leads the pro-independence Republican Party of Alberta, shared this criticism and labeled Smith’s referendum proposal “spineless.”

Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, suggested Smith aims to satisfy pro-referendum members within her party. Béland predicted a future referendum would likely fail since separation support remains below 30%, though he acknowledged campaigns can influence outcomes.

Candace Laing, who serves as president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, condemned Smith’s choice, emphasizing that businesses throughout Canada, including Alberta, require stability for investment, job creation, talent recruitment, and major project development.

“Prolonged uncertainty around constitutional or political separation brings real risks for investor confidence, economic growth, and Canada’s global competitiveness at exactly the wrong time,” Laing stated.

James Moore, a former federal Conservative Cabinet minister, also expressed opposition.

“A referendum that will divide your party and make the province look unstable for investment, all to ultimately affirm the constitutional status quo, is an odd choice,” Moore wrote on social media.

French officials announced Friday they have prepared an alternative UN Security Council resolution aimed at establishing an international mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while a competing US-Bahrain proposal faces significant opposition that could prevent it from coming to a vote.

The strategic waterway’s effective blockade has become a central issue in the ongoing three-month conflict between the United States and Iran, with the closure causing oil prices to skyrocket as the narrow passage serves as a crucial route for global energy shipments.

The American-Bahraini proposal has been under consideration for over two weeks, but voting has been repeatedly postponed due to signals from China and Russia that they may block the measure.

The US-Bahrain draft calls for Iran to stop attacks and mining operations in the waterway. Both China and Russia previously blocked a similar American-supported measure in April, claiming it unfairly targeted Tehran.

According to two European diplomats, Washington has gained support from nearly 140 nations to co-sponsor their proposal in an attempt to prevent a veto.

France, which also holds veto power, has declined to support the American proposal.

“There is a draft resolution between the U.S. and Bahrain currently under discussion. This forms the basis of the current discussions. The date for the vote has not yet been announced,” stated France’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux.

French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated Paris plans to advance its own UN initiative, building on Franco-British cooperation to establish an international mission for restoring navigation freedom in the strait when circumstances allow and following discussions with both Washington and Tehran.

“We are working on an international mission to restore freedom of navigation. We have also prepared, as a permanent member, a draft resolution that could be discussed if the conditions are right,” Confavreux explained.

The American diplomatic effort at the United Nations marks a notable shift from recent months, during which Washington primarily operated outside UN structures, conducting military operations against Iran without council approval and encouraging allies to participate in informal naval patrols to maintain navigation rights.

Officials announced Friday that the Royal International Air Tattoo, recognized as among the globe’s premier defense exhibitions, will not proceed as planned due to military activities related to the Iran conflict.

The event had been set for July 17-19 at RAF Fairford, an operational Royal Air Force installation located in England’s southwest region.

“This has not been an easy decision. It follows extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force regarding uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, given the ongoing situation in the Middle East,” RIAT said on its website.

Event organizers indicated they plan to resume the exhibition in 2027.

A heartbroken father mourned as he carried his deceased 6-year-old son Amir, covered in a yellow and brown blanket, through northwest Syria.

Idris al-Ridah broke down and fell to the earth as he buried his child, placing the small body in a grave alongside two other young victims who were brother and sister, Aya al-Fankih, 4, and Rayan al-Fankih, 6.

All three youngsters died Thursday in Abu Habbah village, located in the rural areas of northwestern Idlib province, after an abandoned landmine from Syria’s ongoing conflict detonated as they played close to a water well.

These fatalities serve as another tragic example of the ongoing threat from unexploded military devices spread throughout the nation years following the start of the war.

Explosive devices and hidden traps have caused death and serious injuries to hundreds of Syrian citizens since the nation’s civil war started in March 2011, resulting in approximately half a million total deaths.

According to the Syrian Civil Defense, four additional children who were in the vicinity of the well sustained injuries from the explosion.

“We heard a very loud explosion next to our house,” said one resident, Mahmoud al-Aleiwi. He added that “when we got to the location there were a number of children’s bodies thrown around the well.”

He reported that the blast hurled one child 300 meters (984 feet) from the site, and the victim was discovered on a house rooftop.

At a local medical facility, injured children wailed while relatives cared for them. One youngster suffered shrapnel injuries covering his face and torso, with his legs bound in medical wrapping. Another patient remained bedridden with blood seeping through head bandages.

Ten-year-old Ibrahim al-Suwadi suffered injuries in a different incident last month when unexploded military ordnance detonated inside a damaged school building in al-Habit town, located in southern Idlib countryside.

Speaking from his family’s residence while his father sat nearby, al-Suwadi recounted how he and friends were playing at the school when they entered a room and discovered the explosive device.

“Two brothers picked it up and took it to the bathroom,” the boy said. “We thought it was an exploded mine so we started throwing rocks at it. All of a sudden, an older boy grabbed my hand and we ran, the mine exploded and I lost consciousness then I don’t remember anything.”

The boy’s father explained that their family escaped their home village in 2013 during combat operations and lived for years in refugee camps before returning following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s administration in December 2024.

Relief organizations identify unexploded military ordnance as among the most dangerous remnants of Syria’s armed conflict.

“Syria has ranked among the top contaminated countries around the world over the past years,” said Jakub Valenta, head of humanitarian disarmament and peace building for the Danish Refugee Council in Syria. He added that according to the data from the United Nations, around 14.3 million people are in danger of explosive ordnance in the country.

Valenta explained that the explosive threats include anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines and other unexploded devices left behind in residential and agricultural areas.

“We’re estimating that around 1,200 people and probably more have been affected by explosive ordnance accidents directly,” he said. “Out of those 1,200 people there were around 740 fatal casualties. The vast majority of these people are men and children.”

The Danish Refugee Council reports that approximately 60% of contaminated zones in Syria consist of farming land, creating additional challenges for displaced families attempting to return home and restart their lives.

In the Damascus southern suburb of Kisweh this month, Syrian trainees collaborated with Danish Refugee Council teams to carefully locate and eliminate unexploded ordnance during practice sessions designed to expand local bomb disposal capabilities.

The organization reports it has hired and prepared new Syrian explosive ordnance disposal teams to assist in clearing dangerous areas and teaching communities about the hazards.

“The number of the casualties is among the highest worldwide in terms of explosive accidents and victims,” Valenta said.

“These people suffer lifelong injuries, physical like losing a limb or their vision and suffer mental health problems,” he said. “These people also lose their jobs and livelihoods.”

KYIV, Ukraine — Hundreds of Ukrainian families took to the streets of the capital Friday, calling on government leaders to reject proposed legislation they worry could result in missing military personnel being prematurely declared legally deceased.

The demonstration focused on opposing Bill No. 13646, legislation that deals with the legal status of people who have gone missing. Those who participated in the march expressed concern that specific parts of the proposed law might enable courts to legally declare missing Ukrainian service members dead without confirmation of what actually happened to them.

“Today all the families came out so that the missing are not equated with the dead,” said Mariana Yatselenko, 27, who took part in the Kyiv march.

According to the country’s commissioner for missing persons, Artur Dobrosierdov, more than 90,000 individuals are currently listed as missing in Ukraine’s unified registry of persons who disappeared under special circumstances.

Both Russia and Ukraine refrain from releasing regular casualty figures from the ongoing conflict, though military analysts believe hundreds of thousands have been killed or wounded in the fighting.

Ukraine’s missing persons registry includes individuals who vanished during military operations, due to armed aggression, or in territories under occupation, with most cases occurring after Russia’s full-scale invasion started on Feb. 24, 2022. However, some entries go back to 2014, when Russian forces invaded the Crimean Peninsula and pro-Russia groups began fighting in eastern Ukraine.

The registry started functioning in May 2023, at which time data about both military personnel and civilians from earlier years was added to the system.

Previous protests have taken place regarding this legislation, showing increasing pressure from family members of missing soldiers.

Ukrainian drones hit a college dormitory building in Starobilsk, a city in Ukraine’s Russia-occupied Luhansk region, killing four people and wounding 39 others, Russian authorities said. Up to 18 people could be buried under the rubble, officials said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denounced the strike as a “heinous crime.” Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Friday said that it intercepted 217 Ukrainian drones over multiple Russian regions, including the Moscow region and St. Petersburg, the country’s second-largest city.

For the fourth time this month Ukraine struck Russia’s Yaroslavl oil refinery, around 700 kilometers (440 miles) from the border, in an overnight operation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday.

Ukraine has been pounding Russian oil facilities in an effort to deny Moscow funding for its invasion.

U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to stop the fighting have brought no significant results and recently appeared to peter out.

“They were not fruitful, unfortunately,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said of negotiations over the past year with Russia and Ukraine.

No talks are happening now, he said during a trip to Sweden, although they could resume if Washington sees an opportunity for progress.

Ukraine’s air force said that it shot down or jammed 115 of 124 Russian drones that were launched overnight, in regular bombardments of civilian areas that in recent months have escalated.

Eleven people, including a child, were wounded in Russian attacks across the northern Sumy region, the National Police said. Also, a man was killed by a Russian drone in the city of Kherson, in southern Ukraine, according to the region’s military administration chief.

The number of Ukrainian civilian casualties verified by the United Nations increased by 21% in the first four months of this year, compared with the same period last year, with 815 civilians killed and 4,174 wounded.

In Washington, the Trump administration approved a modest $108 million arms sale to Ukraine that will help the country sustain its midrange air defense missile system.

The U.S. State Department announced the sale of ground-to-air Hawk missile components, spare parts and logistic support late Thursday. Under U.S. President Donald Trump, Washington has slashed military support for Ukraine.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian counterattacks have driven the Russian army out of more than 400 square kilometers (150 square miles) of southern Ukraine since the end of last year, Western analysts say.

Those successes are attributed to Ukraine’s increasingly homegrown drone and missile technology, as well as Russian forces being denied access to Starlink satellite services used to steer drones toward targets.

Zelenskyy said that Russia could be planning new attacks on northern Ukraine, launched from Belarus.

Moscow “is eager to draw (Belarus) deeper into this war,” Zelenskyy said on social media, warning that “there will be consequences” for the Belarusian government, if it provides a platform for strikes on Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha alerted allies at a NATO meeting in Sweden about what Ukrainian intelligence services say are growing threats from Belarus. Sybiha urged partners to take unspecified deterrence measures against Minsk.

Russia and Belarus held joint nuclear exercises earlier this week.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, underscored “Russia’s ability to leverage Belarus for future Russian military operations and Russia’s deepening de facto control over Belarus.”

Diplomatic representatives from Qatar traveled to Iran’s capital on Friday as part of a coordinated effort with Washington to facilitate negotiations aimed at ending the current conflict and addressing unresolved disputes, according to a knowledgeable source who spoke with Reuters.

The Gulf nation, which has previously served as an intermediary in the Gaza conflict and other international disputes, had initially kept its distance from mediating in the Iran situation after suffering attacks from Iranian missiles and drones during recent hostilities.

“A Qatari negotiation team is in Tehran on Friday,” the source confirmed, explaining that the delegation had coordinated their visit with Washington and aimed to help “reach a final deal that would end the war and address outstanding issues with Iran.”

Officials at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

Although Pakistan has been serving as the primary mediator since hostilities commenced, Qatar’s renewed involvement highlights its established position as a Washington ally in the region and its history as a reliable communication channel between the U.S. and Tehran.

A fragile truce currently exists in the conflict that started with joint U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran on February 28, though significant progress has been limited due to America’s naval blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran’s effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz creating complications for talks.

A high-ranking Iranian source informed Reuters on Thursday that while no agreement has been finalized, differences have been reduced, with Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and its control over the waterway remaining as key obstacles.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some advancement on Thursday, stating: “There’s some good signs. I don’t want to be overly optimistic … So, let’s see what happens over the next few days.”

When questioned Friday regarding Qatar’s diplomatic team in Iran, Rubio addressed reporters during a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden, emphasizing that Pakistan remained the main negotiating partner in the Iran discussions and had performed an “admirable job.”

He continued: “Obviously other countries have interests, because especially Gulf countries that are, you know, in the middle of all this — they have their own situation going. And we talk to all of them. I would just say that the primary country we’ve been working with on all of this, is Pakistan, and that remains the case.”

Qatar’s return to diplomatic involvement occurs despite Iran having launched hundreds of missiles and drones against the nation, striking civilian infrastructure and its crucial liquefied natural gas production facility at Ras Laffan. Those attacks eliminated approximately 17 percent of Qatar’s LNG export capabilities. The country had previously suspended LNG operations on March 2 after Iranian strikes.

Prior to the conflict, roughly 20% of worldwide LNG commerce passed through the Strait of Hormuz, mainly from Qatar — Iran’s effective blockade of the waterway has eliminated nearly all of its LNG export capabilities.

Qatar holds the status of a designated major non-NATO ally of the United States and is home to Al Udeid Air Base, America’s largest military facility in the Middle East.

OTTAWA, May 22 (Reuters) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the significance of Alberta to the nation on Friday, one day following the petroleum-rich province’s declaration of a non-binding vote on whether citizens wish to stay part of Canada.

This mostly ceremonial action could present a significant obstacle for Carney, who is promoting national cohesion while facing U.S. trade penalties and President Donald Trump’s annexation rhetoric.

“Canada is the greatest country in the world, but it can be better …we’re working with Alberta on making it better,” Carney told reporters.

“We’re renovating the country as we go. And Alberta being at the center of that is essential,” said Carney, who did not specifically mention the referendum announcement.

Separation advocates express dissatisfaction with the environmental policies of Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau, claiming these measures damaged the province’s petroleum and natural gas sector.

Carney assumed leadership in March 2025 and later reversed multiple environmental initiatives implemented by Trudeau.

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — European Union leaders announced Friday that citizens across Europe should prepare for energy costs to stay well above pre-Iran war levels through at least the end of 2027, with additional goods expected to see price increases as well.

According to EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, elevated energy costs are the main driver behind inflation projections of 3.1% for this year and 2.4% for 2027. These figures represent a substantial increase from the previous 1.9% projection for this year.

“We expect that this energy inflation will gradually also trickle down to different sectors of the economy,” Dombrovskis said after a meeting of the 21-member eurozone’s finance ministers, who make up the Eurogroup.

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, warned that even if Middle Eastern conflicts were to cease immediately, “lagging effects” would continue to drive up commodity prices.

“And it’s probably a fact that price levels will be higher at the end of this crisis, when we see the end of the crisis,” Lagarde said.

Lagarde indicated the ECB would implement “all the necessary measures” to maintain price stability at 2% by closely monitoring the ongoing economic impacts from the energy price surge. She also referenced the EU’s oil reserves as a factor in meeting potential demand.

Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis explained that crisis resolution for the EU would require restored free passage without tolls through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments.

Pierrakakis confirmed that eurozone economic expansion would hit 0.9% this year and 1.2% in 2027, representing a downward revision from earlier projections, “but clearly far from a recession scenario.”

While increased inflation forecasts have sparked speculation about potential ECB interest rate increases to counter rising prices, Lagarde provided no specific guidance on future bank actions.

“We will continue to follow a data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach in order to determine the most appropriate monetary policy stance in order to deliver on our 2% medium-term target,” Lagarde said.

ATHENS, Greece — An 82-year-old man who headed a Greek extremist organization responsible for 23 deaths has walked free from a maximum-security facility, according to officials who announced the development Friday. The release is now under review by a high-ranking prosecutor.

Alexandros Giotopoulos, who led the militant organization November 17, left an Athens detention facility on Thursday.

A court panel granted his conditional freedom based on his elderly status, declining health, and positive conduct while imprisoned.

However, the ruling has sparked fresh examination. A prosecutor with Greece’s highest court is studying the decision and may attempt to overturn it.

The November 17 organization stayed hidden from law enforcement for over 25 years while conducting bombings, killings, and financial institution robberies. Their initial documented strike occurred in 1975 with the deadly shooting of Richard Welch, who served as the CIA station chief in Greece, in Athens.

The group’s careful concealment fell apart following a failed 2002 bombing that severely wounded a member, allowing investigators to discover the organization’s activities and participants.

Giotopoulos, born in Paris and who spent years living with a false identity, had been serving 17 life terms plus 25 years. His 2003 conviction was confirmed during a 2007 appeal for directing numerous killings, bombings, and thefts, along with criminal organization membership.

He has rejected all accusations, claiming that fellow defendants were coerced by officials into making untrue statements against him in return for lighter punishments.

Officials weighing his freedom observed that Giotopoulos finished university correspondence education during imprisonment and followed the conditions of temporary releases given to him recently.

The November 17 name comes from the 1973 date when student protesters opposing Greece’s military government were violently suppressed by police and military forces, resulting in multiple fatalities.

The organization took credit for strikes against business leaders, diplomatic personnel, and high-ranking judges, including the deaths of two Turkish Embassy workers and Stephen Saunders, Britain’s defense attache in Athens, in 2000.

Of the 15 original November 17 members found guilty in the case, three remain imprisoned.

Humanitarian volunteers who were recently released from Israeli detention have made serious allegations of mistreatment while in custody, according to organizers who spoke out on Friday. The activists were among 430 individuals arrested on Tuesday when Israeli forces intercepted 50 vessels attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza in international waters.

Reuters has not been able to independently confirm these allegations at this time.

Israeli prison officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding these accusations on Friday, which is a holiday in Israel. When contacted, the Israeli military directed inquiries to the Foreign Ministry, which then referred questions back to the prison service.

On Thursday, the prison service had stated: “All prisoners and detainees are held in accordance with the law, with full regard for their basic rights and under the supervision of professional and trained prison staff.”

“Medical care is provided according to professional medical judgment and in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines,” the statement continued.

These new allegations are expected to intensify scrutiny of Israeli authorities regarding how the detainees were treated, particularly following international condemnation of a video showing an Israeli cabinet minister mocking some of the activists in prison. Italy has indicated that European Union members are considering sanctions against the minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir.

“At least 15 cases of sexual assaults, including rape. Shot with rubber bullets at close range. Tens of people’s bones broken,” organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla wrote on the Telegram messaging platform.

“While the world’s eye is trained on the suffering of our participants, we cannot emphasize enough that this is a mere glimpse of the brutality Israel imposes daily on Palestinian hostages.”

Luca Poggi, an Italian economist who was among those detained on the flotilla, described his experience upon arriving in Rome: “We were stripped, thrown to the ground, kicked. Many of us were tasered, some were sexually assaulted, and some were denied access to a lawyer.”

Sabrina Charik, who coordinated the return of 37 French citizens from the flotilla, reported that five French participants required hospitalization in Turkey, with some suffering broken ribs or fractured vertebrae. She noted that some individuals have provided detailed accounts of sexual violence, including rape.

In a social media post verified by Reuters, French national Adrien Jouen displayed bruises covering his back and forearms.

According to activists, some of the alleged mistreatment occurred at sea following their interception by Israeli naval forces, while other incidents reportedly happened after their arrest and imprisonment in Israel.

Volunteers from multiple European nations were scheduled to return home on flights from Turkey after being deported from Israel on Thursday.

Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares informed reporters that 44 Spanish flotilla participants were expected to arrive on Friday via flights from Istanbul to Madrid and Barcelona. He noted that four of them had received medical treatment for injuries.

Western governments expressed outrage on Thursday after Ben-Gvir shared a video of himself taunting activists who were restrained on the ground in a prison facility.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said during the NATO meeting in Sweden that he was coordinating with all his EU colleagues “so that there may be a quick decision to impose sanctions” on Ben-Gvir.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas had proposed sanctions against Ben-Gvir and another Israeli minister last year, but the proposal failed to receive the required unanimous support from all 27 EU member countries.

“EU sanctions are discussed and adopted by the 27 EU Member States and this is in unanimity,” EU foreign policy spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said during the European Commission’s daily press briefing on Friday, noting that he could not discuss confidential sanctions deliberations.

Gabriel Attal, who previously served as France’s prime minister, officially announced his presidential campaign on Friday, adding his name to an already packed list of moderate candidates competing in next year’s election.

The contest to replace President Emmanuel Macron — who is constitutionally barred from seeking another term — appears increasingly divided, with polling data showing the far-right National Rally (RN) holding a commanding position while numerous candidates create the possibility of a final round dominated by political extremes.

At 37 years old, Attal became a household name during Macron’s presidency, though some observers suggest his close association with the unpopular incumbent could hurt his chances. He must also persuade fellow moderate candidates that he represents their strongest option against extremist opponents from both sides of the political spectrum.

During remarks delivered in the town square of Mur-de-Barrez, a small community in central France, following conversations with residents, Attal expressed an upbeat vision for the country’s future, vowing to transform France into “the leading European power.”

“I’ve had enough of French politics being about 50 shades of managing decline,” he declared to journalists. “So because I love France with a passion and love the French passionately, I’m a candidate for the presidency.”

Attal’s political ascent was swift, earning widespread recognition as the government’s spokesperson throughout the COVID-19 crisis before being appointed as the nation’s youngest-ever prime minister.

His time in the top government role lasted only seven months, ending suddenly when Macron decided to call an unexpected parliamentary election — a move Attal had advised against — creating tension between the two leaders.

Following his departure from the prime minister’s office, Attal assumed control of Macron’s Renaissance party, positioning himself to leverage the organization’s substantial financial resources and established infrastructure for a nationwide presidential campaign.

His primary challenge within the moderate coalition comes from Edouard Philippe, another former prime minister who has spent months establishing himself as the centrist movement’s leading figure.

Recent polling indicates Attal could capture up to 14% of first-round votes, while Philippe appears capable of securing as much as 25%. Current survey data suggests Philippe, who serves as mayor of Le Havre, holds the strongest position among moderate candidates to challenge the RN.

The central concern for moderate politicians is the risk of vote splitting. A fractured center could create opportunities for far-right and far-left candidates to advance to the decisive second round of next year’s presidential election.

Numerous figures within France’s political establishment worry about a final round featuring far-right leaders Jordan Bardella or Marine Le Pen facing off against hard-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

Earlier this month, Attal revealed he had discussed this potential scenario with Philippe, and both men have established a process to determine by early 2027 which candidate is better positioned to unify centrist supporters, with the possibility that one might withdraw from the race.

The two candidates present markedly different approaches to campaigning.

Philippe has maintained a reserved, almost severe public presence since announcing his candidacy, keeping his private life away from media attention. Attal has chosen the opposite strategy, embracing a more intimate and highly visible campaign style.

He has traveled extensively throughout France while promoting his autobiography, which explores his childhood experiences, his father’s death, being targeted for bullying due to his sexual orientation, and his romantic relationship with European Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, his partner.

Although Attal began his political career within the Socialist party, he has developed his public image by supporting stricter approaches to criminal justice and immigration policy.

While serving as education minister, he gained national recognition by prohibiting abayas — loose-fitting, full-length robes worn by some Muslim women — in schools, citing France’s commitment to secularism.

Mexico and the European Union will finalize a comprehensive trade agreement Friday as both regions work to reduce their economic dependence on the United States and shield themselves from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

The agreement builds upon a 2000 trade deal between Mexico and the EU that only covered industrial products. This expanded version includes services, government procurement, digital commerce, investment opportunities and agricultural goods.

The signing ceremony in Mexico City will bring together Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa for their first summit in more than ten years.

“This summit means more than trade; it’s a geopolitical statement,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, on Thursday in Mexico City before the signing ceremony.

Both regions are working to expand their export markets beyond the United States.

The European Union faced extensive new tariffs through Trump’s “Liberation Day” duties in April 2025 and developed retaliatory measures, though these were suspended while both sides pursued negotiations. Despite a tariff ceasefire and July agreement that reduced some tensions, U.S. duties on EU products remain higher than previous levels.

Mexico has similarly faced significant U.S. tariffs on car manufacturing, steel and aluminum shipments, with trade relationships between the nations remaining unstable during Trump’s second presidency.

Officials from Mexico’s economy ministry project the agreement could boost Mexican shipments to the EU from approximately $24 billion annually to $36 billion by 2030. The EU currently sends roughly $65 billion worth of products to Mexico each year.

Commerce between Mexico and the EU has grown 75% over the past decade, primarily consisting of transportation equipment, machinery, chemicals, energy products and mining materials.

The updated agreement eliminates tariffs on nearly all products, including agricultural items like Mexican poultry and asparagus alongside European dairy powder, cheese and pork, though some quantity restrictions will apply.

Despite being completed, the enhanced trade agreement has taken more than a year to reach the signing stage. The EU focused on completing a trade deal with the Mercosur South American alliance and finished trade negotiations with Indonesia, India and Australia over the past eight months.

Mexico has been careful about actions that might provoke the Trump administration during delicate discussions to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. More than 80% of Mexico’s current exports are shipped to the United States.

The European Parliament will vote on the trade agreement and is expected to approve it within several months.

BEIJING, May 22 (Reuters) — Chinese authorities announced new policy guidelines Friday designed to broaden access to essential public services for workers who lack official household registration in their employment cities, potentially helping millions of migrant laborers obtain urban services.

These policy shifts could strengthen social protections for families and may boost consumer spending in China’s export-dependent economy.

The new directives urge government departments and municipal officials to deliver public services such as schooling and essential healthcare based on where individuals actually live, rather than their official household registration status, which typically reflects their birthplace.

China’s household registration system, known locally as hukou, ties access to public services primarily to a person’s place of birth. Officials implemented this framework during the 1950s to control internal population movement, particularly migration from countryside to urban centers.

Workers with rural registration from their home regions frequently face barriers when trying to access public services in urban areas where they live and work. Officials have attempted to modify this system for over ten years.

POLICY CHANGES TARGET EDUCATION AND HOUSING ACCESS

“Providing basic public services by the place of residence, gradually eliminating the link between basic public services and household registration, and promoting equal access to basic public services … are conducive to meeting people’s growing needs for a better life,” China’s State Council stated in the guidelines.

The new directives encourage municipal governments to help more children of migrant families — those who relocate to cities with their parents — enroll in public schools and allow qualified students to take entrance examinations where they currently live.

Additional cities should broaden public housing rental programs to include families with steady jobs but lacking local registration, and workers should gain access to social insurance programs at their work locations, according to the guidelines.

The policy recommendations also suggest loosening registration requirements in areas including childcare, senior care and disability services, while encouraging provincial governments to increase financial support for regions experiencing population growth to fund public services.

TEL AVIV, Israel — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday that diplomatic negotiations with Iran have shown “slight progress” as questions linger over whether an agreement can be reached or if military action will restart.

His comments came several days after President Donald Trump announced he was postponing a planned military operation against Iran due to ongoing “serious negotiations.” For weeks, Trump has warned that the ceasefire established in mid-April could collapse if Iran fails to reach an agreement, though the terms for such a deal have continued to shift.

Speaking before a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio addressed the situation. The military alliance is anticipated to examine what assistance it might provide in monitoring the Strait of Hormuz following the conclusion of hostilities.

Rubio cautioned against overstating the diplomatic advancement, noting there had been “a little bit of movement and that’s good.” He confirmed that discussions remain active. However, despite multiple recent assertions of progress, negotiators have yet to finalize any agreement.

Trump has established multiple deadlines for Tehran before retreating from them. While he has previously suggested delaying military operations to permit continued dialogue, he has also reversed course and authorized attacks. This pattern occurred at the conflict’s beginning when he approved strikes in late February after initially suggesting he would allow negotiations to proceed.

He explained that he canceled this week’s planned attacks on Iran following requests from Middle Eastern allies, including leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, nations that have faced targeting by Iran and its affiliated militias.

However, Trump’s choice to pursue diplomatic channels created friction this week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A source speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization revealed Thursday that Trump and Netanyahu engaged in a “dramatic” telephone discussion Tuesday regarding the Iranian negotiations, with Israel expressing frustration over Trump’s pursuit of an agreement with Iran.

Trump subsequently informed reporters that Netanyahu “will do whatever I want him to do.”

These remarks represent the first visible signs of disagreement between the leaders since initiating the conflict in February.

Friday brought news from Pakistan that the interior minister made two trips to Tehran this week for meetings with Iranian officials as part of efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States.

During a weekly press conference in the capital, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi explained that Pakistan’s political and military leadership are working toward peace, with the minister’s dual visits demonstrating this commitment.

He announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Beijing Saturday following China’s invitation for a four-day visit, noting that Pakistan’s peace initiatives are likely to be addressed during the trip.

Nevertheless, significant obstacles persist.

Iran has essentially blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for transporting oil, gas, fertilizer and other petroleum products. The United States is maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports and has redirected 85 commercial ships from mid-April through Monday, according to a U.S. Central Command social media announcement.

Both the United States and Israel have declared that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons. Though Iran reportedly offered some nuclear compromises, Trump has stated his goal of removing highly enriched uranium from the country and preventing nuclear weapons development. Iran maintains its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes.

Two regional officials and a western diplomat informed the Associated Press that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates conducted separate multiple strikes against Iran and Iranian-supported Shiite militias in Iraq throughout the war. An Israeli military officer familiar with the situation also verified that the UAE actively targeted Iran at least once.

All sources requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information.

The regional officials indicated that strikes on Iran focused on military installations, including missile and drone launch sites, primarily controlled by the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

One regional official reported that Saudi Arabia’s strikes targeted Iraqi militia hideouts, particularly Kataib Hezbollah, after Riyadh determined that most drone attacks on Saudi Arabia originated from neighboring Iraq. He noted that Saudi Arabia repeatedly informed Baghdad about the Iraqi-based attacks before choosing to strike.

The western diplomat and one regional official said the UAE had advocated for coordinated military action from Gulf Arab nations since the war began.

When asked for comment, the United Arab Emirates referenced a May 16 Foreign Ministry statement saying “all measures undertaken by the UAE have been within the framework of defensive actions aimed at protecting its sovereignty, civilians, and vital infrastructure, in line with the country’s legitimate right to safeguard its national security and maintain its stability.” Saudi Arabia did not immediately provide a response to requests for comment.

Iran has also remained silent regarding being targeted by the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

After allegations that attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE originated from Iraqi territory, the Iraqi prime minister ordered an investigation. Iraq’s government has not responded to comment requests.

Officials in Taiwan report they have not received any formal communication regarding delays to a massive $14 billion weapons agreement with the United States, despite recent testimony from Pentagon leadership suggesting such sales are on hold.

The clarification came Friday after acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao informed senators Thursday that foreign military sales are being temporarily suspended to guarantee sufficient ammunition supplies for the Iran conflict, which the current administration has dubbed ‘Epic Fury.’

Speaking to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Cao explained the reasoning behind the delay. “Right now we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for ‘Epic Fury,’” he stated. “Then the foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary.”

Taiwanese presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo acknowledged Friday that officials are aware of the reports but emphasized no official word has arrived. “Currently there is no information regarding any adjustments the U.S. will make to this arms sale,” Kuo said when questioned about Cao’s remarks.

The weapons deals in question include an $11 billion package approved in December that remains stalled, plus a separate $14 billion sale authorized by Congress in January that awaits presidential submission before moving forward.

These developments come as tensions over Taiwan’s status continue to complicate U.S.-China relations. Beijing considers the island a breakaway province that must eventually come under Chinese control, using military force if needed. While Washington maintains no formal diplomatic recognition of Taiwan as an independent nation, America serves as the island’s primary military supporter and weapons provider.

The arms sales have become a contentious issue following recent diplomatic exchanges. In a Fox News interview after his Beijing visit, the president described Taiwan weapons deals as “a very good negotiating chip” in discussions with China.

During his second anniversary in office Wednesday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te expressed hope for continued American military support, calling such purchases vital for maintaining peace in the region.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing’s position when asked about the Navy secretary’s comments, stating that “China’s opposition to the U.S. arms sale to China’s Taiwan region is consistent, clear-cut and resolute.”

The weapons issue gained additional prominence during last week’s presidential visit to Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a stern warning about Taiwan policy. Xi told his American counterpart that the “Taiwan question” represents the most critical aspect of bilateral relations and warned that mishandling could lead to “clashes and even conflicts.”

Following those discussions, the president indicated interest in speaking directly with Taiwan’s leader, though he avoided naming Lai specifically. Beijing has labeled Lai a separatist and would likely view any direct communication between the two leaders as a provocative act.

Spokesperson Kuo said Friday that no additional details are available regarding potential talks between Lai and the American president.

A Turkish court in the nation’s capital turned down on Friday a challenge filed by the country’s primary opposition party against a decision to remove their leader, according to reports from the Cumhuriyet newspaper and additional Turkish news outlets.

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has also filed challenges with a higher court and the Supreme Election Board (YSK), though decisions on those appeals remain pending. The removal of CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel has intensified a political crisis and caused market instability.

The creator of the worldwide Slow Food movement that champions sustainable agriculture and traditional cooking methods has died at age 76 in Italy’s northwestern Piedmont region, according to an announcement from the organization.

Carlo Petrini passed away Friday in his hometown, leaving behind a legacy as what Slow Food described as “a visionary leader and a public intellectual with a profound commitment to the common good, human relationships and the natural world.”

The movement began as Arcigola and emerged from resistance to fast food chains entering Italy. A 1986 demonstration at the Spanish Steps outside a newly opened McDonald’s in Rome marked the beginning of their campaign.

On December 9, 1989, Petrini became president when delegates from more than 20 nations gathered in Paris to sign the Slow Food Manifesto. He served in this role until 2022.

Built on the belief that food should be “good, clean and fair,” the organization expanded rapidly across Italy and eventually reached more than 160 countries. Establishments following these principles display Slow Food stickers featuring the distinctive snail logo, officially known as the Snail of Approval.

Among the movement’s major accomplishments was establishing Terra Madre in 2004, which brought together farmers, fishers, chefs and academics to advance their mission.

Petrini also established the University of Gastronomic Sciences, promoted as the first academic institution focused on comprehensive food and food culture studies. This approach gained official recognition when the Italian government created a Bachelor’s degree in gastronomic sciences in 2017.

The northern Italian university has educated approximately 4,000 food industry professionals from 100 nations, according to Slow Food.

In 2017, Petrini collaborated with the bishop of Verona, Monsignor Domenico Pompili, to create the Laudato Si’ Communities, implementing Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical through approximately 80 local groups.

Among Petrini’s written works are “Slow Food Nation: Why Our Food Should Be Good, Clean and Fair” and “Slow Food: The Case for Taste,” which features a foreword by Alice Waters, a leader in America’s farm-to-table movement.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A massive cooking vessel now dominates a small body of water in the heart of the Dutch capital.

The enormous pot, measuring 7 meters (23 feet) in height, floats in front of the renowned Mauritshuis museum, which houses the famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring” painting. This striking installation is one element of a month-long outdoor art showcase called the BlowUp Jubilee, which displays 24 inflatable sculptures throughout the Dutch city’s parks, building facades, and transportation hubs.

Curator Mary Hessing conceived this ambitious project. “What I really wanted to do is show the area and show arts to everybody,” she told The Associated Press.

The Dutch government launched an extensive restoration effort for the Binnenhof complex in 2021, encompassing both the Mauritshuis and the Parliament building. This historic location, with origins tracing back to the 13th century, became off-limits to visitors, prompting city officials to organize artistic programming during the closure period.

The inaugural BlowUp Art showcase in 2022 featured six artists’ creations positioned around the Binnenhof area. Following exhibitions also presented several inflatable pieces, but this 2026 jubilee version brings back all previous installations while introducing additional new works.

“For me it was important to show the real Curacao in this artwork, and that is our parties, our food, and our lifestyle,” artist Eugenie Boon told AP. The 21-year-old creator hails from the former Dutch Caribbean colony, and her piece, Koncha pa dilanti, named after an island board game, depicts imagery from regional daily life.

British artist Steve Messam has gained recognition for his oversized inflatable installations across the United Kingdom, China and The Hague. His creation called Crested, consisting of a cluster of crimson spikes, sits atop a parking structure entrance surrounded by century-old architecture along a tree-covered street.

“The idea was that this piece would hold its own amongst this wonderful architecture that we see around us,” he said.

The BlowUp Jubilee continues through June 21.

GOTEMBA, Japan — Fire erupted from a mobile launcher positioned in the peaceful foothills near Mount Fuji this week as U.S. Marines demonstrated a weapons system that’s becoming central to America’s evolving Pacific defense strategy.

The first missile launched from the truck-mounted system cut through the clear sky, its orange trail visible against the blue backdrop. Five additional rockets launched quickly after, followed by a second HIMARS vehicle that emerged from its hidden spot among the evergreen trees, fired six missiles of its own, then disappeared back into cover.

The brief training exercise at Camp Fuji’s east maneuver area represented more than routine military practice — it showcased American military capabilities to Pacific partners as the U.S. works to prevent potential Chinese military action against Taiwan, the independent democracy that Beijing considers its territory and has threatened to seize by force if necessary.

The demonstration also highlighted Washington’s tactical evolution in the Pacific region, changes driven by China’s rapid military advancement and modernization over recent years.

“The U.S. does not want China to invade Taiwan, but it would not be relying on the traditional aircraft carrier-based attack wings of the past,” said Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

“In Iran, with the U.S. conflict there, there were over 40 U.S. aircraft, manned and unmanned, either destroyed or damaged against a much less capable adversary, so in the case of conflict with China that vulnerability would be much greater,” he said. “That’s why we’re seeing the U.S. emphasizing … these smaller units.”

The Pentagon’s most recent annual congressional report states the objective is to “deny the ability of any country in the Indo-Pacific to dominate us or our allies.” The document emphasized strengthening deterrence “through strength, not confrontation.”

The HIMARS system’s purpose is clear from its complete designation: “High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.” This truck-based rocket launcher can remain concealed from aerial surveillance, move into position to launch its GPS-guided projectiles, then rapidly relocate using military tactics known as “shoot-and-scoot.”

“It depends on the crew, but it can get as fast as four minutes, (even) two minutes sometimes,” said Sgt. Kevin Alvarez, section chief of one of the two Fox Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division HIMARS involved in the Camp Fuji exercise.

While the HIMARS entered service approximately two decades ago and saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan, it remained relatively obscure to civilians until Ukraine successfully employed it against Russian forces.

Recent conflicts, particularly the widespread use of battlefield drones that can rapidly locate stationary artillery, have highlighted the importance of mobility, according to Lt. Col. Ryan Anness, commander of the 3rd Battalion.

“They’re much quicker, much faster, and much easier to hide than, say, traditional cannon artillery, and obviously having the precision fire weapons and having the ability to hide easier is why so many countries, and why it’s important for us, to have the HIMARS,” he said.

The system can launch various missile types. Ukraine initially received only shorter-range ammunition before the U.S. approved the ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, which can strike targets approximately 300 kilometers (180 miles) away.

During the early stages of the war against Iran following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28, HIMARS fired both ATACMS and the longer-range Precision Strike Missiles in their first combat use, destroying “multiple” Iranian naval vessels and a submarine in port, according to Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The PrSM can engage targets beyond 500 kilometers (310 miles), manufacturer Lockheed Martin reports.

Combined with the Army’s Typhon — another truck-mounted launcher that fires longer-range Tomahawk missiles but offers less mobility than HIMARS — these systems could effectively cover both the Taiwan Strait separating Taiwan and China, and the strategically vital Luzon Strait between the Philippines and Taiwan, if positioned on Taiwan and surrounding Philippine and Japanese islands, Graham explained.

Both waterways would play crucial roles in any Chinese invasion or blockade scenario.

“In advance of a conflict around Taiwan, there would likely be a large-scale outflux of U.S. assets within the envelope of China’s missile capabilities,” Graham said. “All that would be left is submarines, which are more survivable, and small units based on rugged survivability — mobile systems like the HIMARS.”

Wednesday’s Camp Fuji training employed practice rockets — concrete-filled tubes without explosives — and followed rigorous safety protocols while Japanese military officials observed. Local authorities closed a nearby road during the exercise as a precautionary measure in case any projectiles fell short of their targets.

Despite the safety measures that required conducting the live-fire drill more slowly than combat conditions would allow, Lt. Col. Anness emphasized its importance for both Marine training and allied relationships.

“Being able to have long-range precision-fire weapons provides deterrence here in the Pacific, and we train with our Japanese partners as much as we can to make sure we’re ready,” he said.