Days after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistans">Pakistan's</a> terror attack in Pahalgam, a former Pentagon official said that Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a "scared dog".&nbsp;
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said that India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision, adding that it was able to blunt Pakistan's response.&nbsp;
"India won this both diplomatically and militarily. The reason why India won diplomatically is that all attention is now on Pakistan's terrorist sponsorship, Rubin said, while speaking to the news agency ANI.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-line-of-beggars-begins-wherever-pakistan-stands-indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-slams-pak-for-imf-bailouts-india-pakistan-tensions-9072336">'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy</a>
"Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a scared dog with its tail between its legs" after India put their airfields out of commission, Rubin said.&nbsp;
He added that Pakistan cannot run away from the reality that it &ldquo;lost very, very badly&rdquo;.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-revokes-security-clearance-for-turkish-ground-handling-firm-celebi-airport-services-after-operation-sindoor-9072657">Turkey under fire for siding with Pakistan, Indian govt revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services</a>
<h2>Pakistani army attending terrorists' funeral</h2>
The official further noted that the Pakistani officials attended the funeral of terrorists, which shows that there is no difference between a terrorist and a member of Pakistani armed forces.&nbsp;
"The fact that Pakistani officers in uniform attended the funeral of terrorists shows that there is no differentiation between a terrorist and a member of the ISI or the Pakistani armed forces. Basically, the world is going to demand that Pakistan extract the rot from its own system," he said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Diplomatically, India changed the conversation, militarily, Pakistan is shocked,&rdquo; he added.
He continued to slam Pakistan and said that they every time start the war and yet convince themselves that somehow they won.&nbsp;
"Pakistan has started every single war with India and yet convinced itself that somehow it has won. It's going to be very different...to convince themselves that they won this 4-day war," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-how-made-in-india-weapons-led-the-charge-during-strikes-against-pakistan-9072040">Operation Sindoor: How made-in-India weapons led the charge during strikes against Pakistan</a>

Former Pentagon official said that India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan with precision, adding that it was able to blunt Pakistan's response. WORLD india news

Days after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to Pakistan's terror attack in Pahalgam, a former Pentagon official said that Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a "scared dog". Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said that India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision, adding that it was able to blunt Pakistan's response. "India won this both diplomatically and militarily. The reason why India won diplomatically is that all attention is now on Pakistan's terrorist sponsorship, Rubin said, while speaking to the news agency ANI. Also read: 'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy "Pakistan went running to try to achieve a ceasefire like a scared dog with its tail between its legs" after India put their airfields out of commission, Rubin said. He added that Pakistan cannot run away from the reality that it “lost very, very badly”. Also read: Turkey under fire for siding with Pakistan, Indian govt revokes security clearance for Turkey's Celebi Airport Services Pakistani army attending terrorists' funeral The official further noted that the Pakistani officials attended the funeral of terrorists, which shows that there is no difference between a terrorist and a member of Pakistani armed forces. "The fact that Pakistani officers in uniform attended the funeral of terrorists shows that there is no differentiation between a terrorist and a member of the ISI or the Pakistani armed forces. Basically, the world is going to demand that Pakistan extract the rot from its own system," he said. “Diplomatically, India changed the conversation, militarily, Pakistan is shocked,” he added. He continued to slam Pakistan and said that they every time start the war and yet convince themselves that somehow they won. "Pakistan has started every single war with India and yet convinced itself that somehow it has won. It's going to be very different...to convince themselves that they won this 4-day war," he said. Also read: Operation Sindoor: How made-in-India weapons led the charge during strikes against Pakistan

'Ran like a scared dog': Ex-Pentagon official slams Pakistan, says it 'lost very badly' and India won 'diplomatically, militarily'

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) made a U-turn on mediating the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/india-pakistan-ceasefire-0">India-Pakistan ceasefire</a> as he claimed a few days back. India, however, rejected the claims made by Trump, saying that the talks were held between the two nations' Director Generals of Military Operations.&nbsp;
During his visit to Qatar, Trump while addressing US soldiers and officials, flipped his stance on the India-Pakistan issue.&nbsp;
"I don't want to say I did, but I sure as hell helped settle the problem between Pakistan and India last week, which was getting more and more hostile, and all of a sudden, you'll start seeing missiles of a different type, and we got it settled," he said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-briefing-india-pakistan-jk-donald-trump-india-pakistan-ceasefire-operation-sindoor-live-9065048">&lsquo;Our policy has not changed&rsquo;: MEA says J&amp;K is 'bilateral issue' between India, Pakistan - Did India dismiss Trump&rsquo;s ceasefire claim?</a>
Noting the ongoing tariff issue, he then said that the US officials talked to India and Pakistan about trade.&nbsp;
"I hope I don't walk out of here and two days later find out that it's not settled, but I think it is settled, and we talked to them about trade. Let's do trade instead of, and Pakistan was very happy with that, and India was very happy with that, and I think they're on the way..." Trump added.
He further noted that India and Pakistan have been fighting for about "1000 years in all fairness". "So I said, you know. I could settle that up. I could settle; let me settle it up, and let's get them all together."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-line-of-beggars-begins-wherever-pakistan-stands-indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-slams-pak-for-imf-bailouts-india-pakistan-tensions-9072336">'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy</a>
"I'm not sure about settling. That's a tough one. They've been fighting for a long time... It was really going to be escalating out of control," Trump added.
On Tuesday, India directly rejected Trump's claims that the US brokered the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday (May 13) said that the ceasefire understanding was reached directly between the two countries without any third-party involvement.
Without naming Trump, Jaiswal said, &ldquo;We have a long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331">Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH</a>

During his visit to Qatar, US President Donald Trump while addressing US soldiers and officials, flipped his stance on the India-Pakistan issue. WORLD india news pakistan

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15) made a U-turn on mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire as he claimed a few days back. India, however, rejected the claims made by Trump, saying that the talks were held between the two nations' Director Generals of Military Operations. During his visit to Qatar, Trump while addressing US soldiers and officials, flipped his stance on the India-Pakistan issue. "I don't want to say I did, but I sure as hell helped settle the problem between Pakistan and India last week, which was getting more and more hostile, and all of a sudden, you'll start seeing missiles of a different type, and we got it settled," he said. Also read: ‘Our policy has not changed’: MEA says J&K is 'bilateral issue' between India, Pakistan - Did India dismiss Trump’s ceasefire claim? Noting the ongoing tariff issue, he then said that the US officials talked to India and Pakistan about trade. "I hope I don't walk out of here and two days later find out that it's not settled, but I think it is settled, and we talked to them about trade. Let's do trade instead of, and Pakistan was very happy with that, and India was very happy with that, and I think they're on the way..." Trump added. He further noted that India and Pakistan have been fighting for about "1000 years in all fairness". "So I said, you know. I could settle that up. I could settle; let me settle it up, and let's get them all together." Also read: 'Line of beggars begins wherever Pakistan stands': India's defence minister slams Pak for IMF bailouts amid crippling economy "I'm not sure about settling. That's a tough one. They've been fighting for a long time... It was really going to be escalating out of control," Trump added. On Tuesday, India directly rejected Trump's claims that the US brokered the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday (May 13) said that the ceasefire understanding was reached directly between the two countries without any third-party involvement. Without naming Trump, Jaiswal said, “We have a long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed.” Also read: Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH

'Don't want to say I did...': Trump takes U-turn on mediating India-Pak ceasefire claim

As US President Donald Trump has once again claimed of China occupying the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bagram-airbase">Bagram Airbase</a> in Afghanistan, the major military airfield has come under the spotlight. Trump has also stressed that the US is going to keep the airbase.&nbsp;
Earlier this month, as well as today, the US president reinstated that the US will keep the big Air Force base, which is just an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.&nbsp;
He also said that the US cannot give up on one of the biggest airbases in the world, among the strongest and longest runways anywhere in the world.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-occupies-it-now-us-president-donald-trump-says-us-will-keep-control-of-bagram-airbase-in-afghanistan-9071816">'You know who occupies it, CHINA': Trump stresses US will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan</a>
<h2>Story of Bagram Airbase&nbsp;</h2>
Bagram Airbase is a major military airfield, located in the Parwan province of Afghanistan. The largest air base in Afghanistan lies about 60 km north of Kabul in the Parwan province.&nbsp;
It has a significant strategic importance as it has served major US and NATO military operations in Afghanistan for many years.&nbsp;
The airbase was built by the Soviet Union in 1950 and the USSR had control over it during the early days of the Cold War. During the Soviet-Afghan war, the airbase was fortified and started lodging military personnel from the USSR.
The US came in the picturee in 1959, when then US President Dwight Eisenhower paid a visit to Afghanistan and landed in Bagram.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-rejects-chinese-presence-as-trump-vows-bagram-takeover-8774510">Afghanistan: Taliban rejects Chinese presence as Trump vows bagram takeover</a>&nbsp;
In 1990, the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan, and the airbase was left abandoned. It then became the frontline between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance military. However, during the conflict, the airbase was severely damaged.&nbsp;
Later in 2001 after the 9/11 terror attack, the US and its Western allies took over the Afghan airfield. For the next 20 years, they controlled the Bagram airbase, claiming that they were using it for America's "War on terrorism".&nbsp;
In 2020, the US and the Taliban signed a deal to withdraw international forces from Afghanistan by May 2021.&nbsp;
The last American aircraft took off from the Kabul airport on August 30, 2021, and the US forces vacated Bagram on July 2. The airbase formally was handed over to the Taliban on August 15.&nbsp;
The base is currently under Taliban control, however, the US has been stressing that China made the entry into Afghanistan's airbase after they left.&nbsp;
Earlier this year in March, Trump made similar claims of China making its nuclear missiles, an hour away from the airbase. To this, the Taliban issued a statement denying the claims.&nbsp;
"Bagram is controlled by the Islamic Emirate (Taliban), not China. Chinese troops are not present here, nor do we have any such pact with any country,&rdquo; it said.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-trump-claims-china-controls-bagram-air-base-pledges-to-reclaim-it-9030025">US President Trump claims China controls Bagram air base, pledges to reclaim it</a>

US president reinstated that the US will keep the big Air Force base, which is just an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. WORLD

As US President Donald Trump has once again claimed of China occupying the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, the major military airfield has come under the spotlight. Trump has also stressed that the US is going to keep the airbase. Earlier this month, as well as today, the US president reinstated that the US will keep the big Air Force base, which is just an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. He also said that the US cannot give up on one of the biggest airbases in the world, among the strongest and longest runways anywhere in the world. Also read: 'You know who occupies it, CHINA': Trump stresses US will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan Story of Bagram Airbase Bagram Airbase is a major military airfield, located in the Parwan province of Afghanistan. The largest air base in Afghanistan lies about 60 km north of Kabul in the Parwan province. It has a significant strategic importance as it has served major US and NATO military operations in Afghanistan for many years. The airbase was built by the Soviet Union in 1950 and the USSR had control over it during the early days of the Cold War. During the Soviet-Afghan war, the airbase was fortified and started lodging military personnel from the USSR. The US came in the picturee in 1959, when then US President Dwight Eisenhower paid a visit to Afghanistan and landed in Bagram. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban rejects Chinese presence as Trump vows bagram takeover In 1990, the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan, and the airbase was left abandoned. It then became the frontline between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance military. However, during the conflict, the airbase was severely damaged. Later in 2001 after the 9/11 terror attack, the US and its Western allies took over the Afghan airfield. For the next 20 years, they controlled the Bagram airbase, claiming that they were using it for America's "War on terrorism". In 2020, the US and the Taliban signed a deal to withdraw international forces from Afghanistan by May 2021. The last American aircraft took off from the Kabul airport on August 30, 2021, and the US forces vacated Bagram on July 2. The airbase formally was handed over to the Taliban on August 15. The base is currently under Taliban control, however, the US has been stressing that China made the entry into Afghanistan's airbase after they left. Earlier this year in March, Trump made similar claims of China making its nuclear missiles, an hour away from the airbase. To this, the Taliban issued a statement denying the claims. "Bagram is controlled by the Islamic Emirate (Taliban), not China. Chinese troops are not present here, nor do we have any such pact with any country,” it said. WATCH | US President Trump claims China controls Bagram air base, pledges to reclaim it

Trump wants to play US vs China over Bagram Airbase: Story of military airfield in Afghanistan that Biden left in 2021

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump-0">Donald Trump</a> said that the United States will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, stressing, "We will not give it up."
Trump was addressing the US troops at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in view of American air capability in the region.&nbsp;
"Russia Ukraine would have never started, October 7th would have never happened...We wouldn't have had the disaster of Afghanistan...but we were getting out with dignity and strength," Trump said.&nbsp;
He stressed that it is just an hour away from China, claiming that China occupies it.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-nuclear-deal-getting-close-military-strike-may-be-averted-9070951">Trump says Iran nuclear deal 'getting close,' military strike may be averted</a>
"We are going to keep Bagram Airbase, we are not going to give that up because its one hour away from China. You know who occupies it now, China," he added.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Sadly, over the last four years, we saw a collapse in Afghanistan. And what happened on October 7th, the war in Ukraine, violence unleashed by wokeness and weakness.&rdquo;
Trump was addressing the Al-Udeid Air Base, which was the major stage ground during the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, housing around 8,000 US troops.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-a-lago-banner-seen-near-trumps-palm-beach-home-amid-controversy-over-400-mn-qatari-jet-9069570">'Qatar-a-Lago' banner seen near Trump's Palm beach home amid controversy over $400-mn Qatari jet: See pics</a>
The US president stressed that he would never hesitate to wield American power if required to defend the US or its partners.
&ldquo;As president, my priority is to end conflicts, not start them, but I will never hesitate to wield American power if it&rsquo;s necessary to defend the United States of America or our partners,&rdquo; Trump said. &ldquo;And this is one of our great partners right here&rdquo; in Qatar.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/largest-order-of-jets-in-boeing-history-what-is-the-200-bn-deal-between-us-aerospace-and-qatar-airways-us-president-donald-trump-qatar-emir-9069551">'Largest order of jets in Boeing history': What is the $200 bn deal between US aerospace and Qatar Airways</a>

"We are going to keep Bagram Airbase, we are not going to give that up because its one hour away from China. You know who occupies it now, China," he said. WORLD

US President Donald Trump said that the United States will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, stressing, "We will not give it up." Trump was addressing the US troops at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in view of American air capability in the region. "Russia Ukraine would have never started, October 7th would have never happened...We wouldn't have had the disaster of Afghanistan...but we were getting out with dignity and strength," Trump said. He stressed that it is just an hour away from China, claiming that China occupies it. Also read: Trump says Iran nuclear deal 'getting close,' military strike may be averted "We are going to keep Bagram Airbase, we are not going to give that up because its one hour away from China. You know who occupies it now, China," he added. “Sadly, over the last four years, we saw a collapse in Afghanistan. And what happened on October 7th, the war in Ukraine, violence unleashed by wokeness and weakness.” Trump was addressing the Al-Udeid Air Base, which was the major stage ground during the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, housing around 8,000 US troops. Also read: 'Qatar-a-Lago' banner seen near Trump's Palm beach home amid controversy over $400-mn Qatari jet: See pics The US president stressed that he would never hesitate to wield American power if required to defend the US or its partners. “As president, my priority is to end conflicts, not start them, but I will never hesitate to wield American power if it’s necessary to defend the United States of America or our partners,” Trump said. “And this is one of our great partners right here” in Qatar. Also read: 'Largest order of jets in Boeing history': What is the $200 bn deal between US aerospace and Qatar Airways

'You know who occupies it, CHINA': Trump stresses US will keep Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan

Ben&nbsp;Cohen, co‑founder of&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;&amp; Jerry's ice cream and a longtime progressive activist, told AFP he was speaking for millions of Americans outraged by the "slaughter" in Gaza after his removal from a US  Senate hearing on Wednesday.
Cohen, 74, was among a group of protesters who startled Health Secretary  Robert F Kennedy Jr. by interrupting his testimony about his department's budget proposal.
Shouting that "Congress pays for bombs to kill children in Gaza" while lawmakers move to slash Medicaid -- the health insurance program for low‑income families -- the businessman and philanthropist was placed in handcuffs by Capitol Police.
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He urged senators to press Israel to let food reach "starving kids" as he was led away.
"It got to a point where we had to do something," Cohen said in an interview after his release, calling it "scandalising" that the US approved "$20 billion worth of bombs" for Israel even as social programs are squeezed back home.
"The majority of Americans hate what's going on, what our country is doing with our money and in our name," he said.
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US public opinion toward Israel has become increasingly unfavourable, especially among Democrats, according to a Pew Research Centre poll last month.
Beyond the spending, Cohen framed the issue as a moral and "spiritual" breach.
"Condoning and being complicit in the slaughter of tens of thousands of people strikes at the core of us as far as human beings and what our country stands for," he said, pointing to the fact that the United States pours roughly half its discretionary budget into war‑related spending.
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"If you spent half of that money making lives better around the world, I think there'd be a whole lot less friction."
Invoking a parenting analogy, he added: "You go to a three-year-old who goes around hitting people and you say 'Use your words.' There are issues between countries, but you can work them out without killing."
A longtime critic of Israeli policy, Cohen last year joined prominent Jewish figures in an open letter opposing the pro‑Israel lobby AIPAC. "I understand that I have a higher profile than most people, and so I raise my voice, and it gets heard. But I need you and others to understand that I speak for millions of people who feel the same way."
Israel's war in Gaza began after the October  7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 52,928 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable.
Gaza is at "critical risk of famine," with the entire population facing a food crisis after more than two months of an Israeli aid blockade, and 22 per cent facing a humanitarian "catastrophe," a UN-backed food security monitor warned this week.
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Explore Cohen's moral stance against US complicity in violence, advocating for diplomacy over warfare and redirecting funds to social programs. World

Ben Cohen, co‑founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and a longtime progressive activist, told AFP he was speaking for millions of Americans outraged by the "slaughter" in Gaza after his removal from a US  Senate hearing on Wednesday. Cohen, 74, was among a group of protesters who startled Health Secretary  Robert F Kennedy Jr. by interrupting his testimony about his department's budget proposal. Shouting that "Congress pays for bombs to kill children in Gaza" while lawmakers move to slash Medicaid -- the health insurance program for low‑income families -- the businessman and philanthropist was placed in handcuffs by Capitol Police. Also read: Musk's AI goes rogue: Grok chatbot pushes 'white genocide' conspiracy on X He urged senators to press Israel to let food reach "starving kids" as he was led away. "It got to a point where we had to do something," Cohen said in an interview after his release, calling it "scandalising" that the US approved "$20 billion worth of bombs" for Israel even as social programs are squeezed back home. "The majority of Americans hate what's going on, what our country is doing with our money and in our name," he said. Also read: Operation Sindoor: Why India could be interested in Russia's S-500 defence system? Know its power, range, strike capabilities and more US public opinion toward Israel has become increasingly unfavourable, especially among Democrats, according to a Pew Research Centre poll last month. Beyond the spending, Cohen framed the issue as a moral and "spiritual" breach. "Condoning and being complicit in the slaughter of tens of thousands of people strikes at the core of us as far as human beings and what our country stands for," he said, pointing to the fact that the United States pours roughly half its discretionary budget into war‑related spending. Also read: 'India offered trade deal with literally no tariffs': Donald Trump's big claim amid tariff war "If you spent half of that money making lives better around the world, I think there'd be a whole lot less friction." Invoking a parenting analogy, he added: "You go to a three-year-old who goes around hitting people and you say 'Use your words.' There are issues between countries, but you can work them out without killing." A longtime critic of Israeli policy, Cohen last year joined prominent Jewish figures in an open letter opposing the pro‑Israel lobby AIPAC. "I understand that I have a higher profile than most people, and so I raise my voice, and it gets heard. But I need you and others to understand that I speak for millions of people who feel the same way." Israel's war in Gaza began after the October  7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 52,928 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable. Gaza is at "critical risk of famine," with the entire population facing a food crisis after more than two months of an Israeli aid blockade, and 22 per cent facing a humanitarian "catastrophe," a UN-backed food security monitor warned this week. Also read: Tesla vs Uber: Saudi Arabia bets on the future of autonomous mobility

'Wat our country is doing with our money and in our name,' : Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's ice cream arrested for US Senate protest

US President Donald Trump has said a nuclear deal with Iran is nearly finalised. He said, "We're in very serious negotiations with Iran for long-term peace."

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A major cybersecurity alert has been issued in the U.S and Europe over concerns tied to Chinese solar power inventors. The U.S is investigating on the cellular radios found in batteries from Chinese suppliers.

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In a historical move, Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. This comes during US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>'s visit to the Gulf nation.&nbsp;
Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani were present during the signing ceremony of the agreement in Doha.
"So it's over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the Jets, that's fantastic," Trump said, adding, "So that's a record, Kelly, then congratulations to Boeing", referring to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who was also present.&nbsp;
"It's the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing. That's pretty good," Trump added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-in-qatar-after-meeting-syrian-leader-in-saudi-arabia-announces-200-billion-boeing-deal-9069455">Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir</a>
<h2>Deal explained</h2>
The historic deal between the US-based company and Qatar Airways, is the largest in Boeing's history, which further underscores the airline's expansion plans.&nbsp;
The deal will support 154,000 US jobs annually and more than 1 million total domestic jobs over the course of production and delivery of the planes, according to a White House fact sheet.&nbsp;
Boeing has not reported a profit since 2018, hence the deal could be a boom for Boeing.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to see some of it in action tomorrow&hellip;. it&rsquo;s going to be an air fair,&rdquo; Trump said during a meeting with the country&rsquo;s leaders.&nbsp;
During his visit to Qatar, Trump hailed what he called a "very special relationship&rdquo; with Qatar, even likening one royal to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling both men &ldquo;tall handsome guys.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-a-fool-would-not-accept-trumps-400-million-luxury-plane-gift-is-all-about-money-9068148">'Only a fool would not accept': Qatar's $400 million luxury plane gift to Trump is all about money</a>
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Qatar offered to give Trump a luxurious upgraded Boeing 747-8, worth $400 million. However, the US president said that the Defense Department is getting a gift "free of cost."
Calling it a "very public and transparent transaction", Trump said that a 747 aircraft will "replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily."
This luxurious &lsquo;flying palace&rsquo; Boeing 747-8 jumbo will be among the most expensive gifts ever given to the US by a foreign government.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-reasons-behind-donald-trumps-nuclear-crusade-us-president-iran-nuclear-weapons-khamenei-explained-9069299">REAL REASONS behind Trump's nuclear crusade: Why doesn't US president wants Iran to have nukes? EXPLAINED</a>

The historic deal between the US-based company and Qatar Airways, is the largest in Boeing's history, which further underscores the airline's expansion plans. WORLD

In a historical move, Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. This comes during US President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf nation. Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani were present during the signing ceremony of the agreement in Doha. "So it's over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the Jets, that's fantastic," Trump said, adding, "So that's a record, Kelly, then congratulations to Boeing", referring to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who was also present. "It's the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing. That's pretty good," Trump added. Also read: Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir Deal explained The historic deal between the US-based company and Qatar Airways, is the largest in Boeing's history, which further underscores the airline's expansion plans. The deal will support 154,000 US jobs annually and more than 1 million total domestic jobs over the course of production and delivery of the planes, according to a White House fact sheet. Boeing has not reported a profit since 2018, hence the deal could be a boom for Boeing. “We’re going to see some of it in action tomorrow…. it’s going to be an air fair,” Trump said during a meeting with the country’s leaders. During his visit to Qatar, Trump hailed what he called a "very special relationship” with Qatar, even likening one royal to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling both men “tall handsome guys.” Also read: 'Only a fool would not accept': Qatar's $400 million luxury plane gift to Trump is all about money Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Qatar offered to give Trump a luxurious upgraded Boeing 747-8, worth $400 million. However, the US president said that the Defense Department is getting a gift "free of cost." Calling it a "very public and transparent transaction", Trump said that a 747 aircraft will "replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily." This luxurious ‘flying palace’ Boeing 747-8 jumbo will be among the most expensive gifts ever given to the US by a foreign government. Also read: REAL REASONS behind Trump's nuclear crusade: Why doesn't US president wants Iran to have nukes? EXPLAINED

'Largest order of jets in Boeing history': What is the $200 bn deal between US aerospace and Qatar Airways

Chinese-linked firm GD Culture Group (GDC) has announced to raise $300 million in purchasing TRUMP tokens and Bitcoin, ahead of much-anticipated US President Donald Trump's crypto dinner.&nbsp;
According to a May 11 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, GD Culture Group, a Nasdaq-listed holding company with Chinese ties, will be investing in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/trump">$TRUMP</a>.&nbsp;
The company had just eight employees and no recorded revenue last year. It also claims to operate an e-commerce platform via TikTok, however it has appeared to be shifting its strategy.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crypto-trump-and-truth-social-how-greatest-salesman-trump-doubled-his-net-worth-in-last-one-year-8932391">Crypto, $TRUMP and Truth Social: How 'greatest salesman' Trump doubled his net worth in last one year</a>
However, this raised alarms over potential conflicts of interest and regulatory gaps. Meanwhile, the ongoing US and China trade conflict also comes along in this.&nbsp;
This comes just weeks after Trump was slammed for hosting a gala dinner for the top 200 TRUMP holders and offering a meeting with the president for the top 25 holders.&nbsp;
It also helped in raising the value of $TRUMP meme coin by over 40 per cent from the announcement through May 12, which partially reversed an 88% decline in the past weeks.&nbsp;
Notably, the top holders of the $TRUMP meme coin spent from $53,500 to $16.4 million to get a chance to be invited for a dinner with Trump, according to Inca Digital's analysis.&nbsp;
WATCH |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-launches-trump-coin-ahead-of-inauguration">Trump Launches '$trump' Coin Ahead Of Inauguration</a>
As of the contest's end on May 12, the biggest holder of the digital currency was an account named Sun VIP. However, it is impossible to get the identity of any of the account owners due to the anonymity of digital wallets.&nbsp;
"A ton of these users sent funds to international exchanges," Austin Ryan, director of marketing for Inca Digital, a firm that analyzes crypto data for risk issues like liquidity and front-running, said. "The thought is that if they are interacting with those exchanges, they are not in the US."
Trump will be hosting the dinner on May 22 at the Trump National Golf Club in Washington, DC, as per the $TRUMP meme coin website. The top 25 holders will "will enjoy a Private VIP Reception with President TRUMP" as well as a "Special VIP TOUR," it read.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trumps-trump-meme-coin-takes-crypto-world-by-storm">Donald Trump's $TRUMP Meme Coin Takes Crypto World By Storm</a>
&nbsp;

Notably, the top holders of the $TRUMP meme coin spent from $53,500 to $16.4 million to get a chance to be invited for a dinner with Trump. World

Chinese-linked firm GD Culture Group (GDC) has announced to raise $300 million in purchasing TRUMP tokens and Bitcoin, ahead of much-anticipated US President Donald Trump's crypto dinner. According to a May 11 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, GD Culture Group, a Nasdaq-listed holding company with Chinese ties, will be investing in the $TRUMP. The company had just eight employees and no recorded revenue last year. It also claims to operate an e-commerce platform via TikTok, however it has appeared to be shifting its strategy. Also read: Crypto, $TRUMP and Truth Social: How 'greatest salesman' Trump doubled his net worth in last one year However, this raised alarms over potential conflicts of interest and regulatory gaps. Meanwhile, the ongoing US and China trade conflict also comes along in this. This comes just weeks after Trump was slammed for hosting a gala dinner for the top 200 TRUMP holders and offering a meeting with the president for the top 25 holders. It also helped in raising the value of $TRUMP meme coin by over 40 per cent from the announcement through May 12, which partially reversed an 88% decline in the past weeks. Notably, the top holders of the $TRUMP meme coin spent from $53,500 to $16.4 million to get a chance to be invited for a dinner with Trump, according to Inca Digital's analysis. WATCH | Trump Launches '$trump' Coin Ahead Of Inauguration As of the contest's end on May 12, the biggest holder of the digital currency was an account named Sun VIP. However, it is impossible to get the identity of any of the account owners due to the anonymity of digital wallets. "A ton of these users sent funds to international exchanges," Austin Ryan, director of marketing for Inca Digital, a firm that analyzes crypto data for risk issues like liquidity and front-running, said. "The thought is that if they are interacting with those exchanges, they are not in the US." Trump will be hosting the dinner on May 22 at the Trump National Golf Club in Washington, DC, as per the $TRUMP meme coin website. The top 25 holders will "will enjoy a Private VIP Reception with President TRUMP" as well as a "Special VIP TOUR," it read. WATCH | Donald Trump's $TRUMP Meme Coin Takes Crypto World By Storm

All this to get dinner with Trump and VIP tour? Chinese-linked firm raises $300 mn to buy $TRUMP meme coin

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sweeping sanctions on more than 20 companies accused of operating within a vast international network that facilitates the shipment of Iranian crude oil worth billions of dollars to China.
The move is part of the Trump administration&rsquo;s ongoing &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; campaign aimed at curbing Iran&rsquo;s oil revenues and deterring its military and nuclear ambitions.
The sanctioned network is allegedly tied to Iran&rsquo;s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and its front company, Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, which the US says uses complex smuggling tactics involving front companies, fake documentation, and shadow fleet tankers to evade sanctions and funnel money into Iran&rsquo;s defence and missile programs, as well as support for terrorist groups across the region.
<h2 dir="ltr">Oil revenue linked to weapons development</h2>
According to the Treasury&rsquo;s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctioned entities operate in multiple jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and the Seychelles. The network includes companies such as CCIC Singapore PTE Ltd, Huangdao Inspection and Certification Co. Ltd, and Qingdao Linkrich International Shipping Agency Co. Ltd, all of which played roles in masking the Iranian origin of crude shipments and facilitating their delivery to China&rsquo;s independent &ldquo;teapot&rdquo; refineries.
OFAC said revenue from these sales directly funds Iran&rsquo;s development of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and nuclear proliferation activities, as well as attacks by the Houthi group on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and against US and Israeli interests.
Reuters reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, &ldquo;This action underscores our continued focus on intensifying pressure on every aspect of Iran&rsquo;s oil trade&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We will continue targeting this primary source of revenue so long as the regime supports terrorism and proliferation of deadly weapons,&rdquo; he added.
<h2 dir="ltr">US warns of further measures amid fragile diplomacy</h2>
The sanctions come just days after the conclusion of a fourth round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. While both countries have expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution to the decades-long nuclear standoff, deep disagreements remain over key issues such as uranium enrichment levels.
US President Donald Trump, speaking at a US-Saudi investment conference, offered Iran &ldquo;a new and better path&rdquo; but warned that rejection would be met with even harsher measures, including driving Iranian oil exports &ldquo;to zero&rdquo;.
This latest round of sanctions also targets ships, shadow fleet tankers like BALU and ROC, and financial facilitators involved in laundering proceeds back to the AFGS. US officials have signalled that unless China&rsquo;s state-owned enterprises are brought into the sanctions regime, the measures may have limited long-term impact.
Meanwhile, Beijing has criticised the US for what it calls &ldquo;long-arm jurisdiction&rdquo; that undermines international trade, reaffirming its opposition to unilateral sanctions.

Business & Economy: The move is part of the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s oil revenues and deterring its military ambitions

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sweeping sanctions on more than 20 companies accused of operating within a vast international network that facilitates the shipment of Iranian crude oil worth billions of dollars to China. The move is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s oil revenues and deterring its military and nuclear ambitions. The sanctioned network is allegedly tied to Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS) and its front company, Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, which the US says uses complex smuggling tactics involving front companies, fake documentation, and shadow fleet tankers to evade sanctions and funnel money into Iran’s defence and missile programs, as well as support for terrorist groups across the region. Oil revenue linked to weapons development According to the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctioned entities operate in multiple jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and the Seychelles. The network includes companies such as CCIC Singapore PTE Ltd, Huangdao Inspection and Certification Co. Ltd, and Qingdao Linkrich International Shipping Agency Co. Ltd, all of which played roles in masking the Iranian origin of crude shipments and facilitating their delivery to China’s independent “teapot” refineries. OFAC said revenue from these sales directly funds Iran’s development of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and nuclear proliferation activities, as well as attacks by the Houthi group on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and against US and Israeli interests. Reuters reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “This action underscores our continued focus on intensifying pressure on every aspect of Iran’s oil trade”. “We will continue targeting this primary source of revenue so long as the regime supports terrorism and proliferation of deadly weapons,” he added. US warns of further measures amid fragile diplomacy The sanctions come just days after the conclusion of a fourth round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. While both countries have expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution to the decades-long nuclear standoff, deep disagreements remain over key issues such as uranium enrichment levels. US President Donald Trump, speaking at a US-Saudi investment conference, offered Iran “a new and better path” but warned that rejection would be met with even harsher measures, including driving Iranian oil exports “to zero”. This latest round of sanctions also targets ships, shadow fleet tankers like BALU and ROC, and financial facilitators involved in laundering proceeds back to the AFGS. US officials have signalled that unless China’s state-owned enterprises are brought into the sanctions regime, the measures may have limited long-term impact. Meanwhile, Beijing has criticised the US for what it calls “long-arm jurisdiction” that undermines international trade, reaffirming its opposition to unilateral sanctions.

US sanctions over 20 companies for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China

The US military is now turning away from gender-affirming care and preparing to discharge transgender troops under direct orders from the White House.

Pentagon halts critical health care access for transgender troops

The war drums between India and Pakistan may have gone quiet for now, but in Chinese markets, the silence has been deafening. Chinese defense stocks nose-dived by as much as 9% after the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement.

Chinese defence stocks dive up to 8% after India-Pak ceasefire

The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a massive defense agreement worth nearly $142 billion. The deal is part of agreements in the first phase, which are worth $600 billion. The announcement came during Donald Trump's ongoing visit to West Asia.

US President Donald Trump secures multi-billion dollar deals with Saudi companies

As US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;embarked his visit to Saudi Arabia, the Gulf country arranged a mobile McDonald's unit as a "sign of hospitality" to the US president.&nbsp;
The mobile McDonald's was stationed near the Saudi Royal Court and was part of the elaborate welcome Trump received in Riyadh.&nbsp;
Some users on social media called it an "ultimate sign of hospitality.&rdquo; The mobile unit was labelled in both Arabic and English and drew widespread attention on social media.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-most-destructive-force-in-middle-east-trump-bashes-iran-for-causing-unthinkable-suffering-9065701">'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering</a>&nbsp;
It mobile McDonald caught attention for catering to Trump's love for McD and specifically fast food.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mamtf904-pjhw8vmt-2dxzw5xf">
Saudi Arabia brought in a mobile McDonald&rsquo;s for President Trump on his visit. <a href="https://t.co/6fxgqKHbjP">pic.twitter.com/6fxgqKHbjP</a>
&mdash; Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1922255203455152454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
The journalists covering Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia spotted the remote fast food unit.&nbsp;
Moreover, Trump has referred to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman as his friend as the two nations have maintained strong and good ties for decades.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-in-saudi-arabia-meets-crown-prince-mbs-elon-musk-joins-in-for-vip-lunch-9064561">Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, meets Crown Prince MBS; Elon Musk joins in for VIP lunch: See pics here</a>
To further impress the US president, Saudi Arabia pulled out the move, by setting a McDonald's remote truck, knowing about Trump's love for McD.&nbsp;
The food truck was parked outside a media hub called "Media Oasis" where journalists hosted Trump amid a video showcasing Saudi mega-projects like the futuristic NEOM city and the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup, Newsweek reported.&nbsp;
One of the users on X, commented, "I'm loving it." While another commented, "This is cool...One of the most significant things to emphasize Trumps welcome was the purple carpet rolled out for POTUS. It signifies royalty in Saudi Arabia. That is a true sign of respect."
Another user posted, "Forget red carpets, it&rsquo;s McFlurries for foreign policy now."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gets-f-15-escort-lavender-carpet-welcome-to-saudi-arabia-9064913">Trump gets &lsquo;lavender&rsquo; carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort</a>

The mobile McDonald's was stationed near the Saudi Royal Court and was part of the elaborate welcome US President Donald Trump received in Riyadh. World

As US President Donald Trump embarked his visit to Saudi Arabia, the Gulf country arranged a mobile McDonald's unit as a "sign of hospitality" to the US president. The mobile McDonald's was stationed near the Saudi Royal Court and was part of the elaborate welcome Trump received in Riyadh. Some users on social media called it an "ultimate sign of hospitality.” The mobile unit was labelled in both Arabic and English and drew widespread attention on social media. Also read: 'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering It mobile McDonald caught attention for catering to Trump's love for McD and specifically fast food. Saudi Arabia brought in a mobile McDonald’s for President Trump on his visit. pic.twitter.com/6fxgqKHbjP — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 13, 2025 The journalists covering Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia spotted the remote fast food unit. Moreover, Trump has referred to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman as his friend as the two nations have maintained strong and good ties for decades. Also read: Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, meets Crown Prince MBS; Elon Musk joins in for VIP lunch: See pics here To further impress the US president, Saudi Arabia pulled out the move, by setting a McDonald's remote truck, knowing about Trump's love for McD. The food truck was parked outside a media hub called "Media Oasis" where journalists hosted Trump amid a video showcasing Saudi mega-projects like the futuristic NEOM city and the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup, Newsweek reported. One of the users on X, commented, "I'm loving it." While another commented, "This is cool...One of the most significant things to emphasize Trumps welcome was the purple carpet rolled out for POTUS. It signifies royalty in Saudi Arabia. That is a true sign of respect." Another user posted, "Forget red carpets, it’s McFlurries for foreign policy now." Also read: Trump gets ‘lavender’ carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort

Happy meal, happy Trump: Saudi Arabia rolls out mobile McDonald's for Trump's McCravings | WATCH

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (May 13) that the United States will remove all sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s crown prince as the new interim Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to bring stability in the war-torn country.
&ldquo;I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,&rdquo; Trump said while addressing the packed auditorium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his first appearance during the four-day visit to the Middle East. The US president covered a range of topics in his speech, including his time in office and US-Middle East relations.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-syrias-interim-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-shows-off-basketball-skills-in-viral-video-9041381">WATCH | Syria&rsquo;s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa shows off basketball skills in viral video</a>
&ldquo;In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilising the country and keeping peace. That&rsquo;s what we want to see,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;In Syria, they&rsquo;ve had their share of travesty, war, killing many years. That&rsquo;s why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade.&rdquo;
Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-holds-good-and-productive-phone-call-with-turkish-president-discuss-russia-ukraine-war-gaza-syria-9038408">Trump holds &lsquo;good and productive&rsquo; phone call with Turkish President, discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria</a>
<h2>&lsquo;Brutal and crippling&rsquo; sanctions</h2>
Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were &ldquo;brutal and crippling,&rdquo; adding that they no longer served an important function.
&ldquo;Now, it&rsquo;s their time to shine,&rdquo; Trump said of Syria. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re taking them all off.&rdquo;
&ldquo;So I say, Good luck Syria. Show us something very special, like they&rsquo;ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-most-destructive-force-in-middle-east-trump-bashes-iran-for-causing-unthinkable-suffering-9065701">'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering</a>
<h2>From Assad regime to Ahmed al-Sharaa&rsquo;s rule</h2>
The Middle Eastern nation has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US since 1979. Syria was faced with additional sanctions by the US in 2004 and again in 2011, after the then-President Bashar al-Assad launched a crackdown on anti-government uprisings.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-trumps-presence-at-peace-talks-would-prompt-putin-to-attend-9065417">Zelensky says Trump&rsquo;s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend</a>
The Assad rule was overthrown by rebel forces led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December 2024 after more than 13 years of civil war, sectarian violence and deadly terrorist attacks. Following this, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda member who describes himself as reformed, was made the leader of the country&rsquo;s transitional government.

Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were “brutal and crippling,” adding that they no longer served an important function. “Now, it’s their time to shine,” Trump said of Syria. “We’re taking them all off.” World

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (May 13) that the United States will remove all sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince as the new interim Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to bring stability in the war-torn country. “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” Trump said while addressing the packed auditorium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his first appearance during the four-day visit to the Middle East. The US president covered a range of topics in his speech, including his time in office and US-Middle East relations. Also read | WATCH | Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa shows off basketball skills in viral video “In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilising the country and keeping peace. That’s what we want to see,” he said. “In Syria, they’ve had their share of travesty, war, killing many years. That’s why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade.” Read more | Trump holds ‘good and productive’ phone call with Turkish President, discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria ‘Brutal and crippling’ sanctions Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were “brutal and crippling,” adding that they no longer served an important function. “Now, it’s their time to shine,” Trump said of Syria. “We’re taking them all off.” “So I say, Good luck Syria. Show us something very special, like they’ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia.” Also read | 'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering From Assad regime to Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rule The Middle Eastern nation has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US since 1979. Syria was faced with additional sanctions by the US in 2004 and again in 2011, after the then-President Bashar al-Assad launched a crackdown on anti-government uprisings. Also read | Zelensky says Trump’s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend The Assad rule was overthrown by rebel forces led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December 2024 after more than 13 years of civil war, sectarian violence and deadly terrorist attacks. Following this, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda member who describes himself as reformed, was made the leader of the country’s transitional government.

‘Now, it’s their time to shine’: Trump announces all US sanctions on Syria to be lifted

India on Tuesday (May 13) declared a Pakistani diplomat posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 13) bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-tensions-india-declares-pakistani-diplomat-persona-non-grata-pahalgam-terror-attack-pakistan-high-commission-india-9065683">&lsquo;Indulging in activities...&rsquo;: India declares Pakistani diplomat &lsquo;persona non grata&rsquo;, gives 24-hour deadline - Here&rsquo;s why</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/13/0urGApXfSgZjUul0kDD9.png" alt=" Pakistan High Commission Delhi Photograph: (PTI) ">
India on Tuesday (May 13) declared a Pakistani diplomat posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-most-destructive-force-in-middle-east-trump-bashes-iran-for-causing-unthinkable-suffering-9065701">'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/03/28/JD42U0N5VhVoAz14tsXK.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Photograph: (Reuters) ">
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 13) bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, accusing it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-briefing-india-pakistan-jk-donald-trump-india-pakistan-ceasefire-operation-sindoor-live-9065048">&lsquo;Our policy has not changed&rsquo;: MEA says J&amp;K is 'bilateral issue' between India, Pakistan - Did India dismiss Trump&rsquo;s ceasefire claim?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/06/bo8IQ4Pvtg3JttlymH8c.png" alt=" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump Photograph: (PTI) ">
India has indirectly rejected US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s statement that the United States brokered the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-land-of-gautam-buddha-guru-gobind-singh-pm-modi-hails-operation-sindoor-gives-stark-warning-to-terrorists-9064396">'India is land of Gautam Buddha, Guru Gobind Singh': PM Modi hails Operation Sindoor, gives stark warning to terrorists</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/13/U129K868AlhQaQOon2s7.jpg" alt=" Indian PM Narendra Modi at Adampur air base. The S 400 air defence system can be seen in the background Photograph: (X) ">
During his address at the Adampur Air Base, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, which was carried out by the Indian Armed Forces and targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-tensions-first-civilian-casualty-outside-jk-punjab-woman-dies-after-pakistani-drone-attack-ferozepur-operation-sindoor-9065459">First civilian casualty outside J&amp;K: Punjab woman dies after Pakistani drone attack</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/10/t3xHo8dzrldZpgLbLXpo.png" alt=" Explosions heard in Srinagar hours after India-Pak ceasefire Photograph: (X/OmarAbdullah) Photograph: ((X/OmarAbdullah)) ">
A 50-year-old woman, based in Punjab's Ferozepur, succumbed to burn injuries in a Pakistani drone attack as the tensions between the two nations escalated. It was the first such recorded civil casualty outside Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-budget-increases-by-26-times-in-12-years-climbs-up-to-798-billion-in-2025-26-mod-ministry-of-defence-9065267">India&rsquo;s defence budget increases by 2.6 times in 12 years, climbs up to $79.8 billion in 2025-26: MoD</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/13/QfAlkvqpfeTscc1GsryU.png" alt=" PM Modi at Adampur airbase Photograph: (X/@narendramodi) ">
The Defence Ministry on Tuesday (May 13) said that India&rsquo;s defence budget has increased by 2.6 times over 12 years, from Rs 2.53 lakh crore ($29.6 billion) in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore ($79.8 billion) in 2025-26.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nuclear-leakage-in-pakistan-heres-what-india-said-india-pakistan-tensions-mea-operation-sindoor-9065007">Nuclear leakage in Pakistan? Here's what India has to say about it</a>
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As there has been a social media buzz on India attacking nuclear facilities in Pakistan, India's Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday (May 13) said that the military action from our side was entirely in the conventional domain.&nbsp;
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US President Donald Trump landed in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for his first official overseas trip of his second term and was welcomed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump joining peace talks with Russia in Turkey might give Vladimir Putin an &lsquo;impetus&rsquo; to attend.
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When Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray revealed their unexpected coaching partnership in December 2024, days before the Australian Open, tennis lovers were divided&mdash;some curious, others undecided and in some serious doubt.

Stay updated with the top global stories, offering an in-depth look at the most impactful news from across the globe, ensuring you are always in the know. India news | World

India on Tuesday (May 13) declared a Pakistani diplomat posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 13) bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East. Click on the headlines for more ‘Indulging in activities...’: India declares Pakistani diplomat ‘persona non grata’, gives 24-hour deadline - Here’s why India on Tuesday (May 13) declared a Pakistani diplomat posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours. 'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 13) bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, accusing it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations. ‘Our policy has not changed’: MEA says J&K is 'bilateral issue' between India, Pakistan - Did India dismiss Trump’s ceasefire claim? India has indirectly rejected US President Donald Trump’s statement that the United States brokered the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. 'India is land of Gautam Buddha, Guru Gobind Singh': PM Modi hails Operation Sindoor, gives stark warning to terrorists During his address at the Adampur Air Base, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, which was carried out by the Indian Armed Forces and targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). First civilian casualty outside J&K: Punjab woman dies after Pakistani drone attack A 50-year-old woman, based in Punjab's Ferozepur, succumbed to burn injuries in a Pakistani drone attack as the tensions between the two nations escalated. It was the first such recorded civil casualty outside Jammu and Kashmir. India’s defence budget increases by 2.6 times in 12 years, climbs up to $79.8 billion in 2025-26: MoD The Defence Ministry on Tuesday (May 13) said that India’s defence budget has increased by 2.6 times over 12 years, from Rs 2.53 lakh crore ($29.6 billion) in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore ($79.8 billion) in 2025-26. Nuclear leakage in Pakistan? Here's what India has to say about it As there has been a social media buzz on India attacking nuclear facilities in Pakistan, India's Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday (May 13) said that the military action from our side was entirely in the conventional domain. Trump gets ‘lavender’ carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort US President Donald Trump landed in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for his first official overseas trip of his second term and was welcomed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Zelensky says Trump’s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump joining peace talks with Russia in Turkey might give Vladimir Putin an ‘impetus’ to attend. Murray quits as Djokovic's coach as partnership fails to serve any aces When Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray revealed their unexpected coaching partnership in December 2024, days before the Australian Open, tennis lovers were divided—some curious, others undecided and in some serious doubt.

Top 10 world news: India declares Pakistani diplomat ‘persona non grata’; Trump's warning to Iran, and more

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 13) bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, accusing it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations.&nbsp;
He criticised Iran for tearing down the region and funding bloodshed abroad.&nbsp;
The biggest and most destructive force [in the Middle East] is Iran which has caused unthinkable suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen and beyond,&rdquo; he said during his visit to Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-trumps-presence-at-peace-talks-would-prompt-putin-to-attend-9065417">Zelensky says Trump&rsquo;s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend</a>
<h2>'Offer won't last forever'</h2>
However, he added that he still wants to make a deal with Iran, but the offer won't last forever.&nbsp;
He also warned Iran that if it continues to attack its neighbours, then the US will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure.&nbsp;
"I want to make a deal with Iran. But if Iran&rsquo;s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors then we&rsquo;ll have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure,&rdquo; he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-saudi-crown-prince-sign-major-business-deals-in-riyadh-9065342">Trump, Saudi Crown Prince sign major business deals in Riyadh</a>
He warned to drive Iranian oil exports to zero, adding, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."
&ldquo;The choice is theirs to make,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;This is not an offer that will last forever.&rdquo;
The US president said that he is not just merely condemning the past chaos of Iran's leaders, but offering them a "new path, and a much better path" towards a "more hopeful future".
Trump is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and stressed that this visit marks 80 years of partnership between the two countries, adding that the US-Saudi relationship has been a "bedrock of security and prosperity".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-in-saudi-arabia-meets-crown-prince-mbs-elon-musk-joins-in-for-vip-lunch-9064561">Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, meets Crown Prince MBS; Elon Musk joins in for VIP lunch: See pics here</a>
"Today we take the next steps to make our relationship closer, stronger and more powerful than ever before," Trump said, adding, "It is more powerful than ever before."
The US and Saudi Arabia also made a deal, as Saudis purchased $142 billion worth of American-made military equipment.
"There's no better place to make a future, make a fortune," Trump said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gets-f-15-escort-lavender-carpet-welcome-to-saudi-arabia-9064913">Trump gets &lsquo;lavender&rsquo; carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort</a>

He also warned Iran that if it continues to attack its neighbours, then the US will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure. World

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 13) bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, accusing it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations. He criticised Iran for tearing down the region and funding bloodshed abroad. The biggest and most destructive force [in the Middle East] is Iran which has caused unthinkable suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen and beyond,” he said during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Also read: Zelensky says Trump’s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend 'Offer won't last forever' However, he added that he still wants to make a deal with Iran, but the offer won't last forever. He also warned Iran that if it continues to attack its neighbours, then the US will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure. "I want to make a deal with Iran. But if Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors then we’ll have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure,” he said. Also read: Trump, Saudi Crown Prince sign major business deals in Riyadh He warned to drive Iranian oil exports to zero, adding, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon." “The choice is theirs to make,” he said, adding, “This is not an offer that will last forever.” The US president said that he is not just merely condemning the past chaos of Iran's leaders, but offering them a "new path, and a much better path" towards a "more hopeful future". Trump is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and stressed that this visit marks 80 years of partnership between the two countries, adding that the US-Saudi relationship has been a "bedrock of security and prosperity". Also read: Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, meets Crown Prince MBS; Elon Musk joins in for VIP lunch: See pics here "Today we take the next steps to make our relationship closer, stronger and more powerful than ever before," Trump said, adding, "It is more powerful than ever before." The US and Saudi Arabia also made a deal, as Saudis purchased $142 billion worth of American-made military equipment. "There's no better place to make a future, make a fortune," Trump said. Also read: Trump gets ‘lavender’ carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort

'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering

Donald Trump's executive orders are back in the headlines, but this time it's on the pharma industry. On Monday, Trump signed a sweeping executive order to pharma companies to lower drug costs for Americans, seeking a cut between 59 to 90%. The latest executive order has set a 30-day deadline to decrease cost of prescription drugs.

US President signs executive order for cheaper prescription drugs

The United States and China have agreed to pause their trade war. Both nations are seeing eye to eye to lower the import taxes on goods that are being traded between Washington and Beijing. Watch in for more details!

US-China trade: China slashes tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10%

President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping executive order aimed at slashing U.S. prescription drug prices by up to 59 percent. Watch in for more details!

US announces 59% cut on prescription drugs

US-China trade: US drops Chinese import duties from 145% to 30%

Fashion designers from across North America are bringing together inspiration from their Indigenous heritage, culture, and everyday lives to three days of runway modeling in a leading creative hub and marketplace for Indigenous art.

Inside Indigenous fashion week in Santa Fe

US President Donald Trump Arrives In Saudi Arabia. He is holding talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with several other top Saudi officials. This visit marks a significant moment in U.S.-Saudi relations and is considered a crucial step in strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties between the two nations.

Breaking | US President Donald Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia, meets MBS

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-embarks-on-middle-east-tour-with-focus-on-business-regional-tensions-9057057" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> has arrived in Saudi Arabia, in what will be the first stop of a three-day tour that will also see him visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS greeted him on his arrival.
<figure class="image"><img alt="Cover (87)" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/13/2I0plMnOD1EipAExO0Kh.png" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
</figure>
&ldquo;The era of peace will return, and the commander-in-chief of the US armed forces will be in Washington to help safeguard the Gulf&rsquo;s security and stand by its people &ndash; because he knows them well and believes in the importance of their friendship,&rdquo; said Eric Trump while speaking to&nbsp;Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520">Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords?</a>
As Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia, Royal Saudi Air Force's F-15 fighter jets escorted Air Force One.&nbsp;At least five fighter jets came flanking of the AF1's wings, three on the right side, two on the left side, just as the plane approached for landing.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-embarks-on-middle-east-tour-with-focus-on-business-regional-tensions-9057057" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US President Trump embarks on Middle East tour with focus on business &amp; regional tensions</a>
&ldquo;On behalf of President Trump, THANK YOU!&rdquo; Dan Scavino, Assistant to Trump and the White House Deputy Chief of Staff posted on X with a video from the flight. WATCH here&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mambtcsy-advjyh09-rq12pcg7">
Air Force One about to go wheels down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with Saudi F-15 fighter jets bringing us in. On behalf of President Trump, THANK YOU! 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/UDzPyylyF8">https://t.co/UDzPyylyF8</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nd6DnRGtZD">pic.twitter.com/Nd6DnRGtZD</a>
&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1922191139546812793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
While Israel&rsquo;s war in Gaza and Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions remain front and center, the White House has framed the visit as a &ldquo;historic return&rdquo; to a region Trump first visited as president in 2017&mdash;when he famously posed over a glowing orb with Saudi and Egyptian leaders in Riyadh. By choosing again to begin his overseas travels within the oil-producing Gulf&mdash;instead of with long-standing Western partners&mdash;Trump is demonstrating the rising geopolitical influence of the region, and also emphasising his long-established personal and commercial connections there.

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, in what will be the first stop of a three-day tour that will also see him visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, in what will be the first stop of a three-day tour that will also see him visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS greeted him on his arrival. Photograph: (AFP) “The era of peace will return, and the commander-in-chief of the US armed forces will be in Washington to help safeguard the Gulf’s security and stand by its people – because he knows them well and believes in the importance of their friendship,” said Eric Trump while speaking to Saudi Arabia’s Asharq al-Awsat newspaper. Read More | Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords? As Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia, Royal Saudi Air Force's F-15 fighter jets escorted Air Force One. At least five fighter jets came flanking of the AF1's wings, three on the right side, two on the left side, just as the plane approached for landing. Read More | US President Trump embarks on Middle East tour with focus on business & regional tensions “On behalf of President Trump, THANK YOU!” Dan Scavino, Assistant to Trump and the White House Deputy Chief of Staff posted on X with a video from the flight. WATCH here Air Force One about to go wheels down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with Saudi F-15 fighter jets bringing us in. On behalf of President Trump, THANK YOU! 🇺🇸🇸🇦 https://t.co/UDzPyylyF8 pic.twitter.com/Nd6DnRGtZD — Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) May 13, 2025 While Israel’s war in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain front and center, the White House has framed the visit as a “historic return” to a region Trump first visited as president in 2017—when he famously posed over a glowing orb with Saudi and Egyptian leaders in Riyadh. By choosing again to begin his overseas travels within the oil-producing Gulf—instead of with long-standing Western partners—Trump is demonstrating the rising geopolitical influence of the region, and also emphasising his long-established personal and commercial connections there.

US President Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia on his first trip of second term; MBS welcomes him | Pics here

U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed details of the highly speculated trade deal with China.

US-China reset trade ties: Trump hails 'good relationship' with China, talks next week

India has firmly pushed back against claims made by US President Donald Trump and his administration that the United States helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. 
The Indian government has said that the decision to de-escalate was made after a discussion between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-reacts-to-india-pakistan-ceasefire-agreement-operation-sindoor-nuclear-war-pahalgam-terror-attack-9061528" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Could have been a bad nuclear war': Trump reacts to India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement</a>
<h2>India says no trade talks linked to ceasefire</h2>
According to Indian officials, US Vice President JD Vance spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 May, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on 8 and 10 May, and with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on 10 May. However, New Delhi has clarified that &ldquo;there was no reference to trade in any of these conversations.&rdquo;
This directly contradicts claims made by Donald Trump in public statements, where he suggested trade incentives were used to push both nations toward peace.
<h2>Trump claims credit for ceasefire, India says otherwise</h2>
Speaking to the media earlier, Trump said, "I'm very proud to let you know that the leadership of Indian and Pakistan was unwavering and powerful... We helped a lot, and we also helped with trade. I said, Come on, we're going to do a lot of trade with you guys. Let's stop it... If you stop it, we're doing trade. If you don't stop it, we're not going to do any trade."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pak-war-can-pakistan-use-f-16s-against-india-operation-sindoor-pakistan-drone-attack-pahalgam-terror-attack-9050088" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Operation Sindoor: Can Pakistan use F-16s against India? Here&rsquo;s what the rules say</a>
He added, "People have never really used trade the way I used it... and all of a sudden they said, I think we're gonna stop, and they have."
On Saturday (May 10), Trump also posted on Truth Social, saying, "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both countries for using Common Sense and Great Intelligence."
<h2>India insists talks were military-led and Pakistan initiated</h2>
India, however, maintains a very different version of events. According to the Indian government, the ceasefire agreement was finalised after direct military-level communication between the DGMOs of both countries on Saturday, 10 May. These discussions were reportedly initiated by Pakistan, not the United States.

India News: The Indian government has said that the decision to de-escalate was made after a discussion between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries.

India has firmly pushed back against claims made by US President Donald Trump and his administration that the United States helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. The Indian government has said that the decision to de-escalate was made after a discussion between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries. Also read: 'Could have been a bad nuclear war': Trump reacts to India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement India says no trade talks linked to ceasefire According to Indian officials, US Vice President JD Vance spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 May, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on 8 and 10 May, and with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on 10 May. However, New Delhi has clarified that “there was no reference to trade in any of these conversations.” This directly contradicts claims made by Donald Trump in public statements, where he suggested trade incentives were used to push both nations toward peace. Trump claims credit for ceasefire, India says otherwise Speaking to the media earlier, Trump said, "I'm very proud to let you know that the leadership of Indian and Pakistan was unwavering and powerful... We helped a lot, and we also helped with trade. I said, Come on, we're going to do a lot of trade with you guys. Let's stop it... If you stop it, we're doing trade. If you don't stop it, we're not going to do any trade." Also read: Operation Sindoor: Can Pakistan use F-16s against India? Here’s what the rules say He added, "People have never really used trade the way I used it... and all of a sudden they said, I think we're gonna stop, and they have." On Saturday (May 10), Trump also posted on Truth Social, saying, "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both countries for using Common Sense and Great Intelligence." India insists talks were military-led and Pakistan initiated India, however, maintains a very different version of events. According to the Indian government, the ceasefire agreement was finalised after direct military-level communication between the DGMOs of both countries on Saturday, 10 May. These discussions were reportedly initiated by Pakistan, not the United States.

India-Pak ceasefire | Did Trump’s 'trade for peace' claim actually happen? Here's what India said

Hamas has announced that its armed wing has released a U.S.-Israeli hostage, Eden Alexander. According to the statement, Alexander was handed over to the Red Cross in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

Breaking | US-Israeli hostage released by Hamas sans public ceremony | Israel-Hamas war

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday that aims to cut prescription drug costs in the US by aligning what the government pays for certain medications with the prices paid in other countries. The order, experts say, is far more aggressive than the one during Trump&rsquo;s first term to cut drug costs, which was blocked by a federal judge and failed hence. Health policy experts feel the order will meet significant opposition from the drug industry. The new order directs Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to come up with price-cutting goals within 30 days, White House officials said on Monday.&nbsp; The move will kick off a round of negotiations between the health secretary and the drug industry and if the talks fail, Kennedy will move to enforce the &ldquo;most favoured nation&rdquo; pricing model, capping the drug prices in the US at the lowest rates paid by other wealthy nations.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-reacts-to-india-pakistan-ceasefire-agreement-operation-sindoor-nuclear-war-pahalgam-terror-attack-9061528">'Could have been a bad nuclear war': Trump reacts to India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement</a> Officials highlighted that this time the policy will not be limited to certain drugs under Medicare, as in the previous version, but will also target medications covered by Medicaid and private insurance. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m doing this for the American people,&rdquo; Trump said at the White House, discussing the executive order. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m doing this against the most powerful lobby in the world probably, the drug lobby.&rdquo;
The administration hasn&rsquo;t picked any specific class of drugs for price cuts, but officials said that drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound will also be included.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-we-demolished-global-universities-of-terrorism-at-bahawalpur-muridke-pm-modi-9061746">Operation Sindoor | &lsquo;We demolished global universities of terrorism at Bahawalpur, Muridke&rsquo;: PM Modi</a> Last month, the Trump administration rejected a Biden-era proposal for Medicare to cover weight loss drugs. The plan would have saved patients money but cost the government about $25 billion over 10 years. The Food and Drug Administration will also consider importing prescription drugs from countries besides Canada, where prices are often lower than in the US. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will be directed to act against &ldquo;anti-competitive&rdquo; actions by drugmakers that keep drug prices high, said officials.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-struck-missile-site-at-malir-cantt-near-pakistans-port-city-of-karachi-9061396" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Indian Air Force struck missile site at Malir Cantt near Pakistan&rsquo;s port city of Karachi</a> Prescription drug prices are notoriously high in the US, which has less than 5% of the global population but accounts for nearly three-quarters of global pharmaceutical profits. Rand Corporation, a public policy think tank, says Americans pay up to 10 times more for medications than people in other similarly wealthy nations. Many experts back Trump&rsquo;s approach but doubt how the administration would pursue price reductions for drugs under private insurance.&nbsp; Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-downed-pakistani-mirage-jet-during-operation-sindoor-army-shares-proof-watch-9060787" rel="noopener" target="_blank">India downed Pakistani Mirage Jet during Operation Sindoor, Army shares proof | Watch</a> In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump claimed that prescription drug costs would be reduced &ldquo;almost immediately&rdquo; by 30% to 80% and that the US &ldquo;will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World.&rdquo; In a follow-up post Monday, Trump said drug prices would be cut by 59%. At the White House later on Monday, Trump claimed drug prices would be reduced by 50% to 90%.

World: Prescription drug prices are notoriously high in the US, which has less than 5% of the global population but accounts for nearly three-quarters of global pharmaceutical profits.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday that aims to cut prescription drug costs in the US by aligning what the government pays for certain medications with the prices paid in other countries. The order, experts say, is far more aggressive than the one during Trump’s first term to cut drug costs, which was blocked by a federal judge and failed hence. Health policy experts feel the order will meet significant opposition from the drug industry. The new order directs Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to come up with price-cutting goals within 30 days, White House officials said on Monday. The move will kick off a round of negotiations between the health secretary and the drug industry and if the talks fail, Kennedy will move to enforce the “most favoured nation” pricing model, capping the drug prices in the US at the lowest rates paid by other wealthy nations. Also Read | 'Could have been a bad nuclear war': Trump reacts to India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement Officials highlighted that this time the policy will not be limited to certain drugs under Medicare, as in the previous version, but will also target medications covered by Medicaid and private insurance. “I’m doing this for the American people,” Trump said at the White House, discussing the executive order. “I’m doing this against the most powerful lobby in the world probably, the drug lobby.” The administration hasn’t picked any specific class of drugs for price cuts, but officials said that drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound will also be included. Also Read | Operation Sindoor | ‘We demolished global universities of terrorism at Bahawalpur, Muridke’: PM Modi Last month, the Trump administration rejected a Biden-era proposal for Medicare to cover weight loss drugs. The plan would have saved patients money but cost the government about $25 billion over 10 years. The Food and Drug Administration will also consider importing prescription drugs from countries besides Canada, where prices are often lower than in the US. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will be directed to act against “anti-competitive” actions by drugmakers that keep drug prices high, said officials. Also Read | Indian Air Force struck missile site at Malir Cantt near Pakistan’s port city of Karachi Prescription drug prices are notoriously high in the US, which has less than 5% of the global population but accounts for nearly three-quarters of global pharmaceutical profits. Rand Corporation, a public policy think tank, says Americans pay up to 10 times more for medications than people in other similarly wealthy nations. Many experts back Trump’s approach but doubt how the administration would pursue price reductions for drugs under private insurance. Also Read | India downed Pakistani Mirage Jet during Operation Sindoor, Army shares proof | Watch In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump claimed that prescription drug costs would be reduced “almost immediately” by 30% to 80% and that the US “will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World.” In a follow-up post Monday, Trump said drug prices would be cut by 59%. At the White House later on Monday, Trump claimed drug prices would be reduced by 50% to 90%.

Trump signs executive order aiming to slash drug costs in US by 50%

Hamas and US representatives have held direct talks in Doha in recent days, two officials from the Palestinian militant group told AFP on Sunday, with one saying there had been "progress" towards a truce in Gaza.
"Direct talks have taken place in Doha between the Hamas leadership and the United States regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner exchange and the entry of humanitarian aid," said a senior Hamas official, adding that the talks "are still ongoing".
A second official from the Palestinian group said there was "progress made... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" and the potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, "particular concerning Edan Alexander", a US-Israeli captive held by militants.
The second official also reported progress "on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip".
Gaza militants continue to hold 58 hostages seized during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel ended the last ceasefire, which lasted two months, on March 18, launching a major offensive in Gaza and ramping up its bombardment of the territory.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-video-of-two-israeli-hostages-alive-in-gaza-9057543" rel="dofollow">Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages alive in Gaza</a>
It has also cut off all aid to Gaza, saying it would pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, have taken place from the early months of the war without bringing it to an end.
Washington had for decades refused publicly to engage directly with Hamas, which it labels a terrorist organisation, before first doing so in March.
Hamas has continued to insist on a deal that ends the war and on April 18 rejected an Israeli proposal for a 45-day truce and hostage-prisoner exchange.
Hamas's 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Sunday that at least 2,720 people have been killed since Israel resumed its campaign, bringing the overall death toll since the war broke out to 52,829.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Washington had for decades refused publicly to engage directly with Hamas, which it labels a terrorist organisation, before first doing so in March. World

Hamas and US representatives have held direct talks in Doha in recent days, two officials from the Palestinian militant group told AFP on Sunday, with one saying there had been "progress" towards a truce in Gaza. "Direct talks have taken place in Doha between the Hamas leadership and the United States regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner exchange and the entry of humanitarian aid," said a senior Hamas official, adding that the talks "are still ongoing". A second official from the Palestinian group said there was "progress made... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" and the potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, "particular concerning Edan Alexander", a US-Israeli captive held by militants. The second official also reported progress "on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip". Gaza militants continue to hold 58 hostages seized during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel ended the last ceasefire, which lasted two months, on March 18, launching a major offensive in Gaza and ramping up its bombardment of the territory. Also read | Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages alive in Gaza It has also cut off all aid to Gaza, saying it would pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, have taken place from the early months of the war without bringing it to an end. Washington had for decades refused publicly to engage directly with Hamas, which it labels a terrorist organisation, before first doing so in March. Hamas has continued to insist on a deal that ends the war and on April 18 rejected an Israeli proposal for a 45-day truce and hostage-prisoner exchange. Hamas's 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Sunday that at least 2,720 people have been killed since Israel resumed its campaign, bringing the overall death toll since the war broke out to 52,829. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Progress made': Hamas officials hold direct Gaza talks with US - Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/iran">Iran</a>&nbsp;and the United States concluded the fourth round of nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday (May 11) without any breakthrough in a public standoff over enrichment. However, both sides have confirmed plans for future negotiations.
Both sides have reported progress in the first three rounds of the nuclear talks. Following the recent discussions, Iran said that the meeting was &ldquo;difficult but useful&rdquo; while a senior US official said Washington was &ldquo;encouraged&rdquo;, according to an AFP report.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/irans-foreign-minister-arrives-in-india-to-meet-jaishankar-amid-indo-pak-rising-tension-9046393">Iran's foreign minister arrives in India to meet Jaishankar amid Indo-Pak rising tension</a>
The talks mark the highest-level contact between the two foes since the US withdrew a landmark nuclear deal in 2018 during President Donald Trump&rsquo;s first term.
Iran&rsquo;s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in an X post that the &ldquo;next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman&rdquo;, which in turn said &ldquo;the talks will take place once both parties... consult their leaderships&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-dont-want-to-fight-trump-says-us-will-stop-bombing-yemen-claims-iran-backed-houthis-have-surrendered-9042117">'Houthis don't want to fight': Trump says 'US will stop' bombing Yemen, claims Iran-backed Houthis have surrendered</a>
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday described calls by US officials for Iran to dismantle its nuclear facilities as &ldquo;unacceptable&rdquo;.
&ldquo;The discussion that has been raised about dismantling Iran&rsquo;s entire nuclear facilities is unacceptable to us,&rdquo; he said, adding that &ldquo;Iran will not give up its peaceful nuclear rights.&rdquo;
<h2>&lsquo;Agreement reached to move forward&rsquo;</h2>
According to the AFP report citing a US official, the talks were &ldquo;both direct and indirect, and lasted over three hours.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-for-total-dismantling-of-irans-nuclear-program-open-to-civilian-use-9037593">Trump calls for total dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, open to civilian use</a>
&ldquo;Agreement was reached to move forward&rdquo; and &ldquo;continue working through technical elements,&rdquo; the official added.
Baqaei had earlier stated that negotiators would push for relief from US sanctions.
<h2>&lsquo;Non-negotiable&rsquo; enrichment</h2>
Iran entered the discussions, stressing that its right to maintain uranium enrichment was &ldquo;non-negotiable&rdquo;. Meanwhile, Washington&rsquo;s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff has called it a &ldquo;red line&rdquo;.
Watch | Iran-US nuclear talks: Fourth round of Iran, US nuclear talks to convene in Muscat
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1105_WION_IRAN_5PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1105_WION_IRAN_5PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=170&amp;tags=Iran, US, Nuclear Weapons, World News, WION" title="Iran-US nuclear talks: Fourth round of Iran, US nuclear talks to convene in Muscat" id="PL_iframe_block-majzf5iy-ntri3r2s-woluvhg9"></iframe>
Following the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated the country&rsquo;s stance on enrichment, saying it &ldquo;must continue and there is no room for compromise on it&rdquo;. He said that the latest meeting with US officials was &ldquo;more serious&rdquo; than the previous round of talks.&nbsp;
Araghchi told the Iranian state TV that Tehran may be open to limit the rate of enrichment &ldquo;to help build trust&rdquo;.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday described calls by US officials for Iran to dismantle its nuclear facilities as “unacceptable”. World

Iran and the United States concluded the fourth round of nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday (May 11) without any breakthrough in a public standoff over enrichment. However, both sides have confirmed plans for future negotiations. Both sides have reported progress in the first three rounds of the nuclear talks. Following the recent discussions, Iran said that the meeting was “difficult but useful” while a senior US official said Washington was “encouraged”, according to an AFP report. Also read | Iran's foreign minister arrives in India to meet Jaishankar amid Indo-Pak rising tension The talks mark the highest-level contact between the two foes since the US withdrew a landmark nuclear deal in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in an X post that the “next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman”, which in turn said “the talks will take place once both parties... consult their leaderships”. Also read | 'Houthis don't want to fight': Trump says 'US will stop' bombing Yemen, claims Iran-backed Houthis have surrendered Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday described calls by US officials for Iran to dismantle its nuclear facilities as “unacceptable”. “The discussion that has been raised about dismantling Iran’s entire nuclear facilities is unacceptable to us,” he said, adding that “Iran will not give up its peaceful nuclear rights.” ‘Agreement reached to move forward’ According to the AFP report citing a US official, the talks were “both direct and indirect, and lasted over three hours.” Also read | Trump calls for total dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, open to civilian use “Agreement was reached to move forward” and “continue working through technical elements,” the official added. Baqaei had earlier stated that negotiators would push for relief from US sanctions. ‘Non-negotiable’ enrichment Iran entered the discussions, stressing that its right to maintain uranium enrichment was “non-negotiable”. Meanwhile, Washington’s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff has called it a “red line”. Watch | Iran-US nuclear talks: Fourth round of Iran, US nuclear talks to convene in Muscat Following the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated the country’s stance on enrichment, saying it “must continue and there is no room for compromise on it”. He said that the latest meeting with US officials was “more serious” than the previous round of talks. Araghchi told the Iranian state TV that Tehran may be open to limit the rate of enrichment “to help build trust”.

Iran, US conclude ‘difficult but useful’ fourth round of nuclear talks, Iranian Prez won’t ‘dismantle’ facilities

The United States and China have returned to the table in Switzerland. Trade talks have resumed amid high tariff tensions, and Geneva is hosting a crucial round of trade talks between the United States and China this weekend. It is the first high-level meeting since President Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs shook the global markets after Saturday's initial round, negotiators from both sides reconvened behind closed doors on Sunday at the Swiss ambassador's residence in Geneva. Watch in for more details!

US & China hold 2nd day of trade talks to ease escalating tariff war

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