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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) described India as a key pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific, praising its military modernisation drive and growing defence-industrial capabilities as Washington seeks to strengthen partnerships across the region. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said India plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power in Asia and is increasingly taking on a larger security role, particularly in the Indian Ocean. "In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line," Hegseth said during his address.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-capable-of-restarting-war-with-iran-hegseth-amid-reports-of-depleted-missile-stockpiles-shangri-la-dialogue-security-summit-singapore-1780106328135">US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles</a><h2>How India helps maintain a balance of power</h2>"A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region," said Hegseth. The remarks come amid growing strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Washington, as both countries seek closer alignment on regional security, defence manufacturing and maritime operations.Hegseth highlighted India's ongoing military modernisation efforts, saying the country is building the capabilities needed to support high-end military operations and contribute more significantly to regional security. "India is modernising its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean," he said.He also pointed to India's expanding defence manufacturing sector, describing it as an important component of broader US efforts to strengthen military readiness among partners and allies.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-military-build-up-causing-alarm-across-asia-says-hegseth-as-us-pushes-regional-balance-1780106901397">Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia, says US seeking 'stable equilibrium'</a><h2>Hegseth reveals why India's military expansion matters to the US</h2>According to Hegseth, India is developing the industrial and logistical infrastructure needed to support advanced military platforms, including maintenance and repair capabilities for US Navy vessels operating in the region. "This kind of industrial muscle isn't just a long-term goal, it's an immediate operational imperative," Hegseth said.The Pentagon chief also revealed that Washington and New Delhi are moving ahead with defence co-production initiatives, including efforts related to Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems."We've committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities like Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. These are real, tangible steps to improve the collective readiness of our forces," he said.Hegseth framed India's growing defence capabilities within the context of a broader US military expansion. He said the Trump administration plans a major increase in defence spending and manufacturing output."America is undergoing a historic national manufacturing mobilisation of our defence industrial base," he said, adding that President Donald Trump intends to make a "generational investment" in military capabilities.At the same time, Hegseth urged US allies and partners to increase their defence commitments, arguing that countries willing to shoulder greater responsibility would receive greater strategic cooperation from Washington. "Those nations that are most capable, clear-eyed, and ready to defend their national interests. For those nations, we are moving them to the front of the line," he said.

US calls India a "critical anchor" in the Indo-Pacific: At Asia's top security summit, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised India's military modernisation and growing defence industry, arguing that a stronger India helps maintain the regional balance of power.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) described India as a key pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific, praising its military modernisation drive and growing defence-industrial capabilities as Washington seeks to strengthen partnerships across the region. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said India plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power in Asia and is increasingly taking on a larger security role, particularly in the Indian Ocean. "In South Asia, India is a critical anchor to hold the line," Hegseth said during his address. Also read | US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles How India helps maintain a balance of power "A powerful India acting in its own self-interest advances our shared goal of maintaining a balance of power across the region," said Hegseth. The remarks come amid growing strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Washington, as both countries seek closer alignment on regional security, defence manufacturing and maritime operations. Hegseth highlighted India's ongoing military modernisation efforts, saying the country is building the capabilities needed to support high-end military operations and contribute more significantly to regional security. "India is modernising its military to carry its share of the security burden, particularly in the Indian Ocean," he said. He also pointed to India's expanding defence manufacturing sector, describing it as an important component of broader US efforts to strengthen military readiness among partners and allies. Also read | Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia, says US seeking 'stable equilibrium' Hegseth reveals why India's military expansion matters to the US According to Hegseth, India is developing the industrial and logistical infrastructure needed to support advanced military platforms, including maintenance and repair capabilities for US Navy vessels operating in the region. "This kind of industrial muscle isn't just a long-term goal, it's an immediate operational imperative," Hegseth said. The Pentagon chief also revealed that Washington and New Delhi are moving ahead with defence co-production initiatives, including efforts related to Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems. "We've committed to pursuing co-production with India to advance capabilities like Javelin anti-tank guided munitions. These are real, tangible steps to improve the collective readiness of our forces," he said. Hegseth framed India's growing defence capabilities within the context of a broader US military expansion. He said the Trump administration plans a major increase in defence spending and manufacturing output. "America is undergoing a historic national manufacturing mobilisation of our defence industrial base," he said, adding that President Donald Trump intends to make a "generational investment" in military capabilities. At the same time, Hegseth urged US allies and partners to increase their defence commitments, arguing that countries willing to shoulder greater responsibility would receive greater strategic cooperation from Washington. "Those nations that are most capable, clear-eyed, and ready to defend their national interests. For those nations, we are moving them to the front of the line," he said.

US calls India a "critical anchor" in the Indo-Pacific: At Asia's top security summit, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised India's military modernisation and growing defence industry, arguing that a stronger India helps maintain the regional balance of power.

'Critical anchor': Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue lauds India, calls New Delhi a pillar of regional stability

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his country's forces had pushed deeper into Lebanon, even as military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington.Israel kept up its heavy bombardment of south Lebanon, with President Joseph Aoun emphasising in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "the need to exert all efforts to reach a ceasefire".A truce to halt the fighting between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah officially took effect on April 17, but has never been observed, with Iran insisting that Lebanon be included in any agreement with the United States to end the wider war that engulfed the region in February.Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the April ceasefire and justify their attacks by the other's alleged breaches.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/white-house-breaks-precedent-by-keeping-79yo-trump-s-latest-health-report-secret-what-are-they-hiding-1780115226238">White House breaks precedent by keeping 79YO Trump's latest health report secret. Are they hiding something?</a>Netanyahu announced Friday that Israeli forces had advanced beyond a river that runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Lebanon-Israel frontier."Our forces have crossed the Litani, they have moved up to the commanding terrain," he said in a video released by his office, adding Israel was "hitting Hezbollah head on".Israel and Lebanon began direct talks in April, with a fourth round expected next week in Washington following Friday's meeting at the Pentagon, running parallel to efforts by the US to strike a deal with Iran to end the regional war and blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's second-in-command, called the discussions "productive" in a post on X and said the military talks would inform the State Department-led diplomatic process.<h2>No end to fighting</h2>Fighting raged despite the talks, with Israeli strikes in the southern city of Tyre killing 11 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry, which called the bombardment a "flagrant violation of humanitarian law".Hezbollah said it had launched attacks targeting soldiers, barracks and a military camp in northern Israel on Friday and Israel's military in the early hours of Saturday morning confirmed it had intercepted several projectiles from Lebanon, with one hitting near the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona.Hezbollah also said its forces attacked Israeli troops trying to advance near the medieval Beaufort fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, a site Israel's forces had used as a base during their two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon ending in 2000.US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Rubio had "commended President Aoun's courage and vision in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel" despite Hezbollah's opposition, adding the group was "entirely responsible for the ongoing fighting".Lebanon was drawn into the regional war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in early March in retaliation for the death of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-capable-of-restarting-war-with-iran-hegseth-amid-reports-of-depleted-missile-stockpiles-shangri-la-dialogue-security-summit-singapore-1780106328135">US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles</a>Hezbollah strongly opposes talks with US representatives and has refused to disarm.Lebanon's military delegation to Friday's talks included six officers, headed by the army's director of operations, Georges Rizkallah.On the Israeli side, Brigadier General Amichai Levin, head of the strategic division of the army's planning directorate, visited Washington for the talks, an Israeli military spokesman said.A Lebanese military source earlier told AFP the country's delegation would "emphasise the need for a ceasefire, and will present the army's plan for a state weapons monopoly and the extension of state authority across the country".<h2>Wave of displacement</h2>On Friday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes on more than 20 locations in the south, before and after its military issued evacuation warnings for eight towns, sparking a huge wave of displacementHundreds of people have fled to the usually touristy old city of Tyre, which has not been included in recent Israeli army evacuation orders issued for swathes of the rest of the city and surrounding areas.This week, Israel's military also declared all areas south of the Zahrani River -- an area that includes Tyre -- as "combat zones" and told residents to evacuate.With shelters full, displaced residents were sleeping in cars or tents, an AFP correspondent said."The situation is very difficult. Tyre is a peaceful, touristic city. We never imagined going through this," said Karam Amin, 43, whose family of seven have been sleeping in his clothing shop."I sorted out a shower ... and we put mattresses on the floor," he said.Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,355 people since March 2 -- an increase of 31 compared to Thursday when Israeli carried out the first airstrike near Beirut in weeks.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Israel says its troops have crossed a key river deep inside Lebanon, even as Israeli and Lebanese military officials hold rare direct talks in Washington. So why is fighting intensifying despite ceasefire efforts, and what does this new advance mean for the wider Middle East conflict? 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his country's forces had pushed deeper into Lebanon, even as military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington. Israel kept up its heavy bombardment of south Lebanon, with President Joseph Aoun emphasising in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "the need to exert all efforts to reach a ceasefire". A truce to halt the fighting between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah officially took effect on April 17, but has never been observed, with Iran insisting that Lebanon be included in any agreement with the United States to end the wider war that engulfed the region in February. Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the April ceasefire and justify their attacks by the other's alleged breaches. Also read | White House breaks precedent by keeping 79YO Trump's latest health report secret. Are they hiding something? Netanyahu announced Friday that Israeli forces had advanced beyond a river that runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Lebanon-Israel frontier. "Our forces have crossed the Litani, they have moved up to the commanding terrain," he said in a video released by his office, adding Israel was "hitting Hezbollah head on". Israel and Lebanon began direct talks in April, with a fourth round expected next week in Washington following Friday's meeting at the Pentagon, running parallel to efforts by the US to strike a deal with Iran to end the regional war and blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's second-in-command, called the discussions "productive" in a post on X and said the military talks would inform the State Department-led diplomatic process. No end to fighting Fighting raged despite the talks, with Israeli strikes in the southern city of Tyre killing 11 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry, which called the bombardment a "flagrant violation of humanitarian law". Hezbollah said it had launched attacks targeting soldiers, barracks and a military camp in northern Israel on Friday and Israel's military in the early hours of Saturday morning confirmed it had intercepted several projectiles from Lebanon, with one hitting near the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona. Hezbollah also said its forces attacked Israeli troops trying to advance near the medieval Beaufort fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, a site Israel's forces had used as a base during their two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon ending in 2000. US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Rubio had "commended President Aoun's courage and vision in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel" despite Hezbollah's opposition, adding the group was "entirely responsible for the ongoing fighting". Lebanon was drawn into the regional war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in early March in retaliation for the death of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Also read | US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles Hezbollah strongly opposes talks with US representatives and has refused to disarm. Lebanon's military delegation to Friday's talks included six officers, headed by the army's director of operations, Georges Rizkallah. On the Israeli side, Brigadier General Amichai Levin, head of the strategic division of the army's planning directorate, visited Washington for the talks, an Israeli military spokesman said. A Lebanese military source earlier told AFP the country's delegation would "emphasise the need for a ceasefire, and will present the army's plan for a state weapons monopoly and the extension of state authority across the country". Wave of displacement On Friday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes on more than 20 locations in the south, before and after its military issued evacuation warnings for eight towns, sparking a huge wave of displacement Hundreds of people have fled to the usually touristy old city of Tyre, which has not been included in recent Israeli army evacuation orders issued for swathes of the rest of the city and surrounding areas. This week, Israel's military also declared all areas south of the Zahrani River -- an area that includes Tyre -- as "combat zones" and told residents to evacuate. With shelters full, displaced residents were sleeping in cars or tents, an AFP correspondent said. "The situation is very difficult. Tyre is a peaceful, touristic city. We never imagined going through this," said Karam Amin, 43, whose family of seven have been sleeping in his clothing shop. "I sorted out a shower ... and we put mattresses on the floor," he said. Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,355 people since March 2 -- an increase of 31 compared to Thursday when Israeli carried out the first airstrike near Beirut in weeks. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel says its troops have crossed a key river deep inside Lebanon, even as Israeli and Lebanese military officials hold rare direct talks in Washington. So why is fighting intensifying despite ceasefire efforts, and what does this new advance mean for the wider Middle East conflict?&nbsp;

Ceasefire in name only? Israel advances deeper into Lebanon as talks continue

The US military has carried out a fresh strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three men, according to the US Southern Command. The latest attack comes as the Pentagon faces growing scrutiny over the legality and conduct of its anti-narcotics operations in the region. In a statement posted on X on Friday (May 29), US Southern Command said the strike was conducted on May 29 under the direction of General Francis L. Donovan, commander of the military unit responsible for operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On May 29, at the direction of <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking… <a href="https://t.co/ynibuPqDd3">pic.twitter.com/ynibuPqDd3</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://x.com/Southcom/status/2060519686240886879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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The US military killed three people in a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific, raising the campaign's death toll past 200 amid growing legal scrutiny.

The US military has carried out a fresh strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three men, according to the US Southern Command. The latest attack comes as the Pentagon faces growing scrutiny over the legality and conduct of its anti-narcotics operations in the region. In a statement posted on X on Friday (May 29), US Southern Command said the strike was conducted on May 29 under the direction of General Francis L. Donovan, commander of the military unit responsible for operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The US military killed three people in a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific, raising the campaign's death toll past 200 amid growing legal scrutiny.

US military strike on suspected drug-smuggling vessel kills 3 in Eastern Pacific

US President Donald Trump, who will turn 80 in a matter of days, recently had his third in-person medical checkup in 13 months. The second-term president, whose frequent snoozing at public events and bruised hands slathered in makeup have constantly been making headlines, is in "excellent health", claims the White House physician in a memo released on Friday. Breaking with a long-standing precedent, the White House has, remarkably, refrained from releasing the results of the 79-year-old Republican leader's most recent physical. Why is the White House taking a break from its own past practice? Is the Trump administration hiding something? All we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-s-justice-department-launches-criminal-probe-against-his-sex-assault-victim-e-jean-carroll-manhattan-rape-1779935708599">Trump’s Justice Department launches criminal probe against his sex assault victim E. Jean Carroll</a><h2>When will the White House release Trump's latest medical report?</h2>Following an hour-long medical checkup at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26, 2026, Trump declared on social media that he was in perfect health.The White House, meanwhile, promised to provide a summary of the checkup "in the next day or so" but has yet to offer a full public report. Amid criticism, the White House has only released a memo from Dr Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, that said that "He is fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief."According to the memo, Trump took a series of exams, testing cardiac function, eye health and pulmonary function, among other areas. While the memo did not disclose the test results, it stated that they were largely normal. It once again credited Trump's noticeably bruised hands to "minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking in the setting of aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/self-proclaimed-simpson-s-prophet-who-predicted-trump-s-presidency-now-wants-to-become-president-himself-1779875535562">Self proclaimed Simpson's 'prophet' who predicted Trump's presidency makes prediction about 2028 US elections</a><h2>Oldest US president</h2>Trump, who will turn 80 in June, is the oldest person to assume the presidency. Last year, he took two medical exams, one in April and another in October. He also had two dental appointments in Florida this year: one in January and one in May.The POTUS, who frequently questions his predecessor Joe Biden's mental capacity, continues to claim that he has aced cognitive exams. However, His apparent drowsiness at some public events, reports about swollen ankles and recurring questions about bruising on his hands have continued to fuel speculation about his health. His frequent references to heaven have only added to the speculation.

Is White House hiding something about Donald Trump's health? The president recently underwent his 3rd medical checkup in 13 months. While his doctor says he's in "excellent health," the administration has yet to release the full results, breaking with years of precedent. Why the delay? 

US President Donald Trump, who will turn 80 in a matter of days, recently had his third in-person medical checkup in 13 months. The second-term president, whose frequent snoozing at public events and bruised hands slathered in makeup have constantly been making headlines, is in "excellent health", claims the White House physician in a memo released on Friday. Breaking with a long-standing precedent, the White House has, remarkably, refrained from releasing the results of the 79-year-old Republican leader's most recent physical. Why is the White House taking a break from its own past practice? Is the Trump administration hiding something? All we know. Also read | Trump’s Justice Department launches criminal probe against his sex assault victim E. Jean Carroll When will the White House release Trump's latest medical report? Following an hour-long medical checkup at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26, 2026, Trump declared on social media that he was in perfect health. The White House, meanwhile, promised to provide a summary of the checkup "in the next day or so" but has yet to offer a full public report. Amid criticism, the White House has only released a memo from Dr Sean Barbabella, the president’s physician, that said that "He is fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief." According to the memo, Trump took a series of exams, testing cardiac function, eye health and pulmonary function, among other areas. While the memo did not disclose the test results, it stated that they were largely normal. It once again credited Trump's noticeably bruised hands to "minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking in the setting of aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention". Also read | Self proclaimed Simpson's 'prophet' who predicted Trump's presidency makes prediction about 2028 US elections Oldest US president Trump, who will turn 80 in June, is the oldest person to assume the presidency. Last year, he took two medical exams, one in April and another in October. He also had two dental appointments in Florida this year: one in January and one in May. The POTUS, who frequently questions his predecessor Joe Biden's mental capacity, continues to claim that he has aced cognitive exams. However, His apparent drowsiness at some public events, reports about swollen ankles and recurring questions about bruising on his hands have continued to fuel speculation about his health. His frequent references to heaven have only added to the speculation.

Is White House hiding something about Donald Trump's health? The president recently underwent his 3rd medical checkup in 13 months. While his doctor says he's in "excellent health," the administration has yet to release the full results, breaking with years of precedent. Why the delay?&nbsp;

White House breaks precedent by keeping 79YO Trump's latest health report secret. Are they hiding something?

US President Donald Trump ended a two-hour-long meeting in the situation room without reaching a final decision. Trump earlier on Friday said in a Truth Social post that he would be making a “final determination” on a potential cease-fire deal with Iran during the meeting. According to a report by the New York Times, which cites a senior administration official, Trump put off his decision as key disputes remain unresolved. The officials said that the matter of unfreezing Iranian assets is being considered, and any deal has to meet Trump's “red lines”."The Situation Room meeting has concluded and lasted approximately two hours. President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon," said the official to the New York Times. Iran “must agree” to never have a nuclear weapon, and the Strait of Hormuz must be “immediately open” to unrestricted shipping traffic, with no tolls being imposed, Trump earlier demanded in his Friday morning Truth Social Post.&nbsp;US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the Shangri-La Dialogue that “any deal would be a good deal”. “If Iran doesn’t want to make a great deal that ensures they don’t get a nuclear weapon,” then Iran can “deal with” the US military, Hegseth said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pam-bondi-house-oversight-epstein-files-testimony-1780050215949">House Oversight Committee questions Pam Bondi over Epstein document release</a><h2>Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal</h2>Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed scepticism about any deal with the US. In a social media post, he wrote, “We do not trust guarantees and words; only actions are the criterion. No action will be taken before the other side acts.” He said that the Islamic Republic “achieved its rights not through dialogue, but with missiles”. He also warned that “the victor in any agreement is the one who plans better for the war on the day after”. This scepticism from Iran is well-founded, as the United States conducted targeted airstrikes inside Iran just as the 60-day ceasefire extension was being negotiated.&nbsp;

Donald Trump postponed a final decision on a potential Iran ceasefire deal after a two-hour Situation Room meeting. Iran rejected the US proposal, citing distrust and demanding actions over assurances.

US President Donald Trump ended a two-hour-long meeting in the situation room without reaching a final decision. Trump earlier on Friday said in a Truth Social post that he would be making a “final determination” on a potential cease-fire deal with Iran during the meeting. According to a report by the New York Times, which cites a senior administration official, Trump put off his decision as key disputes remain unresolved. The officials said that the matter of unfreezing Iranian assets is being considered, and any deal has to meet Trump's “red lines”. "The Situation Room meeting has concluded and lasted approximately two hours. President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon," said the official to the New York Times. Iran “must agree” to never have a nuclear weapon, and the Strait of Hormuz must be “immediately open” to unrestricted shipping traffic, with no tolls being imposed, Trump earlier demanded in his Friday morning Truth Social Post. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the Shangri-La Dialogue that “any deal would be a good deal”. “If Iran doesn’t want to make a great deal that ensures they don’t get a nuclear weapon,” then Iran can “deal with” the US military, Hegseth said. Also Read: House Oversight Committee questions Pam Bondi over Epstein document release Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed scepticism about any deal with the US. In a social media post, he wrote, “We do not trust guarantees and words; only actions are the criterion. No action will be taken before the other side acts.” He said that the Islamic Republic “achieved its rights not through dialogue, but with missiles”. He also warned that “the victor in any agreement is the one who plans better for the war on the day after”. This scepticism from Iran is well-founded, as the United States conducted targeted airstrikes inside Iran just as the 60-day ceasefire extension was being negotiated.

Donald Trump postponed a final decision on a potential Iran ceasefire deal after a two-hour Situation Room meeting. Iran rejected the US proposal, citing distrust and demanding actions over assurances.

Trump holds off on Iran ceasefire decision, says any deal must satisfy 'red lines'

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) warned that China's rapidly expanding military capabilities are generating a "rightful alarm" across the Indo-Pacific, as Washington renewed its commitment to maintaining a balance of power in the region where no state has unchecked power.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-capable-of-restarting-war-with-iran-hegseth-amid-reports-of-depleted-missile-stockpiles-shangri-la-dialogue-security-summit-singapore-1780106328135">US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles</a><h2>Indo-Pacific nations 'alarmed' over China's rise</h2>Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier security forum, Hegseth said countries across the region were increasingly worried about Beijing's military expansion and its growing strategic footprint."When we look across the region today, there is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military build-up and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," Hegseth said during his keynote address.His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan, maritime disputes in the South China Sea and competition for influence across the Indo-Pacific.Despite the sharp criticism, Hegseth insisted the United States was not seeking confrontation with China. US does not seek "needless confrontation in the region," he told delegates, which included defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries.Instead, the Pentagon chief said the US objective was to preserve stability by ensuring that no single country dominates the region.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-blue-origin-s-new-glenn-rocket-explodes-on-launch-pad-during-hotfire-test-what-happened-video-1780021155966">Watch: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explodes in massive fireball during launch pad 'hotfire test'</a><h2>If not confrontation, what does the US want?</h2>According to Hegseth, Washington is working towards what he described as a "genuinely stable equilibrium" that benefits both the United States and its allies.He said this means maintaining "a favourable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question."The comments reflect growing concern in Washington over China's military modernisation programme, which has seen Beijing rapidly expand its naval fleet, missile arsenal and air power over the past decade.

US warned that countries across the Indo-Pacific are increasingly alarmed by China. At Asia's biggest security forum, Pete Hegseth said Beijing's military expansion is causing growing concern across the region. Yet he insisted US is not seeking confrontation. So what does the US want?

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) warned that China's rapidly expanding military capabilities are generating a "rightful alarm" across the Indo-Pacific, as Washington renewed its commitment to maintaining a balance of power in the region where no state has unchecked power. Also read | US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles Indo-Pacific nations 'alarmed' over China's rise Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier security forum, Hegseth said countries across the region were increasingly worried about Beijing's military expansion and its growing strategic footprint. "When we look across the region today, there is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military build-up and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," Hegseth said during his keynote address. His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan, maritime disputes in the South China Sea and competition for influence across the Indo-Pacific. Despite the sharp criticism, Hegseth insisted the United States was not seeking confrontation with China. US does not seek "needless confrontation in the region," he told delegates, which included defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries. Instead, the Pentagon chief said the US objective was to preserve stability by ensuring that no single country dominates the region. Also read | Watch: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explodes in massive fireball during launch pad 'hotfire test' If not confrontation, what does the US want? According to Hegseth, Washington is working towards what he described as a "genuinely stable equilibrium" that benefits both the United States and its allies. He said this means maintaining "a favourable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question." The comments reflect growing concern in Washington over China's military modernisation programme, which has seen Beijing rapidly expand its naval fleet, missile arsenal and air power over the past decade.

US warned that countries across the Indo-Pacific are increasingly alarmed by China. At Asia's biggest security forum, Pete Hegseth said Beijing's military expansion is causing growing concern across the region. Yet he insisted US is not seeking confrontation. So what does the US want?

Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia, says US seeking 'stable equilibrium'

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) dismissed concerns about America's military readiness, insisting the United States remains fully capable of launching fresh operations against Iran if necessary, even as a new report warns that key missile inventories could take years to replenish.Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth said the US military remains prepared for any future confrontation. "The United States is more than capable" of restarting military action against Iran if required, he said during the annual gathering of defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-military-build-up-causing-alarm-across-asia-says-hegseth-as-us-pushes-regional-balance-1780106901397">Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia</a><h2>US munition stockpiles depleted?</h2>Hegseth's remarks come as questions grow over the impact of the recent Iran conflict on US weapons stockpiles. A new analysis by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that three of America's most important missile systems, which were used extensively during the Iran war, could take at least three years to replenish.The report focuses on Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot air defence interceptors and THAAD missile defence systems, all of which play a critical role in modern US military operations.According to the analysis, the United States currently possesses enough munitions to handle any likely scenario involving Iran. However, researchers warned that "depleted inventories have created a window of vulnerability for a potential Western Pacific conflict".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-reveals-secret-3-month-head-start-on-exquisite-class-weapon-production-to-fuel-operation-epic-fury-against-iran-bae-lockheed-and-raytheon-1772844959324">Trump reveals US had secret 3-month head start on 'exquisite class' weapon production before Iran war</a> The think tank noted that rebuilding stockpiles is no longer primarily a funding issue. Instead, the challenge lies in manufacturing capacity and production timelines. "The problem today isn’t money; it’s time" the report said."It takes time to expand production capacity and build these complex systems," the report said, warning that vulnerabilities could persist for several years before inventories return to desired levels.The findings come despite the Trump administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, which includes a major increase in spending on advanced weapons systems.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the US really ready for another war with Iran? US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore insisted that America is "more than capable" of restarting the conflict. But a new analysis suggests key missile stockpiles used in the Iran war could take years to replenish. All you need to know

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday (May 30) dismissed concerns about America's military readiness, insisting the United States remains fully capable of launching fresh operations against Iran if necessary, even as a new report warns that key missile inventories could take years to replenish. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth said the US military remains prepared for any future confrontation. "The United States is more than capable" of restarting military action against Iran if required, he said during the annual gathering of defence ministers, military officials and security experts from around 45 countries. Also read | Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue warns China's military build-up causing 'alarm' across Asia US munition stockpiles depleted? Hegseth's remarks come as questions grow over the impact of the recent Iran conflict on US weapons stockpiles. A new analysis by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that three of America's most important missile systems, which were used extensively during the Iran war, could take at least three years to replenish. The report focuses on Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot air defence interceptors and THAAD missile defence systems, all of which play a critical role in modern US military operations. According to the analysis, the United States currently possesses enough munitions to handle any likely scenario involving Iran. However, researchers warned that "depleted inventories have created a window of vulnerability for a potential Western Pacific conflict". Also read | Trump reveals US had secret 3-month head start on 'exquisite class' weapon production before Iran war The think tank noted that rebuilding stockpiles is no longer primarily a funding issue. Instead, the challenge lies in manufacturing capacity and production timelines. "The problem today isn’t money; it’s time" the report said. "It takes time to expand production capacity and build these complex systems," the report said, warning that vulnerabilities could persist for several years before inventories return to desired levels. The findings come despite the Trump administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, which includes a major increase in spending on advanced weapons systems. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the US really ready for another war with Iran? US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore insisted that America is "more than capable" of restarting the conflict. But a new analysis suggests key missile stockpiles used in the Iran war could take years to replenish. All you need to know

US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty on Friday (May 29) to acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government, admitting she promoted Beijing-backed content in the United States without notifying federal authorities. Wang, 56, resigned as mayor of the Southern California city earlier this month after being charged in April with acting in the United States on behalf of a foreign government. Prosecutors said she worked to advance the interests of Chinese officials by sharing articles favorable to Beijing while failing to register her activities as required under US law.&nbsp;Wang was elected to Arcadia's five-member City Council in November 2022, with the mayoral position rotating among council members. Federal authorities said her illegal activities took place between late 2020 and 2022, before she took office. Located about 13 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Arcadia has a population of approximately 53,000 residents and a majority Asian demographic, including a large Chinese community.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-reopens-trump-s-10-billion-irs-lawsuit-citing-possible-misconduct-and-fraud-claims-1780096316421">Federal judge reopens Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit citing possible misconduct and fraud claims</a>&nbsp;During a hearing in federal court in downtown Los Angeles, Wang formally entered her guilty plea before US District Judge Wesley Hsu. A Mandarin interpreter attended the proceedings, although Wang indicated she did not require translation assistance. She was allowed to remain free on a $25,000 bond ahead of her sentencing scheduled for October 6. Wang faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release.&nbsp;According to court documents, Wang and her former fiancé, Yaoning ‘Mike’ Sun, worked on behalf of officials from the People's Republic of China by promoting government-friendly narratives through a website known as US News Center. Sun is currently serving a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the same charge in October 2025. Campaign records also identified him as the treasurer of Wang’s successful 2022 City Council campaign.&nbsp;One example highlighted by prosecutors occurred in June 2021 when a Chinese government official sent Wang a Los Angeles Times opinion piece written by China's consul general in Los Angeles. The article disputed allegations regarding the treatment of Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region, saying, "There has never been genocide in Xinjiang or forced labor in the region’s cotton fields or any other sector."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-journalist-accused-of-being-a-chinese-spy-1780080342577/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-journalist-accused-of-being-a-chinese-spy-1780080342577/embed</a>&nbsp;Prosecutors said Wang shared the article on her website within minutes of receiving it. The United States and several allied nations have accused China of committing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, allegations Beijing has repeatedly denied. Wang’s attorneys said she was engaged to Sun during the period in question but that the relationship ended in spring 2024. Following her resignation, her legal team released a statement attributing her actions to her trust and love for apparently the wrong person, who ultimately led her astray.&nbsp;The case sparked controversy in Arcadia, with some residents and former elected officials arguing Wang should have resigned once she became linked to the FBI investigation involving Sun. Acting Mayor Paul Cheng defended the council's handling of the matter, saying local officials lacked the legal authority to remove Wang before a criminal conviction. "If there is a federal investigation that is in place, we are not investigators, and to politicize an issue only impacts whatever federal investigation is out there," Cheng said.

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent of China after promoting pro-Beijing content without notifying US authorities

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty on Friday (May 29) to acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government, admitting she promoted Beijing-backed content in the United States without notifying federal authorities. Wang, 56, resigned as mayor of the Southern California city earlier this month after being charged in April with acting in the United States on behalf of a foreign government. Prosecutors said she worked to advance the interests of Chinese officials by sharing articles favorable to Beijing while failing to register her activities as required under US law. Wang was elected to Arcadia's five-member City Council in November 2022, with the mayoral position rotating among council members. Federal authorities said her illegal activities took place between late 2020 and 2022, before she took office. Located about 13 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Arcadia has a population of approximately 53,000 residents and a majority Asian demographic, including a large Chinese community. Also Read: Federal judge reopens Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit citing possible misconduct and fraud claims During a hearing in federal court in downtown Los Angeles, Wang formally entered her guilty plea before US District Judge Wesley Hsu. A Mandarin interpreter attended the proceedings, although Wang indicated she did not require translation assistance. She was allowed to remain free on a $25,000 bond ahead of her sentencing scheduled for October 6. Wang faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release. According to court documents, Wang and her former fiancé, Yaoning ‘Mike’ Sun, worked on behalf of officials from the People's Republic of China by promoting government-friendly narratives through a website known as US News Center. Sun is currently serving a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the same charge in October 2025. Campaign records also identified him as the treasurer of Wang’s successful 2022 City Council campaign. One example highlighted by prosecutors occurred in June 2021 when a Chinese government official sent Wang a Los Angeles Times opinion piece written by China's consul general in Los Angeles. The article disputed allegations regarding the treatment of Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region, saying, "There has never been genocide in Xinjiang or forced labor in the region’s cotton fields or any other sector." https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-journalist-accused-of-being-a-chinese-spy-1780080342577/embed Prosecutors said Wang shared the article on her website within minutes of receiving it. The United States and several allied nations have accused China of committing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, allegations Beijing has repeatedly denied. Wang’s attorneys said she was engaged to Sun during the period in question but that the relationship ended in spring 2024. Following her resignation, her legal team released a statement attributing her actions to her trust and love for apparently the wrong person, who ultimately led her astray. The case sparked controversy in Arcadia, with some residents and former elected officials arguing Wang should have resigned once she became linked to the FBI investigation involving Sun. Acting Mayor Paul Cheng defended the council's handling of the matter, saying local officials lacked the legal authority to remove Wang before a criminal conviction. "If there is a federal investigation that is in place, we are not investigators, and to politicize an issue only impacts whatever federal investigation is out there," Cheng said.

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal Chinese agent by promoting Beijing-backed content in the US.

Eileen Wang, former Arcadia mayor pleads guilty to secretly acting as agent for Chinese government

A federal judge in Miami has reopened President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), marking a sharp reversal after the case had been voluntarily dismissed last week. Judge Kathleen M Williams said she wanted to examine ‘grievous allegations’ that the settlement process may have been ‘premised on deception’, raising serious questions about how the case was resolved.&nbsp;The decision represents a setback for both Trump and the Justice Department, which had recently announced a settlement agreement that created a $1.8 billion compensation fund for individuals claiming harm from alleged government ‘weaponization’ under Democratic administrations. The agreement also reportedly provided significant tax-related benefits to Trump, his family, and their businesses.&nbsp;Judge Williams acted after a group of 35 former federal judges filed court papers urging her to reinstate the case and investigate the circumstances surrounding the settlement. They argued the deal raised concerns about Trump’s candor toward the court and manipulation of the judicial system. Before dismissing the case, Williams, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, had already questioned whether the lawsuit created a valid legal dispute, noting Trump was effectively on both sides of the action.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-cuban-military-officials-meet-at-guantanamo-bay-amid-escalating-tensions-1780095566215">US and Cuban military officials meet at Guantanamo Bay amid escalating tensions</a>&nbsp;At the time, she said there was no settlement of record, though the Justice Department later released documents finalising the agreement. In her order, Williams said she would investigate whether the court had been misled and whether the settlement process improperly bypassed judicial scrutiny. She also directed Trump’s legal team to explain whether the lawsuit should be formally reopened because the court was the victim of fraud.&nbsp;The judge further questioned whether Trump may have coordinated with his own administration to settle the case to avoid judicial scrutiny. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Judge Williams referenced reporting by The New York Times indicating that the IRS had prepared a detailed 25-page defense memo that was never used in court, despite potential legal arguments against the lawsuit. Legal representatives for the former judges praised the ruling.&nbsp;“The judges and their counsel greatly appreciate the seriousness with which the court is addressing these grievous allegations,” said Norman Eisen, who represents the group through the Democracy Defenders Fund. “We stand ready to work with the court as it investigates this matter.” The former judges, working alongside the law firms Platkin and Susman Godfrey, argued that Trump improperly used the lawsuit to secure unlawful private benefits and create a taxpayer-funded compensation structure without congressional approval.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-israeli-troops-operating-deep-inside-lebanon-1780079485159/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-israeli-troops-operating-deep-inside-lebanon-1780079485159/embed</a>&nbsp;They also accused him of attempting to short-circuit judicial oversight by rushing the settlement process. The $1.8 billion fund has already faced legal challenges, including a temporary block by a federal judge in Virginia who halted further implementation or payments. Lawmakers from both parties have also raised concerns over the structure and legality of the program. Trump, along with members of his family and business entities, filed the original lawsuit in January, claiming damages of at least $10 billion over the unauthorized disclosure of tax records by former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn during Trump’s first term.&nbsp;The lawsuit alleged the IRS failed to prevent the leak, which involved documents later published by The New York Times and ProPublica. However, legal experts have noted several weaknesses in the case, including possible statute of limitations issues and questions over whether the IRS can be held liable for the actions of an independent contractor. Critics also argue that the Justice Department never fully defended the case in court, raising concerns that the settlement may have been structured to benefit Trump politically and financially.&nbsp;In a footnote, Judge Williams questioned whether provisions granting audit protections to Trump and his businesses may exceed DOJ authority. She also noted procedural irregularities, including which officials signed different parts of the settlement agreements. The court has ordered Trump’s legal team to respond by June 12 on whether the case should be reopened and whether the court itself was misled during the settlement process.

A federal judge reopened Donald Trump’s $10 billion IRS lawsuit, citing possible deception in the settlement and ordering an investigation into alleged misconduct

A federal judge in Miami has reopened President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), marking a sharp reversal after the case had been voluntarily dismissed last week. Judge Kathleen M Williams said she wanted to examine ‘grievous allegations’ that the settlement process may have been ‘premised on deception’, raising serious questions about how the case was resolved. The decision represents a setback for both Trump and the Justice Department, which had recently announced a settlement agreement that created a $1.8 billion compensation fund for individuals claiming harm from alleged government ‘weaponization’ under Democratic administrations. The agreement also reportedly provided significant tax-related benefits to Trump, his family, and their businesses. Judge Williams acted after a group of 35 former federal judges filed court papers urging her to reinstate the case and investigate the circumstances surrounding the settlement. They argued the deal raised concerns about Trump’s candor toward the court and manipulation of the judicial system. Before dismissing the case, Williams, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, had already questioned whether the lawsuit created a valid legal dispute, noting Trump was effectively on both sides of the action. Also Read: US and Cuban military officials meet at Guantanamo Bay amid escalating tensions At the time, she said there was no settlement of record, though the Justice Department later released documents finalising the agreement. In her order, Williams said she would investigate whether the court had been misled and whether the settlement process improperly bypassed judicial scrutiny. She also directed Trump’s legal team to explain whether the lawsuit should be formally reopened because the court was the victim of fraud. The judge further questioned whether Trump may have coordinated with his own administration to settle the case to avoid judicial scrutiny. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Judge Williams referenced reporting by The New York Times indicating that the IRS had prepared a detailed 25-page defense memo that was never used in court, despite potential legal arguments against the lawsuit. Legal representatives for the former judges praised the ruling. “The judges and their counsel greatly appreciate the seriousness with which the court is addressing these grievous allegations,” said Norman Eisen, who represents the group through the Democracy Defenders Fund. “We stand ready to work with the court as it investigates this matter.” The former judges, working alongside the law firms Platkin and Susman Godfrey, argued that Trump improperly used the lawsuit to secure unlawful private benefits and create a taxpayer-funded compensation structure without congressional approval. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-israeli-troops-operating-deep-inside-lebanon-1780079485159/embed They also accused him of attempting to short-circuit judicial oversight by rushing the settlement process. The $1.8 billion fund has already faced legal challenges, including a temporary block by a federal judge in Virginia who halted further implementation or payments. Lawmakers from both parties have also raised concerns over the structure and legality of the program. Trump, along with members of his family and business entities, filed the original lawsuit in January, claiming damages of at least $10 billion over the unauthorized disclosure of tax records by former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn during Trump’s first term. The lawsuit alleged the IRS failed to prevent the leak, which involved documents later published by The New York Times and ProPublica. However, legal experts have noted several weaknesses in the case, including possible statute of limitations issues and questions over whether the IRS can be held liable for the actions of an independent contractor. Critics also argue that the Justice Department never fully defended the case in court, raising concerns that the settlement may have been structured to benefit Trump politically and financially. In a footnote, Judge Williams questioned whether provisions granting audit protections to Trump and his businesses may exceed DOJ authority. She also noted procedural irregularities, including which officials signed different parts of the settlement agreements. The court has ordered Trump’s legal team to respond by June 12 on whether the case should be reopened and whether the court itself was misled during the settlement process.

Judge reopens Trump’s $10B IRS case, citing possible deception in settlement and ordering investigation into alleged judicial manipulation

Federal judge reopens Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit citing possible misconduct and fraud claims

Senior military officials from the United States and Cuba held talks on Friday (May 29) at Guantanamo Bay, the US naval base located on Cuban territory, as tensions between Washington and Havana continue to escalate amid renewed political friction involving President Donald Trump’s policy direction.&nbsp;US General Francis Donovan met Cuban General Roberto Legra Sotolongo in what US Southern Command described as a brief exchange on operational security matters, alongside a released photograph of the meeting. The meeting comes amid heightened concern in the region, with recent reports suggesting Cuban authorities have considered potential drone strikes on the base in the event of an American attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/poison-seller-who-sold-toxic-chemicals-worldwide-pleads-guilty-to-aiding-suicides-1780090760431">'Poison seller' who sold toxic chemicals worldwide pleads guilty to aiding suicides</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan met with Army Corps General, Gen. Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, First Deputy Minister of the Chief of the General Staff, and other senior leaders from the Cuban military today at the perimeter of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for a… <a href="https://t.co/V4Fau3HxSo">pic.twitter.com/V4Fau3HxSo</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://x.com/Southcom/status/2060472965658230998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During the visit, Donovan conducted a perimeter security review of the installation and discussed force protection and operational readiness with Cuban counterparts, according to the statement. Guantanamo Bay, located about 430 miles (700 kilometers) southeast of Miami, remains one of the most controversial US military sites, widely associated with allegations of abuse involving terror suspects detained after the September 11, 2001, attacks.&nbsp;The Trump administration has also previously outlined plans to expand the use of the facility as a detention center for undocumented migrants. “Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is a vital operational and logistical hub that supports US military efforts to counter threats that undermine security, stability, and democracy in our hemisphere,” US Southern Command said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-origin-shrey-parikh-is-new-u-s-spelling-bee-champion-wins-52-500-prize-1780079471440/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-origin-shrey-parikh-is-new-u-s-spelling-bee-champion-wins-52-500-prize-1780079471440/embed</a>&nbsp;Diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington have deteriorated further following a US energy blockade imposed on the island in January, alongside rising political tensions. The situation escalated again after a Florida court unsealed criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro relating to a 1996 incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cuban officials view the case as politically motivated and potentially linked to broader US pressure on the island’s leadership. Analysts say the indictment could be interpreted by Havana as justification for increased hostility, amid growing concerns that Washington is considering more aggressive measures toward Cuba.

Senior US and Cuban military officers met at Guantanamo Bay amid rising tensions, political friction, and renewed disputes between Washington and Havana

Senior military officials from the United States and Cuba held talks on Friday (May 29) at Guantanamo Bay, the US naval base located on Cuban territory, as tensions between Washington and Havana continue to escalate amid renewed political friction involving President Donald Trump’s policy direction. US General Francis Donovan met Cuban General Roberto Legra Sotolongo in what US Southern Command described as a brief exchange on operational security matters, alongside a released photograph of the meeting. The meeting comes amid heightened concern in the region, with recent reports suggesting Cuban authorities have considered potential drone strikes on the base in the event of an American attack. Also Read: 'Poison seller' who sold toxic chemicals worldwide pleads guilty to aiding suicides

US and Cuban military officials met at Guantanamo Bay as tensions rise amid Trump-era policies and worsening Washington–Havana relations

US and Cuban military officials meet at Guantanamo Bay amid escalating tensions

A Canadian man accused of supplying toxic chemicals used in multiple suicides around the world has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide. Kenneth Law, 60, entered guilty pleas in an Ontario court on Friday as part of an agreement with prosecutors, who dropped more serious murder charges against him. Authorities allege that the former chef sold approximately 1,200 packages of toxic substances to people he encountered through online suicide forums across 40 countries. Roughly one-quarter of those shipments were sent to the United Kingdom.&nbsp;The charges against Law relate solely to Canadian victims. However, families of British victims have expressed frustration that UK prosecutors will not pursue separate charges against him over the deaths of 79 Britons allegedly linked to the substances he supplied. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it agreed to the Canadian plea arrangement on the condition that the British deaths be considered during sentencing.&nbsp;According to a CPS letter obtained by the BBC, Law will not face prosecution in the UK because he could challenge extradition after being convicted of comparable offences in Canada. Specialist CPS prosecutor Andrew Hudson said incorporating UK victims into the Canadian sentencing process represented the quickest and most effective route to justice. Hudson explained that a successful extradition was far from guaranteed and would have taken years to conclude, while any UK prosecution could have been blocked under double jeopardy principles.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-orders-removal-of-trump-s-name-from-iconic-kennedy-center-blocks-closure-plan-1780089485420">Federal judge orders removal of Trump's name from iconic Kennedy Center, blocks closure plan</a><h2>Families reflect on their loss</h2>One of the Canadian victims was 19-year-old Ashtyn Prosser-Blake, who died by suicide in March 2023. "He was just such a super happy, really gentle soul, always looking to stand up for the underdog, the kids that got picked on," his mother, Kim Prosser, told the BBC. Prosser said her son's mental health deteriorated after the COVID-19 pandemic. After attending college in Toronto for a year, he returned home but continued to struggle.&nbsp;"The pain of losing my son Ashtyn doesn't ease because someone sits behind bars," she said. “There is no solace in my healing journey to see someone else suffer.” In the United Kingdom, David Parfett's son Thomas, 22, is among those whose deaths have been linked to substances allegedly supplied by Law. "Tom was somebody who really saw the joy in life. He would find humour in the weirdest places. I often think about his laugh," Parfett said.&nbsp;“Tom was a massive football fan, and he was a good footballer as well. I miss the opportunity to enjoy the 2026 World Cup with him.” Thomas reportedly paid the equivalent of £50 for the substance before his body was discovered in a hotel in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, in 2021. While welcoming Law’s guilty plea, Parfett said he remained disappointed that a UK trial would not take place. "I would have preferred Kenneth Law to be tried here [in the UK]. I would have wanted to have seen him in court answering charges related to my son's death," he told the BBC.&nbsp;Parfett is now calling for a public inquiry into the deaths linked to Law’s products. He said authorities must understand this issue and stop other people, unfortunately suffering the loss of a family member due to a very preventable suicide. The toll here is astonishing, multiple deaths, including of children, and yet we don't see any coordinated attempt to really understand it.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/extreme-heat-puts-dangerous-stress-on-your-heart-doctors-warn-1780078567983/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/extreme-heat-puts-dangerous-stress-on-your-heart-doctors-warn-1780078567983/embed</a><h2>International investigation</h2>Law was arrested in May 2023 following a major international investigation involving at least 11 law enforcement agencies and authorities from around a dozen countries, including the UK, the United States, and Italy. His arrest came shortly after a newspaper investigation alleged he was selling poisonous substances to vulnerable young people. An undercover journalist reportedly communicated directly with Law while posing as a customer.&nbsp;According to reports, Law advised the journalist on how to use the substances to best ensure death. Canadian investigators previously told the BBC that Law operated multiple websites selling products and equipment intended to help people end their lives. Under Canadian law, individuals convicted of aiding suicide can face prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Canadian man Kenneth Law pleads guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide after selling toxic chemicals online. Families of UK victims seek accountability and a public inquiry

A Canadian man accused of supplying toxic chemicals used in multiple suicides around the world has pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide. Kenneth Law, 60, entered guilty pleas in an Ontario court on Friday as part of an agreement with prosecutors, who dropped more serious murder charges against him. Authorities allege that the former chef sold approximately 1,200 packages of toxic substances to people he encountered through online suicide forums across 40 countries. Roughly one-quarter of those shipments were sent to the United Kingdom. The charges against Law relate solely to Canadian victims. However, families of British victims have expressed frustration that UK prosecutors will not pursue separate charges against him over the deaths of 79 Britons allegedly linked to the substances he supplied. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it agreed to the Canadian plea arrangement on the condition that the British deaths be considered during sentencing. According to a CPS letter obtained by the BBC, Law will not face prosecution in the UK because he could challenge extradition after being convicted of comparable offences in Canada. Specialist CPS prosecutor Andrew Hudson said incorporating UK victims into the Canadian sentencing process represented the quickest and most effective route to justice. Hudson explained that a successful extradition was far from guaranteed and would have taken years to conclude, while any UK prosecution could have been blocked under double jeopardy principles. Also Read: Federal judge orders removal of Trump's name from iconic Kennedy Center, blocks closure plan Families reflect on their loss One of the Canadian victims was 19-year-old Ashtyn Prosser-Blake, who died by suicide in March 2023. "He was just such a super happy, really gentle soul, always looking to stand up for the underdog, the kids that got picked on," his mother, Kim Prosser, told the BBC. Prosser said her son's mental health deteriorated after the COVID-19 pandemic. After attending college in Toronto for a year, he returned home but continued to struggle. "The pain of losing my son Ashtyn doesn't ease because someone sits behind bars," she said. “There is no solace in my healing journey to see someone else suffer.” In the United Kingdom, David Parfett's son Thomas, 22, is among those whose deaths have been linked to substances allegedly supplied by Law. "Tom was somebody who really saw the joy in life. He would find humour in the weirdest places. I often think about his laugh," Parfett said. “Tom was a massive football fan, and he was a good footballer as well. I miss the opportunity to enjoy the 2026 World Cup with him.” Thomas reportedly paid the equivalent of £50 for the substance before his body was discovered in a hotel in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, in 2021. While welcoming Law’s guilty plea, Parfett said he remained disappointed that a UK trial would not take place. "I would have preferred Kenneth Law to be tried here [in the UK]. I would have wanted to have seen him in court answering charges related to my son's death," he told the BBC. Parfett is now calling for a public inquiry into the deaths linked to Law’s products. He said authorities must understand this issue and stop other people, unfortunately suffering the loss of a family member due to a very preventable suicide. The toll here is astonishing, multiple deaths, including of children, and yet we don't see any coordinated attempt to really understand it. https://www.wionews.com/videos/extreme-heat-puts-dangerous-stress-on-your-heart-doctors-warn-1780078567983/embed International investigation Law was arrested in May 2023 following a major international investigation involving at least 11 law enforcement agencies and authorities from around a dozen countries, including the UK, the United States, and Italy. His arrest came shortly after a newspaper investigation alleged he was selling poisonous substances to vulnerable young people. An undercover journalist reportedly communicated directly with Law while posing as a customer. According to reports, Law advised the journalist on how to use the substances to best ensure death. Canadian investigators previously told the BBC that Law operated multiple websites selling products and equipment intended to help people end their lives. Under Canadian law, individuals convicted of aiding suicide can face prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Kenneth Law pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide after selling toxic substances linked to deaths in Canada, the UK, and beyond

'Poison seller' who sold toxic chemicals worldwide pleads guilty to aiding suicides

A federal judge on Friday (May 29) blocked plans to temporarily close the Kennedy Center for a lengthy renovation project and ruled that its board acted unlawfully when it voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the iconic performing arts institution. US District Judge Casey Cooper determined that the law creating the Kennedy Center clearly establishes the venue as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy and does not allow the board to rename it without congressional approval.&nbsp;“The law establishing the center makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so." “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” Cooper wrote in his 94-page opinion. The judge ordered Kennedy Center officials to remove all signage containing Trump’s name within two weeks and update the institution’s website to eliminate references to ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ and the ‘Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts’.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-warns-russia-preparing-massive-new-strike-on-ukraine-urges-citizens-to-stay-alert-amid-threat-1780089018431">Zelensky warns Russia preparing 'massive new strike' on Ukraine; urges citizens to stay alert amid threat</a>&nbsp;Cooper further ruled that the center is permanently prohibited from displaying, installing, or maintaining any physical or digital signage on the Kennedy Center building or grounds that designates, suggests, or implies that the institution is named for any person other than President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy Center officials quickly signaled plans to appeal the ruling. “We are confident that on appeal the court will uphold the board’s will to recognize President Trump’s historic contributions to our nation’s cultural center,” Roma Daravi, the center’s vice president of public relations, said in a statement.&nbsp;While blocking the closure, Cooper noted that renovation work on the aging facility may continue. However, he said the board failed to adequately evaluate how shutting down the venue for two years would affect its legal obligation to maintain ongoing public programming. “There is no evidence that the Board took account of its full range of statutory obligations in determining that a wholesale shuttering of the Kennedy Center was appropriate,” he wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;In short, there is no evidence before the Court that the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees considered how it would accomplish its full legislative mandate during the closure period. Daravi said officials would review the decision carefully but stressed that the building requires major repairs and modernisation. Planned upgrades include HVAC improvements, drainage remediation, soffit panel replacements, and theater seating enhancements.<h2>Here's how Trump reacted to the ruling</h2>

<h2>Lawsuit brought by a Democratic lawmaker</h2>The ruling marks a significant victory for Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, who filed the lawsuit after board members voted to rename the center. She later expanded her legal challenge when plans emerged to close the venue during a large-scale renovation. “Today’s ruling rightly affirms that this administration’s efforts to rename and close the center have no basis in law,” Beatty said in a statement.&nbsp;“The Kennedy Center is an institution that belongs to the American people, not to Donald Trump.” Trump, who became chairman of the board last year, has overseen substantial leadership and programming changes at the center. Critics argue that those moves contributed to declining ticket sales and several high-profile artist withdrawals.&nbsp;Under Trump’s leadership, the board approved plans late last year to rename the venue the Trump Kennedy Center. In March, trustees also voted to close the center beginning July 7 for a two-year renovation project. Beatty’s lawsuit argued that board members were not provided sufficient information before voting on the closure proposal. Although renovation documents were distributed shortly before the March board meeting, Cooper said they largely focused on renovation work already anticipated rather than justifying a complete shutdown.&nbsp;The judge concluded that the decision to close the center had effectively been made before trustees formally voted. “The board’s vote on whether to close the center,” he wrote, was foreordained. Cooper cited evidence suggesting preparations for closure were underway months before Trump publicly announced the plan. “Whatever happened during that purported four-month incubation period, board input was, most evidently, an afterthought,” Cooper wrote.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-builds-massive-military-presence-around-cuba-as-island-crisis-deepens-1780078564293/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-builds-massive-military-presence-around-cuba-as-island-crisis-deepens-1780078564293/embed</a>&nbsp;“Trustees learned about the plan to close the center at the same time as the general public, through a social media post. Deprived of time and information, they had no meaningful opportunity to consider perhaps the most momentous decision in the Center’s lifetime since it opened in 1971.” “President Trump’s assurance that closure would be totally subject to board approval rings hollow, as he himself later admitted that it was a little late for the board to weigh in because the plan had already been announced.&nbsp;&nbsp;To him, Board approval was just a minor detail, the judge added. Former employees and arts advocates had previously warned that a prolonged closure could result in the loss of performers, staff expertise, audience engagement, and donor support, potentially causing lasting damage to the institution.

A federal judge blocked the Kennedy Center's planned closure and ordered Donald Trump's name removed, ruling only Congress can legally rename the iconic arts institution

A federal judge on Friday (May 29) blocked plans to temporarily close the Kennedy Center for a lengthy renovation project and ruled that its board acted unlawfully when it voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the iconic performing arts institution. US District Judge Casey Cooper determined that the law creating the Kennedy Center clearly establishes the venue as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy and does not allow the board to rename it without congressional approval. “The law establishing the center makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so." “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” Cooper wrote in his 94-page opinion. The judge ordered Kennedy Center officials to remove all signage containing Trump’s name within two weeks and update the institution’s website to eliminate references to ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ and the ‘Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts’. Also Read: Zelensky warns Russia preparing 'massive new strike' on Ukraine; urges citizens to stay alert amid threat Cooper further ruled that the center is permanently prohibited from displaying, installing, or maintaining any physical or digital signage on the Kennedy Center building or grounds that designates, suggests, or implies that the institution is named for any person other than President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy Center officials quickly signaled plans to appeal the ruling. “We are confident that on appeal the court will uphold the board’s will to recognize President Trump’s historic contributions to our nation’s cultural center,” Roma Daravi, the center’s vice president of public relations, said in a statement. While blocking the closure, Cooper noted that renovation work on the aging facility may continue. However, he said the board failed to adequately evaluate how shutting down the venue for two years would affect its legal obligation to maintain ongoing public programming. “There is no evidence that the Board took account of its full range of statutory obligations in determining that a wholesale shuttering of the Kennedy Center was appropriate,” he wrote. In short, there is no evidence before the Court that the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees considered how it would accomplish its full legislative mandate during the closure period. Daravi said officials would review the decision carefully but stressed that the building requires major repairs and modernisation. Planned upgrades include HVAC improvements, drainage remediation, soffit panel replacements, and theater seating enhancements. Here's how Trump reacted to the ruling

Federal judge blocks Kennedy Center closure and orders removal of Donald Trump's name, ruling only Congress can rename the venue

Federal judge orders removal of Trump's name from iconic Kennedy Center, blocks closure plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (May 28) warned that Russia is preparing a major new attack against Ukraine and urged citizens to remain alert and follow safety measures. The warning comes days after Kyiv endured one of the largest Russian bombardments since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The capital was among the hardest-hit areas during last weekend’s wave of strikes.&nbsp;Russia has also reportedly warned foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv, signaling the possibility of intensified military action. Moscow says the move comes in response to a Ukrainian strike on a dormitory and vocational school in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, which Russian authorities claim killed 21 people. "We have intelligence information about Russia preparing a new massive strike," Zelensky said in a social media message.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ice-agent-facing-assault-charges-during-minneapolis-immigration-crackdown-arrested-in-texas-1780083314391">ICE agent facing assault charges during Minneapolis immigration crackdown arrested in Texas</a>&nbsp;“Please pay attention to air alerts, protect your lives. Our services are working efficiently and are prepared; the Air Force and other defenders of our skies will be on duty 24/7, as always.” The Ukrainian leader once again appealed to international partners for additional air defense support, particularly Patriot missile systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Earlier this week, Zelensky sent letters to US President Donald Trump and members of Congress requesting increased access to Patriot systems as Russian air attacks continue to escalate.&nbsp;At the same time, Ukraine has intensified its own military operations against Russian-controlled territories and targets inside Russia, describing the actions as a response to ongoing Russian bombardments. Efforts led by the United States to broker a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv have largely stalled. Diplomatic momentum has slowed amid the growing conflict in the Middle East, which has increasingly diverted Washington’s focus and resources. As tensions continue to rise, Ukrainian authorities remain on high alert for what could be another major phase of Russian attacks.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/romania-claims-russia-used-geran-2-drone-two-injured-1780078586269/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/romania-claims-russia-used-geran-2-drone-two-injured-1780078586269/embed</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns of a possible massive Russian strike, urging citizens to stay alert as Kyiv faces escalating attacks and seeks more Patriot missile systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (May 28) warned that Russia is preparing a major new attack against Ukraine and urged citizens to remain alert and follow safety measures. The warning comes days after Kyiv endured one of the largest Russian bombardments since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The capital was among the hardest-hit areas during last weekend’s wave of strikes. Russia has also reportedly warned foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv, signaling the possibility of intensified military action. Moscow says the move comes in response to a Ukrainian strike on a dormitory and vocational school in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, which Russian authorities claim killed 21 people. "We have intelligence information about Russia preparing a new massive strike," Zelensky said in a social media message. Also Read: ICE agent facing assault charges during Minneapolis immigration crackdown arrested in Texas “Please pay attention to air alerts, protect your lives. Our services are working efficiently and are prepared; the Air Force and other defenders of our skies will be on duty 24/7, as always.” The Ukrainian leader once again appealed to international partners for additional air defense support, particularly Patriot missile systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Earlier this week, Zelensky sent letters to US President Donald Trump and members of Congress requesting increased access to Patriot systems as Russian air attacks continue to escalate. At the same time, Ukraine has intensified its own military operations against Russian-controlled territories and targets inside Russia, describing the actions as a response to ongoing Russian bombardments. Efforts led by the United States to broker a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv have largely stalled. Diplomatic momentum has slowed amid the growing conflict in the Middle East, which has increasingly diverted Washington’s focus and resources. As tensions continue to rise, Ukrainian authorities remain on high alert for what could be another major phase of Russian attacks. https://www.wionews.com/videos/romania-claims-russia-used-geran-2-drone-two-injured-1780078586269/embed

Zelensky warns Russia is preparing a massive new strike on Ukraine and urges citizens to heed air alerts as attacks intensify

Zelensky warns Russia preparing 'massive new strike' on Ukraine; urges citizens to stay alert amid threat

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent accused of multiple assault-related offenses connected to a January shooting involving two Venezuelan men in Minnesota has been arrested in Texas, according to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Christian Castro was charged earlier this month with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime. The charges stem from a January 14 incident in Minneapolis in which Julio Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg through the front door of a residence. The shooting occurred during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation carried out by federal authorities in the Twin Cities under the Trump administration.&nbsp;Initially, Sosa-Celis and his cousin, Alfredo A. Aljorna, faced federal charges after the Department of Homeland Security alleged they had assaulted an agent, prompting him to fire a defensive shot. However, the Justice Department dismissed those charges in February. ICE later revealed that two of its agents had provided false statements under oath regarding the incident and were subsequently placed on administrative leave. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison welcomed news of Castro’s arrest.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louisiana-approves-new-congressional-map-favouring-republicans-after-supreme-court-ruling-1780082109324">Louisiana approves new congressional map favouring Republicans after Supreme Court ruling</a>&nbsp;“In Minnesota, we believe in equal justice under the law. That means nobody is above the law, including agents of the federal government,” Ellison said in a news release about the arrest. “Christian Castro’s alleged shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis appears unwarranted, as evidenced by the lies Castro told his ICE supervisors to justify his unlawful actions,” Ellison added. According to prosecutors, a bullet fired during the incident traveled through the home’s front door, struck Sosa-Celis in the leg, and ultimately lodged in the wall of a child’s bedroom.&nbsp;The shooting occurred amid a series of controversial law enforcement incidents linked to Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative that deployed thousands of agents to the Twin Cities region. The operation triggered widespread protests and led to legal challenges from both state and local governments. Among the incidents was the fatal shooting of 33-year-old mother of three Renee Good on January 7 by an ICE agent. Later that month, on January 24, 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot by two DHS officers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-vs-nato-russian-drone-launched-against-ukraine-crashes-in-romania-1780074987777/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-vs-nato-russian-drone-launched-against-ukraine-crashes-in-romania-1780074987777/embed</a>&nbsp;In both fatal shootings, official government accounts were later questioned as video footage and eyewitness testimony emerged, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incidents. The arrest of Castro marks the latest development in a case that has drawn significant public attention and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement operations and use-of-force practices.

ICE agent Christian Castro was arrested in Texas over a Minnesota shooting involving two Venezuelan men. The case raises new questions about federal immigration enforcement and use-of-force practices

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent accused of multiple assault-related offenses connected to a January shooting involving two Venezuelan men in Minnesota has been arrested in Texas, according to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Christian Castro was charged earlier this month with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime. The charges stem from a January 14 incident in Minneapolis in which Julio Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg through the front door of a residence. The shooting occurred during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation carried out by federal authorities in the Twin Cities under the Trump administration. Initially, Sosa-Celis and his cousin, Alfredo A. Aljorna, faced federal charges after the Department of Homeland Security alleged they had assaulted an agent, prompting him to fire a defensive shot. However, the Justice Department dismissed those charges in February. ICE later revealed that two of its agents had provided false statements under oath regarding the incident and were subsequently placed on administrative leave. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison welcomed news of Castro’s arrest. Also Read: Louisiana approves new congressional map favouring Republicans after Supreme Court ruling “In Minnesota, we believe in equal justice under the law. That means nobody is above the law, including agents of the federal government,” Ellison said in a news release about the arrest. “Christian Castro’s alleged shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis appears unwarranted, as evidenced by the lies Castro told his ICE supervisors to justify his unlawful actions,” Ellison added. According to prosecutors, a bullet fired during the incident traveled through the home’s front door, struck Sosa-Celis in the leg, and ultimately lodged in the wall of a child’s bedroom. The shooting occurred amid a series of controversial law enforcement incidents linked to Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative that deployed thousands of agents to the Twin Cities region. The operation triggered widespread protests and led to legal challenges from both state and local governments. Among the incidents was the fatal shooting of 33-year-old mother of three Renee Good on January 7 by an ICE agent. Later that month, on January 24, 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot by two DHS officers. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-vs-nato-russian-drone-launched-against-ukraine-crashes-in-romania-1780074987777/embed In both fatal shootings, official government accounts were later questioned as video footage and eyewitness testimony emerged, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incidents. The arrest of Castro marks the latest development in a case that has drawn significant public attention and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement operations and use-of-force practices.

ICE agent Christian Castro was arrested over a Minnesota shooting case after prosecutors accused him of assault and filing false reports

ICE agent facing assault charges during Minneapolis immigration crackdown arrested in Texas

Louisiana lawmakers on Friday (May 29) approved a new congressional map aimed at strengthening Republican representation by potentially adding another GOP-held seat while reducing Democratic influence in the state’s majority-Black districts. The move comes one month after the Supreme Court invalidated Louisiana’s previous congressional map, ruling it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The decision weakened protections under the 1965 Voting Rights Act and intensified a nationwide battle over redistricting ahead of the midterm elections. The newly approved map leaves Louisiana with one majority-Black congressional district represented by Democrats, instead of two under the previous court-ordered map.&nbsp;Republicans had explored a plan that could have allowed the party to compete for all six of Louisiana’s House seats. However, party leaders concluded that a 5-1 Republican advantage offered a safer political strategy and better protection for House Speaker Mike Johnson’s reelection prospects. Republican Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign the redistricting plan into law. Following the Supreme Court ruling, several Republican-led Southern states have moved quickly to redraw congressional boundaries, taking advantage of the reduced federal oversight under the Voting Rights Act.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-accuses-israel-of-blatant-violation-of-ceasefire-as-netanyahu-orders-military-to-control-70-of-gaza-territory-1780079455254">Hamas accuses Israel of 'blatant violation' of ceasefire as Netanyahu orders military to control 70% of Gaza territory</a>&nbsp;Republicans believe the latest redistricting efforts nationwide could help them gain up to 14 House seats. At the same time, Democrats estimate they may gain six seats through new district configurations in California and Utah. Louisiana’s previous congressional map, adopted in 2024 under court supervision, created a second majority-Black district to comply with Voting Rights Act requirements. That map gave Republicans four of the state’s six congressional seats. After legal challenges, the Supreme Court struck down the map on April 30, calling it an illegal racial gerrymander.&nbsp;To allow lawmakers time to redraw district boundaries, Governor Landry postponed the state’s US House primary election, originally scheduled for May 16, until later in the summer. Under the new proposal, the district represented by Democratic Representative Cleo Fields would be significantly reshaped, incorporating more predominantly white communities around Baton Rouge and southern Louisiana. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Troy Carter’s majority-Black New Orleans-based district would absorb additional portions of Baton Rouge.&nbsp;The revised map is expected to face legal challenges from multiple groups. Democrats argue the new boundaries still amount to racial gerrymandering by concentrating Black voters into a single district. At the same time, plaintiffs who successfully challenged the previous map have criticized lawmakers for retaining any majority-Black district. Louisiana is not alone in pursuing redistricting changes.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-myanmar-push-stronger-ties-despite-security-challenges-1780074967447/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-myanmar-push-stronger-ties-despite-security-challenges-1780074967447/embed</a>&nbsp;In Florida, lawmakers approved new congressional boundaries shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, a move that could potentially deliver Republicans up to four additional House seats. Tennessee also adopted new congressional districts, restructuring a majority-Black district centered in Memphis in an effort to create another Republican-leaning seat.&nbsp;In Alabama, Republicans are seeking to redraw two districts currently represented by Democrats and containing significant Black populations. The proposal remains tied up in court. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Senate declined to pursue redistricting despite pressure from President Donald Trump. The ongoing redistricting battles across Southern states are expected to play a crucial role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives during the upcoming midterm elections.

Louisiana lawmakers pass a new congressional map favoring Republicans after the Supreme Court struck down the previous map, fueling nationwide redistricting battles ahead of the U.S. midterm elections

Louisiana lawmakers on Friday (May 29) approved a new congressional map aimed at strengthening Republican representation by potentially adding another GOP-held seat while reducing Democratic influence in the state’s majority-Black districts. The move comes one month after the Supreme Court invalidated Louisiana’s previous congressional map, ruling it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The decision weakened protections under the 1965 Voting Rights Act and intensified a nationwide battle over redistricting ahead of the midterm elections. The newly approved map leaves Louisiana with one majority-Black congressional district represented by Democrats, instead of two under the previous court-ordered map. Republicans had explored a plan that could have allowed the party to compete for all six of Louisiana’s House seats. However, party leaders concluded that a 5-1 Republican advantage offered a safer political strategy and better protection for House Speaker Mike Johnson’s reelection prospects. Republican Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign the redistricting plan into law. Following the Supreme Court ruling, several Republican-led Southern states have moved quickly to redraw congressional boundaries, taking advantage of the reduced federal oversight under the Voting Rights Act. Also Read: Hamas accuses Israel of 'blatant violation' of ceasefire as Netanyahu orders military to control 70% of Gaza territory Republicans believe the latest redistricting efforts nationwide could help them gain up to 14 House seats. At the same time, Democrats estimate they may gain six seats through new district configurations in California and Utah. Louisiana’s previous congressional map, adopted in 2024 under court supervision, created a second majority-Black district to comply with Voting Rights Act requirements. That map gave Republicans four of the state’s six congressional seats. After legal challenges, the Supreme Court struck down the map on April 30, calling it an illegal racial gerrymander. To allow lawmakers time to redraw district boundaries, Governor Landry postponed the state’s US House primary election, originally scheduled for May 16, until later in the summer. Under the new proposal, the district represented by Democratic Representative Cleo Fields would be significantly reshaped, incorporating more predominantly white communities around Baton Rouge and southern Louisiana. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Troy Carter’s majority-Black New Orleans-based district would absorb additional portions of Baton Rouge. The revised map is expected to face legal challenges from multiple groups. Democrats argue the new boundaries still amount to racial gerrymandering by concentrating Black voters into a single district. At the same time, plaintiffs who successfully challenged the previous map have criticized lawmakers for retaining any majority-Black district. Louisiana is not alone in pursuing redistricting changes. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-myanmar-push-stronger-ties-despite-security-challenges-1780074967447/embed In Florida, lawmakers approved new congressional boundaries shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, a move that could potentially deliver Republicans up to four additional House seats. Tennessee also adopted new congressional districts, restructuring a majority-Black district centered in Memphis in an effort to create another Republican-leaning seat. In Alabama, Republicans are seeking to redraw two districts currently represented by Democrats and containing significant Black populations. The proposal remains tied up in court. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Senate declined to pursue redistricting despite pressure from President Donald Trump. The ongoing redistricting battles across Southern states are expected to play a crucial role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives during the upcoming midterm elections.

Louisiana approves a new congressional map favoring Republicans after a Supreme Court ruling, sparking legal and political battles

Louisiana approves new congressional map favouring Republicans after Supreme Court ruling

Hamas on Friday (May 29) accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a ‘blatant violation’ of the October 2025 ceasefire after he ordered the military to expand its territorial control in the Gaza Strip. “In a blatant violation of all agreements, as is their usual practice, Netanyahu announced expanding control over 70 per cent of the Gaza Strip, while the killing and starvation continue,” Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim told news agency AFP. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem also criticised the ‘complete silence’ of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace and its high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, over Israel’s latest military plans.&nbsp;Failing to condemn Israel's expansionist policies and forced displacement plans raises serious questions about the extent of the sponsoring parties' commitment to obliging Israel to adhere to its obligations under the ceasefire deal, Qassem said in a separate statement. On Thursday (May 28), Netanyahu announced that the Israeli military would increase its control of Gaza from 60 per cent to 70 per cent. He said the military had already secured 50 per cent of the territory under the ceasefire framework, adding, “My directive is to move to... 70 percent”. “We're squeezing them from all (sides). We'll deal with what's left afterwards.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pam-bondi-defends-epstein-files-release-but-accepts-redaction-errors-were-made-1780068547696">Pam Bondi defends Epstein files release but accepts ‘redaction errors’ were made</a>&nbsp;The first phase of the ceasefire, which started in October 2025, resulted in the release of the remaining hostages captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli detention. However, progress toward the second phase of the agreement has stalled for months. The next phase was expected to include Hamas’s disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops.&nbsp;Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces were required to withdraw behind a ‘yellow line’, marking the division between Hamas-controlled territory and areas held by the Israeli army. Netanyahu had earlier announced on May 15 that Israeli forces were expanding their hold over Gaza. “There were those who said, 'Get out, get out. We did not get out. Today we control... how much? 60 per cent. Tomorrow we shall see,” he said at the time. Despite the truce that took effect on October 10, Gaza continues to witness daily violence, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-s-drone-warfare-is-testing-israel-s-military-limits-1780069572441/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-s-drone-warfare-is-testing-israel-s-military-limits-1780069572441/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Hamas accuses Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu of violating the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire after Israel announced plans to expand military control to 70% of the Gaza Strip amid ongoing violence

Hamas on Friday (May 29) accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a ‘blatant violation’ of the October 2025 ceasefire after he ordered the military to expand its territorial control in the Gaza Strip. “In a blatant violation of all agreements, as is their usual practice, Netanyahu announced expanding control over 70 per cent of the Gaza Strip, while the killing and starvation continue,” Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim told news agency AFP. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem also criticised the ‘complete silence’ of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace and its high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, over Israel’s latest military plans. Failing to condemn Israel's expansionist policies and forced displacement plans raises serious questions about the extent of the sponsoring parties' commitment to obliging Israel to adhere to its obligations under the ceasefire deal, Qassem said in a separate statement. On Thursday (May 28), Netanyahu announced that the Israeli military would increase its control of Gaza from 60 per cent to 70 per cent. He said the military had already secured 50 per cent of the territory under the ceasefire framework, adding, “My directive is to move to... 70 percent”. “We're squeezing them from all (sides). We'll deal with what's left afterwards.” Also Read: Pam Bondi defends Epstein files release but accepts ‘redaction errors’ were made The first phase of the ceasefire, which started in October 2025, resulted in the release of the remaining hostages captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli detention. However, progress toward the second phase of the agreement has stalled for months. The next phase was expected to include Hamas’s disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces were required to withdraw behind a ‘yellow line’, marking the division between Hamas-controlled territory and areas held by the Israeli army. Netanyahu had earlier announced on May 15 that Israeli forces were expanding their hold over Gaza. “There were those who said, 'Get out, get out. We did not get out. Today we control... how much? 60 per cent. Tomorrow we shall see,” he said at the time. Despite the truce that took effect on October 10, Gaza continues to witness daily violence, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-s-drone-warfare-is-testing-israel-s-military-limits-1780069572441/embed Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Hamas accuses Benjamin Netanyahu of violating the Gaza ceasefire after Israel announced plans to expand military control to 70% of Gaza

Hamas accuses Israel of 'blatant violation' of ceasefire as Netanyahu orders military to control 70% of Gaza territory

Hours after US President Donald Trump dramatically announced the framework of a sweeping deal to end the Middle East war, Iran’s Foreign Ministry struck back, declaring that "no final agreement" has been reached between Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;The conflicting public statements underscore the immense friction remaining in the fragile diplomatic push, even as both sides face immense pressure to permanently secure a strained ceasefire. Speaking to state media, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei explicitly downplayed President Trump’s characterisation of a finalised pact. While acknowledging that indirect channels of communication remain active, Baghaei emphasised that a breakthrough is not yet signed into reality.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-major-iran-accord-lifting-naval-blockade-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-1780067187877">Trump announces major Iran Accord, lifting naval blockade to reopen Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;“Regarding the understanding, as I said while speaking to you, exchanges of messages are continuing, but no final agreement has been reached yet,” Baghaei stated. The rebuttal followed a detailed social media declaration by US President Trump, who claimed that a multi-nation agreement was virtually set. Trump outlined aggressive conditions, including the immediate, toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the total elimination of naval mines, and a joint US-IAEA mission to unearth and destroy deep-buried Iranian nuclear material. Trump concluded by stating he was entering the situation room to make a "final determination".&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-meeting-now-to-make-a-final-determination-says-trump-on-iran-deal-1780071859952">'Will be meeting now to make a final determination', says Trump on Iran deal</a>&nbsp;While a tentative memorandum of understanding (MoU) brokered by regional mediators has been circulating, diplomatic sources indicate major hurdles persist. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously criticised what he termed Washington’s “excessive demands” and “contradictory positions.” &nbsp;By pushbacking against the US narrative, Tehran is signalling that it will not be rushed into a public capitulation. For now, the fate of the Strait of Hormuz and the regional ceasefire hangs in a high-stakes diplomatic limbo.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry pushes back against U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of a finalised Middle East peace deal, stating that negotiations continue but "no final agreement" has been reached.

Hours after US President Donald Trump dramatically announced the framework of a sweeping deal to end the Middle East war, Iran’s Foreign Ministry struck back, declaring that "no final agreement" has been reached between Washington and Tehran. The conflicting public statements underscore the immense friction remaining in the fragile diplomatic push, even as both sides face immense pressure to permanently secure a strained ceasefire. Speaking to state media, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei explicitly downplayed President Trump’s characterisation of a finalised pact. While acknowledging that indirect channels of communication remain active, Baghaei emphasised that a breakthrough is not yet signed into reality. Also read: Trump announces major Iran Accord, lifting naval blockade to reopen Strait of Hormuz “Regarding the understanding, as I said while speaking to you, exchanges of messages are continuing, but no final agreement has been reached yet,” Baghaei stated. The rebuttal followed a detailed social media declaration by US President Trump, who claimed that a multi-nation agreement was virtually set. Trump outlined aggressive conditions, including the immediate, toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the total elimination of naval mines, and a joint US-IAEA mission to unearth and destroy deep-buried Iranian nuclear material. Trump concluded by stating he was entering the situation room to make a "final determination". Also read: 'Will be meeting now to make a final determination', says Trump on Iran deal While a tentative memorandum of understanding (MoU) brokered by regional mediators has been circulating, diplomatic sources indicate major hurdles persist. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously criticised what he termed Washington’s “excessive demands” and “contradictory positions.” By pushbacking against the US narrative, Tehran is signalling that it will not be rushed into a public capitulation. For now, the fate of the Strait of Hormuz and the regional ceasefire hangs in a high-stakes diplomatic limbo.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry pushes back against U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of a finalised Middle East peace deal, stating that negotiations continue but "no final agreement" has been reached.

Iran rejects Trump’s claims of final accord, says no deal reached yet

A day after it was reported that United States and Iran reached a decision to extend the ceasefire and launch negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, but a final approval is awaited from US President Donald Trump on whether a broader agreement will move forward, Trump on Friday (May 29) said he was now making a "final" decision on whether or not to strike a peace deal with Iran.&nbsp;Taking to Truth social Trump wrote that "Iran must agree to not have Nuclear Weapon or Bomb and that the "Hormuz Strait must be immediately open."&nbsp;He then said that "Iran will have to complete the immediate removal and/or detonation of any mines that are left."<h2>What Trump said on Hormuz and nuke weapons</h2>&nbsp;"Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions. All water mines (bombs), if any, will be terminated (we have removed, through detonation, numerous such mines with our great underwater mine sweepers. Iran will complete the immediate removal and/or detonation of any mines that are left, which will not be many!)," Trump wrote.&nbsp;Further, he claimed that ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the naval blockade could now begin "heading home".&nbsp;"Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented Naval Blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of “heading home!” Say HELLO to your wives, husbands, parents, and families from me, your favorite President!," he wrote.&nbsp;He also threatened Iran of "unearthing enriched material" as he said "The enriched material, sometimes referred to as “Nuclear Dust,” which is buried deep underground with virtually collapsed mountains, caused by our powerful B2 Bomber attack 11 months ago, sitting on top of it, will be unearthed by the United States (which, it is agreed, is the only Country, along with China, with the mechanical capability of doing so!), in close coordination and conjunction with the Islamic Republic of Iran, plus the International Atomic Energy Agency, and DESTROYED."&nbsp;The US president ended his social media post by saying, "I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination."&nbsp;

Taking to Truth social Trump wrote that Iran must agree to not have Nuclear Weapon or Bomb and that the Hormuz Strait must be immediately open."

A day after it was reported that United States and Iran reached a decision to extend the ceasefire and launch negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, but a final approval is awaited from US President Donald Trump on whether a broader agreement will move forward, Trump on Friday (May 29) said he was now making a "final" decision on whether or not to strike a peace deal with Iran. Taking to Truth social Trump wrote that "Iran must agree to not have Nuclear Weapon or Bomb and that the "Hormuz Strait must be immediately open." He then said that "Iran will have to complete the immediate removal and/or detonation of any mines that are left." What Trump said on Hormuz and nuke weapons "Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions. All water mines (bombs), if any, will be terminated (we have removed, through detonation, numerous such mines with our great underwater mine sweepers. Iran will complete the immediate removal and/or detonation of any mines that are left, which will not be many!)," Trump wrote. Further, he claimed that ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the naval blockade could now begin "heading home". "Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented Naval Blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of “heading home!” Say HELLO to your wives, husbands, parents, and families from me, your favorite President!," he wrote. He also threatened Iran of "unearthing enriched material" as he said "The enriched material, sometimes referred to as “Nuclear Dust,” which is buried deep underground with virtually collapsed mountains, caused by our powerful B2 Bomber attack 11 months ago, sitting on top of it, will be unearthed by the United States (which, it is agreed, is the only Country, along with China, with the mechanical capability of doing so!), in close coordination and conjunction with the Islamic Republic of Iran, plus the International Atomic Energy Agency, and DESTROYED." The US president ended his social media post by saying, "I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination."

Taking to Truth social Trump wrote that "Iran must agree to not have Nuclear Weapon or Bomb and that the "Hormuz Strait must be immediately open."

'Will be meeting now to make a final determination', says Trump on Iran deal

Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi while testifying Friday before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein files said that the Justice Department made “redaction errors” in its release of records related to Epstein.&nbsp;“To the best of my knowledge, the Department produced everything required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act,” Bondi said in a statement released just ahead of her closed-door interview.&nbsp;DOJ “demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to transparency” in its release of the case documents, she further said.<h2>&nbsp;“Failed to personally oversee the process”</h2>&nbsp;As reported by various US media houses, the ex-AG while defending the department said the agency released all files required to release under the law but she failed to personally oversee the process herself and delegated oversight of the process to then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.&nbsp;She said that the Justice Department made “redaction errors” in its release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, reported NBC.&nbsp;“There were redaction errors,” her opening remarks said. “But since day one of this process, this Department has been committed to accountability and transparency. Our stance has always been that the Department stands ready to review any potential evidence of criminal activity related to Epstein and his associates and would pursue appropriate investigative or prosecutorial action wherever the facts and law warrant,' Bondi was quoted as saying by NBC.&nbsp;Bondi's interview will take place behind closed doors and will be transcribed. It is also expected to be released to the public but will not be recorded and will not be under oath, said the committee.Only after the full transcript of the interview is released publicly will one get to know what exactly &nbsp;Bondi told lawmakers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ex-AG Pam Bondi while defending the department said the agency released all files required to release under the law but she failed to personally oversee the process and delegated oversight of the process.

Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi while testifying Friday before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein files said that the Justice Department made “redaction errors” in its release of records related to Epstein. “To the best of my knowledge, the Department produced everything required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act,” Bondi said in a statement released just ahead of her closed-door interview. DOJ “demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to transparency” in its release of the case documents, she further said. “Failed to personally oversee the process” As reported by various US media houses, the ex-AG while defending the department said the agency released all files required to release under the law but she failed to personally oversee the process herself and delegated oversight of the process to then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. She said that the Justice Department made “redaction errors” in its release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, reported NBC. “There were redaction errors,” her opening remarks said. “But since day one of this process, this Department has been committed to accountability and transparency. Our stance has always been that the Department stands ready to review any potential evidence of criminal activity related to Epstein and his associates and would pursue appropriate investigative or prosecutorial action wherever the facts and law warrant,' Bondi was quoted as saying by NBC. Bondi's interview will take place behind closed doors and will be transcribed. It is also expected to be released to the public but will not be recorded and will not be under oath, said the committee. Only after the full transcript of the interview is released publicly will one get to know what exactly Bondi told lawmakers.

The ex-AG Pam Bondi while defending the department said the agency released all files required to release under the law but she failed to personally oversee the process and delegated oversight of the process.

Pam Bondi defends Epstein files release but accepts ‘redaction errors’ were made

In a dramatic announcement, US President Donald Trump declared today that a sweeping agreement has been reached with Iran, potentially defusing a months-long military standoff in West Asia. Writing from the White House, President Trump outlined the core tenets of the deal, anchoring the announcement on a definitive mandate: “Iran must agree that they will never have a nuclear weapon or bomb.”&nbsp;Central to the immediate breakthrough is the cessation of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global choke point for oil transit. Under the terms detailed by the US president, the waterway must be opened immediately for unrestricted, toll-free shipping traffic in both directions.&nbsp;The announcement also signals the end of a heavily disruptive maritime siege. President Trump praised the efficacy of American forces, noting that a US naval blockade would now be lifted to allow stranded merchant ships to return home."Say HELLO to your wives, husbands, parents, and families from me, your favourite President!" Trump wrote to the affected crews. As part of the maritime de-escalation, Iran has agreed to complete the clearing of all remaining underwater mines in the strait. The US military had already detonated numerous explosives using specialised underwater mine sweepers.

US President Donald Trump announces a major agreement with Iran, lifting a historic naval blockade to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a joint US-IAEA operation to destroy buried nuclear material.

In a dramatic announcement, US President Donald Trump declared today that a sweeping agreement has been reached with Iran, potentially defusing a months-long military standoff in West Asia. Writing from the White House, President Trump outlined the core tenets of the deal, anchoring the announcement on a definitive mandate: “Iran must agree that they will never have a nuclear weapon or bomb.” Central to the immediate breakthrough is the cessation of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global choke point for oil transit. Under the terms detailed by the US president, the waterway must be opened immediately for unrestricted, toll-free shipping traffic in both directions. The announcement also signals the end of a heavily disruptive maritime siege. President Trump praised the efficacy of American forces, noting that a US naval blockade would now be lifted to allow stranded merchant ships to return home. "Say HELLO to your wives, husbands, parents, and families from me, your favourite President!" Trump wrote to the affected crews. As part of the maritime de-escalation, Iran has agreed to complete the clearing of all remaining underwater mines in the strait. The US military had already detonated numerous explosives using specialised underwater mine sweepers.

US President Donald Trump announces a major agreement with Iran, lifting a historic naval blockade to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a joint US-IAEA operation to destroy buried nuclear material.

Trump announces major Iran Accord, lifting naval blockade to reopen Strait of Hormuz

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from establishing a nearly $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate victims of alleged government "weaponisation." US District Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia issued the order on Friday (May 29), preventing the administration from taking any further steps to set up or operate the fund while the court considers additional legal arguments. The Justice Department announced the creation of the "anti-weaponisation Fund" last week as part of a settlement agreement resolving President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. That lawsuit stemmed from the leak of Trump's personal tax records.&nbsp;Judge Brinkema's ruling puts the fund on hold pending further judicial review, though it stops short of a permanent decision on its legality. The administration has not yet publicly responded to the ruling.&nbsp;The fund was framed by the Trump administration as a means of providing relief to individuals who claim they were targeted by what the president has described as the politically motivated misuse of government institutions. Critics, however, have raised legal concerns about the fund's structure and the terms of the settlement that created it.The case is expected to continue with further hearings in the Eastern District of Virginia.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from establishing a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponisation' fund stemming from an IRS tax leak settlement.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from establishing a nearly $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate victims of alleged government "weaponisation." US District Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia issued the order on Friday (May 29), preventing the administration from taking any further steps to set up or operate the fund while the court considers additional legal arguments. The Justice Department announced the creation of the "anti-weaponisation Fund" last week as part of a settlement agreement resolving President Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. That lawsuit stemmed from the leak of Trump's personal tax records. Judge Brinkema's ruling puts the fund on hold pending further judicial review, though it stops short of a permanent decision on its legality. The administration has not yet publicly responded to the ruling. The fund was framed by the Trump administration as a means of providing relief to individuals who claim they were targeted by what the president has described as the politically motivated misuse of government institutions. Critics, however, have raised legal concerns about the fund's structure and the terms of the settlement that created it. The case is expected to continue with further hearings in the Eastern District of Virginia.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from establishing a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponisation' fund stemming from an IRS tax leak settlement.

Federal judge blocks Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund

A man, a woman, and a child have died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in Elephant and Castle, south London, on Wednesday morning (May 28). Police said their deaths are currently being treated as unexpected. Emergency services were called to Churchyard Row at 7:29am following reports of people falling from height. Officers from the Metropolitan Police were joined by the London Ambulance Service, London's Air Ambulance, and the London Fire Brigade. Despite the best efforts of first responders to resuscitate all three, none could be saved. No other injuries were reported.&nbsp;"Three people, a man, a woman, and a child were found to have sadly died, despite resuscitation attempts by first responders," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. “Their deaths are currently being treated as unexpected.” Work is underway to formally identify the three victims. Their next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.The London Ambulance Service said it dispatched multiple resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a fast response paramedic, an incident response officer, a hazardous area response team, and a trauma team from London's Air Ambulance. The first paramedic arrived within approximately four minutes.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8-students-arrested-after-kenya-school-dorm-fire-kills-16-injures-dozens-1780054708890">8 students arrested after Kenya school dorm fire kills 16, injures dozens</a>&nbsp;"Very sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, three people were pronounced dead at the scene," an ambulance service spokesperson said. Authorities have not disclosed any further details regarding the circumstances of the deaths, and investigations are ongoing.

A man, a woman, and a child have died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in Elephant and Castle, south London. The Metropolitan Police are treating the deaths as unexpected.

A man, a woman, and a child have died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in Elephant and Castle, south London, on Wednesday morning (May 28). Police said their deaths are currently being treated as unexpected. Emergency services were called to Churchyard Row at 7:29am following reports of people falling from height. Officers from the Metropolitan Police were joined by the London Ambulance Service, London's Air Ambulance, and the London Fire Brigade. Despite the best efforts of first responders to resuscitate all three, none could be saved. No other injuries were reported. "Three people, a man, a woman, and a child were found to have sadly died, despite resuscitation attempts by first responders," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. “Their deaths are currently being treated as unexpected.” Work is underway to formally identify the three victims. Their next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers. The London Ambulance Service said it dispatched multiple resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a fast response paramedic, an incident response officer, a hazardous area response team, and a trauma team from London's Air Ambulance. The first paramedic arrived within approximately four minutes. Also read: 8 students arrested after Kenya school dorm fire kills 16, injures dozens "Very sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, three people were pronounced dead at the scene," an ambulance service spokesperson said. Authorities have not disclosed any further details regarding the circumstances of the deaths, and investigations are ongoing.

A man, a woman, and a child have died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in Elephant and Castle, south London. The Metropolitan Police are treating the deaths as unexpected.

Police investigate deaths of three people after falling from London high-rise

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi will appear before the House Oversight Committee almost four months after releasing millions of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. She will be questioned behind closed doors by bipartisan lawmakers and professional investigative staff from the House Oversight Committee. As Bondi arrived at Capitol Hill on Friday morning, she made no comments to reporters while gathering, Epstein survivors yelled, "tell the truth". The development comes as Pam Bondi disclosed that she was suffering from thyroid cancer.The key aspects of the appearance is the its not a formal deposition but a transcribed interview, an arrangement criticised by the democrats who argue it violates the spirit of the subpoena. Oversight Chairman James Comer downgraded the terms after Bondi resigned as Attorney General in April 2026.&nbsp;Attorney General Pam Bondi had been under fire for her handling of the release of the Epstein files, and members of Congress of both parties have said that under her tenure, the DOJ failed to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. About 3 million pages of heavily redacted documents were published without any clarification, which is less than half of the available documents.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-refiles-wsj-defamation-lawsuit-jeffrey-epstein-1779968984852">Trump revives explosive $10 billion lawsuit against WSJ over Epstein story</a>“She violated a congressional subpoena demanding the files, and she repeatedly, over her entire term of service as the AG, engaged in manufactured lies to the American people over the Epstein case. In addition to that, based on what I’ve seen in the unredacted files, there are dozens of potentially prosecutable crimes and cases in the Epstein files, and they have not pursued a single investigation,” said Rep Melanie Stansbury.&nbsp;Bondi and Attorney General Todd Blanche met the House Oversight Committee in March, but Democrats walked out, accusing Pam Bondi of sidestepping her responsibility. Bondi was to be deposed as per the subpoena, but she resigned, following which the DOJ said that she no longer needed to testify.&nbsp;But now, as the format is changed, this setup allows Bondi to refuse to answer certain questions without a formal legal justification. She will be accompanied by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Guynn during the testimony to "to assist the Committee in understanding the Department's role in implementing and complying with the Epstein Files Transparency Act during her tenure."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee for closed-door questioning over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and alleged failures to comply with transparency demands.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi will appear before the House Oversight Committee almost four months after releasing millions of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. She will be questioned behind closed doors by bipartisan lawmakers and professional investigative staff from the House Oversight Committee. As Bondi arrived at Capitol Hill on Friday morning, she made no comments to reporters while gathering, Epstein survivors yelled, "tell the truth". The development comes as Pam Bondi disclosed that she was suffering from thyroid cancer. The key aspects of the appearance is the its not a formal deposition but a transcribed interview, an arrangement criticised by the democrats who argue it violates the spirit of the subpoena. Oversight Chairman James Comer downgraded the terms after Bondi resigned as Attorney General in April 2026. Attorney General Pam Bondi had been under fire for her handling of the release of the Epstein files, and members of Congress of both parties have said that under her tenure, the DOJ failed to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. About 3 million pages of heavily redacted documents were published without any clarification, which is less than half of the available documents. Also Read: Trump revives explosive $10 billion lawsuit against WSJ over Epstein story “She violated a congressional subpoena demanding the files, and she repeatedly, over her entire term of service as the AG, engaged in manufactured lies to the American people over the Epstein case. In addition to that, based on what I’ve seen in the unredacted files, there are dozens of potentially prosecutable crimes and cases in the Epstein files, and they have not pursued a single investigation,” said Rep Melanie Stansbury. Bondi and Attorney General Todd Blanche met the House Oversight Committee in March, but Democrats walked out, accusing Pam Bondi of sidestepping her responsibility. Bondi was to be deposed as per the subpoena, but she resigned, following which the DOJ said that she no longer needed to testify. But now, as the format is changed, this setup allows Bondi to refuse to answer certain questions without a formal legal justification. She will be accompanied by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Guynn during the testimony to "to assist the Committee in understanding the Department's role in implementing and complying with the Epstein Files Transparency Act during her tenure."

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the House Oversight Committee for closed-door questioning over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and alleged failures to comply with transparency demands.

House Oversight Committee questions Pam Bondi over Epstein document release

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has reportedly invested $26 billion in a state initiative called the New Health Preservation Technologies aimed at anti-ageing. The project includes gene therapy, organ-printing, mini-pig organ cultivation and even ultralow- temperature cryotherapy. This 2-trillion-ruble project is a flagship national scientific priority pushed by the Kremlin to halt biological decline and extend human lifespan.<h2>The leaked hot-mic moment between Vladimir Putin and Xi&nbsp;</h2>Putin has long projected an image of vitality through hunting, motorcycling and playing hockey. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, last September, during a military parade in Beijing, Vladimir Putin was caught in a hot-mic moment telling the Chinese President Xi Jinping that humans could replace organs to possibly extend lifespan and achieve immortality. The remark was considered a passing remark back then between ageing world leaders. But the program has now fuelled fresh speculation whether Putin, who is in his 80s, has taken this quest to preserve power. Not just Putin, Silicon Valley figures like Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman and Peter Thiel have shown interest in anti-ageing research.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-below-normal-monsoon-el-nino-rainfall-forecast-1780050508138">IMD predicts below-normal monsoon, heatwave as El Nino develops</a><h2>The state backed longeivity programe</h2>This has now developed into a state-supported programme, last month the Russian government said scientists were developing a gene therapy designed to slow cellular ageing under the "New Health Preservation Technologies" initiative, a $26 billion programme linked to Putin. Russian Deputy Science Minister Denis Sekirinsky has described it as one of the most promising approaches to fighting anti-ageing. The initiative aims to save around 175,000 lives by the end of the decade, a close estimation of the number of soldiers lost in the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;The programme focuses on bioprinting or 3D printing of living tissues, Xenotransplantation, which involves growing a human-compatible organ inside a genetically modified mini-pig and incorporates extreme-cold treatments, ultralow-temperature cryotherapy to reset and preserve bodily tissues.The research project includes key figures like Maria Vorontsova, Putin's daughter and an endocrinologist involved in genetics programmes, and physicist Mikhail Kovalchuk, head of the Kurchatov Institute. Alexander Ostrovskiy, a Russian researcher who works in bioprinting, said that officials may be presenting overly optimistic results to secure funding. Another researcher, Vladimir Khavinson, a gerontologist, received a state award for peptide-based anti-ageing treatments. He once said that humans could live up to 120 years. All of them are credible and credentialed scientists, but Russian academia has grown in isolation due to the sanctions by the West, so it has limited internationally recognised output.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia has reportedly invested $26 billion in a state-backed anti-ageing initiative involving gene therapy, organ bioprinting and cryotherapy, fuelling speculation over Vladimir Putin’s interest in extending human lifespan.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has reportedly invested $26 billion in a state initiative called the New Health Preservation Technologies aimed at anti-ageing. The project includes gene therapy, organ-printing, mini-pig organ cultivation and even ultralow- temperature cryotherapy. This 2-trillion-ruble project is a flagship national scientific priority pushed by the Kremlin to halt biological decline and extend human lifespan. The leaked hot-mic moment between Vladimir Putin and Xi Putin has long projected an image of vitality through hunting, motorcycling and playing hockey. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, last September, during a military parade in Beijing, Vladimir Putin was caught in a hot-mic moment telling the Chinese President Xi Jinping that humans could replace organs to possibly extend lifespan and achieve immortality. The remark was considered a passing remark back then between ageing world leaders. But the program has now fuelled fresh speculation whether Putin, who is in his 80s, has taken this quest to preserve power. Not just Putin, Silicon Valley figures like Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman and Peter Thiel have shown interest in anti-ageing research. Also Read: IMD predicts below-normal monsoon, heatwave as El Nino develops The state backed longeivity programe This has now developed into a state-supported programme, last month the Russian government said scientists were developing a gene therapy designed to slow cellular ageing under the "New Health Preservation Technologies" initiative, a $26 billion programme linked to Putin. Russian Deputy Science Minister Denis Sekirinsky has described it as one of the most promising approaches to fighting anti-ageing. The initiative aims to save around 175,000 lives by the end of the decade, a close estimation of the number of soldiers lost in the war in Ukraine. The programme focuses on bioprinting or 3D printing of living tissues, Xenotransplantation, which involves growing a human-compatible organ inside a genetically modified mini-pig and incorporates extreme-cold treatments, ultralow-temperature cryotherapy to reset and preserve bodily tissues. The research project includes key figures like Maria Vorontsova, Putin's daughter and an endocrinologist involved in genetics programmes, and physicist Mikhail Kovalchuk, head of the Kurchatov Institute. Alexander Ostrovskiy, a Russian researcher who works in bioprinting, said that officials may be presenting overly optimistic results to secure funding. Another researcher, Vladimir Khavinson, a gerontologist, received a state award for peptide-based anti-ageing treatments. He once said that humans could live up to 120 years. All of them are credible and credentialed scientists, but Russian academia has grown in isolation due to the sanctions by the West, so it has limited internationally recognised output.

Russia has reportedly invested $26 billion in a state-backed anti-ageing initiative involving gene therapy, organ bioprinting and cryotherapy, fuelling speculation over Vladimir Putin’s interest in extending human lifespan.

Putin’s $26bn longevity programme including cryotherapy, mini-pig organs and gene research

Romania has expelled a Russian diplomat and announced the closure of Russia’s consulate in Constanța after a Russian drone crashed into a residential apartment block near the Ukrainian border, injuring two civilians. The incident marked the first time during Russia’s war in Ukraine that a densely populated area inside a NATO member state was directly hit, causing injuries and sharply escalating tensions along the alliance’s eastern flank. Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced the measures on Friday following a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT).&nbsp;Romanian authorities said the drone strike took place overnight in the southeastern city of Galați after radar tracked a Russian drone entering Romanian airspace during a wider aerial assault on Ukraine involving 43 drones.<h2>Romania Blames Russia for ‘Serious Incident’</h2>In a statement posted on X, Dan directly blamed Moscow for the attack. “The entire responsibility for the serious incident in which two Romanian citizens were injured lies with Russia, a country that has been waging a war of aggression against Ukraine for more than four years,” he said.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rbi-says-west-asia-conflict-poses-short-term-risks-to-india-s-growth-and-inflation-fy27-gdp-growth-projected-at-6-9-1780053557615">RBI says West Asia conflict poses short-term risks to India’s growth and inflation, FY27 GDP growth projected at 6.9%</a>&nbsp;Dan confirmed that the Russian Consul General in Constanța had been declared “persona non grata” and that the Russian consulate in the city would be closed. He also said Romanian authorities had identified the drone as a Russian-made Geran-2 launched from Russian territory. “We know its trajectory and the path it took through Ukraine; we know how it entered Romania,” he wrote. Photos released from the scene showed extensive fire damage and charred brickwork on the roof of a 10-storey apartment building. Romanian officials said the drone exploded on impact, setting fire to a top-floor flat. A woman and a child suffered minor injuries.<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Întreaga responsabilitate pentru incidentul grav în care doi cetățeni români au fost răniți revine Rusiei, o țară care duce un război de agresiune de mai bine de patru ani împotriva Ucrainei. Raportat la această situație, Consulul General al Federației Ruse la Constanța a fost… <a href="https://t.co/DOGaQYrGY5">pic.twitter.com/DOGaQYrGY5</a>&mdash; Nicușor Dan (@NicusorDanRO) <a href="https://x.com/NicusorDanRO/status/2060335381480964408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>NATO Condemns ‘Reckless Behaviour’</h2>NATO condemned the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to collective defence. The alliance accused Moscow of “reckless behaviour” and pledged to “defend every inch of Allied territory”. Romania, which shares a 650-kilometre border with Ukraine, said Russian drones have violated its airspace 28 times since Moscow intensified attacks on Ukrainian Danube port infrastructure following the full-scale invasion in 2022.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/are-couples-always-happier-new-study-finds-single-people-are-happier-than-those-in-unhappy-relationships-1780050331914">Are couples always happier? New study finds bad relationships may be emotionally worse than being single</a><h2>Romania Accelerates Defence Measures</h2>President Dan said Romania was moving to strengthen anti-drone defence systems through NATO and European programmes. He revealed that contracts under the SAFE defence initiative were currently being signed and that Romania had also launched joint drone production partnerships with Ukraine, alongside separate cooperation mechanisms involving the United States and the United Kingdom. “We also have a joint mechanism with the United States and the United Kingdom to accelerate the production and testing of drones and, obviously, anti-drone capabilities. And, until these pieces of equipment are delivered, we have both bilateral agreements and ones within NATO with partners for equipment to be present in Romania", he wrote.&nbsp;“In the discussion I had with the NATO Secretary General, I insisted on urgency,” Dan said, adding that allied defence equipment was expected to arrive in Romania “as quickly as possible”.

Dan confirmed that the Russian Consul General in Constanța had been declared “persona non grata” and that the Russian consulate in the city would be closed. 

Romania has expelled a Russian diplomat and announced the closure of Russia’s consulate in Constanța after a Russian drone crashed into a residential apartment block near the Ukrainian border, injuring two civilians. The incident marked the first time during Russia’s war in Ukraine that a densely populated area inside a NATO member state was directly hit, causing injuries and sharply escalating tensions along the alliance’s eastern flank. Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced the measures on Friday following a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT). Romanian authorities said the drone strike took place overnight in the southeastern city of Galați after radar tracked a Russian drone entering Romanian airspace during a wider aerial assault on Ukraine involving 43 drones. Romania Blames Russia for ‘Serious Incident’ In a statement posted on X, Dan directly blamed Moscow for the attack. “The entire responsibility for the serious incident in which two Romanian citizens were injured lies with Russia, a country that has been waging a war of aggression against Ukraine for more than four years,” he said. ALSO READ: RBI says West Asia conflict poses short-term risks to India’s growth and inflation, FY27 GDP growth projected at 6.9% Dan confirmed that the Russian Consul General in Constanța had been declared “persona non grata” and that the Russian consulate in the city would be closed. He also said Romanian authorities had identified the drone as a Russian-made Geran-2 launched from Russian territory. “We know its trajectory and the path it took through Ukraine; we know how it entered Romania,” he wrote. Photos released from the scene showed extensive fire damage and charred brickwork on the roof of a 10-storey apartment building. Romanian officials said the drone exploded on impact, setting fire to a top-floor flat. A woman and a child suffered minor injuries.

Dan confirmed that the Russian Consul General in Constanța had been declared “persona non grata” and that the Russian consulate in the city would be closed.&nbsp;

Romania shuts Russian consulate in Constanța, expels consul after Russian drone strike injures civilians

Kenyan authorities arrested eight female students on Friday (May 29) on suspicion of deliberately setting fire to a dormitory at Utumishi Girls School in central Kenya, a blaze that killed 16 children and injured 79 others. The motive remains under investigation. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the girls are suspected of planning and carrying out the arson attack, which occurred Thursday morning (May 28). Forensic teams have been reviewing CCTV footage while investigators have conducted extensive interviews with students, staff, and other witnesses.&nbsp;The police questioned 30 students and asked parents to return home and come back the following morning. However, many parents were still left without answers. "We have not even been told about the eight that police have arrested," one parent told the news agency Associated Press, speaking anonymously out of fear her daughter could face retaliation. "We are just here and no one is giving us any information."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-massive-fire-breaks-out-at-jewish-supermarket-in-london-s-golders-green-100-firefighters-deployed-1779869309492/amp">VIDEO | Massive fire breaks out at Jewish supermarket in London’s Golders Green; 100 firefighters deployed</a>&nbsp;The bodies of the 16 victims were transferred to a government hospital morgue and are undergoing DNA testing for identification. Investigators say they are continuing to gather evidence to "reconstruct the sequence of events, establish the full circumstances of the incident, and determine the motive," according to DCI spokesperson John Marete. School fires have been an ongoing concern across East Africa, where overcrowded classrooms and dormitories, combined with a lack of firefighting equipment, create dangerous conditions. Such fires are sometimes linked to electrical faults, while others have been attributed to students deliberately burning school buildings in response to disciplinary grievances.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/delhi-fire-nine-killed-after-suspected-ac-blast-triggers-delhi-building-fire-1777797871023">Delhi Fire: Nine Killed After Suspected AC Blast Triggers Delhi Building Fire</a>&nbsp;Authorities have not yet disclosed what may have motivated the suspected attack, and the investigation is ongoing. Officials are urging patience as forensic and detective work continues at the site.

Eight female students have been arrested in Kenya on suspicion of arson after a devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls School killed 16 children and injured 79 others.

Kenyan authorities arrested eight female students on Friday (May 29) on suspicion of deliberately setting fire to a dormitory at Utumishi Girls School in central Kenya, a blaze that killed 16 children and injured 79 others. The motive remains under investigation. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the girls are suspected of planning and carrying out the arson attack, which occurred Thursday morning (May 28). Forensic teams have been reviewing CCTV footage while investigators have conducted extensive interviews with students, staff, and other witnesses. The police questioned 30 students and asked parents to return home and come back the following morning. However, many parents were still left without answers. "We have not even been told about the eight that police have arrested," one parent told the news agency Associated Press, speaking anonymously out of fear her daughter could face retaliation. "We are just here and no one is giving us any information." Also read: VIDEO | Massive fire breaks out at Jewish supermarket in London’s Golders Green; 100 firefighters deployed The bodies of the 16 victims were transferred to a government hospital morgue and are undergoing DNA testing for identification. Investigators say they are continuing to gather evidence to "reconstruct the sequence of events, establish the full circumstances of the incident, and determine the motive," according to DCI spokesperson John Marete. School fires have been an ongoing concern across East Africa, where overcrowded classrooms and dormitories, combined with a lack of firefighting equipment, create dangerous conditions. Such fires are sometimes linked to electrical faults, while others have been attributed to students deliberately burning school buildings in response to disciplinary grievances. Also read: Delhi Fire: Nine Killed After Suspected AC Blast Triggers Delhi Building Fire Authorities have not yet disclosed what may have motivated the suspected attack, and the investigation is ongoing. Officials are urging patience as forensic and detective work continues at the site.

Eight female students have been arrested in Kenya on suspicion of arson after a devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls School killed 16 children and injured 79 others.

8 students arrested after Kenya school dorm fire kills 16, injures dozens

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Putin’s $26bn longevity programme to increase human lifespan

Romania expels Russian consul, shuts Constanța consulate after drone incident

8 students arrested after Kenya school dorm fire kills 16, injures dozens