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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio endured scorching heat during his India tour across Delhi, Agra and Jaipur while attending QUAD events and strengthening ties with India. The visit also saw discussions on racism remarks and a key India-US critical minerals deal.

From 'stupid' remark to Jaipur, Agra tour at 45 degrees: Marco Rubio feels the 'heat' during India visit

Pope Leo XIV on Monday (May 25) called for the “disarming” of artificial intelligence in his long-awaited first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). Leo, the first US pope, warned against “a race for ever more powerful algorithms and larger datasets, driven by the desire to secure geopolitical or commercial dominance”, comparing the technology race to the biblical builders of the Tower of Babel. What did he mean by that? What is the biblical Tower of Babel? WION Decodes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-students-deserve-better-cockroach-janata-party-revives-petition-targeting-edu-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-neet-2026-paper-leak-1779774614724">'India’s students deserve better': Cockroach Janata Party revives petition targeting Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan</a><h2>What did the Pope say?</h2>Calling for “robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility”, Leo invoked the story of the Tower of Babel.“With the heart of a shepherd and a father, I ask everyone to abandon the construction of yet another Tower of Babel and to join forces in building up the common good,” wrote Pope Leo. He warned that AI risks reducing humans to merely “cogs”.<h2>What is the Tower of Babel?</h2>In Christian lore, the Tower of Babel represents a civilisation driven by pride, centralised power and human ambition detached from moral responsibility. The tale from Genesis 11:1-9 in the Hebrew Bible tells the story of a world where everyone spoke the same language and understood one another. However, as time passed and the population grew, humanity migrated eastward until people found a vast, fertile plain in the land of Shinar (Babylonia). There, they decided to settle and build a city.They planned to build a tower “that reaches all the way into the heavens!”. This, they said, would help them “make a great name for ourselves, and we will never be scattered or lost across the earth.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/green-card-applicants-should-go-home-new-us-citizenship-rule-may-hit-indians-hardest-check-how-you-could-be-affected-1779514161561">Green card applicants should go home? New US citizenship rule may hit Indians hardest; check how you could be affected</a>As the story goes, they did not use ordinary stone. Instead, they baked mud into hard clay bricks and used thick black tar for mortar, building the tower higher and higher. Their intense ambition did not go unnoticed, and God descended from heaven to see the tower.God realised that the people had been blinded by ambition and pride, and decided to intervene. He confused their speech, making it difficult for them to understand one another. Eventually, unable to communicate, the people scattered across the earth, abandoning the Tower of Babel, which is now known as the symbol of confusion and division.

Why did Pope Leo compare today’s AI race to the biblical Tower of Babel? In his first major message as pope, Leo warned that humanity risks repeating an ancient mistake. So what exactly is the Tower of Babel story? Scroll down to find out.

Pope Leo XIV on Monday (May 25) called for the “disarming” of artificial intelligence in his long-awaited first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). Leo, the first US pope, warned against “a race for ever more powerful algorithms and larger datasets, driven by the desire to secure geopolitical or commercial dominance”, comparing the technology race to the biblical builders of the Tower of Babel. What did he mean by that? What is the biblical Tower of Babel? WION Decodes. Also read | 'India’s students deserve better': Cockroach Janata Party revives petition targeting Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan What did the Pope say? Calling for “robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility”, Leo invoked the story of the Tower of Babel. “With the heart of a shepherd and a father, I ask everyone to abandon the construction of yet another Tower of Babel and to join forces in building up the common good,” wrote Pope Leo. He warned that AI risks reducing humans to merely “cogs”. What is the Tower of Babel? In Christian lore, the Tower of Babel represents a civilisation driven by pride, centralised power and human ambition detached from moral responsibility. The tale from Genesis 11:1-9 in the Hebrew Bible tells the story of a world where everyone spoke the same language and understood one another. However, as time passed and the population grew, humanity migrated eastward until people found a vast, fertile plain in the land of Shinar (Babylonia). There, they decided to settle and build a city. They planned to build a tower “that reaches all the way into the heavens!”. This, they said, would help them “make a great name for ourselves, and we will never be scattered or lost across the earth.” Also read | Green card applicants should go home? New US citizenship rule may hit Indians hardest; check how you could be affected As the story goes, they did not use ordinary stone. Instead, they baked mud into hard clay bricks and used thick black tar for mortar, building the tower higher and higher. Their intense ambition did not go unnoticed, and God descended from heaven to see the tower. God realised that the people had been blinded by ambition and pride, and decided to intervene. He confused their speech, making it difficult for them to understand one another. Eventually, unable to communicate, the people scattered across the earth, abandoning the Tower of Babel, which is now known as the symbol of confusion and division.

Why did Pope Leo compare today’s AI race to the biblical Tower of Babel? In his first major message as pope, Leo warned that humanity risks repeating an ancient mistake. So what exactly is the Tower of Babel story? Scroll down to find out.

Pope Leo warns humanity risks repeating ancient mistake: What is the Tower of Babel and what does it have to do with AI?

Hundreds of inmates at a prison in western Venezuela climbed onto the facility’s roof and set fire to mattresses and sheets during a protest against alleged abuse and shootings by prison guards, according to videos shared by rights groups and media reports.&nbsp;Prisoners at the Barinas Judicial Internment Centre, about 500km from Caracas, demanded the removal of the prison’s director, accusing him of overseeing violence against unarmed inmates. Large plumes of smoke rose from the prison as protesters waved “SOS” banners and chanted “No more torture!” “We want justice. They are shooting us, the guards and the wardens,” a prisoner said in a video circulated by the Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons, a local NGO. The footage reportedly showed a man with a bullet wound to his chest.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-announces-quad-s-new-indo-pacific-maritime-surveillance-initiative-what-is-it-wion-decodes-1779781338805">What is QUAD’s new Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance initiative? WION Decodes</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Venezuelan inmates climbed onto a prison roof in Barinas to protest shootings and abuse by guards, setting mattresses on fire and demanding the prison director’s removal. <a href="https://t.co/B41hPumI7b">pic.twitter.com/B41hPumI7b</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/2058781042304049383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Inmates alleged they had been staging a peaceful protest when prison staff opened fire, leaving several people wounded. Venezuelan authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The prisoners also claimed they had been stripped of their clothes, denied family visits and subjected to mistreatment inside the facility. Reuters reported that the demonstrators specifically called for the dismissal of recently appointed prison director Elvis Macuare Guerrero.&nbsp;Outside the prison, relatives of inmates clashed with members of Venezuela’s National Guard equipped with riot shields as they tried to prevent officers from entering the facility. Family members told the Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons that they heard screams and explosions shortly afterwards. Yelitza Arrollo, whose son is incarcerated at the prison, told AFP she had not heard from him since 8 May. “They are suffering,” she said outside the prison. “We want the director removed.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-won-t-have-safe-haven-for-mischief-mojtaba-s-explosive-warning-after-us-attacks-iran-1779781633032">‘Won’t have safe haven for mischief’: Mojtaba’s BIG warning after US attack</a>&nbsp;The Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons said it was documenting the unrest and reporting developments to international human rights organisations. According to the NGO, around 1,200 male inmates and more than 100 female prisoners joined the protest strike. Venezuela’s prison system has faced growing international scrutiny over alleged overcrowding, abuse and human rights violations. The latest unrest comes months after the government, led by interim president Delcy Rodríguez, approved legislation aimed at releasing hundreds of detainees considered political prisoners.

Hundreds of inmates at Venezuela’s Barinas prison rioted on the roof, setting fires to protest alleged guard violence, torture, and poor conditions, while demanding the prison director’s immediate removal.

Hundreds of inmates at a prison in western Venezuela climbed onto the facility’s roof and set fire to mattresses and sheets during a protest against alleged abuse and shootings by prison guards, according to videos shared by rights groups and media reports. Prisoners at the Barinas Judicial Internment Centre, about 500km from Caracas, demanded the removal of the prison’s director, accusing him of overseeing violence against unarmed inmates. Large plumes of smoke rose from the prison as protesters waved “SOS” banners and chanted “No more torture!” “We want justice. They are shooting us, the guards and the wardens,” a prisoner said in a video circulated by the Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons, a local NGO. The footage reportedly showed a man with a bullet wound to his chest. Also read: What is QUAD’s new Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance initiative? WION Decodes

Hundreds of inmates at Venezuela’s Barinas prison rioted on the roof, setting fires to protest alleged guard violence, torture, and poor conditions, while demanding the prison director’s immediate removal.

WATCH: Venezuela prisoners occupy prison, light mattresses in protest of alleged abuse

Four people were killed, including two children, after a school bus was hit by a train at a level crossing in Belgium, officials said on Thursday (May 26). The incident happened in the town of Buggenhout, north of Brussels. Several fatalities were reported among those on the school minibus, which was carrying seven children.&nbsp;Belgian media showed images of the badly damaged minibus lying on its side on a road next to the railway line, with tents set up by emergency responders nearby.According to police spokeswoman An Berger, seven children, a supervisor, and a driver were aboard the minibus. She added that no one was hurt on the train.“The impact was extremely violent,” Frederic Sacre, a spokesman for Belgium’s Infrabel rail agency, told AFP. He added that the train was travelling at 120 kilometres (75 miles) per hour at the time of the accident.“The minibus was thrown about 15 metres (50 feet) into a metal pylon,” he said. The footage showed that the barriers at the crossing had been closed, and a red light was seen at the time of the collision, Sacre said.&nbsp;According to local media reports, the students were from a school for children with learning disabilities.Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said that he was “deeply moved by the horrific accident... My thoughts go out to the affected families”.Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the number of fatalities in the accident. “A tragic collision between a train and a school bus took place in Buggenhout this morning. Four people have been killed, including two children,” he said on X.Following the incident, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said that she was “heartbroken” by the tragic incident.“My deepest condolences go out to the victims' families and their loved ones. Today, Europe grieves with Belgium,” she said in a post on social media.

Four people, including two children, died after a train struck a school minibus at a level crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium. The bus was carrying seven children, officials said.

Four people were killed, including two children, after a school bus was hit by a train at a level crossing in Belgium, officials said on Thursday (May 26). The incident happened in the town of Buggenhout, north of Brussels. Several fatalities were reported among those on the school minibus, which was carrying seven children. Belgian media showed images of the badly damaged minibus lying on its side on a road next to the railway line, with tents set up by emergency responders nearby. According to police spokeswoman An Berger, seven children, a supervisor, and a driver were aboard the minibus. She added that no one was hurt on the train. “The impact was extremely violent,” Frederic Sacre, a spokesman for Belgium’s Infrabel rail agency, told AFP. He added that the train was travelling at 120 kilometres (75 miles) per hour at the time of the accident. “The minibus was thrown about 15 metres (50 feet) into a metal pylon,” he said. The footage showed that the barriers at the crossing had been closed, and a red light was seen at the time of the collision, Sacre said. According to local media reports, the students were from a school for children with learning disabilities. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said that he was “deeply moved by the horrific accident... My thoughts go out to the affected families”. Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the number of fatalities in the accident. “A tragic collision between a train and a school bus took place in Buggenhout this morning. Four people have been killed, including two children,” he said on X. Following the incident, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said that she was “heartbroken” by the tragic incident. “My deepest condolences go out to the victims' families and their loved ones. Today, Europe grieves with Belgium,” she said in a post on social media.

Four people, including two children, died after a train struck a school minibus at a level crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium. The bus was carrying seven children, officials said.

Four killed, including children, after train hits school bus in Belgium

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is making a rare visit to Japan this week as Manila seeks to strengthen strategic ties and balance Beijing's influence amid tensions in the South China Sea dispute. The four-day trip, the first state visit by a Philippine leader to Japan in more than ten years, is expected to focus on boosting defence cooperation and broader bilateral ties between Manila and Tokyo amid China’s growing maritime assertiveness. On Thursday, before leaving on Friday, Marcos will meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, where both the leader likely to have a discussion on energy issues due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Ahead of his departure from Manila on Monday, Marcos told Japanese media that the Philippines plans to discuss the possible acquisition of Japanese defence equipment, including aircraft, missiles and radar systems.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-to-have-shot-down-us-mq-9-drone-over-gulf-region-amid-peace-talks-1779786720548"> Iran claims to have shot down US MQ-9 drone over Gulf region amid peace talks</a> He stated that he would discuss with Takaichi about the new defence posture of Tokyo, especially last month’s lifting of its post-World War II ban on the export of lethal weapons, as this could help the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. "Manila and Tokyo have experienced the same difficulties in terms of coercive acts, in terms of different grey zone tactics”, particularly in the South China Sea," Marcos said.

Ahead of Marcos' departure from Manila on Monday, he told Japanese media that the Philippines plans to discuss the possible acquisition of Japanese defence equipment, including aircraft, missiles and radar systems.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is making a rare visit to Japan this week as Manila seeks to strengthen strategic ties and balance Beijing's influence amid tensions in the South China Sea dispute. The four-day trip, the first state visit by a Philippine leader to Japan in more than ten years, is expected to focus on boosting defence cooperation and broader bilateral ties between Manila and Tokyo amid China’s growing maritime assertiveness. On Thursday, before leaving on Friday, Marcos will meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, where both the leader likely to have a discussion on energy issues due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Ahead of his departure from Manila on Monday, Marcos told Japanese media that the Philippines plans to discuss the possible acquisition of Japanese defence equipment, including aircraft, missiles and radar systems. Also read: Iran claims to have shot down US MQ-9 drone over Gulf region amid peace talks He stated that he would discuss with Takaichi about the new defence posture of Tokyo, especially last month’s lifting of its post-World War II ban on the export of lethal weapons, as this could help the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. "Manila and Tokyo have experienced the same difficulties in terms of coercive acts, in terms of different grey zone tactics”, particularly in the South China Sea," Marcos said.

Ahead of Marcos' departure from Manila on Monday, he told Japanese media that the Philippines plans to discuss the possible acquisition of Japanese defence equipment, including aircraft, missiles and radar systems.

Countering China? Inside Philippine President’s historic mission to Japan: What is Marcos up to?

Iran has reportedly claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone after it was fired at a fighter jet breaching Iranian airspace over the Gulf region. In an undated statement, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iranian forces "fired upon an RQ-4 drone and an intruding F-35 fighter jet".&nbsp;Meanwhile, the quoted statement did not specify when the incidents took place. However, the IRGC stated that it reserved the "legitimate and definite" right to retaliate against any violations of the regional truce by the United States.<h3>What is the US MQ-9 'Reaper' drone?</h3>The MQ-9A Reaper is the United States’ premier long-endurance, multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft, designed to perform multi-mission intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance(ISR) missions alongside precision strike over land and sea. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and first flown in 2001, the Reaper represents a decisive evolution from the earlier MQ-1 Predator, combining endurance, payload and reliability in a single platform that has also reshaped modern military operations. Funded initially by General Atomics, the MQ-9A was conceived to meet the growing demand for persistent aerial presence over vast and often remote theatres. Designated 'Reaper' by both the US Air Force and the Royal Air Force, it has since become the common name for armed Predator B variants. Its ability to operate over land and sea, often above deserts, coastlines and maritime corridors, underpins its global relevance.&nbsp;Powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine producing 900 shaft horsepower, the Reaper can fly for over 27 hours, reach speeds of 240 knots and operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. With a maximum take-off weight of 10,500 pounds and an external payload capacity of 3,000 pounds, it carries significantly more payload than its predecessor.<h2>Sensors, payloads and precision strike</h2>The MQ-9A’s modular design allows it to carry a wide range of payloads, including the MTS-B electro-optical and infrared system, Lynx multi-mode radar, maritime surveillance radar, and SIGINT/electronic support measures system. It can employ AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and a variety of laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs, enabling precise engagement with minimal collateral damage. A key strength of the Reaper lies in its fault-tolerant design. Triple-redundant avionics and redundant flight control surfaces allow it to meet manned-aircraft reliability standards. Operational availability consistently exceeds 90 per cent, which is a notable achievement for an unmanned platform.

Iran’s IRGC claimed it shot down a US MQ-9 drone and fired at an intruding F-35 jet over the Gulf region, warning it reserves the right to retaliate against any violation of the regional truce.

Iran has reportedly claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone after it was fired at a fighter jet breaching Iranian airspace over the Gulf region. In an undated statement, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iranian forces "fired upon an RQ-4 drone and an intruding F-35 fighter jet". Meanwhile, the quoted statement did not specify when the incidents took place. However, the IRGC stated that it reserved the "legitimate and definite" right to retaliate against any violations of the regional truce by the United States. What is the US MQ-9 'Reaper' drone? The MQ-9A Reaper is the United States’ premier long-endurance, multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft, designed to perform multi-mission intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance(ISR) missions alongside precision strike over land and sea. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and first flown in 2001, the Reaper represents a decisive evolution from the earlier MQ-1 Predator, combining endurance, payload and reliability in a single platform that has also reshaped modern military operations. Funded initially by General Atomics, the MQ-9A was conceived to meet the growing demand for persistent aerial presence over vast and often remote theatres. Designated 'Reaper' by both the US Air Force and the Royal Air Force, it has since become the common name for armed Predator B variants. Its ability to operate over land and sea, often above deserts, coastlines and maritime corridors, underpins its global relevance. Powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine producing 900 shaft horsepower, the Reaper can fly for over 27 hours, reach speeds of 240 knots and operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. With a maximum take-off weight of 10,500 pounds and an external payload capacity of 3,000 pounds, it carries significantly more payload than its predecessor. Sensors, payloads and precision strike The MQ-9A’s modular design allows it to carry a wide range of payloads, including the MTS-B electro-optical and infrared system, Lynx multi-mode radar, maritime surveillance radar, and SIGINT/electronic support measures system. It can employ AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and a variety of laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs, enabling precise engagement with minimal collateral damage. A key strength of the Reaper lies in its fault-tolerant design. Triple-redundant avionics and redundant flight control surfaces allow it to meet manned-aircraft reliability standards. Operational availability consistently exceeds 90 per cent, which is a notable achievement for an unmanned platform.

Iran’s IRGC claimed it shot down a US MQ-9 drone and fired at an intruding F-35 jet over the Gulf region, warning it reserves the right to retaliate against any violation of the regional truce.

Iran claims to have shot down US MQ-9 drone over Gulf region amid peace talks

Republican Rep of Kentucky Thomas Massie said during a press meet on Sunday, May 24, that FLOTUS Melania Trump was aware that Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring “did not act alone”. Massie said that he will use his congressional speech to debate immunity to publicly read redacted names from the Epstein files on the House floor before his term ends in January 2027. Massie has accused Department of Justice Attorney General Todd Blanche and &nbsp;FBI Director Kash Patel of illegally withholding millions of Epstein-related files.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas Massie has already read the prominent names in the unredacted documents, which he believes the Department of Justice should investigate. He publicly called out high-profile executives, including Leon Black, Jes Staley and Leslie Wexner, for their involvement with the disgraced sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. “Todd Blanche is violating the law. There are still millions of files they haven’t released,” said Massie to reporters. He, referring to Melania, said that “even Melania doesn’t believe that. The first lady knows that Jeffrey Epstein didn't act alone” &nbsp;and asserted that Melania believes there are more names that should be made public.&nbsp;“There are still millions of files they haven’t released, we know from talking to the victims’ lawyers that their own 302 forms haven’t been released, we know the files have been over-redacted,” said Massie“I don’t think it’s possible to get to convictions with Todd Blanche at the top and with the FBI director – Kash Patel – at the top, because they’ve effectively both perjured themselves by saying that there’s nobody else in the file."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alberta-referendum-canada-brexit-carney-danielle-smith-1779779478080">Alberta separation vote: Why Canada’s oil-rich province wants a referendum</a>This comes that Thomas Massie lost the primary to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who was backed by Donald Trump. Massie has publicly broken with the Trump administration on the Epstein files and the Iran war. Massie co-authored the &nbsp;Epstein Files Transparency Act with Democrat Ro Khanna, which was signed by POTUS, making it mandatory for the Department of Justice to release Epstein-related records. Massie's current announcement builds on the bizarre, unsolicited and sudden statement made by Melania in April, denying any personal connection with Jeffrey Epstein and urging Congress to hold public hearings so that Epstein's survivors could publicly testify under oath.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇺🇸 Thomas Massie says he will publicly read the names of Epstein clients before leaving Congress. HERO! <a href="https://t.co/3DbhIWeFy0">pic.twitter.com/3DbhIWeFy0</a>&mdash; Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinkle) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacksonhinkle/status/2058636902220083711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie claimed that Melania Trump believes Jeffrey Epstein “did not act alone” as he accused the DOJ and FBI of withholding millions of Epstein-related files.

Republican Rep of Kentucky Thomas Massie said during a press meet on Sunday, May 24, that FLOTUS Melania Trump was aware that Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring “did not act alone”. Massie said that he will use his congressional speech to debate immunity to publicly read redacted names from the Epstein files on the House floor before his term ends in January 2027. Massie has accused Department of Justice Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel of illegally withholding millions of Epstein-related files. Thomas Massie has already read the prominent names in the unredacted documents, which he believes the Department of Justice should investigate. He publicly called out high-profile executives, including Leon Black, Jes Staley and Leslie Wexner, for their involvement with the disgraced sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. “Todd Blanche is violating the law. There are still millions of files they haven’t released,” said Massie to reporters. He, referring to Melania, said that “even Melania doesn’t believe that. The first lady knows that Jeffrey Epstein didn't act alone” and asserted that Melania believes there are more names that should be made public. “There are still millions of files they haven’t released, we know from talking to the victims’ lawyers that their own 302 forms haven’t been released, we know the files have been over-redacted,” said Massie“I don’t think it’s possible to get to convictions with Todd Blanche at the top and with the FBI director – Kash Patel – at the top, because they’ve effectively both perjured themselves by saying that there’s nobody else in the file." Also Read: Alberta separation vote: Why Canada’s oil-rich province wants a referendum This comes that Thomas Massie lost the primary to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who was backed by Donald Trump. Massie has publicly broken with the Trump administration on the Epstein files and the Iran war. Massie co-authored the Epstein Files Transparency Act with Democrat Ro Khanna, which was signed by POTUS, making it mandatory for the Department of Justice to release Epstein-related records. Massie's current announcement builds on the bizarre, unsolicited and sudden statement made by Melania in April, denying any personal connection with Jeffrey Epstein and urging Congress to hold public hearings so that Epstein's survivors could publicly testify under oath.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie claimed that Melania Trump believes Jeffrey Epstein “did not act alone” as he accused the DOJ and FBI of withholding millions of Epstein-related files.

Melania Trump mentioned as Thomas Massie escalates Epstein files fight

India and the United States on Tuesday (May 26) signed a major Critical Minerals Framework agreement, a move both countries described as crucial for securing the future supply of materials needed for advanced technology, clean energy and defence manufacturing. The agreement was signed amid growing global concerns over China’s dominance in the critical minerals sector, especially rare earth elements used in semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, military systems and renewable energy infrastructure.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-announces-quad-s-new-indo-pacific-maritime-surveillance-initiative-what-is-it-wion-decodes-1779781338805">Rubio announces QUAD’s new Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance initiative. What is it? WION Decodes</a><h2>India, US to build 'trusted networks'</h2>The agreement builds upon the discussions held earlier this year in Washington DC, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), an initiative designed to strengthen cooperation among trusted partners on mineral security.According to a statement from the US Embassy, the framework aims to build trusted networks for sourcing and processing strategic minerals while reducing dependence on single-country supply chains. The deal also focuses on protecting critical mineral markets from what both sides described as coercive market practices.<h2>What will happen under the rare earth minerals framework?</h2>Under the new framework, India and the US are expected to work together on financing, supply chain resilience, mineral processing technologies and rare earth management.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the agreement as another sign of deepening ties between New Delhi and Washington. "It will strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, help us to collaborate on financing and with the effective management of critical minerals and rare earths".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-students-deserve-better-cockroach-janata-party-revives-petition-targeting-edu-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-neet-2026-paper-leak-1779774614724">'India’s students deserve better': Cockroach Janata Party revives petition targeting Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan</a>Calling the partnership increasingly important in a rapidly changing world, he added, "It is one more sign of how close our cooperation is in a world where there are so many challenges but also so many opportunities."<h2>Rubio highlights India's importance in US strategic planning</h2>Marco Rubio also stressed India’s growing importance in US strategic planning, particularly in the technology and manufacturing sectors. “I have spoken often during my time here over the last few days about the strategic alliance between the United States and India and how important that is for our national interest in the United States. And today is a tangible example of it,” Rubio said.

India and the US have signed a major critical minerals deal as both countries try to reduce dependence on China’s dominance over rare earth supply chains. The agreement could reshape everything from EV batteries and semiconductors to defence and clean energy manufacturing. Scroll down to read

India and the United States on Tuesday (May 26) signed a major Critical Minerals Framework agreement, a move both countries described as crucial for securing the future supply of materials needed for advanced technology, clean energy and defence manufacturing. The agreement was signed amid growing global concerns over China’s dominance in the critical minerals sector, especially rare earth elements used in semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, military systems and renewable energy infrastructure. Also read | Rubio announces QUAD’s new Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance initiative. What is it? WION Decodes India, US to build 'trusted networks' The agreement builds upon the discussions held earlier this year in Washington DC, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), an initiative designed to strengthen cooperation among trusted partners on mineral security. According to a statement from the US Embassy, the framework aims to build trusted networks for sourcing and processing strategic minerals while reducing dependence on single-country supply chains. The deal also focuses on protecting critical mineral markets from what both sides described as coercive market practices. What will happen under the rare earth minerals framework? Under the new framework, India and the US are expected to work together on financing, supply chain resilience, mineral processing technologies and rare earth management. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the agreement as another sign of deepening ties between New Delhi and Washington. "It will strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, help us to collaborate on financing and with the effective management of critical minerals and rare earths". Also read | 'India’s students deserve better': Cockroach Janata Party revives petition targeting Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Calling the partnership increasingly important in a rapidly changing world, he added, "It is one more sign of how close our cooperation is in a world where there are so many challenges but also so many opportunities." Rubio highlights India's importance in US strategic planning Marco Rubio also stressed India’s growing importance in US strategic planning, particularly in the technology and manufacturing sectors. “I have spoken often during my time here over the last few days about the strategic alliance between the United States and India and how important that is for our national interest in the United States. And today is a tangible example of it,” Rubio said.

India and the US have signed a major critical minerals deal as both countries try to reduce dependence on China’s dominance over rare earth supply chains. The agreement could reshape everything from EV batteries and semiconductors to defence and clean energy manufacturing. Scroll down to read

India and US sign mega rare earth deal to break China’s critical minerals monopoly

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday (May 26) announced that several initiatives were adopted at the QUAD foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi. Among the initiatives adopted at the meeting was the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation initiative. Stressing the importance of the QUAD coalition, Rubio noted that the QUAD nations make up a third of the world's GDP. "The stage today represented countries that collectively are about a third of the world's GDP, over almost 2 billion people, and not these aren't just countries that have economic reach, a third of the world's being 2 billion people, they are countries who share strong values, strong vibrant democracies, who also are committed to many of the same concepts with regards to economic development and have many aligned interests in those fields as well," he said. What is the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation initiative? WION Decodes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-students-deserve-better-cockroach-janata-party-revives-petition-targeting-edu-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-neet-2026-paper-leak-1779774614724">'India’s students deserve better': Cockroach Janata Party revives petition targeting Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan</a><h2>Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation Initiative</h2>The Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation initiative, according to Rubio, is an initiative aimed at enhancing regional surveillance coordination among India, the US, Australia and Japan.It is designed to enhance real-time information sharing and secure critical global trade routes, track commercial shipping, and counter coercive manoeuvres in a region that accounts for about 60 per cent of global maritime trade. The real-time data sharing will provide regional authorities with the tools to efficiently crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy and illicit trafficking.The initiative acts as a strategic counterweight to growing geopolitical tensions and military posturing by allowing democracies in the region to collectively monitor and respond to maritime provocations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-unidentified-projectile-into-yellow-sea-amid-rising-regional-tensions-1779773087136">North Korea fires ‘unidentified projectile’ into the Yellow Sea amid rising regional tensions</a><h2>Importance of Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation Initiative</h2>"I'm very happy today that as a result of the work that our teams have been doing leading up to this conversation, we have real concrete achievables that we can announce to our respective countries and to the world.""On the issue of maritime security, there are two big announcements. The first is the launch of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Cooperation Initiative, which is going to leverage each of our countries' maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to enhance information sharing. Related to that is also the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative, which provides and can provide near-real-time commercial maritime domain awareness data to countries throughout the Indo-Pacific," he added.

The QUAD nations have unveiled a major new Indo-Pacific maritime initiative aimed at tracking ships, sharing real-time surveillance data and countering threats across one of the world’s busiest trade regions.

Why is this move significant? Scroll down to find out.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday (May 26) announced that several initiatives were adopted at the QUAD foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi. Among the initiatives adopted at the meeting was the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation initiative. Stressing the importance of the QUAD coalition, Rubio noted that the QUAD nations make up a third of the world's GDP. "The stage today represented countries that collectively are about a third of the world's GDP, over almost 2 billion people, and not these aren't just countries that have economic reach, a third of the world's being 2 billion people, they are countries who share strong values, strong vibrant democracies, who also are committed to many of the same concepts with regards to economic development and have many aligned interests in those fields as well," he said. What is the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation initiative? WION Decodes. Also read | 'India’s students deserve better': Cockroach Janata Party revives petition targeting Edu Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation Initiative The Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation initiative, according to Rubio, is an initiative aimed at enhancing regional surveillance coordination among India, the US, Australia and Japan. It is designed to enhance real-time information sharing and secure critical global trade routes, track commercial shipping, and counter coercive manoeuvres in a region that accounts for about 60 per cent of global maritime trade. The real-time data sharing will provide regional authorities with the tools to efficiently crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy and illicit trafficking. The initiative acts as a strategic counterweight to growing geopolitical tensions and military posturing by allowing democracies in the region to collectively monitor and respond to maritime provocations. Also read | North Korea fires ‘unidentified projectile’ into the Yellow Sea amid rising regional tensions Importance of Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Co-operation Initiative "I'm very happy today that as a result of the work that our teams have been doing leading up to this conversation, we have real concrete achievables that we can announce to our respective countries and to the world." "On the issue of maritime security, there are two big announcements. The first is the launch of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Cooperation Initiative, which is going to leverage each of our countries' maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to enhance information sharing. Related to that is also the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative, which provides and can provide near-real-time commercial maritime domain awareness data to countries throughout the Indo-Pacific," he added.

The QUAD nations have unveiled a major new Indo-Pacific maritime initiative aimed at tracking ships, sharing real-time surveillance data and countering threats across one of the world’s busiest trade regions.Why is this move significant? Scroll down to find out.

Rubio announces QUAD’s new Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance initiative. What is it? WION Decodes

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Tuesday (May 26) warned the United States, saying that the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases. In a written statement, Mojtaba said that Ameroca will no longer have a “safe haven for mischief”. This comes after the US military struck Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, alleging they carried out the attack for “self-defence”. The attacks came despite a ceasefire between the two countries and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.“The hand of time does not turn back, and the nations and lands of the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases,” Mojtaba said in a written statement. “America will no longer have a safe haven for mischief and the establishment of military bases in the region.”Remembering his father, slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba said, “The weapon of God is great; it bestowed such strength and power upon the Iranian nation that, following the heart-wrenching event of the martyrdom of the great leader, the worthy successor of the Noble Messenger, His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali Husayni Khamenei, at the hands of the villains of today's world, it found divine resurrection.”Referring to the US as “the Great Satan” and Israel as “its trained beast”, the Iranian leader hailed the country’s armed forces. “The valiant mujahideen and self-sacrificing armed forces, placing their trust in the Divine Lord and by means of their missiles and drones on land, in the air, and at sea, hurled [their weapons] at the Great Satan—namely America—and its trained beast, the Zionist regime, and beheld with their own eyes the fulfillment of God's true promise of victory to the warriors striving in His path.”“The shaky Zionist regime and the cancerous tumour of Israel have also drawn near to the final stages of their cursed demise, and by the grace of God and in accordance with the decisive and prescient statement of the supremely dignified Leader ten years ago, it shall not see twenty-five years hence from that date, God willing,” he added.He said that Iran has succeeded in rendering Israel “helpless”, striking “devastating blows” in the war. He added that the Islamic Republic has delivered “a harsh slap to the aggressor America, and thwarting the enemy in its goal of forcing Iran’s surrender.” 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.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the US that American bases in the region will no longer be protected after US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Tuesday (May 26) warned the United States, saying that the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases. In a written statement, Mojtaba said that Ameroca will no longer have a “safe haven for mischief”. This comes after the US military struck Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, alleging they carried out the attack for “self-defence”. The attacks came despite a ceasefire between the two countries and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. “The hand of time does not turn back, and the nations and lands of the region will no longer serve as shields for American bases,” Mojtaba said in a written statement. “America will no longer have a safe haven for mischief and the establishment of military bases in the region.” Remembering his father, slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba said, “The weapon of God is great; it bestowed such strength and power upon the Iranian nation that, following the heart-wrenching event of the martyrdom of the great leader, the worthy successor of the Noble Messenger, His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali Husayni Khamenei, at the hands of the villains of today's world, it found divine resurrection.” Referring to the US as “the Great Satan” and Israel as “its trained beast”, the Iranian leader hailed the country’s armed forces. “The valiant mujahideen and self-sacrificing armed forces, placing their trust in the Divine Lord and by means of their missiles and drones on land, in the air, and at sea, hurled [their weapons] at the Great Satan—namely America—and its trained beast, the Zionist regime, and beheld with their own eyes the fulfillment of God's true promise of victory to the warriors striving in His path.” “The shaky Zionist regime and the cancerous tumour of Israel have also drawn near to the final stages of their cursed demise, and by the grace of God and in accordance with the decisive and prescient statement of the supremely dignified Leader ten years ago, it shall not see twenty-five years hence from that date, God willing,” he added. He said that Iran has succeeded in rendering Israel “helpless”, striking “devastating blows” in the war. He added that the Islamic Republic has delivered “a harsh slap to the aggressor America, and thwarting the enemy in its goal of forcing Iran’s surrender.” 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.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the US that American bases in the region will no longer be protected after US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions.

‘America won’t have safe haven for mischief’: Mojtaba’s EXPLOSIVE warning after US attacks Iran

The oil-rich Alberta province of Canada is planning to hold a referendum in October to decide whether it will break away from the nation, as announced by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has voiced his condemnation of the move, calling it a “dangerous bluff”. Carney was the governor of the Bank of England during Britain's vote to leave the European Union in 2016. He drew a parallel between the two, saying that people are still trying to undo what they voted for.&nbsp;"I saw firsthand what happened in the United Kingdom ... They're still ​10 years later trying to undo what people didn't think they were voting for, but ⁠what they ended up having," Carney said, referring to the 2016 Brexit vote. The vote scheduled for October 19 will ask Albertan wether they want to stay with Canada or want to initiate the process of holding a binding referendum to secede.&nbsp;“Is it helpful to ask these fundamental questions?” Carney said while talking to reporters on Monday. “No, it’s not helpful. Of course, it’s not. Is it the democratic will of Albertans? Did they vote for this in the last provincial election? No, they didn’t. It wasn’t on the ballot paper; it wasn’t in the mandates or platforms of the governing party and the official opposition.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hormuz-abkhazia-accords-israel-iran-palestine-analysis-1779773066727">Trump’s Hormuz gambit and Abraham Accords expansion: How does it sideline Palestine?</a>The comments were the harshest criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Her centre-right United Conservative Party did not mention a ​referendum in the run-up to its election victory in the province in 2023. Danielle Smith had voiced her opposition to separation but said that she will work to materialise the process of the referendum. It came after a grassroots movement named Stay Free Alberta, which gathered 300,000 signatures for a petition calling for a separation from Canada, enough to trigger a referendum. The movement is led by senior provincial conservative organiser Mitch Sylvestre and directly backed by MAGA and Donald Trump. &nbsp;U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went on right-wing media to publicly validate the secession rumours, calling Alberta a “natural partner for the United States”. There are also reports from the Financial Times that members of the Trump administration held meetings with Alberta secessionist groups to enable credit lines if they succeeded at freedom.&nbsp;Alberta is an oil-rich province of Canada, and holds over 95 per cent of the oil reserves of Canada. Until now, Carney and Smith had been cooperating to build an oil and gas pipeline from British Columbia to supply the Asian Markets. Canada contains the third-largest oil reserve in the world, just after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta will vote in October on whether to pursue a path toward separation. Prime Minister Mark Carney compared the move to Brexit as tensions over oil, federal power and nationalism intensify.

The oil-rich Alberta province of Canada is planning to hold a referendum in October to decide whether it will break away from the nation, as announced by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has voiced his condemnation of the move, calling it a “dangerous bluff”. Carney was the governor of the Bank of England during Britain's vote to leave the European Union in 2016. He drew a parallel between the two, saying that people are still trying to undo what they voted for. "I saw firsthand what happened in the United Kingdom ... They're still 10 years later trying to undo what people didn't think they were voting for, but ⁠what they ended up having," Carney said, referring to the 2016 Brexit vote. The vote scheduled for October 19 will ask Albertan wether they want to stay with Canada or want to initiate the process of holding a binding referendum to secede. “Is it helpful to ask these fundamental questions?” Carney said while talking to reporters on Monday. “No, it’s not helpful. Of course, it’s not. Is it the democratic will of Albertans? Did they vote for this in the last provincial election? No, they didn’t. It wasn’t on the ballot paper; it wasn’t in the mandates or platforms of the governing party and the official opposition.” Also Read: Trump’s Hormuz gambit and Abraham Accords expansion: How does it sideline Palestine? The comments were the harshest criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Her centre-right United Conservative Party did not mention a referendum in the run-up to its election victory in the province in 2023. Danielle Smith had voiced her opposition to separation but said that she will work to materialise the process of the referendum. It came after a grassroots movement named Stay Free Alberta, which gathered 300,000 signatures for a petition calling for a separation from Canada, enough to trigger a referendum. The movement is led by senior provincial conservative organiser Mitch Sylvestre and directly backed by MAGA and Donald Trump. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went on right-wing media to publicly validate the secession rumours, calling Alberta a “natural partner for the United States”. There are also reports from the Financial Times that members of the Trump administration held meetings with Alberta secessionist groups to enable credit lines if they succeeded at freedom. Alberta is an oil-rich province of Canada, and holds over 95 per cent of the oil reserves of Canada. Until now, Carney and Smith had been cooperating to build an oil and gas pipeline from British Columbia to supply the Asian Markets. Canada contains the third-largest oil reserve in the world, just after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.

Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta will vote in October on whether to pursue a path toward separation. Prime Minister Mark Carney compared the move to Brexit as tensions over oil, federal power and nationalism intensify.

Alberta separation vote: Mark Carney warns 'dangerous bluff' and Canada's Brexit moment

China and Pakistan on Tuesday (May 26) said they had reached a “new broad consensus” to deepen strategic cooperation and accelerate development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with a renewed focus on transforming Gwadar into a regional connectivity hub. The announcement came in a joint statement issued after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his visit to Beijing, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The two sides said they had agreed to promote the “high-quality” development of CPEC, the flagship corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative, while strengthening transport and port connectivity between the neighbouring countries.&nbsp;“Both sides welcomed third parties to participate in the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under the model agreed,” the statement said. The plans include further development of the port of Gwadar, expansion of road and port infrastructure, and upgrades to the Karakoram Highway and the Khunjerab Pass, the main overland trade route linking China and Pakistan. Pakistan also pledged enhanced security measures to safeguard Chinese workers and investments, a longstanding concern for Beijing after repeated militant attacks targeting Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indo-pacific-will-become-more-important-to-world-in-coming-days-says-jaishankar-after-quad-meeting-1779772766339">Indo-Pacific will become more important to world in coming days: Jaishankar</a>&nbsp;The joint statement underscored the broader regional dimension of the partnership, with China expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue linked to the temporary US-Iran ceasefire and diplomatic engagement in Islamabad. Both countries reiterated support for the early adoption of a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East, saying they were willing to make “positive contributions” towards regional stability.&nbsp;In Taiwan, Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the “one-China principle”, describing Taiwan as an “inalienable” part of China and opposing any form of Taiwanese independence. Taiwan has consistently rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that only the island’s people can determine its future. The two sides also discussed regional security, particularly developments involving Afghanistan. Pakistan welcomed China’s efforts to expand engagement with Kabul, while both countries opposed the use of territory by militant groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, to threaten regional security or launch attacks.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/freedom-of-vavigation-energy-security-quad-summit-begins-in-delhi-what-leaders-said-in-opening-remarks-1779767494013">QUAD Foreign Ministers hold talks in Delhi: What leaders said in opening remarks</a> &nbsp;

China and Pakistan reached a new consensus to accelerate CPEC and Gwadar Port development, while pledging enhanced security for Chinese workers and aligning on Middle East and regional geopolitics.

China and Pakistan on Tuesday (May 26) said they had reached a “new broad consensus” to deepen strategic cooperation and accelerate development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with a renewed focus on transforming Gwadar into a regional connectivity hub. The announcement came in a joint statement issued after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his visit to Beijing, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The two sides said they had agreed to promote the “high-quality” development of CPEC, the flagship corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative, while strengthening transport and port connectivity between the neighbouring countries. “Both sides welcomed third parties to participate in the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under the model agreed,” the statement said. The plans include further development of the port of Gwadar, expansion of road and port infrastructure, and upgrades to the Karakoram Highway and the Khunjerab Pass, the main overland trade route linking China and Pakistan. Pakistan also pledged enhanced security measures to safeguard Chinese workers and investments, a longstanding concern for Beijing after repeated militant attacks targeting Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. Also read: Indo-Pacific will become more important to world in coming days: Jaishankar The joint statement underscored the broader regional dimension of the partnership, with China expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue linked to the temporary US-Iran ceasefire and diplomatic engagement in Islamabad. Both countries reiterated support for the early adoption of a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East, saying they were willing to make “positive contributions” towards regional stability. In Taiwan, Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the “one-China principle”, describing Taiwan as an “inalienable” part of China and opposing any form of Taiwanese independence. Taiwan has consistently rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that only the island’s people can determine its future. The two sides also discussed regional security, particularly developments involving Afghanistan. Pakistan welcomed China’s efforts to expand engagement with Kabul, while both countries opposed the use of territory by militant groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, to threaten regional security or launch attacks. Also read: QUAD Foreign Ministers hold talks in Delhi: What leaders said in opening remarks

China and Pakistan reached a new consensus to accelerate CPEC and Gwadar Port development, while pledging enhanced security for Chinese workers and aligning on Middle East and regional geopolitics.

Pakistan-China reach 'new broad consensus' under CPEC. Details here

The US has repeatedly launched military actions against Iran even during negotiations, from the 1953 CIA-backed coup and 1980 hostage rescue attempt to 2020 Soleimani strike and 2026 ceasefire-era attacks, highlighting a long pattern of conflict alongside diplomacy.

Pressure tactics or betrayal? 7 times US targeted Iran during ongoing talks

The US deployment of the Typhon mid-range missile system to Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima, southern Japan, could directly threaten China's coastal cities, blocking naval routes to the Pacific, a Chinese analyst has warned. The Typhon was likely to be positioned in southwestern Japan next month for joint US-Japan military exercises, according to Kyodo News. Fu Qianshao, a Beijing-based military analyst, warned that the reported deployment of the missile launcher at the Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture is alarming, given its proximity to mainland China. “The deployment location is relatively close to the Chinese mainland. If cruise missiles are deployed there with a certain level of launch capability, it will pose a threat to relevant Chinese [land] targets,” Fu said.<h3>How US Typhon deployment in Japan pose a threat to China?</h3>As we know, the Kanoya Airbase, on Kyushu island facing the East China Sea, is closer to China than most other Japanese bases. Military analysts and defence experts also indicate that this strategic positioning presents an unprecedented tactical threat to Chinese coastal economic hubs, which can also restrict the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) from accessing the broader Pacific Ocean. The Typhon weapon system is considered a versatile, mobile launcher system which is capable of firing Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,600 km. It is also capable of intercepting Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). The Kanoya Airbase on Kyushu Island lies nearly 800 to 1,200 kilometres (about 500 to 750 miles) from major Chinese metropolitan and industrial command centres, including Shanghai, Ningbo, and Hangzhou. This proximity can allow the US military to hold highly vital Chinese coastal infrastructure at risk because Tomahawk missiles can fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection. A Typhon battery stationed in southwestern Japan leaves China's eastern theater command with compressed reaction times, fundamentally challenging its air defence grids.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indo-pacific-will-become-more-important-to-world-in-coming-days-says-jaishankar-after-quad-meeting-1779772766339">Quad Foreign Ministers meeting: From terrorism to GDP - here's what ministers said in joint statement</a><h3>Chokepoint control and the first island chain</h3>Beyond land targets, deployment of the Typhon mid-range missile system can also act as a strategic cork in the First Island Chain. In addition, utilising SM-6 missiles, which possess secondary anti-ship capabilities, the Typhon system provides the US-Japan alliance with a powerful "Anti-Access/Area Denial" (A2/AD) capability of its own. Defence reports from the Rand Corporation also indicate that such deployments prompt the US to set up overlapping anti-ship and air-defence umbrellas. During the conflicts, the deployment could effectively blockade Chinese warships and submarines within the marginal seas, neutralising their power to counterattack effectively.<h3>Regional escalation</h3>While Washington and Tokyo label these joint exercises as a necessary deterrent to maintain a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," China see the merger of intermediate-range strike capabilities on Japanese soil as an aggressive strategy. The move alters the regional balance of power, forcing China to heavily reallocate its surveillance and missile defence resources toward its northeastern maritime frontier.

The US deployment of the Typhon missile system to Japan's Kanoya Air Base poses a major threat to China. Its 1,600 km range places economic hubs like Shanghai within striking distance, compressing radar reaction times.

The US deployment of the Typhon mid-range missile system to Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima, southern Japan, could directly threaten China's coastal cities, blocking naval routes to the Pacific, a Chinese analyst has warned. The Typhon was likely to be positioned in southwestern Japan next month for joint US-Japan military exercises, according to Kyodo News. Fu Qianshao, a Beijing-based military analyst, warned that the reported deployment of the missile launcher at the Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture is alarming, given its proximity to mainland China. “The deployment location is relatively close to the Chinese mainland. If cruise missiles are deployed there with a certain level of launch capability, it will pose a threat to relevant Chinese [land] targets,” Fu said. How US Typhon deployment in Japan pose a threat to China? As we know, the Kanoya Airbase, on Kyushu island facing the East China Sea, is closer to China than most other Japanese bases. Military analysts and defence experts also indicate that this strategic positioning presents an unprecedented tactical threat to Chinese coastal economic hubs, which can also restrict the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) from accessing the broader Pacific Ocean. The Typhon weapon system is considered a versatile, mobile launcher system which is capable of firing Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,600 km. It is also capable of intercepting Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). The Kanoya Airbase on Kyushu Island lies nearly 800 to 1,200 kilometres (about 500 to 750 miles) from major Chinese metropolitan and industrial command centres, including Shanghai, Ningbo, and Hangzhou. This proximity can allow the US military to hold highly vital Chinese coastal infrastructure at risk because Tomahawk missiles can fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection. A Typhon battery stationed in southwestern Japan leaves China's eastern theater command with compressed reaction times, fundamentally challenging its air defence grids. Also read: Quad Foreign Ministers meeting: From terrorism to GDP - here's what ministers said in joint statement Chokepoint control and the first island chain Beyond land targets, deployment of the Typhon mid-range missile system can also act as a strategic cork in the First Island Chain. In addition, utilising SM-6 missiles, which possess secondary anti-ship capabilities, the Typhon system provides the US-Japan alliance with a powerful "Anti-Access/Area Denial" (A2/AD) capability of its own. Defence reports from the Rand Corporation also indicate that such deployments prompt the US to set up overlapping anti-ship and air-defence umbrellas. During the conflicts, the deployment could effectively blockade Chinese warships and submarines within the marginal seas, neutralising their power to counterattack effectively. Regional escalation While Washington and Tokyo label these joint exercises as a necessary deterrent to maintain a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," China see the merger of intermediate-range strike capabilities on Japanese soil as an aggressive strategy. The move alters the regional balance of power, forcing China to heavily reallocate its surveillance and missile defence resources toward its northeastern maritime frontier.

The US deployment of the Typhon missile system to Japan's Kanoya Air Base poses a major threat to China. Its 1,600 km range places economic hubs like Shanghai within striking distance, compressing radar reaction times.

How US Typhon mid-range missile system deployment in Japan pose a threat to China?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken to a hospital in Jerusalem on Monday evening (May 25), his office reportedly said a statement. The Times of Israel quoted local media reports and said that Netanyahu was undergoing “unspecified dental treatment” at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem. The comes after Netanyahu last month revealed in a social media statement that he had undergone successful radiation therapy at Hadassah Hospital for a malignant prostate tumour. He said the information had been withheld earlier because Iran could have exploited it for propaganda during the recent conflict. As the Iran war began, rumours have been floating that he has been killed or may have fled the country. However, none of it was true. Scrutiny surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu’s health has persisted for years, with the Israeli leader repeatedly facing criticism over the alleged withholding of medical information from the public.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-crush-them-netanyahu-vows-intensified-offensive-action-against-hezbollah-following-drone-attacks-1779734253984">'We will crush them': Netanyahu vows intensified offensive action against Hezbollah following drone attacks</a><h2>Netanyahu’s health under scrutiny</h2>The health of 76-year-old Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has remained under intense public scrutiny following multiple medical episodes and criticism over the limited disclosure of his health condition. Netanyahu did not disclose when he was diagnosed with tumour, when the treatment began, or when it concluded. His announcement was accompanied by an annual health report and a separate note on the cancer treatment, but both documents drew criticism for lacking detail. The report reportedly contained only a few vague bullet points, did not mention the year it covered, and carried no hospital branding or formal certification.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-agreed-final-agreement-with-iran-must-remove-nuclear-danger-says-netanyahu-1779638705604">‘Trump agreed final agreement with Iran must remove nuclear danger,’ says Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;In recent years, Netanyahu has undergone several medical procedures, including the implantation of a pacemaker in July 2023, hernia surgery in March 2024, and prostate removal surgery in December 2024. During the pacemaker episode, initial statements from his office and the hospital said he had been admitted for dehydration monitoring. Later, however, it emerged that doctors had fitted him with a subcutaneous heart monitor, sparking fresh questions about transparency surrounding his health. Medical officials later acknowledged detecting irregularities in an ECG test but maintained that the prime minister’s heart condition was “completely normal.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken to a Jerusalem hospital for dental treatment, reigniting focus on his health after recent cancer treatment, pacemaker implantation and surgeries. The visit also comes amid false online rumours linked to the Iran war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken to a hospital in Jerusalem on Monday evening (May 25), his office reportedly said a statement. The Times of Israel quoted local media reports and said that Netanyahu was undergoing “unspecified dental treatment” at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem. The comes after Netanyahu last month revealed in a social media statement that he had undergone successful radiation therapy at Hadassah Hospital for a malignant prostate tumour. He said the information had been withheld earlier because Iran could have exploited it for propaganda during the recent conflict. As the Iran war began, rumours have been floating that he has been killed or may have fled the country. However, none of it was true. Scrutiny surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu’s health has persisted for years, with the Israeli leader repeatedly facing criticism over the alleged withholding of medical information from the public. Also Read: 'We will crush them': Netanyahu vows intensified offensive action against Hezbollah following drone attacks Netanyahu’s health under scrutiny The health of 76-year-old Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has remained under intense public scrutiny following multiple medical episodes and criticism over the limited disclosure of his health condition. Netanyahu did not disclose when he was diagnosed with tumour, when the treatment began, or when it concluded. His announcement was accompanied by an annual health report and a separate note on the cancer treatment, but both documents drew criticism for lacking detail. The report reportedly contained only a few vague bullet points, did not mention the year it covered, and carried no hospital branding or formal certification. Also Read: ‘Trump agreed final agreement with Iran must remove nuclear danger,’ says Netanyahu In recent years, Netanyahu has undergone several medical procedures, including the implantation of a pacemaker in July 2023, hernia surgery in March 2024, and prostate removal surgery in December 2024. During the pacemaker episode, initial statements from his office and the hospital said he had been admitted for dehydration monitoring. Later, however, it emerged that doctors had fitted him with a subcutaneous heart monitor, sparking fresh questions about transparency surrounding his health. Medical officials later acknowledged detecting irregularities in an ECG test but maintained that the prime minister’s heart condition was “completely normal.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken to a Jerusalem hospital for dental treatment, reigniting focus on his health after recent cancer treatment, pacemaker implantation and surgeries. The visit also comes amid false online rumours linked to the Iran war.

Netanyahu taken to hospital months after prostate cancer treatment: What happened to Israeli PM?

US President Donald Trump on Monday stunned Arab and Muslim leaders when he said that he would only broker a peace deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if there was a normalisation with Israel. Arab and Muslim leaders who were caught off-guard have reacted with deep hesitation, silence and conditional pushback. According to US officials who leaked the details of the conversation to Axios, told that the demand left Arab leaders in silence, so much so that Trump quipped, "Are they still there?" Later, Trump said that his team of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will follow up with Arab countries on the normalisation with Israel in the following weeks.&nbsp;<h2>What is Trump trying to achieve, and why did he leak the details of the call?</h2>A Truth Social post by Trump claimed that the Abraham Accords will bring “peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years”, and Trump did not stop there; he also floated the highly controversial idea that the Islamic Republic of Iran join the Abraham Accords. Trump's push for the expansion of the Abraham Accords can be seen as his interest in consolidating the fractured MAGA base ahead of the midterms. By expanding the Abraham Accords, Trump will shield the potential Iran deal fallout from the pro-Israel camp among the Republicans. At the same time, he could claim a moral victory over the anti-war critics by bundling the peace deal with the Abraham Accords as a historic achievement.&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz is not just a shipping lane; it is the physical valve that regulates the Petrodollar system, yet he is using the security as a leverage against the very nations that sustain it. By publicly leaking the details of the call, Trump at first tested the reaction of the Arab and Muslim leaders. Because he is playing a gambit, which side is more desperate about the reopening of Hormuz? He wants to push the hands of the Arab leaders who do not openly normalise with Israel but hold reservations against the Islamic Republic of Iran.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-rejects-germany-eu-associate-membership-proposal-1779542543870">Zelensky wants full EU membership, not a symbolic seat at the table</a><h2>What does it mean for Israel, Iran and a Palestinian state?</h2>The Abraham Accords expansion with major Arab nations will push Palestine into limbo, and it will sideline the UN-mandated two-state solution. The expansion will push Palestinians into a corner and change the peace for land to peace for peace paradigm. It undermines the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which sought the establishment of a Palestinian political state in exchange for normalisation of relations with Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The whole narrative control and art of the deal of Trump does not seem to factor in the religious doctrine that drives both Israel, Iran and Christian Evangelists. The name “Abraham Accords” was chosen to emphasise the shared Abrahamic roots of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. But the important caveat is that Iran and Israel have different eschatological world views. For Israel, its building of the Third Temple and the coming of the Messianic Age. Israel does not seek normalisation; it seeks total domination in the war of Gog and Magog. On the other hand, Iran's Shia doctrine holds the liberation of Jerusalem as the prerequisite for the end times; it is centred around the war with the "Great Satan". Further, this is complicated by Trump's own voter base of Christian Evangelical Zionists, who view Jewish control of Jerusalem as a prerequisite for the second coming of Jesus Christ. The important part where the scripts of all sides collide. The geopolitical and diplomatic involvement is part of fulfilling that script. Any everlasting diplomatic solution seems unlikely for religious zealots on both sides who see this as deferring cosmic events.

US President Donald Trump reportedly linked reopening the Strait of Hormuz to expanding the Abraham Accords with Israel. Here’s what the strategy means for Iran, Arab states and Palestine.

US President Donald Trump on Monday stunned Arab and Muslim leaders when he said that he would only broker a peace deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if there was a normalisation with Israel. Arab and Muslim leaders who were caught off-guard have reacted with deep hesitation, silence and conditional pushback. According to US officials who leaked the details of the conversation to Axios, told that the demand left Arab leaders in silence, so much so that Trump quipped, "Are they still there?" Later, Trump said that his team of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will follow up with Arab countries on the normalisation with Israel in the following weeks. What is Trump trying to achieve, and why did he leak the details of the call? A Truth Social post by Trump claimed that the Abraham Accords will bring “peace to the Middle East for the first time in 5,000 years”, and Trump did not stop there; he also floated the highly controversial idea that the Islamic Republic of Iran join the Abraham Accords. Trump's push for the expansion of the Abraham Accords can be seen as his interest in consolidating the fractured MAGA base ahead of the midterms. By expanding the Abraham Accords, Trump will shield the potential Iran deal fallout from the pro-Israel camp among the Republicans. At the same time, he could claim a moral victory over the anti-war critics by bundling the peace deal with the Abraham Accords as a historic achievement. The Strait of Hormuz is not just a shipping lane; it is the physical valve that regulates the Petrodollar system, yet he is using the security as a leverage against the very nations that sustain it. By publicly leaking the details of the call, Trump at first tested the reaction of the Arab and Muslim leaders. Because he is playing a gambit, which side is more desperate about the reopening of Hormuz? He wants to push the hands of the Arab leaders who do not openly normalise with Israel but hold reservations against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Also Read: Zelensky wants full EU membership, not a symbolic seat at the table What does it mean for Israel, Iran and a Palestinian state? The Abraham Accords expansion with major Arab nations will push Palestine into limbo, and it will sideline the UN-mandated two-state solution. The expansion will push Palestinians into a corner and change the peace for land to peace for peace paradigm. It undermines the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which sought the establishment of a Palestinian political state in exchange for normalisation of relations with Israel. The whole narrative control and art of the deal of Trump does not seem to factor in the religious doctrine that drives both Israel, Iran and Christian Evangelists. The name “Abraham Accords” was chosen to emphasise the shared Abrahamic roots of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. But the important caveat is that Iran and Israel have different eschatological world views. For Israel, its building of the Third Temple and the coming of the Messianic Age. Israel does not seek normalisation; it seeks total domination in the war of Gog and Magog. On the other hand, Iran's Shia doctrine holds the liberation of Jerusalem as the prerequisite for the end times; it is centred around the war with the "Great Satan". Further, this is complicated by Trump's own voter base of Christian Evangelical Zionists, who view Jewish control of Jerusalem as a prerequisite for the second coming of Jesus Christ. The important part where the scripts of all sides collide. The geopolitical and diplomatic involvement is part of fulfilling that script. Any everlasting diplomatic solution seems unlikely for religious zealots on both sides who see this as deferring cosmic events.

US President Donald Trump reportedly linked reopening the Strait of Hormuz to expanding the Abraham Accords with Israel. Here’s what the strategy means for Iran, Arab states and Palestine.

Trump’s Hormuz gambit and Abraham Accords expansion: How does it sideline Palestine?

North Korea on Tuesday (May 26) launched an "unidentified projectile" into the Yellow Sea off the country's west coast, according to South Korea’s military. In a brief statement, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the projectile was launched toward the West Sea, the Korean name for the Yellow Sea, located between China and the Korean Peninsula. Officials did not immediately provide further details about the type of projectile or the distance travelled.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/green-card-applicants-should-go-home-new-us-citizenship-rule-may-hit-indians-hardest-check-how-you-could-be-affected-1779514161561">Green card applicants should go home? New US citizenship rule may hit Indians hardest; check how you could be affected</a><h2>Was it a cluster bomb warhead?</h2>The launch comes just a month after North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles in what state media described as a test aimed at verifying the "characteristics and power" of cluster bomb warheads.Pyongyang has sharply accelerated weapons development since talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019 without an agreement on denuclearisation. While Trump has repeatedly said he remains open to restarting dialogue with Kim, North Korea has so far ignored those overtures and insisted Washington must first drop demands related to nuclear disarmament.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-one-can-protect-you-revealed-irgc-linked-terrorist-allegedly-plotted-to-assassinate-ivanka-trump-to-avenge-qasem-soleimani-house-map-chilling-1779506377886">'No one can protect you': REVEALED! IRGC-linked terrorists' plot to assassinate Ivanka Trump</a><h2>Xi Jinping to visit North Korea</h2>The latest launch also comes at a politically sensitive moment in the region. Reports from South Korean media last week suggested Chinese President Xi Jinping could visit North Korea sometime this week, though neither Beijing nor Pyongyang has officially confirmed the trip.At the same time, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday called for major upgrades to Seoul’s military capabilities during a Cabinet meeting. Lee stressed the need to strengthen artificial intelligence and drone technology and also floated the possibility of acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine.Without directly mentioning North Korea during his remarks, Lee emphasised that South Korea must show the "resolve to take responsibility for and protect our own security ourselves," while also maintaining strong ties with the United States.

North Korea has fired another mysterious projectile into the Yellow Sea, weeks after testing what it called cluster bomb warheads. Scroll down for full details.

North Korea on Tuesday (May 26) launched an "unidentified projectile" into the Yellow Sea off the country's west coast, according to South Korea’s military. In a brief statement, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the projectile was launched toward the West Sea, the Korean name for the Yellow Sea, located between China and the Korean Peninsula. Officials did not immediately provide further details about the type of projectile or the distance travelled. Also read | Green card applicants should go home? New US citizenship rule may hit Indians hardest; check how you could be affected Was it a cluster bomb warhead? The launch comes just a month after North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles in what state media described as a test aimed at verifying the "characteristics and power" of cluster bomb warheads. Pyongyang has sharply accelerated weapons development since talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019 without an agreement on denuclearisation. While Trump has repeatedly said he remains open to restarting dialogue with Kim, North Korea has so far ignored those overtures and insisted Washington must first drop demands related to nuclear disarmament. Also read | 'No one can protect you': REVEALED! IRGC-linked terrorists' plot to assassinate Ivanka Trump Xi Jinping to visit North Korea The latest launch also comes at a politically sensitive moment in the region. Reports from South Korean media last week suggested Chinese President Xi Jinping could visit North Korea sometime this week, though neither Beijing nor Pyongyang has officially confirmed the trip. At the same time, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday called for major upgrades to Seoul’s military capabilities during a Cabinet meeting. Lee stressed the need to strengthen artificial intelligence and drone technology and also floated the possibility of acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine. Without directly mentioning North Korea during his remarks, Lee emphasised that South Korea must show the "resolve to take responsibility for and protect our own security ourselves," while also maintaining strong ties with the United States.

North Korea has fired another mysterious projectile into the Yellow Sea, weeks after testing what it called cluster bomb warheads. Scroll down for full details.

North Korea fires ‘unidentified projectile’ into Yellow Sea amid rising regional tensions

The Minister of External Affairs of India, S. Jaishankar, said on Tuesday (May 26) that in the coming days, the Indo-Pacific will become even more important to the world. Addressing a press conference after the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, Jaishankar said that the discussions were primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific and that the maritime domain has seen a steady expansion of collaboration.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | At Quad Foreign Ministers&#39; meet in Delhi, Foreign Minister of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi says, &quot;This Quad meeting signifies the firm message to the world that Quad will strongly promote cooperation to realise free and open Indo-Pacific...The Indo-Pacific nations should… <a href="https://t.co/zbLX41Lurl">pic.twitter.com/zbLX41Lurl</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2059125266354720974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“We spent some time on the question of safe and unimpeded maritime commerce, and reaffirmed the significance of scrupulously observing international law,” the Indian minister added. The ministers also devoted their time to discussing the threat of terrorism. “Nations subject to terrorist attacks have the right to defend themselves," said Jaishankar.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the Indo-Pacific region is facing acute economic stress. “We recognise the efforts of Secretary Rubio towards a diplomatic resolution to ensure that the freedom of navigation is restored," she said.<h2>'Countries that are about a 3rd of world's GDP'</h2>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Quad as a grouping representing “about a third of the world’s GDP” and nearly two billion people, as the four Indo-Pacific democracies unveiled a series of initiatives on maritime security, port infrastructure and critical minerals cooperation. Speaking after the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio said the Quad was evolving into an action-oriented partnership focused on “real concrete achievables”.&nbsp;&nbsp;He announced the launch of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Cooperation Initiative to strengthen information sharing and expand maritime domain awareness capabilities across the region. Rubio also confirmed plans for a Quad-backed port infrastructure project in Fiji to address insufficient port capacity in Pacific Island nations, marking the first such joint initiative by the grouping.&nbsp;On economic security, Rubio unveiled the Quad Critical Minerals Framework aimed at coordinating investments, strengthening mining and processing capabilities, and securing supply chains. Stressing the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, he noted that nearly 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes through the region and said the Quad’s collective agenda had become even more relevant amid recent global developments.<h2>‘There must be zero tolerance for terrorism’</h2>Jaishankar further said that the four maritime democracies exchanged views on deepening cooperation in surveillance, logistics networks, undersea cables, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as maritime domain awareness. He stressed the importance of “safe and unimpeded maritime commerce” and called for strict observance of international law. Highlighting the Quad nations as market economies, Jaishankar said discussions also centred on strengthening supply chains, promoting trusted technologies and enhancing production capacities amid ongoing concerns over energy and fertiliser availability.&nbsp;&nbsp;He reiterated the Quad’s “zero tolerance” approach towards terrorism, asserting that countries facing terrorist attacks have the right to defend themselves. Jaishankar added that the Indo-Pacific would become increasingly central to global economic activity, energy trade and maritime commerce in the coming years, which would correspondingly expand the responsibilities of the Quad grouping. &nbsp;

At the Quad meeting, India's S. Jaishankar emphasised Indo-Pacific importance, maritime law, and self-defense against terrorism, while Australia's Penny Wong noted regional economic stress and supported freedom of navigation efforts.

The Minister of External Affairs of India, S. Jaishankar, said on Tuesday (May 26) that in the coming days, the Indo-Pacific will become even more important to the world. Addressing a press conference after the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, Jaishankar said that the discussions were primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific and that the maritime domain has seen a steady expansion of collaboration.

At the Quad meeting, India's S. Jaishankar emphasised Indo-Pacific importance, maritime law, and self-defence against terrorism, while Australia's Penny Wong noted regional economic stress and supported freedom of navigation efforts.

Quad Foreign Ministers meeting: From terrorism to GDP - here's what ministers said in joint statement

Pakistan's Khawaja Asif has rejected Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords, reaffirming it will not recognize Israel until an independent Palestinian state is established. Islamabad’s stance comes amid renewed US efforts to expand Arab-Israel normalization agreements.


Trump, Asim Munir and Abraham Accords: What is Pakistan’s position on Israel?

The Quad Foreign Ministers meet began in New Delhi on Tuesday (May 26). The meeting is being attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The leaders expressed their shared commitment to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific, while stressing the need for stronger cooperation on maritime security, resilient supply chains, critical technologies, economic security, humanitarian response and regional stability. They also underlined the importance of trusted partnerships and accelerating QUAD collaboration amid growing global and regional challenges.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-foreign-ministers-meet-takes-place-in-delhi-after-trump-xi-summit-what-will-be-different-1779696321808/amp">Quad foreign ministers' meet takes place in Delhi after Trump-Xi summit. What will be different?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | India-Australia- Japan-US Quad Foreign Ministers meet in Delhi (video source: DD) <a href="https://t.co/sOo2sEuQR0">pic.twitter.com/sOo2sEuQR0</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2059119770226901072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What Jaishankar said?</h2>Opening the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the grouping would deliberate on “shared activities” while addressing the many global challenges and opportunities facing the Indo-Pacific region. Stressing that the QUAD’s focus remains firmly on the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar highlighted issues such as “supply chain resilience, connectivity choke points, manufacturing and resource concentrations and gaps in critical infrastructure” as key concerns requiring stronger partnerships and trusted cooperation. “The Indo-Pacific has, in addition, its own particular concerns,” Jaishankar said, adding that these challenges require “enhancing strategic confidence, ensuring maritime security, promoting economic choices, and fostering a deeper collaborative ethos.” Highlighting recent progress, the minister said QUAD officials had advanced collaboration in areas including maritime security, critical technologies, economic resilience and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). “As maritime democracies, pluralistic societies and market economies, we share the responsibility towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said, expressing confidence that the discussions would be “useful and productive.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-in-india-breaks-silence-after-us-strikes-iran-s-missile-sites-mine-laying-boats-near-hormuz-trump-iran-deal-iran-us-war-1779763723571">'It is unlawful, illegal': Rubio breaks silence after US strikes Iran's missile sites, mine-laying boats near Hormuz</a><h2>What Rubio said?</h2>US Secretary of State Rubio thanked Jaishankar and the Indian government for hosting the summit, recalling that his first meeting as Secretary of State was a QUAD meeting — a move he said reflected Washington’s commitment to the grouping. Rubio said the QUAD is evolving from a forum that only discusses challenges into one that actively takes action on them, adding that recent global events have made the bloc’s cooperation even more relevant. Highlighting the collective strengths of India, Australia, Japan and the United States, Rubio said the four nations can jointly contribute to humanitarian response, energy security, freedom of navigation, critical minerals and resilient supply chains. He also said that the meeting comes at a crucial time and expressed confidence that the grouping would make further progress on key regional issues. Highlighting the strengths of the four-member alliance, Rubio said each country — India, Australia, Japan and the United States — brings unique capabilities ranging from humanitarian assistance and critical minerals to defence and strategic cooperation.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | At Quad Foreign Ministers&#39; meet in Delhi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says, &quot;I want to thank Minister Jaishankar and the Indian government for hosting us here, not just in the bilateral visit over the last three days, but for hosting this important gathering here… <a href="https://t.co/AAHXVmZtXA">pic.twitter.com/AAHXVmZtXA</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2059124277551808841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What Japan's FM said?</h2>Japan's FM Toshimitsu Motegi said the gathering sends a strong message that the QUAD will continue to promote cooperation for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Stressing the need for Indo-Pacific nations to strengthen resilience and economic security, Motegi said countries in the region must have the capacity to determine their own future. He also expressed hope for frank discussions aimed at accelerating QUAD collaboration.

<h2>What Australian FM said?</h2>Australia's Penny Wong described India as a key power shaping the Indo-Pacific and the wider world, stressing the importance of preserving countries’ freedom of choice and sovereign interests in the region. Wong said the four QUAD nations — India, Australia, Japan and the United States — share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific despite having different histories and interests. Highlighting cooperation in disaster response, critical infrastructure, undersea cables, maritime security and critical minerals, she said all members are committed to making the QUAD stronger, more effective and focused on delivering a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | At the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Delhi, Foreign Minister of Australia, Penny Wong says, &quot;We meet in the world&#39;s largest democracy and a power that is so important in the shaping of the Indo-Pacific and the world... I want to start by reflecting on a point that… <a href="https://t.co/IGpqNtyIi7">pic.twitter.com/IGpqNtyIi7</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2059123461084307912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Foreign ministers from India, Australia, Japan and the United States met in Delhi for the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting, focusing on Indo-Pacific security, regional stability, connectivity and strategic cooperation.

The Quad Foreign Ministers meet began in New Delhi on Tuesday (May 26). The meeting is being attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The leaders expressed their shared commitment to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific, while stressing the need for stronger cooperation on maritime security, resilient supply chains, critical technologies, economic security, humanitarian response and regional stability. They also underlined the importance of trusted partnerships and accelerating QUAD collaboration amid growing global and regional challenges. Also Read: Quad foreign ministers' meet takes place in Delhi after Trump-Xi summit. What will be different?

Foreign ministers from India, Australia, Japan and the United States met in Delhi for the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting, focusing on Indo-Pacific security, regional stability, connectivity and strategic cooperation.

‘Freedom of navigation, energy security’: QUAD Foreign Ministers meet begins in Delhi - What leaders said in opening remarks

A day after US President Donald Trump asked Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Islamabad would not support any agreement that conflicts with the country's “fundamental ideologies”, reported Pakistani media. In an interview with Pakistani broadcaster Samaa TV, Asif was asked about the possibility of Pakistan signing onto the Abraham Accords following reported pressure from US President Donald Trump. While Asif clarified that he is speaking in personal capacity, the Pakistani government has not yet issued any official statement on the same.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Watch | Pakistan’s defense minister rejects normalization with Israel amid pressure over Abraham Accords Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected the idea of joining any normalization agreement with Israel, saying Pakistan would not accept accords that clash… <a href="https://t.co/h8vWq0uzps">pic.twitter.com/h8vWq0uzps</a>&mdash; Quds News Network (@QudsNen) <a href="https://twitter.com/QudsNen/status/2059035154769670381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-push-for-muslim-nations-joining-abraham-accords-puts-pakistan-in-a-fix-1779729876943">Trump’s push for Muslim nations to join Abraham Accords puts Pakistan in a fix</a><h2>What Khawaja Asif said?</h2>"Personally, I don't think we should join any such accord that clashes with our fundamental ideologies," Asif said during the interview. Questioning the credibility of engagement with Israel, the Pakistani Defence Minister added, "How will you sit down with those people whose word cannot be trusted even for a single day?" He further reiterated Islamabad's long-standing position on the issue, saying, "We have a very clear stance that this is not acceptable to us." Asif also pointed to Pakistan's passport policy regarding Israel, underscoring the country's refusal to recognise the Jewish state (Israel). "And secondly, on our passports, we are the only country whose passports don't even include Israel's name," he said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/abraham-accords-us-president-wants-arab-nations-pakistan-to-sign-peace-deal-with-israel-1779764474507/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/abraham-accords-us-president-wants-arab-nations-pakistan-to-sign-peace-deal-with-israel-1779764474507/embed</a><h2>What Trump said</h2>US President Donald Trump, while hinting that negotiations with Iran are “proceeding nicely", insisted that six Muslim-majority countries must join the Abraham Accords which means signing of agreements normalising ties with Israel ahead of any deal between the US and Iran to end the war. The same was earlier reported by Axios. Trump said that expansion of the accords “should start with the immediate signing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and everybody else should follow suit.” He added that during discussions with leaders of Muslim and Arab states, he told them that “after all the work done by the United States to try and pull this very complex puzzle together, it should be mandatory that all of these Countries, at a minimum, simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords.” “The Abraham Accords have proven to be, for the Countries involved (The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Kazakhstan), a Financial, Economic, and Social BOOM, even during this time of Conflict and War, with the current Members never even suggesting leaving, or taking so much as even a pause,” he wrote in a lengthy post on Truth Social.

Pakistan has refused to commit to joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying Islamabad would not support agreements that clash with its “fundamental ideologies.” His remarks came after Trump urged Pakistan to normalize ties with Israel

A day after US President Donald Trump asked Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that Islamabad would not support any agreement that conflicts with the country's “fundamental ideologies”, reported Pakistani media. In an interview with Pakistani broadcaster Samaa TV, Asif was asked about the possibility of Pakistan signing onto the Abraham Accords following reported pressure from US President Donald Trump. While Asif clarified that he is speaking in personal capacity, the Pakistani government has not yet issued any official statement on the same.

Pakistan has refused to commit to joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying Islamabad would not support agreements that clash with its “fundamental ideologies.” His remarks came after Trump urged Pakistan to normalize ties with Israel

'Cannot be trusted...': Pakistan issues first response on Trump’s offer to normalise ties with Israel, Khawaja Asif says...

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on a visit to India and is scheduled to attend the QUAD summit on Tuesday (May 26), has responded on the latest strikes on Iran by the Trump administration. Pointing out that the main aim of the US is to open the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio expressed hope for a possible deal with Tehran despite the strikes. Calling the blockage of Strait of Hormuz “illegal and unlawful,” the US Secretary of State said that there is back and forth on the language of the final deal with Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-us-forces-conduct-renewed-strikes-in-iran-1779759978652/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-us-forces-conduct-renewed-strikes-in-iran-1779759978652/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"The straits have to be open. They're going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open. What's happening there is unlawful, it's illegal, it's unsustainable for the world, it's unacceptable," Rubio told reporters in the Indian city of Jaipur. He added, “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we'll see if we can make progress. I think it's a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it'll take a few days. The president's expressed his desire to make it. He's either going to make a good deal or no deal.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rubio-clarifies-stupid-people-remark-on-wion-s-racism-question-says-trump-loves-india-amid-hellhole-comments-1779682553637">Rubio clarifies 'stupid people' remark on WION's racism question, says 'Trump loves India' amid 'hellhole' comments</a><h2>US strikes Iran again</h2>His response comes after the US military attacked Iran once again on May 25 and CENTCOM termed it as ‘self-defense strikes.’ CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN that Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz were targeted. The strikes came in middle of the ceasefire and a possible deal between the two countries. Previously on Feb 28, Israel and the US had launched started a war after launching massive strike on Iran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strike on that day. Iran had retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Gulf nations that housed US bases and on Israel. Subsequently, Iran and the US blocked the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-response-to-wion-rubio-dismisses-racist-remarks-on-indians-as-stupid-comments-video-1779613601094">In response to WION, Rubio dismisses racist remarks on Indians as 'stupid' comments - VIDEO</a><h2>What CENTCOM said after the attacks?</h2>CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins spoke to CNN after explosions were reported around the Strait of Hormuz. “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire."&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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal with Iran remains possible despite fresh US strikes targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking in Jaipur during his India visit, Rubio called the blockade of the crucial shipping route “illegal”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on a visit to India and is scheduled to attend the QUAD summit on Tuesday (May 26), has responded on the latest strikes on Iran by the Trump administration. Pointing out that the main aim of the US is to open the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio expressed hope for a possible deal with Tehran despite the strikes. Calling the blockage of Strait of Hormuz “illegal and unlawful,” the US Secretary of State said that there is back and forth on the language of the final deal with Iran. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-us-forces-conduct-renewed-strikes-in-iran-1779759978652/embed "The straits have to be open. They're going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open. What's happening there is unlawful, it's illegal, it's unsustainable for the world, it's unacceptable," Rubio told reporters in the Indian city of Jaipur. He added, “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we'll see if we can make progress. I think it's a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it'll take a few days. The president's expressed his desire to make it. He's either going to make a good deal or no deal.” Also Read: Rubio clarifies 'stupid people' remark on WION's racism question, says 'Trump loves India' amid 'hellhole' comments US strikes Iran again His response comes after the US military attacked Iran once again on May 25 and CENTCOM termed it as ‘self-defense strikes.’ CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN that Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz were targeted. The strikes came in middle of the ceasefire and a possible deal between the two countries. Previously on Feb 28, Israel and the US had launched started a war after launching massive strike on Iran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strike on that day. Iran had retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Gulf nations that housed US bases and on Israel. Subsequently, Iran and the US blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read: In response to WION, Rubio dismisses racist remarks on Indians as 'stupid' comments - VIDEO What CENTCOM said after the attacks? CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins spoke to CNN after explosions were reported around the Strait of Hormuz. “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire." 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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal with Iran remains possible despite fresh US strikes targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking in Jaipur during his India visit, Rubio called the blockade of the crucial shipping route “illegal”

'Blockade unlawful, illegal': Rubio breaks silence after US strikes Iran's missile sites, mine-laying boats near Hormuz

A powerful heatwave swept across Europe on Monday (May 25), with Britain, Ireland, and France recording unprecedented temperatures for May as meteorologists warned that the scorching conditions could persist throughout the week. The unusually intense heat has been driven by a ‘heat dome’, a mass of hot air moving from northern Africa and trapped beneath a high-pressure system over western Europe. Temperatures in parts of Spain are forecast to reach 38 °C later this week, while Italy has already imposed restrictions on outdoor work in several regions.&nbsp;In the United Kingdom, the Met Office confirmed the hottest May day ever recorded, with temperatures soaring to 34.8 °C at Kew Gardens in southwest London, surpassing the previous record by nearly two degrees. “This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone May,” the Met Office said on X. Residents and tourists struggled to cope with the unusual conditions in London, where temperatures at this time of year usually hover around 17C to 18C. “The weather here is like a mini version of hell. It's boiling. It's like really hot,” said 10-year-old Liza Nizari during a visit to the British capital.&nbsp;Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that human-driven climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods, leading to temperature records being broken more frequently. Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst described the soaring temperatures as a good indication of climate change in action and said such heat could increasingly become the new norm.&nbsp;The warning comes days after UK climate advisers said the country was built for a climate that no longer exists and urged authorities to adapt infrastructure such as schools and hospitals for rising temperatures. Britain had already crossed the 40 °C mark for the first time in recorded history during the summer of 2022. Ireland also registered its hottest May conditions on record, with temperatures reaching 28.8 °C in Killarney and Clonmel, according to Met Eireann. In Scotland, a grass fire erupted near Arthur’s Seat hill in Edinburgh as temperatures climbed to 25 °C, with smoke spreading across the city.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-self-defense-strikes-on-iranian-missile-launch-sites-boats-near-strait-of-hormuz-amid-ceasefire-talks-1779752969864">US launches ‘self-defense strikes’ on Iranian missile launch sites, boats near Strait of Hormuz amid ceasefire talks</a><h2>France is on heatwave alert</h2>Across the English Channel, Meteo-France said dozens of temperature records were shattered in several French cities, prompting heatwave alerts in eight western regions. The agency warned that the exceptionally hot weather could continue until the weekend. The southwestern town of Bergerac recorded 34.7 °C on Monday, while Nantes and Angers also experienced unusually high temperatures. On Tuesday, large parts of Brittany were expected to see temperatures between 32C and 35C, with some southern regions potentially touching 37C, according to Meteo-France.&nbsp;French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is expected to chair a meeting with senior ministers on Thursday to review the government’s preparedness for the ongoing heatwave. Paris had already crossed the 30 °C mark for the first time this year on Saturday, reaching 31.9 °C. The heat also raised safety concerns during sporting events. Authorities said one man died during a 10-kilometre race in Paris on Sunday, while 10 others were hospitalised in critical condition following another race in Maisons-Alfort.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-giants-opt-for-massive-layoffs-amid-growing-ai-cost-crisis-1779736532680/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-giants-opt-for-massive-layoffs-amid-growing-ai-cost-crisis-1779736532680/embed</a><h2>Outdoor work restrictions in Italy</h2>Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warned that the extraordinarily high temperatures for this time of year would continue throughout the week across most of the country, except the Canary Islands. Authorities also forecast widespread tropical nights in southwestern Spain from Wednesday onward, with peak temperatures between 36C and 38C expected later in the week.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Italy’s Lazio region, which includes Rome, approved emergency regulations limiting outdoor work between 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm in sectors involving prolonged exposure to the sun, such as farming, construction, and logistics. The measures will remain in force until September 15, extending similar restrictions introduced during last year’s summer heatwave.

Europe faces an unprecedented May heatwave as Britain, France, and Ireland record historic temperatures. Experts warn that climate change is driving extreme weather across the continent

A powerful heatwave swept across Europe on Monday (May 25), with Britain, Ireland, and France recording unprecedented temperatures for May as meteorologists warned that the scorching conditions could persist throughout the week. The unusually intense heat has been driven by a ‘heat dome’, a mass of hot air moving from northern Africa and trapped beneath a high-pressure system over western Europe. Temperatures in parts of Spain are forecast to reach 38 °C later this week, while Italy has already imposed restrictions on outdoor work in several regions. In the United Kingdom, the Met Office confirmed the hottest May day ever recorded, with temperatures soaring to 34.8 °C at Kew Gardens in southwest London, surpassing the previous record by nearly two degrees. “This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid-summer, let alone May,” the Met Office said on X. Residents and tourists struggled to cope with the unusual conditions in London, where temperatures at this time of year usually hover around 17C to 18C. “The weather here is like a mini version of hell. It's boiling. It's like really hot,” said 10-year-old Liza Nizari during a visit to the British capital. Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that human-driven climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods, leading to temperature records being broken more frequently. Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst described the soaring temperatures as a good indication of climate change in action and said such heat could increasingly become the new norm. The warning comes days after UK climate advisers said the country was built for a climate that no longer exists and urged authorities to adapt infrastructure such as schools and hospitals for rising temperatures. Britain had already crossed the 40 °C mark for the first time in recorded history during the summer of 2022. Ireland also registered its hottest May conditions on record, with temperatures reaching 28.8 °C in Killarney and Clonmel, according to Met Eireann. In Scotland, a grass fire erupted near Arthur’s Seat hill in Edinburgh as temperatures climbed to 25 °C, with smoke spreading across the city. Also Read: US launches ‘self-defense strikes’ on Iranian missile launch sites, boats near Strait of Hormuz amid ceasefire talks France is on heatwave alert Across the English Channel, Meteo-France said dozens of temperature records were shattered in several French cities, prompting heatwave alerts in eight western regions. The agency warned that the exceptionally hot weather could continue until the weekend. The southwestern town of Bergerac recorded 34.7 °C on Monday, while Nantes and Angers also experienced unusually high temperatures. On Tuesday, large parts of Brittany were expected to see temperatures between 32C and 35C, with some southern regions potentially touching 37C, according to Meteo-France. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is expected to chair a meeting with senior ministers on Thursday to review the government’s preparedness for the ongoing heatwave. Paris had already crossed the 30 °C mark for the first time this year on Saturday, reaching 31.9 °C. The heat also raised safety concerns during sporting events. Authorities said one man died during a 10-kilometre race in Paris on Sunday, while 10 others were hospitalised in critical condition following another race in Maisons-Alfort. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-giants-opt-for-massive-layoffs-amid-growing-ai-cost-crisis-1779736532680/embed Outdoor work restrictions in Italy Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warned that the extraordinarily high temperatures for this time of year would continue throughout the week across most of the country, except the Canary Islands. Authorities also forecast widespread tropical nights in southwestern Spain from Wednesday onward, with peak temperatures between 36C and 38C expected later in the week. Meanwhile, Italy’s Lazio region, which includes Rome, approved emergency regulations limiting outdoor work between 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm in sectors involving prolonged exposure to the sun, such as farming, construction, and logistics. The measures will remain in force until September 15, extending similar restrictions introduced during last year’s summer heatwave.

Europe reels under record May heatwave as the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland break temperature records amid growing climate change fears

'Mini version of hell': Heat dome scorches Europe as UK, France shatter temperature records

The US military carried out ‘self-defense strikes’ targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (May 25), even as a ceasefire between the two countries remained in place and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continued. “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN in a statement after explosions were reported around the Strait of Hormuz. “Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” he added.&nbsp;According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), three explosions were heard in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas early on Tuesday local time. The group cited sources but did not immediately confirm the reason behind the blasts. In another statement issued later, the IRGC said an explosion was also heard near Bandar Abbas airport. It added that Iran’s air defense system in Bandar Abbas has been activated to counter hostile targets.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-iran-s-uranium-could-be-destroyed-in-us-on-site-or-at-another-location-1779751628985">Trump vows 'Iran will never have a nuclear weapon'; says Iran’s uranium could be destroyed in US, on-site, or at another location</a>&nbsp;Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that “the sound of several consecutive explosions was heard around midnight … in Bandar Abbas city, the cause of which has not yet been announced by official sources.” Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, citing eyewitnesses, reported similar sounds in parts of the Persian Gulf near Sirik and Jask. Earlier, Iranian armed forces claimed they had destroyed a hostile drone in the Persian Gulf region, according to local reports. Bandar Abbas, located in southern Iran, hosts a major Iranian naval and air base and sits along the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-droupadi-murmu-honours-cinema-legends-and-unsung-heroes-at-padma-awards-2026-1779735656969/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-droupadi-murmu-honours-cinema-legends-and-unsung-heroes-at-padma-awards-2026-1779735656969/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.

The US conducted 'self-defense strikes' on Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, as explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas amid an ongoing ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran

The US military carried out ‘self-defense strikes’ targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (May 25), even as a ceasefire between the two countries remained in place and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continued. “U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesman Timothy Hawkins told CNN in a statement after explosions were reported around the Strait of Hormuz. “Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” he added. According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), three explosions were heard in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas early on Tuesday local time. The group cited sources but did not immediately confirm the reason behind the blasts. In another statement issued later, the IRGC said an explosion was also heard near Bandar Abbas airport. It added that Iran’s air defense system in Bandar Abbas has been activated to counter hostile targets. Also Read: Trump vows 'Iran will never have a nuclear weapon'; says Iran’s uranium could be destroyed in US, on-site, or at another location Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that “the sound of several consecutive explosions was heard around midnight … in Bandar Abbas city, the cause of which has not yet been announced by official sources.” Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, citing eyewitnesses, reported similar sounds in parts of the Persian Gulf near Sirik and Jask. Earlier, Iranian armed forces claimed they had destroyed a hostile drone in the Persian Gulf region, according to local reports. Bandar Abbas, located in southern Iran, hosts a major Iranian naval and air base and sits along the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-droupadi-murmu-honours-cinema-legends-and-unsung-heroes-at-padma-awards-2026-1779735656969/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.

US says it struck Iranian missile sites and boats near Strait of Hormuz in self-defense as explosions rocked Bandar Abbas amid ceasefire talks

US launches ‘self-defense strikes’ on Iranian missile launch sites, boats near Strait of Hormuz amid ceasefire talks

Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Donald Trump paid tribute to US troops killed during the campaign against Iran while reiterating that Tehran ‘will never have a nuclear weapon’. “In Operation Epic Fury, we lost 13 wonderful souls, wonderful, special people. These incredible men and women gave their lives to ensure that the world’s number one state sponsor of terror will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said as the United States continues pursuing an agreement with Iran aimed at ending the conflict. “Oh, and they won’t. They will never have a nuclear weapon, I’m sure you know that,” Trump added.&nbsp;In a separate statement posted on Truth Social on Monday (May 25), Trump detailed Washington’s plans for handling Iran’s enriched uranium, saying the material could either be transported to the United States, destroyed on-site, or eliminated at another approved location. “The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event,” Trump posted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-chemical-tank-explosion-threat-eliminated-after-tank-pressure-drops-evacuation-continue-in-orange-county-1779744717580">California chemical tank explosion: Threat 'eliminated' after tank pressure drops, evacuation continue in Orange County</a>&nbsp;The remarks appeared to signal some openness to Tehran’s involvement in the disposal process, even as Trump maintained that Iran would not be allowed to retain the material. “We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office last week.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-pakistan-completely-lost-its-grip-on-balochistan-munir-faces-internal-fury-1779733885997/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-pakistan-completely-lost-its-grip-on-balochistan-munir-faces-internal-fury-1779733885997/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.

Donald Trump renewed his warning against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons during Memorial Day remarks at Arlington and detailed US plans to destroy Tehran’s enriched uranium

Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Donald Trump paid tribute to US troops killed during the campaign against Iran while reiterating that Tehran ‘will never have a nuclear weapon’. “In Operation Epic Fury, we lost 13 wonderful souls, wonderful, special people. These incredible men and women gave their lives to ensure that the world’s number one state sponsor of terror will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said as the United States continues pursuing an agreement with Iran aimed at ending the conflict. “Oh, and they won’t. They will never have a nuclear weapon, I’m sure you know that,” Trump added. In a separate statement posted on Truth Social on Monday (May 25), Trump detailed Washington’s plans for handling Iran’s enriched uranium, saying the material could either be transported to the United States, destroyed on-site, or eliminated at another approved location. “The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place or, at another acceptable location, with the Atomic Energy Commission, or its equivalent, being witness to this process and event,” Trump posted. Also Read: California chemical tank explosion: Threat 'eliminated' after tank pressure drops, evacuation continue in Orange County The remarks appeared to signal some openness to Tehran’s involvement in the disposal process, even as Trump maintained that Iran would not be allowed to retain the material. “We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office last week. https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-pakistan-completely-lost-its-grip-on-balochistan-munir-faces-internal-fury-1779733885997/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.

Donald Trump vows Iran will ‘never have a nuclear weapon’, outlines plans to destroy or transfer Tehran’s enriched uranium

Trump vows 'Iran will never have a nuclear weapon'; says Iran’s uranium could be destroyed in US, on-site, or at another location

Officials in Southern California said on Monday (May 25) that the danger of a catastrophic vapor explosion at a chemical storage facility in Garden Grove has been significantly reduced after pressure inside a damaged tank started to ease. The incident involved a 7,000-gallon tank containing methyl methacrylate, a toxic chemical commonly used in the production of resins and plastics. Authorities had feared the tank could rupture, potentially causing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) or releasing hazardous chemicals into the surrounding area.&nbsp;According to the Orange County Fire Authority, a crack in the tank helped release internal pressure, causing temperatures inside the container to decrease. “We are happy to report that the threat of a BLEVE is now off the table. That threat has been eliminated,” interim Orange County Fire Chief TJ McGovern said in an update posted on X. The tank had started heating up and bulging last week, prompting large-scale evacuation orders affecting nearly 50,000 residents. Many evacuees remain in shelters as authorities continue monitoring the situation.&nbsp;Division Chief Craig Covey said the tank’s internal temperature dropped from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 93 degrees following the pressure release. The crack was first discovered on Saturday night during a visual inspection at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, located about 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles and just a few miles from Disneyland. McGovern said crews worked through the night to determine whether the crack had successfully relieved pressure from the tank.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-heard-in-iran-s-bandar-abbas-city-coastal-areas-near-gulf-cause-unknown-state-media-1779743206087">Explosions heard in Iran's Bandar Abbas city, coastal areas near Gulf; cause unknown: State media</a>&nbsp;Even with the BLEVE threat reduced, officials warned that “there’s still a potential for explosion.” However, McGovern said the lower risk level allows emergency teams to reduce the evacuation zone and focus more effectively on cooling operations. Authorities also confirmed that air monitoring had not detected any toxic chemical leaks from the damaged tank. A White House official said on Monday that the Trump administration is engaged and monitoring the situation. The Environmental Protection Agency has activated air monitoring at 20 locations around the area, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency deployed emergency personnel and activated its airborne hazard assessment systems.&nbsp;Earlier on Monday, officials confirmed that one of the facility’s three chemical tanks had been neutralized, though the affected tank and another nearby tank still contain methyl methacrylate. Fire officials also dismissed reports suggesting multiple cracks had formed on the tank. “There is also peeling of the weather stripping on the exterior, but this is not an additional crack. There is currently no active leak, and continuous live atmospheric monitoring confirms there are no chemicals leaking,” the authority said in a post on X.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/herzog-slams-brutish-jewish-settler-violence-in-west-bank-ben-gvir-hits-back-1779732981893/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/herzog-slams-brutish-jewish-settler-violence-in-west-bank-ben-gvir-hits-back-1779732981893/embed</a>&nbsp;A spokesperson for GKN Aerospace said crews were monitoring the ‘affected material’ and working ‘around the clock to mitigate the risk of a leak’. Covey warned that any explosion could trigger secondary blasts in nearby storage tanks, including a 15,000-gallon tank and another 4,500-gallon container that also holds methyl methacrylate. Officials said a major explosion could impact areas within a half-mile radius, causing severe structural damage and potentially spreading toxic vapors into the atmosphere and nearby waterways.&nbsp;“We’re talking about possibly one of the worst chemical incidents in California history,” Covey said. The American Red Cross said several emergency shelters in Orange County were nearing capacity as thousands of displaced residents sought refuge. Concerns over the facility first emerged on Thursday after fire officials responded to reports of a vapor release at the aerospace plant. Firefighters have since used sprinklers and hose lines to cool the tank continuously.&nbsp;Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday and later requested federal emergency assistance from President Donald Trump. McGovern said officials are using ‘outside-the-box thinking’ to resolve the crisis safely and return residents to their homes. “We have to get them back,” he said, “but I will assure you we will not get them back until it’s safe to do so.”

Southern California officials say the risk of a major vapor explosion at a chemical tank facility in Garden Grove has been eliminated

Officials in Southern California said on Monday (May 25) that the danger of a catastrophic vapor explosion at a chemical storage facility in Garden Grove has been significantly reduced after pressure inside a damaged tank started to ease. The incident involved a 7,000-gallon tank containing methyl methacrylate, a toxic chemical commonly used in the production of resins and plastics. Authorities had feared the tank could rupture, potentially causing a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) or releasing hazardous chemicals into the surrounding area. According to the Orange County Fire Authority, a crack in the tank helped release internal pressure, causing temperatures inside the container to decrease. “We are happy to report that the threat of a BLEVE is now off the table. That threat has been eliminated,” interim Orange County Fire Chief TJ McGovern said in an update posted on X. The tank had started heating up and bulging last week, prompting large-scale evacuation orders affecting nearly 50,000 residents. Many evacuees remain in shelters as authorities continue monitoring the situation. Division Chief Craig Covey said the tank’s internal temperature dropped from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 93 degrees following the pressure release. The crack was first discovered on Saturday night during a visual inspection at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, located about 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles and just a few miles from Disneyland. McGovern said crews worked through the night to determine whether the crack had successfully relieved pressure from the tank. Also Read: Explosions heard in Iran's Bandar Abbas city, coastal areas near Gulf; cause unknown: State media Even with the BLEVE threat reduced, officials warned that “there’s still a potential for explosion.” However, McGovern said the lower risk level allows emergency teams to reduce the evacuation zone and focus more effectively on cooling operations. Authorities also confirmed that air monitoring had not detected any toxic chemical leaks from the damaged tank. A White House official said on Monday that the Trump administration is engaged and monitoring the situation. The Environmental Protection Agency has activated air monitoring at 20 locations around the area, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency deployed emergency personnel and activated its airborne hazard assessment systems. Earlier on Monday, officials confirmed that one of the facility’s three chemical tanks had been neutralized, though the affected tank and another nearby tank still contain methyl methacrylate. Fire officials also dismissed reports suggesting multiple cracks had formed on the tank. “There is also peeling of the weather stripping on the exterior, but this is not an additional crack. There is currently no active leak, and continuous live atmospheric monitoring confirms there are no chemicals leaking,” the authority said in a post on X. https://www.wionews.com/videos/herzog-slams-brutish-jewish-settler-violence-in-west-bank-ben-gvir-hits-back-1779732981893/embed A spokesperson for GKN Aerospace said crews were monitoring the ‘affected material’ and working ‘around the clock to mitigate the risk of a leak’. Covey warned that any explosion could trigger secondary blasts in nearby storage tanks, including a 15,000-gallon tank and another 4,500-gallon container that also holds methyl methacrylate. Officials said a major explosion could impact areas within a half-mile radius, causing severe structural damage and potentially spreading toxic vapors into the atmosphere and nearby waterways. “We’re talking about possibly one of the worst chemical incidents in California history,” Covey said. The American Red Cross said several emergency shelters in Orange County were nearing capacity as thousands of displaced residents sought refuge. Concerns over the facility first emerged on Thursday after fire officials responded to reports of a vapor release at the aerospace plant. Firefighters have since used sprinklers and hose lines to cool the tank continuously. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County on Saturday and later requested federal emergency assistance from President Donald Trump. McGovern said officials are using ‘outside-the-box thinking’ to resolve the crisis safely and return residents to their homes. “We have to get them back,” he said, “but I will assure you we will not get them back until it’s safe to do so.”

Officials say the risk of a major chemical explosion in California has been ‘eliminated’, though evacuation orders remain in place

California chemical tank explosion: Threat 'eliminated' after tank pressure drops, evacuation continue in Orange County

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