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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is expected to oppose proposals requiring AI developers to secure US government approval before making new AI models publicly available, according to a company statement released on Wednesday. The move is part of OpenAI's wider push to shape the regulation of future technology. During his visit to Washington this week, Altman will also urge Congress to increase funding for artificial intelligence testing at the US Department of Commerce. The department currently collaborates with firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic to evaluate the capabilities and risks of their AI systems. OpenAI said it wants the federal government to expand these testing efforts and bring in additional experts in areas including cybersecurity, biological threats and national security to strengthen oversight and safety assessments.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-was-anthony-scott-searles-harris-all-we-know-about-bakersfield-bank-hostage-suspect-1780544751122">Who was Anthony Scott Searles-Harris? All we know about Bakersfield bank hostage suspect</a><h3>OpenAI and Anthropic's US IPO</h3>Altman's visit to Washington collides with a crucial period for the company and the industry as OpenAI is preparing to quietly register for an initial public offering. In the other development, OpenAI's competitor Anthropic, which makes Claude, confidentially registered for a US IPO on Monday. The requirements of the federal government might hurt the profits of industry if they slow down the introduction of new models or prompt the companies to change how their products work to solve security concerns. Altman is expected to hold talks with several lawmakers on Wednesday, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican representing Louisiana, according to the Speaker’s office. The White House under President Donald Trump did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment on whether any meetings had been scheduled.

The requirements of the federal government might hurt the profits of industry if they slow down the introduction of new models or prompt the companies to change how their products work to solve security concerns.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is expected to oppose proposals requiring AI developers to secure US government approval before making new AI models publicly available, according to a company statement released on Wednesday. The move is part of OpenAI's wider push to shape the regulation of future technology. During his visit to Washington this week, Altman will also urge Congress to increase funding for artificial intelligence testing at the US Department of Commerce. The department currently collaborates with firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic to evaluate the capabilities and risks of their AI systems. OpenAI said it wants the federal government to expand these testing efforts and bring in additional experts in areas including cybersecurity, biological threats and national security to strengthen oversight and safety assessments. Also read: Who was Anthony Scott Searles-Harris? All we know about Bakersfield bank hostage suspect OpenAI and Anthropic's US IPO Altman's visit to Washington collides with a crucial period for the company and the industry as OpenAI is preparing to quietly register for an initial public offering. In the other development, OpenAI's competitor Anthropic, which makes Claude, confidentially registered for a US IPO on Monday. The requirements of the federal government might hurt the profits of industry if they slow down the introduction of new models or prompt the companies to change how their products work to solve security concerns. Altman is expected to hold talks with several lawmakers on Wednesday, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican representing Louisiana, according to the Speaker’s office. The White House under President Donald Trump did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment on whether any meetings had been scheduled.

The requirements of the federal government might hurt the profits of industry if they slow down the introduction of new models or prompt the companies to change how their products work to solve security concerns.

OpenAI CEO seeks expanded AI testing, rejects pre-release government approval rules

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 3) launched a verbal attack on another female journalist, commenting that she "never smiles" and that she had "hatred in her eyes". The US President made the bizarre comments while taking questions from the press during an Oval Office media briefing. The comments came as Trump was taking questions from reporters in the Oval Office about his administration's now-defunct "anti-weaponisation" fund, which he described as "a beautiful thing."<h2>A distraction tactic</h2>As the discussion continued, Trump shifted his focus to CNN and Collins, one of the network's most prominent White House correspondents. "But with a corrupt reporter standing right there, never smiles," Trump said while pointing towards Collins. "You never see a young, beautiful woman who never smiles. I never see a smile on her face. I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/born-a-loser-still-a-loser-iran-mocks-trump-in-viral-ai-video-as-tehran-suspends-us-iran-talks-over-israel-s-lebanon-strikes-1780388120827">'Born a loser, still a loser': Iran mocks Trump in viral AI video as Tehran suspends US-Iran talks over Israel's Lebanon strikes</a>The US president went on to claim that Collins' alleged hostility stemmed from his administration's policies."She has hatred because we have borders, because we have a strong military, because we cut our taxes, because we do things that everybody wanted, and then we win our election in a massive landslide," Trump said.The exchange did not end there. Minutes later, as questions returned to the anti-weaponisation fund, Trump again criticised CNN and The New York Times, accusing the media organisations of mistreating people connected to his administration. When Collins attempted to interject, Trump cut her off, telling her to "be quiet."He then referenced her background, saying: "You used to be a conservative. She was a conservative from Alabama. Can you believe it?"Trump also took aim at CNN's ownership, suggesting recent corporate changes would do little to alter the network's coverage. "It has new ownership, so maybe it'll straighten it out. I doubt it. But it's so hard to straighten garbage out," he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-defends-trump-s-quiet-piggy-insult-calls-criticism-deliberate-deception-to-wage-war-on-president-1763625900001">White House jumps to defend Trump’s 'quiet piggy' insult, says 'you have to be able to take it'</a><h2>CNN defends its reporter</h2>CNN later defended its correspondent. In a statement, the publication said, "Kaitlan Collins is an exceptional journalist, reporting every day from the White House and the field with real depth and tenacity.""She skillfully brings that reporting to the anchor chair and CNN platforms every day, which audiences around the world know they can trust."Trump has repeatedly clashed with Collins over the years and has frequently singled her out during press briefings. Earlier this year, he questioned why she never smiled during his appearances, while in December he called her "stupid and nasty" during another exchange at the White House.The latest remarks also fit a broader pattern of Trump publicly attacking journalists whose reporting he disagrees with. In recent months, he has directed personal insults at several female reporters, including comments about their appearance, going so far as to call a journalist "piggy" and questioning their professionalism during public events and media interactions.

Donald Trump has once again clashed with a female journalist. During an Oval Office briefing, the US president attacked the journalist's appearance and demeanour, claiming she "never smiles" and has "hatred in her eyes," before telling her to “be quiet.”

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 3) launched a verbal attack on another female journalist, commenting that she "never smiles" and that she had "hatred in her eyes". The US President made the bizarre comments while taking questions from the press during an Oval Office media briefing. The comments came as Trump was taking questions from reporters in the Oval Office about his administration's now-defunct "anti-weaponisation" fund, which he described as "a beautiful thing." A distraction tactic As the discussion continued, Trump shifted his focus to CNN and Collins, one of the network's most prominent White House correspondents. "But with a corrupt reporter standing right there, never smiles," Trump said while pointing towards Collins. "You never see a young, beautiful woman who never smiles. I never see a smile on her face. I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes." Also read | 'Born a loser, still a loser': Iran mocks Trump in viral AI video as Tehran suspends US-Iran talks over Israel's Lebanon strikes The US president went on to claim that Collins' alleged hostility stemmed from his administration's policies. "She has hatred because we have borders, because we have a strong military, because we cut our taxes, because we do things that everybody wanted, and then we win our election in a massive landslide," Trump said. The exchange did not end there. Minutes later, as questions returned to the anti-weaponisation fund, Trump again criticised CNN and The New York Times, accusing the media organisations of mistreating people connected to his administration. When Collins attempted to interject, Trump cut her off, telling her to "be quiet." He then referenced her background, saying: "You used to be a conservative. She was a conservative from Alabama. Can you believe it?" Trump also took aim at CNN's ownership, suggesting recent corporate changes would do little to alter the network's coverage. "It has new ownership, so maybe it'll straighten it out. I doubt it. But it's so hard to straighten garbage out," he said. Also read | White House jumps to defend Trump’s 'quiet piggy' insult, says 'you have to be able to take it' CNN defends its reporter CNN later defended its correspondent. In a statement, the publication said, "Kaitlan Collins is an exceptional journalist, reporting every day from the White House and the field with real depth and tenacity." "She skillfully brings that reporting to the anchor chair and CNN platforms every day, which audiences around the world know they can trust." Trump has repeatedly clashed with Collins over the years and has frequently singled her out during press briefings. Earlier this year, he questioned why she never smiled during his appearances, while in December he called her "stupid and nasty" during another exchange at the White House. The latest remarks also fit a broader pattern of Trump publicly attacking journalists whose reporting he disagrees with. In recent months, he has directed personal insults at several female reporters, including comments about their appearance, going so far as to call a journalist "piggy" and questioning their professionalism during public events and media interactions.

Donald Trump has once again clashed with a female journalist. During an Oval Office briefing, the US president attacked the journalist's appearance and demeanour, claiming she "never smiles" and has "hatred in her eyes," before telling her to “be quiet.”

Trump strikes again, attacks another journalist with bizarre comment: 'Hatred in her eyes'

Myanmar's President&nbsp;Min Aung Hlaing, who was on India visit, has signalled a push for security cooperation with India, emphasising intelligence-sharing to tackle drug trafficking and insurgencies along their porous 1,600km border, while expressing optimism about restarting stalled connectivity projects and deepening IT collaboration.&nbsp;In an interview to India's state broadcaster DD India, the Myanmar leader acknowledged that armed groups have long exploited the rugged, forested frontier for drug production to finance conflicts rooted in ethnic and political demands.Production was brought under control around 2020 but surged again after the 2021 political upheaval. “We are now cracking down on this severely and taking strict legal actions,” he said, adding that intelligence-sharing with India and arrests on both sides have already helped bring the border situation under “reasonable control”.&nbsp;This was a rare interview by Myanmar's President, during which he stressed that lasting success requires parallel progress on political stability. Myanmar is “transitioning toward democracy”, he said, and resolving ethnic grievances through systematic negotiations would curb insurgencies and, in turn, constrain drug production. Groups opposed to India have also used these networks as cover for disruption, he noted.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-significant-outcome-indias-former-envoy-to-un-syed-akbaruddin-on-un-closed-door-meet-9036998">‘No significant outcome...,’ India’s former envoy to UN Syed Akbaruddin on UNSC closed-door meet</a>&nbsp;“Addressing the issue in the manner I mentioned will resolve everything simultaneously,” Min Aung Hlaing added. The challenging mountainous terrain, which he knows well from his time as a battalion commander there, complicates operations especially in the rainy season, but security efforts continue.&nbsp;On connectivity, the Myanmar leader expressed determination to revive the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, a flagship project spanning over 800 miles that has stalled for years due to security concerns. Routes on the Thai-Myanmar side are largely operational, but work on the Indian section linking the Northeast through Tamu and Moreh is critical. “We are working to soon reopen the route connecting Kalay and Tamu,” he said, prioritising restoration of normalcy along the border to enable trade and people-to-people movement. Once reopened, the route would link through central Myanmar to Thailand.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-to-skip-moscows-victory-day-parade-mos-to-attend-instead-9027264">India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to skip Moscow’s Victory Day parade; MoS to attend instead</a>&nbsp;India is viewed as a vital development partner across multiple sectors. Min Aung Hlaing highlighted opportunities in education, healthcare, agriculture, and particularly information technology. He pointed to the Yadanabon Cyber City project in Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly Maymyo), inviting Indian IT firms to invest in what was once a colonial-era hill station. “If IT companies and businesses from India come to operate there, it will offer immense opportunities,” he said, praising India’s global leadership in the sector.&nbsp;The remarks, to the state broadcaster came after an extended meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that lasted over two hours and covered a broad agenda including investment opportunities, defence, maritime security, border affairs and learning from India’s development model. “We achieved very successful outcomes,” Min Aung Hlaing stated. India’s swift response, sending humanitarian aid after 2025 earthquake through Operation Brahma was seen as a positive gesture by Mynamar side.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Myanmar's President pledges deeper intelligence sharing with India to combat drug trafficking while pushing to fast-track the stalled, strategically vital India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing, who was on India visit, has signalled a push for security cooperation with India, emphasising intelligence-sharing to tackle drug trafficking and insurgencies along their porous 1,600km border, while expressing optimism about restarting stalled connectivity projects and deepening IT collaboration. In an interview to India's state broadcaster DD India, the Myanmar leader acknowledged that armed groups have long exploited the rugged, forested frontier for drug production to finance conflicts rooted in ethnic and political demands. Production was brought under control around 2020 but surged again after the 2021 political upheaval. “We are now cracking down on this severely and taking strict legal actions,” he said, adding that intelligence-sharing with India and arrests on both sides have already helped bring the border situation under “reasonable control”. This was a rare interview by Myanmar's President, during which he stressed that lasting success requires parallel progress on political stability. Myanmar is “transitioning toward democracy”, he said, and resolving ethnic grievances through systematic negotiations would curb insurgencies and, in turn, constrain drug production. Groups opposed to India have also used these networks as cover for disruption, he noted. Also read: ‘No significant outcome...,’ India’s former envoy to UN Syed Akbaruddin on UNSC closed-door meet “Addressing the issue in the manner I mentioned will resolve everything simultaneously,” Min Aung Hlaing added. The challenging mountainous terrain, which he knows well from his time as a battalion commander there, complicates operations especially in the rainy season, but security efforts continue. On connectivity, the Myanmar leader expressed determination to revive the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, a flagship project spanning over 800 miles that has stalled for years due to security concerns. Routes on the Thai-Myanmar side are largely operational, but work on the Indian section linking the Northeast through Tamu and Moreh is critical. “We are working to soon reopen the route connecting Kalay and Tamu,” he said, prioritising restoration of normalcy along the border to enable trade and people-to-people movement. Once reopened, the route would link through central Myanmar to Thailand. Also read: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to skip Moscow’s Victory Day parade; MoS to attend instead India is viewed as a vital development partner across multiple sectors. Min Aung Hlaing highlighted opportunities in education, healthcare, agriculture, and particularly information technology. He pointed to the Yadanabon Cyber City project in Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly Maymyo), inviting Indian IT firms to invest in what was once a colonial-era hill station. “If IT companies and businesses from India come to operate there, it will offer immense opportunities,” he said, praising India’s global leadership in the sector. The remarks, to the state broadcaster came after an extended meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that lasted over two hours and covered a broad agenda including investment opportunities, defence, maritime security, border affairs and learning from India’s development model. “We achieved very successful outcomes,” Min Aung Hlaing stated. India’s swift response, sending humanitarian aid after 2025 earthquake through Operation Brahma was seen as a positive gesture by Mynamar side.

Myanmar's President pledges deeper intelligence sharing with India to combat drug trafficking while pushing to fast-track the stalled, strategically vital India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.

Myanmar President: Sharing intel with India on countering drugs, pushing to restart trilateral highway

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Wednesday that a trade agreement between US and Iran is close. While responding to the questions in the House Foreign Affairs Committee about his recent India visit, Rubio said that Washington and New Delhi were only weeks away from concluding a highly anticipated comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. He repeatedly highlighted that India is an important strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, signalling growing momentum in economic ties between the world's largest and oldest democracies.The prospective deal builds on the framework established under the Trump administration, following recent friction regarding import tariffs and purchases of Russian oil. “The hopes that we can wrap up the negotiations on our trade agreement, which we think were a few weeks away from being able to conclude”, Rubio said, adding that “both sides want to see it done”.Rubio also added that the meeting was an important for a significant meeting of the Quad alliance, between India, Australia, Japan and the United States in the Indian Pacific. He said that the alliance is moving beyond dialogues towards concrete projects, including enhanced maritime cooperation.“One of the things we’ve agreed to work on is domain awareness, working together and pooling our resources so that we can have domain awareness about what’s happening out in the sea,” said Rubio, highlighting the need to monitor shipping routes, undersea cables, and sanctioned vessels.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-f15-pilot-shot-down-twice-iran-war-survives-1780491541219">US F-15 pilot shot down twice in 33 days during Iran war, survives both incidents</a>“We held a rare Earths ministerial that was attended by over 30 countries from around the world, all of which were signing up for an American-led effort to ensure that critical supplies of rare earth minerals around the world are available for our emerging economies, and we don’t remain overly dependent on China,” said Rubio referncing a recent rare earths ministerial that brought together more than 30 countries.On May 26, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally signed the Strategic Critical Minerals Cooperation Framework at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Rubio highlighted the “Pax Silica”, an initiative of 14 countries on rare-earth materials to decrease reliance on China and supply chain independence that are critical for the future development of Artificial Intelligence, which Washington views as increasingly important for economic and national security.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says India and the US are weeks away from finalising a bilateral trade agreement. He also highlighted Quad cooperation, maritime security, and rare earth mineral partnerships.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Wednesday that a trade agreement between US and Iran is close. While responding to the questions in the House Foreign Affairs Committee about his recent India visit, Rubio said that Washington and New Delhi were only weeks away from concluding a highly anticipated comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. He repeatedly highlighted that India is an important strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific, signalling growing momentum in economic ties between the world's largest and oldest democracies. The prospective deal builds on the framework established under the Trump administration, following recent friction regarding import tariffs and purchases of Russian oil. “The hopes that we can wrap up the negotiations on our trade agreement, which we think were a few weeks away from being able to conclude”, Rubio said, adding that “both sides want to see it done”. Rubio also added that the meeting was an important for a significant meeting of the Quad alliance, between India, Australia, Japan and the United States in the Indian Pacific. He said that the alliance is moving beyond dialogues towards concrete projects, including enhanced maritime cooperation. “One of the things we’ve agreed to work on is domain awareness, working together and pooling our resources so that we can have domain awareness about what’s happening out in the sea,” said Rubio, highlighting the need to monitor shipping routes, undersea cables, and sanctioned vessels. Also Read: US F-15 pilot shot down twice in 33 days during Iran war, survives both incidents “We held a rare Earths ministerial that was attended by over 30 countries from around the world, all of which were signing up for an American-led effort to ensure that critical supplies of rare earth minerals around the world are available for our emerging economies, and we don’t remain overly dependent on China,” said Rubio referncing a recent rare earths ministerial that brought together more than 30 countries. On May 26, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally signed the Strategic Critical Minerals Cooperation Framework at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Rubio highlighted the “Pax Silica”, an initiative of 14 countries on rare-earth materials to decrease reliance on China and supply chain independence that are critical for the future development of Artificial Intelligence, which Washington views as increasingly important for economic and national security.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says India and the US are weeks away from finalising a bilateral trade agreement. He also highlighted Quad cooperation, maritime security, and rare earth mineral partnerships.

Marco Rubio says India-US trade deal weeks away, highlights Quad and rare earths cooperation

Bakersfield police on Wednesday (Jun 3) identified the suspect who took hostage over 10 people at a Chase Bank branch in downtown Bakersfield, some 100 miles north of Los Angeles, on Tuesday (Jun 2) afternoon. The hostage situation led to a roughly 15-hour standoff before the suspect was killed in a shooting involving the FBI. Reports have identified as 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, who, as per authorities, had a criminal history including sex offences against minors. Here's all we know about the Bakersfield hostage situation suspect.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bakersfield-bank-hostage-situation-major-police-response-underway-after-bomb-threat-at-california-bank-1780448809681">Bakersfield bank hostage situation: Major police response underway as man with bomb strapped to chest hijacks California bank</a><h2>Who was Anthony Scott Searles-Harris?</h2>On Tuesday afternoon, Anthony Scott Searles-Harris entered the Chase Bank building in downtown Bakersfield, some 100 miles north of Los Angeles, with explosives strapped to his chest. According to investigators, Searles-Harris stormed the second-floor offices on Tuesday afternoon and allegedly told people, "It's a bad day to be at the bank," before taking hostages. A tense standoff ensued with over 10 hostages stuck inside the bank. Police later said all 10 hostages were rescued safely, though several endured hours of uncertainty as negotiators tried to secure their release.Public records show Searles-Harris served in the US Army between 2006 and 2007 before being dishonourably discharged after going absent without leave. He was later convicted in 2014 of two sex offences involving a child under the age of 14 and was released from prison in 2018. California records listed him as a registered sex offender. Reports linked to the case alleged he had hosted underage girls at parties, supplied them with drugs and alcohol, and coerced them into sexual acts.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/firing-outside-khan-sir-s-coaching-centre-leaves-guard-injured-educator-alleges-rival-institute-role-watch-video-1780463853075">Alleged shooting outside Khan Sir's coaching centre leaves guard injured; educator alleges rival institute role | WATCH</a>Authorities also revealed that Searles-Harris had a history of violent offences involving weapons. While investigators initially treated the explosive threats seriously, officials later said the devices found at the scene were ultimately determined not to pose a significant danger. "We’re still doing further testing on it, but we were able to conclude at this point in time that they were not a concern to us," an FBI official told The New York Post.<h2>How did the police take him down?</h2>The crisis ended around 4:20 a.m. Wednesday when members of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team entered the building. Officials said concerns over the deteriorating health of a diabetic hostage and the suspect's increasingly erratic behaviour prompted the operation. Searles-Harris was shot and killed during the intervention.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: <a href="https://t.co/8XSJsJqyeI">pic.twitter.com/8XSJsJqyeI</a>&mdash; Bakersfield Police Department (@bakersfieldpd) <a href="https://x.com/bakersfieldpd/status/2062184923176612154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Investigators are still trying to establish a clear motive. However, Bakersfield Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Blakemore said the suspect repeatedly raised grievances about previous criminal cases against him and the sentences he received.

The man who held more than 10 people hostage inside a California bank for nearly 15 hours has been identified as a convicted sex offender with a lengthy criminal record. Authorities say the standoff ended only after an FBI rescue operation and a fatal shooting inside the building. 

Bakersfield police on Wednesday (Jun 3) identified the suspect who took hostage over 10 people at a Chase Bank branch in downtown Bakersfield, some 100 miles north of Los Angeles, on Tuesday (Jun 2) afternoon. The hostage situation led to a roughly 15-hour standoff before the suspect was killed in a shooting involving the FBI. Reports have identified as 41-year-old Anthony Scott Searles-Harris, who, as per authorities, had a criminal history including sex offences against minors. Here's all we know about the Bakersfield hostage situation suspect. Also read | Bakersfield bank hostage situation: Major police response underway as man with bomb strapped to chest hijacks California bank Who was Anthony Scott Searles-Harris? On Tuesday afternoon, Anthony Scott Searles-Harris entered the Chase Bank building in downtown Bakersfield, some 100 miles north of Los Angeles, with explosives strapped to his chest. According to investigators, Searles-Harris stormed the second-floor offices on Tuesday afternoon and allegedly told people, "It's a bad day to be at the bank," before taking hostages. A tense standoff ensued with over 10 hostages stuck inside the bank. Police later said all 10 hostages were rescued safely, though several endured hours of uncertainty as negotiators tried to secure their release. Public records show Searles-Harris served in the US Army between 2006 and 2007 before being dishonourably discharged after going absent without leave. He was later convicted in 2014 of two sex offences involving a child under the age of 14 and was released from prison in 2018. California records listed him as a registered sex offender. Reports linked to the case alleged he had hosted underage girls at parties, supplied them with drugs and alcohol, and coerced them into sexual acts. Also read | Alleged shooting outside Khan Sir's coaching centre leaves guard injured; educator alleges rival institute role | WATCH Authorities also revealed that Searles-Harris had a history of violent offences involving weapons. While investigators initially treated the explosive threats seriously, officials later said the devices found at the scene were ultimately determined not to pose a significant danger. "We’re still doing further testing on it, but we were able to conclude at this point in time that they were not a concern to us," an FBI official told The New York Post. How did the police take him down? The crisis ended around 4:20 a.m. Wednesday when members of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team entered the building. Officials said concerns over the deteriorating health of a diabetic hostage and the suspect's increasingly erratic behaviour prompted the operation. Searles-Harris was shot and killed during the intervention.

The man who held more than 10 people hostage inside a California bank for nearly 15 hours has been identified as a convicted sex offender with a lengthy criminal record. Authorities say the standoff ended only after an FBI rescue operation and a fatal shooting inside the building.&nbsp;

Who was Anthony Scott Searles-Harris? All we know about Bakersfield bank hostage suspect

Unsafe food claims 1.5 million lives each year, with children under five among the most vulnerable, the World Health Organisation cautioned Thursday (June 4). A WHO analysis spanning 194 countries between 2000 and 2021 found that approximately 886 million people fall ill annually from consuming contaminated food, with young children nearly three times more susceptible than other age groups.&nbsp;"Food safety is not an abstract issue — it touches every meal, every family, every day," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. While overall rates of food-related illness have fallen since 2000, stark regional disparities persist. Africa and Southeast Asia together account for nearly three-quarters of global cases and 60 per cent of deaths linked to unsafe food. Experts say the concentration of cases in these regions reflects deeper structural challenges, including inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, limited food inspection capacity, and constrained public health resources that leave millions exposed to preventable risks.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebola-outbreak-who-chief-says-spread-of-ebola-virus-can-be-stopped-1780067739663">Ebola Outbreak: WHO Chief Says Spread Of Ebola Virus Can Be Stopped</a>&nbsp;Biological hazards, including bacteria and viruses, were responsible for roughly 860 million cases in 2021, representing the vast majority of food-borne illnesses. Chemical contaminants, however, accounted for a disproportionate share of fatalities, with arsenic and lead identified as the leading non-biological causes of death. Officials noted that heavy metal contamination frequently stems from industrial pollution and the use of unsafe agricultural inputs, compounding risks in regions already burdened by limited regulatory oversight.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hidden-system-big-impact-this-forgotten-organ-could-predict-how-long-you-live-study-finds-1780489700952">Hidden system, big impact: THIS forgotten organ could predict how long you live, study finds</a>&nbsp;WHO technical officer for food safety, Yuki Minato, warned that the problem is worsening. She was quoted in the news agency AFP saying, "The data show that food-borne diseases are not only persistent but are being made worse by climate change, which increases contamination risks, and by antimicrobial resistance, which makes infections harder to treat.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated international action. WHO officials called on governments to strengthen national food safety systems, invest in surveillance infrastructure, and prioritise cross-border cooperation to address supply chain vulnerabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond the human toll, food-borne diseases cost the global economy an estimated $647 billion in lost productivity in 2021, according to the study.

Unsafe food costs the global economy $647 billion in lost productivity annually, alongside devastating health impacts. Discover the true economic and human toll of food-borne illness worldwide.

Unsafe food claims 1.5 million lives each year, with children under five among the most vulnerable, the World Health Organisation cautioned Thursday (June 4). A WHO analysis spanning 194 countries between 2000 and 2021 found that approximately 886 million people fall ill annually from consuming contaminated food, with young children nearly three times more susceptible than other age groups. "Food safety is not an abstract issue — it touches every meal, every family, every day," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. While overall rates of food-related illness have fallen since 2000, stark regional disparities persist. Africa and Southeast Asia together account for nearly three-quarters of global cases and 60 per cent of deaths linked to unsafe food. Experts say the concentration of cases in these regions reflects deeper structural challenges, including inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, limited food inspection capacity, and constrained public health resources that leave millions exposed to preventable risks.

Unsafe food costs the global economy $647 billion in lost productivity annually, alongside devastating health impacts. Discover the true economic and human toll of food-borne illness worldwide.

Silent Toxins: Chemicals in unsafe food drive 73% of 1.5 million deaths annually

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in new federal support to bolster coal-fired power and coal exports. After Bloomberg first reported the development, the White House confirmed it and is expected to come on Thursday. Coal production has been declining in the country for nearly 20 years, but now the Trump administration is trying to revive the electricity source. He will use Cold War-era wartime authority under the Defense Prevention Act to dole out support for the waning coal industry. He will reportedly give $425 million to 13 existing coal plants, $75 million for an export terminal in California, and $185 million in grant funding to build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart a plant in Maryland.&nbsp;It comes a day before World Environment Day on June 5. Coal is a major contributor to pollution, and global efforts are underway to reduce dependency on it as a fuel. However, the Trump administration is a supporter and argues that it is an important source of reliable power. Trump even calls it &nbsp;“clean” and “beautiful.” In fact, he has made reviving and protecting the American coal industry a central pillar of his "energy dominance" agenda in his second term. He claims that it provides a reliable "baseload" power that the electric grid desperately needs and is crucial to protect national security.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-order-making-easier-to-fire-8-000-senior-federal-employees-1780528495794">Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees</a><h2>Trump's push to promote coal production</h2>Under Trump, the US Energy Department has issued emergency orders pushing coal plants to continue producing power beyond planned closing dates. More federal land for coal leasing has been opened in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. The President has directed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into agreements to purchase electricity from coal plants for military operations. Environmentalists have slammed Trump's moves, saying the government is using taxpayer money to keep the country reliant on fossil fuels that are known to drive climate change.&nbsp;“Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way for the Trump administration to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk. The best thing for the air, the climate and our utility bills is to let these plants retire peacefully," Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the Natural Resources Defence Council, told Financial Post. The announcement is expected to come at 3 pm on Thursday.

 Donald Trump will give $700 million in federal support to empower coal power in the US. The announcement will be made under the  Defense Prevention Act on Thursday. His administration has been criticised for increasing global warming by promoting coal.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in new federal support to bolster coal-fired power and coal exports. After Bloomberg first reported the development, the White House confirmed it and is expected to come on Thursday. Coal production has been declining in the country for nearly 20 years, but now the Trump administration is trying to revive the electricity source. He will use Cold War-era wartime authority under the Defense Prevention Act to dole out support for the waning coal industry. He will reportedly give $425 million to 13 existing coal plants, $75 million for an export terminal in California, and $185 million in grant funding to build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart a plant in Maryland. It comes a day before World Environment Day on June 5. Coal is a major contributor to pollution, and global efforts are underway to reduce dependency on it as a fuel. However, the Trump administration is a supporter and argues that it is an important source of reliable power. Trump even calls it “clean” and “beautiful.” In fact, he has made reviving and protecting the American coal industry a central pillar of his "energy dominance" agenda in his second term. He claims that it provides a reliable "baseload" power that the electric grid desperately needs and is crucial to protect national security. Also Read: Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees Trump's push to promote coal production Under Trump, the US Energy Department has issued emergency orders pushing coal plants to continue producing power beyond planned closing dates. More federal land for coal leasing has been opened in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. The President has directed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into agreements to purchase electricity from coal plants for military operations. Environmentalists have slammed Trump's moves, saying the government is using taxpayer money to keep the country reliant on fossil fuels that are known to drive climate change. “Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way for the Trump administration to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk. The best thing for the air, the climate and our utility bills is to let these plants retire peacefully," Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the Natural Resources Defence Council, told Financial Post. The announcement is expected to come at 3 pm on Thursday.

&nbsp;Donald Trump will give $700 million in federal support to empower coal power in the US. The announcement will be made under the &nbsp;Defense Prevention Act on Thursday. His administration has been criticised for increasing global warming by promoting coal.

Donald Trump to give $700mn of taxpayer money to boost 'beautiful' coal on eve of World Environment Day

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday (June 4) ordering the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war. Four members of Trump's Republicans also joined Democrats in backing the measure, which passed 215-208 and heads to the Senate. The move marked the first time the Republican-controlled House has attempted to force Trump to end the military operations against Tehran. A similar resolution cleared an important procedural hurdle in the Senate at the end of May and could be voted on as early as this week. The Senate, like the House, is narrowly controlled by Republicans. As the Congress pushed for War Powers Resolution, the Trump administration insisted that the war against Iran is already over, despite ongoing exchanges of fire between the two sides' forces and no peace deal. "This is a loud and unambiguous message to Donald Trump on behalf of the American people: it's time to end his deeply unpopular and illegal war of choice in Iran," the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats posted on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-iran-surrenders-trump-blasts-absolutely-crazy-us-media-after-tehran-halts-peace-talks-1780367473027">Trump blasts 'absolutely crazy' US media</a><h2>What happens now?</h2>After the resolution was passed by US House, it will now move to the Senate where senators will debate and vote on it. When the Senators approve it, the resolution will be sent to President Trump. This is where the resolution will be stuck as Trump won't sign the resolution. He will, most likely veto it. Congress can try to override the veto as the resolution returns to Congress after Trump rejects it. Both the House and Senate would need a two-thirds majority to override the president's veto. Given Republicans control both chambers and many support Trump, securing a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate would be extremely difficult. As it will be difficult to override the resolution, it dies.&nbsp;&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>What is War Powers resolution?</h2>The War Powers Resolution is a US law passed in 1973 to limit the president's ability to involve the United States in armed conflicts without congressional approval. Trump started the Iran war without Congress' approval and since then the Congress has threatened to use War Powers Resolution to force him to end the war. According to the US law, the president can deploy US forces without a declaration of war only in limited circumstances, such as a national emergency or an attack on the US. The president must notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing troops into hostilities. US forces must generally be withdrawn within 60 days (with a possible 30-day extension) unless Congress authorizes the military action or declares war. Lawmakers backing the current resolution argue that the war is unpopular and Americans want to end it. Even if it is symbolic, as lawmakers know Trump would veto it, Congress passed it to put pressure on the Trump administration.

The US House passed a resolution seeking the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran conflict, dealing a political setback to President Trump. Backed by Democrats and four Republicans, the measure revives debate over Congress's war powers and now heads to the Senate.

The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday (June 4) ordering the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war. Four members of Trump's Republicans also joined Democrats in backing the measure, which passed 215-208 and heads to the Senate. The move marked the first time the Republican-controlled House has attempted to force Trump to end the military operations against Tehran. A similar resolution cleared an important procedural hurdle in the Senate at the end of May and could be voted on as early as this week. The Senate, like the House, is narrowly controlled by Republicans. As the Congress pushed for War Powers Resolution, the Trump administration insisted that the war against Iran is already over, despite ongoing exchanges of fire between the two sides' forces and no peace deal. "This is a loud and unambiguous message to Donald Trump on behalf of the American people: it's time to end his deeply unpopular and illegal war of choice in Iran," the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats posted on X. Also Read: Trump blasts 'absolutely crazy' US media What happens now? After the resolution was passed by US House, it will now move to the Senate where senators will debate and vote on it. When the Senators approve it, the resolution will be sent to President Trump. This is where the resolution will be stuck as Trump won't sign the resolution. He will, most likely veto it. Congress can try to override the veto as the resolution returns to Congress after Trump rejects it. Both the House and Senate would need a two-thirds majority to override the president's veto. Given Republicans control both chambers and many support Trump, securing a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate would be extremely difficult. As it will be difficult to override the resolution, it dies. Also Read: Rubio clarifies 'stupid people' remark on WION's racism question, says 'Trump loves India' amid 'hellhole' comments What is War Powers resolution? The War Powers Resolution is a US law passed in 1973 to limit the president's ability to involve the United States in armed conflicts without congressional approval. Trump started the Iran war without Congress' approval and since then the Congress has threatened to use War Powers Resolution to force him to end the war. According to the US law, the president can deploy US forces without a declaration of war only in limited circumstances, such as a national emergency or an attack on the US. The president must notify Congress within 48 hours of introducing troops into hostilities. US forces must generally be withdrawn within 60 days (with a possible 30-day extension) unless Congress authorizes the military action or declares war. Lawmakers backing the current resolution argue that the war is unpopular and Americans want to end it. Even if it is symbolic, as lawmakers know Trump would veto it, Congress passed it to put pressure on the Trump administration.

The US House passed a resolution seeking the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran conflict, dealing a political setback to President Trump. Backed by Democrats and four Republicans, the measure revives debate over Congress's war powers and now heads to the Senate.

US House passes resolution to end Iran war: What happens now and will Trump be forced to end the military operation | WION Decodes

Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday (June 4) released CCTV footage showing the immediate aftermath of a drone attack on Terminal 1 (T1) at Kuwait International Airport. The incident killed an Indian national and injured 63 others, forcing the airport to shut down temporarily. It is being described as the first deadly strike in the Gulf since the April 8 ceasefire came into effect.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">اللحظات الأولى للاعتداء الإيراني الغاشم من قبل المسيرات الذي تعرض له مبنى الركاب T1 في مطار الكويت الدولي بتاريخ 3 يونيو 2026 وتسبب بخسائر بالأرواح وإصابات بشرية بليغة وأضرار مادية جسيمة The first moments following the brutal Iranian drone attack on Terminal 1 (T1) at Kuwait… <a href="https://t.co/eTzQoVXB4K">pic.twitter.com/eTzQoVXB4K</a>&mdash; الطيران المدني (@Kuwait_DGCA) <a href="https://x.com/Kuwait_DGCA/status/2062290091729666092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The attack comes a day after the US military conducted targeted strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The operations hit a communications tower and an Iranian oil tanker, following a series of maritime confrontations in the region. US President Trump, however, downplayed the latest exchange of fire, saying: "It's a different part of the world, you know. I'd say in that part of the world, ceasefire is when you're shooting more moderately."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-lebanon-agree-to-implement-ceasefire-following-us-led-talks-in-washington-1780534267316">Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington</a>&nbsp;"There's a reason for everything, and we hit them pretty hard the night before, and actually last night," Trump said, adding: "When it was explained to me, I said, 'all right.'"<h2>Iran denies role, blames US-made defence system</h2>Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied any involvement in the Kuwait airport attack. It claimed the damage was caused by a technical malfunction in the US-made Patriot missile defence system rather than an Iranian strike.&nbsp;Citing an investigation, Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency quoted an IRGC spokesperson as saying that the Aerospace Force did not target the civilian airport. Instead, the spokesperson alleged that Patriot missiles hit the terminal after failing to intercept incoming Iranian projectiles.&nbsp;“The Aerospace Force did not target Kuwait Airport. The damage was caused by Patriot systems that landed on the terminal after a failed interception attempt,” the spokesperson said.<h2>CENTCOM rejects Iran’s claim</h2>The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) strongly rejected Iran’s version of events, accusing Tehran of deliberately targeting the civilian airport and calling it an “unjustified attack.”&nbsp;In a post on X, CENTCOM said: “CLAIM: Iran claimed today that it did not attack the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport, and damage was instead caused by a US missile interceptor. Totally FALSE.&nbsp;TRUTH: Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and unjustified attack,” it said.

The attack killed an Indian national and injured 63 others, leading to the temporary shutdown of the airport. It is being described as the first deadly strike in the Gulf since the April 8 ceasefire came into effect.

Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday (June 4) released CCTV footage showing the immediate aftermath of a drone attack on Terminal 1 (T1) at Kuwait International Airport. The incident killed an Indian national and injured 63 others, forcing the airport to shut down temporarily. It is being described as the first deadly strike in the Gulf since the April 8 ceasefire came into effect.

The attack killed an Indian national and injured 63 others, leading to the temporary shutdown of the airport. It is being described as the first deadly strike in the Gulf since the April 8 ceasefire came into effect.

Watch: Kuwait releases CCTV footage of deadly Iranian drone attack on airport

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 3) announced that he will be attending the G7 Summit in France later this month. This has raised speculation about a possible meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also be attending the event in Évian-les-Bains. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that he will travel to France after attending a UFC event at the White House on June 14.“I’ll be going to the G7, in France, immediately following what will be one of the Most Entertaining Nights in American History, the UFC World Championship Fights on the South Lawn of the White House,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.PM Modi is set to travel to France and Slovakia as India-Europe relations strengthen. He is expected to attend the G7 Summit in the scenic town of Évian-les-Bains from 15-17 June. While New Delhi has not yet formally confirmed his participation, the French Foreign Ministry said that Indian has been invited to the key event, adding that PM Modi has confirmed his attendance.This comes amid trade tensions between the two countries after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on India, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases. Despite recent strains in bilateral ties, PM Modi and Trump have maintained regular communication through a series of phone conversations over the past few months.The relationship has also shown signs of renewed momentum following the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India last month. During his interactions with PM Modi, Rubio provided an update on progress in key areas of cooperation, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education, and people-to-people relations.Earlier on Tuesday (Jun 2), negotiators from India and the US began three-day talks in New Delhi aimed at finalising the proposed interim trade agreement. The broad framework for the deal was agreed upon in February.US Ambassador Sergio Gor has said that the India-US trade deal was “99 per cent complete”, adding that both sides were working to resolve the remaining issues. He also expressed optimism, saying that the agreement could be signed in the coming weeks.“And so that is something that this relationship is valued, that the (US) trade team that is right now negotiating on that. Once that trade deal is finalised… the interim trade deal was there in place. It is that 1 per cent that we are trying to get across the finish line. So the leaders can have a signing and put that in stone and in law,” Gor said.

US President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the G7 Summit in France later this month, sparking speculation about a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also expected to be there.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 3) announced that he will be attending the G7 Summit in France later this month. This has raised speculation about a possible meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also be attending the event in Évian-les-Bains. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that he will travel to France after attending a UFC event at the White House on June 14. “I’ll be going to the G7, in France, immediately following what will be one of the Most Entertaining Nights in American History, the UFC World Championship Fights on the South Lawn of the White House,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. PM Modi is set to travel to France and Slovakia as India-Europe relations strengthen. He is expected to attend the G7 Summit in the scenic town of Évian-les-Bains from 15-17 June. While New Delhi has not yet formally confirmed his participation, the French Foreign Ministry said that Indian has been invited to the key event, adding that PM Modi has confirmed his attendance. This comes amid trade tensions between the two countries after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on India, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases. Despite recent strains in bilateral ties, PM Modi and Trump have maintained regular communication through a series of phone conversations over the past few months. The relationship has also shown signs of renewed momentum following the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India last month. During his interactions with PM Modi, Rubio provided an update on progress in key areas of cooperation, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education, and people-to-people relations. Earlier on Tuesday (Jun 2), negotiators from India and the US began three-day talks in New Delhi aimed at finalising the proposed interim trade agreement. The broad framework for the deal was agreed upon in February. US Ambassador Sergio Gor has said that the India-US trade deal was “99 per cent complete”, adding that both sides were working to resolve the remaining issues. He also expressed optimism, saying that the agreement could be signed in the coming weeks. “And so that is something that this relationship is valued, that the (US) trade team that is right now negotiating on that. Once that trade deal is finalised… the interim trade deal was there in place. It is that 1 per cent that we are trying to get across the finish line. So the leaders can have a signing and put that in stone and in law,” Gor said.

US President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the G7 Summit in France later this month, sparking speculation about a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also expected to be there.

Will PM Modi meet Trump at G7? US president confirms France visit

Video of a wounded student saying “I can’t breathe” as British Police handcuff him has sparked widespread outrage in the UK. The police have been accused of being “racist” against white people, as violent clashes and brick-throwing were seen against officers.

‘I can’t breathe’: UK protests over mistreatment of dying student turn violent

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to work towards a ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington on Wednesday (June 04). The agreement depends on a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel and Lebanon.&nbsp;“As a result of the US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector,” the statement said.&nbsp;Although the two countries do not share formal diplomatic relations, they also agreed to establish “pilot zones” where the Lebanese armed forces would assume exclusive control, removing all non-state actors from those areas.&nbsp;Both sides will return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22, with the aim of reaching a broader and comprehensive agreement.&nbsp;“All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the statement said.&nbsp;It further noted that “they rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon's future hostage,” in what appeared to be a reference to Iran and its ally Hezbollah.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-deal-possible-over-the-weekend-trump-says-talks-are-going-very-well-1780521793162">US-Iran deal possible 'over the weekend': Trump says talks are going 'very well'</a>&nbsp;The development came as fighting continued on the ground, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel on Wednesday and Lebanese authorities reporting that Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics.&nbsp;The diplomatic breakthrough comes just days after Iran threatened to walk away from secret peace talks with the United States unless Israel stopped its military operations in Lebanon.&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any strike on Beirut could trigger a “full-scale resumption” of the wider Middle East conflict as Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah.&nbsp;“The fate of the war between Iran and the Zionists (Israel) and Americans is inseparable from the fate of the battle in Lebanon, and these two fronts have been intertwined since day one,” Araghchi was quoted as saying in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV.&nbsp;He added, “Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war,” warning that Iran’s “armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut.”

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector, with both sides set to return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to work towards a ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington on Wednesday (June 04). The agreement depends on a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel and Lebanon. “As a result of the US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector,” the statement said. Although the two countries do not share formal diplomatic relations, they also agreed to establish “pilot zones” where the Lebanese armed forces would assume exclusive control, removing all non-state actors from those areas. Both sides will return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22, with the aim of reaching a broader and comprehensive agreement. “All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the statement said. It further noted that “they rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon's future hostage,” in what appeared to be a reference to Iran and its ally Hezbollah. Also Read: US-Iran deal possible 'over the weekend': Trump says talks are going 'very well' The development came as fighting continued on the ground, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel on Wednesday and Lebanese authorities reporting that Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics. The diplomatic breakthrough comes just days after Iran threatened to walk away from secret peace talks with the United States unless Israel stopped its military operations in Lebanon. Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any strike on Beirut could trigger a “full-scale resumption” of the wider Middle East conflict as Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah. “The fate of the war between Iran and the Zionists (Israel) and Americans is inseparable from the fate of the battle in Lebanon, and these two fronts have been intertwined since day one,” Araghchi was quoted as saying in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV. He added, “Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war,” warning that Iran’s “armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut.”

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector, with both sides set to return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22.

Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington

Elon Musk-led SpaceX is aiming to raise around $75 billion through an initial public offering (IPO), according to a regulatory filing released on Wednesday (June 03). The proposed share sale would value the rocket and satellite company at approximately $1.765 trillion, making it one of the world's most valuable companies.&nbsp;SpaceX said it plans to offer 555,555,555 shares at an initial price of $135 per share. With nearly 13 billion shares outstanding, the company would achieve a valuation of about $1.765 trillion if the IPO moves forward.&nbsp;The offering would comfortably surpass the current record for the largest IPO, held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion when it went public in 2019. Founded in 2002, SpaceX has grown into a leading player in the global space industry and is widely credited with reshaping commercial spaceflight. A key part of the company's success has been its focus on reusable rocket technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-order-making-easier-to-fire-8-000-senior-federal-employees-1780528495794">Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees</a>&nbsp;Through its Falcon 9 programme, SpaceX pioneered the routine recovery and reuse of rocket boosters, helping lower launch costs and increase the frequency of missions. The company has successfully landed and reused Falcon 9 boosters more than 600 times.<h2>First private company to dock with ISS</h2>SpaceX reached another major milestone in 2012 when it became the first private company to dock a spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS), one year after NASA retired its Space Shuttle programme.&nbsp;Since then, the company has conducted regular cargo resupply missions to the ISS and expanded its operations across satellite deployment, commercial launches and human spaceflight.&nbsp;If successful, the IPO would not only set a new fundraising record but also mark another major milestone for Musk's space venture

The offering would comfortably surpass the current record for the largest IPO held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion when it went public in 2019, and analysts say it could also make Musk already the world's richest person the world's first trillionaire.

Elon Musk-led SpaceX is aiming to raise around $75 billion through an initial public offering (IPO), according to a regulatory filing released on Wednesday (June 03). The proposed share sale would value the rocket and satellite company at approximately $1.765 trillion, making it one of the world's most valuable companies. SpaceX said it plans to offer 555,555,555 shares at an initial price of $135 per share. With nearly 13 billion shares outstanding, the company would achieve a valuation of about $1.765 trillion if the IPO moves forward. The offering would comfortably surpass the current record for the largest IPO, held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion when it went public in 2019. Founded in 2002, SpaceX has grown into a leading player in the global space industry and is widely credited with reshaping commercial spaceflight. A key part of the company's success has been its focus on reusable rocket technology. Also Read: Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees Through its Falcon 9 programme, SpaceX pioneered the routine recovery and reuse of rocket boosters, helping lower launch costs and increase the frequency of missions. The company has successfully landed and reused Falcon 9 boosters more than 600 times. First private company to dock with ISS SpaceX reached another major milestone in 2012 when it became the first private company to dock a spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS), one year after NASA retired its Space Shuttle programme. Since then, the company has conducted regular cargo resupply missions to the ISS and expanded its operations across satellite deployment, commercial launches and human spaceflight. If successful, the IPO would not only set a new fundraising record but also mark another major milestone for Musk's space venture

The offering would comfortably surpass the current record for the largest IPO held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion when it went public in 2019, and analysts say it could also make Musk already the world's richest person the world's first trillionaire.

Biggest-ever IPO in history: Musk's SpaceX aims to raise $75 billion at $1.765 trillion valuation

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (June 04) signed an executive order that makes it easier to remove thousands of senior federal employees from their positions, marking the latest step in his administration's effort to reshape the federal workforce.&nbsp;The order, issued by the White House and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), removes employment protections for around 8,000 high-ranking government officials who play a role in shaping or influencing public policy. Many of the affected employees earn salaries of up to nearly $200,000 annually.&nbsp;Administration officials said the move is intended to ensure that government employees are willing to implement the president's policy agenda and comply with directives issued by the administration.&nbsp;“You can have any political views, but if you allow those views to basically interfere with your willingness to actually carry out lawful orders and policy directives with the administration, then this provides a mechanism obviously for people in those agencies to be able to be removed effectively at will,” Scott Kupor, director of the OPM, said during a briefing ahead of the announcement.&nbsp;The latest executive order signals the Trump administration's continued effort to reduce and restructure the federal workforce.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denies-targeting-kuwait-airport-blames-us-made-patriot-system-for-damage-1780524896697">Iran denies targeting Kuwait airport; blames US-made Patriot system for damage</a>&nbsp;According to government data, around 348,000 employees, more than 11 per cent of the federal workforce, have left government service since October 2024.&nbsp;The latest measure underscores Trump's long-standing push to discipline or remove career officials whom he believes are obstructing his administration's objectives. The initiative has continued even after billionaire Elon Musk stepped down last year from his role overseeing efforts to cut government spending and payroll costs.&nbsp;Earlier in Trump's presidency, the administration launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a high-profile initiative co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.&nbsp;The programme was tasked with reviewing federal operations, reducing regulations and identifying areas for spending cuts across government agencies.&nbsp;Officials associated with the initiative claimed it generated billions of dollars in savings through measures such as hiring freezes, the cancellation of federal contracts, the suspension of improper payments to foreign entities and the elimination of several federal grant programmes.

Earlier in the presidency, the Trump administration launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to streamline federal operations, reduce regulations and cut government spending.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (June 04) signed an executive order that makes it easier to remove thousands of senior federal employees from their positions, marking the latest step in his administration's effort to reshape the federal workforce. The order, issued by the White House and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), removes employment protections for around 8,000 high-ranking government officials who play a role in shaping or influencing public policy. Many of the affected employees earn salaries of up to nearly $200,000 annually. Administration officials said the move is intended to ensure that government employees are willing to implement the president's policy agenda and comply with directives issued by the administration. “You can have any political views, but if you allow those views to basically interfere with your willingness to actually carry out lawful orders and policy directives with the administration, then this provides a mechanism obviously for people in those agencies to be able to be removed effectively at will,” Scott Kupor, director of the OPM, said during a briefing ahead of the announcement. The latest executive order signals the Trump administration's continued effort to reduce and restructure the federal workforce. Also Read: Iran denies targeting Kuwait airport; blames US-made Patriot system for damage According to government data, around 348,000 employees, more than 11 per cent of the federal workforce, have left government service since October 2024. The latest measure underscores Trump's long-standing push to discipline or remove career officials whom he believes are obstructing his administration's objectives. The initiative has continued even after billionaire Elon Musk stepped down last year from his role overseeing efforts to cut government spending and payroll costs. Earlier in Trump's presidency, the administration launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a high-profile initiative co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The programme was tasked with reviewing federal operations, reducing regulations and identifying areas for spending cuts across government agencies. Officials associated with the initiative claimed it generated billions of dollars in savings through measures such as hiring freezes, the cancellation of federal contracts, the suspension of improper payments to foreign entities and the elimination of several federal grant programmes.

Earlier in the presidency, the Trump administration launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to streamline federal operations, reduce regulations and cut government spending.

Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied any involvement in the attack on Kuwait International Airport, claiming the damage was caused by a malfunction in the US-made Patriot missile defence system rather than an Iranian strike.&nbsp;Citing an investigation, Iran's state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency quoted an IRGC spokesperson as saying that the IRGC Aerospace Force did not target the civilian airport. The spokesperson instead alleged that Patriot missiles struck the terminal after failing to intercept incoming Iranian projectiles.&nbsp;“The Aerospace Force did not target Kuwait Airport. The damage was caused by Patriot systems that landed on the terminal after a failed interception attempt," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;The incident caused extensive damage to Passenger Terminal 1 (T1) at Kuwait International Airport, killing one person, identified by the Indian embassy as an Indian national, and injuring 63 others.&nbsp;Kuwaiti authorities subsequently closed the country's airspace, suspended commercial flight operations and diverted incoming flights.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-struck-us-command-and-control-vessel-in-gulf-of-oman-centcom-rejects-claim-1780517904227">Iran claims strike on US command-and-control vessel in Gulf of Oman; CENTCOM denies</a>&nbsp;Tehran's denial came after former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani strongly criticised Iran's military actions against Gulf countries amid rising regional tensions.&nbsp;In a post on X, Al Thani described Iran's continued strikes against neighbouring states as "astonishing" and "unjustifiable". He questioned the rationale behind recent attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait and suggested there were grounds to investigate whether the operations had been planned well in advance.&nbsp;While reiterating Qatar's desire to maintain positive relations with Iran, he stressed that Doha would not be "blackmailed" by Tehran.&nbsp;Al Thani also called on Gulf nations to adopt a united position, arguing that a coordinated regional response would demonstrate that attacks against Gulf states would not undermine their collective strength.<h2>CENTCOM rejects Iranian allegations</h2>Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected Iran's assertion and accused Tehran of deliberately targeting a civilian airport in what it described as an “unjustified attack.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚫CLAIM: Iran claimed today that it did not attack the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport and damage was instead caused by a U.S. missile interceptor. Totally FALSE. ✅TRUTH: Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and… <a href="https://t.co/OVrzeDibQl">pic.twitter.com/OVrzeDibQl</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2062247958364791088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"CLAIM: Iran claimed today that it did not attack the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport, and damage was instead caused by a U.S. missile interceptor. Totally FALSE.&nbsp;TRUTH: Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and unjustified attack," it said in a post on X.&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 military rejected Iran's claim and accused Tehran of carrying out a deliberate and unjustified attack on Kuwait International Airport.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied any involvement in the attack on Kuwait International Airport, claiming the damage was caused by a malfunction in the US-made Patriot missile defence system rather than an Iranian strike. Citing an investigation, Iran's state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency quoted an IRGC spokesperson as saying that the IRGC Aerospace Force did not target the civilian airport. The spokesperson instead alleged that Patriot missiles struck the terminal after failing to intercept incoming Iranian projectiles. “The Aerospace Force did not target Kuwait Airport. The damage was caused by Patriot systems that landed on the terminal after a failed interception attempt," the spokesperson said. The incident caused extensive damage to Passenger Terminal 1 (T1) at Kuwait International Airport, killing one person, identified by the Indian embassy as an Indian national, and injuring 63 others. Kuwaiti authorities subsequently closed the country's airspace, suspended commercial flight operations and diverted incoming flights. Also Read: Iran claims strike on US command-and-control vessel in Gulf of Oman; CENTCOM denies Tehran's denial came after former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani strongly criticised Iran's military actions against Gulf countries amid rising regional tensions. In a post on X, Al Thani described Iran's continued strikes against neighbouring states as "astonishing" and "unjustifiable". He questioned the rationale behind recent attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait and suggested there were grounds to investigate whether the operations had been planned well in advance. While reiterating Qatar's desire to maintain positive relations with Iran, he stressed that Doha would not be "blackmailed" by Tehran. Al Thani also called on Gulf nations to adopt a united position, arguing that a coordinated regional response would demonstrate that attacks against Gulf states would not undermine their collective strength. CENTCOM rejects Iranian allegations Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected Iran's assertion and accused Tehran of deliberately targeting a civilian airport in what it described as an “unjustified attack.”

The US military rejected Iran's claim and accused Tehran of carrying out a deliberate and unjustified attack on Kuwait International Airport.

Iran denies targeting Kuwait airport; blames US-made Patriot system for damage

Despite renewed tensions in West Asia, including reported strikes on Kuwait airport and continued military exchanges across the region, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Wednesday (June 3) about ongoing negotiations with Iran, saying a potential agreement could emerge within days.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters, Trump said discussions between Washington and Tehran were progressing positively. "I hear the negotiation itself is going very well, actually," he said, adding that a deal "could happen... over the weekend."&nbsp;The US president also indicated that he wanted to keep negotiations with Iran separate from efforts aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.&nbsp;"I'd like to separate it, I'd like to have a separate thing, because it is, it is separate," Trump said.&nbsp;Trump also revealed that Washington had recently held direct communication with Hezbollah as part of efforts to contain violence in Lebanon.&nbsp;"We actually spoke with Hezbollah for the first time, ever," the US president said.&nbsp;Referring to the latest understandings between the two sides, Trump added: "They agreed yesterday they're not going to shoot, Israel's not going to shoot, we're just going to see."His remarks came as diplomatic efforts continue across the region amid fears that the conflict could widen further.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-struck-us-command-and-control-vessel-in-gulf-of-oman-centcom-rejects-claim-1780517904227">Iran claims strike on US command-and-control vessel in Gulf of Oman; CENTCOM denies</a><h2>Iran says negotiations remain stalled</h2>However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a more cautious assessment, saying channels of communication with the United States remain open but negotiations have yet to produce meaningful results.&nbsp;"Communications with the Americans have not been cut off, and messages have been exchanged regarding the need to stop aggression against Beirut, but no tangible progress has been made in the negotiation process," Tasnim news agency quoted him as telling Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV.&nbsp;Araghchi also warned that any attack on Beirut would trigger a "full-scale resumption" of the Middle East war, as Israel pressed its campaign against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.&nbsp;"Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war," he continued, adding that Iran's "armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut".&nbsp;The US president downplayed the latest exchange of fire, saying: "It's a different part of the world, you know. I'd say in that part of the world, ceasefire is when you're shooting more moderately."&nbsp;"There's a reason for everything, and we hit them pretty hard the night before, and actually last night," Trump said, adding: "When it was explained to me, I said, 'all right.'"&nbsp;A ceasefire between the United States and Iran has remained in place since early April, while a separate truce in Lebanon came into effect later that month.&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.)

Trump said the US had engaged directly with Hezbollah for the first time to help de-escalate tensions in Lebanon and wants those efforts kept separate from talks with Iran.

Despite renewed tensions in West Asia, including reported strikes on Kuwait airport and continued military exchanges across the region, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Wednesday (June 3) about ongoing negotiations with Iran, saying a potential agreement could emerge within days. Speaking to reporters, Trump said discussions between Washington and Tehran were progressing positively. "I hear the negotiation itself is going very well, actually," he said, adding that a deal "could happen... over the weekend." The US president also indicated that he wanted to keep negotiations with Iran separate from efforts aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. "I'd like to separate it, I'd like to have a separate thing, because it is, it is separate," Trump said. Trump also revealed that Washington had recently held direct communication with Hezbollah as part of efforts to contain violence in Lebanon. "We actually spoke with Hezbollah for the first time, ever," the US president said. Referring to the latest understandings between the two sides, Trump added: "They agreed yesterday they're not going to shoot, Israel's not going to shoot, we're just going to see." His remarks came as diplomatic efforts continue across the region amid fears that the conflict could widen further. Also Read: Iran claims strike on US command-and-control vessel in Gulf of Oman; CENTCOM denies Iran says negotiations remain stalled However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a more cautious assessment, saying channels of communication with the United States remain open but negotiations have yet to produce meaningful results. "Communications with the Americans have not been cut off, and messages have been exchanged regarding the need to stop aggression against Beirut, but no tangible progress has been made in the negotiation process," Tasnim news agency quoted him as telling Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV. Araghchi also warned that any attack on Beirut would trigger a "full-scale resumption" of the Middle East war, as Israel pressed its campaign against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. "Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war," he continued, adding that Iran's "armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut". The US president downplayed the latest exchange of fire, saying: "It's a different part of the world, you know. I'd say in that part of the world, ceasefire is when you're shooting more moderately." "There's a reason for everything, and we hit them pretty hard the night before, and actually last night," Trump said, adding: "When it was explained to me, I said, 'all right.'" A ceasefire between the United States and Iran has remained in place since early April, while a separate truce in Lebanon came into effect later that month. (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.)

Trump said the US had engaged directly with Hezbollah for the first time to help de-escalate tensions in Lebanon and wants those efforts kept separate from talks with Iran.

US-Iran deal possible 'over the weekend': Trump says talks are going 'very well'

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Iran claimed that its navy had targeted a US military vessel operating in the Sea of Oman. Iranian state-linked media said the vessel was serving as a “command and control centre” and was approaching Iranian territorial waters when it came under attack.&nbsp;According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, military officials said the operation was carried out in response to recent US actions against Iranian commercial ships and alleged violations of navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz. The report, however, did not specify the extent of damage to the vessel or whether there were any casualties.<h2>US rejects Iran's claim</h2>Minutes after the Iranian reports emerged, the US military strongly denied the allegation."Iran is lying. US military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement posted on X.&nbsp;The competing claims surfaced as fighting and military exchanges continue across the region despite ongoing negotiations aimed at easing tensions.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚫 CLAIM: Iran is now claiming it has targeted a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Oman. ✅ TRUTH: Iran is lying. U.S. military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded. <a href="https://t.co/khuuHuun4u">pic.twitter.com/khuuHuun4u</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2062257014516990079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Rubio says US operation has ended</h2>The development comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Washington's military campaign against Iran had concluded, even as violence persists in parts of the region.&nbsp;"We're no longer conducting sustained strikes inside of Iran to degrade their military, because Epic Fury is over," Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee, maintaining that the United States had achieved its objectives.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/legal-trouble-for-elon-musk-in-uk-labour-mp-sues-xai-over-grok-generated-sexualised-images-1780514431086">Legal trouble for Elon Musk in UK? Labour MP sues xAI over Grok-generated sexualised images</a>&nbsp;The conflict, which Washington has referred to as Operation Epic Fury, began with strikes on Iran on February 28 and has since expanded across the Middle East. Iran has responded by targeting US allies in the region and disrupting movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments.&nbsp;Defending the outcome of the campaign, Rubio said, "We define victory as destroying their defence industrial base, significantly reducing the number of missile launchers that they possess, significantly reducing their stockpile of drones."&nbsp;"And we achieved all those, in addition to destroying what they had left of an air force and wiping out their entire conventional navy," he added.&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 military quickly rejected the Iranian claim, saying, “Iran is lying. US military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded.”

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Iran claimed that its navy had targeted a US military vessel operating in the Sea of Oman. Iranian state-linked media said the vessel was serving as a “command and control centre” and was approaching Iranian territorial waters when it came under attack. According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, military officials said the operation was carried out in response to recent US actions against Iranian commercial ships and alleged violations of navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz. The report, however, did not specify the extent of damage to the vessel or whether there were any casualties. US rejects Iran's claim Minutes after the Iranian reports emerged, the US military strongly denied the allegation. "Iran is lying. US military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement posted on X. The competing claims surfaced as fighting and military exchanges continue across the region despite ongoing negotiations aimed at easing tensions.

The US military quickly rejected the Iranian claim, saying, “Iran is lying. US military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded.”

Iran claims strike on US command-and-control vessel in Gulf of Oman; CENTCOM denies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that countries reliant on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are already developing alternative supply routes as disruption to the strategic waterway continues amid the conflict with Iran.&nbsp;Netanyahu told CNBC in an interview that the impact of reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could be eased through alternative channels. “That’s what’s happening now. Not, it’s going to happen, it’s already happening now,” the Israeli PM said.&nbsp;Roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict began. Iran blocked the strait and triggered a supplies disruption, leading to higher fuel and energy prices across the world in a bid to build pressure for stopping strikes against it and its allies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-longer-conducting-sustained-strikes-in-iran-because-epic-fury-is-over-rubio-1780511095074">‘No longer conducting sustained strikes in Iran, because Epic Fury is over’: Rubio</a><h2>‘Reverse blockade a stroke of genius, highly effective’: Netanyahu</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Israeli leader also praised US President Donald Trump for what he described as a “reverse blockade” targeting Iranian ports linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Calling the move “highly effective”, Netanyahu said it had been “a stroke of genius”.&nbsp;Netanyahu further revealed that he speaks with Trump “once every two days”, and said that the two leaders “have common goals ... we want to achieve them”.&nbsp;When questioned about the endgame for the conflict, Netanyahu said it remained “an open question on how the war should end”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-respects-me-and-i-respect-him-says-netanyahu-after-f-ing-crazy-phone-call-rebuke-1780502823440">Trump ‘respects’ me, and I ‘respect’ him, says Netanyahu after ‘f***ing crazy’ phone call rebuke</a>&nbsp;Netanyahu also described Trump as the “greatest friend to Israel”, citing a series of pro-Israel measures taken during Trump’s first term, including recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and brokering normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab states.&nbsp;<h2>Ghalibaf vows ‘decisive’ response to any attack</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Tehran would meet any attack with a strong response, local media reported Wednesday, after its Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted Kuwait in retaliation for US strikes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-central-bank-says-inflation-at-world-war-ii-levels-eco-pain-deepening-for-iranians-1780432873791">Iran’s central bank says inflation at World War II levels; eco pain deepening for Iranians</a>&nbsp;“Today, the Iranian nation, in its battle with America and the Zionist regime, showed that the era of free-of-charge Iran threats is over and that any aggression will be met with a decisive, regrettable, and proportionate response,” Ghalibaf said, according to local news agency ISNA.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump for the reverse blockade targeting Iranian ports linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu called the US naval blockade highly effective and a stroke of genius.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that countries reliant on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are already developing alternative supply routes as disruption to the strategic waterway continues amid the conflict with Iran. Netanyahu told CNBC in an interview that the impact of reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could be eased through alternative channels. “That’s what’s happening now. Not, it’s going to happen, it’s already happening now,” the Israeli PM said. Roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict began. Iran blocked the strait and triggered a supplies disruption, leading to higher fuel and energy prices across the world in a bid to build pressure for stopping strikes against it and its allies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon. Also Read: ‘No longer conducting sustained strikes in Iran, because Epic Fury is over’: Rubio ‘Reverse blockade a stroke of genius, highly effective’: Netanyahu The Israeli leader also praised US President Donald Trump for what he described as a “reverse blockade” targeting Iranian ports linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Calling the move “highly effective”, Netanyahu said it had been “a stroke of genius”. Netanyahu further revealed that he speaks with Trump “once every two days”, and said that the two leaders “have common goals ... we want to achieve them”. When questioned about the endgame for the conflict, Netanyahu said it remained “an open question on how the war should end”. Also Read: Trump ‘respects’ me, and I ‘respect’ him, says Netanyahu after ‘f***ing crazy’ phone call rebuke Netanyahu also described Trump as the “greatest friend to Israel”, citing a series of pro-Israel measures taken during Trump’s first term, including recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and brokering normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab states. Ghalibaf vows ‘decisive’ response to any attack Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Tehran would meet any attack with a strong response, local media reported Wednesday, after its Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted Kuwait in retaliation for US strikes. Also Read: Iran’s central bank says inflation at World War II levels; eco pain deepening for Iranians “Today, the Iranian nation, in its battle with America and the Zionist regime, showed that the era of free-of-charge Iran threats is over and that any aggression will be met with a decisive, regrettable, and proportionate response,” Ghalibaf said, according to local news agency ISNA.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump for the reverse blockade targeting Iranian ports linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu called the US naval blockade highly effective and a stroke of genius.

‘Nations reliant on oil imports via Hormuz already finding alternatives to strait,’ says Netanyahu

A UK MP has initiated legal proceedings against Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging that its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok enabled the creation of fake sexualised images depicting her without consent. The case follows a controversy earlier this year when the AI tool was widely used to generate explicit altered images of real women across the social media platform X.&nbsp;Jess Asato, MP from the ruling Labour Party, said she discovered in January that Grok had generated images portraying her in a bikini after a user interacted with the chatbot. She described the experience as deeply intrusive and said the images were created shortly after she publicly criticised the growing trend of non-consensual AI-generated sexualised content.&nbsp;Asato said her legal challenge aims to hold major technology companies accountable for the safeguards they implement before releasing powerful AI tools. She argued that individuals should have stronger protections when technology is used to create harmful and misleading content.<h2>Legal challenge could test AI accountability</h2>The lawsuit is expected to become a significant test of whether AI developers can be held legally responsible for content generated by users through their systems.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-longer-conducting-sustained-strikes-in-iran-because-epic-fury-is-over-rubio-1780511095074">‘No longer conducting sustained strikes in Iran, because Epic Fury is over’: Rubio</a>&nbsp;The controversy prompted concern from UK authorities earlier this year after Grok was used to create large volumes of sexualised images based on photographs of real women and, in some cases, children. Following the incident, media regulator Ofcom opened an investigation, while the UK government warned that action could be taken against X if adequate safeguards were not introduced.&nbsp;Initially, xAI announced that only paying X subscribers would be allowed to generate such edited images through Grok. The move drew criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the situation as “horrific”. Shortly afterwards, X said it had disabled Grok’s ability to modify photographs of real people by depicting them in revealing clothing.&nbsp;Not just the UK, the controversy drew global attention, with Grok's image-generation tools facing criticism for enabling the creation of explicit deepfakes of women and children. While Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked access to the chatbot, India sought an Action Taken Report from X and warned of legal consequences if the content was not addressed. The issue also triggered regulatory scrutiny in Europe, with the European Commission launching a probe under the Digital Services Act and French authorities opening a criminal investigation into the spread of AI-generated explicit images.

The controversy sparked international backlash, with several countries moving against the Elon Musk-led xAI after Grok was used to generate explicit deepfakes of women and children.

A UK MP has initiated legal proceedings against Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging that its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok enabled the creation of fake sexualised images depicting her without consent. The case follows a controversy earlier this year when the AI tool was widely used to generate explicit altered images of real women across the social media platform X. Jess Asato, MP from the ruling Labour Party, said she discovered in January that Grok had generated images portraying her in a bikini after a user interacted with the chatbot. She described the experience as deeply intrusive and said the images were created shortly after she publicly criticised the growing trend of non-consensual AI-generated sexualised content. Asato said her legal challenge aims to hold major technology companies accountable for the safeguards they implement before releasing powerful AI tools. She argued that individuals should have stronger protections when technology is used to create harmful and misleading content. Legal challenge could test AI accountability The lawsuit is expected to become a significant test of whether AI developers can be held legally responsible for content generated by users through their systems. Also Read: ‘No longer conducting sustained strikes in Iran, because Epic Fury is over’: Rubio The controversy prompted concern from UK authorities earlier this year after Grok was used to create large volumes of sexualised images based on photographs of real women and, in some cases, children. Following the incident, media regulator Ofcom opened an investigation, while the UK government warned that action could be taken against X if adequate safeguards were not introduced. Initially, xAI announced that only paying X subscribers would be allowed to generate such edited images through Grok. The move drew criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the situation as “horrific”. Shortly afterwards, X said it had disabled Grok’s ability to modify photographs of real people by depicting them in revealing clothing. Not just the UK, the controversy drew global attention, with Grok's image-generation tools facing criticism for enabling the creation of explicit deepfakes of women and children. While Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked access to the chatbot, India sought an Action Taken Report from X and warned of legal consequences if the content was not addressed. The issue also triggered regulatory scrutiny in Europe, with the European Commission launching a probe under the Digital Services Act and French authorities opening a criminal investigation into the spread of AI-generated explicit images.

The controversy sparked international backlash, with several countries moving against the Elon Musk-led xAI after Grok was used to generate explicit deepfakes of women and children.

Legal trouble for Elon Musk in UK? Labour MP sues xAI over Grok-generated sexualised images

Around 30 European and North American media organisations have joined a coalition initiated by the BBC, Sky News, and The Guardian on Wednesday (June 3). The coalition's primary goal is to secure fair compensation from artificial intelligence firms for utilising news content. New members of the coalition, known as SPUR (Standards for Publisher Usage Rights), include Canada's CBC/Radio Canada and The Globe and Mail, France's CMA Media, and Switzerland's Ringier. SPUR's founding group already includes the BBC, Sky News, Guardian Media Group, Financial Times, Telegraph Media, and Belgium's Mediahuis, which functions across multiple European nations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-s-big-ai-bet-can-it-win-the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-1780492318941/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-s-big-ai-bet-can-it-win-the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-1780492318941/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Jean-Christophe Tortora, deputy chief of CMA, announced the expansion during a meeting of the global news publishers' association, WAN-IFRA, held in Marseille, France. Tortora stated that leading global publishers want to start a new chapter in their relationships with public authorities and technology platforms. He advocated for a "new deal" centred on the defence of independent, reliable journalism, content protection, and fair value sharing. Additionally, Tortora urged French President Emmanuel Macron to bring the publishers' concerns to the G7 leaders' meeting scheduled for later this month in Evian, France.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-adoption-is-rising-fast-key-things-enterprises-need-before-scaling-ai-agents-1780498324738">AI adoption is rising fast: Key things enterprises need before scaling AI agents</a>&nbsp;The emergence of artificial intelligence and its threat to the media sector's business model heavily dominated the three-day WAN-IFRA congress. On Monday, New York Times publisher Arthur Gregg Sulzberger addressed the event, asserting that tech giants strip-mine news websites for large language model (LLM) training data without obtaining permission or offering compensation.&nbsp;SPUR emphasises that the news content produced by media outlets involves high costs, meaning tech and AI corporations should pay a fair price to use it. To address this, the coalition's initial goals include an ambitious effort to build an infrastructure that enables publishers to measure exactly how AI systems use their content. SPUR will discuss how news producers can effectively license their work.&nbsp;Anna Bateson, the chief of Guardian Media and a founding member of SPUR, was quoted by news agency AFP, saying, “Welcoming 30 new members... gives SPUR the scale required to turn its mission into a global mandate.” According to Bateson, this collective strength will help legitimise the standards the group creates, thereby protecting publishers' intellectual property while offering AI developers a pathway to sustainable and scalable licensing.

Over 30 international news organisations, including CBC and CMA Media, join the BBC-led SPUR coalition to protect intellectual property and secure fair licensing revenue from AI tech giants.

Around 30 European and North American media organisations have joined a coalition initiated by the BBC, Sky News, and The Guardian on Wednesday (June 3). The coalition's primary goal is to secure fair compensation from artificial intelligence firms for utilising news content. New members of the coalition, known as SPUR (Standards for Publisher Usage Rights), include Canada's CBC/Radio Canada and The Globe and Mail, France's CMA Media, and Switzerland's Ringier. SPUR's founding group already includes the BBC, Sky News, Guardian Media Group, Financial Times, Telegraph Media, and Belgium's Mediahuis, which functions across multiple European nations. https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-s-big-ai-bet-can-it-win-the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-1780492318941/embed Jean-Christophe Tortora, deputy chief of CMA, announced the expansion during a meeting of the global news publishers' association, WAN-IFRA, held in Marseille, France. Tortora stated that leading global publishers want to start a new chapter in their relationships with public authorities and technology platforms. He advocated for a "new deal" centred on the defence of independent, reliable journalism, content protection, and fair value sharing. Additionally, Tortora urged French President Emmanuel Macron to bring the publishers' concerns to the G7 leaders' meeting scheduled for later this month in Evian, France. Also read: AI adoption is rising fast: Key things enterprises need before scaling AI agents The emergence of artificial intelligence and its threat to the media sector's business model heavily dominated the three-day WAN-IFRA congress. On Monday, New York Times publisher Arthur Gregg Sulzberger addressed the event, asserting that tech giants strip-mine news websites for large language model (LLM) training data without obtaining permission or offering compensation. SPUR emphasises that the news content produced by media outlets involves high costs, meaning tech and AI corporations should pay a fair price to use it. To address this, the coalition's initial goals include an ambitious effort to build an infrastructure that enables publishers to measure exactly how AI systems use their content. SPUR will discuss how news producers can effectively license their work. Anna Bateson, the chief of Guardian Media and a founding member of SPUR, was quoted by news agency AFP, saying, “Welcoming 30 new members... gives SPUR the scale required to turn its mission into a global mandate.” According to Bateson, this collective strength will help legitimise the standards the group creates, thereby protecting publishers' intellectual property while offering AI developers a pathway to sustainable and scalable licensing.

Over 30 international news organisations, including CBC and CMA Media, join the BBC-led SPUR coalition to protect intellectual property and secure fair licensing revenue from AI tech giants.

30 news organisations join SPUR coalition to demand fair AI compensation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday that the US military’s Iran war operation has ended, and hence, forces are not conducting sustained strikes inside Iran anymore, as Operation Epic Fury had achieved its objectives.Responding to questions from Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., Rubio said, “Epic Fury has concluded.”“We’re no longer conducting sustained strikes inside of Iran to degrade their military because Epic Fury is over,” Rubio said while asserting a US victory.&nbsp;“We define victory as destroying their defence industrial base, significantly reducing the number of missile launchers that they possess, significantly reducing their stockpile of drones,” Rubio said.&nbsp;“And we achieved all those, in addition to destroying what they had left of an air force and wiping out their entire conventional navy,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Washington: &quot;We defined victory by destroying Iran’s defense industrial base, significantly reducing number of missile launchers, their stockpile of drones,&quot; said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Source: Third Party) <a href="https://t.co/TuqzwEkkzd">pic.twitter.com/TuqzwEkkzd</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2062217381586559143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-respects-me-and-i-respect-him-says-netanyahu-after-f-ing-crazy-phone-call-rebuke-1780502823440">Trump ‘respects’ me, and I ‘respect’ him, says Netanyahu after ‘f***ing crazy’ phone call rebuke</a><h2>‘Strikes near Strait of Hormuz defensive moves’</h2>&nbsp;Rubio’s remarks came hours after Iranian and US military forces exchanged strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, but which he labelled “defensive” moves.&nbsp;“What you’re seeing reports of, including last night, is the following: A ship will go through the route, particularly both the northern and southern route of Hormuz,” Rubio said. Those ships come under attack and then the US responds to that attack by shooting down the drones that are trying to sink a commercial civilian vessel illegally and unlawfully, he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-central-bank-says-inflation-at-world-war-ii-levels-eco-pain-deepening-for-iranians-1780432873791">Iran’s central bank says inflation at World War II levels; eco pain deepening for Iranians</a>&nbsp;Rubio further said that the Iranians then target some facility in the region.“In order to protect our own forces, we don’t just strike the drones, we strike the people who launch those drones. These are completely defensive in nature, but they are happening in response to an Iranian action; if they don’t shoot at those ships, we don’t shoot, but we have to respond,” the secretary said.&nbsp;<h2>Enriched uranium key issue in Iran talks; no deal yet: Rubio</h2>&nbsp;Rubio also said that the fate of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles is at the centre of talks with Washington, and Tehran has not yet agreed to a peace deal.Washington wants Iran to turn over its near-weapons-grade enriched uranium, agree to curb its nuclear activities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz for any peace agreement to take hold.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mosque-built-illegally-by-pakistanis-in-japan-inaugurated-by-envoy-faces-demolition-1780425871272">Mosque built illegally by Pakistanis in Japan, inaugurated by envoy, faces demolition</a>&nbsp;“I think now, in some of the papers that have been exchanged back and forth, it’s clearly addressed, but we … still don’t have final sign-off from their system as of this morning,” Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.&nbsp;In the latest escalation, Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport, damaging a passenger terminal, killing an Indian national and injuring over 60 others. The attack renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Gulf states that had previously considered themselves insulated from the conflict.

In the latest escalation, Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport, damaging a passenger terminal, killing an Indian national and injuring over 60 others. The attack renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Gulf states that had considered themselves insulated.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers during the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday that the US military’s Iran war operation has ended, and hence, forces are not conducting sustained strikes inside Iran anymore, as Operation Epic Fury had achieved its objectives. Responding to questions from Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., Rubio said, “Epic Fury has concluded.” “We’re no longer conducting sustained strikes inside of Iran to degrade their military because Epic Fury is over,” Rubio said while asserting a US victory. “We define victory as destroying their defence industrial base, significantly reducing the number of missile launchers that they possess, significantly reducing their stockpile of drones,” Rubio said. “And we achieved all those, in addition to destroying what they had left of an air force and wiping out their entire conventional navy,” he added.

In the latest escalation, Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport, damaging a passenger terminal, killing an Indian national and injuring over 60 others. The attack renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Gulf states that had considered themselves insulated.

‘No longer conducting sustained strikes in Iran, because Epic Fury is over’: Rubio

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview on Wednesday, did not deny having a difficult conversation with President Donald Trump during a phone call on Monday but downplayed the significance of the matter. In an interview with CNBC, Netanyahu dismissed Trump calling him “f***ing crazy” during a heated telephone conversation earlier in the week as the kind of “tactical disagreements” typical of even “the best of families.”&nbsp;“I’m not going to get into details of our conversations. We’ve had thousands, well, a lot of them,” he said.&nbsp;“Sometimes, as in the best of families, we have these tactical disagreements. We always find a way to work them out. We can disagree in the morning, and we have a common action by the afternoon,” the Israeli leader said.“My relationship with Trump is the same. He respects me, and I respect him. We always find a way to work out our differences,” Netanyahu said.&nbsp;The Israeli PM did not back diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran but said Trump believed he could “solve the enrichment problem” – referring to Iran’s nuclear programme – “with diplomatic pressure and tough negotiations. I think he should be given a chance.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-central-bank-says-inflation-at-world-war-ii-levels-eco-pain-deepening-for-iranians-1780432873791">Iran’s central bank says inflation at World War II levels; eco pain deepening for Iranians</a><h2>‘We have to disarm Hezbollah and demilitarise Lebanon’</h2>&nbsp;Netanyahu, however, did not back down on his country’s plans to ensure that Iranian-backed Hezbollah no longer poses a threat to his country.&nbsp;“If we want to save Lebanon, if we want to get a Lebanese-Israeli peace – as I do – we have to disarm Hezbollah and we have to demilitarise Lebanon. This is a goal Trump and I share,” he said.&nbsp;“You can’t have these genocidal terrorists taking over this poor country of Lebanon, using it to try to invade Israel — the way that Hamas invaded us, murder our civilians, kill our men, rape our women. No country would accept that.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mosque-built-illegally-by-pakistanis-in-japan-inaugurated-by-envoy-faces-demolition-1780425871272">Mosque built illegally by Pakistanis in Japan, inaugurated by envoy, faces demolition</a>&nbsp;Lebanese and Israeli officials were set to meet for another round of direct talks in Washington on Wednesday, aimed at bolstering a US-brokered ceasefire they agreed to weeks ago but which both accused each other of violating daily.<h2>Trump confirms he called Netanyahu ‘f***ing crazy’</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, President Trump confirmed that he called Netanyahu “f***ing crazy”, saying he was “perturbed” by Israel’s actions in LebanonIn an interview for a New York Post podcast released Wednesday, President Trump confirmed an earlier Axios report that he had criticised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as “f***ing crazy” in a Monday phone call, saying he was “a little bit perturbed” that Israel’s fighting of Hezbollah in Lebanon was holding back peace talks with Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-picks-loyalist-bill-pulte-as-acting-director-of-national-intelligence-to-replace-tulsi-gabbard-1780410910956">Trump picks loyalist Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard</a>&nbsp;“We’ve worked very well together. I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him,”. Trump told the Post’s ‘Pod Force One’, using a common nickname for the Israeli leader.“I’m a wartime president,” Trump said. “He’s a wartime prime minister.”

PM  Benjamin Netanyahu did not fully back diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran but said President Donald Trump believes that he could solve the enrichment problem—referring to Iran’s nuclear programme—“with diplomatic pressure and tough negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview on Wednesday, did not deny having a difficult conversation with President Donald Trump during a phone call on Monday but downplayed the significance of the matter. In an interview with CNBC, Netanyahu dismissed Trump calling him “f***ing crazy” during a heated telephone conversation earlier in the week as the kind of “tactical disagreements” typical of even “the best of families.” “I’m not going to get into details of our conversations. We’ve had thousands, well, a lot of them,” he said. “Sometimes, as in the best of families, we have these tactical disagreements. We always find a way to work them out. We can disagree in the morning, and we have a common action by the afternoon,” the Israeli leader said. “My relationship with Trump is the same. He respects me, and I respect him. We always find a way to work out our differences,” Netanyahu said. The Israeli PM did not back diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran but said Trump believed he could “solve the enrichment problem” – referring to Iran’s nuclear programme – “with diplomatic pressure and tough negotiations. I think he should be given a chance.” Also Read: Iran’s central bank says inflation at World War II levels; eco pain deepening for Iranians ‘We have to disarm Hezbollah and demilitarise Lebanon’ Netanyahu, however, did not back down on his country’s plans to ensure that Iranian-backed Hezbollah no longer poses a threat to his country. “If we want to save Lebanon, if we want to get a Lebanese-Israeli peace – as I do – we have to disarm Hezbollah and we have to demilitarise Lebanon. This is a goal Trump and I share,” he said. “You can’t have these genocidal terrorists taking over this poor country of Lebanon, using it to try to invade Israel — the way that Hamas invaded us, murder our civilians, kill our men, rape our women. No country would accept that.” Also Read: Mosque built illegally by Pakistanis in Japan, inaugurated by envoy, faces demolition Lebanese and Israeli officials were set to meet for another round of direct talks in Washington on Wednesday, aimed at bolstering a US-brokered ceasefire they agreed to weeks ago but which both accused each other of violating daily. Trump confirms he called Netanyahu ‘f***ing crazy’ Meanwhile, President Trump confirmed that he called Netanyahu “f***ing crazy”, saying he was “perturbed” by Israel’s actions in Lebanon In an interview for a New York Post podcast released Wednesday, President Trump confirmed an earlier Axios report that he had criticised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as “f***ing crazy” in a Monday phone call, saying he was “a little bit perturbed” that Israel’s fighting of Hezbollah in Lebanon was holding back peace talks with Iran. Also Read: Trump picks loyalist Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard “We’ve worked very well together. I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him,”. Trump told the Post’s ‘Pod Force One’, using a common nickname for the Israeli leader. “I’m a wartime president,” Trump said. “He’s a wartime prime minister.”

PM &nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu did not fully back diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran but said President Donald Trump believes that he could solve the enrichment problem—referring to Iran’s nuclear programme—“with diplomatic pressure and tough negotiations.

Trump ‘respects’ me, and I ‘respect’ him, says Netanyahu after ‘f***ing crazy’ phone call rebuke

New Delhi: Australia and India are accelerating their strategic partnership, with fresh momentum in defence, maritime security and trade, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, has said.&nbsp;In an interview to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Green described the past fortnight, featuring visits by Australia’s Foreign Minister, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, as evidence of a relationship “going ahead very fast”. He said leaders are now working towards a new high-level defence agreement to replace the 2009 framework.&nbsp;“We have a bilateral relationship... it’s a question of how much we can harvest at this important moment,” Green said.&nbsp;Maritime cooperation featured prominently, and was mentioned 11 times in a recent joint statement after defence dialogue. Green emphasised the shared Indian Ocean geography: “Neither of us can truly understand what’s going on alone... our ambition [is] to have a maritime domain collaboration roadmap.”&nbsp;He confirmed work on a new overarching defence declaration, adding, “Leaders have challenged us to identify what our new level of defence collaboration looks like... we are shooting towards a new and high-level joint declaration.”&nbsp;On defence industry, Green noted growing interest in niche Australian technologies. “We have very unique capabilities in the fields of drones and sensors, including in the underwater space... natural complementarity” with India’s scale and manufacturing capacity.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Australia is expected to deliver “new landmarks” in defence, economics, culture and sport. Green highlighted the warm welcome awaiting the Indian Prime Minister from Australia’s Indian-origin community, now exceeding one million. “The relationship between our two Prime Ministers is really at a very high level,” he said. The diaspora acts as a “living bridge”, with Indians twice as likely to start businesses and highly engaged in community life. Cricket, Green noted, symbolises the link, Singh and Patel rank among the top names registered with Cricket Australia.&nbsp;Australia is expanding its university presence in India, with two campuses already operating and more planned. Green called it a shift from a “one-way street”, offering quality education at lower cost while maintaining student flows (around 140,000 Indians currently in Australia).&nbsp;On student visas, he defended additional scrutiny for Indian applicants as necessary for integrity, saying genuine students face “no particular problem”.&nbsp;Trade has boomed under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). India’s exports to Australia have grown 200% in five years, five times faster than to the rest of the world.&nbsp;Negotiations for the next phase are “lively”, though Green said the focus is on a “good deal, not a quick deal”.&nbsp;Both nations are strengthening counter-terrorism and intelligence ties. Green noted Prime Minister Albanese’s swift outreach after the Pahalgam attack and Australia’s condemnation of the Mumbai incident.&nbsp;In the Quad, recent foreign ministers’ meetings advanced a maritime surveillance initiative (now including India) focused on the Indian Ocean and practical projects like a Fiji port. Green rejected talk of the Quad heading for a “dead end”, calling it “alive and kicking” with strong collegiality among the foreign ministers.&nbsp;Energy cooperation spans coal, LNG, renewables and potential uranium supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Khalistani extremism, Australia reaffirmed support for India’s territorial integrity while stressing peaceful protest rights and protection of Indian diplomatic properties.&nbsp;Green welcomed India’s growing Pacific engagement, citing quick Indian aid after disasters in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, and said Australia is supporting it with “appropriate technologies”.&nbsp;The relationship, High Commissioner Green pointed, offers “two great batting sides” ready to score many runs together.

PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Australia is expected to deliver new landmarks in defence, economics, culture and sport, said High Commissioner Philip Green. He highlighted the warm welcome awaiting the Indian PM from Australia’s Indian-origin community, now exceeding one million.

New Delhi: Australia and India are accelerating their strategic partnership, with fresh momentum in defence, maritime security and trade, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, has said. In an interview to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Green described the past fortnight, featuring visits by Australia’s Foreign Minister, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, as evidence of a relationship “going ahead very fast”. He said leaders are now working towards a new high-level defence agreement to replace the 2009 framework. “We have a bilateral relationship... it’s a question of how much we can harvest at this important moment,” Green said. Maritime cooperation featured prominently, and was mentioned 11 times in a recent joint statement after defence dialogue. Green emphasised the shared Indian Ocean geography: “Neither of us can truly understand what’s going on alone... our ambition [is] to have a maritime domain collaboration roadmap.” He confirmed work on a new overarching defence declaration, adding, “Leaders have challenged us to identify what our new level of defence collaboration looks like... we are shooting towards a new and high-level joint declaration.” On defence industry, Green noted growing interest in niche Australian technologies. “We have very unique capabilities in the fields of drones and sensors, including in the underwater space... natural complementarity” with India’s scale and manufacturing capacity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Australia is expected to deliver “new landmarks” in defence, economics, culture and sport. Green highlighted the warm welcome awaiting the Indian Prime Minister from Australia’s Indian-origin community, now exceeding one million. “The relationship between our two Prime Ministers is really at a very high level,” he said. The diaspora acts as a “living bridge”, with Indians twice as likely to start businesses and highly engaged in community life. Cricket, Green noted, symbolises the link, Singh and Patel rank among the top names registered with Cricket Australia. Australia is expanding its university presence in India, with two campuses already operating and more planned. Green called it a shift from a “one-way street”, offering quality education at lower cost while maintaining student flows (around 140,000 Indians currently in Australia). On student visas, he defended additional scrutiny for Indian applicants as necessary for integrity, saying genuine students face “no particular problem”. Trade has boomed under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). India’s exports to Australia have grown 200% in five years, five times faster than to the rest of the world. Negotiations for the next phase are “lively”, though Green said the focus is on a “good deal, not a quick deal”. Both nations are strengthening counter-terrorism and intelligence ties. Green noted Prime Minister Albanese’s swift outreach after the Pahalgam attack and Australia’s condemnation of the Mumbai incident. In the Quad, recent foreign ministers’ meetings advanced a maritime surveillance initiative (now including India) focused on the Indian Ocean and practical projects like a Fiji port. Green rejected talk of the Quad heading for a “dead end”, calling it “alive and kicking” with strong collegiality among the foreign ministers. Energy cooperation spans coal, LNG, renewables and potential uranium supplies. On Khalistani extremism, Australia reaffirmed support for India’s territorial integrity while stressing peaceful protest rights and protection of Indian diplomatic properties. Green welcomed India’s growing Pacific engagement, citing quick Indian aid after disasters in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, and said Australia is supporting it with “appropriate technologies”. The relationship, High Commissioner Green pointed, offers “two great batting sides” ready to score many runs together.

PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Australia is expected to deliver new landmarks in defence, economics, culture and sport, said High Commissioner Philip Green. He highlighted the warm welcome awaiting the Indian PM from Australia’s Indian-origin community, now exceeding one million.

‘New landmarks’ ahead in ties as PM Modi prepares for Australia trip, says Australian high commissioner Philip Green

A fire in the Southampton docks in the UK caused 33 Jaecoo SUV vehicles worth more than £900,000 to be engulfed by flames. The incident happened on Wednesday early morning when firefighters were called at about 4.20 am. Locals reported hearing explosions. According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, 33 electric E5 vehicles from the Chinese brand Jaecoo were involved in the incident. The vehicles are priced at £27,505 ($37,000 or Rs 35 lakh), which can go up based on the models. Huge plumes of smoke filled the air as photos show some of the vehicles completely gutted, while others sustained significant damage. When the crews reached the site, there were 10 fire engines, two water carriers, an aerial ladder platform and support vehicles at the scene, the fire service said. Jaecoo is the SUV sub-brand from China's largest car exporter, Chery.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Explosions could be heard as firefighters tackled a fire in Southampton involving multiple hybrid vehicles More: <a href="https://t.co/G0bPO4fAnu">https://t.co/G0bPO4fAnu</a> <a href="https://t.co/NY1fCUIHd2">pic.twitter.com/NY1fCUIHd2</a>&mdash; Daily Echo (@dailyecho) <a href="https://x.com/dailyecho/status/2062075669912137769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A person who heard the explosion told Daily Echo the sound woke him up at 3:30 am. When he went to check out what had happened, he saw smoke. The fire was put out around 5.40 am, but the scene was filled with dark smoke. What caused the fire remains to be ascertained. Associated British Ports, which operates the dockyard, said, "There has been a fire in a vehicle storage compound in the Western Docks area of the Port of Southampton. All personnel are safely accounted for," according to the Daily Mail. At least 24 cars are said to have been impacted by the blaze. The Southampton docks are described as "the UK's number one vehicle handling port" and process 600,000 vehicles per year. The Jaecoo 7 car is nicknamed the "Temu Range Rover" and is popular for being low-cost as compared to other SUV cars. The Jaecoo 7 was the most popular new car in the UK in March.

More than 30 SUVs from Jaecoo, a premium Chinese SUV brand owned by Chery, went up in flames at the Southampton docks in the UK on Wednesday morning. Witnesses say they heard loud explosions and smoke filled the skies.

A fire in the Southampton docks in the UK caused 33 Jaecoo SUV vehicles worth more than £900,000 to be engulfed by flames. The incident happened on Wednesday early morning when firefighters were called at about 4.20 am. Locals reported hearing explosions. According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, 33 electric E5 vehicles from the Chinese brand Jaecoo were involved in the incident. The vehicles are priced at £27,505 ($37,000 or Rs 35 lakh), which can go up based on the models. Huge plumes of smoke filled the air as photos show some of the vehicles completely gutted, while others sustained significant damage. When the crews reached the site, there were 10 fire engines, two water carriers, an aerial ladder platform and support vehicles at the scene, the fire service said. Jaecoo is the SUV sub-brand from China's largest car exporter, Chery.

More than 30 SUVs from Jaecoo, a premium Chinese SUV brand owned by Chery, went up in flames at the Southampton docks in the UK on Wednesday morning. Witnesses say they heard loud explosions and smoke filled the skies.

More than 30 Chinese SUVs worth Rs 12 crore go up in smoke at a dock in UK

Laos is prioritising the fight against transnational cyber-scam operations, its Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane has said during his first official visit to India as foreign minister.&nbsp;Mr Phomvihane, who met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday, described scam centres as a "challenging" issue for Laos and the region. "Scam centre is challenging for Laos and other countries. It's a priority to tackle it. Our govt is actively battling it," he told WION's Sidhant Sibal. He highlighted collaboration with a neighbouring country, adding: "Dealing with internet scam in collaboration with our neighbourhood country. We have taken successfully action." The remarks come amid regional concerns over cyber-fraud compounds in Southeast Asia, including areas near the Golden Triangle, which have ensnared victims from multiple countries, including Indians. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-tricked-trump-to-start-war-with-iran-this-is-what-us-president-reveals-1780486226262">Netanyahu 'tricked' Trump to start war with Iran? This is what US president says</a>&nbsp;The visit marks the first by a Laotian foreign minister to India in 11 years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Mr Phomvihane said his visit was an opportunity to "expand our very good relationship". On the shared Ramayana heritage, Mr Phomvihane noted: "We also celebrate that. This a connection. We are celebrating and performing it. We have this cultural connect." Laos is the first country to issue a stamp on Lord Ram. He praised ongoing Indian assistance in restoring Laotian archaeological sites. "Thanks to good collaboration, Indian experts restoring it very successfully. We have in northern parts, sites plan to restore them," he said. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-royal-navy-merlin-helicopter-crashes-in-devon-emergency-services-rushed-to-site-1780477351337">UK Royal Navy helicopter crashes in Devon; emergency services rushed to site</a>&nbsp;A key project is the restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Vat Phu, an ancient Shiva temple complex. An MOU was signed with India's Ministry of Information and Culture. Phase I concluded in 2017, and Phase II, running until 2028, is now in its fourth season, with a four-member Indian team on site. Development cooperation is another pillar of ties. Mr Phomvihane welcomed India's Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework. "It's under Mekong Ganga project, it has helped. We received 36 project, meets needs of our people, in different areas like capacity building," he said. On health and pharmaceuticals, he expressed hope for deeper ties, noting India's strong foundations in the sector. India is also set to sign its first MoU on intellectual property recognition with an ASEAN country, potentially improving access to quality medicines. "Cooperation in various areas, also in pharmaceuticals. We looking forward for cooperation," the minister added. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-strikes-near-putin-s-davos-forum-russia-claims-to-down-350-drones-1780467908247">Ukraine targets Russia's 'important facilities'; strikes near Putin's 'Davos' forum</a>&nbsp;Wednesday's meeting reviewed bilateral ties in capacity building, training, and people-to-people links. Laos and India have maintained cordial relations, with New Delhi supporting infrastructure and heritage projects in the landlocked Southeast Asian nation. Mr Phomvihane also visited the Taj Mahal with his wife during the three-day trip.

During his first official visit to India, Laotian Foreign Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane prioritised tackling transnational cyber-scam networks and celebrated 70 years of diplomatic ties, heritage restoration, and developmental cooperation.

Laos is prioritising the fight against transnational cyber-scam operations, its Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane has said during his first official visit to India as foreign minister. Mr Phomvihane, who met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday, described scam centres as a "challenging" issue for Laos and the region. "Scam centre is challenging for Laos and other countries. It's a priority to tackle it. Our govt is actively battling it," he told WION's Sidhant Sibal. He highlighted collaboration with a neighbouring country, adding: "Dealing with internet scam in collaboration with our neighbourhood country. We have taken successfully action." The remarks come amid regional concerns over cyber-fraud compounds in Southeast Asia, including areas near the Golden Triangle, which have ensnared victims from multiple countries, including Indians. Also read: Netanyahu 'tricked' Trump to start war with Iran? This is what US president says The visit marks the first by a Laotian foreign minister to India in 11 years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Mr Phomvihane said his visit was an opportunity to "expand our very good relationship". On the shared Ramayana heritage, Mr Phomvihane noted: "We also celebrate that. This a connection. We are celebrating and performing it. We have this cultural connect." Laos is the first country to issue a stamp on Lord Ram. He praised ongoing Indian assistance in restoring Laotian archaeological sites. "Thanks to good collaboration, Indian experts restoring it very successfully. We have in northern parts, sites plan to restore them," he said. Also read: UK Royal Navy helicopter crashes in Devon; emergency services rushed to site A key project is the restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Vat Phu, an ancient Shiva temple complex. An MOU was signed with India's Ministry of Information and Culture. Phase I concluded in 2017, and Phase II, running until 2028, is now in its fourth season, with a four-member Indian team on site. Development cooperation is another pillar of ties. Mr Phomvihane welcomed India's Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework. "It's under Mekong Ganga project, it has helped. We received 36 project, meets needs of our people, in different areas like capacity building," he said. On health and pharmaceuticals, he expressed hope for deeper ties, noting India's strong foundations in the sector. India is also set to sign its first MoU on intellectual property recognition with an ASEAN country, potentially improving access to quality medicines. "Cooperation in various areas, also in pharmaceuticals. We looking forward for cooperation," the minister added. Also read: Ukraine targets Russia's 'important facilities'; strikes near Putin's 'Davos' forum Wednesday's meeting reviewed bilateral ties in capacity building, training, and people-to-people links. Laos and India have maintained cordial relations, with New Delhi supporting infrastructure and heritage projects in the landlocked Southeast Asian nation. Mr Phomvihane also visited the Taj Mahal with his wife during the three-day trip.

During his first official visit to India, Laotian Foreign Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane prioritised tackling transnational cyber-scam networks and celebrated 70 years of diplomatic ties, heritage restoration, and developmental cooperation.

Laos vows crackdown on scam centres as deputy PM Phomvihane visits India to boost ties

US President Donald Trump, in a podcast interview with the New York Post released on Wednesday (June 3), said that he has "a lot of respect" for the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. He claimed that the younger Khamenei is involved in the ongoing US-Iran peace talks and that he would like to meet him at some point.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-governor-primary-steve-hilton-xavier-becerra-who-are-they-1780464496960">California Governor Race: Steve Hilton leads Xavier Becerra in primary, set for November showdown</a>&nbsp;“I’d like to meet him,” Trump said, adding, “I’d love to meet everybody. I would like to meet him, and we probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-f15-pilot-shot-down-twice-iran-war-survives-1780491541219">US F-15 pilot shot down twice in 33 days during Iran war, survives both incidents</a>&nbsp;“If you believe the stories, he’s missing a lot of different parts,” he added.<h2>Furious call with Netanyahu</h2>In the same podcast, Trump refuted the claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "tricked" him into starting a war with Iran. Miranda Devine, the host of the Pod Force One, asked the American president if he called the Israeli PM "f*****g crazy" on a phone call. Trump admits he had a call with his friend "Bibi", but he was not angry, but had a disagreement over Israel "constatntly fighting Lebanon".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-tricked-trump-to-start-war-with-iran-this-is-what-us-president-reveals-1780486226262">Netanyahu 'tricked' Trump to start war with Iran? This is what US president says</a>&nbsp;"I said, 'Bibi, we gotta stop this.'," Trump said in the podcast. He added that he has a "very good" relationship with Netanyahu. "I like Bibi a lot. And I've worked very well with him. I am a war time president, he is a war time prime minister, from very important part of the world," Trump added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-will-not-turn-back-khamenei-s-adviser-s-stark-warning-to-america-1780482822054">‘History will not turn back’: Khamenei’s adviser’s stark warning to America</a>&nbsp;

President Trump stated he wants to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, confirming his involvement in peace deal talks despite reports that Khamenei is missing “a lot of different parts” from injuries.

US President Donald Trump, in a podcast interview with the New York Post released on Wednesday (June 3), said that he has "a lot of respect" for the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. He claimed that the younger Khamenei is involved in the ongoing US-Iran peace talks and that he would like to meet him at some point. Also read: California Governor Race: Steve Hilton leads Xavier Becerra in primary, set for November showdown “I’d like to meet him,” Trump said, adding, “I’d love to meet everybody. I would like to meet him, and we probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out.” Also read: US F-15 pilot shot down twice in 33 days during Iran war, survives both incidents “If you believe the stories, he’s missing a lot of different parts,” he added. Furious call with Netanyahu In the same podcast, Trump refuted the claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "tricked" him into starting a war with Iran. Miranda Devine, the host of the Pod Force One, asked the American president if he called the Israeli PM "f*****g crazy" on a phone call. Trump admits he had a call with his friend "Bibi", but he was not angry, but had a disagreement over Israel "constatntly fighting Lebanon". Also read: Netanyahu 'tricked' Trump to start war with Iran? This is what US president says "I said, 'Bibi, we gotta stop this.'," Trump said in the podcast. He added that he has a "very good" relationship with Netanyahu. "I like Bibi a lot. And I've worked very well with him. I am a war time president, he is a war time prime minister, from very important part of the world," Trump added. Also read: ‘History will not turn back’: Khamenei’s adviser’s stark warning to America

President Trump stated he wants to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, confirming his involvement in peace deal talks despite reports that Khamenei is missing “a lot of different parts” from injuries.

Mojtaba Khamenei is 'missing a lot of different parts,’ says Trump, claims his involvement in peace deal talks

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Laos vows crackdown on scam centres as deputy PM visits India to boost ties

Mojtaba Khamenei is 'missing a lot of different parts,’ says Trump