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Ukraine demands emergency Security Council meeting over Russia strikes
Ukraine is escalating diplomatically after Russia launched a sweeping overnight missile assault on the Kyiv region, including the deployment of a medium-range Oreshnik ballistic missile. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is demanding emergency sessions of both the UN Security Council and the OSCE, while calling for a strong collective response to Moscow. The strikes mark a significant escalation in Russia's air campaign and will intensify pressure on Western allies to act.
Read article →BBC World
Trump says Iran deal 'largely negotiated' including reopening Strait of Hormuz
A nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran is taking shape, with Trump declaring the deal "largely negotiated" and citing progress on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to global shipping. Tehran has echoed the optimism but with a significant caveat: the core question of nuclear weapons remains outside the initial framework under discussion. The divergence on that central issue suggests any near-term agreement may be narrower in scope than Washington's framing implies.
Read article →Straits Times
Iran and US closing in on deal to end Middle East war
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signaled that a breakthrough between the US and Iran may be imminent, telling reporters to expect "some good news" by May 24. The development suggests diplomatic negotiations have reached a critical juncture after months of regional conflict. A successful deal would mark a significant foreign policy win for the Trump administration and could reshape the volatile dynamics of the Middle East.
Read article →Al Jazeera English
Iran war day 86: Trump announces potential deal amid ‘cloud of mistrust’
A potential breakthrough in the Iran conflict is emerging after Trump announced progress toward a peace deal on day 86 of the war. The development carries major global economic implications, with the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for international oil and trade flows — potentially set to reopen. Negotiations remain fragile, however, with officials acknowledging a persistent cloud of mistrust between the parties.
Read article →Straits Times
Suspect 'down' after shooting at officers near White House, official says
A shooting suspect is down and hospitalized after opening fire near a White House checkpoint Saturday evening, according to a law enforcement official. Officers at the security post responded to the gunshots, swiftly neutralizing the threat. The incident underscores the persistent security challenges surrounding one of the most heavily guarded buildings in the world.
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