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Trump Warns of ‘Big Hit’ if Iran Deal Not Reached

Iranian Conflict

Trump Warns of ‘Big Hit’ if Iran Deal Not Reached

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch new attacks on Iran within days if Tehran does not agree to major concessions in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.

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Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said he had been close to ordering a fresh round of strikes but ultimately decided against it. The US had been “an hour away” from launching the attacks, he said, which would have broken a ceasefire that has been in place since early April.
The decision followed the submission of another peace proposal from Tehran, reportedly passed to Washington through Pakistani mediators.
Ceasefire under strain
Trump suggested that if negotiations fail to produce a breakthrough soon, the US could act quickly.
“Well, I mean, I’m saying two or three days, maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, something, maybe early next week,” he said, adding that the timeframe for a decision was limited because the US could not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
The remarks come as the conflict appears to have reached a stalemate. Trump has issued several warnings in recent weeks, but no further military action has followed.
Analysts say both Washington and Tehran appear reluctant to return to open hostilities, even though negotiations have yet to deliver progress.
Neil Quilliam of Chatham House said the repeated threats have begun to lose credibility. He argued that both sides remain too far apart on key issues but are also unwilling to bear the political cost of concessions needed to reach a settlement.
Strait of Hormuz tensions
Meanwhile, Iran continues to restrict much of the shipping traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies previously passed.
The United States has responded by maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Iranian officials have rejected Washington’s demands, describing them as excessive. According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, military spokesperson Mohammed Akraminia said Tehran would continue to manage activity in the strait and urged the US to respect what he called the “legitimate rights” of the Islamic Republic.
On Monday, Iran announced the creation of a new body, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, to oversee maritime traffic through the waterway. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also threatened to introduce permit requirements for internet fibre-optic cables running beneath the strait.
Akraminia warned that if the US launched new attacks, Iran would open “new fronts” against American forces in the region, where Washington has assembled significant military assets. He added that Tehran had used the ceasefire period to strengthen its military capabilities.
Competing proposals
Iranian state media reported that Tehran’s latest proposal calls for a complete end to hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon. It also seeks the withdrawal of US forces from areas near Iran and compensation for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes.
According to Iranian reports, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran is also demanding the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen assets and an end to the US naval blockade.
However, the proposal appears largely unchanged from an earlier offer rejected by Trump last week, which he dismissed as “garbage”.
Economic and political pressure
The disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the threat of renewed fighting have pushed global oil prices higher, contributing to inflation and raising concerns about a wider economic slowdown.
A further escalation could send energy costs even higher and unsettle financial markets.
The conflict also carries domestic political risks in the United States. White House officials are concerned that a prolonged war, which has limited public support among voters, could affect Republican prospects in congressional elections as economic pressures remain high.
Iran is also facing mounting strain. The country’s economy has been hit hard by sanctions and conflict, with rising inflation and growing fears among some officials of increased public dissatisfaction.
Human rights organisations say Iran has executed 26 men since the war began, including several linked to protests and opposition groups. Monitoring group Human Rights Activists News Agency reported more than 4,000 arrests between late February and early May.
The group also documented at least 3,636 deaths in Iran from US-Israeli attacks, including 1,701 civilians.
Separately, Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command, told a congressional panel that an investigation was continuing into a strike on a school in Minab on the first day of the conflict.
Iranian state media said the attack killed 155 people, including dozens of students and teachers. Cooper said the school was located on what he described as an active missile base run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, making the inquiry “more complex than the average strike”.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 May 2026

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May 19May 19

British Ex-Soldier in Russian Jail Says He Feels Abandoned

Russia

British Ex-Soldier in Russian Jail Says He Feels Abandoned

A former British soldier imprisoned in a Russian maximum-security penal colony after being captured in Ukraine has said he feels abandoned by the UK government.

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Hayden Davies, 33, was taken prisoner by Russian forces more than 18 months ago after volunteering to fight with Ukraine’s foreign legion. He was later convicted by a Russia-controlled court of mercenaryism — taking part in a conflict for financial reward — and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Davies initially received a 13-year sentence in December from a court in Donetsk, a Ukrainian city currently under Russian control. However, a Moscow judge last week extended the term by two years, ruling the original punishment was too lenient.
The UK government does not recognise the court in Donetsk or Russia’s control of the region.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said officials remain in contact with Davies’ relatives and are providing consular support. The department also condemned the conviction, describing the charges as false and rejecting the legitimacy of the Russian-controlled court.
Capture and severe injuries
In letters sent to the BBC from detention, Davies described the circumstances surrounding his capture.
He said he was badly wounded during fighting on the front line and unable to escape after his radio failed and his partner was killed. “My radio broke, my partner was killed and I couldn’t escape,” he wrote.
Davies said he crawled around 150 metres to reach a ruined house where he took shelter in a basement. The journey took an entire day because of the severity of his injuries.
He described suffering intense pain from a shattered leg, with bone protruding through the skin. Using limited supplies, he attempted to treat the wound himself, pushing the bone back into place and fashioning a splint and crutches from pieces of wood.
Davies said he survived in the basement for two months, living on tinned food, before Russian troops eventually discovered him.
Life in captivity
After being detained, Davies said he spent an entire year held alone before being transferred to a shared cell.
In his correspondence, he said the isolation and lack of contact with the outside world had been difficult. He also said he had not had direct contact with British officials during his imprisonment.
“I served my country for 12 years in the army, and now, when I need help and medical treatment, no one wants to know,” he wrote.
British authorities are frequently denied access to detainees held in Russia, and diplomats are unable to travel to areas of Ukraine controlled by Russian forces.
Letters exchanged with prisoners are routinely read and sometimes censored by Russian authorities before being delivered.
Concerns over treatment
Human rights organisations have repeatedly accused Russia of denying prisoners of war and detainees proper medical care, claims Moscow rejects.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has said it does not have full access to prisoners held in Russia or in Russian-controlled territories, despite this being required under the Geneva Conventions.
A source close to Davies said he continues to suffer from a serious leg injury and is receiving little assistance.
Anastasia Shevchenko, a political activist who works with prisoners held by Russia, said Davies faced hostility in prison because he is British and considered a mercenary.
She also said she informed British embassies about his detention last year after Ukrainian prisoners helped establish contact between them.
According to Shevchenko, detainees often lack sufficient food and basic supplies. She said she had sent Davies money so he could buy additional provisions inside the prison.
The FCDO did not respond to specific questions regarding her claims.
Prisoner swaps and limited government role
Shaun Pinner, another British national captured in eastern Ukraine in 2022, was sentenced to death by a Russian-controlled court before being released months later in a prisoner exchange mediated by Saudi Arabia.
Pinner said the UK government had maintained contact with his family during his captivity but did not directly negotiate his release.
He said securing prisoner swaps is often complicated and usually depends on negotiations involving Ukraine.
In travel guidance for Ukraine, the FCDO warns British nationals that joining the conflict could breach UK law and that government assistance in such situations may be limited.
The department also stated that under international law, prisoners of war cannot be prosecuted simply for taking part in hostilities and called on Russia to comply with its obligations under the Geneva Conventions.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 May 2026

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May 19May 19

WHO Raises Alarm Over Growing Ebola Outbreak

Health

WHO Raises Alarm Over Growing Ebola Outbreak

The head of the World Health Organization has warned of mounting concern over a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda, as health officials struggle to respond in regions affected by conflict and displacement.

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World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was “deeply concerned about the scale and speed” of the outbreak, which is centred largely in the DRC’s northeastern Ituri province.
Authorities have confirmed 30 cases in Ituri so far, according to the WHO. The country’s health minister, Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, said that as of Tuesday the outbreak had been linked to 131 deaths, while more than 500 cases remain suspected.
The outbreak has been attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, one of several viruses within the Orthoebolavirus group known to cause Ebola disease.
Two laboratory-confirmed infections have also been reported in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, according to the WHO.
Disease spread and medical challenges
Ebola typically has an average fatality rate of about 50%, the WHO says. The virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, or through contact with contaminated materials or individuals who have died from the disease.
Unlike the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo virus.
Researchers are working to develop a potential monoclonal antibody therapy. Dr Satish Pillai of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said scientists are exploring the treatment option but did not provide a timeline for when it might become available.
Initial efforts to detect the outbreak were slowed because tests in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, initially produced negative results for the Zaire strain. Bunia was also where the first suspected patient, a health worker whose symptoms began on 24 April, later died.
Genetic analysis has shown that the virus closely resembles strains responsible for previous outbreaks in 2007 and 2012. According to the CDC, existing diagnostic tools are capable of identifying this strain.
Conflict and displacement hinder response
Aid organisations say years of armed conflict, widespread displacement and limited healthcare infrastructure are complicating efforts to contain the disease.
Tedros told an emergency committee that insecurity in Ituri had intensified since late 2025, with fighting escalating over the past two months and causing civilian deaths.
More than 100,000 people have recently been displaced, he said, warning that large-scale population movements could increase the risk of further spread.
Humanitarian groups say children are particularly vulnerable in the affected areas. Philippe Guiton, national director for the charity World Vision in the DRC, said communities already struggling with conflict face shortages of humanitarian assistance.
World Vision’s east zone director, David Munkley, added that severe malnutrition in the region is weakening immune systems, while remote communities have extremely limited access to healthcare.
Travel restrictions and international response
As the outbreak has expanded, several governments have introduced precautionary measures.
The United States has invoked a public health law restricting entry from the affected region. The move followed confirmation that a US citizen in the DRC had tested positive for the virus and would be transferred to Berlin’s Charité University Hospital for treatment.
Ugandan authorities said the two confirmed cases in Kampala involved Congolese nationals who had recently crossed the border from the DRC. Officials stressed there has been no evidence of local transmission within Uganda.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention criticised broad travel restrictions, warning they can disrupt lives and economies.
The US State Department later advised Americans not to travel to the DRC, South Sudan and Uganda, and urged reconsideration of travel to Rwanda because of the outbreak.
Early warning signs and concerns over detection
Health officials believe the virus may have circulated for weeks before being confirmed.
The WHO said it first received an alert on 5 May about an unknown illness causing unusually high mortality in Ituri province. A rapid response investigation later confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus on 15 May.
Jeremy Konyndyk, a former senior official at the US Agency for International Development, said multiple “generations of transmission” likely went undetected before the outbreak was identified.
The WHO declared the epidemic a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday, citing rising case numbers and high positivity rates that suggest the outbreak may be larger than current figures indicate.
Officials also confirmed the virus has spread beyond Ituri into neighbouring North Kivu province, although the full scale of infections remains uncertain.


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May 19May 19

Surrey Police probe abuse claims linked to Epstein files

UK

Surrey Police probe abuse claims linked to Epstein files

Surrey Police says it is examining two allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse following the release in the United States of documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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The force said the allegations relate to two separate time periods and locations, with one concerning incidents said to have occurred in Surrey and Berkshire between the mid-1990s and 2000. The second allegation relates to events in west Surrey during the mid to late 1980s.
Police confirmed that no arrests have been made.
Two historical allegations examined
In a statement, Surrey Police said it was reviewing the claims and would pursue appropriate investigative steps where necessary.
“We take all reports of sexual offending seriously and will work to identify any reasonable lines of enquiry to verify information or establish corroborating evidence,” the force said.
Earlier this year, in February, Surrey Police issued an appeal for information regarding an allegation of human trafficking and sexual assault dating back to the mid-1990s. At that time, officers said they had found no evidence that the Surrey-related allegations had previously been reported to the force.
Release of Epstein documents
The investigation comes after the United States Department of Justice released more than 3.5 million pages of documents connected to Epstein.
Epstein died in a New York prison cell on 10 August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death came more than a decade after he had been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was subsequently registered as a sex offender.
In the later case, prosecutors alleged that he operated a large network that trafficked underage girls for sex. Epstein denied the accusations and pleaded not guilty before his death.
Authorities have stressed that appearing in the newly released documents does not in itself imply wrongdoing. Several individuals named in earlier disclosures have publicly denied any involvement in criminal activity linked to Epstein.
UK police reviewing potential cases
Following the publication of the files, the National Police Chiefs' Council has established a national coordination group working with the National Crime Agency to assist UK forces examining potential allegations connected to the material.
Several police services across the UK have said they are reviewing whether investigations are warranted.
Norfolk Constabulary and Police Scotland are among those that have assessed information connected to the documents. Police Scotland has since stated there is no active investigation relating to Epstein’s private jet reportedly using Edinburgh Airport.
The inquiry announced by Surrey Police follows separate investigations by Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police.
Those investigations have led to the arrests of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office following claims connected to the Epstein files.
According to the BBC, Lord Mandelson’s position is that he has not committed any criminal offence and that he was not motivated by financial gain.
Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew and who served as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, has not commented on his reported arrest but has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to his association with Epstein.
Ongoing inquiries
Surrey Police said its investigation remains ongoing as officers assess the allegations and determine whether further evidence can be established.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional suspects have been identified.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 May 2026

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May 19May 19

Pork Sausages Served on Irish Deportation Flight to Pakistan

Report

Pork Sausages Served on Irish Deportation Flight to Pakistan

Catering on a charter deportation flight from Ireland to Pakistan was revised after pork sausages were included in a breakfast served to deportees, according to a human-rights monitoring report.

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The meal was provided on the first charter flight returning migrants from Ireland to Pakistan on 23 September 2025. The aircraft carried 24 men and was accompanied by a monitoring official, members of An Garda Síochána, a doctor and an interpreter.
The monitor was appointed by Ireland’s Department of Justice (Ireland) to observe the operation, report on the treatment of returnees and the use of restraints, and to highlight any concerns or examples of good practice.
Monitoring reports on several deportation flights were later obtained by The Irish Times after the newspaper successfully appealed an initial refusal by the department to release them under Freedom of Information rules.
Food provision questioned
The report noted that the operation overall was conducted humanely and with respect for the “rights and dignity” of those being deported.
However, concerns were raised about the food served during the Pakistan flight. Garda personnel reported that the meals were of a lower standard than expected and that serving pork sausages as part of a full Irish breakfast was inappropriate given that Pakistan has a majority Muslim population.
The monitor said it had been understood that halal food would be available for passengers, but the catering arrangements had not specified this in the flight briefing.
Following the incident, catering arrangements for deportation flights were changed.
Security measures during flight
The men deported on the Pakistan flight had spent the previous night in three prisons before being transported to the aircraft. Two individuals had been assessed as high risk, one due to previous criminal offending and another because of behaviour in prison. Several garda officers were assigned to accompany each deportee.
During boarding, one of the men raised concerns that he was being filmed by a garda who was holding a mobile phone pointed in the group’s direction. The man eventually boarded the aircraft after discussions with officers, and the report confirmed that recording had been taking place.
After the plane landed in Islamabad, two deportees returned to the aircraft in an agitated state. One said he had not received his mobile phone, while the other reported that his luggage was missing.
Officials explained that the belongings were being handed over to the Garda team by the Irish Prison Service and assured the men that the items would be returned. The report noted that delays in returning personal belongings have been a recurring issue on deportation flights.
Other deportation operations
The documents also detail another charter flight that returned 52 people to Georgia on 3 November 2025. Those on board included 35 men, seven women and three families with children aged between five months and 17 years.
They were accompanied by 113 garda officers and two support staff.
During that operation, one man was restrained on the ground and handcuffed before being carried on to the aircraft by officers. The monitor said they heard sounds of a struggle as the man was escorted from a van.
A “soft mat” was placed on the ground near the vehicle and the man was laid on it face-up while being restrained by several officers before he was lifted and taken onto the plane.
According to the report, the man had been demanding access to his mobile phone, which was stored in the aircraft hold.
Oversight and findings
Despite the incidents noted in the reports, the monitor concluded that deportation operations were generally carried out in a humane manner and with respect for those being removed from the country.
The monitoring system forms part of the oversight arrangements used by the Irish government during charter deportation flights, with reports intended to highlight issues and recommend improvements where necessary.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 May 2026

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May 19May 19

Gunman kills four in southern Turkey attack

Report

Gunman kills four in southern Turkey attack

A gunman has killed four people and wounded eight others in a shooting in southern Turkey, according to local media reports.

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The attack took place on Monday in the Tarsus district of Mersin province. Turkish outlets including Hürriyet and CNN Türk reported that the suspect first opened fire inside a restaurant before fleeing the scene by car.
Police have launched a large-scale operation to find the suspect, deploying helicopters and other resources in an effort to track down the gunman.
Shooting begins at restaurant
According to Turkish media reports, the attack began at a restaurant in Tarsus where the suspect shot two people dead. The victims are believed to be the owner of the establishment and an employee.
Details about the circumstances that led to the shooting were not immediately clear.
Witness accounts cited by local outlets indicated that the gunman fired several shots before leaving the restaurant and escaping in a vehicle.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the victims were specifically targeted or whether the attack was random.
Gunman continues attack nearby
After leaving the restaurant, the suspect reportedly continued firing at other people in the surrounding area.
Media reports said a shepherd grazing his sheep nearby was shot and killed. A lorry driver was also fatally shot during the incident.
Eight other people were wounded during the attack. Information about the severity of their injuries has not been released.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Large police operation underway
Security forces have launched a major manhunt for the suspect, according to Turkish media.
Police units supported by helicopters have been deployed across the area as authorities attempt to locate and arrest the gunman.
Officials have not yet publicly identified the suspect, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Investigators are continuing to gather information as the search operation continues in and around the Tarsus district.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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May 18May 18

Belarus, Russia Hold Drills on Nuclear Weapons Use

Russia

Belarus, Russia Hold Drills on Nuclear Weapons Use

Belarus has begun joint military exercises with Russia focused on practising the use of nuclear weapons that Moscow has stationed in the country, the Belarusian defence ministry said.

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The drills involve missile units and warplanes and are designed to rehearse the delivery of nuclear weapons and preparations for their possible use, according to a ministry statement released on Monday.
Belarusian officials said the exercises had been planned in advance and insisted they were not directed against any other country.
Nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus
Russia has deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus with the approval of President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Moscow.
The move marked a significant shift in the regional security landscape, bringing Russian nuclear arms closer to NATO territory. Belarus borders Ukraine as well as the NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.
In December, Moscow announced that its latest intermediate-range nuclear-capable missile system, known as Oreshnik, had entered service in Belarus.
Belarusian authorities said the current exercises will train units to transport nuclear weapons and manoeuvre forces covertly over long distances.
Russia retains control of warheads
Russia has said it will maintain control over the nuclear weapons it has deployed in Belarus. However, President Vladimir Putin indicated that Belarus would be allowed to select targets if the weapons were used in a conflict.
The Kremlin expanded its nuclear posture in 2024 when it issued a revised doctrine placing Belarus under Russia’s nuclear umbrella.
Russia has also used a conventional version of the Oreshnik missile in strikes on Ukrainian facilities twice, first in November 2024 and again in January.
Putin has claimed the missile’s multiple warheads can travel at speeds of up to Mach 10 and are capable of evading interception. He has also said that a conventional strike using several Oreshnik missiles could cause destruction comparable to a nuclear attack.
Intermediate-range missiles such as Oreshnik can travel between 500 and 5,500 kilometres (310 to 3,400 miles). Weapons in this category were previously banned under a Cold War-era treaty between Washington and Moscow that collapsed in 2019.
Opposition criticism
The drills drew criticism from Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who argued that hosting Russian nuclear weapons has increased risks for the country.
She said the deployment had effectively turned Belarus into a potential target.
“Lukashenko has turned Belarus into a platform for Russian threats, but Belarusians don’t need these weapons,” Tsikhanouskaya told the Associated Press. “Only a free Belarus will become a source of security, not nuclear blackmail, in Europe.”
Lukashenko has ruled Belarus, a country of about 9.5 million people, for more than three decades. His government has faced repeated sanctions from Western countries over its human rights record and for allowing Russia to use Belarusian territory to launch its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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May 18May 18

Putin to Visit Beijing for Talks With Xi

Russia

Putin to Visit Beijing for Talks With Xi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to arrive in Beijing this week for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as the two countries continue to strengthen political and economic ties.

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The Kremlin said Putin will land in the Chinese capital on Tuesday and be welcomed at the airport by China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi.
Formal discussions between the two leaders are scheduled for Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People, the official venue for major state events in Beijing. A formal reception will follow the talks, according to the Kremlin.
Officials in both countries say the meeting will focus on bilateral relations and a range of global and regional issues.
Bilateral relations on agenda
China’s foreign ministry said the leaders would discuss the development of China–Russia ties and cooperation across several sectors.
The agenda is also expected to include international and regional matters considered important to both governments.
The trip marks Putin’s 25th visit to China, highlighting the frequency of high-level contacts between the two countries.
Russia and China have expanded cooperation in recent years in areas including trade, energy and diplomatic coordination, often presenting their relationship as a strategic partnership.
Visit follows Trump–Xi summit
Putin’s trip comes shortly after Xi hosted Donald Trump in Beijing for a multi-day summit.
During those discussions, the two leaders addressed a range of issues affecting relations between the United States and China, according to a White House official.
Among the topics raised were the US war in Iran, the security situation around the Strait of Hormuz, efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, and China’s purchases of American agricultural products.
The meeting between Xi and Trump was described by officials as high-stakes, reflecting tensions and cooperation across multiple areas of US–China relations.
Taiwan warning raised during talks
During the summit with Trump, Xi also raised concerns about Taiwan, a long-standing source of tension between Beijing and Washington.
According to China’s state broadcaster Xinhua News Agency, Xi warned that if the Taiwan issue were handled “improperly,” the two countries could come into conflict.
Taiwan is governed separately from mainland China but is claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.
The upcoming meeting between Xi and Putin will take place against this backdrop of wider geopolitical developments, with both leaders expected to review international issues affecting their countries and the broader region.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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May 18May 18

Israel Strikes Push Lebanon Death Toll Past 3,000

Middle East

Israel Strikes Push Lebanon Death Toll Past 3,000

The number of people killed in Lebanon during months of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has surpassed 3,000, according to officials from Lebanon's Health Ministry, underlining the growing human toll of a conflict that continues despite a fragile ceasefire.

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The ministry said on Monday that 3,020 people have been killed by Israeli strikes since hostilities escalated in early March.
Conflict escalates in March
Lebanon was drawn into the conflict on 2 March after Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, launched rockets toward Israel. The attack came after an Israeli strike that killed Ali Khamenei.
Since then, the confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah has involved air strikes, drone attacks and ground combat along the border area.
The latest death toll marks a significant milestone in the conflict, which has continued to cause casualties on both sides.
Ceasefire under strain
Lebanon and Israel agreed on Friday to extend a ceasefire by 45 days, with negotiations between the two sides expected to resume at the beginning of June.
However, officials say violence has persisted. According to the health ministry, more than 400 people have been killed since the ceasefire first took effect on 17 April.
The truce, brokered by the United States, permits Israel to conduct strikes it says are aimed at countering Hezbollah’s military activity.
Lebanese authorities have criticised the continued attacks, saying they weaken efforts by the state to assert exclusive control over weapons held by armed groups.
Ongoing attacks and casualties
Israeli strikes have continued across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley since the ceasefire extension was announced.
On Saturday, Israeli forces carried out a wide series of air strikes targeting more than two dozen villages. Reports said evacuation warnings were issued for only nine of the locations beforehand.
Later that day, Hezbollah said its fighters had targeted the Yaara barracks in northern Israel using what it described as a swarm of attack drones. The group also reported several operations against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.
Israel’s military said a soldier was killed in fighting on Saturday. The death brought the number of Israeli troops killed since early March to 20. Four Israeli civilians have also died during the same period.
Israeli ground forces continue to hold a strip of territory extending roughly 10km (six miles) inside Lebanon from the border. The area was seized during the course of the conflict and remains under Israeli control.
Despite the extension of the ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts, continued strikes and clashes indicate that the truce remains fragile as both sides prepare for further negotiations next month.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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May 18May 18

At least 1 dead in San Diego mosque shooting

USA

At least 1 dead in San Diego mosque shooting

A security guard has been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, after police rushed to the scene and confronted the suspected gunman.

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Authorities said officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the mosque in the Clairemont area on Monday. Police later said the threat had been “neutralized”.
Officials had not immediately confirmed fatalities or the number of people injured. However, the chairman of the Islamic Center told media outlets that a security guard at the site had been killed during the incident.
A spokesperson for Sharp Memorial Hospital said that victims from the shooting were being treated there, though no details were given about their condition.
Police respond to shooting
In a statement issued shortly after 1pm local time, the San Diego Police Department said officers had secured the scene.
“The threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized,” the department said.
Emergency services were dispatched after reports of gunfire at the mosque earlier in the day. Police moved quickly to confront the suspect, though officials have not yet released details about how the attacker was stopped.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspected shooter.
Officials urge public to avoid area
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said emergency crews were working to protect the community and secure the area, urging residents to stay away from the site while the response continued.
“I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont and am continuing to receive updates from law enforcement,” Gloria said in a statement posted on social media.
“Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.”
The mosque is the largest in San Diego County and regularly hosts large numbers of worshippers.
The incident appeared to occur about an hour before the centre’s scheduled midday prayer, which the mosque’s website lists at 1:15pm local time.
State and national response
The office of Gavin Newsom said the California governor had been briefed on the shooting. A spokesperson said the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services was coordinating with local law enforcement as the situation developed.
“We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
Elsewhere, the New York City Police Department said it was monitoring the situation and increasing patrols at mosques across the city as a precaution.
“While there is currently no known nexus to NYC or specific threats to NYC houses of worship, out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD is increasing deployments to mosques across the city,” the department said.
Authorities have not yet said whether the shooting is being investigated as a hate crime. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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May 18May 18

Farage faces new questions over £1.4m home funding

UK-Politics

Farage faces new questions over £1.4m home funding

Nigel Farage is facing renewed scrutiny over how he financed the purchase of a £1.4m home in Surrey, after details about the timing of his income and company accounts raised fresh questions.

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The leader of Reform UK previously said he bought the property in 2024 without a mortgage using the fee he earned from appearing on the reality television programme I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
However, financial records and statements made at different times have prompted questions about whether that explanation fully accounts for the purchase.
Property purchase and TV earnings
According to documents from the UK Land Registry seen by the BBC, the property was bought outright with cash on 10 May 2024, with no mortgage attached.
Last week, Reform UK said the purchase had been funded using Farage’s payment for taking part in the ITV reality show in late 2023. Farage finished third on the programme and was widely reported to have received a seven-figure appearance fee.
But in an interview with the Financial Times in 2025, Farage said the payment for the television appearance had been made to his company, Thorn In The Side Limited.
Company accounts for the firm show cash holdings rising by about £1.4m in the financial year ending May 2024. Yet the same records suggest the money remained in the company’s accounts even after the Surrey home was purchased.
The accounts also indicate that no dividends were paid out to Farage during that period.
Gift from major donor
The issue has drawn further attention because Farage received a £5m payment in April 2024 from Christopher Harborne, a British businessman based in Thailand.
The payment was made on 5 April 2024, around a month before the property purchase.
Reform UK has denied that the gift was used to fund the home, stating that the money was not connected to the purchase made 36 days later.
A spokesperson for Farage said anti-money laundering checks related to the property transaction had taken place in March 2024, before the gift was received.
The spokesperson added that Farage has several income streams, pointing to details listed in his parliamentary register of interests.
Political criticism and investigation
Labour Party chair Anna Turley said Farage should provide clear evidence explaining the source of the funds.
She said the Reform UK leader must “stop dodging scrutiny” over the £5m payment and demonstrate that his account of events is accurate.
Harborne has said the payment was given because of his admiration for Farage’s long campaign for Brexit. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said he did not expect anything in return other than ensuring Farage’s safety.
Farage has said the money was intended to help cover the cost of lifetime security.
Under parliamentary rules, newly elected MPs must declare donations received in the 12 months before they take office. The £5m payment did not appear on Farage’s declaration of interests and only became public after it was reported by the The Guardian last month.
Reform UK maintains the payment did not need to be declared because it was a “personal, unconditional gift”.
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner has opened an inquiry into whether Farage breached Commons rules by failing to declare the payment.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper on Thursday, Farage said the money had been given as a reward for his Brexit campaigning and that he was “not in the least bit worried” about the investigation.
Harborne has since become Reform UK’s largest financial backer, donating £12m to the party in 2025.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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May 18May 18

Trump Approval Hits Lowest Point of Second Term

Trump

Trump Approval Hits Lowest Point of Second Term

Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest level of his second presidential term, according to a new national poll, as voters express growing concern about the economy and the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.

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A survey conducted by the New York Times and Siena College found that the US president’s approval rating now stands at 37%, the lowest since he returned to office in January 2025. The results come as the United States approaches congressional midterm elections in November, when control of Congress will again be contested.
Presidential approval ratings are often viewed as an indicator of how the party holding the White House may perform in upcoming elections.
Voters critical of Iran war
The poll suggests widespread dissatisfaction with the administration’s decision to enter the conflict with Iran alongside Israel earlier this year.
Nearly two-thirds of voters surveyed said the decision to join the war was wrong. Less than one-quarter of respondents believed the conflict had been worth the cost.
The fighting began after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February, a move that has contributed to rising global energy prices and economic pressure in the United States.
The issue gained further attention last week when Trump said that Americans’ financial hardship was not influencing his approach to negotiations with Iran.
“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,” he said when asked whether economic pressure might encourage him to seek a peace deal.
Rising costs weigh on voters
Economic concerns appear to be a central factor behind the decline in the president’s ratings.
The average price of fuel across the United States has climbed to about $4.52 per gallon, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA). A year earlier, the nationwide average stood at $3.18 per gallon.
In the poll, 64% of voters said they disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy. The president also received negative assessments from a majority of voters on issues including the cost of living, immigration and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Among independent voters, 47% said the president’s policies had personally harmed them, compared with 41% who expressed that view last autumn.
Decline in support over time
Trump’s approval rating had already been trending downward before the latest developments.
By October 2025, roughly nine months after he returned to the presidency, his approval rating had fallen to 42%, according to research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Analysts at the time said much of the political momentum from his election victory had dissipated.
Other factors have also affected public opinion. The administration’s aggressive deportation policies drew criticism after confrontations with federal agents resulted in the deaths of two US citizens.
However, analysts suggest the decision to join Israel in military action against Iran — and the resulting surge in oil prices — has accelerated the decline in support.
Some voters who backed Trump have voiced concern. John Johnson, a 78-year-old contractor from Crescent Springs, Kentucky, said rising fuel prices were affecting many households.
“Everybody’s suffering from gas prices,” he said.
He also questioned the handling of the conflict, adding that it “could have been handled differently, diplomatically more so.”
Democrats face their own challenges
Despite the drop in Trump’s popularity, the poll indicates Democrats may not be benefiting significantly from the shift in public sentiment.
Only 26% of voters said they were satisfied with the Democratic Party. Among Democratic voters themselves, 44% said they were dissatisfied with their own party.
The findings highlight a volatile political landscape as the United States approaches the midterm elections later this year.


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May 18May 18

Trump Calls Off Planned Iran Attack After Gulf Request

Iranian Conflict

Trump Calls Off Planned Iran Attack After Gulf Request

US President Donald Trump says he has postponed a planned military strike on Iran after leaders from several Gulf nations urged restraint, as negotiations aimed at ending the conflict continue.

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In a message posted on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States had intended to launch a new attack on Tuesday but decided to pause the operation following requests from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
He wrote that the governments involved had indicated that “serious negotiations are now taking place” and suggested that talks could lead to an agreement acceptable to Washington.
Trump added that he had been told a deal would be reached that the United States would consider “very acceptable,” while reiterating a central US demand that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.
Warning of possible military action
Despite the pause, Trump said the US military remained ready to act if negotiations fail. He warned that American forces could move ahead with a “full, large scale assault” on Iran at very short notice if an acceptable settlement is not achieved.
Officials in Tehran have not publicly responded to Trump’s latest remarks.
Over the weekend, Trump had issued a warning to Iran’s leadership, saying that “the clock is ticking” as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict showed little progress.
Conflict and fragile ceasefire
The current confrontation escalated on 28 February when Israeli and US forces launched extensive air strikes on Iranian targets. In response, Tehran fired drones and missiles toward Israel and US positions across the Gulf region.
The attacks marked a significant widening of tensions involving Israel and Iran, drawing the United States more directly into the conflict.
A ceasefire agreement reached in April was intended to create space for negotiations. Although the truce has largely held, there have been occasional exchanges of fire since it came into effect.
Diplomatic efforts involving regional governments have been ongoing, with Gulf states seeking to prevent a broader war that could destabilise energy supplies and regional security.
Oil route tensions
Amid the standoff, Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor connecting the Gulf to global markets.
The waterway carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Iranian authorities say their control of the strait is a response to US and Israeli military actions.
The situation has disrupted global energy markets, with oil prices rising sharply as concerns grow over supply interruptions.
At the same time, the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports as part of efforts to increase pressure on Tehran to accept Washington’s negotiating terms.
With diplomatic talks reportedly underway, it remains unclear whether the pause in military action will lead to a lasting agreement or only a temporary delay in further hostilities.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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May 18May 18

Three Killed After Vehicle Hits Pedestrians in Oakland

USA

Three Killed After Vehicle Hits Pedestrians in Oakland

Three people were killed and several others injured after a vehicle struck pedestrians and cars late Saturday night in Oakland, California, according to local authorities.

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The crash occurred around 11:15 p.m. near the intersection of International Boulevard and 85th Avenue in East Oakland, officials from the Oakland Fire Department said in a statement posted on social media early Sunday.
Emergency crews responding to the scene found multiple people injured after the vehicle hit both pedestrians and parked cars in the area. Fire officials initially said three injured individuals had been transported to nearby hospitals, with two listed in critical condition. The driver and another injured person were waiting for medical transport at the scene.
Police confirm three fatalities
In a later update, the Oakland Police Department confirmed that three pedestrians died at the scene of the crash.
Three other people were taken to hospitals in the area, where their conditions ranged from critical to stable, police said. Authorities did not immediately release the names of those killed.
Police also said the driver of the vehicle was taken to a hospital for further medical treatment following the incident.
Vehicle reportedly travelling at high speed
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was travelling northbound on 85th Avenue at a high rate of speed before turning west onto International Boulevard.
During the turn, the vehicle struck a parked car and several pedestrians nearby, according to the police statement.
Authorities said the driver, who is a juvenile, was later arrested in connection with the crash. Police added that it remains unclear whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident.
Mayor expresses condolences
In a statement on Sunday, Barbara Lee, mayor of Oakland, said the city was mourning the victims.
“Oakland is mourning the lives lost in last night’s tragic crash at International Boulevard and 85th Avenue in East Oakland,” Lee said. “Our hearts are with the victims, their families, loved ones, and all of those impacted.”
She also thanked first responders, including personnel from the Oakland Police and Fire departments, for their response to the incident.
Authorities said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.


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May 17May 17

Former FBI Director Comey Defends Courts in ‘86 47’ Case

USA

Former FBI Director Comey Defends Courts in ‘86 47’ Case

Former FBI director James Comey said he has “complete faith” in the U.S. judicial system as he faces a federal case over a social media post prosecutors claim threatened the president.

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Speaking on Meet the Press on Sunday, Comey described the judiciary as the strongest remaining pillar of government amid ongoing political tensions.
“The judiciary is the genius of our founders,” he said. “It’s frankly the only leg of our three-legged stool that is still standing in the U.S. government, but it’s standing tall and straight. It is the guardian of the rule of law, and I believe in it.”
Indictment over Instagram post
Comey was indicted last month after prosecutors alleged a 2025 Instagram photo he posted showed seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47,” which they argued represented a threat against the president.
Officials in the administration of Donald Trump and the United States Department of Justice claim the number “86” can be used as slang meaning to kill someone.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the phrase was widely understood in criminal circles. “If anybody knows anything about crime, they know 86,” he said at the time, adding that it was a “mob term for kill him”.
However, restaurant workers interviewed by NBC News previously said the term is commonly used in the hospitality industry to mean an item is no longer available.
Prosecutors cite wider evidence
The acting U.S. attorney general, Todd Blanche, said earlier this month that the case is not based solely on the seashell image.
“This is not just about a single Instagram post,” Blanche said during an earlier appearance on Meet the Press. He said prosecutors had gathered evidence over roughly 11 months before presenting the case to a grand jury.
Blanche added that he could not publicly discuss further details about the evidence.
Comey declined to address the specifics of the allegations, saying he could not comment because the case is ongoing. He also said Blanche should avoid speaking publicly about it.
“He ought not to be talking about it,” Comey said. “I can’t talk about it.”
Political tensions and past cases
Since the indictment, Comey has said he will continue speaking publicly about the political climate and his criticism of Trump.
In an interview last week, he said the president has a “bottomless desire to gain revenge against those who criticized him” and vowed he would not remain silent.
Comey also argued that targeting political opponents conflicts with the Justice Department’s mission to uphold the law. He said the department should not pursue individuals simply because the president disagrees with them.
He cited other figures who have faced scrutiny from Trump and his allies, including Adam Schiff, Letitia James and Mark Kelly.
Separate indictments against Comey and James were dismissed last year after a judge ruled the prosecutor handling the cases had been improperly appointed. Cases involving Schiff and Kelly also failed to advance.
Comey said the earlier prosecution against him amounted to political retaliation.
“We made a motion to have it dismissed as a vindictive prosecution,” he said. “The president of the United States cannot use the Justice Department to target people because he wants to retaliate against them. We just can’t operate as a republic if that happens.”
Trust in the courts
Despite the legal battle, Comey said he remains confident the courts will handle the case fairly.
He reiterated that the judiciary remains the key safeguard for the rule of law in the United States as the case proceeds.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026

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May 17May 17

Man Killed in Great White Shark Attack off Western Australia

Australia

Man Killed in Great White Shark Attack off Western Australia

A 38-year-old man has died after being attacked by a large shark off the coast of Western Australia, authorities said.

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The incident occurred shortly before 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on Saturday at Horseshoe Reef, located north-west of the popular tourist destination of Rottnest Island near the city of Perth.
Police said the man was bitten by what officials later identified as a great white shark measuring about 13 feet (4 metres) in length.
Emergency Response at Geordie Bay
Aerial footage from local broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed the injured man being transported by boat to shore following the attack. He was brought to the jetty at Geordie Bay where emergency services attempted to resuscitate him.
Paramedics and police officers performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene. However, despite their efforts, the man could not be revived.
“Sadly the man was unable to be revived,” a police spokesperson said.
Authorities have not released the victim’s name.
First Fatal Attack in More Than a Year
Officials said the incident marks the first fatal shark attack recorded in Western Australia since March last year. In that case, a surfer was killed after being mauled at a remote beach in the state.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said it had received reports confirming the victim had been bitten by a great white shark.
Following the attack, the department urged people in the region to exercise extra caution when entering the water.
Shark Attacks in Australian Waters
Australia has one of the world’s highest recorded numbers of shark encounters. Since official records began in 1791, nearly 1,300 shark attacks have been documented across the country.
More than 260 of those incidents have resulted in fatalities.
Earlier this year, several shark attacks were reported along the coast of New South Wales within a short period.
In January, four separate incidents occurred over two days, including an attack in Sydney’s harbour.
One of the victims was 12-year-old Nico Antic, who had jumped from rocks into the harbour before being attacked by what authorities believed to be a bull shark. He died a week later from his injuries.
In a joint statement issued after his death, the boy’s parents said they were “heartbroken”.
Authorities continue to monitor waters around Rottnest Island following Saturday’s fatal attack and have reminded beachgoers and boaters to remain alert in the area.

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May 17May 17

Labour leadership contest revives Brexit row

UK-Politics

Labour leadership contest revives Brexit row

The UK’s relationship with the European Union has moved back to the centre of political debate amid a possible Labour leadership challenge and an upcoming by-election in the Makerfield constituency.

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Wes Streeting, former Health Secretary, used his first public appearance since leaving the cabinet to tell a London audience that Brexit was a “catastrophic mistake”. Speaking at a Progress Conference linked to the Labour Party’s “Blairite” wing, he also signalled he would contest any formal challenge to replace Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
He argued the party had been overly cautious in opposition and too hesitant to confront issues he described as central to the country’s future. He added that Brexit had left the UK “less wealthy, less powerful and less in control” and said Britain should pursue a closer relationship with the EU, potentially including eventual re-entry, provided a future election gave a clear mandate.
His remarks prompted swift criticism from Conservative Party figures. Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Labour of reopening Brexit divisions, arguing the party was distracted from issues such as living costs, public services and defence.
Starmer’s EU stance under scrutiny
Under Labour leader Keir Starmer, the party has taken a cautious position on Brexit, committing to closer cooperation with the EU while ruling out rejoining the single market or customs union.
Streeting’s intervention challenged that approach, calling for a more ambitious rethink of UK-EU relations. He said political leaders had been too influenced by concern over Conservative criticism, and argued that longer-term economic opportunities lay in closer alignment with Europe.
He stressed that any move towards rejoining the EU would require a fresh democratic mandate, such as a general election, rather than being pursued immediately.
Burnham and Makerfield focus
The debate has also drawn attention to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who is expected to seek selection as Labour’s candidate in the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, which is anticipated around 18 June.
While campaigning in the constituency, Burnham said there was a “long-term case” for rejoining the EU but insisted he was not advocating such a move during the campaign. He has previously said any return would require a renewed public mandate.
The contest is being closely watched by other parties. Reform UK has sought to highlight Brexit sentiment in the area, pointing to the 2016 referendum result in which about 65% of voters in the constituency supported leaving the EU. The party also cited past local electoral performance suggesting a strong vote share in the area.
Wider party positions sharpen divide
Opposition parties have also used the renewed debate to underline their positions. The Liberal Democrats said recent election results reinforced their argument that closer EU ties, including a customs union, were needed to support economic growth.
The Green Party has gone further, with MP Ellie Chowns saying full EU membership remained the best option and that rejoining should be pursued when politically feasible.
Taken together, the exchanges highlight how Brexit continues to shape divisions within and between parties, with Labour’s internal positioning, leadership speculation and upcoming electoral contests all bringing the issue back into focus.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026

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May 17May 17

Ukraine drone strikes hit Moscow region, 3 dead

Russia

Ukraine drone strikes hit Moscow region, 3 dead

At least three people were killed and several others injured overnight after a large-scale drone attack struck Russia’s Moscow region, across multiple locations in the region, according to Russian authorities.

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A woman was killed in Khimki, north of Moscow, while a man and woman died in the village of Pogorelki, regional governor Andrei Vorobiev said.
Moscow region casualties and damage
A male Indian national was also reported killed and three others injured, according to India’s embassy in Moscow, though it was unclear whether these figures were included in the regional toll. Another death was reported in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine. Officials said in reports according to regional authorities according to officials in separate statements according to regional authorities according to reports.
Vorobiev said four people were injured in the Moscow region and several homes were damaged. He also reported a house fire in Subbotino, south-west of the capital, amid ongoing air defence operations during the overnight wave of attacks said the governor.
Airports and infrastructure affected
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 12 people were injured when drones struck an entrance to an oil refinery in the city, with nearby houses also damaged. At Sheremetyevo Airport, Russia’s busiest hub, authorities said drone wreckage fell within the airport grounds but reported no injuries, adding that operations continued normally.
Russia’s defence ministry said 556 drones were intercepted nationwide, including about 130 over the Moscow region in separate incidents across the city region according to officials according to officials in Moscow region reports said later.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said its forces, alongside the military, had struck several oil facilities and a semiconductor plant in the Moscow region, and claimed hits on air defence systems at the Belbek military airfield in Crimea, the SBU said in its statement.
Wider exchanges and cross-border strikes
Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes were a “justified” response to Russian attacks, adding that Ukraine’s “long-range sanctions” had reached the Moscow region in a post on Telegram. Russian state news agency Tass described the incident as the largest attack on the capital area in more than a year.
Earlier in the week, a Russian drone and missile strike on Kyiv killed 24 people, Ukrainian officials said according to Ukrainian officials in Kyiv. In Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, eight people were injured overnight in Russian drone and shelling attacks, according to local authorities according to officials in the region. A separate strike injured a woman in Zaporizhzhia according to officials in Ukraine. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 287 drones since late Saturday, with most intercepted but eight strikes recorded in seven locations according to air force officials across the country.
Vladimir Putin launched full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
according to official updates from both sides as the conflict continues in Ukraine and Russia


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 202

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May 17May 17

Drone Strike near nuclear plant sparks alarm in UAE

Middle East

Drone Strike near nuclear plant sparks alarm in UAE

A drone strike has triggered a fire close to the United Arab Emirates’s main nuclear facility, in what officials described as a serious escalation. Authorities said the incident occurred on Sunday near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, but confirmed there was no impact on radiation safety and no injuries were reported.

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Officials said an investigation is under way into the origin of the attack, while the defence ministry reported that three drones had entered UAE airspace from a western direction.
Drones intercepted before impact
According to the defence ministry, air defences intercepted two of the incoming drones before they could reach their targets. A third drone, however, continued on and struck an electrical generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah facility.
The impact sparked a fire in the generator area, though officials stressed it remained outside the plant’s secure inner zone. Emergency measures were taken immediately, and the situation was brought under control. Local authorities later said the nuclear power station continued operating normally despite the incident.
Fire contained at Barakah facility
The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that the fire broke out in an electrical generator unit and was contained without disruption to core operations. It reiterated that precautionary procedures were activated at the site following the strike.
Officials emphasised that radiological safety levels were unaffected, seeking to reassure the public that the incident did not compromise nuclear safety systems at the plant, which is the UAE’s only commercial nuclear energy facility.
UAE condemns ‘act of aggression’
The foreign ministry of the United Arab Emirates described the strike as an “unacceptable act of aggression” and said the country reserves the right to respond to any hostile actions.
It also said targeting civilian nuclear infrastructure constitutes a violation of international law, referencing the principles of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN Charter, and broader humanitarian rules. The defence ministry separately pledged to respond firmly to any attempts to undermine national security.
Authorities did not identify the source of the drones. However, the UAE has previously accused Iran of involvement in attacks on energy and economic infrastructure since the regional conflict escalated earlier this year, allegations Tehran has denied. The UAE has also rejected Iranian claims that it has participated in offensive actions.
IAEA monitoring and wider regional tensions
The International Atomic Energy Agency said it was monitoring the situation closely. Director General Rafael Grossi expressed grave concern over the incident, warning that any military activity near nuclear facilities poses unacceptable risks to safety. He called for maximum restraint from all sides.
The wider regional conflict has involved exchanges of strikes between Iran, the United States, and Israel since hostilities escalated in February. Tehran has said its actions are in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks, while also accusing Gulf states of enabling operations from their territory.
Although a ceasefire was agreed between the US and Iran in April, sporadic clashes have continued. US President Donald Trump said the truce remained under severe strain, amid ongoing disputes over demands related to the conflict and the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that has been heavily disrupted since the war began.


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May 17May 17

DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Declared Global Health Emergency

Health

DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Declared Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern, citing concerns over potential wider spread despite currently limited confirmed cases the agency said.

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The agency said the situation does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency, but warned the outbreak could be significantly larger than currently detected and reported. It reported around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, alongside eight laboratory-confirmed infections across affected areas in eastern DRC.
Emergency declaration
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there are “significant uncertainties” over the true scale and geographic spread of the outbreak. The alert comes as authorities monitor transmission in the eastern province of Ituri, where health officials are trying to contain multiple clusters of infection.
Cases and spread
The outbreak has been recorded in several health zones, including Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, as well as the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara. Health authorities have also confirmed a case in Kinshasa, believed to involve a patient who had travelled from Ituri. The virus identified in the outbreak is the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved treatments or vaccines.
Regional risk
The WHO said the virus has crossed borders, with Uganda reporting two confirmed cases, including a 59-year-old man who died after testing positive. Ugandan officials said the deceased was a Congolese national whose body was returned to the DRC. A separate case has also been confirmed in Goma, an eastern city currently controlled by M23 rebels, according to AFP reports. The WHO and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that high population movement and ongoing insecurity in the region increase the risk of further spread.
Africa CDC concerns about urban settings of Rwampara and Bunia and mining activities in Mongwalu increasing risk of spread. It said significant population movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries requires strong regional coordination. Ebola has no proven cure, with an average fatality rate of around 50% according to WHO. Around 15,000 people have died from Ebola across African countries over the past 50 years.
Virus and response
Bundibugyo Ebola typically begins with fever, fatigue, muscle pain and headache, before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea and in some cases bleeding. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days, and transmission occurs through contact with infected bodily fluids. WHO has advised affected countries to strengthen surveillance, isolate confirmed cases, and establish emergency coordination centres to improve contact tracing. The agency also urged countries not to impose border closures or travel restrictions, saying such measures are not scientifically justified. Ebola was first identified in 1976 in what is now the DRC, and this marks the country’s 17th outbreak.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026

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May 17May 17

Trump Warns Time Running Out as Iran Talks Stall

Iranian Conflict

Trump Warns Time Running Out as Iran Talks Stall

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that time is running out to reach a deal to end the conflict, as negotiations between the two sides remain deadlocked.

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In a post on his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump said Iran needed to act quickly. “They better get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them,” he wrote, adding that “TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”
The message came shortly before the US president was scheduled to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday as efforts to revive peace talks continue.
Iranian media reported that Washington had not made meaningful concessions in its latest response to proposals from Tehran aimed at ending the conflict.
The semi-official Mehr News Agency said the US position risked creating an “impasse in the negotiations” because of the lack of compromise.
Disputes Over Negotiation Terms
Trump’s warning echoed earlier remarks in which he said an entire civilisation could be destroyed if Iran failed to reach an agreement. Those comments were made shortly before a ceasefire was declared in early April to allow negotiations to take place.
Earlier this week, the president also said the truce was on “massive life support” after rejecting Iranian proposals he described as “totally unacceptable”.
Iranian officials have defended their position. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran’s proposals were “responsible” and “generous”.
According to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Iran’s demands included an immediate end to hostilities on all fronts. The request referred in part to continuing Israeli attacks on the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Tehran also called for an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and assurances that further attacks on the country would not occur.
Iranian media reported that the proposals additionally sought compensation for damage caused during the war and emphasised Iranian sovereignty over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
US Conditions and Nuclear Dispute
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that Washington had responded with five conditions.
Among them was a demand that Iran operate only one nuclear facility and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States.
Trump suggested on Friday that he might accept a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear programme. The comment appeared to signal a shift from an earlier demand that Tehran permanently abandon the programme, which has long been a central point of disagreement between the two countries.
Ongoing Tensions Despite Ceasefire
Israeli and US forces began large-scale air strikes on Iran on 28 February. A ceasefire was later agreed in early April with the aim of allowing diplomatic negotiations to proceed.
While the truce has largely held, there have been occasional exchanges of fire.
Iran has also maintained control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
The move has effectively closed the vital waterway and pushed global oil prices higher. Iranian officials say the action is a response to US and Israeli military operations.
At the same time, the United States has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports in an attempt to pressure Tehran into accepting its conditions.
Mediation Efforts Continue
Diplomatic efforts to bridge the gap between the two sides are continuing. Pakistan has been acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.
However, reports from both Iranian and international sources suggest that the two sides remain far apart on key issues, leaving the outcome of the negotiations uncertain.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026

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May 17May 17

Rival Marches in London Draw Tens of Thousands

UK

Rival Marches in London Draw Tens of Thousands

Tens of thousands of demonstrators took part in two separate protests in London on Saturday, prompting one of the largest policing operations in the capital in recent years.

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The rival events included the “Unite the Kingdom” march organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson and a pro-Palestinian rally marking Nakba Day. More than 4,000 officers from the Metropolitan Police were deployed across central London to maintain separation between the two crowds.
Authorities established a so-called “sterile zone” between the marches, using barriers and strict route controls to prevent contact between participants.
Police said 43 arrests were made in connection with the demonstrations by 19:30 BST. A further 22 arrests occurred at the FA Cup Final, which was taking place simultaneously at Wembley Stadium.
The force described the operation as one of its most significant public-order deployments in recent years, with officers supported by drones, mounted units, police dogs and armoured vehicles.
Unite the Kingdom rally
Participants in the Unite the Kingdom march gathered in Kingsway before proceeding to Whitehall and Parliament Square, where a rally was held.
Many demonstrators carried Union flags, and some wore red hats bearing the slogan “Make England Great Again”. Chants calling for the removal of Prime Minister Keir Starmer were also heard.
Speakers at the rally included Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, along with media personality Katie Hopkins, actor-turned-politician Laurence Fox and television presenter Ant Middleton.
Robinson urged supporters to engage in politics ahead of the next general election, calling on them to register to vote and join political parties. He also led chants backing technology entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has previously voiced support for the group’s rallies.
One speaker, Siobhan Whyte, addressed the crowd about the killing of her daughter, Rhiannon, criticising the government’s response to the case.
Pro-Palestinian Nakba Day march
A separate pro-Palestinian demonstration began in Kensington and moved through Piccadilly towards Waterloo Place.
The march marked Nakba Day, which commemorates the displacement of Palestinians during the conflict surrounding the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948–49.
Many protesters wore keffiyehs and carried placards expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Signs included slogans opposing the far right and calling for the release of hostages.
Speakers at the rally included Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, co-founders of the political group Your Party, as well as independent MP Diane Abbott and Labour MP Apsana Begum.
Abbott told demonstrators they faced a “common enemy” in the far right and urged supporters to unite against racism and antisemitism.
Several protesters told the BBC they opposed both antisemitism and violence, saying such behaviour had no place at the rally.
Policing and security measures
Strict limits were placed on routes and timing for both demonstrations. Police said the Nakba march concluded around 17:30 BST, while the Unite the Kingdom event ended at about 18:00. By that time, authorities reported that Parliament Square and Whitehall were largely cleared.
The Met said the protests had “proceeded largely without significant incident”.
Four officers were assaulted during the operation, although none were seriously injured, while six others were subjected to hate-crime offences, police said.
Live facial recognition technology was used for the first time in a protest-related policing operation, with cameras deployed at Euston Station and King's Cross St Pancras Station. Drones also monitored both protest routes.
The government said 11 foreign “far-right agitators” were prevented from entering the UK ahead of the Unite the Kingdom rally. Among them was US-based influencer Valentina Gomez.
Ahead of the protests, Starmer said authorities would take action against anyone seeking to incite hatred or violence.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the right to protest remained a fundamental part of democracy, but warned that those spreading hate or committing violence would face legal consequences.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026

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May 16May 16

US May Indict Raúl Castro Over 1996 Plane Shootdown

Cuba

US May Indict Raúl Castro Over 1996 Plane Shootdown

U.S. prosecutors could announce a criminal indictment against former Cuban president Raúl Castro in the coming days, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The potential case is being handled by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida and centers on the 1996 destruction of aircraft operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue.
Two small planes belonging to the Miami-based group were shot down by Cuban fighter jets in February 1996, killing four people.
Investigation focuses on 1996 incident
The organisation had been carrying out missions to search for Cuban migrants and conduct humanitarian activities near the island.
Cuba said at the time the aircraft had entered its airspace, while the United States maintained they were flying over international waters. Investigations by international authorities later supported the U.S. position that the attack occurred outside Cuban territory.
Legal process still pending
Any criminal charges would still require approval from a U.S. grand jury before they could be formally filed.
Officials familiar with the investigation say the Justice Department has been examining whether senior Cuban officials, including Castro, could be held responsible for the attack. At the time of the incident, Castro served as Cuba’s defence minister and oversaw the country’s armed forces.
Previous attempts to bring criminal cases related to the shootdown have faced legal obstacles, largely because Cuban officials are unlikely to be extradited to the United States.
Rising tensions between Washington and Havana
The possible indictment comes as relations between Washington and Havana remain strained.
U.S. President Donald Trump has recently signalled a renewed focus on Cuba following developments in other foreign policy areas. Earlier this month he suggested that the United States could shift attention to the island after concluding operations in Iran.
Cuban officials have strongly criticised such remarks. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla warned that U.S. rhetoric about taking control of Cuba could lead to serious conflict.
In an interview in Havana, Rodríguez said Cuba would take the threats “very seriously” and would defend itself if it faced military action.
Pressure through economic measures
In recent months Washington has relied largely on economic pressure rather than military action. Measures have included tightening restrictions on Cuba’s access to oil shipments from abroad.
At the same time, there have been signs of limited diplomatic engagement. John Ratcliffe, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, met Cuban officials in Havana this week.
According to the CIA, the United States is willing to discuss economic and security issues with Cuba, but only if the government implements significant reforms.
For now, U.S. officials have not confirmed whether an indictment against Castro will be announced, and the Justice Department has not publicly commented on the case.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026

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May 16May 16

Hamas Top Commander Killed in Israeli Strike in Gaza

Gaza

Hamas Top Commander Killed in Israeli Strike in Gaza

A senior commander of Hamas’s armed wing has been killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, according to both Hamas officials and Israeli authorities.

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A Hamas official confirmed that Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, a commander in the group’s military wing, died after the strike on Friday. Israeli leaders said he had played a key role in attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers and described him as one of the planners behind the 7 October assault on Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that Haddad had been responsible for the “murder, kidnapping and injury” of thousands of Israelis.
The strike comes despite a ceasefire that has been in place in Gaza since October, though Israel has continued to carry out attacks targeting Hamas members across the territory.
Strike on Gaza City building
According to three eyewitnesses who spoke to the BBC, the initial strike hit a residential building known as Al-Mu'taz in central Gaza City.
Witnesses said three missiles struck the building at the same time from two directions. The attack set off a large fire and damaged the apartment block.
Emergency crews arrived shortly after the blast but struggled to evacuate those trapped inside because of the damage and flames, witnesses said.
One eyewitness reported that rescuers removed a body and several injured people from the building.
Car hit after leaving scene
A second air strike occurred shortly afterwards, targeting a vehicle seen leaving the area.
Eyewitnesses and a local source said the car was struck about 1.5km (0.9 miles) from the apartment block, killing three people.
Sources said the vehicle may have been carrying Haddad, who was believed to have been seriously injured in the initial strike.
Witnesses said armed Hamas members dressed in civilian clothing removed a severely wounded individual from the building through a side entrance before placing him in a vehicle that later came under attack.
An Israeli security official said preliminary information suggested the operation had successfully targeted Haddad.
Ceasefire tensions persist
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on 10 October. However, Israeli forces have continued to launch strikes in Gaza during the truce.
Hamas has repeatedly accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by targeting civilians, while Israeli authorities say they retain the right to strike Hamas members.
Israel also accuses Hamas of breaching the agreement by refusing to disarm.
Efforts led by the United States to advance a broader peace plan have stalled since the outbreak of the Iran war. A second phase announced in January proposed that Gaza be governed by a temporary technocratic administration while the territory undergoes demilitarisation and reconstruction.
Talks on disarming Hamas remain deadlocked. Hamas has also reactivated its police force, a move seen as an attempt to reassert control in Gaza.
Netanyahu and Katz said Haddad had rejected calls under a US-led plan, promoted by President Donald Trump, for Hamas to disarm and for Gaza to be demilitarised.
“We will continue to act forcefully and decisively against anyone who took part in the October 7 massacre,” their statement said.
War’s origins and toll
The conflict began after Hamas led an attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 that killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas.
More than 72,744 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. It says 857 of those deaths have occurred since the ceasefire took effect.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026

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May 16May 16

Driver Rams Pedestrians in Modena, Italy, Injuring Eight

Report

Driver Rams Pedestrians in Modena, Italy, Injuring Eight

A man drove a car into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena on Saturday, injuring eight people — four of them seriously — in what local officials described as a deliberate act.

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Authorities said the vehicle struck pedestrians along Via Emilia near the city’s historic cathedral before crashing into a shop window. The incident took place around 16:30 local time (14:30 GMT), sending several people flying and leaving multiple victims injured on the pavement.
Among those hurt were five women and three men. One woman reportedly suffered catastrophic injuries, with both of her legs crushed in the impact.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the event as “extremely serious”.
Suspect restrained by passers-by
After the car came to a stop, the driver got out holding a knife and attacked a passer-by who had attempted to pursue him, according to witnesses and local officials.
The man who gave chase, identified by Italian media as Luca Signorelli, said he had initially been trying to assist one of the injured victims before noticing the driver attempting to flee.
Signorelli said the suspect turned on him with a knife, striking him in the head and chest. Despite the attack, he managed to restrain the man with the help of other bystanders until authorities arrived.
Witnesses described the car approaching the pavement at high speed before accelerating toward pedestrians.
“We saw the car approaching, it was heading for the curb,” one witness told Italian media.
“It suddenly accelerated — it was going at least 100km/h,” the witness added, describing the moment people were thrown into the air by the impact.
Officials say attack appeared deliberate
Modena’s mayor, Massimo Mezzetti, said early findings suggested the driver intentionally mounted the pavement before striking multiple pedestrians.
“It appears the driver deliberately drove onto the pavement, hitting several people and crashing into a shop window,” he said.
The suspect has been identified by authorities as Salim El Koudri, a 31-year-old Italian national of Moroccan origin. Officials said he was born in the province of Bergamo near Milan and currently lives in the province of Modena.
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the anti-immigration League party, publicly named the suspect on social media platform X, describing him as a “second-generation criminal”.
Mental health history reported
Italian media reported that the suspect is an economics graduate who is currently unemployed and has no previous criminal record.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday evening, Modena prefect Fabrizia Triolo said the man had previously been referred to a mental health centre in 2022 for what she described as “schizoid disorders”.
Triolo said he later disappeared and could not be located by authorities following that referral.
Police have not yet provided further details on a possible motive for the attack as investigations continue.
META: Eight people were injured after a driver deliberately drove into pedestrians in Modena, Italy, before being restrained by bystanders.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026

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webfact

May 16May 16