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UK Immigration Officer Convicted of Spying for China

UK

UK Immigration Officer Convicted of Spying for China

A UK Border Force officer has been convicted of spying for Chinese intelligence after using government databases to track Hong Kong dissidents living in Britain.

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Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, 40, was found guilty under the UK’s National Security Act of assisting a foreign intelligence service. He was convicted alongside Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, 65, who prosecutors said acted as his contact with Hong Kong authorities. Wai was also found guilty of misconduct in public office.
Following the verdict, the UK government said China’s ambassador to Britain would be summoned by the Foreign Office. Security Minister Dan Jarvis described the activities as a breach of British sovereignty that would not be tolerated.
The two men were remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a later date, to be set on 15 May.
Use of immigration database
Wai began working as a Border Force officer at Heathrow Airport in December 2020, giving him access to the Home Office’s main immigration database containing information on foreign nationals in the UK.
Prosecutors said he accessed the system outside working hours, including on days off and while on sick leave, to search for Hong Kong activists who had fled political crackdowns. The information was then passed to Chinese contacts.
Investigators said Wai had already been gathering information on dissidents before joining Border Force. In messages presented in court, he referred to activists as “cockroaches”.
Yuen, a former Hong Kong police officer, became Wai’s intermediary with Chinese authorities. The two men first met in London in 2017 and, by mid-2021, Yuen had become Wai’s handler, receiving reports about Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and protests in Britain.
Yuen had moved to London shortly after retiring from the Hong Kong Police Force in 2015. He later took a role as office manager at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, which promotes business ties between Hong Kong and the UK.
The court heard the surveillance operation also paid “special attention” to certain British politicians, including Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith.
Surveillance of activists
Evidence showed Wai recruited a fellow Border Force officer, former Royal Marine Matthew Trickett, to assist in monitoring dissidents.
Among those targeted were prominent activists Nathan Law and Finn Lau. Both men had been involved in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and were later subject to HK$1 million bounties issued by Hong Kong authorities in 2023.
Law was followed during a visit to the Oxford Union, while Lau told the BBC he had become increasingly cautious about personal safety due to fears of surveillance.
“To be frank, I don’t feel safe in the UK regarding the spying risk,” Lau said, adding that he had taken measures to avoid being followed.
Operation uncovered
The investigation widened after the group attempted to locate a Hong Kong woman living in West Yorkshire who was accused of financial wrongdoing in Hong Kong, which she denies.
Using his access to the immigration database, Wai identified her address in Pontefract and confirmed her presence by arranging the delivery of a parcel. Surveillance of the property followed.
In April 2024, a group linked to the case travelled to the address, attempting to make contact with the woman. When she did not answer the door, they used a small camera under the door and tried to lure her out by leaving a note and pouring water through the letterbox.
The operation was secretly recorded by a device placed by the security service MI5.
When police intervened, Wai threw a fake warrant card suggesting he was a superintendent with the City of London Police out of a window, the court heard.
Death of co-defendant
Trickett was later charged alongside Wai and Yuen but was found dead in Grenfell Park in Maidenhead shortly after appearing in court. His death is being treated as a suspected suicide, with an inquest scheduled for November.
Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on a separate charge alleging the men had committed foreign interference during the Pontefract incident. Prosecutors said they would not pursue a retrial.
Counter-terrorism police described the case as a serious example of overseas intelligence activity targeting people in Britain.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026

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May 7May 7

Trump Cornered by His Own Iran War Strategy

Iranian Conflict

Trump Cornered by His Own Iran War Strategy

The war between the United States and Iran, initially expected to last little more than six weeks, has now entered its 10th week, leaving President Donald Trump struggling to find a path toward ending the conflict.

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Despite repeated claims from the White House that negotiations are making progress, the administration faces growing geopolitical and domestic constraints that complicate any clear exit strategy.
Iran’s continued resistance and its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz have prevented Washington from securing a decisive outcome. At the same time, rising political pressure at home is narrowing the president’s room to manoeuvre.
Opinion polls show Trump’s approval rating in the 30s, while US gasoline prices have climbed above $4.50 a gallon. Public opposition to the conflict has also grown, increasing the pressure on the administration to end the war quickly.
Diplomatic push for a deal
Officials are now pursuing a potential agreement aimed at halting the fighting. According to reports, US and Iranian representatives are discussing a one-page memorandum through Pakistani mediators that would formally end hostilities and establish a 30-day period to resolve remaining disputes.
Iran is expected to deliver its response to the proposal to the mediators on Thursday. Some officials involved in the talks say negotiations have come closer to ending the conflict than at any previous point.
However, analysts caution that such a brief document would struggle to resolve the longstanding tensions between Washington and Tehran. These include disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, its ballistic missile capabilities and its support for armed proxy groups across the region.
Tehran is also seeking extensive sanctions relief to revive its economy and wants to benefit financially from the passage of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has repeatedly suggested in recent weeks that an agreement was imminent, only for talks to stall as negotiations continued.
Short-lived military initiatives
The conflict has also been marked by rapidly changing military strategies.
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that “Operation Epic Fury” — the main US military campaign — had effectively ended. He then promoted another initiative announced hours earlier by Trump known as “Project Freedom”.
The plan aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by escorting vessels through the waterway. But the effort was halted within hours after only a small number of ships were guided to safety.
Trump said the decision to pause the operation was intended to support ongoing peace negotiations. However, the swift launch and suspension of the initiative added to perceptions of uncertainty surrounding US strategy.
Several earlier measures had also failed to produce the decisive result the administration sought. These included a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iranian leadership and military facilities, as well as naval blockades of Iranian ports and shipping.
Despite heavy losses among its leadership, Iran’s governing structure — including the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — has remained intact.
Challenges of securing a decisive outcome
Military analysts say the conflict illustrates the difficulties powerful nations can face when confronting smaller states using asymmetric tactics.
US officials argue that Iranian naval and air capabilities have been severely damaged and that military infrastructure has been significantly weakened. However, the administration has avoided deploying large numbers of ground troops — a decision seen as limiting the prospects for a clear battlefield victory.
Meanwhile, Iran’s use of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage has affected global energy markets and added economic pressure on the United States and its allies.
Experts say the gap between American military capabilities and the ability to achieve a lasting strategic result remains significant.
There has been no widespread uprising inside Iran, and Tehran has not agreed to abandon its nuclear ambitions or dismantle its regional networks of allied groups.
With the strait still closed and oil prices elevated, diplomats and analysts say the conflict remains unresolved despite ongoing negotiations.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026

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May 7May 7

Mexico City Sinking So Fast It’s Visible From Space

Mexico City Sinking So Fast It’s Visible From Space

Mexico City is sinking at a pace so rapid that the movement of the ground beneath the sprawling capital can now be detected from space, according to new satellite data.

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Images captured by the NISAR satellite mission — a joint project between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation — reveal that some parts of Mexico City are subsiding by more than half an inch each month. In certain locations, the ground is sinking at a rate approaching 0.8 inches monthly, equivalent to more than 9.5 inches per year.
Researchers say the phenomenon is largely driven by the heavy extraction of groundwater from an ancient aquifer beneath the city.
Aquifer depletion driving subsidence
The Mexican capital, one of the world’s largest urban areas with roughly 22 million residents, was built on the bed of a high-altitude lake. Beneath the city lies a major aquifer that provides about 60% of the drinking water used by its population.
Over decades, intense pumping of this underground water supply has caused the soil above it to compress and sink. The problem has also worsened the city’s long-running water shortage, raising fears that it could one day face a “day zero” scenario in which water supplies run dry.
Urban growth has compounded the issue. Continuous construction and expanding infrastructure have added weight to the city’s soft, clay-rich ground, accelerating the downward movement.
Satellite reveals scale of the problem
The NISAR satellite was designed to observe complex processes on Earth by using advanced radar capable of measuring small movements in the planet’s surface.
Between October 2025 and January 2026 — during the region’s dry season — the satellite mapped changes in ground levels across Mexico City. The data revealed that several districts are sinking steadily, with some areas experiencing particularly fast subsidence.

Among the locations most affected is Benito Juárez International Airport, the city’s main air transport hub.
The satellite’s ability to detect gradual land movement allows scientists to monitor how the city is changing over time and to identify areas at risk.
Visible impacts across the capital
Subsidence in Mexico City has been documented since the 1920s. Over the decades, the effects have become increasingly visible across the capital.
Residents have reported cracked roads, uneven pavements and tilting buildings. Transport infrastructure has also been affected, including parts of the rail system.
One of the city’s most recognisable monuments demonstrates the impact of the sinking ground. The Angel of Independence monument, a 114-foot-tall column built in 1910 to mark the centenary of Mexico’s independence, has required the addition of 14 steps at its base as the surrounding ground level has dropped.
Scientists say satellite monitoring will provide new insight into how subsidence is affecting cities worldwide.
“Mexico City is a well-known hot spot when it comes to subsidence, and images like this are just the beginning for NISAR,” said David Bekaert of the Flemish Institute for Technological Research and a member of the NISAR science team.
Tracking changes across the planet
Beyond urban subsidence, the satellite’s radar technology can also measure a wide range of environmental changes. These include glaciers shifting, crop growth patterns and natural hazards such as volcanic eruptions.
Researchers say the mission is expected to produce a growing body of data that will help scientists better understand how Earth’s surface is evolving.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026

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May 7May 7

Russia Drops Tanks from Victory Day Parade Amid Ukraine War

Russia

Russia Drops Tanks from Victory Day Parade Amid Ukraine War

Russia will mark its annual Victory Day with a reduced military parade this year, with tanks and other heavy equipment absent from Moscow’s Red Square as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year.

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The parade on 9 May commemorates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two and has become Russia’s most important national holiday. But unlike previous years, the event will feature soldiers marching without the usual display of military hardware.
Officials say the decision reflects both security concerns and the continued demands of the war in Ukraine.
Parade without tanks
Across Red Square, banners and digital displays proclaim the word “Pobeda” – meaning “Victory” – as soldiers rehearse for the annual ceremony. The term dominates the square, appearing on large red signs and public installations where visitors pose for photographs.

Victory Day is central to Russia’s national narrative, particularly under President Vladimir Putin, whose government has long emphasised the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War.
Yet this year’s parade will differ significantly from previous ones. For the first time in nearly two decades, there will be no tanks, missile launchers or other heavy weapons on display.
Russian lawmaker Yevgeny Popov said the absence of military hardware was linked to the ongoing war.
“Our tanks are busy right now,” he said. “They are fighting. We need them more on the battlefield than on Red Square.”
War reaches closer to Russia
The scaled-back parade comes as the conflict with Ukraine continues with no clear end in sight more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In recent days the war has also affected areas inside Russia. Authorities reported that two people were killed and more than 30 injured after a long-range Ukrainian missile and drone strike on the city of Cheboksary.
The night before, a drone breached Moscow’s air defences and struck a luxury apartment building about 6km from the Kremlin. No one was injured, though the upper floors of the building were damaged.
Russian officials say the risk of drone attacks has influenced security planning for the Victory Day events.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov referred to what he described as a “terrorist threat” from Ukraine. Russia’s defence ministry has warned it could carry out a “massive retaliatory missile strike” against central Kyiv if Moscow comes under attack on 9 May.
Mixed reactions among residents
Among people in Moscow, the reduced parade has drawn mixed responses.
Some residents say safety concerns justify the changes. Others believe the absence of military equipment weakens the symbolic power of the event.
“There is a safety issue,” said Sergei, a passer-by near Red Square. “But parading our military hardware shows our strength on the world stage.”
Yulia, another resident, said the decision was understandable but could also signal vulnerability.
“It would be foolish to showcase equipment if something could happen during the parade,” she said. “But it also means we are afraid of something.”
Another resident, Vladimir, said the parade remained an important national symbol but accepted that circumstances had changed.
“If conditions do not allow the full parade this year, we will have to wait until next year,” he said.
War fatigue and domestic pressures
The conflict has now lasted longer than the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1945, a milestone reached earlier this year.
Recent polling, including surveys conducted by state-run agencies, suggests President Putin’s domestic approval ratings have declined.
Observers in Moscow also report growing public fatigue over the war, along with concerns about rising living costs and frustration over new internet restrictions imposed by the authorities.
Officials say temporary shutdowns of mobile internet services, expected again during Victory Day celebrations, are intended to reduce the risk of drone attacks and sabotage.
The restrictions have proven unpopular in several Russian cities where similar measures have been implemented in recent months.
But Popov defended the policy, saying security must take priority.
“It’s not your business what we are doing with our internet,” he said. “It would be better to have no internet than to be killed by a Ukrainian missile or drone.”


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026

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May 7May 7

WHO: Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak Not a Pandemic

Report

WHO: Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak Not a Pandemic

An outbreak of hantavirus linked to a cruise ship does not represent the start of a pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said, as health authorities work to track passengers who recently left the vessel.

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Maria van Kerkhove, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the WHO, told reporters that the situation differs significantly from the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic because hantavirus spreads in a very different way.
“This is not Covid, this is not influenza,” she said, explaining that the virus requires close and intimate contact for transmission.
Cases linked to Antarctic cruise
The outbreak has been associated with the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The ship departed Ushuaia in Argentina on 1 April and is scheduled to arrive in Spain’s Canary Islands on 10 May.
Around 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries were initially on board. Dozens of passengers disembarked on the island of St Helena on 24 April.
The WHO said five of eight suspected cases of hantavirus have been confirmed. Three people have died: a 69-year-old Dutch woman who had the virus, her Dutch husband, and a German woman. The cases of the husband and the German passenger are still under investigation to determine whether hantavirus was responsible.
Health officials say the Dutch woman died in South Africa two days after leaving the ship. Her husband died earlier on board the vessel on 11 April, while the German passenger died aboard the ship on 2 May.
Tracing passengers across countries
Authorities in several countries are monitoring people who may have been exposed.
Oceanwide Expeditions said 29 passengers from at least 12 nationalities left the vessel in St Helena, a British Overseas Territory. Seven of them were British nationals.
The UK Health Security Agency said two of the British passengers are now self-isolating in the United Kingdom, while four remain in St Helena. Officials are attempting to locate the seventh individual.
Spain’s civil protection agency said there are currently 19 British passengers and four British crew members still aboard the vessel as it heads toward the Canary Islands. Officials in Madrid said talks with the UK government were well advanced regarding a repatriation flight to Tenerife once the ship arrives.
Four American passengers remain on board, and Spanish authorities said the United States has indicated it is prepared to send an aircraft to collect its citizens.
Elsewhere, Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency said it is isolating and testing two men who had travelled on the cruise and later flew from St Helena to Johannesburg on the same flight as the Dutch woman who died. Their test results are pending.
In the United States, officials in Georgia and Arizona said three returning passengers were being monitored but had not developed symptoms.
Monitoring and containment efforts
Hantavirus is typically spread to humans through contact with rodents. However, the WHO said the current outbreak includes the first documented instance of human-to-human transmission.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation currently assesses the public health risk as low. He noted that the first two confirmed cases had travelled through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay on a bird-watching trip that included locations where rat species known to carry the virus are present.
Given that hantavirus can have an incubation period of up to six weeks, health officials say additional cases could still emerge.
Passengers remaining on board the MV Hondius have been asked to wear masks, while those caring for suspected patients are advised to use higher-grade protective equipment.
Oceanwide Expeditions said the first confirmed case was not reported until 4 May and that all passengers who had already left the ship had been contacted. The company said it was working closely with authorities to determine quarantine, screening and arrival procedures for the vessel.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s health ministry said it would begin testing rodents in Ushuaia as part of efforts to trace the possible source of the outbreak.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 May 2026

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May 7May 7

UK Passport Rule Leaves Baby Stranded Abroad

UK-Politics

UK Passport Rule Leaves Baby Stranded Abroad

A Scottish mother has been left stranded overseas after her 11-month-old baby was denied boarding on a flight to the United Kingdom because of documentation requirements affecting dual nationals.

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Sarah Schloegl, from Aberdeen, said airline staff prevented her baby from boarding a Ryanair flight from Alicante last week after officials determined the child lacked the documentation now required for entry to the UK.
Schloegl had travelled to Spain for a short holiday with her Austrian husband, Philipp, and their two children — a three-year-old and an 11-month-old baby.
Baby barred from flight in Spain
Under rules introduced in February, British citizens who also hold another nationality must present either a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode when travelling to the UK by air, rail or ferry. The certificate currently costs £589.
Schloegl said she was unaware of the requirement until she reached the departure gate. Her husband, who holds settled status in the UK after Brexit, and their older child, who has both Austrian and British passports, were allowed to board. Their baby, who only carried an Austrian passport, was refused.
“I feel it’s ridiculous,” Schloegl said, noting that the child was born in Scotland and lives in the UK. “My baby was born in the UK and lives there, but she’s not allowed to enter the country even though I’m British.”
Concerns over communication of new rules
Schloegl said she had followed news about travel rules but believed authorities should have provided clearer warnings at airports and on airline websites before the change took effect.
She said the first indication of the policy came when airline staff informed the family at the departure gate.
Campaigners say Schloegl’s experience is not unique. Hundreds of dual nationals have reportedly contacted advocacy groups in recent months complaining that the requirement was not widely publicised.
Monique Hawkins, head of policy and advocacy at the campaign group the3million, said the case raised concerns about how the rules were being applied.
“The Home Office said they would take a compassionate and pragmatic approach to travellers who experience genuine difficulty,” she said. “We cannot see the compassion in refusing boarding to an 11-month baby.”
The Home Office has previously rejected criticism that the change was poorly communicated, saying details were published on the government’s website.
Family seeks temporary solution abroad
At Alicante airport, Schloegl said airline ground staff attempted to help the family find a solution. Airport officials contacted UK authorities while Schloegl obtained a scanned copy of the baby’s birth certificate from the registry office in Scotland.
She said the document confirmed the child was born in the UK and that the Austrian passport had been issued by the Austrian embassy in Britain. However, officials reportedly told airline staff the evidence did not meet the entry requirements.
Schloegl was also unable to obtain emergency travel documents for the child. According to the Home Office, such documents are generally issued only to travellers who have previously held a passport, though some exceptions exist for urgent circumstances such as medical emergencies or attending a close relative’s funeral.
Facing the possibility of a delay lasting several months, the family decided to stay temporarily in Austria with relatives while they attempt to resolve the issue.
Advocacy group the3million has written to the UK’s European affairs minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, and to European Commission official Maroš Šefčovič, urging action to address the situation of dual-national children whose parents hold British citizenship or settled status.
The group has called for provisions of the Brexit withdrawal agreement to cover children who automatically acquire dual nationality at birth.
An Austrian embassy spokesperson said officials were aware of the case and that the embassy in London was in contact with the family and UK authorities to explore ways to speed up a resolution.
The UK Home Office declined to comment on the individual case but said information advising dual nationals about the documentation requirement had been available on its website since October 2024. It added that a wider communications campaign about the new Electronic Travel Authorisation system had been running since 2023.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 May 2026

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May 6May 6

Trump Defends Rising Cost of White House Ballroom

USA

Trump Defends Rising Cost of White House Ballroom

President Donald Trump has defended the sharply increased cost of a planned ballroom at the White House, saying the expanded design and higher construction standards explain why the project’s estimated price has risen from $200 million to nearly $400 million.

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The president addressed the issue in a post on his social media platform on Wednesday, arguing that the larger and upgraded design would better serve official functions and future events.
Trump said the cost increase followed further study of the project’s scope.
“The only reason the cost has changed is because, after deep rooted studies, it is approximately twice the size, and a far higher quality, than the original proposal,” he wrote. The earlier plan, he said, would not have been sufficient to host major events, meetings or future presidential inaugurations.
Trump added that while the original estimate was $200 million, the revised plan would deliver “a double sized, highest quality” project for less than $400 million. He described the planned ballroom as “magnificent, safe, and secure.”
Funding Questions Emerge
The president has repeatedly said the ballroom would be financed through private donations rather than taxpayer money. In February, Trump said the project would come at “no charge to the taxpayer whatsoever,” adding that donations had come from friends and supporters.
However, a proposal from Senate Republicans could add public funding to the broader redevelopment of the White House’s East Wing, where the ballroom project is planned.

Republican lawmakers said this week they aim to secure $1 billion in funding for the Secret Service to cover security-related upgrades tied to the renovation. The funding would be part of a wider package focused on immigration enforcement.
Trump’s social media statement defending the project’s cost did not mention the proposed congressional funding.
Security Upgrades Planned
Details about how the Secret Service would use the proposed funding remain unclear. Much of the agency’s spending on White House security is classified and may not be made public.
However, documents filed in federal court and statements by the administration have outlined some of the security features being considered for the East Wing redevelopment.
In a court filing last month related to litigation over the ballroom project, the Justice Department said the plans include a range of protective upgrades designed to strengthen security around the White House complex.

According to the filing, proposed features include missile-resistant steel columns, military-grade ventilation systems, drone-resistant ceilings and glass designed to withstand bullets, blasts and ballistic impacts. Officials described the design as forming a “fortified structural buffer” on the eastern side of the White House grounds.
The reinforcements would protect not only the planned ballroom but also the main presidential residence and offices in the West Wing.
The filing also referenced additional security elements such as bomb shelters, advanced medical facilities, and secure installations for military equipment.
A White House spokesman welcomed the funding proposal from Republican lawmakers earlier this week, saying they had “rightly recognized the need for these funds.”
Political Criticism
Democrats have strongly criticised the proposal to allocate federal funds toward security elements tied to the ballroom project.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark said Trump had pledged that taxpayer money would not be used for the ballroom.
“Donald Trump promised that ZERO taxpayer dollars will be used for his ballroom. He lied,” Clark wrote on social media.
Senator Dick Durbin, the senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, also condemned the proposal, calling the ballroom a “vanity project.”
Durbin argued that while many Americans were facing financial difficulties, Republican lawmakers were prioritising funding for the project alongside stricter immigration enforcement measures.
Republicans have defended the funding request as necessary to ensure adequate security for the White House complex.
The debate over the ballroom’s cost and funding comes as Congress considers broader spending proposals ahead of the November elections.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 May 2026

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May 6May 6

Trump Signals Shift Toward Iran War Exit

Iranian Conflict

Trump Signals Shift Toward Iran War Exit

US President Donald Trump has indicated a possible end to military operations against Iran after announcing a halt to a campaign aimed at breaking Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. The decision came as reports suggested the two sides are nearing a preliminary framework for talks to end the conflict.

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The move points to a potential diplomatic opening following weeks of tension over the strategic waterway, a key route for global oil shipments. While signalling willingness to pursue negotiations, Trump warned that military strikes could resume if talks fail.
Framework for negotiations
According to officials familiar with discussions, the United States and Iran are considering a one-page memorandum of understanding that would establish a 30-day window to negotiate a broader agreement.
During that period, both sides would ease restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while diplomats work toward reopening the route fully. The talks would also address limits on Iran’s nuclear activities and the possible lifting of US sanctions.
In a social media message, Trump said the campaign known as “Epic Fury” could end if Iran agrees to the proposed terms.
“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to… the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end,” he wrote, adding that the blockade would then allow the strait to reopen to all vessels, including those from Iran.
He also warned that if negotiations collapse, the United States would resume bombing operations at “a much higher level and intensity”.
Doubts over lasting agreement
Some analysts remain sceptical about whether the two sides can reach a durable settlement. Hein Goemans, a political scientist at the University of Rochester who studies how wars end, questioned whether either side is willing to make the concessions required for a long-term deal.
He argued that even if Tehran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the confrontation has demonstrated its ability to disrupt shipping in the future, which could continue to threaten global energy markets.
Goemans also noted deep mistrust between the two governments. Iranian leaders, he said, may doubt the reliability of any deal with Washington, given the possibility that US policy could shift quickly.
Nuclear issues and political pressure
Officials say the proposed nuclear provisions resemble the framework negotiated during the administration of Barack Obama, which included a 10 to 15-year limit on uranium enrichment. Trump withdrew the United States from that agreement during his first term.
If Trump agrees to reduce sanctions or unfreeze Iranian assets as part of a new deal, he may face opposition from Israel as well as critics within his own party who favour a tougher stance on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Talks between Washington and Tehran have repeatedly stalled in recent months. Negotiators met for more than 20 hours in Islamabad, Pakistan last month but failed to reach an agreement.
The US delegation was led by Vice President J. D. Vance, who said significant differences remained, particularly over Washington’s demand that Iran abandon its nuclear programme entirely. A follow-up meeting was later postponed after Tehran declined to participate.
Economic pressure and international role
Both countries face growing economic pressure to find a resolution. In the United States, rising fuel costs have pushed the national average gasoline price to $4.53 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.
Iran, meanwhile, is grappling with high inflation and worsening poverty, conditions worsened by restrictions on its energy exports.
China has also urged a diplomatic solution. During talks in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that a full cessation of hostilities should not be delayed.
Trump is expected to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month, adding further pressure to show progress toward ending the confrontation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 May 2026

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May 6May 6

UK Parties Make Final Appeals Before Election Day

UK-Politics

UK Parties Make Final Appeals Before Election Day

Political parties across the United Kingdom have delivered their final campaign messages ahead of elections taking place in England, Scotland and Wales, with voting set to begin on Thursday.

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The elections will decide control of the Scottish and Welsh devolved governments, as well as dozens of councils and mayoral positions across England. Polling stations will open from 0700 BST to 2200 BST on 7 May, with results expected from Friday and continuing through the weekend.
The contests represent the first major nationwide electoral test since Labour won the 2024 general election.
Voting Across the UK
Voters in Scotland and Wales will choose representatives for their respective national legislatures, determining which parties will form the devolved administrations.
In England, voters will decide seats on numerous local councils and select several regional mayors. These bodies oversee local services including education, social care, waste collection and public transport.
Opinion polls suggest the elections may highlight a further fragmentation of the political landscape across the UK, with support spread among several parties rather than concentrated in a few.
Key Battles in Scotland and Wales
In Scotland, the Scottish National Party is seeking to remain in power by securing a fifth consecutive victory in devolved elections. The party faces competition from Labour and Reform UK.
In Wales, Labour’s long-standing dominance could be challenged. The party has governed the Welsh administration since devolution began in 1999, but current polling suggests a close contest.
Reform UK and Plaid Cymru are competing to become the largest party in the Welsh Senedd, raising the prospect of significant changes to the political balance there.
Stakes for Labour in England
Labour also faces potential setbacks in England, where it currently leads or controls many of the councils being contested. Analysts say the party could lose ground to both Reform UK and the Green Party in some areas.
Beyond local governance, the results may also serve as an indicator of public opinion toward the national government led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Starmer’s leadership has faced pressure in recent months, and some observers have speculated that poor results for Labour could fuel calls for a challenge within the party.
Party Leaders Deliver Final Messages
Party leaders spent Wednesday making their final appeals to voters.
Writing in the Daily Mirror, Starmer said the elections offered a clear choice for voters between “unity or division” and what he described as progress versus “the politics of anger”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said her party was the “only serious party”, pointing to Conservative plans aimed at boosting economic activity, including proposals related to North Sea energy production and tax reductions.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said his party could counter the rise of Reform UK in communities across England. Speaking in Surrey, he emphasised local issues such as healthcare access, sewage pollution and the cost of living.
Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski said his party was offering “hope and a plan”, highlighting policies including wealth taxes and measures aimed at reducing household bills.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage repeated the party’s campaign slogan calling for voters to “get Starmer out”, presenting Reform as an alternative to both major parties.
In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney urged voters to support the Scottish National Party, saying it would continue to focus on improving public services and addressing cost-of-living pressures while pursuing another referendum on Scottish independence.
Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the Welsh election was closely contested. In a video message to supporters, he described his party as focused solely on the interests of Wales.
Results Expected From Friday
With campaigning now concluding, attention will turn to voter turnout and the distribution of support across the UK’s increasingly diverse political field.
The results, due to emerge from Friday onwards, are expected to provide an early measure of public sentiment toward the government and opposition parties ahead of future national elections.

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May 6May 6

German Police Raid Neo-Nazi Youth Groups Across 12 States

Report

German Police Raid Neo-Nazi Youth Groups Across 12 States

German police have carried out coordinated raids at around 50 properties as part of an investigation into emerging far-right youth groups suspected of organising violent attacks.

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More than 600 officers took part in the operation on Wednesday, targeting individuals believed to be linked to two extremist groups: Jung & Stark and Deutsche Jugend Voran. Authorities say the groups have been recruiting young members and encouraging violent action against perceived opponents.
The searches took place across 12 German states, with most of the activity focused in eastern and southern regions including Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony.
No arrests were made during the raids, prosecutors said.
Nationwide investigation
Germany’s federal prosecutors said the investigation centres on suspected organisers who used social media platforms to coordinate violence and build networks across the country.
According to investigators, members of the groups have carried out assaults on individuals linked to left-wing politics and on people they accused of being paedophiles.
“In several cases, victims were attacked by multiple perpetrators and suffered significant injuries,” prosecutors said in a statement.
Authorities also said participants in group meetings had openly called for violence against political opponents and alleged offenders.
Previous convictions
The investigation follows earlier prosecutions connected to the groups.
In 2024, a leading figure in Deutsche Jugend Voran was sentenced to more than three years in prison after a series of violent attacks in Berlin.
The man, identified by German authorities as 24-year-old Julian M, was convicted alongside several accomplices aged between 16 and 23. The group had targeted individuals wearing symbols associated with left-wing political movements, beating several victims severely.
Growing concern over youth radicalisation
Security officials and researchers say there is increasing concern in Germany about young people becoming involved in far-right extremism and violence.
Both Jung & Stark and Deutsche Jugend Voran operate openly online, maintaining a presence on platforms including Telegram and Instagram.
According to Jakob Guhl of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, many of the groups’ members are teenagers or people in their early twenties.
He said the organisations are “explicitly militant” and unusually open about their activities.
Recruitment through social media
While far-right movements in Germany have historically operated publicly, analysts say newer groups are increasingly using social media to attract supporters.
Jung & Stark has gathered hundreds of followers online, and similar smaller groups have appeared locally, particularly in eastern Germany, since 2024.
Researchers say these organisations differ from broader far-right movements such as Alternative for Germany or the Identitarian movement, which aim to reach wider audiences.
Instead, the youth groups focus on physical training, attending demonstrations and carrying out attacks against people they identify as enemies.

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May 6May 6

IS-Linked Women and Children Book Return to Australia

Middle East

IS-Linked Women and Children Book Return to Australia

A group of women and children linked to the militant group Islamic State has booked commercial flights to return to Australia, according to the government, which says some members of the group could face arrest upon arrival.

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Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government had not assisted the four women and nine children who spent years in a detention camp in northern Syria. The group is part of a larger cohort of 34 people believed to include the wives, widows and children of former IS fighters.
Authorities confirmed that when the group arrives in Australia, some individuals may be detained and charged. Krissy Barrett, commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, said investigators had been preparing for such a return and that law enforcement agencies were ready to act if evidence supported criminal charges.
Government Says No Assistance Provided
Burke told reporters the government had neither arranged nor funded the group’s return.
“These are people who have made the horrific choice to join a dangerous terrorist organisation and to place their children in an unspeakable situation,” he said. He added that anyone in the group found to have committed crimes could expect to face prosecution.
Authorities only learned of the group’s planned return shortly after airline bookings were made.
“The alert is received the moment the booking takes place, so that was provided to us this morning,” Burke said.
The minister also noted that Australian law places strict limits on the government’s ability to prevent its citizens from returning home.
Officials said contingency planning for the possible return of such individuals has been in place for years, with arrangements to monitor and manage them once back in Australia.
Possible Arrests and Investigations
Barrett said investigators had spent more than a decade gathering evidence on potential crimes committed by members of the group. These investigations include suspected terrorism offences and alleged crimes against humanity, such as involvement in slave trading.
She did not specify how many of the 13 people expected to return would be arrested but confirmed that those not detained would still remain under investigation.
Children arriving in Australia will receive support through community integration programmes, therapeutic services and initiatives aimed at countering violent extremism.
Security Agencies Monitoring Situation
Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, said security agencies were prepared to monitor the group but were not immediately alarmed by their return.
“They will get our attention as you’d expect,” Burgess said, adding that authorities would intervene if individuals displayed behaviour that raised security concerns.
Background: Camp in Northern Syria
The broader group of 34 individuals — including 23 children — had been living in the al-Roj camp since 2019, when IS lost its last territorial stronghold in Syria.
Earlier this year, Australia prevented one member of the cohort from returning for up to two years using a temporary exclusion order.
Several other countries have also been reluctant to bring back citizens held in camps in Syria following the collapse of IS territory. Governments including France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have declined to repatriate most of their nationals detained there.

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May 6May 6

CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies Aged 87

USA

CNN Founder Ted Turner Dies Aged 87

Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur who transformed television journalism by creating the first 24-hour news channel, has died at the age of 87, CNN has announced.

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Turner launched Cable News Network (CNN) in 1980, introducing a continuous news format that reshaped how global audiences received information. The channel, once dismissed by critics, became a central force in international broadcasting and inspired a generation of competing networks.
US President Donald Trump described Turner as “one of the greats of broadcast history” and called him a friend. Current CNN chairman and chief executive Mark Thompson said Turner was “the giant on whose shoulders we stand” and credited him with shaping the organisation and its impact on the world.
In a statement, Thompson said Turner was an engaged and determined leader who trusted his instincts and was willing to take risks. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN,” he added.
A bold vision for round-the-clock news
When CNN launched, the idea of a dedicated rolling news channel was widely viewed as unrealistic. Early critics mocked the network as the “Chicken Noodle Network,” doubting that viewers would watch news continuously.
However, CNN soon proved its value by delivering live, ongoing coverage of major events. Among its early tests were the 1981 assassination attempt on US President Ronald Reagan and the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster.
The network’s reputation was firmly established during the 1990–1991 Gulf War, when CNN provided extensive live coverage from Iraq. The reporting was watched around the world and demonstrated the power of round-the-clock television news.
Former US President George Bush once remarked that he learned more from CNN than from the CIA, highlighting the network’s growing influence.
CNN’s success also encouraged the creation of rival channels, including Fox News, launched in 1996 by media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
Building a media empire
Turner’s business career began after he took control of his family’s billboard company following his father’s death. He later purchased a radio station in Atlanta, which became the foundation of the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS).
Within a decade, Turner had built one of the largest media enterprises in the United States. His television holdings eventually included channels such as TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies and Cartoon Network.
Turner also made a brief but costly acquisition of the MGM film studio in 1985 for $1.5bn. In the 1990s he expanded further by acquiring film and television companies including Castle Rock Entertainment and New Line Cinema before his business merged with Time Warner.
Known for his outspoken personality, Turner earned nicknames such as “the Mouth of the South” and “Captain Outrageous”. For several years he even lived inside CNN’s headquarters, reportedly walking through the newsroom in a bathrobe while debating the day’s stories.
Sportsman and philanthropist
Beyond broadcasting, Turner had wide-ranging interests. A skilled yachtsman, he won the America’s Cup in 1977. He also owned several professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves baseball team, the Atlanta Hawks basketball team and the Atlanta Thrashers ice hockey team.
Turner later became a prominent philanthropist. He donated $1bn to the United Nations and contributed millions to environmental initiatives while investing in clean energy projects.
He was married to actress Jane Fonda from 1991 until their divorce in 2001.
In 2018, Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a degenerative neurological condition.
Tributes from colleagues
Journalists and former colleagues paid tribute to Turner’s influence on the industry.
Veteran CNN correspondent Christiane Amanpour wrote on social media that Turner had “created an unstoppable media revolution”.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan, who hosted a programme on CNN from 2011 to 2014, described him as an “extraordinarily bold” figure whose achievements ranged from building CNN to winning major sporting titles and supporting charitable causes.
Media analysts said Turner’s legacy extends well beyond the network he founded. By establishing the model of continuous television news, he permanently altered the global media landscape.


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May 6May 6

Israel Strikes Beirut as US Fires on Iranian Tanker

Middle East

Israel Strikes Beirut as US Fires on Iranian Tanker

Israel has carried out an air strike on Lebanon’s capital Beirut for the first time since a ceasefire was agreed last month, while US forces said they fired on an Iranian-flagged tanker that attempted to breach a blockade.

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The Israeli military said the strike in Beirut targeted a senior commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan force, an elite unit responsible for operations against Israel.
Israeli officials said the commander had overseen attacks on Israeli communities and operations that harmed Israeli soldiers.
Israeli media reported that the military believes the targeted commander was killed in the strike, though Hezbollah has not confirmed the claim.
Strike on Beirut
The attack marks the first Israeli strike on Beirut since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect last month.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the target was a commander whose fighters had been involved in attacks against Israeli civilians and members of the Israel Defense Forces.
According to the Israeli military, the Radwan force commander’s unit had been responsible for firing toward Israeli communities and conducting operations against Israeli troops.
No immediate confirmation has been issued by Hezbollah regarding the commander’s fate.
While the ceasefire halted large-scale fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, tensions along the Israel–Lebanon border have remained high.
Continued strikes in southern Lebanon
Despite the truce, Israeli operations in southern Lebanon have continued in recent weeks.
Israeli officials say the strikes are aimed at Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure that they claim still pose a threat to Israeli territory.
The latest attack on Beirut signals an escalation compared with recent strikes, which had largely been confined to areas in southern Lebanon near the border.
Local sources reported explosions in the Lebanese capital following the strike.
US fires on Iranian tanker
Separately, the United States military said its forces fired several rounds at an Iranian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday after the vessel attempted to sail toward an Iranian port despite a blockade.
US Central Command said the tanker was not carrying cargo.
In a statement, the command said American forces had repeatedly warned the vessel that it was violating the US-imposed blockade before opening fire.
“American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the US blockade,” the statement said.
Oil prices fall despite tensions
Even as military tensions continued in the region, oil prices dropped sharply on Wednesday.
Prices fell below $100 per barrel and reached $89 after signs that the United States and Iran could be nearing an agreement that may end the conflict between them.
The war between the two countries has lasted for more than two months.
Markets appeared to respond to the possibility that hostilities could ease if an agreement is reached.

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May 6May 6

Pornhub to Restore Access for Some UK Users

UK

Pornhub to Restore Access for Some UK Users

Pornhub will once again be accessible to a portion of users in the United Kingdom after its parent company said it would allow access through Apple devices that have completed new age checks.

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The adult website’s owner, Aylo, announced that people in the UK using iPhones running the latest version of iOS will be able to view the platform if their age has been verified through Apple’s device-level system.
The move partially reverses restrictions introduced earlier this year that blocked most UK visitors from the site.
Site access restricted after safety law
In February, Pornhub limited access for UK users following the implementation of new age-verification requirements under the country’s Online Safety Act.
The platform allowed entry only to users who had previously created accounts and verified that they were adults. New visitors were largely prevented from accessing explicit content and instead saw “safe for work” material.
Aylo said at the time that the age-verification rules were not being applied consistently across the adult-content industry and described the system as flawed. The company therefore declined to continue participating in what it argued was an uneven regulatory framework.
Apple device checks enable limited return
The situation has changed after Apple introduced age-verification tools through an update to its mobile operating system. The feature, rolled out with iOS 26.4, verifies whether a UK user is over 18 at the device level.
Under this approach, eligible users who pass Apple’s checks can once again access Pornhub from their iPhones or iPads running the latest version of iPadOS.
Aylo said it had long supported device-based age checks as a more reliable method of restricting minors from viewing explicit material online.
Alex Kekesi, Aylo’s head of community and brand, said Apple’s update marked the first device-based age verification system of its kind and described it as an important step toward a broader solution for protecting children online.
He said the company would therefore allow age-confirmed UK users on Apple devices back onto the site.
Impact of UK rules on traffic
The policy change comes after Pornhub reported a significant drop in British traffic following the enforcement of the Online Safety Act.
In October 2025, Aylo said visits from the UK had fallen by more than 75% after stronger age-verification requirements came into force. Some observers questioned whether the decline reflected people turning to virtual private networks to bypass restrictions.
Several months later the company further tightened access, effectively preventing new UK users from joining the platform.
Regulator monitoring changes
The UK communications regulator Ofcom, which enforces the Online Safety Act, said it had been in contact with Aylo about how the company intends to comply with the rules.
A spokesperson said the regulator would closely examine the new arrangements and emphasised that websites and apps remain responsible for preventing children from accessing pornographic content.
While device-level checks can be used, companies must be able to demonstrate to Ofcom that their systems are highly effective and be prepared to provide evidence when requested.
Debate over Apple’s verification system
Apple first announced the new safety measures in March, prompting UK iPhone users to complete an age-verification process.
The system can confirm whether someone is over 18 by analysing the length of time they have held an Apple account, checking linked payment details or scanning identification documents.
Initially, some users said they could not complete the process without providing a credit card or driving licence. Apple later updated guidance to say passports could also be used.
The changes have drawn criticism from digital rights group Big Brother Watch. Its director, Silkie Carlo, argued the verification requirements could restrict internet access for people unwilling or unable to confirm their age.

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May 6May 6

Starmer Calls Antisemitism a ‘Crisis’ at UK Summit

UK-Politics

Starmer Calls Antisemitism a ‘Crisis’ at UK Summit

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said all parts of British society must act to confront what he described as a “crisis” of antisemitism, announcing new funding and faster legal action against hate crimes following a series of attacks targeting Jewish communities.

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Speaking at a summit at Downing Street, Starmer told leaders from policing, business, higher education and the arts that tackling antisemitism required a coordinated national response. He said the government would strengthen security, accelerate prosecutions and expect institutions to take stronger action against anti-Jewish hatred.
Recent incidents have included violent assaults and suspected arson attacks on Jewish sites, prompting growing concern within the community and criticism of the government’s response.
Summit response to rising attacks
The meeting brought together senior figures including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson, university vice-chancellors and representatives from organisations such as Arts Council England.
Starmer said recent attacks on British Jews represented “a crisis for all of us”.
“It is not enough simply to say we stand with Jewish communities,” he said. “We must show that through action, and that responsibility lies with each and every one of us.”
The government announced £1.5m in additional funding aimed at strengthening community cohesion and improving protection for Jewish communities in areas facing the highest risks.
Hate crime prosecutions will also be prioritised, with the Director of Public Prosecutions issuing guidance allowing charges to be brought quickly once the evidential threshold is met, with supporting evidence gathered later.
Measures targeting institutions
Universities will be required to publish data on antisemitism on their campuses and demonstrate the steps they are taking to address the problem.
A Downing Street spokesperson said further measures could follow if institutions fail to respond adequately, though details would be set out later.
The government also said the Arts Council should withdraw public funding from cultural projects that promote antisemitism.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the summit had been constructive but acknowledged anger within the community.
“There is anger that antisemitism has been allowed to fester and become a crisis,” he said. “We need to protect, prosecute and partner.”
Investigation into recent incidents
The summit followed a stabbing in Golders Green in north London last week in which two Jewish men were seriously injured.
Police say Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, were attacked in the incident. A third man, Ishmail Hussein, who knew the suspect, was also assaulted earlier the same day.
Essa Suleiman, 45, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder linked to the attacks.
Counter-terrorism officers are also investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in Whitechapel in east London. Other recent incidents include suspected arson attacks on ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity and on a synagogue in north London.
Starmer said authorities were examining whether foreign actors might have been involved in some cases.
“Our message to Iran, or to any other country seeking to foment violence, hatred or division in our society, is that it will not be tolerated,” he said.
Ministers are considering new powers that could allow the government to ban organisations seen as state-backed threats, including Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Political debate over protests
The issue has also sparked political debate over pro-Palestinian demonstrations held in recent months.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described current levels of antisemitism as a “national emergency”, arguing that hatred toward Jews had become normalised.
Starmer has suggested the government may consider banning some marches if their cumulative impact causes fear within Jewish communities.
However, organisers of the protests reject claims that the demonstrations are linked to antisemitic violence and say participants have a right to peaceful protest.
Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson said while many people march peacefully, hateful speech should face zero tolerance.
Funding for community programmes
Alongside the £1.5m announcement, the government said it would expand the £4m Common Ground programme with an additional £1m to support community initiatives, including youth programmes, school projects and interfaith work aimed at countering antisemitism.
Another £500,000 will go to Barnet Council in north London, which has a large Jewish population and has seen several recent incidents.
These measures add to £25m previously allocated for increased police patrols and enhanced security at synagogues, schools and community centres.


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May 6May 6

Pope Says Church Mission Is Peace After Trump Criticism

Report

Pope Says Church Mission Is Peace After Trump Criticism

Pope Leo said the Catholic Church’s mission is to preach the Gospel and promote peace, responding to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over the pontiff’s stance on conflict in the Middle East.

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Speaking on Tuesday, the Pope said he would continue advocating for peace even if his comments attracted criticism.
“The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace,” he said, according to Reuters. “If someone wants to criticise me for preaching the Gospel… I hope simply to be listened to because of the value of God’s words.”
Trump criticism and nuclear claim
Trump has repeatedly criticised the first U.S.-born pontiff, particularly over his opposition to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In remarks this week on a conservative radio show hosted by Hugh Hewitt, Trump claimed the Pope believed it was acceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. The Vatican has made no such statement.
Trump said the Pope was “endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people” because he “thinks it's fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon”.
The dispute comes amid broader disagreements over the Middle East conflict. Pope Leo has repeatedly spoken against the war, urging leaders to pursue peaceful solutions.
Last month he said: “As a pastor, I cannot be in favour of war.”
“I would like to encourage all to make efforts to look for answers that come from a culture of peace and not from a place of hate and division,” he added.
Rubio visit to Vatican
The exchange between Trump and the Vatican comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for a two-day visit to the Vatican and Italy.
The U.S. State Department said the trip aims to strengthen bilateral relations with Italy and the Holy See and address international issues, including developments in the Middle East and shared interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Speaking before the visit, Rubio rejected suggestions the trip was intended to ease tensions between Washington and the Vatican.
“It’s a trip we have planned from before, and obviously we had some stuff that happened,” Rubio said. “There’s a lot to talk about with the Vatican.”
Diplomats downplay rift
Despite the public criticism, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch said relations between the United States and the Vatican remained stable.
“Nations have disagreements, and I think one of the ways that you work through those is through fraternity and authentic dialogue,” Burch told reporters.
“I don’t accept the idea that somehow there’s some deep rift,” he added, saying upcoming meetings could provide an opportunity to address differences.
The dispute has also created tension between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, once considered a close ally of the U.S. president.
Meloni criticised the Middle East war and defended the Pope’s position. When asked by reporters whether she would meet Rubio during his visit, she replied: “I think so.”
Social media backlash
Trump also attacked the Pope on social media, describing him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”.
He suggested the pontiff had been chosen because he was American and could help the Church deal with his presidency.
“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump wrote.
Shortly afterwards, Trump posted an image depicting himself in a Jesus-like pose. The post was later removed. He later told reporters the image showed “me as a doctor”.
Vice-President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism, defended Trump and said the Vatican should focus on moral matters rather than political issues.

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May 6May 6

Fuel Cut-Off Caused Deadly China Plane Crash

Aviation

Fuel Cut-Off Caused Deadly China Plane Crash

A 2022 passenger jet crash in China that killed all 132 people on board was caused after fuel to both engines was cut during the flight, according to newly released findings from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

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The data indicates that fuel switches controlling the aircraft’s engines were moved to the “cut-off” position while the plane was cruising at about 8,839m (29,000ft), stopping fuel flow to both engines.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Boeing 737 operated by China Eastern Airlines on flight MU5735. The jet went down in March 2022, marking China’s deadliest air disaster in decades.
China has not yet issued a final investigation report into the crash.
Findings from black box data
The NTSB findings were released through a request under the US Freedom of Information Act and are based on information retrieved from one of the aircraft’s flight recorders, commonly known as a “black box”.
According to the data, engine speeds on both engines decreased shortly after the fuel switches were moved. Fuel switches control the flow of fuel into aircraft engines and are typically used by pilots to start or shut down engines.
The flight recorder was recovered from the wreckage and sent to the NTSB laboratory in Washington for analysis.
The plane had departed from Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan province, and was scheduled to land in Guangzhou later that afternoon.
After more than an hour in the air, the aircraft suddenly entered a steep descent while nearing its destination.
Rapid descent before crash
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft falling thousands of metres in a short period of time. Data from FlightRadar24 indicates the plane was cruising at about 29,100ft before rapidly losing altitude.
Within roughly two minutes and 15 seconds, it had dropped to about 9,075ft. The last recorded data point showed the aircraft at 3,225ft shortly before contact was lost at around 14:22 local time.
Air traffic controllers attempted to contact the aircraft several times during its descent but received no response.
Investigation and unanswered questions
Because the crash occurred in China and involved a Chinese airline, the investigation has been led by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
However, the United States also took part in the inquiry because the aircraft was designed and manufactured there. The NTSB assigned a senior investigator to assist with the probe.
Authorities initially considered several possible causes, including deliberate action, pilot error, structural failure or a mid-air collision.
Shortly after the crash, officials from the Civil Aviation Administration of China said investigators had not reached a clear conclusion.
They also said the crew held valid licences, were adequately rested and had passed health checks on the day of the flight.
Speculation over cause
Media speculation at the time suggested the crash could have been intentional, potentially involving someone in the cockpit. Chinese aviation authorities rejected those claims.
In April 2022, a Civil Aviation Administration official said such rumours had misled the public and interfered with the investigation.
China has since faced criticism for not publishing a final report into the disaster. Officials have said that releasing certain information could affect national security and social stability.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, aviation accidents are relatively rare in China, where safety standards have improved significantly over recent decades.

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May 6May 6

Russian Strikes Kill Over 20 Before Kyiv, Moscow Ceasefires

Ukraine Conflict

Russian Strikes Kill Over 20 Before Kyiv, Moscow Ceasefires

Russian attacks killed more than 20 people across Ukraine on Tuesday, hours before rival unilateral ceasefires proposed separately by Moscow and Kyiv were due to take effect.

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Ukrainian officials said a Russian aerial assault on the southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia killed 12 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as a “cynical terrorist strike”.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, authorities reported five deaths in Kramatorsk and four in Dnipro following additional Russian strikes.
At the same time, officials in Russia said a Ukrainian drone attack killed two people and injured 32 in the Chuvash Republic early on Tuesday.
The violence occurred shortly before separate ceasefires announced by each side were due to begin, though neither truce has been jointly agreed or coordinated.
Rival ceasefires announced
On Monday, Russia said it would pause hostilities on 8 and 9 May to coincide with commemorations marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II.
The Kremlin warned that if Ukraine violated the truce, Moscow could launch a “massive missile strike” against central Kyiv.
Kyiv responded by announcing its own ceasefire starting at midnight on 6 May. Ukrainian officials said the pause in fighting would be open-ended and that Ukraine would act “symmetrically” depending on Russia’s actions.
Zelensky’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, said Ukraine would maintain the ceasefire if Russia reciprocated.
“If the ceasefire announced by the Ukrainian president is supported, we will continue to observe it,” Budanov said. “The next move is Russia’s.”
Zelensky urged Moscow to halt military operations and move toward negotiations, saying that asking for calm during anniversary celebrations while continuing attacks beforehand was “utter cynicism”.
Drone attacks deepen tensions
Before Ukraine’s ceasefire came into force, Kyiv carried out several strikes inside Russia. Ukrainian forces targeted an industrial area in Kirishi as well as a factory producing military components in Cheboksary.
Zelensky said domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles were used in the strike on the Cheboksary facility, about 1,500km (930 miles) from the front line.
Russia’s defence ministry later said its forces shot down six of the missiles along with 601 drones.
The attacks also disrupted air traffic across Russia. Several airports temporarily suspended operations on Tuesday morning, while Sergei Sobyanin said air defences had intercepted multiple drones near Moscow.
Security concerns before Victory Day
Tensions are rising ahead of Russia’s annual Victory Day on 9 May, a key national event marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.
The Kremlin said this year’s celebrations would be scaled back because of what it called a “terrorist threat” from Ukraine. Officials confirmed that the traditional military parade on Red Square would proceed without heavy military hardware.
Authorities in Moscow also warned residents that mobile internet access could be disrupted for several days leading up to the commemorations.
Zelensky said Russia’s security precautions suggested it could not hold the parade without Ukraine’s cooperation in observing a ceasefire.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes against Russian targets, hitting energy facilities and oil refineries and disrupting parts of the country’s oil trade. Ukrainian drones have increasingly reached deep inside Russia, sometimes bypassing air defences, including an attack on a high-rise building in central Moscow earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities continue to cause civilian casualties. Thousands of people have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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May 6May 6

Rubio Says US Offensive in Iran Conflict Is Over

USA

Rubio Says US Offensive in Iran Conflict Is Over

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the offensive phase of the United States’ military campaign against Iran had ended, stressing that American forces would now only respond if attacked.

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Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Rubio said the initial military action had concluded and that US operations were currently focused on protecting ships and maintaining security in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
“We are only responding if attacked first. This is a defensive operation,” he said.
“If no shots are fired at these ships and no shots are fired at us, we’re not firing shots. But if we’re fired on, we will respond.”
The conflict between Washington and Tehran has effectively halted commercial traffic through the narrow waterway, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. Disruptions in the strait have pushed energy prices higher and raised concerns about wider economic consequences.
Ship reportedly struck during tensions
Rubio’s remarks came as the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a cargo vessel had been struck in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident appeared to challenge US claims that the shipping route had been secured following recent military operations.
The US military earlier said it had destroyed six small Iranian boats and intercepted cruise missiles and drones during a naval mission ordered by President Donald Trump.
The operation, known as Project Freedom, was launched to reopen shipping lanes through the strait after Iranian forces targeted vessels and threatened regional maritime traffic.
Rubio said American officials had contacted several commercial ships to encourage them to leave the area for safety, echoing earlier statements from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Diplomatic talks continue
Despite ongoing tensions, the United States said it remained open to negotiations with Tehran. Rubio said American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were continuing efforts to pursue a diplomatic solution.
Any agreement, he said, would need to address Iran’s remaining nuclear material, which Washington believes could still be stored in underground facilities.
“The president’s been clear that part of the negotiation process has to be not just the enrichment, but what happens to this material that’s buried deep somewhere that they still have access to if they ever wanted to dig it out,” Rubio said.
He declined to provide details on progress in the talks but stressed that negotiations would likely take time due to the complexity of the issues involved.
“This is highly complex and highly technical,” Rubio said, adding that both sides would need to clarify what topics they were prepared to negotiate and what concessions they were willing to make.
Iran issues warnings
Iranian officials responded with warnings that the conflict could escalate further.
The speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said Tehran believed the situation was becoming increasingly difficult for Washington.
“We know well that the continuation of the current situation is unbearable for the United States, while we have not even begun yet,” he said.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, also warned that both the United States and the United Arab Emirates risked being drawn deeper into the conflict.
Tehran has meanwhile published a map claiming expanded control over a wider maritime zone beyond the Strait of Hormuz, including sections of the UAE coastline.
The move underscores the growing tension in the region, where the stand-off between Iran and the United States continues to threaten one of the world’s most vital shipping corridors.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 May 2026

• Iranian Conflict

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May 6May 6

Trump Casts Shadow Over European Unity Push

Report

Trump Casts Shadow Over European Unity Push

European leaders meeting in Armenia sought to present a united front on security and support for Ukraine, but discussions were overshadowed by concerns about the United States and its role in Europe’s defence.

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Although not mentioned directly in official remarks, the influence of Donald Trump was widely acknowledged during the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan.
French President Emmanuel Macron described growing uncertainty about US security commitments as “the elephant in the room”, warning that Europe remains too dependent on American military protection.
“We have an over-reliance on the US security umbrella,” Macron said during discussions with European leaders gathered in the Armenian capital.
Security concerns grow
The EPC summit brought together leaders from across the continent at a sports complex in Yerevan. Participants focused on energy security, safeguarding democratic institutions and maintaining support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia’s invasion.
But the event unfolded against the backdrop of rising tensions with Washington.
A key trigger for concern was the decision by Donald Trump to withdraw 5,000 US troops and long-range missile systems from bases in Germany. The missiles had been deployed under former president Joe Biden as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression.
The move has heightened fears among European leaders that the United States may be stepping back from its long-standing role as the continent’s primary security guarantor.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged Washington’s concerns about defence spending by European allies, saying they had “heard” the US president’s frustrations.
Meanwhile, tensions between Berlin and Washington have added to the strain. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz was not present at the summit but recently criticised Trump’s military action against Iran as lacking a clear strategy.
The White House responded sharply, with Trump saying Merz was “doing a terrible job”.
War and economic pressures
Beyond the diplomatic tensions with Washington, European leaders are also grappling with the broader consequences of conflicts affecting the region.
Economic disruption from the US-Israeli war with Iran and the resulting blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has created further challenges for energy supply and trade.
At the same time, Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine remains central to discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to maintain pressure on Moscow, warning that the coming months could prove decisive.
“This summer will be a moment when Vladimir Putin decides what to do next,” Zelensky said. “We must push him towards diplomacy.”
He argued that Russia’s difficulties in acquiring military equipment suggested its forces were under strain.
UK seeks closer EU ties
The summit also highlighted efforts by the United Kingdom to strengthen cooperation with the European Union.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Europe’s alliances were “not where we want them to be”, while urging countries to accelerate efforts to strengthen their defences.
Britain is currently negotiating to join an EU-led €90bn (£78bn) loan programme designed to support Ukraine. While the UK has been among Kyiv’s strongest backers since Russia’s invasion, it is increasingly working through European structures to coordinate support.
Starmer said closer cooperation would benefit both Ukraine and the British economy through job creation, though he declined to comment on reports that Brussels is seeking an annual contribution from the UK as part of broader negotiations on resetting relations.
Long road to autonomy
For many European leaders, the discussions underline a deeper strategic challenge.
Calls for greater “strategic autonomy” — reducing reliance on US military power — have grown louder, but building such capabilities could take decades.
In the meantime, European governments face the delicate task of strengthening their own defences while maintaining workable relations with Washington as they confront continued geopolitical pressures.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 May 2026

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May 6May 6

Police: Two Killed, Three Injured at Texas Business Meeting

Police: Two Killed, Three Injured at Texas Business Meeting

A shooting during a business meeting at a shopping centre in Carrollton, Texas, left two people dead and three others injured on Tuesday morning, police said. Officers later arrested a suspect after a brief chase on foot.

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Authorities said the gunfire erupted shortly before 10:00 local time at a Korean shopping complex in Carrollton, a city about 20 miles north of Dallas. Police were called to the scene after receiving reports of shots fired at K Towne Plaza.
When officers arrived, they found two people dead at the location, according to Carrollton Police Chief Roberto Arredondo. Three additional people who had been wounded were taken for treatment and were reported to be in stable condition.
Suspect detained after foot pursuit
Police said the suspected gunman was captured nearby following a short foot pursuit. Chief Arredondo identified the suspect as 69-year-old Seung Han Ho.
Investigators detained him close to the shopping centre, in an area locally referred to as Koreatown. Officers had been working across several locations around K Towne Plaza and the neighbouring shopping area as they secured the scene and searched for the suspect.
Arredondo described the response as involving a “complicated scene”, with police managing multiple areas linked to the incident. Authorities did not provide details about what led to the shooting or how the events unfolded before officers arrived.
Meeting linked to business matter
Police said the people involved had been meeting with the suspect for a business-related purpose when the shooting occurred. Arredondo stressed that investigators do not believe the attack was random.
“This is not a random act of gunfire,” he said during a press briefing.
Authorities said there was no ongoing danger to the wider public following the suspect’s arrest.
Investigators are continuing to examine the relationship between the suspect and the victims to understand the circumstances behind the meeting and what may have led to the violence.
Victims not yet identified
Police confirmed that all of the victims were adults but did not release further details about their identities.
Officials also declined to provide information about the nature of the injuries sustained by the three survivors, beyond confirming that they were in stable condition.
The investigation remains ongoing as police gather evidence from the scene and speak with witnesses. Authorities have not said whether the suspect will face charges or when additional information about the case may be released.
The shooting took place in a commercial area that serves the local Korean community and includes a range of businesses and restaurants. Police continued working across several locations in and around the shopping complex as part of the investigation.
Investigation continues
Officers remained at the site on Tuesday as they worked to piece together the events surrounding the shooting and determine the motive.
Chief Arredondo said police would release more details once investigators had a clearer understanding of the incident and the business relationship connecting those involved.
For now, officials say the suspect is in custody and the immediate threat has passed, while authorities continue their efforts to establish exactly what led to the deadly confrontation.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 6 May 2026

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May 6May 6

Judge criticises jail treatment of White House dinner suspect

USA

Judge criticises jail treatment of White House dinner suspect

A federal judge has sharply criticised the conditions under which a man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump is being held, saying he was “very troubled” by the restrictions imposed during the suspect’s first days in custody.

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Cole Allen faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president and two firearms offences following an alleged incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on 25 April. Prosecutors say Allen, carrying a shotgun, ran through a security checkpoint above the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel, where about 2,600 guests – including the president, senior officials and journalists – were attending the annual event.
Allen has agreed to remain in custody while awaiting trial, but his lawyers argue that the conditions of his detention at the D.C. jail have been excessively harsh.
Judge questions jail conditions
During a hearing on Monday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui pressed officials from the District of Columbia Department of Corrections about Allen’s treatment since his arrival at the facility.
Allen’s lawyers told the court he was placed on suicide watch shortly after entering jail last week. Under that status, he was held in a padded cell with lights on at all times and without access to a phone or tablet.
The following day, officials downgraded the status to suicide precautions, which still significantly limited his ability to make calls or leave his cell, according to his legal team.
Lawyers also said Allen had been denied access to a Bible, had not yet received a working tablet for legal materials and had been unable to meet privately with his attorneys during his first week in detention.
Addressing the defendant directly in court, Faruqui said he was “very troubled by the conditions you’ve been treated to,” and apologised for the issues raised about Allen’s treatment.
Officials cite safety concerns
Tony Towns, acting general counsel for the D.C. Department of Corrections, told the judge that many of the problems raised during the hearing would be resolved in the coming days.
He said a tablet allowing Allen to read court filings and legal documents would soon be set up.
Towns also said a psychiatrist had determined Allen posed a suicide risk, though the written medical evaluation was not included in the court record. Faruqui asked to see the assessment.
Officials have also issued a separation order for Allen, meaning he is housed apart from other inmates and did not travel to court alongside other detainees.
“We don’t really know how to keep him safe, your honour, outside of separation,” Towns said.
Faruqui responded that the situation itself appeared to indicate a problem.
Wider concerns raised in court
The judge, who has previously criticised aspects of federal prosecutions, said the case raised broader concerns about how detainees are treated.
Faruqui said he was particularly struck by what he described as differences between Allen’s conditions and those faced by some defendants charged over the January 6 United States Capitol attack, many of whom were later pardoned and held in medium- or low-security facilities rather than in strict isolation.
“A lot of people seem to have forgotten January 6,” he said, adding that pardons may erase convictions but not the historical events themselves.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations against Allen, Faruqui said he struggled to understand why the current detention conditions had been imposed.
Prosecutors defend precautions
After the hearing, Washington’s top federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro criticised the judge in a message on X, saying he appeared to believe a suspect accused of attempting to assassinate the president deserved preferential treatment.
Prosecutors also told the court that Allen had made statements to FBI agents after the alleged attack suggesting he did not expect to survive.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine said that raised concerns about potential suicide risk.
Next steps in detention decision
Faruqui ordered the Department of Corrections to update the court by Tuesday morning on how long it will take to decide where Allen will be held while awaiting trial.
If officials cannot provide a clear timeline, the judge said he would convene another hearing to examine the issue further.
Towns told the court that a prison housing board meeting would soon be held to determine Allen’s placement, stressing that the department’s primary concern is both his safety and his health.




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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026

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webfact

May 5May 5

Secret Service Shoots Man Near White House

USA

Secret Service Shoots Man Near White House

U.S. Secret Service agents shot a man near the White House on Monday after he allegedly fired toward officers during an attempted apprehension, authorities said. A bystander was also injured in the incident.

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Officials said it was not immediately clear whether the episode had any connection to the White House or to President Donald Trump.
Confrontation Near the White House
According to Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn, plainclothes officers spotted a man they considered suspicious at around 3:30 p.m. ET. Quinn said the individual appeared to have a firearm, prompting officers to alert nearby uniformed personnel.
When officers approached him, the suspect fled on foot and then produced a firearm, Quinn said.
Authorities say the man fired toward Secret Service agents, who returned fire. The suspect was struck and later taken to hospital. Quinn told reporters he did not know the man’s condition.
The incident occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue, just south of the White House complex.
Bystander Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, a bystander was also hit by a shot allegedly fired by the suspect. Quinn said the injured person is a minor.
The bystander was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators later recovered a weapon from the suspect, though officials did not immediately release details about the firearm.
Quinn said plainclothes officers had first identified the man after noticing what he described as a “visual print” of a gun, suggesting the outline of a weapon visible through clothing.
Motorcade Passed Nearby
The shooting occurred shortly after the motorcade of Vice President JD Vance passed through the area.
Quinn said the suspect did not target the motorcade and that there was no indication he intended to approach or attack it.
Witnesses told NBC News they saw a man running toward the motorcade shortly before shots were heard. NBC journalists at the scene reported hearing three or four gunshots moments after the motorcade departed the White House grounds.
White House Activity Uninterrupted
At the time of the shooting, Trump was inside the White House hosting a small business summit in the East Room. Officials said the event continued without interruption.
The White House North Lawn was briefly evacuated during the incident. Secret Service personnel carrying long guns directed members of the press to leave the lawn and move inside the briefing room.
Reporters were allowed to return outside less than 10 minutes later.
Quinn said it remained unclear whether the suspect had any connection to the president or to the White House itself.
Investigation Underway
The investigation will be led by Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department.
Asked whether the incident might be linked to previous threats against Trump, Quinn said authorities would continue examining the circumstances.
The shooting comes about a week after a man from California, Cole Allen, was charged with attempting to assassinate the president on April 25.
Quinn declined to provide further details on how officers initially determined the man was suspicious.
“We’re patrolling this area and every site we do, 24/7, hard core,” he said.
Security Scrutiny
The episode highlights ongoing security concerns around the White House and its surrounding streets, which are regularly monitored by the Secret Service.
Officials said investigators are continuing to gather evidence and review witness accounts to determine what led to the confrontation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026

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webfact

May 5May 5

Trump’s Poor Polls Raise GOP Midterm Concerns

Trump

Trump’s Poor Polls Raise GOP Midterm Concerns

President Donald Trump’s rising disapproval ratings are emerging as a potential challenge for Republican candidates as the party seeks to maintain its narrow hold on power in Washington ahead of the November midterm elections.

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A new poll conducted by ABC News, The Washington Post and Ipsos shows Trump’s disapproval rating climbing to 62%, while 37% of respondents said they approve of his performance as president. The survey also recorded strong public dissatisfaction with his handling of several key issues, including the cost of living and inflation, with 76% and 72% disapproving respectively. A further 66% said they disapproved of how he has managed the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Polling pressures for Republicans
The latest figures add to a string of surveys indicating declining support for Trump during the early months of his second term. Analysts say the numbers could create complications for Republican candidates competing in congressional races, particularly if the election becomes closely tied to views about the president.
Democrats have already begun framing the midterms as a referendum on Trump’s leadership. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said that strategy could place Republicans in a difficult position.
“The Democrats are going to say, ‘This is about Trump. Forget about who we are. Forget about our platform or issues. This is just about what the president is,’” Kimball said.
He added that Republican candidates may face pressure to balance support for Trump’s policies with efforts to appeal to voters concerned about the president’s record.
“The Republicans are going to have to somehow distance themselves from some of those policies while still coming up with other ideas for why voters should vote for them,” Kimball said.
Economy and foreign policy concerns
Other recent surveys show similar trends. A Reuters/Ipsos poll last week found Trump’s overall approval rating at its lowest level of his second term, including record lows on economic management and foreign policy.
Trump has defended his economic record, saying he “won affordability” and brought inflation under control. He has also blamed rising prices on policies from the previous administration, while promoting his tariff measures and a major tax-cut law passed last year.
However, economic data released in March showed the annual inflation rate rising to 3.5%, up from 2.8% in February. The unemployment rate also edged up to 4.3% in March from 4% in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found Trump’s approval rating on economic management dropped eight percentage points between March and April. Support among Republicans also declined, with 62% approving of his economic policies compared with 74% a month earlier.
War in Iran adds pressure
Trump’s approval ratings have also been affected by the conflict with Iran, which has pushed energy prices higher and drawn mixed reactions from the public.
The United States is attempting to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Tehran after Trump withdrew from a previous deal during his first administration. Iran recently threatened action in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil supplies, after Trump said the U.S. would help ensure vessels could move safely through the waterway.
In the AP-NORC survey, just 32% of Americans said they approved of Trump’s leadership on Iran. A Reuters poll found 61% of respondents disapproved of U.S. strikes against Iran, including a quarter of Republicans and two-thirds of independent voters.
Republican strategist Jason Cabel Roe said the party’s electoral prospects may depend partly on whether energy prices stabilise before the election.
“If there is a stabilising situation, not just in the conflict but for the region long-term, you’re going to see that reflected in the price of oil,” Roe said, adding that lower fuel prices could ease pressure on the cost of living.
Midterm stakes and political landscape
Historically, the party of a sitting president tends to lose seats in midterm elections. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to win control of the House of Representatives and four seats to take the Senate.
Recent averages from Decision Desk HQ show Democrats leading the generic congressional ballot by 46% to 41%. However, both parties currently have negative favorability ratings.
Republicans maintain a significant financial advantage. The Republican National Committee reported about $117 million in funds, compared with roughly $14 million held by the Democratic National Committee, which also reported more than $18 million in debt.
At the same time, analysts say changes in electoral maps following redistricting may reduce the number of competitive House races, potentially limiting large swings in either direction.
Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, said the growing number of safe districts for both parties could make the outcome harder to predict than in past elections.
Uncertain outlook
Some analysts argue Trump’s approval rating could still rebound before November. Scott Tranter, director of data science at Decision Desk HQ, said Trump’s polling numbers have historically fluctuated and may return to the low-to-mid 40% range.
Even so, Republicans acknowledge the political risks as the election approaches, particularly if economic pressures and the conflict with Iran continue to shape voter sentiment.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026

• USA

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webfact

May 5May 5

US Sinks Iranian Boats During Strait of Hormuz Push

Iranian Conflict

US Sinks Iranian Boats During Strait of Hormuz Push

The United States said its forces destroyed several Iranian boats and intercepted missiles and drones on Monday as Washington launched a military operation aimed at reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

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The operation, ordered by US President Donald Trump and named Project Freedom, seeks to restore commercial shipping through the narrow waterway after Iran effectively blocked the route following the start of the conflict with the US and Israel on February 28.
US military officials said Iranian forces attempted to disrupt the mission with a series of attacks, but all threats were successfully repelled.
Iranian attacks intercepted
US Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, said American forces shot down Iranian cruise missiles and drones and destroyed six Iranian fast boats that approached ships under US protection.
“The IRGC has launched multiple cruise missiles, drones and small boats at ships we are protecting,” Cooper said, referring to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
He said US forces had “defeated each and every one of those threats” using defensive weapons.
Cooper warned Iranian units to stay away from US military assets as the mission expanded, saying commanders had full authority to protect both their forces and commercial shipping.
The operation involves about 15,000 US troops, naval destroyers, more than 100 aircraft operating from land and sea, and additional undersea assets.
Operation to reopen the strait
US officials said the mission was designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor through which about one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies moved before the conflict disrupted traffic.
The effort began with clearing Iranian mines from the waterway. US forces later sent two US-flagged commercial vessels through the passage to demonstrate that the route was safe.
Cooper said the operation differed from a traditional escort mission for merchant ships. Instead, it uses a broader defensive structure including naval vessels, helicopters, aircraft and electronic warfare systems to counter potential threats.
The Iranian fast boats that were destroyed were targeted by US Apache and Seahawk helicopters, he added.
Conflicting claims from Iran
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied that any commercial ships had crossed the strait recently and dismissed US claims about the military operation.
Iranian state media also rejected reports that Iranian vessels had been sunk.
Meanwhile, a South Korean vessel was damaged by an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Trump said in a social media post that the ship was not part of the US operation, suggesting it might benefit from joining the American effort to protect shipping near Iran.
Trump also estimated that US forces had sunk seven Iranian fast boats, though the US military reported six.
Shipping urged to resume passage
Cooper said the US military had been contacting shipping companies and vessels in the region to encourage traffic through the strait despite Iranian warnings.
He said ships from 87 countries had been effectively stranded in the Gulf due to Iran’s blockade and threats of military action.
According to Cooper, early responses from the shipping industry had been positive, with some movement through the waterway already beginning.
The United States is also maintaining a separate blockade preventing vessels from entering or leaving Iran, a measure Cooper said had so far been highly effective.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026

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webfact

May 5May 5