World News

Why U.S. Allies Aren't Buying Trump's Israel Push

Middle East

Why U.S. Allies Aren't Buying Trump's Israel Push

President Donald Trump’s attempt to link a potential agreement with Iran to a major expansion of the Abraham Accords has been met with a muted response across the Middle East, with diplomats and analysts questioning whether the proposal is politically realistic.

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Trump suggested this week that several Arab and Muslim-majority countries should establish diplomatic relations with Israel as part of a broader arrangement tied to ending tensions with Iran. Yet none of the countries he named have publicly endorsed the idea, and Israel itself has responded cautiously.
Analysts said the proposal appeared to come unexpectedly and lacks the diplomatic groundwork usually required for such a significant regional initiative.
Mediators See Themselves as Contributors
Several of the countries Trump mentioned, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, have played key roles in diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran.
Regional officials argue that these states have already contributed to stability efforts and may not view normalization with Israel as an appropriate condition for supporting a wider agreement with Iran.
A senior Pakistani diplomat said Gulf countries have already absorbed substantial economic and security costs from regional escalation. Requiring them to take on additional political risks by normalizing ties with Israel while the Gaza conflict continues could deepen existing divisions.
Countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have also faced Iranian threats or retaliation despite not directly participating in military action against Iran.
Gaza War Complicates Diplomatic Ambitions
The ongoing war in Gaza remains one of the biggest obstacles to expanding the Abraham Accords.
While several Arab governments have strengthened unofficial ties with Israel in recent years and increasingly regard Iran as a strategic threat, public sentiment throughout much of the Arab and Muslim world remains strongly critical of Israel.
Trump first floated the proposal in a Truth Social post, arguing that countries benefiting from U.S. diplomatic efforts should join the Abraham Accords. He specifically called on Saudi Arabia and Qatar to participate and even suggested that Iran could eventually become part of the framework.
The Abraham Accords, launched during Trump's first term, led several Arab states, beginning with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in 2020, to establish formal relations with Israel, reshaping regional alliances.
Limited Enthusiasm From Israel
The White House defended Trump's position, saying that expanding the Abraham Accords has long been a priority and could complement a broader peace arrangement involving Iran.
However, diplomats involved in regional discussions said they had not experienced significant pressure from Washington to join the accords. Two Middle Eastern diplomats told NBC News they did not feel substantial pressure from the administration.
The reaction from Israel was similarly restrained. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long championed expanding the accords, neither he nor senior government allies publicly embraced Trump's latest proposal.
An Israeli government official reiterated support for widening the circle of peace but stopped short of endorsing any direct linkage between an Iran agreement and normalization efforts.
Analysts Question Practicality
Experts say the subdued response reflects a broader tendency among regional governments to treat some of Trump's statements cautiously.
According to analysts, Israel would welcome expanded ties with countries such as Saudi Arabia, but linking that objective to negotiations with Iran may complicate both issues rather than advance them.
As a result, many of the governments whose cooperation Trump seeks appear reluctant to view the proposal as a serious or workable diplomatic framework.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 May 2026

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May 30May 30

Trump's Health Reports Highlight Limits of Transparency

USA

Trump's Health Reports Highlight Limits of Transparency

The annual medical examination of a US president has become a fixture of modern American politics, serving not only as a health assessment but also as a public demonstration of fitness for office.

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That dynamic was on display again after President Donald Trump underwent his latest physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House released a memo from Trump's physician stating that the president was in "excellent health" and fully capable of carrying out his duties, while recommending additional exercise and weight loss.
The report said Trump had strong heart, lung and neurological function. It also noted that bruising visible on his hand was consistent with minor irritation from frequent handshakes while taking aspirin as a preventative cardiovascular measure. The president's abstinence from alcohol and tobacco was also highlighted.
Public disclosure remains voluntary
Despite the attention surrounding presidential health, there is no legal requirement for a US president to release medical records. Like all Americans, presidents are protected by medical privacy laws.
According to medical ethicist and presidential health historian Jacob Appel, the information released after presidential check-ups should be viewed cautiously because administrations control what is disclosed.
Presidential health reports often include routine medical details. Past reports have documented issues such as skin lesions, hearing loss and other age-related conditions.
At the same time, national security concerns can influence decisions about disclosure. Information about a president's health is not only available to the American public but also to foreign governments and intelligence agencies.
Long history of secrecy
Presidential health was often concealed from the public in earlier eras.
In 1919, Woodrow Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke that severely limited his ability to govern during the final months of his presidency. The seriousness of his condition was largely hidden from the public.
Similarly, the White House downplayed the effects of Franklin D. Roosevelt's paralysis from polio, rarely showing him using a wheelchair.
Greater transparency began emerging during the administrations of Lyndon B. Johnson and later Gerald Ford, who pushed for the public release of some medical information despite resistance from physicians.
Questions about presidential health continued into later administrations. Ronald Reagan disclosed his Alzheimer's diagnosis several years after leaving office, prompting debate about whether symptoms may have emerged during his presidency.
Age fuels growing scrutiny
Interest in presidential health has intensified as the United States has elected increasingly older leaders.
Trump first entered office at age 70 and returned for a second term at 78. His predecessor, Joe Biden, entered the White House at 78 and left office at 82.
Political historian Matt Dallek said concerns about age have elevated scrutiny of presidential medical reports to a level not seen with younger presidents such as Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Biden's age and fitness became a major issue during the 2024 election campaign and ultimately contributed to his withdrawal from the race. Republicans later accused his administration of concealing signs of decline, allegations rejected by Biden's team.
Trump has also faced growing questions about his health. Recent polling found many Americans expressing doubts about his mental acuity and physical fitness for office, while another survey suggested nearly half of respondents considered him too old to serve as president.
Even so, Trump declared after his latest examination that "everything checked out perfectly", underscoring how presidential health reports continue to function as both medical updates and political messaging.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 May 2026

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May 30May 30

UK to Trial AI Age Checks for Asylum Seekers

UK-Asylum crisis

UK to Trial AI Age Checks for Asylum Seekers

The UK government will begin using artificial intelligence to help estimate the age of asylum seekers from next year, as part of efforts to identify adults who falsely claim to be children when arriving in the country.

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The Home Office has awarded a contract to develop and test facial age-estimation software that analyses photographs taken at the border. Officials say the technology could help detect adults attempting to access support and legal protections reserved for children.
However, human rights groups and social work professionals have raised concerns about the reliability of the technology, warning that mistakes could leave vulnerable young people without the protections they are entitled to receive.
New tool aimed at disputed age claims
Unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK are placed in local authority care rather than standard asylum accommodation and receive additional legal safeguards.
The government argues that some adults have sought to exploit these arrangements by claiming to be minors. According to Home Office figures, more than 6,400 people who said they were children underwent age assessments in the year ending March 2026. Of those cases, 43% were ultimately assessed as adults.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said false age claims had diverted resources away from children who genuinely needed support.
He said the new technology would help authorities identify people attempting to misuse the system while ensuring those entitled to protection received it.
Testing and rollout plans
The Home Office first announced plans to explore AI-based facial age estimation last year. Since then, officials have conducted testing using images from people of different ethnicities and genders, including groups represented within the asylum-seeking population.
Although the technology has been tested, the results have not yet been used to make operational decisions.
Under the newly awarded contract, Harlow-based IT supplier Akhter Computers Ltd will continue development and testing of the system before a wider rollout planned for mid-2027. The contract is valued at £322,000 over three years.
The first live trial is expected to take place next year at the Western Jet Foil processing centre in Dover.
Officials say the software will not replace existing procedures. Border Force officers currently assess age by reviewing documents and considering an individual's appearance and behaviour. The AI system will be used only as an additional tool when doubts remain about a person's age.
Concerns over accuracy
Questions about age assessment have persisted for years. A report by the government's independent immigration inspector found examples of adults being treated as children as well as children being wrongly classified as adults.
The report concluded that, without a completely reliable method of determining age, errors were unavoidable and could have serious consequences, particularly when children are denied rights and protections.
Social workers continue to carry out detailed assessments when an asylum seeker's age is challenged. The British Association of Social Workers warned that introducing AI into the process could increase safeguarding risks.
Professor Sam Baron, the organisation's interim chief executive, said age assessment was a complex task best handled by trained professionals rather than through technological shortcuts.
Human rights groups oppose scheme
Human Rights Watch has called on the government to abandon the project altogether.
Anna Bacciarelli, a senior AI researcher at the organisation, described the technology as unproven and questioned whether facial age estimation can accurately determine a person's age in asylum cases.
She argued that using the technology on vulnerable refugee children could undermine their rights and expose them to a process that lacks sufficient evidence of effectiveness.
The government has previously said facial age estimation represented the most cost-effective option available for supporting age assessments. Critics, however, maintain that significant concerns remain over both its accuracy and its ethical implications.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026

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May 29May 29

John Bolton Calls Iran Deal a US Setback

USA

John Bolton Calls Iran Deal a US Setback

Former national security adviser John Bolton has criticised a proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran, describing it as a major setback for the United States and arguing that domestic political concerns are shaping the Trump administration’s approach.

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Speaking on NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Thursday, Bolton said the administration was pursuing the arrangement because of worries about fuel prices and their potential impact on upcoming midterm elections rather than broader strategic considerations.
“It’s a big defeat for the United States,” Bolton said, adding that he believed concerns about gasoline prices were the primary factor driving the negotiations.
Proposed ceasefire extension
The tentative agreement, first reported by Axios, would take the form of a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The arrangement is designed to ease economic pressure on both the United States and Iran. Under the proposal, Iran would agree not to charge tolls to commercial vessels using the waterway and would remove mines from the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying more than one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.
In return, the United States would lift its naval blockade and provide certain sanctions waivers that would allow Iran to sell oil more freely. Washington would also agree to begin discussions on wider sanctions relief.
Nuclear commitments under discussion
The memorandum would include a pledge by Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons. However, Tehran has made similar assertions in the past, and those claims have been questioned by non-proliferation specialists.
According to the Axios report, early negotiations would focus on the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and on how any future uranium enrichment activities would be handled.
The proposed framework would leave several major issues to be negotiated during the 60-day period.
Concerns over Iran’s intentions
Bolton argued that Iran could use the agreement to strengthen its position while talks continue.
He said Tehran may seek to benefit from sanctions relief and renewed oil sales while delaying decisions on the most difficult issues. According to Bolton, such a process could allow Iran to rebuild financial resources and military capabilities while reducing the economic pressure facing the government.
Bolton also suggested that Iranian leaders may believe US willingness to use force in the region could weaken as the midterm elections approach.
“They think we’ve got a short attention span, we’re obsessed by the elections,” he said.
Election-year criticism
During the interview, host Elizabeth Vargas noted that President Donald Trump had recently said he was not focused on the midterm elections.
Bolton rejected that claim, arguing that electoral considerations were central to the administration’s calculations.
He said reopening the Strait of Hormuz could increase energy supplies, potentially lowering global oil prices, reducing fuel costs for American consumers and easing inflationary pressures.
According to Bolton, the administration views those economic effects as beneficial to its political prospects ahead of November’s elections.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026

• Iranian Conflict

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May 29May 29

US Judge Orders Trump Name Removed From Kennedy Center

USA

US Judge Orders Trump Name Removed From Kennedy Center

A federal judge has ordered the removal of Donald Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ruling that the Washington DC institution cannot be formally renamed without approval from Congress.

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US District Judge Christopher Cooper directed the Trump administration to remove all signage bearing Trump’s name and delete references to a “Trump Kennedy Center” from official materials within 14 days.
Court Says Congress Controls the Name
In his ruling, Cooper said federal law clearly establishes the venue as a memorial to former President John F. Kennedy and leaves no authority for the center’s board to change its name on its own.
“The Kennedy Center’s organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy,” Cooper wrote. He added that Congress originally gave the institution its name and only Congress has the power to alter it.
The judge concluded that the board had exceeded its legal authority by approving the renaming.
The decision came in a lawsuit filed by Joyce Beatty, a Democratic congresswoman from Ohio who serves on the Kennedy Center’s board through her position in Congress.
The White House did not immediately comment on the ruling.
Renaming Followed Trump Takeover
The dispute stemmed from changes made after Trump returned to office. In February last year, he appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, describing the move as a “take-over”.
He subsequently removed existing board members and installed new appointees. In December, the restructured board voted to add Trump’s name to the institution, a move seen as part of a broader effort by the administration to reshape cultural organisations in the US capital.
At the time, Joe Kennedy III, a former Massachusetts congressman and great-nephew of President Kennedy, questioned whether such a change was legally possible.
He argued that the venue was established by federal law as a memorial to Kennedy and could not simply be renamed by board action.
Backlash From Arts Community
The renaming effort prompted significant opposition within the arts sector.
Several performers and organisations cancelled appearances at the venue in protest, including a scheduled run of the award-winning musical Hamilton.
Leadership changes also followed. National Symphony Orchestra executive director Jean Davidson left to lead the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Richard Grenell, a Trump ally who played a prominent role in efforts to reshape the institution and challenge what he described as “woke” culture, later stepped down as president of the center.
The Kennedy Center remains one of the United States’ most prominent cultural institutions and receives federal funding. It has traditionally enjoyed support from both major political parties.
Wider Plans Face Challenges
Under Trump, the venue increasingly became a platform for administration initiatives. It hosted events including an appearance by FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the World Cup draw and other White House-linked functions.
The center is also preparing for a two-year closure after trustees approved a major renovation programme. Officials said the project would begin following Independence Day celebrations in July, with a reopening planned once work is completed.
The Kennedy Center case is one of several legal disputes involving Trump’s plans for Washington. Other proposals, including a large ballroom at the White House site and a “Victory Arch” near national monuments, have also faced court challenges. Congressional Republicans have additionally proposed renaming the Kennedy Center’s Opera House after First Lady Melania Trump.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026

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May 29May 29

Labour Reports Farage Russia Hack Claim to Police

UK

Labour Reports Farage Russia Hack Claim to Police

Labour has formally reported claims that Nigel Farage was targeted by Russian hackers to the Metropolitan Police and the UK's cyber security authorities, escalating a dispute over allegations first raised by Reform UK.

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The move follows reports that Farage believed his phone, email and bank accounts may have been compromised by individuals linked to Russia. According to accounts published in the Mail on Sunday, Reform sources said concerns arose after details emerged of a £5 million gift made to Farage by businessman Christopher Harborne.
Labour chair Anna Turley has written to both the Metropolitan Police and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), asking whether they are investigating the alleged cyber intrusion. She said the matter could have implications for national security, political integrity and public confidence in democratic institutions.
Reform Says Authorities Have Been Contacted
Reform UK said it had informed the appropriate authorities about the alleged incident, although it is not believed to have made a report to the Metropolitan Police. The party declined to comment further, saying it would be inappropriate to do so while inquiries were ongoing.
According to Reform sources, Farage became concerned that information had been accessed by foreign actors after reports surfaced about the financial gift. They claimed that only four people were aware of the payment and that Farage subsequently arranged for his mobile phone to undergo forensic examination by counter-espionage specialists.
Those specialists allegedly concluded that hostile actors, believed to be linked to Moscow, had used spear-phishing techniques to gain access to Farage's devices and accounts. Spear phishing involves sending targeted messages designed to trick recipients into revealing information or installing malicious software.
Farage told the newspaper that the alleged actions demonstrated the security threat posed by Russia.
Labour Calls for Evidence to Be Shared
Both Labour and the Conservatives have urged Reform UK to provide any evidence it possesses to the relevant security agencies.
In a letter sent to Farage last week, Turley described the alleged hacking as a potentially serious criminal matter and said any evidence should be submitted for independent investigation.
She later wrote directly to the Metropolitan Police and the NCSC, stating that if Reform UK had not reported the allegations, her correspondence should be treated as a formal report of what appeared, based on media accounts, to be a serious crime.
Turley stressed that Labour was not taking a position on whether the alleged compromise had actually occurred, but argued that the claims warranted examination by the authorities.
An NCSC spokesperson said the agency was ready to assist with any suspected cyber incident reported to it.
Gift Investigation Continues
The hacking allegations come amid continuing scrutiny of the £5 million gift made to Farage by Harborne in April 2024, shortly before Farage announced his candidacy in that year's general election.
The payment was not included in Farage's declaration of interests and only became publicly known after it was reported by the Guardian. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is investigating whether parliamentary rules were breached.
Farage has maintained that the payment was a private, non-political gift and therefore did not need to be declared. He has said Reform UK examined the rules carefully and concluded there was no requirement to register the payment.
Harborne has said he did not expect anything in return and described the gift as motivated by his admiration for Farage's role in achieving Brexit.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026

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May 29May 29

NATO Condemns Russian Drone Strike on Romanian Flats

NATO Condemns Russian Drone Strike on Romanian Flats

A Russian drone struck a residential apartment block in eastern Romania on Friday, injuring two people and prompting strong condemnation from NATO and European Union leaders after what Romanian officials described as the most serious wartime incident to affect the country since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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The drone hit a high-rise building in the city of Galați, close to Romania’s border with Ukraine, causing a fire and forcing the evacuation of around 70 residents. Romanian emergency authorities said the drone’s full explosive payload detonated upon impact, igniting a blaze on the building’s 10th floor.
Residents Injured as Building Evacuated
Two people suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control.
Romania’s Defence Ministry said two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after drones were detected approaching the area. Brigadier General Gheorghe Maxim said military personnel had only four minutes between detecting the drone and its impact.
Officials identified the aircraft as a Geran-2 drone, known internationally as the Shahed-136. According to the ministry, the drone’s entire explosive load exploded when it struck the building.
Romania Points to Deflected Flight Path
President Nicușor Dan said the drone likely altered course after being hit by Ukrainian air defences over Ukrainian territory.
Speaking during a visit to Galați, Dan said one drone from a group of 43 incoming aircraft appeared to have been struck above the Ukrainian city of Reni, changing its trajectory before it crossed into Romania.
Romanian military officials stressed that their forces face operational restrictions because they cannot fire weapons into Ukrainian airspace.
Authorities also sought to reassure residents that Romania had not been deliberately targeted, describing the incident as a consequence of fighting taking place close to the border.
NATO and EU Express Support
Dan convened an emergency meeting of Romania’s Supreme Defence Council and announced plans to expel Russia’s consul in Constanța and close the consulate. Moscow later indicated it would respond.
Romania’s Foreign Ministry said it had requested faster delivery of anti-drone capabilities from NATO.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance stood ready to defend all allied territory and would continue strengthening its defences against drone threats.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as another escalation resulting from Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said the strike demonstrated that Russian aggression remained a threat to the wider Black Sea region and called for increased support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later said he had spoken with Dan and pledged continued cooperation to protect against Russian threats.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident a serious violation of NATO airspace and reaffirmed Britain's support for Romania, Ukraine and other alliance members.
Putin Questions Drone's Origin
Speaking later on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had only recently learned of the incident and suggested the drone wreckage be handed to Russia for an independent investigation. He also noted previous incidents involving Ukrainian drones entering EU countries.
Romania has experienced numerous drone incursions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Defence Ministry says drone fragments have been discovered on Romanian territory 47 times during the war, including 12 occasions this year.
The border region around Galați, opposite the Ukrainian ports of Reni and Izmail on the Danube River, remains particularly vulnerable during Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026

• EU

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May 29May 29

'Poison Seller' Admits Aiding Suicides Worldwide

Canada

'Poison Seller' Admits Aiding Suicides Worldwide

A Canadian man has pleaded guilty to assisting the suicides of 14 people after admitting he sold and distributed lethal chemicals and detailed instructions to individuals around the world.

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Kenneth Law, 60, entered guilty pleas to 14 counts of counselling or aiding suicide during a court appearance in Newmarket, Ontario, on Friday. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to withdraw 14 first-degree murder charges. Sentencing is scheduled for September.
Law confirmed he understood the charges and was voluntarily entering the pleas before Justice Michelle Fuerst. Family members filled the courtroom as prosecutors outlined the cases involving victims aged between 16 and 36 in Ontario.
Deaths Across Multiple Countries
Law admitted responsibility for aiding the deaths of 14 people in Ontario and acknowledged supplying substances linked to the deaths of 79 people in the United Kingdom.
The case has drawn international attention because of the scale of the operation. Investigators said Law shipped 1,209 packages to customers in 41 countries before authorities shut down his websites. The court heard that kits were sent to people in 40 countries and territories, with many recipients located in the UK and the United States.
A former engineer and hotel cook, Law operated several websites selling lethal chemicals. Prosecutors said he disguised the business by also offering products such as hot sauce, creating the appearance of a food-preparation wholesaler. The silver packets carried warnings stating that users were solely responsible for how the products were used.
Authorities said he also sold suicide-related items and provided detailed instructions on their use.
Disturbing Details Presented in Court
Prosecutors submitted a statement of facts exceeding 60 pages, detailing numerous deaths linked to Law's products.
Several victims attempted to seek help after ingesting the substances. In one case, a young man alerted his parents after taking the poison and pleaded for assistance. In another, a 29-year-old man called emergency services himself, saying he had consumed a toxic substance and feared he was about to die. He later lost consciousness and died in hospital.
The court also heard of a UK victim who contacted emergency services after taking a lethal substance, expressing regret and panic. Paramedics arrived within 30 minutes but were unable to save him.
Packages from Law's companies were frequently discovered near victims. At the time of his arrest, authorities found that nearly C$297,000 had passed through Shopify and PayPal accounts linked to his businesses.
Families Criticise Plea Agreement
Outside court, relatives of victims expressed anger over the deal that removed the murder charges.
Leonardo Bedoya, whose 18-year-old daughter Jeshennia died after obtaining one of the substances, described the agreement as a disgrace and said Law had profited from deaths around the world.
Kim Prosser, whose 19-year-old son Ashtyn died in March 2023, said the case had left families enduring years of grief marked by missed birthdays and milestones.
Families in the UK have also renewed calls for a public inquiry. A National Crime Agency investigation found that 286 people in Britain received packages from Law, with 112 deaths linked to recipients. Under an agreement announced on Friday, Law's involvement in those UK deaths will be taken into account during sentencing.
Campaigners argue that online forums promoting suicide remain accessible despite repeated warnings from coroners and families.
Legal Challenges and Sentencing
The case was initially expected to become one of the largest murder prosecutions in Ontario's history. However, legal uncertainty emerged after an Ontario appeal court ruling suggested that merely supplying a substance used in a suicide might not be sufficient to secure a murder conviction.
Although Canada's Supreme Court later questioned such a strict distinction, prosecutors ultimately reduced the charges to counselling or aiding suicide.
Under Canadian law, the offence carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Legal experts believe the scale and international reach of Law's activities could result in a severe sentence.
Victim impact statements and sentencing hearings are expected in September.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026

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May 29May 29

Pam Bondi Defends Handling of Epstein Files Release

Epstein Files

Pam Bondi Defends Handling of Epstein Files Release

Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi has defended her handling of the release of records linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during testimony before a congressional committee in Washington.

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Bondi, who was removed from her role by US President Donald Trump in April, appeared behind closed doors before the US House Oversight Committee on Friday as lawmakers investigated whether the Justice Department properly complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
In opening remarks, Bondi said the department had shown “an unprecedented commitment to transparency” by reviewing and producing nearly three million pages of material related to Epstein. She maintained that, to the best of her knowledge, the department released all records required under the law.
Questions Over File Releases
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by Trump, required the Justice Department to release unclassified records connected to Epstein. Bondi oversaw the process while serving as attorney general.
However, the release of the documents drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Critics accused the department of withholding material and failing to adequately protect victims’ identities in some files that became public.
Committee chairman James Comer said lawmakers were investigating possible mismanagement of the release process and whether additional records could legally be disclosed.
Speaking before the hearing, Comer said previous administrations had failed Epstein’s victims and stressed that the committee wanted full transparency.
“We’re going to try to determine whether or not there could be more documents legally turned over,” Comer told reporters.
Democrats on the committee later accused Bondi of avoiding key questions during the interview. Representative Robert Garcia said Bondi refused to answer questions related to Trump, while Representative Melanie Stansbury alleged Justice Department lawyers intervened to limit her testimony.
Stansbury described the proceedings as a “cover-up” and claimed officials were preventing Bondi from discussing conversations with Trump.
Bondi denied accusations that she attempted to shift responsibility for the handling of the files to former deputy attorney general Todd Blanche, who is now serving as acting attorney general.
In a post online, she praised Blanche’s handling of the matter and described his ethics as “beyond reproach”.
Victims and Political Fallout
Epstein survivor Maria Farmer also criticised Bondi’s testimony, accusing her of ignoring survivors’ concerns and refusing to accept responsibility for mistakes made during the document release process.
The Trump administration has faced sustained bipartisan pressure over the handling of Epstein-related records, including criticism over failures to redact victims’ names. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
Bondi also faced renewed scrutiny over comments she made during a 2025 interview with Fox News in which she said a list of Epstein’s high-profile clients was “sitting on my desk right now”. The Justice Department later clarified that she had been referring to the overall case file, not a separate client list.
During her time as attorney general, Bondi was also criticised by Democrats who accused her of using the Justice Department to pursue Trump’s political opponents.
Health and Future Role
Earlier this week, Bondi revealed she had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and was undergoing treatment, including surgery performed several weeks ago. She disclosed the diagnosis during an interview with CBS News.
Bondi is expected to join the White House’s Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, a newly formed advisory body focused on artificial intelligence.
The congressional committee investigating the Epstein files has already interviewed several high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Committee chairman Comer said philanthropist Bill Gates is expected to testify in the coming weeks.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026

• USA

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May 29May 29

Trump Weighs Final Approval on Iran Ceasefire Deal

Iranian Conflict

Trump Weighs Final Approval on Iran Ceasefire Deal

US President Donald Trump said he had convened a meeting in the White House Situation Room to make a “final determination” on a proposed agreement aimed at extending a ceasefire with Iran and restarting negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

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In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said Iran would have to agree never to obtain a nuclear weapon and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to “unrestricted shipping traffic” in both directions. He also demanded that any mines placed in the strategic waterway be destroyed.
The meeting came after US officials said Washington and Tehran had agreed to a framework for a memorandum of understanding, pending approval from Trump and Iran’s leadership.
Under the reported proposal, the current ceasefire would be extended for 60 days while negotiations continue over the future of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Strait of Hormuz at centre of talks
Trump also said he was prepared to lift the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that ships trapped in the area could begin “heading home”.
He further insisted that Iran allow the US to remove and destroy its stockpile of enriched uranium, a longstanding demand from Washington.
“No money will be exchanged, until further notice,” Trump wrote. “Other items, of far less importance, have been agreed to.”
A White House official later confirmed to the BBC that the Situation Room meeting had ended, but declined to provide further details.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route for oil exports, and tensions in the area have contributed to sharp increases in energy prices since fighting escalated earlier this year.
Iran rejects nuclear negotiations claim
Iranian officials appeared to push back against parts of Trump’s account.
Iran’s Fars news agency, citing informed sources, described Trump’s comments as a “mixture of truth and lies” and said the reported memorandum contained no provision for destroying nuclear materials.
Meanwhile, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told Iranian state television that Tehran remained focused on ending the conflict and was not negotiating over its nuclear programme.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and denies seeking nuclear weapons.
The US has long demanded that Iran halt the production of highly enriched uranium and dispose of existing stockpiles that could potentially be used in weapons development.
Ceasefire remains fragile
Despite repeated statements from Trump since the ceasefire began on 8 April suggesting progress towards a deal, no final agreement has yet been reached.
US Vice-President JD Vance said on Thursday that negotiators were still discussing “a couple of language points”, including issues surrounding uranium enrichment.
“We’re not there yet, but we’re very close,” Vance said.
Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran did not trust promises alone.
“No action will be taken before the other side acts,” he wrote on social media. “The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war the day after.”
The current conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and Gulf states allied with Washington, and effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz.
Both sides have since accused each other of violating the ceasefire. On Thursday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted a US air base in Kuwait that it claimed was linked to earlier strikes on Bandar Abbas, a key Iranian port city near the strait.
US Central Command described the attack as an “egregious ceasefire violation”.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 May 2026

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May 29May 29

Blue Origin Rocket Erupts in Massive Fireball

Technology

Blue Origin Rocket Erupts in Massive Fireball

A rocket developed by Blue Origin exploded in a dramatic fireball during a ground test at a launch pad in Cape Canaveral late Thursday, though no injuries were reported.

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Video from the scene showed the rocket erupting into flames during what the company described as a “hotfire test” ahead of a planned launch. The blast engulfed the launch area in a large plume of fire and smoke.
Blue Origin later confirmed on social media that it had “experienced an anomaly” during testing and said all personnel had been accounted for safely.
Safety response
The explosion happened at about 21:00 local time (02:00 GMT Friday), according to local authorities. Brevard County Emergency Management said there was no threat to the public.
Company founder Jeff Bezos said all workers were safe and that an investigation into the cause was already under way.
“It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it,” Bezos wrote online. “Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.”
The United States Space Force said emergency crews responded to the scene and officials were reviewing available data to determine what caused the incident.
Investigation under way
The test was being carried out before an upcoming mission, although the company has not released further details about the rocket involved.
Jared Isaacman, head of NASA, said spaceflight development remained highly challenging and pledged support for the investigation.
“Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capability is extraordinarily difficult,” Isaacman wrote on X. He added that officials would assess possible impacts on future missions before launches resume.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it was aware of the explosion but noted the test did not fall under activities requiring an FAA licence. The agency also said there was no disruption to air traffic.
Recent setbacks
The incident marks another setback for Blue Origin’s launch programme.
Last month, the company’s New Glenn rocket was grounded after regulators ordered an investigation into a failed satellite mission. Blue Origin had attempted to place a satellite for AST SpaceMobile into orbit but was unable to deliver it to the intended trajectory.
Despite recent problems, the company achieved a milestone last November when it successfully launched a New Glenn rocket from Florida and landed its reusable booster for the first time.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 29May 29

Taylor Swift Vienna Concert Plotter Jailed for 15 Years

EU

Taylor Swift Vienna Concert Plotter Jailed for 15 Years

An Austrian man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of planning a jihadist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna during the singer’s Eras Tour in August 2024.

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The 21-year-old defendant, identified only as Beran A under Austrian privacy laws, was also found guilty of several other terrorism-related offences. Prosecutors said he had become radicalised online and pledged allegiance to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS).
The case centred on a planned attack targeting one of Swift’s three sold-out concerts at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium. Authorities arrested Beran A shortly before the first show was due to begin after receiving intelligence from the CIA.
The threat prompted organisers to cancel all three concerts immediately, affecting nearly 200,000 fans and drawing an emotional response from the singer.


CIA tip-off stopped attack
According to prosecutors, Beran A attempted to obtain illegal weapons, including a machine gun and a hand grenade, though he failed to secure them.
Court-appointed psychiatrist Peter Hoffmann told the trial there was no evidence of mental illness and said there was “no psychiatric explanation” for the man’s radicalisation.
The trial took place in the city of Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna. Beran A appeared alongside another 21-year-old defendant, Arda K from Slovakia, who prosecutors said was connected to an Islamic State cell.
Although Arda K was not accused of participating in the concert attack plot, he was convicted on related terrorism charges and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Swift said tour “dodged a massacre”
Before the verdict was delivered, Beran A apologised in court. Jurors then spent several hours considering the case before returning guilty verdicts.
Following the cancelled concerts last year, Taylor Swift said the incident had left her with “a new sense of fear” and described feeling “a tremendous amount of guilt” over the disruption caused to fans.
In comments posted on Instagram after the arrests, the singer thanked authorities for preventing what could have become a mass-casualty attack.
“I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives,” she wrote.
A documentary about the Eras Tour later revealed that Swift learned about the alleged bomb plot while travelling to Austria.
Concert cancellations shocked fans
The Vienna cancellations came during the European leg of Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour and caused widespread disappointment among fans who had travelled from across Europe for the performances.
Swift later said the tour had narrowly avoided what she called a “massacre situation”, highlighting the seriousness of the threat uncovered by investigators.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 28May 28

Iranians Fear U.S. Will Leave Regime Intact

Iran

Iranians Fear U.S. Will Leave Regime Intact

As uncertainty continues over efforts to secure a lasting agreement between the United States and Iran after 90 days of conflict, some Iranians who fled the country say they fear the Islamic Republic is emerging more repressive rather than weakened.

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Karvan, 22, and his younger brother Kavian left Iran on May 13 after months in hiding following their involvement in anti-government demonstrations. The brothers are now sheltering in Iraq’s Kurdistan region after abandoning their studies, relatives and friends.
“Our lives were in danger. If we had stayed, we would have faced jail and execution,” Karvan told CBS News.
Kavian said conditions deteriorated after a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was announced earlier this year.
“During the war, the situation was chaotic, but after the ceasefire the regime became even more extreme against the people,” he said.
Protests and repression
The brothers participated in the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, which erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody. Both men are members of Iran’s Kurdish minority and come from the country’s western Kurdish region, where tensions with Iran’s ruling authorities have long persisted.
They also joined demonstrations that spread across Iran earlier this year before security forces suppressed the unrest. President Donald Trump said 32,000 people were killed in the crackdown, though the figure has not been independently verified. Rights groups say tens of thousands were detained and multiple executions have taken place.



Karvan said witnessing the demonstrations gave the brothers a sense of responsibility.
“We felt the tension, and we saw how people were arrested and injured,” he said. “It gave us a feeling of purpose to participate in the demonstrations and make our voices heard.”
Kavian described confrontations between protesters and security forces, including the use of tear gas and other crowd-control measures.
Life after the ceasefire
Although indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran have continued since the April 8 ceasefire announcement, the brothers said the truce did little to improve daily life for ordinary Iranians.
“We felt that the regime started going after people again,” Karvan said. He alleged that authorities accused protesters of being Israeli spies and detained people for photographing bombed sites.
The brothers said security measures in Kurdish regions have intensified, with more checkpoints and frequent inspections of phones and identification documents.
Rights groups have also warned of a rise in arrests and executions. Zhila Mostajer, an investigator with the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, said people risk severe punishment for speaking out against the government.
“Under such a brutal regime it is possible to be detained, tortured and even get executed just for raising your voice,” she told CBS News.
According to Hengaw, around 40,000 people were detained during protests earlier this year. While many have since been released, the organization says 31 detainees have received death sentences and 15 have already been executed.
No plans to return
Karvan said leaving Iran was painful but necessary.
“It was very hard for us, but we chose to take the risk because we are safer here,” he said.
The brothers said they do not intend to return while the Islamic Republic remains in power. They also expressed frustration that international attention often focuses more on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional tensions than on the treatment of its citizens.
“They always talk about how uranium is a danger if it is in the regime’s hands,” Karvan said. “If you truly knew how they treat their people, you would never let them enrich uranium.”


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 28May 28

EU Fines Temu $232 Million Over Unsafe Products

EU

EU Fines Temu $232 Million Over Unsafe Products

European Union regulators have fined Temu €200 million ($232 million) after an investigation found the online retailer failed to adequately protect consumers from illegal and unsafe products sold on its platform.

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The penalty, announced on Thursday, follows an EU probe that uncovered widespread risks linked to items including hazardous toys and non-compliant electronic devices. The fine was issued under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), legislation designed to force major online platforms to better police harmful content and dangerous goods.
It marks the second major penalty imposed under the DSA since the rules came into force three years ago. Last year, the EU fined X roughly $120 million.
Safety concerns uncovered
The European Commission said Temu failed to properly identify and assess the risks posed by illegal goods available on its marketplace, leaving European consumers exposed to unsafe products.
As part of the investigation, regulators conducted a “mystery shopping” exercise that uncovered numerous items that breached EU safety standards. Officials said many electronic chargers failed basic safety tests, while a high number of baby toys posed serious dangers.
According to investigators, some toys contained chemicals above permitted safety limits, while others included detachable parts that could create choking or suffocation hazards for children.
EU officials described Temu’s shortcomings in risk assessment as a particularly serious violation of the DSA.
European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said risk assessments required under the law must be thorough and evidence-based.
She said Temu’s assessment underestimated the dangers linked to illegal products and failed to provide regulators or consumers with a clear picture of the scale of the risks involved.
Temu rejects ruling
Temu said it disagreed with the decision and called the fine “disproportionate.”
The company said the findings were linked to the European Commission’s first DSA review of the platform in 2024 and argued they did not reflect the current state of its systems.
In a statement, Temu said it had cooperated with regulators throughout the investigation and had since strengthened its risk assessment procedures, platform governance and consumer protection measures.
The platform has become popular globally by offering low-cost products ranging from clothing to household goods shipped directly from sellers in China.
Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, said it currently has around 92 million users across the EU. PDD Holdings also owns the Chinese shopping platform Pinduoduo.
Further action possible
The European Commission has ordered Temu to submit an action plan by the end of August outlining how it will address the issues identified during the investigation.
Failure to comply could expose the company to additional penalties, including recurring daily, weekly or monthly fines.
The case is among the EU’s most prominent efforts to enforce stricter digital regulations on major online platforms, as Brussels increases pressure on tech companies to improve consumer safety standards and oversight of products sold online.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 28May 28

Buttigieg Leads Early 2028 Democratic Presidential Poll

USA

Buttigieg Leads Early 2028 Democratic Presidential Poll

Former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the leading contender in a new poll of potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election, as the party looks ahead following its 2024 defeat.

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An Emerson College Polling survey released on Thursday placed Buttigieg at 18% support among likely Democratic primary voters. Gavin Newsom followed closely with 16%.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received 11% support, while Josh Shapiro and former Vice President Kamala Harris each drew 10%.
Another 9% backed Andy Beshear, while 18% of respondents said they remained undecided.
Poll shifts
The survey indicated modest gains in recent months for Buttigieg, Ocasio-Cortez and Beshear. Support for Newsom and Harris declined slightly over the same period.
Buttigieg has recently fuelled speculation about a possible White House campaign. Speaking at a National Action Network conference last month, he gave a light-hearted response when civil rights leader Al Sharpton asked whether he planned to run again.
Sharpton referred to a widely publicised lunch the pair had shared during Buttigieg’s previous presidential campaign and asked whether he should reserve another table at Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem.
“You save me a seat, I’ll be there,” Buttigieg replied, without confirming any future bid.
Potential contenders
Newsom, who cannot seek another term as California governor because of term limits, has long been viewed as a possible Democratic front-runner for 2028. He has raised his national profile through frequent clashes with President Donald Trump on major political issues.
Harris has also left open the possibility of another presidential campaign, saying earlier this year that she “might” run again after serving as the Democratic nominee in 2024.
Ocasio-Cortez, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions that her political ambitions were focused solely on elected office when asked about 2028 speculation earlier this month.
“They assume that my ambition is a title or a seat, and my ambition is way bigger than that,” she said. “My ambition is to change this country.”
Polling details
The Emerson College Polling survey was conducted between 24 and 25 May and questioned 1,000 likely voters nationwide.
The poll reported a credibility interval, similar to a margin of error, of three percentage points. Among the subgroup of 432 likely Democratic primary voters, the credibility interval was 4.7 percentage points.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 28May 28

Starmer Rejects Blair Criticism Over Labour Direction

UK-Politics

Starmer Rejects Blair Criticism Over Labour Direction

Sir Keir Starmer has defended his government’s policy record after former Labour prime minister Tony Blair accused Labour of lacking a “coherent plan” for the country.

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In a lengthy essay critical of the government’s direction, Blair argued that measures such as higher employers’ National Insurance contributions, stronger workers’ rights legislation and the planned phase-out of the oil and gas industry had damaged business confidence and weakened economic growth.
Starmer rejected the criticism, saying his administration had made the correct choices given the economic conditions it inherited after taking office in 2024.
Speaking to broadcasters, the prime minister said he agreed that Labour should debate “policy and ideas”, but insisted the circumstances facing his government were very different from those Blair encountered when he came to power in 1997.
Policy dispute deepens
Blair, who won three consecutive general elections as Labour leader, said the party’s difficulties were rooted not in communication problems or Starmer’s personality but in the absence of a clear governing strategy.
Writing in a 5,600-word essay — his most substantial critique of the current Labour government so far — Blair said Labour was operating from the “wrong political position” to secure a second term in office.
He backed some government policies, including infrastructure investment, planning reform and efforts to improve trade relations with Europe. However, he argued that other commitments should be reconsidered because of current economic pressures.
Among his recommendations were scaling back parts of the net-zero agenda that prioritised clean energy over cheaper energy, continuing welfare reforms and removing barriers to business growth.
Starmer responded with a lengthy rebuttal on Substack, arguing that his government inherited the most difficult economic situation since 1979.
He admitted Labour had made mistakes, including its now-reversed decision to restrict winter fuel payments. He also acknowledged businesses had been heavily affected by increased National Insurance contributions.
Despite this, Starmer said Labour had made the “big political choices right”.
Government points to economic progress
The prime minister cited falling migration, reductions in NHS waiting lists and lower knife crime levels as evidence that government policies were delivering results.
He also argued that the UK economy was outperforming comparable countries despite continuing global instability, including the impact of wars in Ukraine and Iran on living costs.
Labour’s popularity, however, has fallen sharply since its landslide election victory in 2024. The government has faced criticism over several policy reversals, including changes to winter fuel payments and disability benefit reforms.
Business groups have also argued that tax increases and workers’ rights reforms have discouraged hiring and limited economic growth.
Leadership pressure mounts
Blair’s intervention comes at a difficult time for Starmer, following poor local election results and ministerial resignations that have fuelled speculation about his future as Labour leader.
Attention is now turning to an upcoming by-election in Makerfield, where Labour faces a strong challenge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK after the party performed well in May’s council elections.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is Labour’s candidate and is widely expected to seek the party leadership if successful.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned earlier this month in protest over Starmer’s leadership, has also indicated he would stand in any future leadership contest.
Both Burnham and Streeting criticised Blair’s essay, saying it underestimated the role inequality has played in shaping Britain’s political and economic problems.
Asked whether he would remain leader if pressure intensified over the summer, Starmer said he would not “walk away”.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 28May 28

Netanyahu Orders Push for 70% of Gaza

Gaza

Netanyahu Orders Push for 70% of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he ordered the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70% of the territory, a move that could further undermine a fragile ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

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Speaking at a conference in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said Israeli forces currently controlled about 60% of Gaza and that he had directed the army to increase that share.
“We are currently squeezing Hamas,” he said. “We now control 60% of the territory in the strip. You know, we were at 50, we moved to 60. My directive is to move to … 70%.”
Ceasefire under pressure
Under a US-backed ceasefire agreement reached in October, Israeli forces withdrew to a demarcation line that left Israel in direct control of around 53% of Gaza, while the remaining territory stayed under Hamas administration pending further negotiations.
Since then, Israeli troops have steadily expanded their presence westward into areas previously outside their control. Israel has also widened what it describes as a buffer or “no man’s land”, where soldiers can restrict movement and open fire on perceived threats.
The expansion has raised concerns among humanitarian agencies and analysts, who say it would breach both the ceasefire arrangement and a UN Security Council resolution endorsing it.
The peace framework proposed by US President Donald Trump stated that no Palestinians would be forced to leave Gaza and that residents who chose to depart would be free to return later.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said this week that the government hoped large numbers of Palestinians would leave Gaza through what he called “voluntary migration”. Human rights groups have accused Israel of attempting to make conditions in the territory unlivable in order to force displacement.
Humanitarian concerns grow
Aid officials and analysts warned that further territorial expansion could worsen conditions for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times during the war.
Muhammad Shehada of the European Council on Foreign Relations said the proposal would effectively nullify the existing ceasefire framework.
He said the remaining areas available to civilians were already severely overcrowded, with displaced families living in makeshift shelters across much of western Gaza.
Israeli forces have continued military operations during the ceasefire period, including airstrikes and shootings near the demarcation line. More than 900 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the truce began eight months ago.
A recent UN briefing seen by the Guardian described daily tank advances near Jabalia in northern Gaza and reported increased military activity east of Khan Younis in the south.
Militias accused of forcing evacuations
Israeli-backed armed groups have also become increasingly active near the ceasefire line, according to residents and researchers.
One militia linked to Gaza figure Ashraf al-Mansi has reportedly advanced westward around Jabalia while urging residents to leave their homes.
Wael Nayef Abu al-Ajeen, a resident east of Deir al-Balah, said armed men entered his area earlier this month and ordered families to evacuate by nightfall.
Researchers from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project said militias had been involved in killings, arrests and intimidation of civilians in areas near the Israeli-controlled zone.
Uncertainty over negotiations
The future of ceasefire negotiations remains unclear.
A UN Security Council resolution in November assigned oversight of the truce to a US-backed Board of Peace led in Gaza by diplomat Nickolay Mladenov. His recent report drew criticism for focusing blame on Hamas while critics said it did not sufficiently address Israeli actions.
Israeli analyst Gershon Baskin said he believed negotiations with Hamas had effectively collapsed.
He said the United States could now shift toward a plan focused on reconstruction inside Israeli-controlled areas while screening Palestinians seeking access for links to Hamas or other armed groups.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 28May 28

Trump Allies Push Plan for $250 Bill With His Face

USA

Trump Allies Push Plan for $250 Bill With His Face

The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing for the possible creation of a new $250 banknote that could feature his portrait, if Congress approves legislation allowing the move.

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Current US law prohibits living people from appearing on American currency. However, Republican lawmakers allied with Trump have introduced a bill that would create an exception and authorise a commemorative $250 note tied to the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
A spokesperson for the Treasury Department told the BBC that the agency was carrying out “appropriate planning and due diligence” in response to the proposal.
Treasury Begins Preparations
According to the Treasury Department, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has already been asked to begin preparing possible designs for the commemorative note, although no artwork has been released publicly.
The Washington Post first reported the department’s planning efforts.
The Treasury spokesperson said the BEP was “moving proactively” in case the legislation becomes law, adding that the note would recognise “the 250th Anniversary of our great nation”.
Trump’s signature is already expected to appear on some US paper currency as part of the upcoming semiquincentennial commemorations.



The legislation was introduced last year by Republican Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina. It would still require approval from both chambers of Congress before any new note could be produced.
Speaking at a White House briefing on Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the matter ultimately rested with Congress, though the Treasury was preparing in case lawmakers approved the proposal.
Bessent also defended the idea, saying he did not see “anything untoward” about featuring the sitting president on a commemorative note linked to the nation’s anniversary.
Legal and Political Questions
The proposal could face another legal hurdle because federal law currently specifies which denominations the Treasury is allowed to issue, and $250 notes are not included among them.
Democratic Senator Mark Warner criticised the plan, arguing it showed misplaced priorities at a time when Americans were facing rising living costs.
Warner said the administration appeared more focused on promoting Trump’s image than addressing issues such as housing, fuel and healthcare costs. He added that families would not need a $250 note “just to fill up their gas tanks” if more effort was spent lowering prices.
Larger Bills No Longer Circulate
The largest denomination currently printed in the US is the $100 bill, which features founding father Benjamin Franklin.
The United States previously issued larger notes, including $500, $1,000 and $10,000 bills, but they were discontinued in 1969. Although they remain legal tender, they are rarely seen outside private collections.
Producing new currency designs is typically a lengthy process involving several agencies, including the Federal Reserve and the US Secret Service. Designs are usually kept secret until shortly before release to reduce counterfeiting risks and avoid public confusion.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing says note designs are normally made public six to eight months before launch for education and preparation purposes.
It remains unclear whether a new $250 bill could be produced in time for the US anniversary celebrations on 4 July.
Wider Push to Promote Trump Branding
Since returning to office last year, Trump and his allies have pursued several efforts to place his name and image on national institutions and symbols.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was renamed to include Trump’s name, while his portrait is set to appear on US passports. The presidential aircraft Air Force One is also being repainted using colours preferred by Trump.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 28May 28

US, Iran Reach Tentative Ceasefire Extension Deal

Iranian Conflict

US, Iran Reach Tentative Ceasefire Extension Deal

Negotiators from the United States and Iran have agreed on the framework of a proposal that would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days and open talks on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, according to US officials.

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The proposed agreement has not yet been approved by President Donald Trump or Iran’s leadership, the officials told the BBC.
However, reports from Tehran suggested the arrangement was not yet settled. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency cited a source close to the negotiations who said the proposal had neither been finalised nor formally confirmed.
Ceasefire remains fragile
The developments come after several days of renewed tensions between the two countries, which have accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted a US military base in the region following overnight American strikes on Iranian targets.
On Wednesday, Iranian state media published what it described as elements of an unofficial 14-point memorandum of understanding. The reported draft included provisions for lifting Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdrawing US forces from areas near Iran, and restoring non-military shipping through the Strait of Hormuz under joint Iranian and Omani management.
The White House rejected the reported document, calling it a “complete fabrication”.
Shipping and sanctions at centre of talks
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in the negotiations. Around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass through the waterway, and recent disruptions have affected international energy markets.
Reports suggest the proposed deal would allow unrestricted commercial passage through the strait, while Iran would have 30 days to remove naval mines from the channel.
The agreement could also include US sanctions waivers enabling Iran to resume oil exports, alongside the lifting of the American naval blockade.
Progress uncertain despite optimism
Both governments had indicated last week that progress was being made towards an agreement, fuelling expectations of a breakthrough announcement.
Since the ceasefire began on 8 April, Trump has repeatedly said the two sides were nearing a deal. Yet previous rounds of diplomacy have failed to produce lasting agreements.
Negotiations held in Islamabad days after the ceasefire took effect ended without a substantive outcome.
Senior US officials, including Trump himself, have continued to warn that military action remains an option if talks collapse. Last week, Trump said he had come within an hour of authorising new strikes on Iran before deciding against it following appeals from US allies.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump said discussions were moving forward but described the Iranian proposal as “not there yet”.
Questions remain over whether Trump will ultimately approve the latest framework agreement.
Nuclear programme still unresolved
Any extension of the ceasefire would allow negotiators to move to more complex issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, including the future of its remaining stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Trump has previously suggested the uranium could either be removed by the US or diluted in Iran or a third country.
The news website Axios, which first reported the tentative agreement, said Trump had been briefed on the proposal but had not yet approved it and planned to consider it for several days.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declined to confirm reports of an agreement during a White House briefing.
“It’s always a mistake to get out ahead of the president,” he said, adding that any final decision would rest with Trump.
Asked whether a future peace settlement could include reconstruction assistance for Iran, Bessent replied: “We’ve got to get to the deal before we get to the other side.”


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 May 2026

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May 28May 28

US Faces Years to Rebuild Missile Stocks used in Iran War

USA

US Faces Years to Rebuild Missile Stocks used in Iran War

The United States could take years to rebuild key weapons stockpiles depleted during the Iran war, according to a new analysis that warns of a temporary gap in military readiness if another major conflict were to emerge, particularly in the western Pacific.

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The report, released Wednesday by the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, said U.S. defense contractors would need at least three years to replenish supplies of Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot interceptors and THAAD missile defense systems used heavily during the conflict with Iran.
The study said the drawdown had created “a window of vulnerability” for the United States, especially in relation to a possible future confrontation with China.
Military stockpiles under pressure
Tomahawk missiles, designed for long-range strikes deep inside enemy territory, were among the systems used extensively during the war. The report estimates that the United States fired more than 1,000 Tomahawks at Iran and may not fully restore prewar inventory levels until late 2030.
Production capacity remains limited. Fewer than 200 Tomahawks are currently manufactured each year, although manufacturer RTX, formerly known as Raytheon, aims to raise output to more than 1,000 annually.
The analysis also examined air defense systems. It said replacing up to 290 THAAD interceptors used against Iranian missiles and drones could take until the end of 2029, while replenishing more than 1,000 Patriot interceptors may take until mid-2029.
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin said it was increasing production capacity and investing billions of dollars through 2030, including new facilities in Alabama and other parts of the country.
Concerns over future conflicts
The report comes amid growing concern in Washington over U.S. preparedness for a possible conflict involving China and Taiwan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly warned against what Beijing views as U.S. interference in Taiwan, while China has set a goal for its military to be capable of taking the island by force if necessary by 2027.
CSIS said the United States still possessed enough munitions for any likely Iran-related scenario, but rebuilding inventories had become a pressing issue because of the time needed to expand production and strengthen supply chains.
“The problem today isn’t money; it’s time,” the report said, despite the Trump administration proposing a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have argued that the U.S. military remains fully capable of handling multiple threats. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the armed forces maintained “a deep arsenal of capabilities” and could carry out operations wherever required.
Debate over stockpile strategy
Some analysts and lawmakers have questioned whether current inventories are sufficient after years of supplying weapons to Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Virginia Burger, a former Marine officer now with the watchdog group Project On Government Oversight, said Pentagon officials were likely aware that stockpiles could fall to critical levels during a prolonged conflict.
CSIS co-author Mark Cancian said the issue stemmed partly from post-Cold War assumptions that future wars would be short and regional, reducing the need for large reserves of advanced weapons.
That thinking changed after Russia’s war in Ukraine demonstrated how quickly modern conflicts can consume munitions supplies.
Cancian said both the Biden and Trump administrations had increased efforts to expand production, but rebuilding inventories would still require years because of the complexity of defense manufacturing and supply chains.
The report added that China’s lack of recent combat experience could still act as a deterrent while U.S. stockpiles recover.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 May 2026

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May 27May 27

Iran Tightens Rules on Foreign Media Use

Iran

Iran Tightens Rules on Foreign Media Use

Iran has expanded restrictions on international news organisations operating in the country, ordering them to limit how their reporting can be shared by foreign and Israeli-linked outlets.

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Under new guidance issued Tuesday by Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, international media outlets based in Tehran must state that their content cannot be republished by Israeli media or Farsi-language television channels operating outside Iran.
The new directive was sent to several foreign news organisations, including Associated Press. According to the AP’s translation of the notice from Farsi, Iranian authorities warned that “responsibility for failing to comply with this directive rests with the submitting media outlet”.
Iran has also prohibited some international outlets from sharing material from broadcasters such as BBC Persian, Manoto TV and Iran International. Media organisations that violate the rules risk losing permission to operate inside Iran.
State media scrutiny
Iranian state media regularly publishes updates on domestic developments and ongoing negotiations with the United States, alongside commentary reflecting the position of the Islamic Republic. Several state-run outlets also produce English-language coverage aimed at international audiences.
The restrictions come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over military activity and nuclear negotiations.
On Wednesday, the White House accused Iranian state media of spreading false information after reports emerged claiming a draft memorandum of understanding between the two countries had been leaked.
Iranian outlets alleged the proposed agreement would include the lifting of a US naval blockade on Iranian ports and the withdrawal of American forces from Iran.
In a statement posted on X, the White House rapid response team dismissed the report, saying the alleged memorandum was “a complete fabrication”.
“Nobody should believe what Iranian state media is putting out. FACTS MATTER,” the statement said.
Nuclear talks continue
Despite the dispute, US officials say negotiations with Iran in Doha are continuing. Talks began last week and are focused on reducing regional tensions and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to reports, proposals under discussion could include measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend an existing ceasefire by 60 days while negotiators work on the future of Iran’s uranium stockpile and nuclear activities.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated further following what the US described as “defensive strikes” carried out in southern Iran earlier this week.
Iranian officials accused Washington of violating the ceasefire agreement. However, US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both suggested a broader agreement could be reached within days.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 May 2026

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May 27May 27

UN Climate Chief Links Europe Heatwave to Fossil Fuels

Environment

UN Climate Chief Links Europe Heatwave to Fossil Fuels

Western Europe has been hit by an unusually early heatwave, prompting warnings from the United Nations that the soaring temperatures are another sign of the worsening climate crisis.

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The comments came after both France and the UK recorded their hottest May temperatures on consecutive days, with forecasters warning that the intense conditions could continue across parts of the continent.
Climate warning
Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, said the extreme heat was being driven by the continued use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
He described the conditions as “a brutal reminder of the spiralling impacts of the climate crisis” and said scientific evidence clearly showed that human-caused climate change was making heatwaves more frequent and more severe.
Stiell said governments needed to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels in order to protect lives, economies and infrastructure from worsening weather extremes.
He also linked the issue to wider geopolitical instability, saying conflict in the Middle East had exposed the economic risks associated with dependence on fossil fuels. He pointed as well to India, where temperatures above 43C have been linked to reported heatstroke deaths.
Record temperatures across Europe
The UK recorded a temperature of 35.1C at Kew Gardens in London on Tuesday, according to the Met Office. The figure broke the previous May record of 34.8C that had been set only a day earlier.
The latest reading also exceeded the long-standing May record of 32.8C, first recorded in 1922 and matched in 1944.
France also experienced record-breaking heat. The country’s national heat index reached 24.8C on Tuesday, surpassing Monday’s record-setting 24.6C.
Temperatures in some French regions were expected to climb as high as 39C on Wednesday, levels more commonly associated with the height of summer.
Météo-France said a “heat dome” caused by a high-pressure weather system was trapping hot air over the country, creating temperatures up to 13C above seasonal norms.
Seventeen French departments, including Paris, were placed on orange heat alert for Thursday, while another 29 areas remained under yellow warnings.
Scientists raise concerns
Climate researchers said the latest conditions reflected a broader pattern of increasingly intense and earlier heatwaves linked to global warming.
Peter Thorne, director of climate research at Maynooth University in Ireland, said there was no doubt that greenhouse gas emissions were increasing both the likelihood and severity of such events.
Ireland also experienced unusually high temperatures, with a May record of 28.8C recorded on Monday.
Thorne described some of the temperature records being set in France and the UK as “mind-bogglingly crazy”.
Deaths and safety warnings
French authorities reported at least seven deaths connected directly or indirectly to the heat. Two people died while taking part in sporting events, while five others drowned as people sought relief from the temperatures at swimming areas.
In Britain, officials said four teenagers had drowned in England since Sunday.
Spain was also facing intense heat, with temperatures forecast to reach 40C in some regions later this week.
An orange weather alert was issued for the Basque Country, where temperatures were expected to reach 37C. Southern parts of Spain were forecast to see temperatures between 36C and 38C, including 38C in the south-western city of Badajoz.
Spain’s meteorological agency, Aemet, said the temperatures resembled conditions usually seen in July, describing the heat as more typical of the hottest period of summer.
Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo said the heatwave and the weather patterns behind it were consistent with trends linked to climate change observed in recent years.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 May 2026

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May 27May 27

Israel Orders Mass Evacuations in Southern Lebanon

Middle East

Israel Orders Mass Evacuations in Southern Lebanon

Israel has issued its largest evacuation order in southern Lebanon since a ceasefire came into effect last month, warning residents across a wide area to leave ahead of what it described as intensified military action against Hezbollah.

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The Israeli military said areas south of the Zahrani River were now considered “combat zones” and urged civilians to move north. The order affects around 300 towns and villages, covering roughly 14% of Lebanese territory.
The Israel Defense Forces said it would act “with extreme force”, accusing Hezbollah of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement.
Rising fears of escalation
The evacuation warning followed a series of Israeli air strikes on Wednesday, including attacks on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre. Hezbollah later said its fighters had clashed with Israeli troops.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expansion of Israel’s ground operations after Hezbollah launched drone attacks targeting Israeli troops in southern Lebanon and civilians in northern Israel.
The Israeli military has issued nine evacuation warnings over the past 24 hours, increasing concerns that fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border could intensify further and trigger another wave of displacement.
Residents in Tyre described scenes of panic after evacuation notices were followed quickly by air strikes. People gathered near the city’s port carrying belongings as explosions hit nearby areas.
A local resident named Rida, whose home and cafe had previously been destroyed in an earlier strike, said many people were fleeing the city in fear.
Displacement pressures grow
Humanitarian workers and Lebanese officials warned that cities already hosting displaced families were struggling to cope with the growing number of arrivals.
Officials said the coastal city of Sidon could no longer absorb large numbers of displaced residents, urging people instead to seek shelter in the Beqaa Valley and Mount Lebanon regions.
Lebanese media also reported Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley on Wednesday. Four people were reported killed in the towns of Choukine and Nabatieh.
The latest attacks came after a heavy wave of Israeli bombardments over the previous 24 hours, during which more than 150 strikes reportedly hit around 50 towns and villages across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 31 people were killed on Tuesday alone, including 15 in Burj al-Shamali near Tyre.
Hezbollah said its fighters had engaged Israeli troops “at point-blank range” in Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh, north of the Litani River and outside an Israeli-declared buffer zone.
Ceasefire tensions deepen
Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening, Netanyahu said Israeli forces were “deepening” operations beyond areas already occupied near the border.
“We are fortifying the security zone to protect the communities of the north,” he said.
Israeli officials argue that Hezbollah’s attacks breach the temporary ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon, which has already been extended twice since taking effect in April.
Lebanese officials, however, say Israel’s continued strikes also violate the agreement.
The worsening violence threatens broader diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Israel and Iran to end the regional conflict. Iran has said any future deal must also address the situation in Lebanon, while Israel maintains it will continue military operations against Hezbollah.
The conflict expanded on 2 March after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following an Israeli strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader. Israel responded with a major air campaign and ground invasion in Lebanon.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least 3,213 people have been killed in Lebanon since the war began, although the figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Israel says 23 soldiers and four civilians have been killed on both sides of the border during the conflict.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 May 2026

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May 27May 27

Jill Biden Feared Joe Biden Had a Stroke During 2024 Debate

USA

Jill Biden Feared Joe Biden Had a Stroke During 2024 Debate

Former US First Lady Jill Biden has said she feared her husband, former President Joe Biden, was suffering a stroke during his widely criticised debate performance against Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign.

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Speaking in an interview with CBS News, Jill Biden said she had “never ever” seen her husband behave the way he did during the televised debate.
“I was frightened, because I had never ever seen Joe like that before or since. Never,” she told CBS News Sunday Morning host Rita Braver.
“I don’t know what happened,” she added. “As I watched it, I thought, ‘Oh, my God, he’s having a stroke.’ And it scared me to death.”
Debate fallout
The June 2024 debate became a turning point in the presidential race, intensifying concerns among Democrats about Biden’s age and ability to continue his re-election campaign.
During the contest, Biden and Trump clashed over issues including immigration, the economy and abortion rights as both sought a second term in the White House.
However, Biden’s performance drew widespread scrutiny after he appeared hoarse, stumbled over some answers and at times seemed to lose his train of thought.
His campaign said at the time that the president had been ill, which they said explained his raspy voice during the debate.
The performance quickly sparked alarm within the Democratic Party, with some party leaders and donors openly questioning whether Biden should remain the party’s nominee for the November election.
Pressure to leave race
In the weeks after the debate, Biden faced mounting pressure from fellow Democrats to step aside.
Despite the criticism, his campaign initially insisted he would stay in the race and take part in another debate against Trump.
Then-Vice President Kamala Harris later described Biden’s showing as a “slow start”, while maintaining support for the president.
Media commentators and political analysts also raised concerns about Biden’s prospects in the election following the debate appearance.
Biden eventually withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Interview to air Sunday
Jill Biden’s remarks were made in an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning that is scheduled to air on Sunday.
The interview offers a rare personal account from the former first lady about her reaction to one of the defining moments of the 2024 election campaign.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 May 2026

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May 27May 27

Pam Bondi Diagnosed With Cancer Before Epstein Hearing

Epstein Files

Pam Bondi Diagnosed With Cancer Before Epstein Hearing

Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, weeks after leaving her position in President Donald Trump’s administration.

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Bondi, 60, confirmed to CBS News that she is undergoing treatment and recently had surgery. Despite the diagnosis, she said she plans to continue working and will join the White House’s Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, known as PCAST.
Health Battle After DOJ Exit
Bondi left the Department of Justice in April after being removed from her role by President Donald Trump. At the time, she said she was preparing to move into work in the private sector.
Podcast host and former White House adviser Katie Miller wrote on social media that Bondi had been “quietly kicking cancer’s ass the last few weeks” and described her as having “a heart of gold”.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most thyroid cancers are treatable and have a five-year survival rate above 98%. Bondi has not disclosed the stage of her illness.
New Role in Trump Advisory Council
Bondi’s appointment to PCAST marks her first announced role since departing the Justice Department. The council was created by executive order in January 2025 to advise the administration on science and technology policy.
Vice-President JD Vance praised Bondi in a statement, saying she had been an “enormously valuable asset” to the administration and would continue contributing on major policy issues.
The council’s members include several leading technology figures, among them Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison and Jensen Huang.
Scrutiny Over Epstein Files
Bondi is also expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Friday regarding her handling of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
She and Trump have faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans over the Justice Department’s release of the records, with some lawmakers arguing that key documents were withheld from the public.
Cabinet Departures Continue
Bondi is one of four Trump cabinet members to leave their posts this year. Other departures include Kristi Noem and Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
Last week, former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also announced her resignation, citing her husband’s recent bone cancer diagnosis.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 May 2026

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May 27May 27