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World News

Fresh news brought to you daily from around the world. Hot news, breaking stories as they happen.

Putin to Visit Beijing for Talks With Xi

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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Israel Strikes Push Lebanon Death Toll Past 3,000

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

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

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026

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At least 1 dead in San Diego mosque shooting

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

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



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026
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Farage faces new questions over £1.4m home funding

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

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



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026
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Trump Approval Hits Lowest Point of Second Term

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026
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Trump Calls Off Planned Iran Attack After Gulf Request

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 May 2026
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Three Killed After Vehicle Hits Pedestrians in Oakland

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026
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Former FBI Director Comey Defends Courts in ‘86 47’ Case

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

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

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026
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Man Killed in Great White Shark Attack off Western Australia

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

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

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026
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Labour leadership contest revives Brexit row

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

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

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026
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Ukraine drone strikes hit Moscow region, 3 dead

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 202
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Drone Strike near nuclear plant sparks alarm in UAE

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 202
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DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Declared Global Health Emergency

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026

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Trump Warns Time Running Out as Iran Talks Stall

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

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

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026

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Rival Marches in London Draw Tens of Thousands

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026
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US May Indict Raúl Castro Over 1996 Plane Shootdown

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

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



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026
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Hamas Top Commander Killed in Israeli Strike in Gaza

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026

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Driver Rams Pedestrians in Modena, Italy, Injuring Eight

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

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


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026
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Trump Returns From China With No Iran Breakthrough

U.S. President Donald Trump returned to Washington on Friday without any clear progress toward ending the conflict with Iran after talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, leaving his administration weighing whether to intensify military action or continue pursuing diplomacy.

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Officials had closely watched Trump’s trip to China, hoping Beijing’s ties with Tehran might help unlock negotiations over the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. However, Trump appeared to come away with little new to report.
Speaking to reporters while traveling back to the United States, Trump said Xi had expressed support for reopening the strategic waterway and agreed that Iran should not develop a nuclear weapon — positions China had already stated publicly.
“He would like to see it end. He would like to help,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News journalist Bret Baier. “If he wants to help, that’s great. But we don’t need help.”
Administration officials had waited to assess the outcome of the meeting before determining the next steps on Iran policy. With the trip concluded and no breakthrough secured, Trump now faces decisions about how to proceed in a conflict that has already lasted longer than he originally predicted.
Debate Inside the Administration
The war has stretched well beyond the six weeks Trump initially projected, while rising fuel costs and economic concerns have put pressure on the administration.
In a message posted Friday on Truth Social, Trump signaled the military campaign would continue, writing that operations against Iran are “to be continued!”
Behind the scenes, officials remain divided over the best strategy. Some within the Pentagon favor a tougher approach, including targeted strikes aimed at forcing Iran to make concessions at the negotiating table.
Others argue the United States should maintain its focus on diplomacy. Trump himself has recently leaned toward that path, hoping a combination of direct talks and economic pressure could persuade Tehran to accept a deal.
So far, however, Iranian negotiators have shown little willingness to change their position since Trump announced a ceasefire in April.
“Well, I looked at it and if I don’t like the first sentence, I just throw it away,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One when discussing Iran’s latest proposal.
Vice President JD Vance said earlier in the week that diplomatic discussions were continuing. He said he had spoken with senior envoys including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, as well as contacts in Arab countries involved in the talks.
“I think that we are making progress,” Vance said, adding that the key question was whether negotiations would satisfy the president’s conditions.
Pressure Mounts Over Economy
Trump’s impatience with Iran has grown as the conflict drags on. Officials say he has been particularly frustrated by the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed oil and gas prices higher.
Iran’s latest response to U.S. proposals, combined with increasingly confrontational rhetoric from Tehran, has also raised doubts among American officials about whether Iranian leaders are committed to reaching a deal.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the administration still prefers diplomacy but warned the president had multiple options available.
“President Trump has every option at his disposal,” she said, adding that any agreement would need to protect U.S. national security.
Outside analysts say Trump is searching for a way to break the deadlock. Ivo Daalder, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, said the president had tried both confrontational rhetoric and negotiations without achieving results.
Political Stakes Rising
At the same time, the domestic political stakes are increasing as the United States approaches midterm elections.
Average gasoline prices have climbed above $4.50 per gallon and could rise further if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Inflation has also accelerated, outpacing wage growth in April for the first time in three years.
Business leaders have privately urged the administration to find a way to end the conflict, according to people familiar with those conversations.
Trump has largely dismissed concerns about the economic impact. Asked earlier this week about Americans struggling with rising costs, he said his focus remained on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Pressed later on those comments, Trump told Fox News he stood by the remark, calling it “a perfect statement.”
Even so, advisers acknowledge the administration faces increasing pressure to resolve the situation quickly.
“They just want the war over,” one adviser said of discussions with corporate executives, describing their message as a call to end the conflict as soon as possible.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026
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Does Political Turmoil Mean Britain Is Ungovernable?

Britain’s political stability is under renewed scrutiny as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Keir Starmer following Labour’s losses in recent local elections, raising questions about the durability of his government less than two years after its landslide victory.

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The Labour leader won a commanding parliamentary majority in the 2024 United Kingdom general election, promising a decade of national renewal after years of political turbulence under the Conservative Party. However, recent electoral setbacks across England, Scotland and Wales have intensified speculation over his leadership.
Several Labour lawmakers have publicly questioned Starmer’s direction, with some calling for changes at the top of the government.
The debate has unfolded against the backdrop of frequent leadership changes in recent years. Britain has had five prime ministers since 2019, including Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
Leadership under pressure
Historian Anthony Seldon, who has written biographies of several modern British prime ministers, said the rapid pace of political change has made the office increasingly difficult to assess historically.
Seldon began documenting prime ministers in the 1990s, when leaders typically served several years in office. In recent years, however, leadership changes have become far more frequent.
His upcoming biography of Sunak is scheduled for release later this year, but the historian has suggested that Britain could soon see another leadership transition.
Possible successors discussed within the Labour Party include Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and other senior figures.
Economic challenges persist
The political tensions come as Britain continues to face long-term economic pressures. The country’s economy has struggled to recover fully since the 2008 financial crisis, with real wages remaining largely stagnant for much of the past decade.
Inflation surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which contributed to higher energy costs and economic uncertainty.
Britain’s exit from the European Union has also been linked by some economists to weaker growth and reduced trade flows.
Government borrowing has risen in recent years, while British government bonds carry some of the highest yields among economies in the Group of Seven.
Fragmented political landscape
At the same time, Britain’s political system has become more competitive.
For much of the past century, elections were largely dominated by two parties: Labour and the Conservatives. In recent years, however, smaller parties have gained support.
These include the centrist Liberal Democrats, the Green Party of England and Wales and the right-wing Reform UK. In Scotland and Wales, nationalist parties such as the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru also play a significant role.
Analysts say this shift has turned elections into multi-party contests in many parts of the country, placing additional pressure on traditional governing parties.
Debate over Labour’s direction
Some political analysts say Starmer’s government has struggled to communicate a clear political message since taking office.
During the 2024 campaign, Labour ruled out raising the country’s three main taxes, limiting its options for increasing public spending.
Ben Ansell, a political scientist at the University of Oxford, said the government has sought revenue from more targeted policies affecting sectors such as private schools, banks and farmers.
Supporters of the prime minister, however, point to some signs of progress. Waiting lists in the National Health Service have recently fallen sharply, and ministers say efforts to reduce treatment delays are accelerating.
They also argue that Britain’s relations with European partners have improved since Labour took office.
Potential challengers emerge
Attention within Labour has increasingly turned to Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who is widely seen as one of the country’s most popular politicians.
Burnham has promoted policies aimed at combining economic growth with stronger public services in Manchester, which has been among the fastest-growing cities in Britain.
However, Burnham cannot contest the Labour leadership unless he first returns to parliament. A potential by-election in the constituency of Makerfield could provide that opportunity if he chooses to stand.
For now, Starmer has said he will not resign, warning that another leadership change could return Britain to the political instability that marked recent years.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026
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Trump Defends Remark on Ignoring Americans’ Finances

US President Donald Trump has defended comments that he is not considering Americans’ financial situation while negotiating an end to the conflict with Iran, saying his focus remains on preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

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Speaking in an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier on Friday, Trump described his earlier remarks as a “perfect statement” and said he would repeat them if asked again.
“I’d make it again,” he said after being shown a clip of his previous comments.
The remarks came after Trump told reporters earlier in the week that he was not thinking about the economic impact on Americans “even a little bit” as he works to resolve the months-long Iran conflict.
Focus on nuclear threat
Trump said his priority in negotiations with Iran was to ensure the country does not develop nuclear weapons.
“The only thing that matters, when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he said earlier this week.
“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”
The comments drew criticism from Democrats, while some Republicans defended the president’s stance.
In the Fox News interview, which was recorded during Trump’s visit to China, the president acknowledged there could be “short-term pain” as negotiations continue and efforts are made to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The key shipping route is one of the world’s busiest oil transit corridors. A blockade linked to the conflict has pushed global energy prices higher.
Energy prices and the conflict
Trump said he would accept higher fuel prices temporarily if it helped achieve US objectives in the conflict.
“When you tell somebody you’re going to pay a little more for gasoline for a very short period of time… everybody says that’s fine,” he said.
He also described the reporter’s question that prompted his earlier remarks as “a fake question”.
Fuel prices in the United States have risen sharply since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February.
According to data from the American Automobile Association, the national average price for gasoline has climbed to more than $4.50 a gallon, an increase of roughly 50%.
Trump said he expected prices to fall once shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes.
“Don’t forget, they have a lot of boats that are loaded up with oil that are going to bring the oil out as soon as this is over,” he said, adding that he believed the situation would be resolved quickly.
Midterm political pressure
Rising fuel costs and declining approval ratings have added pressure on Republicans as they approach November’s midterm elections.
The party currently holds narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress, raising concerns among some lawmakers about the political impact of the conflict with Iran.
Trump said, however, that electoral considerations would not influence his decisions on the issue.
“I’m not going to let the election determine what’s going to happen with respect to Iran,” he said, repeating that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026

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Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton Block Thames Tower Plan

Celebrities including Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton have succeeded in stopping plans for a 29-storey residential tower beside the River Thames in southwest London after a planning inspector upheld the local council’s rejection of the development.

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The proposed 100-metre building, planned for the south bank of the river near Battersea Bridge, had been put forward by Rockwell Property. The project would have created more than 100 flats and commercial space, but faced strong opposition from local residents and high-profile figures who argued it would harm the character of the area.
Planning appeal rejected
Wandsworth Council had previously refused planning permission, citing the scheme’s “excessive height and scale”. The council said the tower would cause an “unacceptable and incongruous” change to the surrounding area and damage the skyline along the Thames.
The decision was later supported by the Greater London Authority.
Rockwell Property appealed against the refusal, prompting a public planning inquiry lasting eight days. However, planning inspector Joanna Gilbert concluded that the tower would harm the appearance of the neighbourhood and rejected the appeal.
In her ruling, Gilbert said the building would have “adverse effects on the character and appearance of the local area” and would appear overbearing in the landscape.
She added that the structure would stand out significantly compared with nearby buildings and would dramatically alter views along this stretch of the Thames embankment.
Objections from local residents
The plans attracted opposition from a number of well-known residents, including actor Felicity Kendal and comedian Harry Hill, who joined Jagger and Clapton in challenging the development.
Jagger, frontman of The Rolling Stones, has lived on the north bank of the Thames since the early 1960s. His bandmate Keith Richards has also lived in the area.
The singer previously said the tower made “no sense” and was “totally wrong on every level”. Speaking earlier this year, he warned that allowing the building could encourage further high-rise developments along the river, permanently changing the character of the riverside.
Clapton also voiced concern that approval of the project could open the door to similar developments. He argued that other developers might follow with additional towers along the Thames.
Development plans and ruling
Rockwell Property’s original proposal was for a 34-storey tower containing 142 flats. The scheme was later revised to a 29-storey building with 110 flats, including 54 designated as affordable housing. The development also included underground parking and a mix of commercial spaces.
The developer said the project was intended to address London’s need for new housing and would deliver high-quality homes.
However, the planning inspector concluded the building would stand out as taller and bulkier than nearby structures. She said it would not fit within a cluster of tall buildings but would instead appear isolated in the skyline.
Gilbert also said the design was “not exemplary, extraordinary, remarkable or distinctive, just tall”, adding that it would not enhance London’s skyline.
In a statement following the ruling, Rockwell said it was disappointed with the outcome but maintained that it believed in the regeneration project. The company said it had made several changes to the design in response to public feedback and had commissioned the internationally known architects Farrells for the scheme.
Despite those changes, the inspector concluded the development would harm the surrounding townscape and dismissed the appeal.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026
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Fake Moustaches Help UK Kids Bypass Online Age Checks

British children are using tactics ranging from false birthdates to fake moustaches to get around online age verification systems introduced under the Online Safety Act, according to a new survey that raises questions about how effective the measures are in practice.

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The law requires platforms that host adult material or user-generated content to implement stronger age-verification systems to protect minors. Yet new findings suggest many young users still find it relatively simple to evade these digital barriers.
Survey Finds Age Checks Easy to Circumvent
A report by Internet Matters, based on a survey of 1,000 children and parents across the UK, found that 46% of underage users believe bypassing online age checks is easy.
The Online Safety Act was introduced to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit material and violent imagery. The legislation has pushed technology companies to introduce new safety features such as parental controls, stronger content filtering and biometric verification tools.
However, the survey indicates that these safeguards may not be working as intended.
While many children simply enter an incorrect birth year when registering for services, others reported more inventive ways of fooling systems designed to estimate age. Some said they used make-up or attached fake moustaches to trick facial-analysis technology into identifying them as older users.
Harmful Content Still Reaching Children
Despite the new regulatory framework, the survey also found that nearly half of children — 49% — still encounter harmful content online.
The findings suggest that although platforms have introduced more visible safety measures, the underlying verification technology can still be manipulated with relatively simple methods.
Parents surveyed also raised broader concerns about the online environment facing children. Among the issues highlighted were the growth of AI-generated material, including deepfakes and synthetic media that younger users may struggle to recognise as false.
Many parents also expressed concern about algorithms that encourage prolonged screen time, as well as the absence of core safety features embedded in many social media platforms.
Call for “Safety by Design”
Internet Matters said age verification alone should not be viewed as a complete solution to protecting minors online.
Instead, the organisation called for a “safety-by-design” approach in which protections are integrated into digital products from the earliest stages of development, rather than added later in response to legislation.
The report also recommends a more targeted approach to risk management. Platforms, it said, should evaluate specific features and types of content according to how they may affect different age groups, rather than relying on a single system applied to all users.
Education and Enforcement Needed
The persistence of simple workarounds — from fake birthdates to theatrical disguises — highlights the challenge regulators face in ensuring age verification systems are reliable.
According to the report, improving technology alone will not solve the issue. Internet Matters is urging closer cooperation between schools, government authorities and technology companies to improve media literacy among children and parents.
Teaching young users how to identify risks online and report inappropriate material, the group said, should form part of a broader strategy to make digital spaces safer.
The findings underline that the Online Safety Act may represent an important first step in regulating online platforms. However, the survey suggests that without stronger enforcement and more sophisticated verification systems, many of the law’s intended protections may remain difficult to achieve.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Compiled from various sources. 16 May 2026
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UK Faces Weeks of Uncertainty Over Starmer’s Future

The British government faces a period of political uncertainty as Prime Minister Keir Starmer confronts a potential leadership challenge from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who must first return to Parliament before formally launching a bid.

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Burnham’s route back to Westminster remains uncertain. The former cabinet minister will need to win a by-election for the parliamentary seat of Makerfield, which was vacated to allow him to stand. The contest is expected to be competitive, with the anti-immigration Reform UK party performing strongly in the area during last week’s local elections.
Financial markets showed signs of unease as the political turmoil deepened. Government borrowing costs rose on Friday, while the pound weakened amid investor concern about instability at the centre of government. The British currency has fallen about 1.4% against the U.S. dollar over the past week.
Leadership pressure intensifies
Speculation over Starmer’s leadership escalated on Thursday when Burnham publicly stated his intention to seek the top job, prompting open divisions within the ruling Labour Party.
Two other senior figures have also positioned themselves as potential contenders. The unrest follows heavy losses for Labour in last week’s local elections, where the party lost support both to Reform UK on the right and the Green Party on the left.
The results intensified pressure on Starmer, with a growing number of Labour lawmakers publicly urging him to step aside.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed appealed for restraint on Friday, warning that a bitter leadership battle could distract the government from addressing pressing national issues, including the cost of living.
“This weekend people just need to take a breath, look at what’s gone wrong this week, and come back next week ready to do what we said we’d do — country first, party second — and focus on delivering the change we were elected to deliver,” he told the BBC.
Cabinet resignation deepens crisis
Political manoeuvring in Westminster intensified after Health Secretary Wes Streeting became the first cabinet minister to resign over the crisis.
In his resignation letter, Streeting praised Starmer’s international leadership but said he no longer had confidence in the prime minister’s handling of domestic policy.
“Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift,” Streeting wrote.
He also criticised the government’s handling of internal dissent, saying the approach had discouraged open debate within the party.
“Leaders take responsibility, but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords,” Streeting wrote. “You also need to listen to your colleagues, including backbenchers, and the heavy-handed approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics.”
Streeting did not declare his own candidacy, but suggested Starmer should step aside to allow a wide range of candidates to set out their visions for the party’s future.
Burnham’s path back to Parliament
Burnham, who served as a cabinet minister before leaving Parliament in 2017 to become mayor of Greater Manchester, has been seeking a route back to Westminster to challenge Starmer.
That opportunity emerged when Labour lawmaker Josh Simons resigned his seat on Thursday specifically to create a vacancy for Burnham to contest.
However, Burnham must still win the Makerfield by-election before he can re-enter Parliament and mount a leadership challenge.
In announcing his candidacy, Burnham acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead.
“I truly do not take a single vote for granted and will work hard to regain the trust of people in the Makerfield constituency, many of whom have long supported our party but lost faith in recent times,” he said in a statement.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 16 May 2026
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China Says ‘No Point’ in Continuing Iran War

China’s foreign ministry has said there is “no point” in the United States continuing its conflict with Iran, calling instead for a ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

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The remarks came on Friday after a two-day summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where global trade, Taiwan and tensions in the Middle East were among the main issues discussed.
Beijing did not confirm whether Iran was formally addressed during the leaders’ talks, though Trump later suggested the two sides shared similar views on ending the conflict.
China calls for diplomatic solution
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran should not continue and urged both sides to seek a political settlement.
“There is no point in continuing this conflict which should not have happened in the first place,” the spokesperson said, without directly confirming whether the subject had been raised during the meeting between Trump and Xi.
The ministry added that reaching an early resolution would benefit not only the United States and Iran, but also countries across the region and the wider international community.
China also called for a ceasefire and further diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending hostilities.
Summit discussions and US pressure on Beijing
The comments followed a high-level summit between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies, where relations between Washington and Beijing and several geopolitical flashpoints were on the agenda.
It remains unclear whether the meeting produced any formal agreements related to Iran.
However, the US has been pressing China to use its economic ties with Tehran to encourage negotiations. China is the largest purchaser of Iranian oil, buying roughly 90% of Iran’s exported supply, according to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
Those purchases generate tens of billions of dollars each year for Iran.
Trump said after the talks that Washington and Beijing shared similar goals regarding the conflict.
“We feel very similar,” he told reporters, adding that the United States does not want Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and wants shipping to remain open through a key regional waterway.
Strait of Hormuz tensions
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of tension in the dispute between Washington and Tehran.
Disruptions to shipping in the narrow waterway have affected global oil markets for months. In peacetime, the route carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
A statement released by the White House following Trump’s visit said Xi had made clear that China opposed the “militarisation of the Strait” or any attempt to impose tolls on vessels passing through it.
According to the statement, Xi also indicated that China was interested in purchasing more American oil in the future, which could help reduce its dependence on shipping routes through the strait.
Military supplies and stalled negotiations
Trump also said Xi had pledged that China would not provide military equipment to Iran.
Speaking to Fox News in an interview, the US president said the Chinese leader had been clear about withholding such support, although he acknowledged that China continues to rely heavily on Iranian oil imports.
China has previously said it does not supply weapons to Tehran.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at securing a longer-term agreement to end hostilities appear to have stalled.
Officials on both sides have rejected the other’s latest proposals, leaving the conflict unresolved despite calls for diplomacy.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 16 May 2026
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