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World News

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

Hegseth orders US Army chief Randy George to retire amid Iran conflict

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered Army Chief of Staff Randy George to retire with immediate effect, according to US officials, triggering a sudden leadership change inside the Pentagon.

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Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the decision in a public statement, saying George would step down immediately as the 41st chief of staff of the US Army and thanking him for decades of military service.

Sudden removal of Army chief
Senior Army leaders learned of the decision at the same time as the wider Defense Department when it was publicly announced, according to a US official. The abrupt move caught many in the Pentagon by surprise.

George was informed of the decision during a phone call from Hegseth while he was attending a meeting, a second official said. He later spoke with his staff in person about the development, and officials described the reaction among his team as subdued.

Move follows Trump Iran speech
The leadership change came one day after Donald Trump addressed the nation about the ongoing conflict with Iran. In the speech, the president indicated the United States would intensify military strikes, reversing earlier suggestions that the war could end within weeks.

As Army chief, George played a key role in planning and advising on military operations, including the deployment of forces and the provision of air and missile defence capabilities to US forces.

He also served as a principal adviser on those capabilities to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, as well as to Hegseth.

Officials said the timing of the decision raised concerns inside the Pentagon because the Army is heavily involved in operations linked to the conflict.

One US official described the decision as appearing poorly considered given the operational demands currently facing the military.

Wider shake-up in Army leadership
Hegseth also removed two other senior Army officers the same day. They include the Army’s chief of chaplains, William Green Jr., and David Hodne, who led the Army’s Transformation and Training Command.

The defence secretary has previously dismissed several senior officers during his time in office, signalling a broader shift in military leadership.

George, an infantry officer commissioned from United States Military Academy at West Point in 1988, had served as Army chief of staff since September 2023. Earlier in his career he commanded I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and later served as senior military assistant to former defence secretary Lloyd Austin.

Although the role of senior military assistant is generally viewed as non-political, George’s close working relationship with Austin was viewed negatively by some figures around Hegseth.

Possible successor emerges
Attention has now turned to Army Vice Chief of Staff Chris LaNeve, who is expected to serve as acting chief following George’s departure.

LaNeve previously commanded the US Army’s Eighth Army in South Korea and earlier led the 82nd Airborne Division. He later served as a special assistant within US Army Forces Command before moving to Korea.

He gained public attention shortly after Trump’s inauguration when he addressed the president by video from South Korea during the Commander in Chief’s Ball, congratulating him on returning to office.

Trump praised LaNeve during the exchange, commenting positively on his leadership style.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 April 2026
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Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi in Washington

Donald Trump has privately discussed dismissing Attorney General Pam Bondi and potentially replacing her with Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin, according to several people familiar with the discussions.

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Sources say the president has voiced frustration over criticism from supporters about the administration’s handling of records connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi also faces a deposition later this month before lawmakers investigating matters tied to Epstein.

Trump weighs possible leadership change
Those familiar with the conversations say Trump has asked advisers about possible replacements and complained that Bondi has not pursued investigations against political opponents as aggressively as he expected.

However, sources say no final decision has been made on Bondi’s future.

Despite the private discussions, Trump publicly backed the attorney general. In a statement, he said Bondi was “a wonderful person” who is performing well in the role.

Bondi remains active in administration
Bondi appeared alongside Trump on Wednesday, travelling in the presidential motorcade during his visit to the Supreme Court for arguments concerning birthright citizenship. She also attended remarks the president delivered later that evening on the conflict involving Iran.

The Justice Department referred questions to the White House statement. A person familiar with the matter said Trump and Bondi have spoken several times in recent days and described the exchanges as routine discussions about government business.

The idea of replacing Bondi with Zeldin was first raised earlier in the year. According to sources, the possibility surfaced in January but faded as attention on the Epstein investigation declined.

Some senior Justice Department officials had believed the issue had largely moved out of the spotlight after months of controversy surrounding files related to the case.

Epstein files controversy resurfaces
Concerns resurfaced this week after reports circulated within the White House that Trump had again discussed replacing Bondi. While Zeldin has been mentioned frequently, people familiar with the matter say he is not necessarily the only candidate under consideration.

Bondi has faced scrutiny over comments she made in early 2025 regarding documents tied to Epstein. In a television interview, she said a client list connected to the investigation was on her desk for review.

The Justice Department later said no such list existed. Bondi subsequently clarified that she had been referring broadly to investigative material, including flight logs and other documents, rather than a single list of names.

Allies defend Bondi inside White House
Bondi maintains support from several senior figures in the administration, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Sources say Wiles has previously intervened when Trump expressed doubts about the attorney general’s performance.

In comments reported earlier by Vanity Fair, Wiles acknowledged Bondi had mishandled aspects of the Epstein-related issue but still backed her.

The discussion comes after Trump removed another senior cabinet official earlier in his second term, dismissing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Bondi was not Trump’s first choice for the position. The president initially nominated former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, but he withdrew from consideration after failing to secure enough support from Republican senators.

Bondi was confirmed as attorney general in 2025 by a 54–46 Senate vote, largely along party lines. During confirmation hearings, she pledged that the Justice Department would not target individuals for political reasons.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026
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King Charles III to Address US Congress in Washington Visit

King Charles III will address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on April 28 during an official state visit to the United States, congressional leaders announced.

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In a joint statement on Tuesday, senior lawmakers said the speech will mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence and highlight the long-standing partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom.

The invitation was issued by Mike Johnson, John Thune, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.

Lawmakers said the address will reflect on the historical ties between the two nations while offering a platform for the monarch to outline his view of the future relationship.

Historic address planned during state visit
The statement noted that the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence this year and said the country’s founding ideals were influenced in part by British political traditions.

Leaders said the speech would provide an opportunity to reaffirm the alliance between the two countries and underline cooperation at a time of global uncertainty.

Visit scheduled for late April
Donald Trump said the state visit will take place from April 27 to April 30.

The trip comes as Washington and London manage tensions within the transatlantic alliance, particularly over the conflict involving Iran. The dispute has highlighted divisions within North Atlantic Treaty Organization about whether member states should take part in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign.

Britain, a longstanding NATO member, has resisted calls to join the conflict.

Starmer rejects pressure to enter Iran conflict
Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, said the United Kingdom remains committed to NATO but will not alter its stance on the war.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Starmer said his government would continue to act based on British national interests. He said London faced pressure to take part in the conflict but insisted the United Kingdom would not change its position.

The remarks came as Trump said he was considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, a move that would represent a major shift in the Western security alliance.

Legal limits on NATO withdrawal
U.S. lawmakers moved in 2023 to restrict a president’s ability to leave the alliance unilaterally.

Under legislation passed by Congress, any decision to withdraw from NATO must either receive approval from two-thirds of the Senate or be authorised through a separate act of Congress.

The measure was designed to ensure continued legislative oversight over major shifts in U.S. foreign policy and the country’s role in the alliance.

King Charles’s address will place the British monarch before Congress at a moment of political and security tensions across the transatlantic partnership, even as both governments emphasise the historic ties linking the two countries.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026

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Utah Authorities Confirm Ted Bundy Victim in 1974 Killing

Authorities in Utah say new forensic testing has formally resolved a 51-year-old murder investigation, identifying a teenage girl as a victim of serial killer Ted Bundy.

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Officials from the Utah County Sheriff's Office announced that modern DNA analysis confirmed Bundy’s involvement in the killing of 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime. The teenager vanished after leaving a Halloween party in 1974.

DNA evidence closes decades-old case
Her body was discovered roughly a month later by hikers in American Fork Canyon. At the time, investigators were unable to definitively link the killing to Bundy, leaving the case open for decades.

The sheriff’s office said new testing confirmed “irrefutably” that DNA recovered from the victim matched Bundy, bringing a definitive conclusion to the investigation.

Confession without details
Bundy admitted to killing Aime before his execution in 1989, but investigators said he never provided details explaining exactly what happened. Because of that lack of information, authorities chose to keep the investigation active until forensic proof could confirm his role.

During a news conference, Mike Smith said the case had now reached a final resolution.

“This case is now officially closed,” Smith told reporters, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

Smith added that if Bundy were still alive, prosecutors would seek the death penalty for the crime.

Bundy’s killing spree
Bundy is regarded as one of the most notorious serial killers in United States history. Investigators say he murdered at least 30 women between February 1974 and February 1978, though authorities believe the true number of victims may be higher.

His crimes spanned multiple states, beginning in the Pacific Northwest and later extending to Colorado, Utah and Florida.
At the time Laura Ann Aime disappeared, Bundy was living in Salt Lake City and studying law at the University of Utah.

Bundy often approached women in public places, using charm or feigned injuries to gain sympathy. Investigators say he then lured victims to isolated locations where he attacked and killed them.



Arrests, escapes and capture
Authorities first arrested Bundy in 1975 for kidnapping. He received a 15-year prison sentence but escaped custody in 1977 by jumping from a prison library window.

He was captured again within days but later escaped a second time, allowing him to continue his killing spree. Bundy was finally arrested again in 1978.

In a statement released by the sheriff’s office, officials described Laura Ann Aime as an outgoing teenager who loved outdoor activities. She enjoyed horseback riding, hunting and spending time with her siblings.

Investigators said confirming the DNA link provides long-awaited certainty in a case that remained unresolved for more than half a century.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026
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Reeves criticises Trump over Iran war and economic impact

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she is “angry” that Donald Trump decided to launch military action against Iran, warning the conflict risks damaging the economy and increasing pressure on households.

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Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Reeves said the war lacked a clear exit strategy and could bring significant economic consequences.

She said the conflict was already affecting the global economy and could result in higher inflation, weaker economic growth and reduced tax revenues.

Reeves also stressed that the UK government had chosen not to enter the war.

Reeves attacks decision to go to war
The comments mark a sharper criticism of Trump than those made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier in the day. Starmer said he would not change his stance on the conflict despite pressure from Washington.

Relations between the UK and the US have become strained since Britain refused to allow American forces to use UK bases for the first wave of strikes on Iran.

Starmer later approved their use for defensive operations against Iranian missile attacks, but tensions between the two governments have continued.
Economic concerns and energy pressure
Reeves said the government was monitoring the economic effects of the conflict and working to stabilise energy supplies.

She said officials were trying to secure oil and gas deliveries to the UK to maintain supply and help reduce price pressures.
Rising energy costs have already intensified the cost-of-living debate in Britain.

Opposition parties have urged the government to set out stronger measures to protect households from higher bills.

The Conservatives and Reform UK have called for value-added tax to be removed from household energy bills and want a planned increase in fuel duty to be scrapped.

The Liberal Democrats have also opposed the fuel duty rise. The Green Party of England and Wales say ministers should commit billions of pounds to support energy bills when the price cap is recalculated in July.

Plaid Cymru has asked the government to clarify what assistance would be offered if bills rise further, while the Scottish National Party argues Scotland should control its own energy policy.

Fuel duty is scheduled to increase in September as a temporary 5p reduction introduced after the Russian invasion of Ukraine is phased out.

Government talks and wider geopolitical impact
Reeves and Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds also met supermarket executives to discuss ways to keep food prices stable and strengthen supply chains.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, described the meeting as constructive and said supermarkets were working to keep food affordable while maintaining supply resilience.

Earlier, Starmer said the conflict had strengthened the case for closer economic cooperation between the UK and the European Union.

He argued that global instability made stronger partnerships with European allies increasingly important.

Opposition Conservatives criticised the government’s economic strategy. Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said tax increases and climate policies were pushing up costs for households.

Reform UK’s treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick accused Starmer of using the conflict to justify deeper economic integration with the EU.

Meanwhile, Heledd Fychan of Plaid Cymru welcomed the prime minister’s comments on closer European cooperation.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing to address the conflict’s wider impact. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host an online meeting of 35 countries, including European and Gulf states, to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has effectively blocked the key shipping route, disrupting one of the world’s busiest oil channels and pushing global energy prices higher.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026
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Starmer Seeks Closer EU Ties as Iran War Pressures UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK will pursue closer economic and security cooperation with the European Union as the war involving Iran raises economic risks and geopolitical tensions.

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Speaking at a news conference, Starmer said the government plans to push for expanded collaboration with European partners at a UK-EU summit expected later this year. He said global instability made stronger ties with allies on the continent increasingly important.

The move comes as relations with the United States have come under pressure following Britain’s decision not to deepen its involvement in the conflict.

Starmer signals stronger EU partnership
Starmer said Britain’s long-term national interests require closer cooperation with Europe on areas including defence, energy and economic policy. He also repeated criticism that Brexit damaged the UK economy, arguing there were major opportunities in rebuilding ties with the bloc.

However, he maintained that Labour’s pledge still stands: the UK will not rejoin the EU single market, the customs union, or restore freedom of movement.

Energy costs and economic pressure
The conflict has raised concerns about rising energy prices in Britain. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, pushing up global oil and gas prices.

Officials warn sustained increases could raise household energy bills when the UK’s price cap is reviewed in July.

Opposition parties are pressing the government to take immediate steps to shield households from higher costs. The Conservative Party (UK) and Reform UK are calling for the removal of VAT on domestic energy bills and the cancellation of a planned fuel duty increase scheduled for September.

The Liberal Democrats (UK) also oppose the duty rise, while the Green Party of England and Wales want billions in subsidies for household energy costs starting in July.

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru has urged the government to outline emergency support plans, and the Scottish National Party argues Scotland should gain control over energy policy.

Starmer said the government was monitoring developments and noted recent measures aimed at easing living costs, including changes to energy levies and increases to the national living wage.

He said further support would depend partly on how long the conflict continues and how quickly the Strait of Hormuz can reopen.

The Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development has warned that among major economies, Britain could face the largest slowdown in growth as a result of the war.

Tensions with Washington
The crisis has also strained relations with Donald Trump, who has criticised Britain after it declined to allow US forces to launch initial strikes on Iran from UK bases.

London later permitted those bases to be used for defensive operations against Iranian missile attacks.

Trump recently told the Daily Telegraph he was considering withdrawing from the NATO alliance after European countries did not join the US campaign.

Starmer rejected suggestions Britain was choosing between Washington and Europe. He said the UK remained committed to NATO while also strengthening partnerships across the continent.

“This is not our war,” he said, adding the government would continue making decisions based on Britain’s national interests.

Separately, Chancellor Rachel Reeves criticised the US decision to launch military action in the Middle East, saying the conflict had caused significant economic strain.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is hosting a virtual meeting of 35 countries, including European and Gulf states, to discuss efforts to secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz once fighting ends.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026
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Trump Threats on Iran Push Brent Oil Up 5% Globally

Global oil prices rose sharply in volatile trading after US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could launch further attacks on Iran within weeks.

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US West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery rose 4.1% to $104.21 per barrel late Wednesday. Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed 5% to $106.42 per barrel for June contracts.

The gains came as Trump signalled that military pressure on Tehran could intensify despite ongoing diplomatic contacts. Markets had been hoping for signs of de-escalation in the conflict.

Oil jumps on renewed war warnings
Speaking during a national address, Trump blamed rising energy prices on what he described as Iranian attacks on commercial oil tankers and neighbouring countries. He said the United States would strike Iran “extremely hard” in the coming weeks.

“We are going to finish the job, and we’re going to finish it very fast,” Trump said, adding that discussions with Tehran were continuing and a diplomatic outcome remained possible.

Investors brace for prolonged uncertainty
Market analysts say the comments reinforced fears that the conflict could continue and disrupt energy supplies.
George Efstathopoulos, a portfolio manager at Fidelity International, said investors had been waiting for a clear signal on whether Washington would move toward ending the war or escalate military action.

Instead, Trump’s remarks suggested the conflict may enter a new phase of uncertainty.

Efstathopoulos told CNBC that investors had been preparing for a “binary outcome” from the speech. One possibility was a signal that the United States planned to wind down the conflict, while the other was a sign of continued escalation.

The latest comments pointed to the latter, he said, which could increase risk-off sentiment across global markets while traders wait for clearer developments.

Hormuz disruption fuels energy crisis
Energy markets have also been shaken by the halt in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that normally carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.

Traffic through the waterway has effectively stopped since the US-Israel war against Iran began on February 28, pushing energy prices higher and raising fears of a major supply shock.

Political risk analyst Giles Alston of Oxford Analytica said there is little sign tanker movements will resume soon.

He said Washington now appears to be leaving countries that rely on the route to manage the situation themselves rather than guaranteeing safe passage.

Conflicting claims over ceasefire talks
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump briefly raised hopes for progress toward a ceasefire when he posted on Truth Social that Iran had asked the United States for a truce.

He said such a request would only be considered if the Strait of Hormuz was reopened and allowed shipping to move freely.

That message briefly pushed oil prices lower amid speculation that tanker traffic could resume.

Iran quickly rejected the claim, calling Trump’s statements “absurd” and insisting the waterway remains firmly under the control of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps navy.

Since the conflict began, both sides have issued conflicting statements about negotiations and possible peace talks.

Trump has alternated between suggesting that a deal may be close and warning that Washington could escalate the conflict by deploying additional troops to the region.

Earlier this week, Brent crude had briefly fallen below $100 per barrel after Trump said US military operations against Iran might end within “two or three weeks,” even without a formal agreement.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026
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US Supreme Court Questions Trump Birthright Order in Washington

The Supreme Court of the United States appeared doubtful about President Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship during oral arguments over a key immigration policy.

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A majority of the justices signalled concern about the administration’s claim that children born in the United States to undocumented migrants or some temporary visitors should no longer receive automatic citizenship.

The case centres on an executive order issued by Trump that aims to narrow the interpretation of the Constitution’s citizenship clause. The administration says the change would help curb illegal immigration.

Opponents argue the order conflicts with more than a century of legal precedent and threatens a central principle of US immigration law.

Trump attended the hearing in Washington, an unusual move by a sitting president that highlighted the political stakes surrounding the case.

Debate over the 14th Amendment
The arguments focused on the wording of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which grants citizenship to anyone born or naturalised in the country and “subject to the jurisdiction” of US law.

US Solicitor General John Sauer argued the clause had been interpreted too broadly in the past. He said the provision should apply only to limited categories such as the children of foreign diplomats.

Sauer told the court that parents living in the country illegally retain allegiance to their home nations and therefore fall outside full US jurisdiction.

Chief Justice John Roberts questioned whether the president had the authority to deny citizenship to such a large group of people.

He said he struggled to see how the administration could justify excluding so many children from automatic citizenship under the current legal framework.

Several justices suggested the government’s interpretation could fundamentally alter long-standing views of citizenship in the United States.

Precedent and historical practice
Justice Elena Kagan said the amendment reflected a tradition rooted in English common law that broadly recognised citizenship based on birthplace.

She argued the constitutional provision adopted that approach without imposing the restrictions now proposed by the administration.

During the hearing, lawyers and justices repeatedly referred to United States v. Wong Kim Ark, an 1898 Supreme Court ruling that upheld birthright citizenship for a child born in the US to Chinese immigrant parents.

Civil liberties lawyer Cecillia Wang, representing the challengers, cited the decision as decisive precedent. Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested that if the court accepted that interpretation of the case, the ruling could be relatively brief.

Legal analysts say the justices may avoid a sweeping constitutional ruling. Instead, they could focus on a federal law passed in 1952 that codified birthright citizenship in statute.

Immigration law specialist Stephen Yale-Loehr said courts generally prefer narrower decisions that sidestep constitutional questions when possible.

Decision expected later this year
The court is expected to issue a decision in June.
The case represents the first major immigration dispute decided fully on its merits since Trump began his second term in office.

A ruling against the administration would mark another setback following a recent decision by the court that struck down Trump’s global tariff policy.

If the president prevails, the outcome would support a long-standing conservative effort to reinterpret birthright citizenship and could reshape US immigration policy.

Trump defended his stance after the hearing, repeating criticism of birthright citizenship on social media and arguing the policy was originally intended to grant citizenship to the children of formerly enslaved people following the Civil War.

Critics have accused the president of attempting to pressure the court by attending the proceedings in person.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026
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Indonesia Quake Kills One in Manado, Tsunami Alert Lifted

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck waters off eastern Indonesia early Thursday, killing one person and briefly raising fears of a tsunami before authorities lifted the warning.

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The quake hit at a depth of 35km in the Molucca Sea between the islands of Sulawesi and Maluku, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Strong offshore quake strikes eastern Indonesia
In the city of Manado, one person died when a building collapsed, local rescue officials said. The victim was trapped beneath debris after the structure fell during the shaking.

George Leo Mercy Randang, a local search and rescue official, said the tremor was strongly felt across the area. One other person suffered a leg injury in the incident.

Tsunami warning issued and later withdrawn
Shortly after the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning that hazardous tsunami waves could strike coastlines within about 1,000km of the epicentre.

The advisory covered parts of Indonesia as well as nearby countries including the Philippines and Malaysia.

Indonesia’s meteorological agency, Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika, reported that small waves followed the quake.

Within 30 minutes, waves measuring up to 75cm were recorded in North Minahasa, while 20cm waves were detected in Bitung, both in northern Sulawesi. Another 30cm wave was observed in North Maluku province.

Roughly two hours later, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the danger had passed and cancelled the alert.

Authorities had earlier warned that waves of up to one metre were possible in parts of Indonesia, while smaller fluctuations in sea levels could reach coastal areas across the wider region.

Residents flee as shaking lasts over a minute
Witnesses said the tremor caused panic as people rushed outdoors.

Budi Nurgianto, a resident of Ternate, said he was inside his home when the shaking began.

He said he first heard the sound of walls rattling before realising an earthquake had struck. When he went outside, many neighbours had already gathered in the streets in alarm.

According to residents, the shaking continued for more than a minute, prompting some people to leave their homes immediately. Some rushed outside without finishing everyday activities such as bathing.

In Manado, a city of roughly 450,000 people, the tremor woke many residents. An AFP journalist in the area said people quickly gathered outdoors while students at a nearby school ran outside for safety.

Despite the strong shaking, he said he did not see widespread structural damage.

Aftershocks follow regional earthquake
Indonesia’s disaster monitoring agency reported 11 aftershocks following the main quake. The largest measured magnitude 5.5, officials said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said slight sea-level changes could occur along Japan’s Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Okinawa, but it did not issue a tsunami alert.
Authorities in the Philippines and Malaysia also reported no tsunami warnings.

Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes due to its position along the Ring of Fire, a zone of intense seismic activity where several tectonic plates meet.

One of the deadliest disasters in the region occurred in 2004, when a magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Aceh triggered a massive tsunami that killed more than 170,000 people in Indonesia.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026
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Nasa Launches Artemis II Moon Mission from Florida

NASA launched the Artemis II mission on Wednesday evening from Kennedy Space Center, sending astronauts toward the moon for the first time in nearly 54 years.

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The rocket successfully lifted off from Florida’s Space Coast and placed the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft into Earth orbit. The capsule will circle the planet until a planned engine burn on Thursday that will push it onto a trajectory toward the moon, beginning the next stage of the roughly 240,000-mile journey.

Historic Return Beyond Earth Orbit
Inside the spacecraft, the astronauts immediately started checking onboard systems following the climb to orbit, which reached speeds of about 17,500 miles per hour. Mission controllers in Houston later confirmed that Orion’s four solar arrays had deployed correctly, ensuring a steady power supply during the mission.

The flight marks the first time humans have travelled beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in December 1972.

Crew Set for Record-Breaking Journey
Commander Reid Wiseman said before launch that the mission had been long anticipated.

“The nation, and the world, has been waiting a long time to do this again,” he told reporters at Kennedy Space Center.

The crew includes three Americans and one Canadian: Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency.

Their ten-day flight will loop around the moon but will not attempt a landing. The mission still carries several milestones. Koch will become the first woman to travel into cislunar space, the region between Earth’s orbit and the moon, while Glover will be the first person of colour to do so. Hansen will be the first non-American astronaut to reach the same region.

During the journey the astronauts are expected to travel farther from Earth than any humans before them. At its most distant point, Orion could reach roughly 253,000 miles from Earth—surpassing the record of 248,655 miles set during the troubled Apollo 13 mission in 1970.

Mission Tests Future Moon Plans
NASA officials view Artemis II as a key step toward returning humans to the lunar surface later this decade.

During the flyby, the crew will photograph areas near the moon’s south pole from an altitude between 4,000 and 6,000 miles. Those regions are being studied as potential landing zones and sites for a future lunar base.

The mission also serves as a major systems test. Astronauts will evaluate life-support equipment, spacecraft controls, and other hardware required for later flights, including Artemis IV, a planned mission intended to place astronauts on the moon again.

The astronauts will spend the entire journey inside Orion’s compact living space, roughly the size of a small camper van. Medical teams will track the crew’s health throughout the mission, examining the effects of radiation and microgravity.
Wiseman acknowledged that the confined conditions could prove challenging during the trip.

“By day six, seven, eight or nine we might feel like we need space,” he said, adding that the crew had trained closely together to manage such situations.

Crowds Gather for Launch
The launch drew huge crowds along Florida’s Space Coast. Beaches and causeways near Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach filled with spectators eager to watch the rocket lift off.

Local officials estimated that up to 400,000 people gathered to witness the launch, filling hotels and public viewing areas.
For NASA, the mission signals the revival of human exploration beyond Earth orbit and lays groundwork for future lunar operations. Agency administrator Jared Isaacman recently outlined plans for a permanent presence on the moon, including a proposed $20 billion lunar base by the end of the decade.

“What we learn from these missions will help enable America’s return to the lunar surface,” Isaacman said earlier this year.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 April 2026

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Trump Plans Supreme Court Visit for Birthright Citizenship Case

President Donald Trump plans to attend oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States on Wednesday as justices consider his administration’s attempt to end birthright citizenship.

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The White House schedule lists Trump at the court at 10 a.m., when arguments are set to begin. If he appears as planned, it would mark the first time a sitting US president has attended Supreme Court arguments in person.

Trump expected at Supreme Court hearing
Trump suggested earlier Tuesday that he was considering the visit. The case before the court challenges an executive order he signed shortly after returning to office that aims to restrict automatic citizenship for some children born in the United States.

Key test of immigration policy
The case, known as Trump v. Barbara, centres on Trump’s order targeting birthright citizenship. The directive seeks to prevent children born in the US to undocumented immigrants or people staying in the country temporarily from automatically becoming American citizens.

The order forms part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape US immigration policy. However, the measure has not taken effect because it faces numerous legal challenges in lower courts.

Legal opponents argue the order violates the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment states that anyone born or naturalised in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction is a citizen.

For more than a century, courts and legal scholars have widely interpreted that clause as granting citizenship to nearly all people born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

Administration disputes constitutional interpretation
Officials in the Trump administration say that interpretation is incorrect. They argue the amendment was originally intended to grant citizenship to formerly enslaved people and their descendants following the Civil War.

Under that view, they contend, the clause was not meant to apply to children born to immigrants who are in the country unlawfully or on temporary visas.

The Supreme Court’s decision could determine whether the administration can proceed with the policy change or whether the long-standing understanding of birthright citizenship remains in place.

A rare presidential appearance
Trump has previously suggested he might attend Supreme Court hearings involving his administration’s policies.

Last year, he said he felt he had “an obligation” to appear when the court reviewed the legality of his global tariff measures. He ultimately stayed away, saying on his social media platform that he did not want to distract from the case.

If he attends Wednesday’s hearing, it would underline the significance of the birthright citizenship case for his administration.

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Tiger Woods Steps Away From Golf After Florida Crash Arrest

Tiger Woods says he will step away from golf to seek treatment and focus on his health following his arrest after a car crash in Florida.

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The 50-year-old golfer was detained on Friday after authorities said he clipped a truck and rolled his vehicle. Police charged him with driving under the influence, property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test.

In a message posted on X, Woods acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. He said he plans to take time away from competition to prioritise his well-being and work toward long-term recovery.

Woods announces break to focus on health
Woods added he intends to return in a stronger position both personally and professionally. He also asked for privacy for himself and his family.

Before the crash, the 15-time major champion had not ruled out playing in next month’s The Masters. He has not competed in a major tournament since missing the cut at The Open Championship in July 2024.

Police report details behaviour after crash
Woods entered a written plea of not guilty through his lawyers on Tuesday. The filing followed the release of a police report outlining officers’ observations after the incident.

According to the report, two hydrocodone pills were found in his pocket. Hydrocodone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain.

Officers wrote that Woods appeared “lethargic and slow” and was sweating heavily. They also reported that his pupils were “extremely dilated”.

Authorities said he declined to take a lawful test at the scene.

PGA Tour backs Woods
The PGA Tour issued a statement after Woods’ announcement, describing him as one of the sport’s most influential figures.

The organisation said Woods’ influence extends beyond his achievements on the course and stressed that the main priority is his health and well-being. It added that he continues to have the tour’s full support as he seeks treatment.

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp also expressed support for Woods and his family. Rolapp said Woods has had a major impact on the game and that he respects the decision to focus on recovery.

Long history of injuries and incidents
The latest crash follows a series of personal and physical setbacks in recent years.

In 2009, Woods struck a fire hydrant, a tree and hedges outside his home, an incident that triggered public revelations about extramarital affairs and led to the collapse of his marriage and several endorsement deals.

In 2017, he received a year of probation after pleading guilty to reckless driving. Police found him asleep at the wheel near his Florida home, and a toxicology report later showed several legal medications in his system along with marijuana’s active ingredient.

Woods also survived a major car crash in 2021 that left him with serious injuries. Since then he has undergone multiple surgeries and has competed only occasionally.

Last week he appeared in the TGL indoor golf league, marking his first competitive appearance in more than a year following further back surgery and an Achilles injury.


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Trump Says Iran Conflict May End in Two Weeks Without Deal

President Donald Trump says the war involving the United States and Iran may conclude within two to three weeks, regardless of whether a diplomatic agreement is reached.

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Speaking as the White House announced he will deliver a national address on Wednesday evening, Trump said the campaign aims to eliminate Iran’s remaining military and nuclear capabilities.

He said the conflict could wrap up “within maybe two weeks,” possibly slightly longer, depending on the progress of military operations. The president added that U.S. forces intend to dismantle Iran’s capacity to develop nuclear weapons before ending the campaign.

Trump sets short timeline for conflict
Trump also signalled that negotiations with Tehran remain possible but suggested they were not essential to ending the war.

He warned that if talks fail, the United States could escalate attacks on key infrastructure targets, including bridges.

“If they come to the table, that will be good,” he said. “But whether we have a deal or not, it’s irrelevant.”

Israel vows to continue offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its military campaign against Iran, declaring the operation far from over.

In a televised statement, Netanyahu said Israel would press ahead with efforts to defeat what he called Iran’s “terror regime.”

He argued the war had already reshaped the regional balance of power, claiming Israel had strengthened its position in the Middle East despite the continuing conflict.

His remarks came shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that Iran was willing to end hostilities.

Pezeshkian said Tehran had the determination to conclude the conflict but was seeking guarantees that similar attacks would not occur again in the future.

The statements highlight a continuing divide between the opposing sides as fighting continues.

Iran-linked strikes hit Gulf region
The conflict expanded further across the Gulf on Wednesday following several attacks attributed to Iran or its allied groups.

Authorities in Kuwait reported a drone strike on a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, which triggered a large fire.

The state news agency said there were no immediate reports of injuries, while emergency crews worked to contain the blaze.

The report suggested the attack may have been carried out by Iran-backed militias operating from Iraq with support from Tehran.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, officials in Bahrain said firefighters were responding to a blaze at a business facility following what they described as an Iranian attack.

A tanker was also targeted off the coast of Qatar, according to authorities.

Inside Iran, state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported explosions and strikes across northern, eastern and central areas of Tehran.

Rubio questions NATO role
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington may reconsider its relationship with North Atlantic Treaty Organization once the conflict with Iran ends.

In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Rubio said the war had raised questions about the alliance’s value for the United States.

He noted that he had long supported NATO during his time in the Senate, particularly because U.S. forces rely on bases in Europe to project military power globally.

However, Rubio suggested that if allies restrict U.S. access to those bases during conflicts, the alliance could become a burden rather than a strategic asset.

He said the United States was not asking NATO members to participate directly in air strikes against Iran but expected them to allow the use of their facilities.

“If their answer is no,” Rubio said, “then you have to ask why we are in NATO.”

His remarks follow earlier criticism from Trump, who accused some allies of failing to support the U.S. war effort and told them to secure their own oil supplies rather than relying on American protection of the Strait of Hormuz.


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UK, France Extend Channel Patrol Talks Amid Migration Dispute

The United Kingdom will pay France £16.2 million to maintain patrols along the northern French coast for two months while negotiations continue over a renewed agreement aimed at stopping small boats crossing the English Channel.

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The extension follows the expiry of a three-year deal signed in 2023 under which the UK paid France £476 million to fund patrols targeting migrant smuggling networks.

Officials said discussions on a replacement arrangement will continue during the two-month period. Britain is pushing for France to deploy additional enforcement officers and strengthen efforts to prevent boats leaving the coast.

Temporary extension to patrol agreement
Sources in the British government said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was seeking stronger commitments from Paris, with one official saying she was negotiating firmly to secure better value from the arrangement.

Under the current framework, nearly 700 French officers patrol beaches using drones and off-road vehicles to stop migrants boarding small boats.

The UK government says these operations have prevented around 42,000 attempted crossings.

Political criticism in Britain
Opposition politicians criticised the extension and questioned whether the payments were effective.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the agreement amounted to paying France for what he called “continued failure”. He argued Britain should withhold funding unless France significantly increases the number of boats it stops and agrees to intercept vessels at sea.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat immigration spokesman Will Forster warned that weakening international cooperation would not resolve problems within the UK asylum system. He said the long-term solution would involve a large-scale returns agreement with France to discourage dangerous crossings and undermine smuggling gangs.

Leaders of the opposition Conservative and Reform UK parties also linked the issue to Britain’s membership of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage both argue that leaving the convention would give the government greater freedom to tackle illegal migration.

Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick described the payments to France as ineffective, saying Britain should focus on detaining and deporting migrants who arrive illegally.

Concerns and rising crossings
French authorities have reportedly expressed concern that some British proposals could increase risks for asylum seekers attempting the crossing.

The number of migrants reaching the UK by small boat has risen in recent years. In 2025, 41,472 people arrived through Channel crossings, placing pressure on the government to reduce the figures.

The Home Office says the temporary extension will ensure French patrol operations continue while negotiations continue.

Mahmood said cooperation with France had already stopped tens of thousands of attempted journeys and pledged to maintain enforcement efforts.

Parallel migration scheme
Separately, the Labour government signed a “one-in-one-out” migration arrangement with France in August 2025.

Under the scheme, the UK can return certain migrants who arrive by small boat to France, while accepting an equivalent number of people from France who have not attempted to cross the Channel.

By February this year, 305 migrants had been returned to France and 367 had entered the UK through the programme.

Negotiators are also discussing whether a new agreement should include performance-based funding tied to the proportion of boats intercepted by French authorities.

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UK Sends More Troops and Air Defences to Gulf Region

The UK will send additional troops and air defence systems to the Middle East, raising the number of British personnel involved in protecting Gulf states and Cyprus to roughly 1,000.

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Defence Secretary John Healey announced the move during visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. The deployments will include extra air defence teams and equipment in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, while British Typhoon fighter jets stationed in Qatar will remain there longer than planned.

UK boosts regional military presence
Healey told regional partners that Britain would help safeguard their airspace, describing UK military support as a key element of Gulf defence.

The decision comes as tensions in the region escalate during a conflict involving Iran, which British officials say has expanded its attacks.

Focus on defensive operations
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stressed that the UK will not take part in offensive operations in the war.

Speaking earlier in the week, Starmer said Britain would defend its interests and allies but would not be drawn directly into the conflict. He also ruled out deploying UK ground forces inside Iran.

The government describes its role as strictly defensive, aimed at protecting regional partners and maintaining stability.

Among the new measures is the deployment of the Sky Sabre air defence missile system to Saudi Arabia. The system combines radar, command units and missile launchers capable of intercepting aircraft and incoming munitions.

Britain has already sent a Lightweight Multirole Missile launcher to Bahrain, along with specialists to integrate the equipment into the country’s defence network. In Kuwait, the Rapid Sentry ground-based missile system has also been installed.

Aircraft deployment extended
During a visit to the UK military’s Dukhan air base in Qatar, Healey confirmed that the deployment of Typhoon fighter jets would continue.

At the start of the month, the government announced four additional Typhoon aircraft would be sent to Qatar to reinforce the joint UK-Qatari squadron established earlier this year.

Officials say Gulf governments have welcomed the contribution of British forces, describing them as central to their defensive capabilities.

Regional concerns intensified after infrastructure in Kuwait, including a power and desalination facility, was damaged in an attack earlier in the week.

Tensions with Washington
The UK’s limited role has drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump.

Trump has repeatedly urged allies to take stronger action against Iran and criticised countries that declined to participate in earlier strikes.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the president suggested nations struggling to access fuel through the Strait of Hormuz should secure supplies themselves or buy from the United States.

Despite the criticism, Healey emphasised the strength of the military relationship between London and Washington. He said British and US forces remain closely integrated and continue to share intelligence on global threats.

British officials are also examining options with allies to protect shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil corridor.

Military planners have been sent to US command headquarters, and a Royal Navy vessel could be used to launch autonomous drones designed to clear naval mines if required.

Political criticism at home
The deployment has prompted debate in Britain.
Opposition figures from the Conservative Party accused the government of sending mixed signals by refusing direct involvement in the war while expanding military activity in the region.

The Liberal Democrats have called on the government to publish legal advice supporting the move.

Meanwhile, Zack Polanski said Britain should prevent the United States from using UK bases to launch bombing missions against Iran, arguing that doing so risks making the country complicit in the conflict.

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Trump Tells UK to ‘Get Your Own Oil’ in Iran War Clash

US President Donald Trump has criticised Britain’s role in the Iran conflict, telling the UK to secure its own oil supplies and warning that Washington may no longer provide support.

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In comments posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused countries that did not join US strikes on Iran of relying on American action while avoiding direct involvement.

He said states struggling to obtain jet fuel because of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz should either buy supplies from the United States or act themselves to reopen the waterway.

Trump attacks UK stance on Iran conflict
Addressing Britain directly, Trump said the country had refused to take part in what he described as the “decapitation of Iran”. He urged London to “start learning how to fight for yourself” and suggested British forces should move to the strait and secure oil shipments independently.

The remarks marked a sharp escalation in tensions with the UK government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Trump argued that the United States had already “done the hard part” in the conflict and claimed Iran had been effectively weakened. He added that countries which did not assist the US should not expect Washington to continue defending their interests.

Hormuz disruption drives energy concerns
The confrontation comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted.

Iran has imposed a de facto blockade on the strategic waterway, a route used by a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Energy markets have been shaken as tankers face delays, surcharges or restrictions when attempting to transit the narrow channel.

Some vessels have reportedly been allowed through under a system requiring payments or political conditions. Fees for passage have reached as much as $2m per voyage, sharply increasing transport costs and contributing to rising energy prices worldwide.

Trump has also reportedly considered withdrawing US forces from the conflict without a plan to reopen the shipping lane. Such a move would effectively leave Tehran controlling one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

US and UK officials trade criticism
The dispute widened as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth criticised the Royal Navy, saying other countries should contribute more to restoring access through the strait.

Speaking to reporters, Hegseth said responsibility for securing the waterway should not fall solely on the US Navy. He added that Britain possessed a “big, bad Royal Navy” capable of playing a stronger role.

Meanwhile Britain has expanded its military presence in the Middle East to roughly 1,000 personnel. Defence Secretary John Healey said additional forces were helping protect regional partners and allies.

Healey, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, said Gulf leaders had emphasised the value of Britain’s defensive support. He also said partners judged the UK by its actions rather than statements.

Rising tensions and domestic impact
The political clash coincided with a confirmed state visit to Washington later in April by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, despite calls for the trip to be delayed due to the conflict.

The crisis has also begun to affect the UK economy. Prime Minister Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra committee to assess the impact of higher energy costs on households and businesses.

Prices for heating oil have already surged, particularly for homes outside the main energy price cap system. The government has announced £53m in support for affected households.

During the conflict’s early stages, Starmer allowed US forces to use RAF bases for operations aimed at protecting allied interests in the region. Despite that cooperation, Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO partners, including Britain, over their level of participation.

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Judge Blocks Trump Ballroom Project at White House

A federal judge has ordered a halt to construction of a planned $400 million ballroom at the White House, ruling that the project cannot proceed without approval from Congress.

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Judge Richard Leon said President Donald Trump lacks the authority to move forward with the development on the former site of the East Wing unless lawmakers formally authorize it.

In a written decision, Leon said the president acts as a temporary steward of the White House rather than its owner, meaning major structural changes require congressional approval. He ruled that construction must stop until such authorization is granted.

Court halts construction
The judge delayed enforcement of the decision for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal. However, he warned that any above-ground building work during that period could be ordered dismantled later if it violates the ruling.

The White House said it intends to challenge the decision.

Dispute over presidential authority
Leon’s ruling centres on whether existing federal law allows the president to undertake the project independently.

The administration had argued that a statute permitting presidents to use appropriated funds for the care, maintenance, repair and alteration of the White House justified the ballroom plan.

The judge rejected that interpretation, saying the law does not permit the demolition of buildings or the construction of entirely new structures.

He wrote that accepting the administration’s argument would mean nearly any dramatic change could be classified as an “alteration,” potentially allowing even the replacement of the White House itself with a new building.

Leon said the correct path would be for the president to seek explicit approval from Congress. Lawmakers could then authorize the project, approve funding, or decide on another financing arrangement.

Trump’s plans for a major venue
The ballroom proposal has been a personal project for Trump, a former real estate developer who has taken part in design decisions including the floor plan and interior materials.

The proposed building would cover about 89,000 square feet, according to architect Shalom Baranes. That would make it significantly larger than the White House’s main residence, known as the Executive Mansion, which is roughly 55,000 square feet.

Trump has said the venue would become one of the most impressive ballrooms in the world and has indicated he wants it completed by summer 2028, shortly before the end of his term.

Following the ruling, Trump criticised the organisation that filed the lawsuit, describing it in a social media post as a group of political opponents. He did not directly address whether he would pursue an appeal.

Preservation group welcomes ruling
The case was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued that moving forward without congressional approval violated federal law governing the White House.

Carol Quillen, the organisation’s president and chief executive, said the ruling represented a victory for the public and affirmed that the administration must follow legal procedures before continuing with construction.

Lawmakers also signalled that Congress may now become involved. Representative Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said the court’s decision makes clear the administration must bring the project before Congress.

The ruling comes days before the National Capital Planning Commission is expected to vote on the project. The body oversees federal land and building plans in Washington and is widely expected to approve the proposal despite significant public opposition.

For now, however, the judge’s order places the ballroom project on hold until lawmakers decide whether to authorise it.


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Trump Airport, Library Planned in South Florida

Florida is set to feature two prominent sites tied to President Donald Trump: a renamed airport in Palm Beach and a proposed presidential library tower in Miami.

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Governor Ron DeSantis has approved legislation changing the name of Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport. The measure is scheduled to take effect on 1 July, although some administrative steps remain.

Officials say the Federal Aviation Administration does not formally approve airport name changes. The agency described the decision as a local matter but said it must still update navigation charts and related databases to reflect the new name.

The airport sits close to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, where the president frequently spends weekends. Once the change takes effect, travelers arriving in the area will land at an airport bearing his name.

Airport Renaming Debate
The legislation passed by Florida’s Republican-controlled government drew praise from Trump allies and criticism from Democrats.

Eric Trump, one of the president’s sons, welcomed the decision in a social media post, saying he was proud to have helped make the renaming happen.

Democratic leaders in Florida condemned the move. State House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell argued the change would cost about $5 million in taxpayer money.

Driskell said public funds should instead address economic concerns affecting residents, citing higher costs for fuel, groceries and healthcare.

The airport change also follows trademark filings by the Trump Organization last month. The company submitted applications for potential names including “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” and the abbreviation “DJT”.

Miami Library Project
Alongside the airport renaming, Trump has previewed plans for a presidential library in Miami.

The president shared a video appearing to be created with artificial intelligence showing a proposed design for the complex. The concept features a 47-story tower rising above the Miami skyline with large gold lettering displaying his name.

According to the video, the building would house exhibits tied to Trump’s presidency.

One section shows a recreated Air Force One aircraft placed inside the structure. Another area includes a replica of the escalator Trump descended when he launched his first presidential campaign.

The display also features a statue of Trump with his fist raised, along with reconstructed elements of the White House Rose Garden, which underwent renovations during his time in office.

Plans in the video also depict a large ballroom similar to one Trump previously proposed for the White House.

No opening date has been announced for the library project, and details about construction timelines remain unclear.

Trump Landmarks in South Florida
South Florida has become a central base for the president in recent years.

Trump regularly spends time at Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach property that has long served as his residence and political gathering point.

The airport renaming and the proposed Miami library would add two prominent landmarks linked directly to Trump within the region.

The initiatives also follow other naming decisions connected to the president. His name has been added to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, and in December the US Institute of Peace building in the capital was renamed the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace.

Together, the developments reflect efforts by Trump and his allies to expand the presence of his name across major institutions and locations.

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US Lawmaker Urges King Charles to Meet Epstein Victims

A US congressman has urged King Charles III to meet survivors of Jeffrey Epstein during a potential visit to the United States, arguing the scandal involved figures and institutions on both sides of the Atlantic.

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Ro Khanna made the request in a letter sent Monday, calling for the monarch to privately hear from victims about the failures that allowed Epstein’s abuse network to operate for years.

Reports indicate that the King and Queen Camilla may travel to the United States in late April, although the trip has not been formally confirmed.

US lawmaker urges royal meeting with survivors
In his letter, Khanna said the issue extended beyond the United States because of the international connections surrounding Epstein’s activities.

He wrote that victims deserved recognition and that a meeting would allow the monarch to hear directly “how powerful individuals and institutions failed them”.

Cross-Atlantic ties in the Epstein case
Khanna pointed to links between Epstein’s network and the United Kingdom, including connections through Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein’s relationships with several British public figures.

According to the congressman, those ties raised questions about how Epstein was able to sustain influence and protection across multiple countries for such a long period.

Khanna also noted that US lawmakers have sought testimony from the King’s brother, Prince Andrew, and from Peter Mandelson regarding their past associations with Epstein.

Prince Andrew, who lost his royal titles following the controversy surrounding his links to Epstein, cannot be compelled to testify in the United States and has not responded to the request.

He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing related to his association with Epstein.

Royal visit and ongoing scrutiny
If the visit proceeds, King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to travel to Washington, where they would meet Donald Trump. US media reports say the King could also address Congress during the trip.

The visit would take place ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in July.

Buckingham Palace has previously said the King’s sympathies remain with victims of abuse.

Last month, the monarch said the royal family stood ready to cooperate with authorities following the arrest and later release of Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The investigation relates to his role as the UK’s trade representative between 2001 and 2011 and allegations that official documents were shared with Epstein.

Recently released files from the US Justice Department also included photographs showing Prince Andrew with Epstein, as well as images of the duke kneeling beside a woman whose face was redacted.

In 2022, Prince Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with his most prominent accuser, Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre had alleged that he sexually abused her when she was 17. The agreement contained no admission of liability.

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Zelensky Faces Allied Pressure Over Russian Energy Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says several allied governments have urged Kyiv to reduce attacks on Russian energy facilities as global fuel markets tighten.

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In a voice message sent to journalists, Zelensky said partners had contacted his government asking whether strikes on Russia’s oil and energy infrastructure could be scaled back. He said Ukraine would only consider limiting such operations if Moscow stopped targeting Ukrainian energy assets.

Allies call for restraint
Kyiv has framed its strikes as retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukraine’s own power system. Zelensky said the policy was straightforward: if Russia halted strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukraine would refrain from hitting Russian facilities.

The president did not identify which countries had raised concerns.

Global energy pressures
The appeal from partners comes during a period of heightened pressure on global fuel supplies following the war involving Iran and disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key oil transport routes.

Rising energy prices have already prompted the United States to relax some sanctions on Russian oil exports. Despite Western sanctions imposed since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to sell large volumes of crude abroad.

According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, China and India accounted for roughly 85% of Russian crude exports in February.

Meanwhile, the European Union remains a major buyer of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas, taking about a third of pipeline gas exports and nearly half of LNG shipments.

Energy infrastructure under attack
Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone and missile strikes against Russian energy targets in recent months. One of the most prominent attacks hit the oil export terminal at the port of Ust-Luga port near Saint Petersburg.

Zelensky said the strike earlier in the week disabled about 60% of the terminal’s capacity, though independent verification of the damage is limited.

Both sides treat details of attacks on energy facilities as sensitive information, leaving uncertainty over the overall impact of Ukraine’s operations on Russia’s fuel exports.

Russia has also continued attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including power stations, refineries and defence factories. Those strikes have severely damaged the country’s energy system and disrupted supplies during winter months.

More than a million Ukrainians were left without electricity or heating during cold periods following waves of Russian strikes.

Fuel supply concerns in Ukraine
The attacks have also complicated Ukraine’s own fuel supply. Heavy damage to domestic refineries has increased reliance on imports from European partners including Poland, Greece, Lithuania and Turkey.

Hungary previously supplied nearly half of Ukraine’s imported gas, but deliveries appear to have stopped amid tensions with Hungary over a pipeline carrying Russian oil across its territory and a stalled EU financial package.

Zelensky said Ukraine’s military currently has enough fuel supplies but warned that rising global prices could strain the country’s ability to sustain operations.

Gulf tour and defence cooperation
The Ukrainian leader spoke after a diplomatic tour of the Middle East that included visits to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan.

During the trip he promoted Ukraine’s drone technology and sought support to help defend the country from Russian missile attacks.

Zelensky also said Ukraine’s experience maintaining grain exports through the Black Sea despite Russian pressure could provide lessons for keeping shipping routes open elsewhere, including through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Starmer warns doctors: end England strike or lose training posts

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned doctors in England they must cancel a planned strike within 48 hours or face losing a package that includes 1,000 additional training positions.

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Writing in The Times, Starmer said the decision by the British Medical Association to reject a proposed agreement and announce another walkout was irresponsible. The strike would be the 15th in a prolonged dispute over pay and conditions.

Government ultimatum over strike
The government says the extra training places, due to be introduced this year, depend on an immediate decision by the union. Applications for the posts open in April, meaning the positions must be added to the system before Thursday to proceed.

If the strike goes ahead, ministers warn the expansion may be withdrawn.

Pay dispute continues
The union announced the six-day walkout shortly after it emerged doctors would receive a 3.5% pay increase this year. The rise, recommended by an independent pay review body, applies to all doctors.

The BMA argues the increase fails to address the long-term erosion of pay for resident doctors — the group formerly known as junior doctors. According to the union, their earnings remain roughly 20% lower in real terms than in 2008 when inflation is taken into account.

Union leaders also point to the economic impact of the war with Iran, which they say is expected to push inflation higher and further reduce the value of the pay rise.

Talks between the government and the BMA have taken place intermittently over the past year. Negotiations resumed in January following earlier strikes in November and December.



Training posts at centre of talks
The proposed government package included more than just the pay award. Ministers planned to create at least 4,000 additional specialist training posts over three years, including the 1,000 places expected to start this year.

The plan also included covering doctors’ out-of-pocket costs such as exam fees and accelerating their movement through five pay bands during training.

Starmer urged the union to allow its members to vote on the proposal.

He said abandoning the agreement without consulting resident doctors was a mistake and warned that rejecting the deal would leave both sides without progress in the dispute.

Pressure on health system
Resident doctors account for nearly half of all physicians working in the National Health Service. Around two-thirds of them are members of the BMA, giving the union significant influence over industrial action.

The next strike is scheduled to begin at 07:00 BST next Tuesday and run for six days, matching the longest stoppage previously seen during the dispute.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has repeatedly said the government cannot offer further pay increases after resident doctors received rises totaling almost 30% over the past three years.

Alongside pay concerns, doctors also warn of a shortage of training positions as they move into specialist fields. Last summer about 30,000 applicants competed for roughly 10,000 posts, though some candidates were doctors applying from abroad.

Expanding training opportunities has therefore been a key element of negotiations between the government and the union.

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Netanyahu says Iran war goals more than halfway met

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ongoing conflict with Iran has already achieved more than half of its intended goals, while declining to set a timeline for when the campaign might conclude.

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Speaking Monday in an interview with the US conservative broadcaster Newsmax, Netanyahu said the operation had moved “beyond the halfway point.” He stressed that the assessment referred to operational targets rather than the duration of the war.

War progress claim
“It’s definitely beyond the halfway point,” Netanyahu said, adding that the milestone referred to completed missions rather than elapsed time.

The war began on February 28 when Donald Trump and Netanyahu launched coordinated military action against Iran. At the outset of the conflict, Trump indicated the campaign might last between four and six weeks.

US officials signal weeks more fighting
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that the conflict would continue for “weeks” rather than months. His comments came as opposition to the war grows among the American public.

The fighting has also pushed global oil prices sharply higher, raising economic concerns in the United States and other countries.

Despite the lack of a firm end date, Israeli leaders say key objectives are already being met.

Netanyahu said Israeli and US forces had killed “thousands” of members of the Iranian military’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

He also said the campaign was close to dismantling Iran’s weapons manufacturing infrastructure.

According to Netanyahu, the effort targets a wide network of facilities linked to weapons production as well as Iran’s nuclear program. He described the campaign as destroying entire plants and crippling the country’s broader industrial base connected to arms production.

Nuclear claims disputed
Netanyahu and Trump have repeatedly argued that Iran was approaching the capability to build a nuclear weapon.
However, that assessment has not been supported by the UN’s nuclear monitoring body, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The claims also come despite Trump stating last year that US strikes had already destroyed major Iranian nuclear facilities.

Talk of regime pressure
Netanyahu said the campaign’s primary aim remains weakening Iran’s military capacity rather than forcing political change.

Still, he expressed confidence that the Islamic Republic could eventually collapse internally.

“I think this regime will collapse internally,” he said, adding that current operations focus on reducing Iran’s missile capabilities, military strength and nuclear potential while also applying internal pressure.

The conflict erupted shortly after Iranian authorities suppressed large-scale anti-government demonstrations.

Security forces killed thousands of people during the crackdown, according to reports cited during the conflict.

In recent remarks, Trump suggested the war may already be reshaping Iran’s leadership landscape. He said the conflict had effectively encouraged “regime change” by strengthening alternative figures within the cleric-led state who might take a more cooperative stance.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 March 2026
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FBI Says Hezbollah-Inspired Attack Hits Michigan Synagogue

The Federal Bureau of Investigation says an assault on a synagogue in West Bloomfield was a Hezbollah-inspired act of terrorism aimed at the Jewish community.

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Officials said the attacker, Ayman Ghazali, drove a pickup truck into the building on March 12 while more than 100 children were attending classes inside. The synagogue, Temple Israel, is the largest Jewish temple in the state.

Authorities said Ghazali waited in the parking lot for more than two hours before accelerating the vehicle deep into the building. The truck struck a security officer before becoming stuck inside a hallway.

Attack Targets Major Jewish Temple
Armed security personnel then exchanged gunfire with the attacker. Ghazali ultimately shot himself inside the vehicle.
During the confrontation, the truck’s engine compartment caught fire and caused major damage to the building.

Investigators said the vehicle contained more than $2,000 worth of commercial fireworks and roughly 35 gallons of gasoline intended to intensify an explosion.

No one else was killed. One security officer was injured after being hit by the vehicle.

Authorities Say Attacker Acted Alone
Investigators say there is no indication Ghazali worked with accomplices.

Officials said that if he had survived, he would have faced charges of providing material support to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon.

Prosecutors said the suspect appeared motivated by propaganda linked to the group.

“This man acted under Hezbollah’s direction and control,” said Jerome Gorgon, US attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, adding that the attacker intended to kill others during the assault.

In the days following the incident, US authorities found that Ghazali appeared in federal databases as having connections to individuals linked to suspected Hezbollah operatives.

Family Deaths and Online Activity
Investigators also pointed to developments in Lebanon shortly before the attack.

A week earlier, several members of Ghazali’s family were killed during an Israeli airstrike amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

The Israel Defense Forces said one of the men killed, Ibrahim Muhammad Ghazali, served as a Hezbollah commander responsible for weapons operations in the group’s Badr unit.

Officials said the suspect’s online activity showed increasing interest in pro-Hezbollah and Iranian media outlets in the weeks before the attack.

Planning in the Days Before
According to investigators, preparations intensified around March 9.

Authorities said Ghazali searched for information on Jewish cultural and religious institutions across the Detroit metropolitan area. He also reviewed event listings for Temple Israel and searched phrases including “the largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan” and “Orthodox synagogues.”

After two attempted gun purchases failed, Ghazali bought an AR-style rifle, ten magazines and around 300 rounds of ammunition from a store in Dearborn Heights.

Investigators said he practiced shooting the weapon the following day and purchased fireworks.

On March 11, the day before the attack, dozens of water containers were delivered to his home. Authorities said he filled them with gasoline, making several trips to gas stations to avoid raising suspicion. He also bought two torch lighters, which investigators believe were used to ignite the vehicle.

Minutes before driving into the synagogue, Ghazali sent videos and messages to his sister in Lebanon describing his plan.

According to investigators, he said he had booby-trapped his vehicle and intended to enter the synagogue and open fire on people inside.

FBI Investigation Continues
The FBI said the attacker appeared to act alone but was driven by extremist ideology linked to Hezbollah.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as officials review the suspect’s contacts, communications and online activity.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 March 2026
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Spain Bars US War Flights Over Iran Conflict

Spain has barred U.S. military aircraft involved in the war with Iran from using its airspace, officials said Monday, intensifying a diplomatic rift between Madrid and Washington.

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The decision follows an earlier move by the Spanish government to deny the United States access to joint military bases on Spanish territory for operations tied to the conflict. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly criticized the war, calling it illegal, reckless and unjust.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the same restrictions apply to Spanish airspace. She said U.S. forces had been informed from the outset that neither the bases nor the country’s airspace could be used for military actions related to the war.

Madrid shuts airspace to US military flights
Robles described the conflict as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust,” reiterating Madrid’s opposition to involvement in the fighting.

Sánchez has urged all sides, including the United States, Israel and Iran, to end hostilities. Earlier this month he warned that responding to one unlawful act with another risks triggering wider disasters.

Washington pushes back
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Spain’s position, accusing the country’s leaders of boasting about closing their airspace to American forces even as Washington remains committed to defending the NATO ally.

Rubio said the transatlantic alliance benefits the United States partly because it provides access to military facilities across Europe.

However, he questioned the value of such arrangements if allies restrict American use of bases or airspace during conflicts.

“If NATO is only about the U.S. defending Europe when it’s attacked but denying us basing rights when we need them, that’s not a very good arrangement,” Rubio said in an interview with Al Jazeera. He added that the issue would likely need to be reconsidered.

The dispute has also drawn in the White House. After Spain blocked use of the Rota and Morón air bases in southern Spain, President Donald Trump warned that the United States could impose trade penalties on Madrid.

Defense spending tensions
Relations between the two countries had already been strained by disagreements over military spending within North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Last year Washington threatened trade action after Spain declined to match the alliance’s planned increase in defense spending, which had risen under pressure from Trump.

Madrid argued it could meet its commitments by allocating 2.1 percent of its gross domestic product to defense, below the 5 percent level endorsed by other members of the 32-nation alliance.

Sánchez has also been a vocal critic of Israeli military operations in Gaza, drawing repeated criticism from Israel’s government.

Rare move among NATO allies
Spain’s refusal to allow airspace or base access to a NATO partner is unusual but not without precedent. The alliance declined to comment, referring questions to national governments.

Daniel Baer, a former U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, said NATO cooperation normally assumes allies will assist each other, though each country ultimately retains sovereignty over such decisions.

Similar tensions have surfaced before. In 1986, France and Italy denied U.S. forces permission to use their airspace during a strike on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

In 2003, Turkey refused to allow American ground forces to launch the invasion of Iraq from its territory, though it permitted U.S. aircraft to fly overhead.

Europe watches cautiously
Analysts say Spain’s stance reflects wider unease in Europe about Washington’s policies since Trump returned to office.

Baer said the relationship between the United States and its traditional allies had already been under pressure. While European partners usually cooperate with Washington, he said they should not be taken for granted.

Still, he believes other European governments are unlikely to adopt similar restrictions.

Many remain focused on maintaining U.S. support for Ukraine, making them cautious about steps that could further strain relations with Washington.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 March 2026
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Merz Backs Return of Syrians From Germany to Syria

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says most Syrians living in Germany could return to their country within three years, following discussions in Berlin with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

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Nearly one million Syrians sought refuge in Germany during the civil war in Syria. Speaking after the meeting, Merz said the situation in Syria had “fundamentally changed” more than a year after the conflict ended, meaning refugee protection claims must now be reassessed.


Merz signals large-scale return plan
He said both governments expected around 80% of Syrians currently in Germany to return within three years, echoing hopes expressed by Sharaa. The chancellor provided few details on the mechanism for large-scale returns.

Merz’s administration has adopted a stricter approach to migration as support grows for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which campaigns on limiting immigration.

Priority on migrants without residency rights
Merz said initial efforts would focus on people who no longer have legal permission to remain in Germany, particularly those convicted of crimes.

He added that more departures could follow over time. At the same time, the chancellor stressed that Syrian refugees had contributed significantly to German society.

Many, he said, also wished to help rebuild their homeland. According to Merz, returning Syrians could play an important role in reconstruction efforts as the country recovers from more than a decade of conflict.

Both leaders acknowledged that not all Syrians would leave Germany. Merz said Berlin wanted to retain skilled workers, including doctors and care staff, if they chose to remain.

Sharaa thanked Germany for accepting refugees during the war, saying the country had given Syrians a chance to rebuild their lives.

“We are proud that Syrians have quickly learned to contribute to society,” he said. The Syrian leader proposed a “circular migration” approach that would allow Syrians to help rebuild Syria while maintaining stability for families who have established lives in Germany.

Opposition raises concerns over security
Critics say conditions in Syria remain too fragile for large-scale returns. Franziska Brantner of the opposition Alliance 90/The Greens said many Syrians cannot safely return because infrastructure remains weak and security is uncertain.

She added that many refugees are now deeply integrated into German society, with steady jobs and children attending school.

Sharaa’s visit to Berlin also triggered protests. The Kurdish Community in Germany urged Merz to demand firm guarantees on minority protections in Syria. The group accuses Sharaa of involvement in human rights abuses and war crimes.

Sharaa came to power in December 2024 after leading an Islamist-led rebel offensive that overthrew former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, ending more than a decade of war.

Despite pledges to reunify the country, Syria remains fragmented and has seen repeated outbreaks of sectarian violence. Recent clashes between government-aligned forces and Kurdish groups in the north-east have highlighted ongoing tensions.

Earlier this year Damascus announced the creation of an interim parliamentary body as part of a proposed constitutional reform process. Kurdish representatives say the body lacks real representation and accuse the government of excluding them from talks on Syria’s political future.

Other minority groups, including the Druze, are also seeking stronger guarantees and greater autonomy.

Many Syrians in Germany arrived during the 2015 refugee crisis, when then-chancellor Angela Merkel chose not to close the country’s borders.

Her phrase “Wir schaffen das” — “We’ll manage this” — became a defining moment of the crisis. While supporters viewed it as a pragmatic response to humanitarian needs, critics said it encouraged large-scale migration.

Migration has since become a central issue across Europe, with governments introducing stricter controls amid rising support for anti-immigration parties.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 31 March 2026
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