Iran says US Hormuz strike killed five civilians as Senate Republicans demand a war-authorization vote
Iran's Tasnim agency said five civilians were killed when US forces hit two small boats in the Strait of Hormuz, disputing US Central Command's account that six IRGC speedboats were eliminated; the UAE engaged 15 missiles and four drones from Iran. On the Hill, Sen. Lisa Murkowski pressed Senate leader John Thune for a vote authorising the Iran war beyond the May 1 War Powers Act window. The Supreme Court struck down Trump's "Liberation Day" IEEPA tariffs. US intelligence said Iran's nuclear-weapon timeline is unchanged at 9-12 months; Goldman Sachs put global oil stocks at 101 days of demand, an eight-year low.
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Iran says US Strait of Hormuz strike killed five civilians as UAE intercepts 15 Iranian missiles and four drones
Iran's Tasnim news agency, citing a military source, said five civilians were killed when US forces hit two small cargo boats in the Strait of Hormuz on May 5, disputing US Central Command's account that the strike eliminated six Iranian small boats interfering with commercial shipping. The UAE Defense Ministry said the same morning its air defenses engaged 15 missiles -- 12 ballistic, three cruise -- and four drones from Iran, the first such barrage since the April 8 Tehran-Washington ceasefire, leaving three people moderately injured. President Donald Trump told Fox News Iran would be "blown off the face of the Earth" if it attacks US vessels operating under "Project Freedom."
Murkowski leads GOP push for Iran war authorization vote amid Senate divisions
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is pressing Senate Republican Leader John Thune (S.D.) to schedule a vote on a resolution authorizing the use of military force against Iran beyond the 60-day War Powers Act window, which expired on May 1. Thune has not committed to a vote, and a senior GOP aide confirmed Monday no vote has been scheduled. Democrats plan to oppose any authorization, while at least five other Republicans have signaled they could vote to end hostilities if no authorization vote occurs.
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs, Congress Urged to Reclaim Trade Authority
The U.S. Supreme Court in February struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, which were imposed under a broad interpretation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The ruling was hailed by commentators as a major check on executive power, but Trump has already begun using other legal authorities to reimpose many of the tariffs. Analysts argue that only Congress can resolve the underlying crisis by overhauling outdated tariff laws and reclaiming its constitutional role in trade policy.
US intelligence says Iran nuclear weapon timeline unchanged despite war
U.S. intelligence assessments indicate Iran’s estimated timeline to build a nuclear weapon remains unchanged at nine months to a year, even after two months of a U.S.-Israeli war that President Donald Trump said was launched partly to stop Tehran from developing a bomb. The latest strikes, which began on Feb. 28, have focused on conventional military targets, while Israel has hit several nuclear facilities. The unchanged estimate reflects that Iran still possesses its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which the IAEA says would be enough for 10 bombs if further enriched.
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us40Satellite imagery shows key parts of Iran's nuclear program survived US-Israeli strikes
CNN reports that satellite imagery indicates Iran's Saghand Uranium Mine and possibly underground facilities near Isfahan survived the US-Israeli strikes of February 28. While much of the production process was substantially damaged, stores of highly enriched uranium may have been untouched. Iran has covered entrances to underground tunnels, suggesting valuable assets remain. Satellite imagery analyzed by CNN reveals that the Saghand Uranium Mine remains undamaged and operational after the strikes, with diggers still active at the site. The Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility, a key site for purifying uranium into hexafluoride, has caused significant concern for US and Israeli planners. A ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect on April 8 but failed to produce a lasting agreement; it was later extended indefinitely by President Trump.
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Satellite imagery shows key parts of Iran's nuclear program survived US-Israeli strikes
CNN reports that satellite imagery indicates Iran's Saghand Uranium Mine and possibly underground facilities near Isfahan survived the US-Israeli strikes of February 28. While much of the production process was substantially damaged, stores of highly enriched uranium may have been untouched. Iran has covered entrances to underground tunnels, suggesting valuable assets remain. Satellite imagery analyzed by CNN reveals that the Saghand Uranium Mine remains undamaged and operational after the strikes, with diggers still active at the site. The Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility, a key site for purifying uranium into hexafluoride, has caused significant concern for US and Israeli planners. A ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect on April 8 but failed to produce a lasting agreement; it was later extended indefinitely by President Trump.
CNN reports that satellite imagery indicates Iran's Saghand Uranium Mine and possibly underground facilities near Isfahan survived the US-Israeli strikes of February 28. While much of the production process was substantially damaged, stores of highly enriched uranium may have been untouched. Iran has covered entrances to underground tunnels, suggesting valuable assets remain. Satellite imagery analyzed by CNN reveals that the Saghand Uranium Mine remains undamaged and operational after the strikes, with diggers still active at the site. The Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility, a key site for purifying uranium into hexafluoride, has caused significant concern for US and Israeli planners. A ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect on April 8 but failed to produce a lasting agreement; it was later extended indefinitely by President Trump.
us39Trump Calls Zelensky 'Tricky Guy' but Says He Likes Him, Prioritizes Negotiated Settlement
US President Donald Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a 'tricky guy' but said he likes him and wants a negotiated end to the war. Trump noted heavy losses on both sides and Ukraine's fighting ability. Separately, the Pentagon released $400 million in delayed military aid to Ukraine after criticism from Senator Mitch McConnell, amid concerns about US capacity to sustain support alongside operations in Iran.
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Trump Calls Zelensky 'Tricky Guy' but Says He Likes Him, Prioritizes Negotiated Settlement
US President Donald Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a 'tricky guy' but said he likes him and wants a negotiated end to the war. Trump noted heavy losses on both sides and Ukraine's fighting ability. Separately, the Pentagon released $400 million in delayed military aid to Ukraine after criticism from Senator Mitch McConnell, amid concerns about US capacity to sustain support alongside operations in Iran.
US President Donald Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a 'tricky guy' but said he likes him and wants a negotiated end to the war. Trump noted heavy losses on both sides and Ukraine's fighting ability. Separately, the Pentagon released $400 million in delayed military aid to Ukraine after criticism from Senator Mitch McConnell, amid concerns about US capacity to sustain support alongside operations in Iran.
us38Trump's planned China visit signals major US-China trade and geopolitical negotiations
US President Donald Trump is expected to visit China on May 14-15 for talks with President Xi Jinping, a meeting that could reshape global trade, energy security, technology competition, and supply chains. The article analyzes implications for the EU, UK, and Turkey, noting that the EU seeks to reduce strategic dependence on China without decoupling, the UK aims to balance economic ties with security concerns, and Turkey hopes to position itself as an indispensable middle power leveraging its geography and NATO membership.
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Trump's planned China visit signals major US-China trade and geopolitical negotiations
US President Donald Trump is expected to visit China on May 14-15 for talks with President Xi Jinping, a meeting that could reshape global trade, energy security, technology competition, and supply chains. The article analyzes implications for the EU, UK, and Turkey, noting that the EU seeks to reduce strategic dependence on China without decoupling, the UK aims to balance economic ties with security concerns, and Turkey hopes to position itself as an indispensable middle power leveraging its geography and NATO membership.
US President Donald Trump is expected to visit China on May 14-15 for talks with President Xi Jinping, a meeting that could reshape global trade, energy security, technology competition, and supply chains. The article analyzes implications for the EU, UK, and Turkey, noting that the EU seeks to reduce strategic dependence on China without decoupling, the UK aims to balance economic ties with security concerns, and Turkey hopes to position itself as an indispensable middle power leveraging its geography and NATO membership.
us36Iran warns of 'unbearable cost' for US actions amid Strait of Hormuz tensions
Iranian defence council member Ali Akbar Ahmadian declared Iran's security non-negotiable and accused the United States of undermining global maritime and energy stability. He warned that Iranian operations would alter the strategic equation and impose an unbearable cost on the US, as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security.
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Iran warns of 'unbearable cost' for US actions amid Strait of Hormuz tensions
Iranian defence council member Ali Akbar Ahmadian declared Iran's security non-negotiable and accused the United States of undermining global maritime and energy stability. He warned that Iranian operations would alter the strategic equation and impose an unbearable cost on the US, as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security.
Iranian defence council member Ali Akbar Ahmadian declared Iran's security non-negotiable and accused the United States of undermining global maritime and energy stability. He warned that Iranian operations would alter the strategic equation and impose an unbearable cost on the US, as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security.
us35Israel raises alert level, awaits US green light to resume war
Israel has heightened its alert status following regional escalation triggered by reported missile attacks on the UAE. Security assessments were held, and additional US aircraft, including refueling planes, arrived in Israel. An Israeli official indicated that forces are prepared to return to combat immediately, awaiting authorization from the United States.
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Israel raises alert level, awaits US green light to resume war
Israel has heightened its alert status following regional escalation triggered by reported missile attacks on the UAE. Security assessments were held, and additional US aircraft, including refueling planes, arrived in Israel. An Israeli official indicated that forces are prepared to return to combat immediately, awaiting authorization from the United States.
Israel has heightened its alert status following regional escalation triggered by reported missile attacks on the UAE. Security assessments were held, and additional US aircraft, including refueling planes, arrived in Israel. An Israeli official indicated that forces are prepared to return to combat immediately, awaiting authorization from the United States.
us34Chinese Navy and Bombers Conduct Combat Patrols Near Scarborough Shoal During Balikatan Drills
Background: The US, Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand conducted a joint counter-landing live-fire exercise on Palawan island as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026, with Japan participating for the first time. Today: The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command deployed Type 054A frigates (Bayanner and Tongliao), a Type 056A corvette (Hanzhoug), J-16 fighters (one armed with a YJ-91 cruise missile), and H-6 bombers carrying YJ-12 supersonic missiles near Scarborough Shoal as a countermeasure. A Chinese carrier strike group led by Liaoning operated in the South China Sea, and a surface action group led by Type 055 destroyer Zunyi conducted live-fire exercises east of Luzon, threatening potential U.S. reinforcement routes. A multinational maritime exercise off Northern Luzon involving 11 vessels from the Philippines, U.S., Japan, Australia, and Canada was shadowed by at least four Chinese warships, including a Type 815 spy ship.
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Chinese Navy and Bombers Conduct Combat Patrols Near Scarborough Shoal During Balikatan Drills
Background: The US, Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand conducted a joint counter-landing live-fire exercise on Palawan island as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026, with Japan participating for the first time. Today: The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command deployed Type 054A frigates (Bayanner and Tongliao), a Type 056A corvette (Hanzhoug), J-16 fighters (one armed with a YJ-91 cruise missile), and H-6 bombers carrying YJ-12 supersonic missiles near Scarborough Shoal as a countermeasure. A Chinese carrier strike group led by Liaoning operated in the South China Sea, and a surface action group led by Type 055 destroyer Zunyi conducted live-fire exercises east of Luzon, threatening potential U.S. reinforcement routes. A multinational maritime exercise off Northern Luzon involving 11 vessels from the Philippines, U.S., Japan, Australia, and Canada was shadowed by at least four Chinese warships, including a Type 815 spy ship.
Background: The US, Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand conducted a joint counter-landing live-fire exercise on Palawan island as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026, with Japan participating for the first time. Today: The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command deployed Type 054A frigates (Bayanner and Tongliao), a Type 056A corvette (Hanzhoug), J-16 fighters (one armed with a YJ-91 cruise missile), and H-6 bombers carrying YJ-12 supersonic missiles near Scarborough Shoal as a countermeasure. A Chinese carrier strike group led by Liaoning operated in the South China Sea, and a surface action group led by Type 055 destroyer Zunyi conducted live-fire exercises east of Luzon, threatening potential U.S. reinforcement routes. A multinational maritime exercise off Northern Luzon involving 11 vessels from the Philippines, U.S., Japan, Australia, and Canada was shadowed by at least four Chinese warships, including a Type 815 spy ship.
us33US warns citizens in UAE of potential aerial threats amid Iran-linked attacks
The US Mission to the UAE issued a warning about potential aerial threats on May 4, 2026, urging Americans to follow local authorities and take shelter. The travel advisory remains at level three (reconsider travel), and non-emergency US government personnel have been relocated outside the UAE. The alert follows reports of missiles and drones linked to Iran targeting the UAE.
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US warns citizens in UAE of potential aerial threats amid Iran-linked attacks
The US Mission to the UAE issued a warning about potential aerial threats on May 4, 2026, urging Americans to follow local authorities and take shelter. The travel advisory remains at level three (reconsider travel), and non-emergency US government personnel have been relocated outside the UAE. The alert follows reports of missiles and drones linked to Iran targeting the UAE.
The US Mission to the UAE issued a warning about potential aerial threats on May 4, 2026, urging Americans to follow local authorities and take shelter. The travel advisory remains at level three (reconsider travel), and non-emergency US government personnel have been relocated outside the UAE. The alert follows reports of missiles and drones linked to Iran targeting the UAE.
us31Western leaders flock to Beijing as Trump's policies drive hedging against US
A wave of visits by leaders from Canada, Europe, and other US allies to China in 2025-2026 signals a strategic hedge against the transactional and unpredictable trade policies of President Trump. The article argues that Beijing exploits these visits for propaganda and to deepen economic dependencies, while visiting leaders gain short-term commercial deals but weaken collective Western leverage. It calls for coordinated redlines and deterrence rather than fragmented concessions.
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Western leaders flock to Beijing as Trump's policies drive hedging against US
A wave of visits by leaders from Canada, Europe, and other US allies to China in 2025-2026 signals a strategic hedge against the transactional and unpredictable trade policies of President Trump. The article argues that Beijing exploits these visits for propaganda and to deepen economic dependencies, while visiting leaders gain short-term commercial deals but weaken collective Western leverage. It calls for coordinated redlines and deterrence rather than fragmented concessions.
A wave of visits by leaders from Canada, Europe, and other US allies to China in 2025-2026 signals a strategic hedge against the transactional and unpredictable trade policies of President Trump. The article argues that Beijing exploits these visits for propaganda and to deepen economic dependencies, while visiting leaders gain short-term commercial deals but weaken collective Western leverage. It calls for coordinated redlines and deterrence rather than fragmented concessions.
us30Malaysia cancels tariff deal with U.S. as Southeast Asia hedges on trade
Malaysia has become the first country to formally terminate its tariff agreement with the Trump administration after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidated the president's tariff authority. Other Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, are adopting a cautious hedging strategy—neither fully disengaging nor advancing new deals—amid uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and new Section 301 investigations targeting several of these countries.
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Malaysia cancels tariff deal with U.S. as Southeast Asia hedges on trade
Malaysia has become the first country to formally terminate its tariff agreement with the Trump administration after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidated the president's tariff authority. Other Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, are adopting a cautious hedging strategy—neither fully disengaging nor advancing new deals—amid uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and new Section 301 investigations targeting several of these countries.
Malaysia has become the first country to formally terminate its tariff agreement with the Trump administration after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidated the president's tariff authority. Other Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, are adopting a cautious hedging strategy—neither fully disengaging nor advancing new deals—amid uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and new Section 301 investigations targeting several of these countries.