Gallup confidence -45 lands on the Iran war's fourth Hormuz month as Trump tells Tehran no tolls, no uranium
A Gallup poll Friday put US economic confidence at -45 — the worst since 2022 — as the Iran war's fourth month at the Strait of Hormuz pushed the average gallon of petrol to $4.55, up from below $3 before late February. President Trump rejected any Hormuz transit toll and vowed Iran will retain no highly enriched uranium; Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir landed in Tehran to finalise a US-Iran letter of intent; 11 countries summoned Israeli envoys over a Ben-Gvir flotilla-treatment video. Markets continued pricing a 2026 rate hike under new Fed chair Kevin Warsh.
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Gallup economic confidence falls to -45, worst since 2022, as Iran-war petrol prices push US gallon to $4.55
US economic confidence fell to -45 in Gallup's latest Economic Confidence Index, the worst reading since the 2022 cost-of-living crisis, with only 16 percent of Americans rating the economy as good or excellent and 76 percent saying conditions are getting worse. The poll, released Friday, ties the slide to inflation and a petrol-price surge to $4.55 per gallon — up from below $3 before the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February — driven by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Washington's naval siege of Iranian ports. The reading lands as a separate New York Times/Siena poll this week showed only 31 percent approve of President Donald Trump's handling of the war, even as Trump has said the economic fallout does not factor into his approach to Iran.
Strait of Hormuz standoff enters fourth month with US and Iran under economic strain
The Strait of Hormuz crisis is approaching its fourth month, marked by mutual blockades: Iran charges ships up to $2 million for safe passage while the US enforces a naval embargo on Iranian oil exports. Iran is losing an estimated $435 million per day in trade, with public finances suffering an estimated $17 billion loss as of Friday, according to FDD senior fellow Miad Maleki. US President Donald Trump faces pressure from Gulf allies and domestic inflation ahead of November mid-term elections.
Trump opposes Hormuz tolls, vows to seize Iran's uranium; 11 countries summon Israeli envoys over Ben-Gvir flotilla video; UN reports 125,000 Gaza skin infections
US President Donald Trump said the United States opposes any tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and vowed Iran will not be allowed to retain highly enriched uranium. Eleven countries, including eight European nations, summoned Israeli ambassadors over a video showing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir overseeing the mistreatment of detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla. The UN’s Palestine agency reported more than 125,000 skin infection cases in Gaza linked to rats and parasites during the first five months of 2026.
Foreign Affairs warns Iran's Hormuz closure has set 'cheap, fast and devastating' precedent for Malacca, Taiwan, Luzon and Lombok chokepoints
A Foreign Affairs analysis published Friday warns that Iran's late-February closure of the Strait of Hormuz with drones, anti-ship missiles and mines — and President Donald Trump's mid-April declaration that the US Navy would blockade "any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave" the 21-nautical-mile waterway — has set a "cheap, fast, and devastating" template that may now spread to the Strait of Malacca, the Taiwan Strait, and the Luzon and Lombok straits. The piece notes the Malacca chokepoint carries 40 percent of global trade and 80 percent of Chinese energy imports through a 1.5-nautical-mile narrows, while a Taiwan Strait blockade — citing Bloomberg — could erase 5.3 percent of global GDP and halt advanced-semiconductor exports from the world's dominant producer. The authors recommend Washington finally accede to UNCLOS, decentralise semiconductor production to Germany and Japan, and upgrade secondary deep-water ports in the Philippines, Vietnam and India's east coast — even as Jakarta in early April recovered an unmanned underwater vehicle of suspected Chinese origin in the Lombok Strait.
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us41Regional Mediators Travel to Tehran to Push for US-Iran Deal
Regional mediators have traveled to Tehran to facilitate negotiations between the United States and Iran, focusing on key issues such as nuclear program restrictions and sanctions relief. This diplomatic effort seeks to de-escalate tensions and reach a negotiated settlement. The mediators aim to bridge differences on these core issues to advance toward a potential deal.
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Regional Mediators Travel to Tehran to Push for US-Iran Deal
Regional mediators have traveled to Tehran to facilitate negotiations between the United States and Iran, focusing on key issues such as nuclear program restrictions and sanctions relief. This diplomatic effort seeks to de-escalate tensions and reach a negotiated settlement. The mediators aim to bridge differences on these core issues to advance toward a potential deal.
Regional mediators have traveled to Tehran to facilitate negotiations between the United States and Iran, focusing on key issues such as nuclear program restrictions and sanctions relief. This diplomatic effort seeks to de-escalate tensions and reach a negotiated settlement. The mediators aim to bridge differences on these core issues to advance toward a potential deal.
us40Qatar sends mediators to Tehran as Strait of Hormuz deal nears; US rejects toll proposal
Background: Iran submitted its formal response to a US peace proposal via Pakistani mediators, and permitted the first Qatari LNG tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. In a new development, Qatar has dispatched mediators to Tehran as talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz appear close to a memorandum of understanding. The deal would involve Iran lifting its blockade in exchange for sanctions relief and a 30-day pause on nuclear negotiations. Iran seeks to establish a Persian Gulf Strait Authority to impose tolls, which the US and five Gulf states reject. Pakistan is also mediating, and China may be brought in as a guarantor. The head of the Pakistan army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was also expected in Tehran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there had been 'a little progress' but the US would not accept tolls. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said the focus is on ending the war on all fronts, not nuclear issues. Russia has offered to receive Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, but Iran says it will downblend it inside Iran.
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Qatar sends mediators to Tehran as Strait of Hormuz deal nears; US rejects toll proposal
Background: Iran submitted its formal response to a US peace proposal via Pakistani mediators, and permitted the first Qatari LNG tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. In a new development, Qatar has dispatched mediators to Tehran as talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz appear close to a memorandum of understanding. The deal would involve Iran lifting its blockade in exchange for sanctions relief and a 30-day pause on nuclear negotiations. Iran seeks to establish a Persian Gulf Strait Authority to impose tolls, which the US and five Gulf states reject. Pakistan is also mediating, and China may be brought in as a guarantor. The head of the Pakistan army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was also expected in Tehran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there had been 'a little progress' but the US would not accept tolls. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said the focus is on ending the war on all fronts, not nuclear issues. Russia has offered to receive Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, but Iran says it will downblend it inside Iran.
Background: Iran submitted its formal response to a US peace proposal via Pakistani mediators, and permitted the first Qatari LNG tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. In a new development, Qatar has dispatched mediators to Tehran as talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz appear close to a memorandum of understanding. The deal would involve Iran lifting its blockade in exchange for sanctions relief and a 30-day pause on nuclear negotiations. Iran seeks to establish a Persian Gulf Strait Authority to impose tolls, which the US and five Gulf states reject. Pakistan is also mediating, and China may be brought in as a guarantor. The head of the Pakistan army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was also expected in Tehran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there had been 'a little progress' but the US would not accept tolls. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said the focus is on ending the war on all fronts, not nuclear issues. Russia has offered to receive Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, but Iran says it will downblend it inside Iran.
us39Wall Street expects 2026 rate hike as Kevin Warsh leads Federal Reserve
Financial markets are pricing in an interest rate increase in 2026 following Kevin Warsh's appointment as Federal Reserve Chair, reflecting expectations of tighter monetary policy.
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Wall Street expects 2026 rate hike as Kevin Warsh leads Federal Reserve
Financial markets are pricing in an interest rate increase in 2026 following Kevin Warsh's appointment as Federal Reserve Chair, reflecting expectations of tighter monetary policy.
Financial markets are pricing in an interest rate increase in 2026 following Kevin Warsh's appointment as Federal Reserve Chair, reflecting expectations of tighter monetary policy.
us38Copycat extremism fears grow after San Diego mosque shooting manifesto surfaces
Two teenagers killed three men at the Islamic Center of San Diego in a hate crime shooting before dying by suicide. A 74-page manifesto recovered from the suspects invoked the Christchurch shooter, referring to themselves as 'Sons of Tarrant,' and expressing hatred toward Muslims, Jews, Black people, women, and political groups. The attack raised fears of online radicalization and copycat violence, with extremism researchers noting it fits a pattern of digital copycat violence and 'gamification' of mass shootings. The Vazquez family stated Caleb Vazquez had mental health issues and was radicalized online. Over 2,000 people attended funeral prayers for the three victims. The FBI continues investigating the attack as a suspected hate crime.
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Copycat extremism fears grow after San Diego mosque shooting manifesto surfaces
Two teenagers killed three men at the Islamic Center of San Diego in a hate crime shooting before dying by suicide. A 74-page manifesto recovered from the suspects invoked the Christchurch shooter, referring to themselves as 'Sons of Tarrant,' and expressing hatred toward Muslims, Jews, Black people, women, and political groups. The attack raised fears of online radicalization and copycat violence, with extremism researchers noting it fits a pattern of digital copycat violence and 'gamification' of mass shootings. The Vazquez family stated Caleb Vazquez had mental health issues and was radicalized online. Over 2,000 people attended funeral prayers for the three victims. The FBI continues investigating the attack as a suspected hate crime.
Two teenagers killed three men at the Islamic Center of San Diego in a hate crime shooting before dying by suicide. A 74-page manifesto recovered from the suspects invoked the Christchurch shooter, referring to themselves as 'Sons of Tarrant,' and expressing hatred toward Muslims, Jews, Black people, women, and political groups. The attack raised fears of online radicalization and copycat violence, with extremism researchers noting it fits a pattern of digital copycat violence and 'gamification' of mass shootings. The Vazquez family stated Caleb Vazquez had mental health issues and was radicalized online. Over 2,000 people attended funeral prayers for the three victims. The FBI continues investigating the attack as a suspected hate crime.
us35Trump's unprecedented financial entanglements and self-dealing while in office
President Trump has broken with decades of presidential ethics norms by maintaining active business interests, profiting from government policies, and securing lifetime immunity from tax audits for himself and his family. His crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, and stock trading have generated billions. The Justice Department, under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, added a clause barring future tax audits of Trump's past returns. Trump's net worth has risen to $6.1 billion, up from $2.4 billion in 2021.
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Trump's unprecedented financial entanglements and self-dealing while in office
President Trump has broken with decades of presidential ethics norms by maintaining active business interests, profiting from government policies, and securing lifetime immunity from tax audits for himself and his family. His crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, and stock trading have generated billions. The Justice Department, under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, added a clause barring future tax audits of Trump's past returns. Trump's net worth has risen to $6.1 billion, up from $2.4 billion in 2021.
President Trump has broken with decades of presidential ethics norms by maintaining active business interests, profiting from government policies, and securing lifetime immunity from tax audits for himself and his family. His crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, and stock trading have generated billions. The Justice Department, under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, added a clause barring future tax audits of Trump's past returns. Trump's net worth has risen to $6.1 billion, up from $2.4 billion in 2021.
us30Hegseth cancels Army investigation into Apache flyby of Kid Rock's home, raising partisan interference concerns
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth canceled an Army Regulation 15-6 investigation into two AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade that flew near protesters in Nashville and hovered over musician Kid Rock's home on March 28, 2026. Hegseth announced the cancellation on social media with the message 'No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.' The decision, made before the investigation could determine facts about safety compliance, flight approvals, or pilot motivations, has raised concerns about partisan interference in military discipline and the erosion of nonpartisan professionalism. Four weeks later, Hegseth invited Kid Rock to fly in Apache helicopters in Washington, D.C., which the Pentagon described as an opportunity to thank servicemembers. During congressional testimony, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine acknowledged that safety standards and review procedures are now open to partisan interpretation.
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Hegseth cancels Army investigation into Apache flyby of Kid Rock's home, raising partisan interference concerns
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth canceled an Army Regulation 15-6 investigation into two AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade that flew near protesters in Nashville and hovered over musician Kid Rock's home on March 28, 2026. Hegseth announced the cancellation on social media with the message 'No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.' The decision, made before the investigation could determine facts about safety compliance, flight approvals, or pilot motivations, has raised concerns about partisan interference in military discipline and the erosion of nonpartisan professionalism. Four weeks later, Hegseth invited Kid Rock to fly in Apache helicopters in Washington, D.C., which the Pentagon described as an opportunity to thank servicemembers. During congressional testimony, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine acknowledged that safety standards and review procedures are now open to partisan interpretation.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth canceled an Army Regulation 15-6 investigation into two AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade that flew near protesters in Nashville and hovered over musician Kid Rock's home on March 28, 2026. Hegseth announced the cancellation on social media with the message 'No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.' The decision, made before the investigation could determine facts about safety compliance, flight approvals, or pilot motivations, has raised concerns about partisan interference in military discipline and the erosion of nonpartisan professionalism. Four weeks later, Hegseth invited Kid Rock to fly in Apache helicopters in Washington, D.C., which the Pentagon described as an opportunity to thank servicemembers. During congressional testimony, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine acknowledged that safety standards and review procedures are now open to partisan interpretation.
us28Republican senators block Trump's compensation fund for 'Biden victims'
Republican senators, including key figures like Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell, have blocked a vote on a $1.8 billion compensation fund proposed by President Trump for individuals who claim they were victims of political persecution by the justice system. The fund, which would also compensate those convicted for the January 6 Capitol attack, was part of a larger immigration funding bill. The opposition highlights growing internal party dissent and provides ammunition for Democrats ahead of midterm elections.
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Republican senators block Trump's compensation fund for 'Biden victims'
Republican senators, including key figures like Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell, have blocked a vote on a $1.8 billion compensation fund proposed by President Trump for individuals who claim they were victims of political persecution by the justice system. The fund, which would also compensate those convicted for the January 6 Capitol attack, was part of a larger immigration funding bill. The opposition highlights growing internal party dissent and provides ammunition for Democrats ahead of midterm elections.
Republican senators, including key figures like Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell, have blocked a vote on a $1.8 billion compensation fund proposed by President Trump for individuals who claim they were victims of political persecution by the justice system. The fund, which would also compensate those convicted for the January 6 Capitol attack, was part of a larger immigration funding bill. The opposition highlights growing internal party dissent and provides ammunition for Democrats ahead of midterm elections.
us26Venezuelan acting president to visit India for oil talks amid Hormuz crisis
Background: The Trump administration is pushing to increase US energy exports to India amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Today: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is expected to travel to India next week to discuss oil sales, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz forces India to seek alternative crude sources. Venezuela has become India's third-largest crude supplier this month, with shipments up nearly 50% from April to about 417,000 barrels per day. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the visit and will also travel to India from May 23-26 for talks on trade, defense, and energy security, as Washington seeks to reshape global energy supply chains away from Iranian and Russian crude. Washington is pushing Venezuelan crude onto the global market to reduce Iran's leverage in peace talks while tightening control over Venezuela's oil sector. India's crude imports from Saudi Arabia have nearly halved, and Iranian shipments have stopped due to the US naval blockade. Indian officials have expressed concern over maritime security, with 13 Indian ships stranded in the region.
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Venezuelan acting president to visit India for oil talks amid Hormuz crisis
Background: The Trump administration is pushing to increase US energy exports to India amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Today: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is expected to travel to India next week to discuss oil sales, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz forces India to seek alternative crude sources. Venezuela has become India's third-largest crude supplier this month, with shipments up nearly 50% from April to about 417,000 barrels per day. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the visit and will also travel to India from May 23-26 for talks on trade, defense, and energy security, as Washington seeks to reshape global energy supply chains away from Iranian and Russian crude. Washington is pushing Venezuelan crude onto the global market to reduce Iran's leverage in peace talks while tightening control over Venezuela's oil sector. India's crude imports from Saudi Arabia have nearly halved, and Iranian shipments have stopped due to the US naval blockade. Indian officials have expressed concern over maritime security, with 13 Indian ships stranded in the region.
Background: The Trump administration is pushing to increase US energy exports to India amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Today: Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is expected to travel to India next week to discuss oil sales, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz forces India to seek alternative crude sources. Venezuela has become India's third-largest crude supplier this month, with shipments up nearly 50% from April to about 417,000 barrels per day. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the visit and will also travel to India from May 23-26 for talks on trade, defense, and energy security, as Washington seeks to reshape global energy supply chains away from Iranian and Russian crude. Washington is pushing Venezuelan crude onto the global market to reduce Iran's leverage in peace talks while tightening control over Venezuela's oil sector. India's crude imports from Saudi Arabia have nearly halved, and Iranian shipments have stopped due to the US naval blockade. Indian officials have expressed concern over maritime security, with 13 Indian ships stranded in the region.
us25Rubio begins three-day India visit amid efforts to mend strained US-India ties
Background: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio planned to visit India for a Quad meeting and to reset bilateral relations strained by tariffs, Pakistan issues, and energy disputes. Today: Rubio arrived in India for a three-day visit covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, discussing energy security, trade, and defense. The visit follows the Trump administration's dismissal of criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani after he pledged a $10bn US investment, and a 30-day extension of a sanctions waiver allowing purchases of Russian seaborne oil, easing pressure on India. Analysts view these moves as attempts to improve bilateral ties. The visit precedes a Quad foreign ministers meeting on May 26. Tensions remain over India's continued Russian oil purchases, US tariffs, and US-Pakistan relations, including a recent US approval of $686m in F-16 upgrades for Pakistan.
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Rubio begins three-day India visit amid efforts to mend strained US-India ties
Background: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio planned to visit India for a Quad meeting and to reset bilateral relations strained by tariffs, Pakistan issues, and energy disputes. Today: Rubio arrived in India for a three-day visit covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, discussing energy security, trade, and defense. The visit follows the Trump administration's dismissal of criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani after he pledged a $10bn US investment, and a 30-day extension of a sanctions waiver allowing purchases of Russian seaborne oil, easing pressure on India. Analysts view these moves as attempts to improve bilateral ties. The visit precedes a Quad foreign ministers meeting on May 26. Tensions remain over India's continued Russian oil purchases, US tariffs, and US-Pakistan relations, including a recent US approval of $686m in F-16 upgrades for Pakistan.
Background: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio planned to visit India for a Quad meeting and to reset bilateral relations strained by tariffs, Pakistan issues, and energy disputes. Today: Rubio arrived in India for a three-day visit covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, discussing energy security, trade, and defense. The visit follows the Trump administration's dismissal of criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani after he pledged a $10bn US investment, and a 30-day extension of a sanctions waiver allowing purchases of Russian seaborne oil, easing pressure on India. Analysts view these moves as attempts to improve bilateral ties. The visit precedes a Quad foreign ministers meeting on May 26. Tensions remain over India's continued Russian oil purchases, US tariffs, and US-Pakistan relations, including a recent US approval of $686m in F-16 upgrades for Pakistan.