Middle East Escalation and Instabilityactive

The two countries have been discussing a 30-day extension to the cease-fire and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Tanker carrying LNG from Qatar throws energy lifeline to Islamabad

An LNG tanker from Qatar has passed through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the war between the U. S. and Iran began.

The meeting in Miami was held in an attempt to reach an agreement.

A cargo ship caught fire Sunday after being hit by an unknown projectile off Qatar's coast, the British military said.

A judge ruled that the woman should not be deported there, so the Trump administration sent her to Ghana — which returned her to Togo.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's reshuffle comes amid protests over poor government performance.

Not so long ago, in the final decades of the 20th century, the United Nations was the arbiter of international law, and its secretary-general was almost a full‑time peacemaker. Today, negotiations to resolve wars and conflicts fall to businesspeople friendly with U. S. President Donald Trump or to third-party countries, often emerging powers (Qatar as mediator in Gaza, or Pakistan in the war against Iran), which have co-opted the organization’s historic role as interlocutor. On the eve of electing its next secretary-general, the U. N.’s peacemaking dimension takes on particular significance after the organization’s paralysis in recent conflicts: Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Iran, Lebanon... Seguir leyendo

Mojtaba Khamenei hasn’t appeared publicly since U. S. and Iranian officials say he was severely injured in an airstrike more than two months ago.

Human rights groups on Saturday hailed the arrest of a Ukrainian pro-Russian separatist in France on suspicion of crimes against humanity, war crimes and complicity in acts of torture.

Late-night host Bill Maher mocked President Trump regarding the ongoing negotiations with Iran to end the war. "It's a game of chicken, and Trump said he wants the Iranians to know America does not blink," the comedian said, before adding, "Lose interest and wander away? Yes, we do that all the time." The U.S.…

Rosatom intends to continue developing its projects in Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev told

Rescue services have managed to contain a large-scale fire of dry vegetation and self-seeded forests in the Desna community of the Chernihiv region.

An AI-powered turret designed to intercept enemy drones, developed by a participant in the Brave1 defense tech cluster, is already being used in combat conditions.

In the Novhorod-Siverskyi district of the Chernihiv region, a Russian drone attack on an agricultural enterprise killed a 70-year-old man and his 49-year-old son.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte hired a new lead counsel as he heads for a full-blown trial on alleged crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court.

The regime fires on U. S. warships in Hormuz but still enjoys a cease-fire.

In a week thats’s seen renewed hope for ending the war in Iran, ten weeks since it started, with four weeks of stalemate, a ceasefire and skirmishes over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Intermittent peace talks have boiled down to a fourteen-point, one-page “memorandum of understanding”, crafted by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which has been sent to Pakistani mediators and is being reviewed by Iran.

As the world held its breath over the fate of the Middle East this week, France has been gripped by a very different story: a scandal over a chewy rubber giraffe. Sophie la Girafe, the country’s national toy, has long been a symbol of “made in France” craftsmanship, sold as a gift to newborns across the country. But this week, it was revealed the beloved toy has secretly been manufactured in China for the past decade. Vulli, the company behind the toy, quietly began moving production to China as...

"Do it in a polite manner. And tell him that Tehran has killed 42,000 innocent people."

Ukraine’s security is inseparable from NATO’s security, and the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC) is a vivid example of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides.

The president dismissed Iran’s firing on U. S. vessels in the strait as a mere “trifle.”

Ivo Daalder, a former U. S. ambassador to NATO, is a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center and host of the weekly podcast “World Review with Ivo Daalder.” He writes POLITICO’s From Across the Pond column. U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Rome yesterday, looking to repair relations with both the Pope and the Italian government after their spats with President Donald Trump over the war in Iran. It is a useful mission for a secretary of state. But it does raise a fundamental question: Why isn’t Rubio leading the diplomatic effort to end the war in Iran, resolve the stand-off between Israel and its neighbors, find a solution to the war in Ukraine, or forge a more stable engagement with China — to name just a few key issues other U. S. officials are leading in his stead? Similarly, one would be forgiven for asking to see any evidence of a well-functioning policy process that would provide the president with different options, detail their costs and benefits, and provide coherent strategies for implementation — all of which are normally the responsibility of the national security adviser, the other hat Rubio now wears? Indeed, few people have been better positioned to dominate U. S. foreign and national security policy than the person who currently serves as both. And yet, what is most remarkable about Rubio is the increasingly shrinking role he seems to play. The U. S. secretary of state is the nation’s chief diplomat and foreign affairs spokesperson, responsible for carrying the U. S. flag overseas and leading diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts, prevent new ones and advance America’s national interests. But Rubio is largely AWOL on all these efforts. While his predecessor, Antony Blinken, traveled to the Middle East at least once a month after the region went up in flames following the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, Rubio has been to Israel just three times in the past 16 months. While former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger spent weeks in the region, working to forge a settlement between Israel and its neighbors after the 1973 war, Rubio hasn’t visited in over six months. George Shultz, who was perhaps America’s best secretary of state, once said that diplomacy is like gardening: One must water the plants and pull out the weeds. In other words, one has to go there. Yet, Rubio has so far taken just 18 trips as secretary of state, spending about 75 days on the road visiting 31 countries. By comparison, in her first 16 months in office, Hillary Clinton had taken 28 trips, spent 130 days on the road visiting over 60 countries. When you fail to tend the garden, the jungle grows. Indeed, the war in Ukraine, which Trump claimed he would “end in one day,” has only intensified since he took office. Israel remains at war with its neighbors as fragile ceasefires fail to halt the bombing. Meanwhile, Iran has attacked all its neighbors and closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to the U. S. and Israel’s decision to go to war. In each of these conflicts, diplomacy has been sporadic and largely unsuccessful — and in none has Rubio played the leading role one would expect from a secretary of state. Instead, it’s been the president’s friend and golfing buddy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner who have taken the lead in negotiating a durable peace in each conflict. U. S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, left, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff attend a news conference in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 12, 2026. | Pool photo by Jacquelyn Martin via AFP/Getty Images But neither Witkoff nor Kushner has the kind of deep diplomatic experience or historical knowledge required for such negotiations. And that inexperience has shown. “Kushkoff,” as the two are known, approach negotiations like real-estate deals, drawing up multipoint term sheets — 28 points for Ukraine, 20 for Gaza, and now 14 for Iran. But the points are often vague, open to misinterpretation and full of holes, which is why no conflict has truly been ended. Real diplomacy needs to be conducted by real diplomats, backed by the deep knowledge and experience of an entire department. But Rubio’s State Department has been sidelined. Having been deemed irrelevant or ignored, its top diplomats have either been fired or have resigned. Morale has been decimated. Even Rubio himself has given the department short shrift, noting that he visited Foggy Bottom “almost every day.” The bigger problem, however, is that Rubio isn’t just secretary of state — he’s also national security adviser, responsible for policy coordination and oversight. And it would be one thing if his shortcomings as the nation’s chief diplomat were because he performed his other role with great aplomb and skill. But evidence for that is thin. One of the first steps Rubio took when he settled into the West Wing’s corner office a year ago was to fire half of the National Security Council staff. And though there was a case to be made for a leaner, more streamlined staffing structure, the White House depicted these cuts as a fight between Marco and the Deep State. The result has been a frustrated staff who, diplomats and foreign officials have said, don’t know what’s going on. These failures have become abundantly clear in Iran. Whatever policy coordinating process existed prior to the decision to go to war or since, the outcome has been widespread chaos and confusion rather than clarity and consistency. Rubio himself has given multiple, often contradictory, explanations for the war and its aims, and he has increasingly appeared out of step with the president. On Tuesday, for example, Rubio declared the war “over,” only to see Trump threaten a resumption the next day. The jobs of secretary of state and national security adviser are simply too big for one person to handle. While Rubio claims that they “overlap in many cases,” these roles actually fulfill very different functions. Secretary of state is an outward-facing position. By contrast, the national security adviser is inward-facing. Combining these very different roles doesn’t ensure the two “are totally in synch,” as Rubio’s spokesman has claimed. It ensures neither job is done well. If there was any doubt about that, Rubio’s meager record in both makes that abundantly clear.

A confidential CIA assessment delivered to the White House finds Iran can withstand the naval blockade for months and retains a substantial missile and drone arsenal.

In the Zakarpattia region, authorities are investigating the possibility that a forest fire in Volovets was set on behalf of the Russians through the recruitment of residents.

2,400 hectares of forest are burning in the border area of the Chernihiv region as a result of Russian aggression; fully extinguishing the fire is currently impossible due to enemy drones.

Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces carried out 41 strikes on the border of the Chernihiv region using FPV drones, resulting in confirmed destruction and damage.

Lawmakers say US policy of ambiguity on Israel's nuclear capabilities heightens risks amid US-Israel war on Iran.

President Volodymyr Zelensky honored 484 defenders of Ukraine with state awards, 138 of them posthumously.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the Russian army had committed 1,820 violations of the ceasefire, including shelling, attempted assaults, airstrikes, and the use of drones.

Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was once one of the most visible faces of Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on drugs, a tough-talking national police chief who was seen as the hatchet man carrying out the former Philippine president’s crackdown against alleged criminals of the narcotics trade. Now a senator, Dela Rosa has somewhat fallen off the radar – for six months, he has not appeared for work after reports circulated that he could face arrest in connection with the International Criminal Court’s crimes...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced upcoming new sanctions against Russia over the fraudulent recruitment of foreign nationals from North Africa and the Middle East to participate in the war against Ukraine.

Anatoly Bibilov emphasized that these threats only serve to confirm the character of the adversary

Vasily Osmakov and Abdulrazak Ismail discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, including in the military sphere

Also in today’s newsletter, oil surges after US and Iran exchange fire

Two people were injured in the Chernihiv region as a result of Russian strikes.

China, focused on beating the U. S., is on pace to build the first sixth-generation stealth fighters.

In the Chernihiv region, 108 explosions were recorded over the past 24 hours as a result of Russian shelling; the enemy fired on the region’s border areas 56 times.

A spokesman for the 81-year-old former New York mayor announced that Giuliani was in 'critical but stable condition.' Giuliani was widely popular for leading New York through the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but experienced a fall from grace in recent years for his allegiance to Donald Trump, which resulted in numerous criminal charges.

Rudy Giuliani was dubbed "America’s mayor" for leading New York City through the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001. But his reputation took a deep dive amid his support for Trump in recent years.

As the energy shock triggered by tensions in the Middle East spread across Africa, a massive oil refinery in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, owned by Africa's wealthiest man, stepped in to help. Operating at its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the world's largest single-train refinery supplied fuel to many African countries that typically relied on imports through the Strait of Hormuz, from Senegal in the west to Mozambique in the southeast. Constructed at a cost of approximately US$20 billion,...

The Russians attacked Mykolaiv’s energy infrastructure with Shahed drones, resulting in power outages across the city.

Though Jordan mostly sat out the conflicts, its tourism high season was nearly wiped out at popular sites. Visitors canceled flights, hotels and tours.

Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a subcommander at the Iranian military's command center, threatened this Saturday with the possibility of a new armed conflict with the United States, citing the stalemate in peace talks and the observations made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the latest Iranian proposal in the negotiations. "It is likely that the conflict between Iran and the United States will resume, and evidence shows that the United States is not committed to any promise or agreement," the member of Khatam al-Anbiya stated, according to the Iranian news agency Fars, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The subcommander's statements come after the Supreme Leader of the Iranian regime, Mojtaba Khamenei, claimed that the Persian country has established itself "as a military power" by defining "the Iranian-Islamic identity" and instilling it "as deeply as possible in the minds and souls of the youth." The Ayatollah has not been seen in public since he was designated as the successor to his father, Ali Khamenei, on the day that the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran. In this context, Yousef Pezeshkian, an advisor and the son of the President of Iran, presented various scenarios regarding the outcome of the war, noting that the country has suffered damage but has gained international prestige. "Iran has been economically harmed due to the damage to infrastructure and..."

In the Gazan city of Khan Younis, workers are still clearing rubble seven months after the ceasefire that followed two years of war. The work continues around the clock, but it brings in only a few euros a day, barely enough to support their families. Liza Kaminov has more.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump approved military sales worth over USD 8.6 billion to its allies in the Middle East. Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates are among the countries that will benefit from these transactions, which were announced by the State Department on Friday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that an emergency existed that required the immediate approval of the sales, thus exempting them from the usual review procedures by Congress. Among the authorized transactions is the sale to Qatar of air defense and Patriot missile defense replenishment services for USD 4.010 billion, as well as advanced precision kill weapon systems (APKWS) for USD 992.4 million. The authorization for Kuwait included an integrated battle command system for USD 2.5 billion, while Israel was authorized to acquire APKWS systems valued at USD 992.4 million. The United Arab Emirates will also be able to access APKWS systems for USD 147.6 million. The State Department specified that BAE Systems (BAES. L) is the primary contractor for the APKWS sales to Qatar, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. RTX (RTX. N) and Lockheed Martin (LMT. N) are leading the contracts for the battle command system to Kuwait and the Patriot system to Qatar. Northrop Grumman (NOC. N) is the primary contractor for the sale to Kuwait. Meanwhile, the agency…

Hezbollah's inexpensive fiber-optic drones are creating new challenges for Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, forcing the army to adapt its tactics against an increasingly lethal threat. The Israeli military, considered one of the most advanced in the world, confirmed the deaths of two soldiers and a civilian contractor in explosive drone attacks in less than a week, and several more were injured despite the ceasefire in effect since mid-April. These devices are small, cheap, and easy to obtain, described by Orna Mizrahi, a senior researcher at the Israeli National Security Institute (INSS), as "toys for children." According to her statement to AFP, the military "has no answer for this today, because they were not prepared for explosives of such low technology." Israel has been engaged in a conflict with the Lebanese Hezbollah since early March, deploying troops in southern Lebanon to confront the Iran-backed terrorist group. Since then, the violence has continued, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. Unlike conventional drones guided by GPS or radio, which can therefore be jammed, Hezbollah uses devices connected to their launch site via a thin fiber-optic cable that can extend for tens of kilometers. Operators pilot the drones in first-person view (FPV) using…

On the surface, Iranian society appears to be functioning normally, at least for a country that has been subjected to intense bombardment for weeks. Trendy young people gather outside cafes in Tehran, where they smoke and chat with friends. Tickets for a major rock concert in the city sold out in minutes. And people continue to travel in and out of Iran for leisure and business. However, many Iranians say that this is a facade that masks the painful and precarious conditions in which they live. Four months of traumatic events that have shaken the world—a brutal crackdown on national protests followed by a devastating war—have shattered hopes for the future and left much of society in pain and with a feeling of helplessness. "People are living their lives," said Sara, an Iranian woman in her forties living in Turkey, who traveled to Tehran in the winter and was returning to Turkey at the end of April. However, she added that the apparent calm was deceptive: "Everyone's morale is terrible." Like most of the approximately two dozen Iranians interviewed for this article, Sara refused to have her full name used, fearing government reprisals. Others chose to have their names not used at all. Sara was in Iran during some of the worst weeks of the war, and she said that Iranians living outside the country...

Over four years of war, Ukrainians have become adept at recognizing the sound of these drones, often just after the air force issues a warning that they are headed towards their city. These are the drones sent by Russia, but manufactured by Iran, which produce a persistent buzzing sound, often mistaken for a motocross bike, and explode upon impact with their target. In the last decade, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have transformed warfare due to their low cost and ease of deployment, changing battlefields from Ukraine to the Middle East. For Iran, which developed its own drone system, called Shahed ("martyr"), many years ago, this resource has become its most significant weapon in the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. "There is no way to control the Strait of Hormuz if someone wants to do so, because drones have changed the landscape of warfare. You could send 10,000, you could send five thousand marines to the coast of the Persian Gulf, but you can't do anything to prevent a drone from flying overhead and attacking a tanker, paralyzing the Gulf again," said journalist Scott Anderson, author of King of Kings, in a recent interview with La Tercera. In their various models, Iranian Shahed drones have had a transformative impact on modern warfare. For example, they have been exported to Russia, which launches them day and night against Ukraine, not only on the front lines, but also against the civilian population.

Two young people launched the initiative, opening Al-Anqa to collect over 6,000 books that were being lost due to the destruction of many libraries in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces. This has allowed many Palestinians to start reading again, whether to escape reality or to educate themselves.

At least 12 people were killed and more than twenty were injured following a series of airstrikes attributed to the Israeli military against various locations in southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire that has been in effect since April 16th, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, as reported by the state-run agency NNA. The Emergency Health Operations Center of the ministry detailed that the attacks on the town of Haboush, in the Nabatieh district, resulted in "eight fatalities, including a child and two women, and 21 injuries, including two children and one woman." Furthermore, it stated that the bombings by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against the city of Zrarieh, in the Sidon province, caused four deaths, including two women, and four other injuries, including a child and a woman. In total, authorities have reported 12 deaths and at least 25 injuries, resulting from the Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory during the afternoon of this Friday, as part of an intensification of attacks in the south of the country. Meanwhile, the Gaza-based Al Jazeera network reported more than 30 airstrikes, accompanied by intense artillery fire, against other southern areas of Lebanon, including Zoutar al Gharbiya, Deir Sirian, and Ain Baal. This all occurred after at least two people were killed and ten others were injured earlier in the day…

Donald Trump stated that he was "not satisfied" with Iran's latest proposal to begin negotiations on ending the war. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated that it would implement "new rules" in the Strait of Hormuz. The White House informed the U.S. Congress that hostilities with Iran had "ceased." The Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of using the ceasefire as a pretext to intensify its attacks. China's envoy to the United Nations (UN) told reporters that there is no real ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, but only a "reduced level of fire." "It is imperative that Israel stop this bombing of Lebanon," Fu Cong told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday, when China assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of May. The number of people killed in Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon has risen again, with at least 44 people killed in the past two days alone, according to the Lebanese National News Agency. The U.S. Central Command (Centcom), responsible for the war against Iran, stated on its X account that it had blocked 45 vessels attempting to violate the blockade imposed on Iranian ports. U.S. forces continue to patrol international waters and enforce the ongoing naval blockade against Iran.

China assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this Friday, in a global context marked by increasing tensions and conflicts, as described by its permanent representative to the organization, Ambassador Fu Cong. "It is a great honor for China to assume the presidency of the Security Council, and we will carry out our duties with a strong sense of responsibility and a constructive approach," the Chinese diplomat stated at a press conference. He also noted that "we are committed to promoting solidarity and cooperation within the Council to ensure it plays a positive role in safeguarding international peace and security." During the presentation of the May work program for the security body, Fu also warned that the global situation is undergoing a period of increasing instability, with a rise in confrontations, while the multilateral system and international law are facing "serious impacts." It is a great honor for China to assume the rotating Presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. We commend the work done by Bahrain as the President last month. Now that the baton is in our hand, we will continue to uphold fairness and transparency in the Council’s… pic.twitter.com/W39uQ7983O — FU Cong 傅聪 (@ChinaAmbUN) May 1, 2026 Due to this, Beijing proposed holding a session on May 26th focused on "defe…"

The Honduran government announced on April 30th that seven Honduran citizens are in a vulnerable situation in the Russian Federation, prompting the immediate activation of consular protection mechanisms by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. According to the official statement, the Honduran Embassy in Russia became aware of the case on April 29th, 2026, at which point diplomatic efforts were initiated to locate the nationals, verify their situation, and provide direct assistance. The actions implemented allowed five of the seven Hondurans to leave the location where they were being held against their will. Currently, these citizens are under the protection of a secure facility, where they are receiving support and consular assistance from Honduran authorities. However, the situation of the other two nationals remains under review. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both are being held in custody by Russian authorities at a facility located in the city of Moscow. In light of this situation, the government assured that it is maintaining constant communication with the relevant authorities to verify their condition and ensure the respect of their rights. One of the key aspects of this case is the origin of the transfer of the Hondurans to Russian territory. According to the information provided…

The Dominican Republic announced this Friday at the United Nations its contribution of USD 20 billion to finance the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), deployed in Haiti with the aim of combating violence generated by armed gangs, according to a report by the EFE news agency. The disbursement will be made in two stages: an initial payment of USD 10 billion and a second payment of the same amount, planned for the year 2027. This was announced by the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a meeting in New York between Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and the UN Under-Secretary-General, Atul Khare. The decision is in line with President Luis Abinader's directive to support, through concrete actions, international efforts to restore stability and security in Haitian territory. Foreign Minister Álvarez stated that "lasting peace in the neighboring nation is a strategic priority for the Dominican Republic and for the region as a whole." The Gang Suppression Force, created by the UN in 2025, began its deployment on April 1 with the arrival of troops from Chad. According to a message posted by the GSF on the social network X, the first contingent marked the beginning of an operation by an expanded force that replaces the previous Haiti Security Mission, whose results were not satisfactory. The United Nations Security Council authorized the composition of the GSF, which has 5,500 personnel...

WEST PALM BEACH (APF).- U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington could potentially take control of Cuba "almost immediately" and threatened to move the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln off the coast of the island once "the work" in the Middle East is completed in the war against Iran. Developing story.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Yerevan on May 4.

Developing story.

On Thursday night, a large-scale operation was carried out in the exclusive Campisa residential complex, located in San Pedro Sula, in the northern region of Honduras, as part of the investigations related to the Koriun Inversiones case. The operation was conducted by agents from the Technical Criminal Investigation Agency (ATIC) and officers from the Public Order Military Police (PMOP), who managed to seize approximately 300,000 lempiras in cash. According to preliminary information, the main objective of the operation was to apprehend a person allegedly linked to the organization being investigated by the Public Prosecutor's Office. However, the suspect managed to evade authorities by fleeing in a sports car, causing damage to both the main entrance of the residential complex and to institutional and private vehicles in the area. During the inspection of the residence, officers discovered two suitcases containing a large sum of cash. The amount, which totals approximately 300,000 lempiras, was secured at the scene and is undergoing a counting process by the investigative teams, who have documented the discovery as key evidence in the case. So far, authorities have not issued an official statement confirming the exact amount seized or the progress in identifying and apprehending the suspect who managed to escape. However, it is expected that…

In a day marked by tension and the weight of one of the most significant structural tragedies in the recent history of the Dominican Republic, the legal proceedings against Antonio and Maribel Espaillat have reached a turning point. During the preliminary hearing held this Friday, May 1, 2026, the defense team for the defendants surprised the court by stating that they do not object to the case being sent to a full trial, thereby validating the progress of the process towards a stage of full evidentiary debate. Under the watchful eye of Judge Raymundo Mejía, of the First Instruction Court of the National District, the Espaillat siblings chose to remain silent. After being asked if they wished to make voluntary statements, Antonio and Maribel decided to refrain, leaving the burden of argument to their legal representative, attorney Miguel Valerio. Valerio was emphatic in describing the accusation as "personal animosity," arguing that the Public Prosecutor's Office has constructed a narrative that goes beyond the legal realm. However, in a tactical move, the defense accepted the facts described in the accusation, although they maintained an insurmountable distance regarding the legal interpretation. For the lawyers, the ideal scenario for challenging the evidence, which includes over 80 testimonies and dozens of expert reports, is a full trial, provided that the court deems it "in accordance with the law." The anatomy of a collapse avoids…

For years, we have been building a compelling narrative around green hydrogen: a national strategy, pilot projects, private funding, and CORFO initiatives, all with roadmaps in place. The problem isn't the vision; it's that we have applied it indiscriminately. In the mining sector, this lack of focus has a real cost: environmental, productive, economic, and geopolitical. The new vice president of CORFO is right: resources are scarce, and we cannot fund everything. Green hydrogen requires a surgical approach to determine where it makes sense. To achieve this, we need to broaden the scope of the debate: let's not talk about decarbonization in isolation, but rather about productivity, energy resilience, and the sovereignty of critical inputs, all within the context of decarbonization. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, copper mining consumed 97 PJ of fuel, 92% of which was diesel. Bank of America confirmed this week that the rise in oil prices has already increased production costs in copper operations by 18%. Fuels represent 94% of the energy consumption in open-pit mines, and Codelco warns that disruptions in supply could increase their costs by an additional 5%. The CAEX fleet consumes between US$1.400 billion and US$2.360 billion annually in foreign currency tied to an imported, volatile, and geopolitically vulnerable commodity. Dependence on diesel is not just an environmental debt; it is a risk to the operational continuity and productivity of our primary industry. The mining sector has demonstrated that when it acts as a driver of scale, it can transform markets...

In the Rivne region, law enforcement authorities have served a 48-year-old serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a suspicion notice after he opened fire on employees of a territorial recruitment and social support center and a police officer.

WASHINGTON. – Dissatisfied with the lack of support from its NATO allies in the Middle East conflict, the Pentagon plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 U.S. soldiers from Germany, according to senior defense officials who spoke to CBS on Friday. The officials described the move as a sign of President Donald Trump's discontent with the level of assistance that European allies have provided in the war between the United States and Iran. Trump has publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the leaders of other NATO member states for not directly participating in the U.S. military campaign against Iran. The U.S. military has maintained a significant presence in Germany since the post-World War II era and the Cold War. According to figures from the Department of Defense, as of December of last year, there were more than 36,000 active-duty soldiers stationed at bases throughout Germany, along with nearly 1,500 reservists and 11,500 civilians. Japan is the only foreign country with a larger presence of U.S. troops. Germany also hosts the headquarters of the U.S. European Command and the U.S. Africa Command, and its Ramstein Air Base is a key hub for U.S. operations. Some of the U.S. personnel being transferred out of Europe could return to the United States and then be deployed overseas, according to defense officials…

Investigation found Botstein – who had claimed he wasn’t friends with Epstein – made 25 visits to his townhouse Leon Botstein has announced he is stepping down from the helm of Bard College, after an independent review of his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein found the college president’s frequent interactions with the convicted sex offender “could have alerted” him to the possibility that he and Bard would be facilitating Epstein’s abuse of women. An investigation by the WilmerHale law firm, which had been commissioned by Bard’s board of trustees earlier this year to review Botstein’s interactions with Epstein, found the Bard president – who had previously claimed he was not friends with Epstein – made about 25 visits to Epstein’s townhouse, a two-day visit to Epstein’s Little St James Island, and that there were two visits by Epstein to Bard. These visits, WilmerHale reported, included “multiple women” who have since been identified as victims of Epstein. Continue reading...

In a challenge to the Trump administration’s cease-fire, the militant group dismisses the idea it will give up its weapons.

Over the past eight years, the number of Nicaraguans residing in Spain has quadrupled, driven by economic crises and internal repression. Simultaneously, the amount of money sent from that country to Nicaragua has also seen an unprecedented increase since 2018, confirming the structural impact of recent migration. According to figures from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), cited by Confidencial, the increase in migration has resulted in a 301% increase in the number of Nicaraguan citizens residing in Spain. At the same time, the amount of remittances grew by 216.5% between 2018 and April 2025. In 2018, only 31,180 people born in Nicaragua resided in Spain. By January 1, 2026, that number had risen to 93,905, according to INE records published by Confidencial. The increase has been particularly notable among women, who now represent the majority of this migrant group. According to the Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN), the flow of remittances from Spain reached $303.5 million at the end of 2024, compared to the $140.2 million received in 2017, the last year before the April Rebellion, as reported by the BCN in a Confidencial article. These remittances have significantly supported family economies in Nicaragua, where nearly one million people have left the country between 2018 and 2025, according to calculations by Manuel Orozco, a migration expert.

AMSTERDAM.- A 33-year-old man suspected of being a far-right extremist will appear in court next week after being arrested on suspicion of planning an attack against Princess Amalia, 22, the heir to the Dutch throne, and her sister, Princess Alexia, 20, who is second in line to the succession, prosecutors announced on Friday. It was not immediately clear where or when the suspect was arrested, and his name was not revealed, in accordance with Dutch privacy regulations. The suspect allegedly had two axes with the words "Alexia," "Mossad" (the Israeli intelligence agency), and the Nazi salute "Sieg Heil" inscribed on them. According to Dutch authorities, the suspect was also found to have a handwritten note with the words "Amalia," "Alexia," and "bloodbath" when he was arrested in The Hague in February. The suspect will appear before a court in a preliminary hearing on Monday morning, followed by a later hearing at the court in The Hague. Authorities have not yet revealed a possible motive. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Máxima have three daughters. The youngest is Princess Ariane, who is 19 years old. Despite the threats, the royal family celebrated King's Day last Monday by attending a street party, greeting the public, and ice skating. King's Day is an annual national holiday that commemorates the birth of the Dutch monarch...

The presiding judge of the Bolivian Environmental Court, Víctor Hugo Claure, was murdered in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in an armed attack carried out by unknown individuals, according to judicial authorities. According to preliminary reports, the magistrate was intercepted by several people traveling on a motorcycle, who repeatedly shot at him before fleeing the scene. Due to the severity of his injuries, he died shortly after the attack. The crime was confirmed by the Council of the Magistracy, which expressed its sorrow over his death and highlighted his career, noting that he left a "deep mark" on the Bolivian justice system due to his commitment and service. Following the incident, the Bolivian police deployed operations and controls at various points in the city to apprehend the perpetrators, while an investigation was launched to determine the motive for the attack. The murder sparked reactions from authorities and organizations, such as the Public Defender's Office, which expressed its dismay and demanded a "thorough, transparent, and timely" investigation, warning that the crime cannot go unpunished. Claure played a key role within the Environmental Court, an institution responsible for resolving conflicts related to land, natural resources, and the environment, an area considered sensitive due to its economic and social impact on the country. Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations supports the idea that the UN should be led by...

Cases of embezzlement in Panama continue to be a central focus of the judicial system, with a series of arrests, convictions, and new investigations spanning various regions of the country and levels of the public administration. In recent weeks, authorities have made progress in cases related to the alleged misuse of public funds, with investigations involving everything from local community boards to educational institutions, reflecting a pattern of actions that keeps the management of state resources under scrutiny. On the last day of April, the Superior Court of Appeals of the First Judicial District decided to maintain the preventive detention of former Mayor of Colón, Alex Lee, as well as the representative of the Barrio Norte district, Javier Lynch, and the treasurer, Orlando Salazar, all of whom are under investigation for the alleged commission of the crime of embezzlement. The decision was made after a hearing in which the judges evaluated the arguments of the parties and concluded that there are sufficient procedural risks, including the risk of flight and the severity of the alleged crime, that justify the most stringent precautionary measure while the investigations proceed. In the specific case of Alex Lee, the court considered that his continued detention is necessary due to the nature of the investigated facts and his alleged involvement in the irregular handling of public funds. Lee was charged with embezzlement for actions that occurred when he was serving as…

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal and the National Institute of Statistics of Guatemala have activated emergency protocols following two massive data breaches that expose over two thousand official digital signatures and potentially compromise ten thousand health records, reflecting the growing vulnerability of state cybersecurity and leading to the temporary suspension of key services to prevent fraud and protect sensitive information. According to the specialized portals Vecert Analyze and Dark Web Informer. Simultaneous cyberattacks target critical infrastructure of the Guatemalan state. The exposure of 2,136 images of electronic signatures belonging to authorized employees of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Guatemala has triggered an unprecedented crisis in the country's digital administration. This incident, publicly attributed to the actor known as MrGoblinciano, compromises data that facilitates the validation of official procedures, increasing the risk of forgery in government documents, the organization reported when announcing the temporary suspension of its electronic signature service. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal explained that the contingency is a response to a "wave of cyberattacks against state institutions," and that the integrity of digital records is one of the most pressing concerns currently. Allegedly, the damage extends with the revelation that the files that were stolen – numbered sequentially from 9505 – originated from…

New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman on Thursday questioned President Trump’s intense focus on late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, pushing back on calls to fire the comedian with the opinion that “people don’t have to like every single joke.” Trump renewed his calls for Kimmel to be removed from the air after the “Jimmy…

The Metropolitan South Prosecutor's Office concluded the formal proceedings against 19 individuals on Friday in an investigation into crimes related to automotive loans, as part of a case that remains confidential. According to Prosecutor Milibor Bugueño, initially 18 people were arrested, and one more individual was added during the hearing, who was already subject to an active arrest warrant. At the request of the Public Prosecutor's Office, the court ordered pre-trial detention as a precautionary measure for 9 of the defendants, identified as the main leaders of the organization under investigation. Meanwhile, regarding the other 10 defendants, the Prosecutor's Office requested less restrictive precautionary measures, which were granted by the court. The South Prosecutor's Office indicated that the investigation is ongoing, in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Police (PDI), with the aim of fully clarifying the operation of the network and determining any potential new responsibilities. The Palestinian Community of Chile criticized the government's response to the case of Macarena Chahuán and demanded "clear and categorical" action.

The Palestinian Community of Chile expressed its "deep concern, indignation, and disappointment" regarding the government's response to the case of Macarena Chahuán, the Chilean citizen who was intercepted in international waters while participating in the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza. In a public statement, the organization stated that it is "incomprehensible and unacceptable" that, in the face of an event of this magnitude, the authorities have limited themselves to expressing concern, describing what happened as an "illegal and arbitrary kidnapping" that constitutes a "flagrant violation of international law." In this context, the community questioned why the State of Chile has not issued a stronger condemnation. "The government's response is not only insufficient, but it contrasts with that of other states," they indicated, citing as an example the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who demanded the immediate release of the crew members. Furthermore, they criticized the fact that the official statement does not include an explicit demand for the release of Chahuán. "Diplomatic efforts or consular follow-up are not enough. When the fundamental rights of a fellow citizen are violated in this way, the state has a duty to act decisively," they stated. The organization also warned about the situation of other vessels carrying Chilean citizens that are continuing towards Gaza, alerting that, if this were to happen again...

The celebration of Labor Day in Honduras in 2026 was marked by an unexpected turn: direct rejection by union sectors of the presence of political figures, including former President and coordinator of the Libre party, José Manuel Zelaya Rosales, who has historically participated in these demonstrations. Unlike previous years, when his participation was customary in the May 1st marches, on this occasion, Zelaya was met with shouts of "no politicians" from some protesters, highlighting a tense atmosphere between the labor movement and sectors linked to partisan politics. The former president did not walk alongside the demonstration, but remained in a vehicle from which he addressed his supporters and made statements. In that context, he uttered a phrase that quickly generated reactions: "The people abandoned us," referring to the electoral results of 2025. Zelaya also used the opportunity to question the current economic situation, pointing out the increase in the cost of living, particularly in basic goods and energy. In a video posted on social media, he stated that wage increases have been insufficient in the face of the country's economic reality. 🤛 Message from the former President of Honduras and coordinator of the @PartidoLibre, @manuelzr, during the commemoration of International Workers' Day in 🇭🇳... pic.twitter.com/vQ8fdG8FH8 …

Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, 56 years old. Born in El Salvador, he fled the conflict in his home country.

A Russian hacker who broke into and damaged critical oil and gas infrastructure in the U. S., Ukraine and other countries pleaded guilty to charges that carry as many as 27 years in prison.

RAMALLAH, West Bank.- Israeli police reported on Friday the arrest of a 36-year-old man who was filmed attacking a nun, in the latest act of aggression against Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem. Authorities explained that the man, whose identity has not been revealed, was arrested after the incident on Wednesday near the Tomb of David and the Cenacle (site of the Last Supper) – sacred sites located outside the Zion Gate, on the southern side of the Old City – "as a suspect in a racially motivated attack," and remains in custody. The incident drew condemnation from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), denounced "the evident pattern of hostility towards the Christian community in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and southern Lebanon." "It is now evident a growing pattern of hostility towards the Christian community in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and southern Lebanon. This violence, which this time did not spare a French nun who was attacked in front of the Cenacle on Mount Zion in Jerusalem..." pic.twitter.com/EPBYZd8RZc — Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) May 1, 2026 Tajani urged the Israeli government to "guarantee religious freedom and the presence of Christians, who have always been defenders of peace in the Middle East." Images released by Israeli police on Friday showed the religious woman with visible injuries, and the attacker wearing a tzitzit, a fringed garment worn by some Jewish men.

CRETE.- Following the growing international condemnation sparked by Israel's seizure of a humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza, Tel Aviv confirmed the release of hundreds of activists detained in international waters near Greece, although it warned that two of them were being held for questioning on its territory. The activists, Saif Abukeshek – who holds dual Spanish and Palestinian citizenship – and Brazilian Thiago Ávila, were among the dozens of people intercepted by the Israeli navy off the coast of the Greek island of Crete. They are part of the Global Sumud Flotilla's steering committee, whose mission was to break the Israeli blockade and deliver some humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian coastal enclave. In total, Israeli authorities intercepted approximately 20 vessels and 175 people on Wednesday night, all belonging to the new humanitarian mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which triggered widespread condemnation from the international community. The activists reported that Israeli forces boarded their ships, damaged engines, and detained some of the people on board. [Instagram post from Global Sumud Flotilla] Amid global pressure, Israel announced that most of the activists were transferred to Greek vessels on Friday and taken to the island of Crete, where trucks and an ambulance were waiting for them. The acti…

Leo, who has criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policy, selected Evelio Menjivar-Ayala as state’s new bishop Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Pope Leo XIV has appointed a man who had once entered the United States as an undocumented immigrant, hidden in the trunk of a car, as the new bishop of West Virginia. The pope approved the resignation of Bishop Mark E Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, and selected Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, 55, of Washington to take his place, reported OSV News. Continue reading...

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures announced that the advance screenings of "The Devil Wears Prada 2" grossed $10 million at the US box office on Thursday night, a figure confirmed by Box Office Mojo and the industry publication Deadline. This event, held before the official commercial release on Friday, May 1st, coincided with a significant international rollout: the film exceeded $50 million in global revenue, according to initial estimates from Deadline. The sequel, directed by David Frankel, was shown in 4,150 movie theaters in the United States, including premium large format (PLF), DBOX/Motion, and ScreenX screens. The international release began on April 29th in 35 key markets, including Germany, Spain, Australia, China, Brazil, and Mexico, and expanded to 45 markets over the weekend. This strategy emphasized extensive advance screenings and pre-sales starting in late April. The first installment of the franchise debuted in 2006, earning $9.4 million on its opening Friday and ultimately grossing $326.5 million worldwide, according to the historical records of Box Office Mojo. The sequel's advance screening performance places it alongside recent high-profile releases such as Marvel Studios' "Thunderbolts" (estimated at $11.5 million in advance screenings in 2025) and Disney's "The Little Mermaid" (estimated at $10.3 million in 2023), according to figures published by Deadline. When were the advance screenings of "The Devil Wears Prada 2," and in how many countries were they held?

According to a regional study by Mastercard and Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI), cited by the media outlet La República, only one in four small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Costa Rica accept payments by card. This 27% acceptance rate highlights a significant gap in the integration of SMEs into the digital payment system, despite the fact that consumers are increasingly showing a preference for electronic payment methods. The service and retail sector in Costa Rica reflects a strong public inclination towards digital payment methods. Only 16% of personal consumption payments are made in cash, a figure that confirms the shift towards connected and convenient payment options. Mastercard and PCMI point out that, while customers are rapidly adopting digital solutions, the majority of small businesses still do not offer card payments. The report "Impulsando el futuro del comercio en México, Centroamérica y el Caribe: Escalando la aceptación digital para una economía preparada para 2030" (Driving the Future of Commerce in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean: Scaling Digital Acceptance for an Economy Ready for 2030) states that the disparity between the demand for electronic payments and the acceptance offered by SMEs is primarily due to a lack of access to appropriate technological solutions for small businesses, rather than consumer resistance. Obstacles to the digitalization of SMEs in Costa Rica Lindsay Lehr, Managing Director of PCMI, and cited by La República, emphasizes that the main challenge lies in the ability to…

Panama is preparing to surpass the 771 bird species recorded in 2025 during the Global Big Day, which will take place on May 9, 2026. This is a 24-hour global birdwatching event where thousands of participants will venture out to document bird species across the country. This year's challenge aims not only to improve upon the historical record set last year, but also to solidify the country's position as one of the world's leading birdwatching destinations, driven by its extraordinary biodiversity and variety of ecosystems. In 2025, Panama recorded 771 species, achieving the number 7 position globally, with a total of 4,563 observation lists uploaded to the eBird platform. These figures set a national record and fueled the enthusiasm of the birdwatching community. This success was supported by widespread citizen participation and the diversity of habitats that allow for the observation of species in different regions of the country in a single day. For 2026, the expectation is to exceed these numbers through greater territorial coverage and an increase in the number of active observers. One of the key factors that could boost the results this year is the inclusion of new territories in the event. For the first time, the Naso territory will contribute its own records, which will expand the geographical scope of the monitoring and allow for the documentation of species in areas with high biodiversity.

Thousands of Honduran workers took to the streets on May 1st in various cities across the country to commemorate International Workers' Day. The day was marked by labor demands, social calls, and an open rejection of what they consider the political manipulation of the date. The demonstrations took place in cities such as San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Choloma, and La Ceiba, where unions, social organizations, and independent workers marched along main thoroughfares, carrying banners and chanting slogans in defense of their rights. In the capital, one of the main marches proceeded along the Fuerzas Armadas boulevard, while in San Pedro Sula, thousands of people gathered early in the morning and marched towards the city center, in one of the largest gatherings in the country. Among the main demands were fair wages, decent jobs, access to medication, improvements to the healthcare system, and an end to layoffs considered illegal. There were also demands for an increase in the cost of basic goods and an end to labor informality. "Jobs, but with dignity," read several banners, a slogan that summarizes the discontent of many sectors of the labor movement. Miguel Aguilar, president of the Union of Workers of the National Electricity Company (Stenee), pointed out that in areas like Choloma, despite its importance in the textile industry, violations of labor rights persist. E...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after another massive Russian drone attack that Ukraine is reinforcing its air defense and intensifying work with partners. In particular, decisions have already been made for Dnipro and Odesa.

ROME. In the context of the ongoing, indirect confrontation between two of the most influential figures of the moment, Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump, two appointments made by the Pope in the United States, his country of birth, were announced on Friday by the Vatican's daily bulletin. Amid a period of renewal within the American episcopate, which is deeply divided and largely conservative – although Trump's attack on Leo has somewhat reshaped the landscape – Robert Prevost appointed Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, an immigrant from El Salvador, as the Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, in West Virginia. This is a state controlled by the Republican party, with a population that is over 90% white, and which voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Republican businessman by a margin of 42 points. Born in Chalatenango, El Salvador, in 1970, and previously an auxiliary bishop in Washington, Menjivar-Ayala attempted to enter the United States illegally on three occasions during his adolescence. He eventually arrived in California in 1990, smuggled in the trunk of a car along with his brother, crossing the border between Tijuana and San Diego. In the years that followed, Menjivar-Ayala worked as a janitor and in construction in California before becoming a priest, as highlighted by the American journalist Christopher Hale, who described this appointment as "historic." Hale also resurfaced one of Robert Prevost's (then prefect…) posts on X, made before his election as Pope.

The International Banking Center (IBC) of Panama maintained a stable and resilient performance during the first quarter of 2026, with moderate credit growth, sustained deposit expansion, and comfortable levels of liquidity and capital, all within a context marked by high international interest rates and increased funding costs. Data from the Banking Activity Report of the Superintendency of Banks of Panama indicates that the banking system continues to operate with tight margins, but with the capacity for adaptation and prudent management, which has allowed it to maintain its role as a regional platform for financial intermediation. The performance of credit shows a mixed dynamic, where the total internal portfolio remained virtually stable (-0.1%), but with private credit growth of 1.3%, driven primarily by personal consumption (+5.3%), commerce (+2.7%), and mortgage lending (+1.5%). In contrast, sectors such as construction (-9.6%), financial activities (-14.8%), and industry (-2.1%) registered declines, reflecting a greater degree of credit selectivity in activities more sensitive to the economic cycle. This behavior indicates a system that is not contracting, but rather allocating credit with greater caution and a focus on segments with relatively lower risk. Regarding the flow of financing, new loans decreased by 3.9%, mainly affected by the sharp decline in credit to the public sector (-67.8%). This result is not due to a deterioration…

Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly defended comedian Jimmy Kimmel after President Trump called for him to be fired over jokes the ABC host made last week about first lady Melania Trump. "It's very inappropriate. The president of the United States should not be calling for any private company to fire any employee, especially over…

The Chilean activist, Macarena Chahuán, managed to re-establish contact with her family after being out of communication for nearly three days, following her interception while participating in the Global Sumud flotilla, a civilian mission aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. According to information provided by the mission itself, the vessel she was traveling on was part of an operation in which at least 22 ships were intercepted in international waters, a situation that has raised questions about the legality of the operation. The flotilla was composed of civilians from various nationalities and its objective was to transport humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian enclave, amidst the conflict in the region. The case has sparked international reactions and has intensified pressure on the Chilean government, which has been called upon to take measures to protect the well-being of the citizen. Furthermore, the operation has been criticized for a potential coordination between Israel and Greece, which has been questioned by international organizations and actors, who point to the humanitarian nature of the intercepted mission. The FA (a political organization) accuses the government of "cutting social rights" and calls for mobilization on International Workers' Day.

The Foreign Minister, Roberto Álvarez, began his official agenda in New York with a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, at the U.S. diplomatic headquarters, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the minister presented Ambassador Waltz with a letter from President Luis Abinader addressed to Donald J. Trump, in which he expressed "the recognition and gratitude of the Dominican Republic for the decisive leadership of the United States in the adoption and implementation of Resolution 2793 (2025), which authorized the creation of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH)," according to the official statement. Ambassador Waltz noted that Trump personally reviews letters sent by other heads of state. "Ambassador Waltz thanked him for the communication and emphasized that President Trump personally reads the letters sent by other heads of state and government. Both diplomats exchanged views on the situation in Haiti, focusing on the stabilization of the country and regional security," the statement from the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted. Both diplomats discussed the situation in Haiti, focusing on the deployment of the GSF and the need to maintain international support in operational, logistical, financial, and political areas to achieve the country's stabilization and strengthen regional security. The Foreign Minister…

The President of Honduras, Nasry Asfura, announced that his administration is working on drafting a new law on security, with the aim of addressing the growing wave of violence affecting the country. Although the president did not go into specific details about the project, he made it clear that it is a priority initiative for his government, in a context where insecurity continues to be one of the main concerns of the citizens. During his statements to the press, Asfura pointed out that this comprehensive security plan includes, among other measures, the modernization of the National Emergency System 911. He explained that the purpose is to equip this institution with greater technological and operational capabilities to improve its response to emergency situations. "There is a plan that will be put into action; soon, the 911 system will be modernized and have more capabilities. I hope that when I send it to the National Congress, the deputies will support me," the president said, highlighting that the proposal will require legislative support for its implementation. Another element that the new regulations would include is the regulation of the sale of chips for mobile phones, a measure that could be aimed at strengthening control and traceability mechanisms in communications, especially in the fight against organized crime. However, the president avoided providing further details...

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, faces a strategically significant crossroads with global implications. According to international analyst Andrés Repetto, in an interview with LN+, the president has a formal proposal on his desk to carry out more extensive attacks against Iran, while the Iranian regime has sent the American administration its "final proposal" for dialogue to reach an agreement. "As commander-in-chief, he is presented with this and must decide. Well, we are waiting for that response," Repetto emphasized. Andres Repetto on LN+ He also highlighted: "But meanwhile, there is another conflict that I believe is even greater. For me, what is happening in Europe is the beginning of a world war that has been ongoing for four years, starting with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and other conflicts are beginning to emerge, such as the one in the Middle East." According to a video published on the Mizan Online website, the head of the Iranian judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, stated: "The Islamic Republic has never abandoned negotiations, but we have not accepted any imposed conditions." The official emphasized that Iran "will not abandon its principles and values in any way in the face of this malicious enemy, with the aim of avoiding war or preventing its continuation." Russian threats to European territory: "Everything is, of course, related..." "Everything is, of course, related..."

The US stock market is rising towards more records on Friday after Apple, Estee Lauder and other big companies became the latest to deliver fatter profits for the start of the year than analysts expected. Modest dips for oil prices also helped to steady the relatively few stock markets open worldwide on the May Day holiday. The S&P 500 rose 0.6 per cent and added to its all-time high set the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 226 points, or 0.5 per cent, as of 9.35am Eastern...

President Javier Milei released a video for Labor Day. The video features an animation of a character from the classic brick-building game, with the character's face resembling the President. He is wearing a suit and tie and is engaged in building something. The blue and white bricks he uses form the geographical outline of Argentina, and each brick displays a message: "More Freedom," "Lower Inflation," "Fewer Ministries," "Labor Reform," "Economic Opening," and "End of Protests." Finally, two messages appear at the end of the video: "Happy Labor Day to those who are working to rebuild this country, one brick at a time," and "Happy Labor Day, President Milei." This is a developing story.

WASHINGTON. – The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to disregard a legal deadline set by Congress regarding the conflict with Iran. Iran, in turn, announced that it had activated its air defense systems overnight in response to new attacks involving small aircraft and drones in the capital, Tehran. According to the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war. However, a 1973 law allows the President to initiate a limited military intervention to respond to an emergency situation, provided they seek authorization from the legislative branch to deploy troops for more than 60 days. Friday is the deadline, but Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth argued on Thursday that, due to the ceasefire, "the 60-day period is suspended." The Argument of the Ceasefire "For the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28th, have ended," a high-ranking U.S. government official told AFP late Thursday. The official emphasized that there has been no crossfire between the United States and Iran since the ceasefire declared on April 7th. Washington has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in retaliation for Tehran's closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's consumed hydrocarbons previously passed, which has caused a spike in oil prices. A government official...

A new commemorative edition of U.S. passports will feature the image of President Donald Trump. The new design will be released as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the country's independence. According to a report in The New York Times, the State Department plans to launch this special document during the American summer, in a limited edition and at no additional cost to citizens who request it. "Patriot passport unlocked. 🦅 Limited edition. Stamped for America 250. 🇺🇸" — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2026 What will the new passport look like? According to the designs revealed by the authorities, the passport will incorporate a portrait of Trump with a serious expression, superimposed over his signature in gold ink. This image will be accompanied by historical elements: one page features a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence from 1776. The next page includes an engraving of the moment the historical document was signed, as detailed by El País. The redesign marks a departure from previous versions of the travel document. Until now, U.S. passports have not included individual presidential portraits – beyond references to presidents such as Mount Rushmore – so the inclusion of Trump's image represents a significant symbolic change. The spokesperson for the State Department, Tom Piggott,…

Amid the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and with anticipation surrounding the stalled negotiations between the two countries, the Islamic regime announced this Friday that it had submitted its "final proposal" via Pakistan – a mediator in the conflict – to resume dialogue with the administration of Donald Trump, despite the recent cross-border threats to escalate the conflict. "The Islamic Republic of Iran delivered the text of its final negotiation proposal to Pakistan on Thursday night, as a mediator in the talks with the United States," reported the official news agency IRNA, without providing details about the content of the initiative. This new development comes after Iran challenged Trump by stating that the Islamic Republic would protect its "nuclear and missile capabilities" as a national asset and would not yield to control of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the United States' main demands for advancing a peace agreement. For its part, the United States also suggested yesterday that it was considering authorizing new "short but powerful" attacks against Iran in an attempt to pressure Tehran to return to the negotiating table, with a greater willingness to discuss the nuclear issue. Agencies: AFP and Reuters.

The demand for labor in El Salvador is concentrated in sectors such as commerce, administrative services, textiles, and call centers, according to the results of the Medium and Large Enterprise Labor Demand Survey for 2025-2026. The study reveals that 83.8% of companies plan to hire personnel in the next 12 months, which represents a significant movement in the creation of formal employment starting in December 2025. The call center sector leads in the number of anticipated vacancies, with 8,092 positions, followed by textiles and apparel (5,107), commerce (3,543), and administrative and support services (3,528). In these sectors, the most sought-after profiles include customer service agents, production operators, sales executives, warehouse assistants, cleaning staff, cooks, and call center employees. The textile sector primarily demands sewing and production operators, while digital and technological services require software developers and technicians in information and communication technology (ICT) engineering. According to the survey, companies identify several positions as the most difficult to fill: production operators, sales executives, customer service representatives, warehouse assistants, sewing operators, heavy truck drivers, accounting staff, and cooks. The report indicates that 60.7% of companies face difficulties in finding qualified personnel, primarily due to the salaries offered and a lack of…

British police announced on Friday the arrest and charge of a 45-year-old man in connection with the stabbing of two Jewish men in North London. The two men were attacked on Wednesday in broad daylight in Golders Green, an area of North London with a large Jewish population. The victims, aged 76 and 34, are hospitalized in stable condition. The alleged attacker is a British citizen who was born in Somalia and came to the United Kingdom as a child. Essa Suleiman has been formally charged with "two counts of attempted murder and one count of possessing a bladed article in a public place" in connection with the attack in Golders Green, police said in a statement. On Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to strengthen security for Jewish communities, and the Home Office raised the country's terrorism threat level to "severe," the second highest in a five-level system. This means that another attack is "highly likely in the next six months." Nearly 30 people have recently been arrested in investigations into arson attacks targeting locations linked to the Jewish community in London. A previously little-known group, "Harakat Ashab al Yamin al Islamiyya" (Hayi), described as pro-Iranian, has claimed responsibility for several of these incidents, as well as others that have occurred in Europe. On Wednesday, the group praised the stabbing attack in Golders Green and attributed it to their "lone wolves." Hezbollah incorporated dr…

The Iranian regime is in a critical situation facing the U.S. blockade, a measure that has exposed the limitations of Iran's strategy based on guerrilla warfare and control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal. For nearly five decades, the Iranian government has managed to circumvent U.S. financial pressure by selling oil to China and using irregular military tactics. However, the recent U.S. naval action poses an unprecedented challenge, according to analysts cited by the publication. Since the conflict began in February, Tehran has intensified attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting commercial traffic and affecting nearly a fifth of the world's supply of liquefied natural gas and oil. The U.S. response was to establish a blockade of shipments from all Iranian ports, which paralyzed the network of "ghost ships" that Iran used to circumvent sanctions and supply China. These oil tankers were unable to overcome the blockade by U.S. warships, which extended into the Indian Ocean. David Des Roches, former director of policy for the Persian Gulf at the U.S. Department of Defense, noted that Iran managed to create a crisis of confidence in the market, but that the disruption does not equate to control. With the U.S. blockade, Iran is facing a period of "accountability." The trade routes...