USA

US Secretary of State approves $25.8 billion in weapons sales to Middle East allies - report

According to Bloomberg, the massive sale demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to allied countries affected by Iranian attacks during Operation Epic Fury. 

Surface-to-air missile launcher of the Patriot (Wisla) system newly integrated into the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) stands at an army base in Sochaczew, Poland, December 18, 2024.
US President Donald Trump looks on during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) on the sidelines of a visit to Zhongnanhai Garden on May 15, 2026 in Beijing, China.

Trump to hold 'National Jubilee of Prayer,' raising concerns about separation of church and state

US Air Force military aircrafts are seen parked on the tarmac of the Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026.

US-Israel attacks on Iran could resume as early as next week - report

Mural by Hooman Khalili featuring children murdered by the Iranian regime and Hezbollah. the mural was unveiled in Texas, May 14, 2026.

Texas mural honors Druze and Iranian children killed by Iran and its proxies


Ships seized by Iran taken to Bandar Abbas as countries check on sailors' wellbeing

The IRGC seized the ships on Wednesday, with both crews reported as safe, as their home countries actively seek their return.

US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

US hosts talks as Lebanon seeks ceasefire extension with Israel

The US-mediated ceasefire, which is set to expire on Sunday, has yielded a significant reduction in violence, but attacks have continued in southern Lebanon.

Israeli soldiers are seen along the Israeli border with Lebanon amid the ongoing war, April 10, 2026.

Zelensky warns Iran war could threaten Ukraine access to US air defenses

Zelensky said Ukraine was able to secure US weaponry through the PURL program under which NATO countries can finance the purchase of weapons for Kyiv.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on during an interview with Reuters, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, March 25, 2026.

Trump considering plan to send Afghan refugees who helped US to Congo - NYT

AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver criticized the move, describing it as giving the refugees a choice between "the world’s number one refugee crisis to the world’s number two refugee crisis.”

Evacuees from Afghanistan arrive at Hamad International Airport in Qatar's capital Doha on September 10, 2021.

Senator Lindsey Graham speaks to Trump, Hegseth on 'way forward' in Iran conflict

The South Carolina Republican described the discussion's focus as "the way forward regarding the Iran conflict," while also warning countries against assisting Iran's oil distribution efforts.

US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the Chairman of the Senate Budget Commission speaks during a Senate Committee on the Budget hearing to examine the President's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal in Capitol Hill on April 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Trump says currency swap with UAE is under consideration

The UAE's ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, said he appreciated Trump's recognition of the country as an important partner but maintained that the UAE's economy remained resilient.

 US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office after signing an Executive Order April 18, 2026 in Washington, DC.

A 'Trumpian' vassal: Has Israel maintained autonomy, or become the 51st US state? - opinion

Has Israel maintained its autonomy, or has it become America's 51st state?

An IDF soldier holds a combined Israeli-American Flag

IEA warns EU jet fuel shortages could begin in June as Hormuz stays blocked

The European Commission is due to present a broader package of energy and transport measures, with the EU's transport chief noting no signs of "widespread [flight] cancellations" in the near future.

An EasyJet plane is refuelled ahead of takeoff at Southend Airport on April 17, 2026 in Southend, England.

Sick American basketball player jailed in Indonesia over cannabis gummies pleads for early release

Jarred Shaw admitted to importing 132 cannabis gummies but only to help relieve the symptoms of Crohn's disease. He was sentenced to 26 months in prison.

The Indonesia national flag flutters in the wind above an entrance to the Kerobokan Prison on November 6, 2025.

Trump says he does not want to extend ceasefire with Iran, will get 'great deal'

Trump told CNBC that he believes the US is “going to end up with a great deal” with Iran to end the weeks-long war, saying "they have no choice."

US President Donald Trump speaks after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on April 18, 2026.