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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in Rome, where the two leaders visited the Colosseum, exchanged gifts, and discussed boosting trade to €20 billion by 2029. The trip, the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Italy in 26 years, also saw the countries elevate their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.
A South Korean oil tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit since the U.S.-Iran war began. The vessel, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, received passage approval from Iran. Meanwhile, South Korea's oceans minister opposed Iran's reported push to charge transit fees.
The National Assembly was adjourned for lack of quorum, drawing criticism from within the ruling coalition. Separately, the government denied reports of mass deportations of Pakistanis from the UAE, providing figures of deportations from Gulf countries over five years.
President Donald Trump reportedly met with his national security team on May 18 to discuss potential military action against Iran, with the Pentagon having prepared target plans. Trump later said he would refrain from new attacks at the request of Gulf states, according to Axios and CNN.
As tensions over the Strait of Hormuz persist, analysts warn that the crisis signals a broader shift in how strategic trade routes are managed. With global oil supply disruptions and rising geopolitical competition, the focus is turning to other chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca.
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Iran's Amin Exchange and associated front companies, alleging they facilitate illicit financial transactions for Iranian banks. The move targets a network spanning multiple jurisdictions, including China and the UAE, and includes 19 vessels linked to Iranian oil shipments.
Israel's ruling coalition has advanced a bill to dissolve the Knesset, setting the stage for early elections, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties over a contentious draft exemption bill. The bill passed its preliminary and first readings with overwhelming support, and elections could be moved up from October 27 to as early as September.
Australia's proposed capital gains tax changes have sparked a viral social media campaign featuring AI-generated images of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The government says consultation continues, while startups warn of potential economic fallout.
President Trump has warned Iran to accept a deal to end the Middle East war or face renewed bombing, while reports suggest talks are at a critical juncture. The ceasefire is described as on 'life support,' and both sides remain entrenched, with Iran seeking to end hostilities and reject nuclear dismantlement.
G7 finance ministers concluded a two-day meeting in Paris with a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation, agreeing on the need to address trade imbalances and global economic instability. Despite tensions with the US over tariffs and Russia policy, the group reaffirmed its support for international institutions and vulnerable countries.
Explosions were heard on Iran's Qeshm Island on Tuesday, with initial reports citing an unknown cause before a local official said unexploded enemy ammunition was being neutralized. The incident comes as US President Donald Trump paused a planned resumption of strikes on Iran after Tehran sent a new peace proposal.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met in Andong for their fourth summit in six months, agreeing to enhance cooperation on energy supply chains, including LNG and crude oil swaps. The meeting underscored shared concerns over Middle East instability and reaffirmed trilateral security ties with the US.
President Lee Jae Myung met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to strengthen bilateral ties amid global instability, while Seoul manages conflicting narratives over an attack on the South Korean-operated vessel HMM Namu and volatile domestic economic indicators.
US President Donald Trump announced he is delaying a planned military attack on Iran scheduled for Tuesday, citing requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to allow more time for negotiations. Trump said he has instructed the military to be prepared for a large-scale assault if an acceptable deal is not reached.
Pakistan has delivered a revised peace proposal from Iran to the United States, aiming to end the conflict in West Asia. Talks remain stalled with both sides citing major differences, while President Trump has warned of urgency and reportedly held off on a planned strike.
Somaliland observed the 35th anniversary of its restored statehood on January 1, 2026, with renewed calls for international recognition. The event came five months after Israel became the first UN member state to recognize the territory, though broader recognition remains elusive and domestic divisions persist over the Israeli ties.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council has formally announced the creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to manage the strategic waterway, a move that has drawn international attention amid ongoing tensions. The authority is set to regulate vessel passage, with provisions for tolls and specialized services, while the US has added it to sanctions lists.
President Yoweri Museveni has announced Uganda's readiness to buy shares in a proposed East African regional refinery championed by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, aligning with Uganda's push for local value addition over raw material exports. The proposed facility, which could cost between $15 billion and $17 billion, would serve multiple regional markets.
A proposal floated by a senior aide to Pakistan's prime minister to raise the voting age from 18 to 25 has triggered sharp backlash from opposition parties and civil society, who view it as an undemocratic attempt to disenfranchise millions of young voters. The proposal, discussed as part of a potential 28th Constitutional Amendment, has been downplayed by officials but has reignited debates over democratic inclusion.
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that time is running out for a deal, saying 'there won't be anything left' if Tehran does not act fast. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Tehran sees no need to respond to Trump's social media threats, focusing instead on national interests.