Russian diesel tankers divert as Trump-Putin deal fails to deliver US cargoes
At least three tankers carrying Russian diesel have changed course after a deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to deliver cargoes to the United States. The shipments were meant to reach the American market under an October agreement, but none has arrived so far. The latest vessel-tracking data suggests the plan is now under strain.The supplied report says buyers are worried about legal exposure because Congress's ban on Russian energy imports remains in place. It adds that Russia has sent out four diesel tankers since the deal was agreed, with the Talisman and the... [Continue Reading]
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Qeshm island and Hormuz hit as attacks raise escalation risk
Two projectiles hit Iran's Qeshm island on Friday night, adding to a series of strikes on the southern island in recent weeks. The latest incident comes as more ships have been attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the United States has continued bombing Iran. Mediators are still trying to prevent the confrontation from widening further.The supplied material says the strikes on Qeshm targeted Iranian air defences and launchers, and that the island has been hit repeatedly over recent weeks. It also says Iran's army claimed in the early hours of Saturday that it destroyed a US-made MQ-9... [Continue Reading]
US offers $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear programme amid renewed strike threats
The United States has announced a reward of up to $20 million for information on Iran's nuclear programme, in a move that comes as Washington again signals the possibility of further military action. The offer was publicised by US Central Command and linked to the State Department's Rewards for Justice programme. It was issued on Friday, the same day Donald Trump said he was considering "destroying the rest of Iran," according to the supplied report.The announcement also cited a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which said Iran was enriching uranium above the level allowed under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation... [Continue Reading]
Russian barrage hits Kyiv energy infrastructure as death toll rises ahead of peace talks
Russian forces launched multiple waves of missiles and drones overnight, hitting energy infrastructure around Kyiv and worsening disruption to the capital's power, water and heating systems. The attack also damaged the Northern Bridge across the Dnipro River, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Officials said the strikes came as temperatures were falling towards zero, adding pressure on residents and emergency services.Ukraine's energy ministry said facilities outside Kyiv were damaged, including systems that send power from two nuclear plants to the capital and to central regions. President Volodymyr Zelensky said substations in five other regions were also hit, and described the... [Continue Reading]
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US carries out new targeted strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island amid ongoing talks
US military carried out what it described as limited new airstrikes in southern Iran on Friday night, with the latest action focused on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said the strike targeted Iranian air defence systems and described it as a minor operation that was completed quickly. He also said the United States was still making progress in negotiations with Tehran through Qatar, even as military activity continued.Trump said the strike hit a small anti-aircraft installation and claimed it was knocked out in minutes. Iranian state-run media reported that two missiles struck the Suza... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Trump confirms Iran strikes as Kyiv is hit and Europe warns on security
President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces carried out strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, describing them as minor attacks on air defence systems, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remained high. đź”—Washington also stepped up pressure on Tehran with a $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear programme, while the Treasury sanctioned eight Canadian money exchange firms it says helped Iranian entities evade financial restrictions. đź”— đź”—In Ukraine, Russian overnight strikes on Kyiv injured five people and damaged a major bridge and energy infrastructure in the capital and nearby regions, while a separate missile attack hit residential buildings... [Continue Reading]
Russian missile strike hits Kyiv and injures civilians
Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kyiv on Saturday, damaging residential buildings and injuring civilians, according to the city's mayor and military administration. Debris from the strike hit a five-storey apartment building in a western district of the capital, while the facade of another residential building was also damaged. Officials said a building housing a kindergarten was among the sites affected.Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the attack caused damage in the Kyiv suburbs and described the strike as involving ballistic missiles aimed at infrastructure. The city's military administration said two people were injured. Officials also continued to warn residents of... [Continue Reading]
Trump replaces White House chief of staff with Stephen Miller after Republican midterm defeats
US President Donald Trump has announced that Stephen Miller will become his new White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles in one of the most powerful jobs in the administration. The change was announced on Friday and marks a significant personnel shift at the centre of the US government. Wiles will move to the Trump political operation outside the White House, according to the announcement.Miller has been serving as deputy chief of staff and is widely identified with some of the most hardline immigration measures from Trump's first term. Those policies included the push to build a wall on... [Continue Reading]
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EU rejects reported US-Russia security deal covering Europe
European leaders have rejected any attempt by the United States and Russia to reshape Europe's security architecture without their involvement, after President Donald Trump suggested Washington could be nearing a broad agreement with Moscow that would extend beyond Ukraine to cover the whole continent. The comments have prompted concern among European allies that the US administration may be moving toward a deal that could accommodate Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-standing demands. The dispute has quickly become a test of how far Washington is prepared to go in talks with Moscow and how much say European governments will have in any... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Ukraine toll rises as Iran tensions, Europe bomb threats and global stocks slide
Ukraine said the death toll from a Russian strike on an aid distribution centre in the Zaporizhia region has risen to at least 50, with rescue teams still searching the site. The attack has become one of the deadliest recent strikes on civilians and aid workers in the war. đź”—In the Middle East, Iran stepped up diplomacy after Donald Trump suggested the United States could resume major strikes, while the White House weighed whether a new attack could still be avoided amid pressure after Republican election losses. Trump also sharpened his rhetoric, saying Iran would not be able to do... [Continue Reading]
Top Florida federal prosecutor resigns amid fallout from election probe
A top federal prosecutor in Florida has resigned from the United States Department of Justice as the administration faces the prospect of Democrat-led investigations after the midterm elections. Jason Reding Quinones, the US attorney for the Southern District of Florida, submitted his resignation on Friday, according to Attorney General Todd Blanche. The departure adds to signs of turnover inside the department at a politically sensitive moment.Quinones had overseen and expanded a federal probe into Russia's alleged support for Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign. The report says he was a Trump loyalist and that the investigation formed part of a wider... [Continue Reading]
Rubio denies exit plans as Trump defends Hegseth after midterm losses
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has again denied reports that he is planning to leave the Trump administration, saying it had "always been my plan" to serve until the end of President Donald Trump's term. He made the comments as speculation continued over his political future after Republican losses in the midterm elections. Rubio also serves as national security adviser, making him one of the most prominent figures in the administration.The denials came after Bloomberg News reported that Rubio was weighing whether to step down and had spoken with White House officials about leaving. The State Department rejected that... [Continue Reading]
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Possible Trump-Xi-Putin meeting on APEC sidelines in Shenzhen draws coordination efforts
China and Russia are working on the possibility of a three-way meeting between Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of this month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen. Chinese officials said they are in communication with relevant parties, while the Kremlin said work is under way to coordinate the encounter. If it happens, it would be the first formal meeting of the three leaders together.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing that China is in communication with relevant parties regarding a meeting between the three heads of state. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said work... [Continue Reading]
Trump says he stopped Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, tying it to Middle East survival
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Israel and, in fact, the entire Middle East, WOULD NOT EXIST TODAY if I did not stop Iran from having a Nuclear Weapon. Nobody wants to say that, but everybody knows it's true!" - "As President, I am 100% in favor of Super Intelligence (SI), and will work with the many States in the U. S. that want to become RICH by having them. They are GOLD, and only foolish leadership will say "NO" to the riches they bring!" - "The Stock Market suffered one of... [Continue Reading]
China denounces new US sanctions on Cuba that include two Chinese firms
China has condemned the latest United States sanctions on Cuba, calling the move sabotage after Washington added two Chinese companies to its sanctions list. The measures, announced on Thursday and denounced by Beijing on Friday, focus on Cuba's oil and technology sectors. The dispute adds a new layer to an already tense pressure campaign on the island and to wider US-China friction.According to the supplied report, the companies named are CEIEC and Beijing H&C Technologies. Washington accuses them of selling defence material and security systems to Cuba. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, identified in the report as Jiakun, said China... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Trump hardens Iran stance as shipping fears grow and global tech shares slide
The White House is weighing whether a new US strike on Iran can still be avoided as post election pressure builds in Washington, while Donald Trump sharpened his rhetoric by saying Iran will not be able to do anything on its nuclear programme without US approval. đź”— đź”—At the same time, Iranian forces reported five oil tankers and a tugboat on fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, deepening shipping security fears, even as Tehran said ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar would be exempt from restrictions in the waterway. đź”— đź”—Trump also said a Russia Ukraine agreement... [Continue Reading]
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US judge pauses Trump arch construction in Washington, DC for 14 days
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered a 14-day pause on construction of President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch in Washington, DC. The ruling came after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the project by an 8-4 vote following a nine-hour hearing. The decision means work cannot begin immediately, despite the administration saying construction could start as soon as Thursday.The project has already faced several legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed in February by a group of Vietnam War veterans. They have argued that the planned site near Arlington National Cemetery would interfere with the historic line of sight between... [Continue Reading]
Trump weighs possible new strikes on Iran amid post-election pressure in Washington
The White House is weighing whether a new US attack on Iran can still be avoided, as the fallout from Republican election losses intensifies pressure inside Donald Trump's administration. Reporting from the region says Gulf states are watching closely for signs of the next move, while the political debate in Washington is increasingly tied to the war with Iran. The issue has become both a foreign policy test and a domestic political problem for the Trump team.According to the supplied reporting, the discussion comes after midterm losses that are being linked by some Republicans to the Iran war. The White... [Continue Reading]
Trump's planned Washington arch wins federal approval amid protest threats
Construction of President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch in Washington has won federal approval, despite public opposition and the prospect of legal challenges. The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 on Thursday to allow the 250-foot, 72-metre structure to go ahead. The project is intended to stand near Arlington National Cemetery and has already drawn criticism from opponents who say it would affect views of the cemetery.The commission's approval came after nearly nine hours of public comment. Trump administration officials have said construction could begin as early as this week, although the timing remains uncertain because several lawsuits are seeking... [Continue Reading]
California governor commutes all 548 death sentences amid ongoing debate over capital punishment
California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, replacing them with life in prison without the possibility of parole. The announcement is being described as the largest mass clemency in United States history. It effectively clears California's death row, although the state has not executed a prisoner for 20 years.Newsom said he took the action because he believes state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values and undermines the legal system. In an open letter, he cited moral concerns, the high cost of capital punishment and the risk of human... [Continue Reading]
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White House denies shake-up rumours as Hegseth faces backlash after Republican losses
The White House has denied reports that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may leave their posts after Republican election losses. The denials came as speculation grew over whether the Trump administration could face a wider post-election shake-up. The row has centred on Hegseth in particular, amid criticism over his handling of the Iran war.US media reports said there were calls to replace Hegseth, with some Republicans blaming the conflict for heavy losses at the ballot box. One outgoing congressional Republican has threatened to force an impeachment vote against him as early as next week. Hegseth... [Continue Reading]
Trump says Russia-Ukraine deal is close as Abu Dhabi talks approach
US President Donald Trump said a Russia-Ukraine agreement could be close after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, at the White House. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he believed the sides were "very close" to settling the war, but he declined to give details of his conversation. He also said any agreement could involve "more than Ukraine" and might extend to "all of Europe".The comments came after a diplomatic gathering hosted by First Lady Melania Trump that brought Russian and Ukrainian representatives together in Washington. That event was linked to a six-day local truce in... [Continue Reading]
Trump frames election reaction as a market shock and promises a stronger rebound
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The Stock Market suffered one of the Worst Days in History based on the results of the Election. It took so much work to get us to a level that no one has ever seen before, and then this. Your 401(k)s have, therefore, dropped. Remember, it wasn't Republicans, it was Dumocrats. Do not fear, however, we will soon, one way or the other, be BIGGER AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE. - "The vote totals for the Fake Dan Sullivan, plus the other "slug" that the Dems... [Continue Reading]
Trump Proclaims the Oval Office as a U.S. National Monument
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OVAL OFFICE NATIONAL MONUMENT Search Select Category All News Briefings & Statements All Presidential Actions Executive Orders Nominations & Appointments Presidential Memoranda Proclamations Fact Sheets Releases Remarks Research All Briefings & Statements Presidential Actions All Executive Orders Nominations & Appointments Presidential Memoranda Proclamations Fact Sheets Releases Remarks Research BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION The Oval Office stands as one of the most recognizable and historically significant spaces in the United States. Since its establishment in its present location and form during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it has served... [Continue Reading]
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Trump escalates Iran nuclear rhetoric after midterm fallout
Trump said on Thursday that Iran will not be able to do anything on its nuclear programme without US approval, sharpening his language a day after linking the war with Iran to Republican losses in the midterm elections. Speaking in the Oval Office, he said he would prefer not to "destroy the rest of the country" but added that he might have to do so, and told reporters they would know more soon. The remarks came after he was asked about proposals from mediators on the future of Iran's nuclear programme.The president also repeated his view that the conflict was... [Continue Reading]
Top US Justice Department civil rights official resigns as Congress prepares probes
The top official in charge of the United States Justice Department's civil rights division has resigned as Democrats prepare a new round of congressional investigations. Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Thursday that Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon had stepped down. The departure comes just days after Democrats won both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.Blanche said in a social media post that he had accepted Dhillon's resignation. He described her as someone who had defended the civil liberties of Americans and enforced the law without fear or favor. Dhillon was confirmed to the post in April 2025 and... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Iran tensions, Ukraine diplomacy and markets swing
Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for Donald Trump and Republicans that party leaders said would let them rein in the president. Trump said he may work with Democrats, while Republicans began a reckoning over the losses and JD Vance blamed the outcome on Iran war politics and ties to Israel. đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”—The result also reshaped the race for the White House and Congress in several states, with Democrats claiming a broader mandate and one of their gains coming in California's 22nd district, where... [Continue Reading]
Trump urges immediate transfer of Alaska vote totals to Republican candidate, effectively calling election over
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The vote totals for the Fake Dan Sullivan, plus the other "slug" that the Dems put on the Ballot, should be immediately given to the REAL Dan Sullivan, and the Election is over - He easily wins. There is no other fair solution!" - "Too bad the Senate has not yet approved the Sunshine Protection Act or, the I Don't Want to Change My Clocks Anymore Act. It's so dark outside, so early (Sunset was 5:06 P. Just a few days ago it was so nice... [Continue Reading]
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South Korea seeks to expand Cheonghae naval mission closer to Hormuz Strait amid piracy rise
South Korea is moving ahead with a plan to extend its Cheonghae anti-piracy patrols from the Gulf of Aden toward waters near Oman, after officials said piracy off Somalia has increased this year. The defence ministry said the patrol area would reach waters near the port of Duqm, about 650 kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz, while remaining outside the strait itself. The proposal is part of a wider effort to protect shipping routes linked to South Korea's energy imports and merchant fleet.The ministry said 36 piracy incidents had been reported off Somalia so far this year, compared with 11... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: US, Europe and Middle East tensions rise as Iran war split deepens and Ukraine aid lands
Vice President JD Vance has blamed the Iran war for the Republican Party's midterm defeat, exposing a public split inside Donald Trump's camp as allies move to distance themselves from the conflict. The row underscores growing unease over the political cost of the war after the election setback. đź”—In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at the Medina region, while authorities also issued a warning around Yanbu after the latest cross border attack attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement. Separately, the war in Yemen has settled into a grinding war of attrition a... [Continue Reading]
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Oil falls below $100 as markets bet on possible Iran war de-escalation after U.S. midterm shift
Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel after Brent and West Texas Intermediate both dropped more than 8% in the previous session, as traders reacted to the Republican Party losing control of Congress in the U.S. midterm elections. The move reflected a growing market view that the political shift in Washington could increase the chances of a negotiated end to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Brent closed at $94.62 a barrel and WTI at $88.12, both their lowest levels since 31 August.The decline came after the Republican defeat, which left President Donald Trump facing a Congress... [Continue Reading]
US sanctions Indian and Turkish firms accused of aiding Iran's oil and airline networks
The United States has imposed sanctions on companies and individuals in India and Turkiye that it says helped Iran evade restrictions on its oil exports and airline operations. The Treasury Department announced the measures on Wednesday, saying the network used fake ship registries, false flags and other documentation to keep sanctioned tankers moving. It also said a Turkiye-based ground services company provided support to Iranian airlines that remain under US restrictions.According to the Treasury, the alleged network was run by Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, who are based in Chandigarh in northern India. The department said... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Ukraine diplomacy and Iran tensions intensify
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for President Donald Trump and Republicans. Party leaders said they would use their new strength to restrain Trump, while the result also handed Democrats a series of key wins in swing states and districts. đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”—In California, Democrat Randy Villegas defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in the 22nd congressional district, adding to the party's gains in the House. The broader result also prompted Trump to say he may work with Democrats, even as he renewed his push... [Continue Reading]
Zelenskyy sees Democratic midterm gains as chance for more US aid to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the Democratic Party's gains in the United States midterm elections could improve prospects for more support for Kyiv. His comments came as European officials urged the new US Congress to increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The remarks were made on Wednesday in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, shortly after American voters handed control of both chambers of Congress to the Democrats.Zelenskyy said the election result could work to Ukraine's advantage. He said he was grateful to Republicans as well, but argued that Democrats had been clearer in their... [Continue Reading]
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Zelensky says 90-minute talks with US envoys as Abu Dhabi diplomacy advances
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a detailed 90-minute conversation with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as preparations intensified for a new round of diplomacy involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The talks are due to take place in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November, and are being described as the first three-sided meetings since February. Zelensky made the comments while in Madrid, saying the negotiations must move forward quickly to end the war.The latest contacts also include a planned meeting at the White House involving representatives of Russia and Ukraine, to be hosted by... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win US midterms and vow to rein in Trump
Democrats have claimed a major victory in the US midterm elections, saying they will use their new strength in Congress to restrain President Donald Trump. The result points to a divided government in Washington for the next two years and sets up a period of likely confrontation over spending, policy and oversight. According to the reported results, Democrats took control of the Senate and made substantial gains in the House of Representatives.The reported Senate margin was at least 54 seats to 44, after Democrats flipped seats in states that are usually strongly Republican. They also gained at least 30 seats... [Continue Reading]
Five Republican election deniers lose governor races in key US swing states
Five Republican candidates who questioned or tried to overturn the 2020 US presidential election have lost gubernatorial races in key battleground states. The defeats came in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia, according to the reported results from Tuesday's vote. The losses are being seen as part of a broader Democratic surge in the midterm elections.The candidates included Congressman Andy Biggs in Arizona, Congressman John James in Michigan, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in Pennsylvania, Congressman Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin and billionaire Rick Jackson in Georgia. All five had previously cast doubt on, or taken steps against, Joe Biden's 2020 victory... [Continue Reading]
US midterm election results deliver major setback to Trump and Republicans
Democrats have won majorities in both chambers of the US Congress after a midterm election that delivered a sharp setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. The results mean Republicans will lose control of Congress, according to the supplied reporting, marking a major shift in the balance of power in Washington. The outcome was described as a broad rebuke to Trump, with Democrats making gains in several states.The confirmed results cited so far show Democrats taking control of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The reporting also says the Republican defeat was heavy, with Vice President JD... [Continue Reading]
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Democrats claim control of both chambers after U.S. midterm sweep
Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm election result, according to party leaders. Hakeem Jeffries said the outcome amounted to an "American tsunami" and marked a clear shift in direction for the country. He said the party expects to hold at least 255 House seats once all counts are final.Jeffries made the remarks at a news conference on Wednesday, a day after Democrats won upsets in several Republican strongholds. He said the party had secured a historic majority and framed the result as a rejection of "corruption, chaos and cruelty." He... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers as Trump says he may work with them
Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in the latest U.S. midterm count, according to the supplied report from Washington. The result marks a major shift in the balance of power in Congress and comes as President Donald Trump publicly responded to the outcome. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, he said he would "probably get along" with Democrats.Trump also repeated his view that he would have won if his name had been on the ballot. In the same remarks, he again linked the election result to the war involving Iran and to gasoline prices. He said... [Continue Reading]
Democrats sweep U.S. midterms as markets open higher on hopes of policy shift
Democrats have swept the U.S. midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress, according to the supplied reports. The result marks a clear political shift in Washington and comes as investors began reacting to the prospect of a different policy balance in the months ahead. U.S. markets opened higher after President Donald Trump said he would accept the outcome, easing some of the uncertainty that had surrounded the vote.The immediate market response was broad, with major indexes moving up at the open as traders assessed what the new congressional balance could mean for taxes, regulation and spending. The supplied... [Continue Reading]
Trump Faces Reduced Leverage After Democrats Flip Both Houses of Congress
Democrats have flipped several long-held Republican seats and secured majorities in both houses of the US Congress, according to the supplied report, marking a sharp shift in Washington's balance of power. The result raises immediate questions about how much of President Donald Trump's domestic agenda can now move through the legislature. It also sets up a new phase of confrontation between the White House and a Congress now controlled by the opposition.Trump gave a mixed response after Tuesday's midterm vote. In posts on Truth Social, he blamed the losses on the fact that he was not personally on the ballot... [Continue Reading]
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Trump weakened after US midterms, raising concern over more erratic foreign policy
Democrats have swept the 2026 US midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress and winning governorships across the country. The result is a major domestic setback for President Donald Trump and leaves him facing the final two years of his term with a weakened political position. The immediate question in Washington and European capitals is whether that loss of authority will make his foreign policy more unpredictable.The supporting material says the president was not on the ballot, but voters delivered a strong rebuke to his administration. It also says Trump now faces a hostile Congress, with Democrats gaining... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win US Congress in midterm upset as Republicans blame Trump
A new wave of reporting has added detail to the Democratic takeover of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. The result is being described as a historic setback for President Donald Trump and a sharp rebuke to Republicans after a campaign that ended with Democrats controlling the Senate and the House. The latest coverage also shows the political fallout beginning immediately inside the Republican Party.One of the clearest signs of that backlash came in the reaction to a magazine cover showing Trump with his mouth covered after the defeat. The image was published after Democrats... [Continue Reading]
World reacts as Democrats take control of both chambers of US Congress
Democrats have won control of both chambers of Congress in the United States midterm elections, triggering immediate reaction from foreign leaders and officials who are watching for possible changes in Washington. The result is being described as a major rebuke of President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. It also raises questions about how the new balance of power could affect US policy on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war and trade.Iranian officials were among the first to respond, framing the result as a rejection of conflict. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament and chief negotiator in talks with the... [Continue Reading]
US midterms deliver historic firsts as Democrats win control of Congress
The 2026 US midterm elections have produced a series of historic firsts alongside a major shift in control of Congress. Democrats won both the House of Representatives and the Senate, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his party. The result also opened the way for what would likely be the first Black speaker of the House.The election night tally brought several barrier-breaking victories into focus as results were confirmed across multiple states. Voters elected the country's first Black female governor, the first Native American female governor, the first Native female senator and the first openly gay male... [Continue Reading]
EU defence readiness at risk despite record spending, leaked draft warns
The European Union's ambition to be militarily ready by 2030 is at risk, according to a leaked draft of the European Commission's work programme. The document says Europe faces growing pressure on its external borders and critical infrastructure, with hybrid threats singled out as a major concern. It is expected to be endorsed and published by the Commission on Wednesday, setting out priorities for 2027.The eight-page draft says there is unprecedented political will and a surge in defence spending, but argues that this has not yet produced forces that are deployable, sustainable and interoperable. It says the bloc must do... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers in US midterms after key Republican seat flips
Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections, according to results reported on Wednesday. The party secured a series of gains in Republican-held seats across Texas, South Carolina, Iowa, Michigan and Kansas, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his party. Counting was still continuing in some races, but the outcome has already shifted control of Congress.The reported results show Democrats winning 228 seats in the House so far, with leads in 34 more races, according to the tally cited in the supplied material. In the Senate, Democrats... [Continue Reading]
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Democrats gain ground in U.S. midterms as Texas Senate race is projected
James Talarico's victory in the Texas Senate race has been projected, adding to a broader Democratic showing in the U.S. midterm elections. Supporters reacted with cheers as the result was announced at an election-night gathering, where the mood was described as jubilant. If confirmed, it would make Talarico the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from Texas since 1988.The projection comes as Democrats are reported to have taken control of both chambers of Congress, marking a significant shift in Washington. In the Texas contest, supporters celebrated what they saw as a historic breakthrough in a state long dominated by... [Continue Reading]
Democrats sweep US midterm elections as gains widen in Congress
The Democratic Party has widened its midterm election gains in the United States, with new reporting indicating it is on course to control both chambers of Congress. An election expert said the party could secure the largest House majority in nearly two decades, adding that the Senate tally may reach 55 or 56 seats. The result marks a major shift in Washington and follows a night of unexpectedly strong Democratic performance across the country.The latest reporting highlights historic breakthroughs in states long considered difficult for Democrats, including Texas and Kansas, where the party won its first Senate victories in decades.... [Continue Reading]
Democrats retake US House and Senate in historic midterm sweep
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major setback for President Donald Trump. The party retook the House of Representatives and flipped enough Senate seats to secure full legislative control in Washington, DC. The outcome was described in the supplied material as a historic rebuke of Trump and a shift that could shape the rest of his presidency.The result includes a breakthrough in South Carolina, where a Democrat will represent the state in the Senate for the first time in nearly 30 years. Democrats also flipped at least... [Continue Reading]
Florida Republicans fend off Democrats as state elects first black governor
Republicans in Florida have held off several high-profile Democratic challenges in a set of closely watched election results. The state also elected its first black governor, with Republican Byron Donalds projected to win the governorship. In a separate race, Republican Ashley Moody was projected to keep her Senate seat in the special election for the post once held by Marco Rubio.Donalds, who has served in Congress since 2021, was running to replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. He had the backing of President Donald Trump and was at one point on the shortlist to be Trump's running mate in 2024. Moody,... [Continue Reading]
Troy Jackson wins Maine Senate seat as Susan Collins concedes after nearly three decades
Democrat Troy Jackson has won Maine's US Senate race, flipping a seat that Republicans had held for 30 years. Susan Collins conceded the contest early on Wednesday, bringing an end to nearly three decades in the chamber for the longtime Republican senator. The result marks one of the most closely watched races in the country and a notable shift in a state that has often been competitive at the federal level.Jackson, a former Maine Senate president and labour organiser, entered the race in July and built his campaign around economic concerns and government accountability. Collins, who has served in the... [Continue Reading]
Historic statewide wins mark breakthrough night for minority representation in US midterms
The US midterm vote delivered a series of historic statewide victories that marked a notable shift in representation across several states. Among the most significant outcomes, Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor's race in Georgia, Chris Pappas won in New Hampshire, and Deb Haaland won in New Mexico. The results were part of a broader night of strong Democratic gains and several firsts for minority candidates.In Georgia, Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of any US state, according to the reported result. She defeated billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson and returned the governor's office to Democrats after... [Continue Reading]
Democrats score historic statewide upset in Texas as Talarico and Hinojosa win
Democrat James Talarico has won a US Senate seat in Texas, defeating state attorney general Ken Paxton in a result described as a historic blow to Republicans. In a separate statewide contest, Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated incumbent Governor Greg Abbott, according to the supplied report. The twin victories mark a major political shift in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold.Talarico, a former schoolteacher, told supporters at a victory rally in Austin that his campaign had "defeated Goliath". He said the race had pitted his side against "the richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the... [Continue Reading]
North Korea fires missiles as it denies role in Binance crypto theft
South Korea said North Korea fired several missiles into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, in a fresh weapons launch from the Sondok area on the country's eastern coast. The launch came hours after Pyongyang rejected allegations that it was behind the theft of more than $6bn in crypto assets from Binance. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had detected the missiles and that South Korean and US authorities were analysing the details.The missile launch was the fourth such weapons test by North Korea in a month, according to the South Korean military. It followed a statement from... [Continue Reading]
Democrats regain control of the US Senate as Texas delivers major upset
Democrats have regained control of the US Senate after projected wins in a series of closely fought midterm races across several states. The latest and most striking result came in Texas, where James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in what was described as a major upset. The outcome adds to a broader Democratic sweep that has shifted control of Congress.Talarico's victory is the first time a Democrat has won a US Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He campaigned on the rising cost of living and emerged from relative obscurity to become a central figure in the race. The contest... [Continue Reading]
Kansas elects Democrat Adam Hamilton to Senate seat in historic upset
Democrat Adam Hamilton has won a US Senate seat in Kansas, according to media projections, unseating Republican incumbent Roger Marshall in a race that marks the first Democratic Senate victory in the state since 1932. The result is a significant political upset in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold. It also comes after Donald Trump campaigned in Kansas for Marshall shortly before the vote.Hamilton, a Methodist pastor and founder of a large United Methodist church, ran as a moderate and kept his distance from national party leaders. He had previously been registered as a Republican and at one... [Continue Reading]
South Carolina elects Democratic senator for first time in almost three decades
Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to have won South Carolina's Senate race, in what would be the party's first victory in the state in 28 years. The former paediatrician was on course to defeat Republican candidate Darline Graham in Tuesday's midterm elections, according to projections cited by the BBC's US partner CBS. If confirmed, the result would mark a significant political shift in a state that has been firmly Republican in recent federal elections.Graham was appointed to the seat in July after the sudden death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, and entered the race with the backing of President... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win surprise Senate pickups in North and South Carolina
Democrats have won surprise Senate races in North Carolina and South Carolina, according to projections from multiple outlets, in a result that strengthens their path to control of the chamber in the US midterm elections. The two victories came as Republicans went into Tuesday holding a 53-47 majority and needing to defend several seats across the country. The results were described as a setback for President Donald Trump and his party in a contest that remains close overall.In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper was projected to defeat Trump-backed Republican Michael Whatley, giving Democrats a crucial pickup in a state that... [Continue Reading]
Ossoff projected to hold Georgia Senate seat as midterm picture takes shape
Jon Ossoff is projected to hold Georgia's US Senate seat, defeating Republican challenger Mike Collins in one of the first major midterm calls of the night. The result keeps the closely watched swing state in Democratic hands and adds to the early picture emerging from the election. Georgia remains one of the most politically important battlegrounds in the country, and the race was being watched for its possible effect on control of Congress.According to the supplied reporting, Ossoff made the rising cost of living a central issue in his campaign, while Collins blamed inflation on former President Joe Biden and... [Continue Reading]
Jon Ossoff wins Georgia US Senate race, securing second term
Democratic US Senator Jon Ossoff has won re-election in Georgia, securing a second term in one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm cycle. He defeated Republican Congressman Mike Collins in a race that carried major significance for control of the Senate. The result gives Democrats a key seat as they try to retake the chamber.Ossoff, who has served in the Senate since 2021, campaigned on affordability, healthcare and government accountability. Collins focused on the president's agenda, immigration enforcement and reducing the size of government. With 38% of votes counted, Ossoff was ahead with 63% and Collins had... [Continue Reading]
US Justice Department expands Alaska Senate election probe as target letters are sent
The US Justice Department has expanded its investigation into allegations tied to Alaska's US Senate race, sending target letters to several people, including attorney Marc Elias. The move marks a new stage in a politically charged probe that has focused on claims that Democrats backed a spoiler candidate to confuse voters. The investigation is unfolding as the state's Senate contest remains pivotal in the fight for control of the chamber.Elias said in a statement that he was being targeted on Election Day and rejected the inquiry as a sham investigation. Federal prosecutors have told recipients of the letters that they... [Continue Reading]
US midterm elections enter key vote-count phase as polls close in six states
Another round of polls closed at 7pm ET in six states, including Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia, as the US midterm elections moved deeper into the vote-count phase. Voters are deciding the balance of power in Congress for President Donald Trump's final two years in office. The results will determine which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.The latest round of closures adds to a contest in which 35 Senate seats and all 435 House seats are on the ballot. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats to the Democrats' 45, with two independents, while... [Continue Reading]
First polls close in US midterm elections as results begin to come in
The first polls have now closed in the 2026 US midterm elections, marking the start of the count in a contest that will decide control of Congress. Results are beginning to come in from Kentucky, including the state's 6th congressional district, one of the first closely watched races to report. The vote is being followed closely because all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot.In Kentucky's 6th district, polls closed at 6pm local time, or 23:00 GMT, after a day of voting across the country. The district includes Lexington, the state's second-largest city, and is being... [Continue Reading]
US House midterm races tighten as Democrats target narrow Republican majority
Republicans are defending a narrow majority in the US House of Representatives as the midterm election contest tightens in several closely watched districts. Democrats need to net four seats to take control of the chamber, and the balance of power is being shaped by a series of toss-up races. The contest is also being influenced by a broader redistricting fight that has altered the map in several states.One of the most vulnerable Republican-held seats is in New York, where Representative Mike Lawler is running in a district won by Kamala Harris in 2024. His Democratic challenger, Cait Conley, is a... [Continue Reading]
Greenland parliament approves trilateral security deal with the United States and Denmark
Greenland's parliament has approved a trilateral security agreement with Denmark and the United States, formalising a deal signed in September by the three leaders. Lawmakers passed the measure 16-0 on Tuesday, with seven abstentions, in a vote that underscores the island's growing strategic role in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The agreement comes after months of negotiations and follows a period of heightened tension over Greenland's future and its resource potential.The deal was signed in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly by US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister... [Continue Reading]
Trump says US will stop $4 billion in aid to Israel after year-end, amid questions over funding stream
US President Donald Trump said the United States will stop $4 billion in funding to Israel after the end of this year, saying the arrangement was agreed months ago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He made the remarks in a television interview and said Israel no longer needed the money. Trump also said Washington would still help Israel if needed, but did not explain what form that support would take.The comments add a new detail to an already significant policy statement, but key questions remain unresolved. Trump said the deal was made with Netanyahu, yet there was no immediate... [Continue Reading]
China steps up Gulf diplomacy as Trump-Xi meeting approaches
China has stepped up its diplomatic engagement with Gulf and regional leaders, with senior officials holding a series of meetings in Beijing. President Xi Jinping hosted Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on a state visit, while Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Saudi Arabia's national security adviser, Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, and Iran's deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani. The activity comes as Beijing seeks to project influence in the Middle East ahead of a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Shenzhen later this month.According to a Chinese... [Continue Reading]
US midterms open as cost of living tops voter concerns and Trump faces backlash
Voting has opened in more than eight US states as the country begins a midterm election that will help determine control of Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump's term. Early reporting and polling suggest the cost of living is the dominant issue for many voters. The election is also being shaped by widespread frustration with Trump, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in the days before polling day.The poll surveyed 1,765 adults nationwide from Thursday to Monday and carried a margin of error of three percentage points among registered voters. It found that 48% of registered voters... [Continue Reading]
US midterms set to deliver verdict on Trump presidency
Americans are voting in midterm elections that are being framed as a verdict on Donald Trump's second presidency. The contest could reshape control of Washington, with Democrats positioned to gain the House and challenge for the Senate. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are at stake, alongside governorships in 36 states.The immediate political stakes are high because Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority and control the House. Democrats would need only three House gains to take the chamber, while a net four-seat shift in the Senate would be enough to change control there as well. If Republicans... [Continue Reading]
US urges Venezuela to continue phased democratic transition plan after Rubio-Blanco meeting
The United States has urged Venezuela to continue a phased plan covering economic recovery, political reconciliation and a democratic transition, following talks in Washington between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco. The meeting took place on Monday and focused on Venezuela's political future. Neither Rubio nor Blanco spoke publicly after the talks.According to a State Department readout, Washington reaffirmed President Donald Trump's three-phase plan for Venezuela: stabilization, economic recovery and political reconciliation, and democratic transition. The readout said the approach is intended to move the country toward democratic elections. The discussion came as the US... [Continue Reading]
ICC accuses Trump administration of obstructing international justice amid US sanctions
The International Criminal Court has accused the Trump administration of trying to obstruct international justice after the United States expanded sanctions against the tribunal. ICC judge Tomoko Akane addressed the United Nations remotely on Monday, saying the measures were threatening judges, prosecutors and the court itself. She urged all 193 UN member states to take concrete action, individually and collectively, to defend the court.According to the court, Akane was forced to speak remotely because of the US sanctions. The row escalated after Washington broadened its restrictions last month to target the ICC as an institution, following earlier sanctions on individual... [Continue Reading]
Trump warns midterms are the most important in his lifetime as Republicans face polling headwinds
Donald Trump has held his final major campaign event before Tuesday's US midterm elections, casting the vote as decisive for the future of Republican control in Congress. Speaking in Washington, DC on Monday afternoon, he said the contest was "the most important midterm, I believe, in our lifetime". He also urged supporters to keep Congress "strong and free" as polling points to a difficult night for his party.Trump acknowledged that his Republican Party faces an uphill battle, and he pointed to the long-standing pattern of the president's party losing ground in midterm elections. Analysts cited in the reporting say Republicans... [Continue Reading]
Trump moves to remove South Africa and Rwanda from Agoa trade programme
US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a preferential trade programme that allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the United States duty-free. The proposed change would take effect on 1 January 2027, according to the notice. The move affects two countries with already strained relations with Washington and could alter their access to a key trade arrangement.US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said an annual review had found both countries were engaging in practices inconsistent with Agoa's eligibility requirements. He said... [Continue Reading]
US oil firms post more than $130bn in profits as Iran war drives up energy prices
United States oil and gas companies have reported more than $130bn in profits during the war on Iran, according to an estimate cited in the supplied material. The gains come as consumers in the United States and elsewhere face higher prices for petrol, diesel and other energy products. The report links the surge in earnings to tighter global energy supplies and disruption affecting Gulf and Russian flows.The estimate is described as a conservative calculation based on the performance of 51 large US oil and gas companies over the six months from April through September. In the same period in 2025,... [Continue Reading]
Taliban voices serious concern over reported US plan to deport Afghans via Pakistan
Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have voiced serious concern over reported plans by Washington to deport more than 150 Afghan nationals to Pakistan for eventual return to Afghanistan. The reported removals would include relatives of people who assisted US forces before the 2021 withdrawal, according to the supporting material. The issue has drawn attention because the people affected are said to include Afghans who may not yet have secured legal residency documents in Pakistan.Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a statement that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was expressing its serious concern over reports that the United States intended... [Continue Reading]
Record early voting tops 53.6 million ahead of U.S. midterm elections
More than 53.6 million Americans had already voted early ahead of Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, according to figures released on Sunday by the Election Lab at the University of Florida. The total has already surpassed the roughly 46 million early votes recorded across the full 2022 midterm cycle. The final stretch of early voting ended in some states, including New York, as the country moved into the last days before election day.The data showed that about 29.8 million ballots had been cast in person by midday on Sunday, while 23.9 million had been sent by mail. The figures also suggested... [Continue Reading]
Trump closes out campaign rallies in Iowa and Kansas ahead of Tuesday's elections
US President Donald Trump ended his midterm campaign push with rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Sunday, as both parties entered the final stretch before Tuesday's elections. He appeared first in Dubuque, Iowa, and later in Salina, Kansas, where Republicans are facing strong competition from Democratic candidates. The events were presented as the closing stops in a campaign that has taken Trump across the country since the start of October.According to the supplied report, Trump told supporters in Iowa that Republicans were close to sweeping victories and urged them to elect "America first" Republicans across the ballot. In Kansas, Air... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes in Gaza kill eight as ceasefire violence continues
Medics and the Hamas-run interior ministry said Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip killed eight people in two separate attacks on Sunday, local time. Five police officers were killed in western Khan Younis in the south, while three people died in Gaza City. Local hospitals said they received the bodies and several wounded people after the strikes.The Israeli military said it struck several militants in Khan Younis, but did not immediately provide further details. It did not comment on the Gaza City strike in the material supplied. The reported deaths come as Israel has stepped up strikes in recent weeks,... [Continue Reading]
Canada and US signal progress on trade deal talks as midterms loom
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said talks with US President Donald Trump made progress toward a future Canada-US trade deal. The announcement came on Sunday, two days before the November 3 US midterm elections, and follows months of strain between the two neighbours over tariffs. Carney said the two sides had held a good conversation about the future of Canada-US trade.According to Carney, teams from both countries will work in the coming weeks to deliver an outcome. He said the latest discussion builds on recent constructive talks on the outlines of a mutually beneficial trade deal. Trump also said... [Continue Reading]
Rubio says Trump administration did not help Bolsonaro move to the United States after Brazil election loss
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the Trump administration did not help Brazil's defeated presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro leave the country for the United States after his election loss. His comments came as Donald Trump said Bolsonaro could remain in the US "as long as he wants". The remarks add a new diplomatic layer to an already sensitive cross-border political dispute involving Brazil's election aftermath.According to the supplied report, Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, one day after the US Department of State said Bolsonaro and his family would be granted visas following his October 25 election... [Continue Reading]
Starmer says UK and Europe must draw closer as US becomes less reliable
Keir Starmer has said the United Kingdom and other European countries must move closer together as the United States becomes a less reliable security partner. In his first major political intervention since leaving office, he argued that Europe has been caught out by changes in the security environment more than once. He said the shift in Washington's approach is not a temporary disruption, but a lasting change that Europe must adapt to.Speaking at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Starmer said Europe had twice failed to prepare for predictable events. He pointed first to Russia's attack on Ukraine,... [Continue Reading]
Alaska Senate ballot-name dispute triggers Justice Department probe
A dispute over two candidates named Dan Sullivan on Alaska's Senate ballot has escalated into a federal investigation and a wider political row in the United States. The ballot in next week's midterm elections includes the incumbent Republican senator Dan Sullivan and another candidate, Daniel J Sullivan Jr, a retired teacher with no prior political experience. The controversy centres on allegations that Democratic aides helped recruit candidates with similar names in an effort to split votes and influence the result.The allegations were first reported earlier this week and have since prompted President Donald Trump to order a Justice Department investigation... [Continue Reading]
The Sovereign Shakedown: Trump’s High-Stakes Table, the Russian Mirror, and the Main Street
The veneer of institutional diplomacy has been entirely stripped away, revealing a raw and unvarnished reality. The global order is no longer governed by treaties, norms, or multilateral consensus. It is dictated by the unrestrained exercise of coercive leverage. Under the current doctrine emanating from Washington, the complex machinery of international relations has been reduced to a binary instrument of absolute dominance. We have entered the era of the unilateral ultimatum, where the traditional boundaries of sovereignty are subordinated to the whims of an administration operating less like a representative republic and more like a global syndicate. This is not... [Continue Reading]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMP’S WASHINGTON AGREEMENT
A catastrophic military escalation in Southern Lebanon has successfully disrupted the highest levels of global diplomacy. Just days after the signing of the United States and Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an armoured battlefield clash on the strategic heights of Ali al-Taher has effectively frozen implementation talks scheduled to begin today in Switzerland. The crisis provides an alarming look at how kinetic actions on the ground can instantly sabotage geopolitical blueprints designed in Washington. The Official Statement from Hezbollah Following the midnight clashes, the media wing of Hezbollah issued a formal, comprehensive statement outlining their strategic justification and rejecting accusations... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
The Glass Elevator to Nowhere: A World Trapped in a Chocolate Factory
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trump’s 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [Continue Reading]
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
There Is Good in Every Bad
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]

