Former U.S. President Barack Obama has said that the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran was achieved without any loss of life. In an interview with CBS, Obama stated that the deal successfully removed a large portion of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, with both U.S. and Israeli intelligence supporting the outcome.

Obama emphasized that the agreement was completed without firing a missile and that 97 percent of Iran’s enriched uranium was removed. He added that there was no dispute about the deal’s effectiveness and that it did not require military confrontation or the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight Obama’s continued defense of the diplomatic approach taken during his administration to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities through negotiation rather than force.

Pakistan has successfully carried out a training launch of its domestically developed ground-launched cruise missile, Fatah-4. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the test on Thursday, May 14, 2026, stating that it was conducted under the supervision of the Army Rocket Force Command. The exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness and verify various technical subsystems of the missile. According to ISPR, the Fatah-4 features improved target accuracy and resilience under adverse conditions.

The statement added that the missile system is equipped with advanced avionics and state-of-the-art navigational technology, enabling it to strike long-range targets with high precision. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and top military officials expressed satisfaction over the successful test and praised the scientists, engineers, and personnel involved for their dedication and technical expertise.

Two weeks earlier, the Army Rocket Force Command had successfully tested the Fatah-2 missile system, also developed with indigenous technology, in the presence of senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division and the Pakistan Army.

Uncertainty has emerged over whether a final declaration will be issued at the BRICS meeting held in India, as differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have complicated the discussions, according to Iranian state media. Deputy Foreign Minister Jeym Gharibabadi stated that the UAE’s presence in the New Delhi meeting created a “communication problem” between the two countries, making the negotiation process more difficult.

Separately, the UAE denied a claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he had visited the Gulf state during a U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said those conspiring with Israel to create division should be held accountable. He urged BRICS nations to condemn what he called the “illegal aggression” of the United States and Israel.

Araghchi added that peaceful coexistence requires full understanding and calm relations between the two nations, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve tensions.

Hezbollah has begun using low-cost fiber-optic First-Person-View (FPV) drones as a key weapon in its guerrilla operations in southern Lebanon, creating new tactical challenges for Israeli forces. Recent videos show small explosive-laden drones striking Israeli tanks, bulldozers, and troops. In one incident, a drone detonated near soldiers before they could locate it, killing one and injuring six others. Israeli officials have acknowledged the growing threat and are developing new detection and defense technologies.

Analysts note that these drones are difficult to jam because they are controlled through several kilometers of fiber-optic cable rather than radio signals. Hezbollah claims the drones can bypass the Merkava tank’s Trophy defense system, while their FPV technology allows precise targeting. The group reportedly turned to local production using 3D printing and commercial parts after Iranian arms supplies through Syria were disrupted, with each drone costing about $300 to $400.

Experts suggest the drones’ range and agility are forcing Israel to reconsider its southern Lebanon security buffer strategy, as conventional systems like the Iron Dome have proven ineffective against such small aerial threats.

Analysts believe the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could bring indirect benefits to South Korea. Kim Soyoung, an assistant professor at Japan’s Nagoya University of Commerce and Business, told Al Jazeera that if Xi can persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, it would ease pressure on South Korea’s energy supply. The country currently faces challenges due to instability in the strait, through which most of its oil and gas imports from the Gulf region pass.

Seoul is also closely watching whether the United States alters its policy on Taiwan, as any shift could affect the broader security landscape in East Asia. Kim noted that the meeting may influence South Korea’s regional diplomatic strategy and its relations with China, which have improved somewhat under President Lee Jae-myung.

The final round of U.S.-China preparatory talks held in Seoul before the Trump-Xi meeting, attended by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, is seen as a sign of South Korea’s growing diplomatic role.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned what he described as the warlike and expansionist policies of the United States and Israel. Speaking at a BRICS meeting in New Delhi, he highlighted recent attacks on Iran by the two countries and warned that regional instability harms all parties, including aggressors themselves.

Araghchi stated that Iran had suffered two brutal and unlawful aggressions by the United States and Israel within less than a year. He argued that these attacks were justified through false claims contradicting assessments by the International Atomic Energy Agency and even US intelligence agencies. The minister emphasized that Iran, like other independent nations in the Middle East, was a victim of illegal expansionism and militarism, which he said had no place in today’s world.

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and came amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, where Iran continues to face pressure from Western and regional powers over its policies and security posture.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced that Washington and Beijing have entered a new era in their bilateral relationship. The statement, released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following Xi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, said both sides agreed to establish a constructive, strategic, and stable relationship for the next three years and beyond.

According to the statement, despite existing differences, the new relationship will emphasize cooperation, well-managed competition, and long-term stability. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed several complex issues. Xi warned that Taiwan remains the most critical issue in China-US relations, stressing that proper handling of the matter would help maintain stability, while mismanagement could lead to serious conflict and jeopardize the entire bilateral relationship.

The statement reflects an effort by both nations to redefine their engagement framework, focusing on stability and strategic cooperation amid ongoing tensions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a new level. According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following their meeting in Beijing, both leaders committed to establishing a constructive, strategic, and stable relationship between China and the United States.

The statement said this new phase of relations will provide strategic direction for the next three years and beyond. The agreement is viewed as a significant step toward reducing long-standing tensions and creating a sustainable framework for cooperation. During the meeting, Xi noted that the two countries’ economic and trade teams had achieved a broadly balanced and positive outcome and urged both sides to work together to maintain this momentum.

Xi added that China’s door of openness will continue to widen and reminded that American companies are deeply involved in China’s reform and opening-up process. The statement also emphasized China’s willingness to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the Iran conflict is effectively over and expressed a desire to return to negotiations soon. Speaking en route to Beijing, he suggested that it is time to review Iran’s response to U.S. proposals. Trump emphasized that his main objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and believes China, as Iran’s largest oil and gas buyer, could pressure Tehran to engage in talks.

However, China has shown reluctance to act as a mediator in any foreign conflict, including the Iran issue. Beijing remains cautious, citing past instances where the United States withdrew from agreements and Iran subsequently faced attacks despite prior negotiations. Analysts note that China views the Iran crisis as a problem created by Washington and is unwilling to take responsibility for resolving it.

With about 40 hours remaining in Trump’s Beijing visit, the Iran issue continues to loom over discussions, but significant progress appears unlikely as China prefers to maintain a safe distance from the conflict.

Taiwan has declared China as the only obstacle to regional peace, responding to a warning from Chinese President Xi Jinping to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Taiwan issue. In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing poses the sole risk to current regional stability and peace.

Xi had earlier cautioned that mishandling the Taiwan matter could lead to a major conflict between the two countries. Taiwan’s foreign ministry countered by citing China’s military harassment and so-called “gray-zone” activities around Taiwan and nearby areas as evidence of Beijing’s destabilizing actions. The statement also asserted that Beijing has no right to make claims on behalf of Taiwan in international affairs.

The Taiwan issue has become the focal point of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, with China insisting Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, while Taiwan seeks global support to defend its sovereignty. Observers note that Taiwan’s sharp remarks have added new tension to the ongoing high-level discussions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump visited the historic Temple of Heaven in Beijing as part of an ongoing high-level summit. The visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site, which is over 600 years old, was viewed as a symbolic gesture reflecting the significance of China-U.S. relations. Built in 1420 during the late Ming dynasty, the temple was once a sacred site where emperors prayed for good harvests and imperial prosperity.

The two-day summit agenda included bilateral talks, a formal banquet, and this cultural tour, which stood out as one of the highlights. During Trump’s earlier visit to China in 2017, he toured the Forbidden City. This time, the Temple of Heaven visit underscored the leaders’ emphasis on deepening ties and symbolic exchange between their nations.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such cultural engagements between the two global powers signal mutual respect and a desire for stability amid a turbulent international political climate.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Iran of developing a vast arsenal of missiles and drones intended to protect a potential future nuclear weapons program. In an interview with Fox News, Rubio argued that Tehran was building military capabilities capable of overwhelming any country's defense systems. He claimed this buildup was designed to deter attacks on Iran and secure conditions for advancing nuclear ambitions, though Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons.

According to Rubio, Iran’s accumulation of drones and missiles would make any strike against it too risky, as the consequences could destabilize the entire region. He suggested that once Iran felt secure from external threats, it would proceed toward nuclear weapon development. The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

Rubio also mentioned that former US President Donald Trump reacted to the situation by calling it “impossible,” though no further details were provided about his statement or policy implications.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi late Wednesday to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting. The two-day session, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, is regarded as a key preparatory stage for the 18th BRICS Summit to be held in September, hosted by India.

According to diplomatic sources, Araghchi will hold a bilateral meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and engage with other participating ministers and representatives on issues of mutual interest. The visit underscores active diplomatic coordination among BRICS members amid rising regional tensions. The meeting is expected to address global economic instability, energy security, and the future of multilateral cooperation, with a focus on forming a unified stance among member states.

Diplomatic observers view this gathering as not only a routine consultation but also a platform for shaping future policy alignment within the BRICS framework.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a firm message to U.S. President Donald Trump during a high-level meeting in Beijing, identifying the Taiwan issue as the most critical factor in China–U.S. relations. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, Xi stated that proper handling of the Taiwan question could ensure stable bilateral ties, but mismanagement might lead to major confrontation and jeopardize the entire relationship.

Xi emphasized that Taiwan’s independence and peace across the Taiwan Strait are fundamentally incompatible, comparing them to fire and water that cannot coexist. Analysts cited in the report described Beijing’s strong tone as highly significant amid rising geopolitical tensions between the two powers.

The report noted that China consistently warns the United States over its arms support and diplomatic stance toward Taiwan, which Beijing considers an inseparable part of its territory. Xi’s remarks signaled that China maintains a firm, non-flexible position on the Taiwan issue.

United States Vice President JD Vance said he believes progress is being made in negotiations with Iran, even as President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest proposal as unacceptable. The remarks came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, now under strain after weeks of conflict.

Iranian Brigadier-General Mohammad Akrami Nia stated that the country’s military remains at the highest level of readiness, warning there is no room for retreat as tensions with the US persist. Iranian officials have continued to signal their preparedness to respond to any escalation. Meanwhile, Israel claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates during the war on Iran, but the UAE denied the claim, calling the reports baseless.

In Tehran, large crowds gathered in Enghelab Square to send off Iran’s national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The football federation president said the team would represent the people and the nation’s fighters, while some fans carried placards honoring former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the war.