Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has described Israel’s treatment of civilians aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as “horrific” and “unacceptable.” He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, according to a statement shared on social media platform X. The discussion focused on the recent incident involving the flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies toward Gaza.

In his statement, Carney emphasized the need to reduce tensions in the Middle East and called for the resumption of sincere dialogue among all parties. He underscored that progress toward peace and stability in the region must remain a clear and shared objective. The comments reflect Canada’s concern over the humanitarian and diplomatic implications of Israel’s actions toward the flotilla.

The exchange between the two leaders highlights ongoing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the region and renewed calls for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

The United States military carried out an airstrike in southern Iran, according to reports from a major US broadcaster cited by Al Jazeera. US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Tim Hawkins told Fox News that the strike was entirely defensive, aimed at protecting American troops from what he described as a direct threat from Iranian forces. The operation reportedly targeted two main objectives: missile launch facilities inside Iran and Iranian naval vessels attempting to lay mines in the Persian Gulf or nearby waters.

Iranian local media confirmed the occurrence of the strike, reporting loud explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. The semi-official Mehr News Agency stated that the situation in the area was now under full control. Hawkins added that the US military was maintaining maximum restraint during an ongoing ceasefire period while continuing to safeguard its forces.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that the sudden US strike amid an existing ceasefire could heighten regional tensions in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his demand that Iran immediately hand over its stock of enriched uranium to the United States or destroy it at an acceptable location. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump referred to the material as 'nuclear dust' and said it should be eliminated either by transfer to the U.S. for complete destruction or through a coordinated process with Iran.

According to Trump’s statement, the destruction process could follow one of two paths: immediate transfer of the enriched uranium to the United States for destruction, or a joint and coordinated destruction effort within Iran or another acceptable site. He emphasized that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or a similar international body must be present as a witness to verify the process and its authenticity.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not include any response from Iranian officials or details on whether such a proposal has been formally communicated through diplomatic channels.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to pressure Iran into accepting Washington’s terms for a peace deal through threats and limited military actions have yielded little change, according to reports. Despite a ceasefire declared in April, the framework of the proposed agreement shows no major shift in Iran’s nuclear program or its core policy positions. A key element of the upcoming deal could involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas transport, which Iran has effectively blocked since late February.

Analysts note that while U.S. officials initially expected the reopening to lower global gas prices and weaken Iran’s bargaining power, Iranian forces have maintained control of the strait and resisted U.S. pressure. The U.S. Navy began a blockade near Iranian ports on April 13, redirecting several ships through alternate routes. Trump’s “Project Freedom” initiative to free stranded vessels achieved limited success before being suspended.

Experts suggest Iran’s leadership has grown more confident after the conflict, believing it has withstood external pressure while remaining firm in negotiations.

Seven months after a ceasefire was brokered to halt Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the agreement has effectively become a cover for continued attacks. According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israeli forces have killed at least 880 Palestinians since the truce, bringing the total death toll to 72,797. Analysts and human rights officials say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deliberately stalling the peace process ahead of Israel’s expected September elections to maintain support from his right-wing coalition.

Mai El-Sheikh of the UN Human Rights Office in Palestine accused Israel of using the ceasefire as a pretext for ongoing war crimes and warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by restrictions on food and medicine. The Gaza Rights Center documented at least 12 forced evacuations in May before Israeli forces destroyed residential blocks in central Gaza camps. Rights groups say these demolitions and phone warnings are part of a broader policy of forced displacement.

The international mechanism enforcing the ceasefire, led by the US-based Board of Peace, has faltered due to internal divisions. Observers warn that without a reconstruction plan, Gaza’s devastation will persist indefinitely.

Iran’s defense forces have shot down an enemy drone in the Gulf airspace, according to the state-run Fars News Agency. The report said the interception was carried out using Iran’s ‘Arash-e Kamangir’ interceptor drone over the waters of the Gulf. No information was provided about the drone’s origin or its mission.

Fars News Agency added that the technology used in the operation included undisclosed stealth capabilities. Citing unnamed officials, the report described the action as a clear and firm message from Iran. The incident has raised concerns that regional security tensions could escalate following the interception.

As of now, no official response has been reported from any other country regarding the event.

China and Pakistan celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations on May 21, 2026, highlighting a partnership that began in 1950 when Pakistan became the first Muslim-majority nation to recognize the Communist government in Beijing. The relationship deepened after Pakistan ceded control of the Shaksgam Valley to China in 1963 under a border agreement, a move driven by strategic calculations following China's victory over India in 1962. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the strength of bilateral ties during a Senate session attended by a visiting Chinese parliamentary delegation, which unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming friendship and brotherhood. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to visit Beijing for a four-day state trip as part of the anniversary events.

Analysts note that the China-Pakistan relationship is based more on strategic necessity than ideological alignment. Cooperation has spanned nuclear development, defense technology, and infrastructure, including the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor launched in 2015. Despite military successes, economic challenges persist, with Pakistan’s debt to China reaching $29 billion and security threats continuing to endanger Chinese nationals and projects.

Experts suggest that while the partnership remains militarily strong, its economic imbalance and security risks could test its long-term sustainability.

At least 28 people were killed when an illegal gold mine collapsed in Angola’s Bengo province on Saturday, according to police reports. The incident occurred northeast of the capital Luanda, where many miners were trapped under the debris. Among the victims were 13 members of the same family. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities believing at least two workers remain trapped inside the mine.

Police spokesperson Gaspar Luis Inacio said rescue teams have been working continuously since the collapse. Several injured workers were taken to a local hospital, where officials confirmed that at least three of them are now in stable condition. The victims were aged between 18 and 40.

Illegal mining remains widespread in parts of Africa, often lacking safety measures and posing severe risks during the rainy season or natural disasters. The latest collapse in Angola has renewed concerns over unregulated mining operations and the safety of workers involved in such activities.

A high-level Iranian delegation has arrived in Doha, Qatar, to participate in peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with the United States. According to international media reports, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Iranian state media said Ghalibaf is leading the delegation as Tehran’s chief negotiator. The visit is part of the diplomatic process initiated after the U.S.-Iran conflict began on February 28.

Iranian outlets Tasnim and Fars reported that Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati is also part of the delegation. Diplomatic sources told AFP that the Doha meeting will review progress in the peace efforts. Reuters and AFP sources indicated that discussions will focus on two key issues: the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s highly enriched uranium program.

The talks are also expected to address the release of Iranian funds frozen abroad. Iranian media reported that a Qatari delegation recently visited Tehran to discuss the issue, while Pakistan continues to mediate between Tehran and Washington over the release of these assets.

International debate has intensified over the United States’ position in the Middle East crisis as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow of ‘certain victory’ against Iran appears to be fading. According to international media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump told Netanyahu in a recent phone call that Washington is discussing a ‘letter of intent’ with Tehran. The proposed agreement could include a formal end to hostilities, 30 days of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts interpret this diplomatic move as a sign of Washington’s gradual withdrawal from the conflict, suggesting the Trump administration now prefers limited symbolic actions over deeper military involvement. The crisis began in March when Israel attacked Iran’s Pars gas field, prompting Iranian retaliation on a Qatari facility. Since then, Iran has demanded war reparations, sanction relief, and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports indicate Iran is consolidating control of the strait through new transit deals with Russia, China, and other nations. Observers warn that U.S. restraint could weaken global sanctions and expand Iran’s influence in energy trade, while Israel faces growing strategic pressure.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his official visit to China. The meeting took place at a time when diplomatic efforts to formally end the Iran war are being prolonged. Before meeting Xi, Sharif also held discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

During the talks, Sharif emphasized the importance of Islamabad and Beijing working together to restore peace in the Middle East. He stated that the world is passing through a critical moment and expressed gratitude to China for its support in advancing peace negotiations.

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who had just concluded a visit to Iran, was also present at the meeting, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently visiting China, stated that peace talks aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran are moving in the right direction. He described the world as being at a critical moment and expressed gratitude to China for its support in promoting peace.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal to end the war with Iran could be reached as soon as today, while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense. Speaking in New Delhi, Rubio noted that progress might have been expected overnight or today but cautioned against drawing conclusions prematurely.

US President Donald Trump separately announced on his social media platform that the United States would maintain its naval blockade on Iran until any agreement is finalized, certified, and signed. The developments highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts involving multiple nations to de-escalate tensions in the region.

More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this year’s Hajj despite ongoing war in the Middle East, regional tensions, and severe desert heat. According to Saudi authorities, the number of international pilgrims has already surpassed last year’s total, even as air travel disruptions and higher costs followed the Iran-Israel conflict that began in late February. Hajj rituals officially begin Monday, and the total number of pilgrims is expected to rise further.

Extreme temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius have made conditions difficult, with forecasts warning of highs up to 47 degrees. Many pilgrims are struggling to perform prayers outdoors during the day. Saudi authorities have deployed extensive cooling measures at the Grand Mosque, including advanced air-conditioning, mist sprayers, and chilled flooring, while distributing free cold water. Over 50,000 health workers and 3,000 ambulances are on standby, and 144 heatstroke cases have already been treated.

Pilgrims began gathering in Mina on Monday before proceeding to Arafat on Tuesday for the main Hajj rituals, maintaining a spirit of devotion despite the heat and regional instability.

Bangladesh has officially handed over the first consignment of food aid to Kuwait, marking a gesture of diplomatic solidarity and brotherhood. Around 240 tons of emergency food supplies are being sent from Bangladesh to Kuwait on multiple flights. The handover took place on May 24, 2026, when Prime Minister’s Special Envoy and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, along with State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, presented the aid to Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as a goodwill gift from the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

During the meeting, Adviser Humayun Kabir conveyed an invitation from the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to visit Bangladesh. He also delivered a goodwill message expressing wishes for peace, security, and prosperity for the people of Kuwait, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two nations. Minister Millat emphasized expanding cooperation in civil aviation, trade, investment, and manpower sectors.

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian initiative, describing it as a shining example of the brotherly relations between the two countries.

For the third consecutive year, residents of Gaza will be unable to perform the traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifice due to a severe shortage of livestock. Once a major livestock producer, Gaza’s farmers and herders have seen their animals decimated by Israeli bombardments and restrictions on the movement of goods and agricultural supplies. Local herders, such as Mazen al-Jerjawi, who once sold hundreds of sheep and goats during the festival season, now rely on imported frozen meat as live animals are no longer allowed into the enclave.

According to Gaza’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 90 percent of the livestock sector has been destroyed or damaged since the war began in October 2023. The Food and Agriculture Organization reported that by November, at least 80 percent of Gaza’s sheep and 70 percent of its goats had been killed. The Ministry of Agriculture said the number of sheep and goats has dropped from 60,000 to just 3,000, with calves and cattle nearly wiped out.

Officials and residents say the crisis has deepened food insecurity for Gaza’s two million people, leaving many families unable to celebrate Eid or even afford daily meals.