Iran has begun portraying a potential war-ending agreement with the United States as a diplomatic and strategic victory. Iranian officials claim Tehran made no major concessions and that Washington was ultimately compelled to return to negotiations. A US official said both sides have reached a preliminary agreement in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and for Iran to dispose of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The deal awaits approval from President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Key aspects of the agreement, including the future of Iran’s nuclear program, remain unresolved. Analysts note that Iran is seizing the opportunity to present itself as resilient under pressure from two nuclear powers. They also point out that the US and Israel have failed to achieve their main objectives, as Iran’s leadership and military structure remain intact, and the draft deal excludes restrictions on Iran’s missile program or allied militias.

Experts suggest the agreement’s long-term impact depends on whether it evolves beyond a ceasefire. Iran still faces severe economic and infrastructure challenges, but any easing of oil sanctions or asset releases could be framed domestically as a major political success.

A US official said that the United States and Iran have reached a policy-level understanding to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement has not yet been formally signed and awaits final approval from President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader. As part of the deal, Iran is expected to commit to removing its stock of highly enriched uranium, though the timeline and method for this process remain unclear.

The official added that the current agreement does not include any suspension of Iran’s missile stockpile or uranium enrichment program, issues that are expected to be discussed in future negotiations. Previously, the United States had sought a 20-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna expressed support for a short-term deal with Iran, saying that diplomatic talks could help avoid war and economic disruptions.

President Trump described the ongoing talks as orderly and constructive, suggesting that the US might ease its naval blockade on Iranian ports as part of the potential deal, though he emphasized that the blockade remains fully in force until an agreement is finalized.

Iran’s military has claimed that it shot down an Israeli reconnaissance drone in Hormozgan province, according to a report by the state-run Mehr News Agency. The incident was reported on May 24, 2026, with Iranian forces stating that the drone was brought down with assistance from the country’s navy.

The report said debris from the downed aircraft was recovered and identified as belonging to an ‘Orbiter’ model surveillance drone. Iranian authorities alleged that the drone had been conducting intelligence-gathering operations within Iranian territory. However, no further details were released about the circumstances under which the drone was intercepted.

As of the report’s publication, Israel had not issued any official comment regarding the incident, and no additional information about the drone’s mission or flight path was made public.

Chinese President Xi Jinping invited Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks shortly after hosting US President Donald Trump, signaling closer coordination between Beijing and Moscow. The meeting follows Trump’s second-term policies, which, despite his pledge to “un-unite” Russia and China, have instead reinforced their partnership. The ongoing Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have made China increasingly dependent on Russian oil and gas, boosting bilateral trade by nearly 20 percent in the first four months of the year.

Energy cooperation is expanding, with new agreements between Chinese firms and Gazprom to increase gas imports and revive the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project. Beyond economics, both nations share a perception of the US-led West as a destabilizing force, driving them to align more closely. The article traces how past US administrations, from Clinton to Biden, contributed to this alignment through NATO expansion, conflicts in Ukraine, and tensions over Taiwan.

Xi’s invitation to Putin, coming immediately after Trump’s visit, is portrayed as a deliberate signal that the Russo-Chinese alliance remains firm and resistant to US efforts to divide them.

Russia carried out large-scale missile and drone attacks across Ukraine from Saturday night to early Sunday, causing widespread explosions in Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian authorities reported at least four deaths and 83 injuries. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the main target was the capital, though other areas were also hit. Residential buildings, educational institutions, and other facilities were damaged, according to local officials.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it used the hypersonic ‘Oreshnik’ missile in the assault, describing it as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged that a Ukrainian strike on a dormitory in the Russian-controlled city of Starobilsk killed 21 people. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed a military operation near Starobilsk but said the target was a Russian special military unit.

Zelensky had previously warned that Russia was preparing a major new offensive and might deploy the ‘Oreshnik’ missile, which reportedly travels at ten times the speed of sound, making it extremely difficult to intercept.

A nine-story building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, Pampanga province, north of Manila, early Sunday following a severe thunderstorm, leaving at least 21 people missing, according to local authorities. Police, fire service, and disaster response teams launched a large-scale rescue operation, reporting that voices were heard from beneath the debris, raising hopes of survivors. Police Brigadier General Jess Mendez said 24 workers either escaped or were rescued, with some sustaining injuries, but no deaths had been confirmed.

Francis Pangilinan, head of the Angeles City disaster management office, stated that most of the missing individuals were believed to be construction workers. Debris from the collapse also damaged a nearby residential structure, injuring two people, including a Malaysian tourist. Rescue teams, aided by trained dogs, continued searching under highly unstable conditions.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said signs of life were detected under the rubble, but the area remained extremely dangerous, requiring careful rescue efforts. The site lies within the Clark Freeport Zone, a major commercial and entertainment hub about 80 kilometers north of Metro Manila.

An Iranian semi-official news agency reported that two to three clauses in a potential peace agreement between Tehran and Washington remain unresolved. According to an Iranian source familiar with the discussions, if the United States continues to create obstacles, there will be no possibility of finalizing the memorandum of understanding. The source added that despite some progress in the talks, differences persist on several important issues.

Analysts cited in the report identified Iran’s nuclear program, uranium enrichment, and the lifting of sanctions as the main points of contention in the negotiations. These issues have long complicated diplomatic efforts between the two countries and continue to hinder the conclusion of a comprehensive agreement.

The report suggests that while negotiations are ongoing, the outcome remains uncertain as both sides struggle to bridge their remaining differences.

During his recent visit to Beijing, U.S. President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “great leader” and “friend,” signaling a desire for closer ties with China. Trump returned home without visiting other Asian nations and offered no reassurance to regional allies, while suggesting he might reconsider arms sales to Taiwan. His remarks have raised concerns across Asia, particularly in India, about U.S. security commitments.

In response, Indian leaders arranged a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and invited him to the White House. The two discussed deepening trade and defense cooperation. Rubio’s mission was seen as an effort to repair strained relations after Trump’s tariffs and his praise of Pakistani leaders. Analysts noted that Trump’s current approach contrasts sharply with previous U.S. policies that sought to strengthen India as a counterbalance to China.

Indian officials are now reassessing their strategic autonomy as Washington’s stance shifts. Some observers say both India and China are cautiously seeking stability in their relationship amid regional uncertainty.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the world could receive good news regarding a peace deal with Iran by the end of the day. He made the remarks on Sunday during a joint press conference in New Delhi, where he is on a four-day official visit. Rubio stated that the potential agreement would ease concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and initiate a process aimed at removing fears about Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

US President Donald Trump earlier said that most parts of the peace deal with Iran had been finalized following discussions with Israel and other regional allies. Trump described the ongoing talks as a memorandum of understanding related to peace, adding that the proposed agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran rejected Trump’s claim, asserting that Tehran would maintain control over the strategic waterway.

The statements from both sides indicate ongoing diplomatic efforts but also highlight unresolved tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that Turkey is ready to provide any form of assistance in implementing a potential agreement with Iran. He made the remarks during a recent phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump and other regional leaders, according to Al Jazeera. Erdoğan’s office said he emphasized that ensuring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and reaching an agreement with Iran could enhance stability in the Middle East and bring relief to the global economy.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such an initiative could signal diplomatic progress aimed at easing long-standing tensions between Iran and Western countries. The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to reduce regional friction and promote cooperation among key stakeholders.

If realized, the proposed deal and Turkey’s involvement could contribute to broader regional stability and economic reassurance, though details of the agreement remain under discussion.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has warned that any new attack on the country will be met with a powerful and destructive response. In a statement issued on Sunday, he said Iran’s armed forces are maintaining the highest level of readiness across missile, air, naval, ground, space, and cyber domains.

The statement was released to mark the 44th anniversary of the liberation of the strategic port city of Khorramshahr during the Iran-Iraq war and the National Day of Resistance, Sacrifice, and Victory. Vahidi emphasized that Iran’s military remains capable of active defense and is prepared to respond to threats at both regional and broader levels.

He added that Iran’s progress in nuclear, missile, defense, and offensive capabilities has forced adversaries to reconsider their calculations. The IRGC commander reiterated that any new aggression would trigger a devastating and far-reaching reaction across regional and interregional fronts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly no longer as strong as before, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The report indicates that Israel’s overall influence on Trump has diminished, particularly in the context of recent diplomatic developments involving Washington and Tehran.

Haaretz’s military and security editor noted that the potential terms of a forthcoming agreement between the United States and Iran are not favorable for Israel. Following reports that Washington and Tehran are nearing a diplomatic settlement, concern has grown among Israeli political and security circles about the implications for Israel’s strategic interests.

The report, citing Middle East Eye as a source, underscores a shift in the dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations as regional diplomacy involving Iran progresses.

Iran has executed a man accused of sending defense-related information to the United States and Israel during wartime, according to the judiciary’s media outlet Mizan. The executed individual, identified as Mojtaba Kian, was alleged to have transmitted sensitive data about Iran’s defense industry to what authorities described as enemy parties.

Earlier in the same month, Iran carried out another execution on similar charges. Mizan reported that Erfan Shakourzadeh, who worked at a scientific institution involved in satellite activities, was executed for allegedly providing classified scientific information to foreign intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Mossad.

The report, citing Mizan and sourced from Dawn, highlights Iran’s continued enforcement of espionage laws amid heightened tensions with Western nations and Israel.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed hope that his country will soon host the next round of talks between Iran and the United States. In a post on social media platform X, he said Islamabad remains committed to mediating between the two nations and will continue its efforts to promote peace.

According to a report by Middle East Eye, Pakistan has been playing a key role in facilitating diplomatic communication between Washington and Tehran. Both sides are reportedly pursuing dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the U.S.-Israel conflict over Iran was nearing completion.

Trump also mentioned that the potential agreement could lead to the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, though it still awaits final approval from negotiators representing the United States, Iran, and other involved countries.

Ripon Mia, a 37-year-old expatriate from Gobindashree Bodda village in Madan upazila of Netrakona, was killed in a road accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, when a freight truck hit the taxi he was traveling in from Ambo to Fail city. His death was confirmed on Saturday by his younger brother Shamim Ahmed, who also works in Saudi Arabia. The accident left the taxi driver seriously injured.

Family sources said Ripon had gone to Saudi Arabia in October of the previous year to improve his family’s financial condition and secure a better future for his children. He had been working in Ambo city but was traveling to visit acquaintances when the accident occurred. Before the crash, he had performed evening prayers in Madinah and spoken to his parents via video call.

The news of his death has cast deep sorrow over his family and community in Netrakona. His father, Bachchu Mia, urged the government to take steps to bring his son’s body home quickly.