A new study published in The Lancet reports that around 1.2 billion people worldwide suffered from mental illnesses in 2023, marking a 95.5 percent increase since 1990. The research, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2023, found anxiety and depression to be the most prevalent conditions, followed by personality disorders. The study analyzed mental health trends across 204 countries and regions, highlighting that the world is entering an alarming phase of mental health burden.

Lead author Dr. Damian Santomauro of the University of Queensland expressed concern over the scale of the increase, calling for global leadership to address the crisis. The study noted that women are more affected overall, while autism, ADHD, conduct disorder, and personality disorders are more common among men. Mental illness has become a leading cause of disability, with the highest rates now seen among those aged 15 to 19.

Experts cited factors such as lifestyle stress, economic instability, trauma, inadequate healthcare, and social isolation as key drivers. They urged improvements in mental health services and lifestyle balance to meet growing global needs.

International oil prices increased again as negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s uranium stockpile and the Hormuz Strait remained deadlocked. According to an Al Jazeera report cited on May 22, 2026, investor uncertainty over the lack of progress in the talks contributed to the price surge. On Friday, the global benchmark Brent crude rose by 2.3 percent, or 2.38 dollars, reaching 104.96 dollars per barrel.

At the same time, the price of US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 1.8 percent, or 1.73 dollars, to 98.08 dollars per barrel. The rise followed a nearly 2 percent drop in both benchmarks on Thursday, which had brought prices to their lowest level in about two weeks.

The report indicates that the continuing diplomatic stalemate between Washington and Tehran is keeping investors cautious, with energy markets responding to the uncertainty surrounding the region and its potential impact on global oil supply routes.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reached a sharp disagreement over future strategy in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. According to CNN, their differences became evident during a heated phone call on Tuesday. Trump had earlier signaled plans for a new targeted strike against Iran, codenamed 'Operation Sledgehammer,' but later announced its postponement following requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Sources said the three Gulf states, in coordination with the White House and Pakistani intermediaries, are working to establish a new diplomatic framework. Trump told reporters that the Iran issue was nearing its final stage, suggesting either a deal or tougher measures could follow. Netanyahu, however, remains dissatisfied with the diplomatic approach and continues to advocate for stronger military action, arguing that any delay benefits Tehran.

Israeli sources noted that Netanyahu doubts any agreement can be reached through diplomacy, particularly as Iran has not agreed to relinquish its enriched uranium stockpile. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has instructed that near-weapons-grade uranium reserves must not be sent abroad, though no official confirmation has yet been issued.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and several international issues. According to the report, the discussion focused on the Middle East situation, the ceasefire with Iran, stability in Syria, and the future activities of the NATO alliance.

Turkey’s communications directorate stated that Erdogan viewed the extension of the ceasefire with Iran as a positive step and emphasized that ongoing disputes could be resolved through dialogue. He added that Turkey would continue to play a constructive role in reducing regional conflicts and highlighted the importance of long-term stability in Syria for the security and peace of the entire Middle East. Erdogan also mentioned Ankara’s continued support for Syria and called for swift action to prevent further deterioration in Lebanon.

The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara was also discussed, with Erdogan noting Turkey’s full preparations for its success. After the call, Trump praised Erdogan’s leadership, describing him as a strong leader and an important ally for the United States.

Global gold prices declined as a stronger US dollar and rising Treasury yields weighed on the precious metal, while oil prices climbed due to stalled peace talks in the Middle East. As of 11:18 GMT on Thursday, spot gold dropped 0.6 percent to $4,517.94 per ounce, and US June gold futures fell 0.4 percent to $4,518.70. Analysts said inflation concerns and expectations of higher interest rates continued to weaken the gold market.

The ongoing Middle East tensions kept oil markets buoyant, with Brent crude rising nearly 3 percent to $107.4 per barrel. Iran stated it was reviewing Washington’s latest proposal, while US President Donald Trump said he could wait a few more days for Tehran’s response but left open the option of renewed strikes. Analysts noted that since the conflict began, gold prices have fallen more than 15 percent, while oil has gained amid energy-driven inflation fears.

Other precious metals also declined, with silver down 1.4 percent to $74.96 per ounce, platinum down 1 percent to $1,931.5, and palladium down 0.9 percent to $1,357.94.

After two consecutive days of decline, international oil prices rose again as concerns over supply disruptions intensified due to uncertainty surrounding the conflict situation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The increase took effect from midnight Wednesday, with Brent crude climbing by 81 cents, or 0.77 percent, to reach 105.83 dollars per barrel. At the same time, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 97 cents, or 0.99 percent, to trade at 99.23 dollars per barrel.

The renewed upward movement in oil prices was driven by fears of reduced global reserves, as U.S. crude inventories declined and doubts persisted over a possible ceasefire involving Iran. These factors have placed supply concerns at the center of global energy market discussions.

Analysts cited in the report noted that the combination of geopolitical tension and falling stockpiles has reinforced volatility in the oil market, suggesting continued uncertainty in near-term pricing trends.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has started notifying thousands of employees worldwide about job cuts, sparking renewed discussion in the technology sector. According to reports, around 8,000 employees have been affected, with emails sent early in the morning beginning from Meta’s Singapore office and later reaching Europe and the United States. The layoffs primarily target engineering and product teams, and further reductions may occur later in the year.

At the same time, Meta is reallocating about 7,000 employees to new AI-focused teams. These teams will work on artificial intelligence technologies, automation systems, and AI-based product development. The move is part of Meta’s long-term strategic shift toward AI, emphasizing smaller, faster teams to improve efficiency and accountability.

The company has also announced significant investments in AI infrastructure, data centers, and new technology development, signaling a major reorientation of its business priorities around artificial intelligence.

Global crude oil prices fell by more than 5 percent after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated progress in diplomatic discussions concerning the Middle East. The decline came amid easing investor concerns over potential conflict involving Iran. On Wednesday, Brent crude dropped to 105.70 dollars per barrel, marking a significant downturn in the international energy market.

Analysts attributed the fall to reduced fears of escalation in the region following Trump’s remarks that negotiations with Iran were in their final stage. However, he also warned that further attacks could occur if Tehran refused to agree to a peace deal. This mixed message created both optimism for a possible settlement and lingering uncertainty about future tensions.

Experts noted that while the market experienced temporary relief, the overall uncertainty in the global energy sector remains unresolved, leaving investors cautious about the next developments in U.S.-Iran relations.

China and Russia have jointly called for an end to what they describe as unilateral interference in international trade and supply chains. The appeal came through a joint statement issued by both countries, emphasizing that certain states, alliances, and their partners are taking unilateral actions that disrupt global maritime transport and threaten the integrity of supply networks.

Although the statement did not name any specific maritime route, observers believe the remarks may refer to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping passage. The two nations also stressed that cooperation in maritime infrastructure, including ports, should be based on market and commercial principles to avoid politicization and excessive security measures.

The joint declaration reflects a shared position by Beijing and Moscow on maintaining open and stable maritime trade routes, highlighting their opposition to actions that could destabilize global commerce.

Two Chinese supertankers carrying a total of four million barrels of crude oil crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to shipping data from Kpler and LSEG. The vessels had been waiting in the Persian Gulf for more than two months before departing through the key maritime route.

The report noted that only a few ships have recently passed through the strait, but the successful resumption of navigation and a softer tone from the White House have contributed to a slight decline in global oil prices. On Tuesday, President Trump stated that a peace agreement with Iran was close, adding that any deal would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

The developments suggest a cautious easing of tensions in the region, with potential implications for oil markets and diplomatic relations involving China, Iran, and the United States.

China and Russia issued a joint statement condemning various military activities around the world, appearing to reference recent US actions in Iran and Venezuela over the past six months. Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin criticized what they described as treacherous military attacks, the use of negotiations as a cover for aggression, assassinations of sovereign leaders, and efforts to destabilize internal politics or incite regime change.

The statement asserted that such actions seriously violate the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, and established norms of international relations. It warned that these behaviors cause irreparable harm to the global order built after World War II.

Amid growing concerns about the current world system during Donald Trump’s second term, Xi and Putin are positioning themselves as advocates for a new international order, signaling a shift in global power dynamics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signed a joint statement aimed at deepening strategic coordination and strengthening their good-neighborly and friendly cooperation. The agreement, announced on May 20, 2026, includes plans to sign around 20 additional documents covering trade, technological cooperation, and other areas. Officials from both countries have already signed multiple agreements in fields such as trade, technology, intellectual property, and scientific research.

Following the signing, Xi Jinping stated that China-Russia relations have reached their highest level of comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasized that the two nations treat each other with mutual respect and equality, describing the relationship as entering a new starting point. Xi also highlighted plans to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence and technological innovation.

Xi further said that China and Russia must act as responsible major powers to uphold international justice and oppose all forms of unilateral dominance and attempts to distort history.

Russia and China have reached a general agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, according to a close aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The project, once implemented, would enable Russia to supply up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas to China annually. Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters that while some issues remain unresolved, a basic understanding has already been achieved. The information was reported by the state-run news agency RIA Novosti.

Peskov added that the agreement between China and Russia includes the pipeline’s route and construction methods. However, no further details or timeline for the project have been disclosed. The report did not mention any official signing or specific schedule for the next steps.

The development marks another step in energy cooperation between the two countries, though the absence of a detailed plan leaves the project’s immediate timeline uncertain.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of a planned military strike on Iran amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He stated that the decision was made to allow room for diplomatic discussions to resolve the crisis. Following the announcement, international crude oil prices dropped by more than one percent.

According to market analysts, the price of Brent crude fell to around 110 dollars per barrel, while U.S. WTI crude declined to about 103 dollars per barrel. Investors and energy traders are now closely monitoring diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, as concerns persist over the long-term stability of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, previously handling about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any instability in this region could have a significant impact on global energy markets.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him Beijing is not sending any weapons to Iran. Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the White House, describing Xi’s assurance as a positive commitment and expressing his trust and appreciation for the Chinese leader’s words.

The statement follows reports from the previous month claiming that China was planning to send weapons to Iran, allegations that Beijing dismissed as baseless. Trump’s comments suggest that direct communication between the United States and China continues over the Iran issue, despite tensions and speculation in international media.

Analysts cited in the report indicated that this exchange could serve as a diplomatic signal aimed at preventing further complications in the Middle East situation, reflecting ongoing engagement between Washington and Beijing on sensitive regional matters.