Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the United States of attempting to establish dominance over the global energy market. In an interview with the Indian edition of Russia’s state broadcaster RT, Lavrov claimed that the Trump administration aims to control key energy supply routes and push Russian energy companies out of international markets.

Lavrov stated that the United States has adopted policy documents explicitly referring to American dominance in the global energy sector. He alleged that companies such as Lukoil and Rosneft are being targeted as part of this strategy to remove Russian influence from the market.

The remarks come at a time when both the United States and Iran have strengthened their positions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s energy resources are transported.

Influential American neoconservative thinker and longtime pro-Israel strategist Robert Kagan has warned that the United States is heading toward a 'total defeat' in its ongoing conflict with Iran. Writing in The Atlantic, Kagan argued that the war has inflicted irreparable damage on Washington’s global standing and that no decisive American victory can reverse the losses. He described the conflict as both a military and strategic setback for the US.

Kagan, co-founder of the Project for the New American Century and a key advocate of US military interventionism, drew parallels between the current situation and past crises such as Pearl Harbor and the Vietnam War. He said the balance of power over the Strait of Hormuz has shifted, turning Iran from a regional into a global power. According to him, the war has exposed an unreliable America unable to finish what it starts.

He further warned that the Trump administration now faces limited options, with diminished leverage to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or maintain pressure on Tehran. Kagan also cautioned that the conflict could prove disastrous for Israel, potentially reducing US and Israeli influence across the Middle East.

A proposed $1.5 billion Trump International Hotel and Tower project on Australia’s Gold Coast has been cancelled after relations between local developer Altus Property Group and the Trump Organization deteriorated. Altus executive David Young announced on LinkedIn that his firm had withdrawn from the project, citing the Trump brand’s increasingly negative image among Australians due to U.S. military posturing around Iran and global tensions. He described the decision as purely business-related and denied any personal conflict with the Trump family.

The Trump Organization responded by accusing Altus of failing to meet basic financial obligations despite months of discussions and repeated promises. The project, planned for Surfers Paradise in Queensland, was still listed on Altus’s website with claims of preliminary approval and an August construction start. However, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate confirmed that no formal application had been submitted to the city council.

Griffith University’s Professor Paul Burton noted that many ambitious tower projects in the region have stalled before construction, emphasizing that while AI can generate attractive designs, real-world financing and credibility remain decisive challenges.

Russia has successfully conducted a test launch of its new-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, Sarmat, which President Vladimir Putin described as the world's most powerful. According to Al Jazeera, the announcement was made after a video aired on Russian state television showing Strategic Missile Forces Commander Sergei Karakaev informing Putin of the successful launch. Putin stated that the missile would be formally inducted into Russia’s armed forces by the end of the year.

Putin claimed that Sarmat’s warhead capacity is four times greater than comparable Western missiles and that it can travel more than 35,000 kilometers due to its sub-orbital flight capability. The missile, known in the West as “Satan 2,” has been in development since 2011 and is designed to replace the Soviet-era Voyevoda system. The report noted that the Sarmat program has faced setbacks, including a major explosion during a 2024 test.

The test comes amid renewed global security concerns following the expiration of the New START arms control treaty between Russia and the United States, leaving both nations free to develop nuclear weapons without formal limits.

In the U.S. state of Georgia, the mayor of the small town of Cohutta has dismissed the entire police department following social media criticism of his wife. Mayor Ron Shinic reportedly terminated all ten police employees after online posts targeted his wife, Pam Shinic. A notice posted at the mayor’s office announced that the police department had been dissolved and advised residents to rely on the county sheriff’s office for law enforcement matters.

The dispute began last month when Pam Shinic, a former employee of the mayor’s office, was accused by several officials of continuing to work despite being dismissed and of having access to confidential information. She had been fired the previous year for allegedly failing to maintain proper office conduct, which led to local gossip in the town of fewer than one thousand residents. Tensions escalated after police officers criticized her on social media.

Following the dismissals, the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office is set to assume policing duties for Cohutta, as the mayor faces growing criticism for his decision.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday posted a graphic on his Truth Social platform showing Venezuela’s map with an American flag and labeling it as the “51st state.” The post, described as provocative, was made while Trump was en route to China for a high-level summit, according to AFP.

A day earlier, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said her country had “never” considered becoming the 51st U.S. state, even after former leader Nicolás Maduro was detained by U.S. forces in January. Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuela would not accept U.S. intervention or dominance. Trump had told Fox News on Monday that he was considering turning Venezuela into a new U.S. state and claimed to have established “control” over the oil-rich nation for several months.

Since taking office, Rodríguez has sought to normalize relations with Washington, reopening Venezuela’s mining and oil sectors to foreign investment, particularly from U.S. companies. The country’s opposition has called for elections, but Rodríguez said on May 1 that the timing remains uncertain.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States does not require China's assistance to end the ongoing war with Iran. He made the remarks to reporters in Washington, D.C., before departing for Beijing. Trump asserted that the United States would win the war against Iran by any means necessary.

Trump’s three-day visit to China comes at a time when his popularity is under pressure due to the Iran war and rising inflation. During the trip, he gave mixed signals about how prominently Iran would feature in his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump said they would have a long discussion on the issue and praised Xi’s approach, but moments later downplayed Iran’s importance, claiming Tehran was already under full U.S. control.

The comments highlight uncertainty about how the Iran conflict will influence U.S.-China discussions during Trump’s visit, as both nations navigate complex diplomatic and economic tensions.

The United States is reportedly considering launching a new military operation in Iran, codenamed 'Operation Sledgehammer', if the current ceasefire breaks down. NBC News reported on Tuesday that the Trump administration is reviewing the possibility of resuming the conflict that began on February 28. Discussions are underway to rename the previous campaign, 'Operation Epic Fury', to 'Operation Sledgehammer' should new military action be approved.

According to NBC News, the Trump administration had declared the end of 'Operation Epic Fury' after Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire in early April. However, a Pentagon official told the outlet that 'Epic Fury' remains ongoing, with the truce only halting large-scale combat operations. The Pentagon has not issued an immediate response regarding the latest reports.

Diplomatic deadlock between the United States and Iran continues, as Tehran has refused to engage in new talks until five specific 'minimum guarantees' are met.

Australia has announced its decision to join a defensive military mission led by the United Kingdom and France to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement was made by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, who stated that Australia will contribute an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to the mission. The aircraft is already deployed in the Middle East and is currently assisting the United Arab Emirates in defending against Iranian drone attacks.

Following a meeting with representatives from around 40 countries, Marles said that once the mission is formally established, Australia is ready to support the independent and strictly defensive multinational initiative led by the UK and France. He emphasized that the mission will complement diplomatic efforts and de-escalation initiatives while demonstrating a tangible commitment to protecting international trade security.

The mission is described as fully defensive in nature and aims to strengthen collective security in a strategically vital maritime corridor.

The United States has announced a reward of up to $15 million for information related to oil transportation activities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The announcement was made on Tuesday through the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program, which invited individuals to share details about IRGC oil shipments, tankers used in such operations, or persons and entities involved.

According to the U.S. statement, the IRGC is allegedly using covert networks and intermediaries to continue oil exports in violation of international sanctions. Washington has maintained a long-standing strict stance against such Iranian activities, viewing them as efforts to evade global restrictions.

Tehran, however, has consistently rejected U.S. sanctions as “illegal” and reaffirmed its commitment to continue its energy export operations despite external pressure.

Grocery prices in the United States rose at the fastest monthly rate in four years, driven by inflation linked to the ongoing war involving Iran. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices increased by 0.7 percent in April, marking the sharpest monthly rise since 2022. Media reports noted that the surge confirms earlier warnings that the conflict with Iran is pushing up food costs for American consumers.

On an annual basis, fresh vegetable prices climbed by more than 44 percent compared to three months earlier, while staple items such as bread and milk rose by 8 percent and 6 percent respectively. Coffee and beef prices also showed sudden fluctuations, influenced by both the Iran war and other global factors. Rising transportation costs and strong demand have further contributed to the price increases.

The data suggest that US households are facing growing pressure from food inflation, with essential goods becoming increasingly expensive across multiple categories.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not think about the financial situation of ordinary Americans, emphasizing instead that his main concern is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He made the remarks while responding to reporters’ questions about the economic impact of the ongoing war with Iran and rising inflation in the United States.

When asked whether growing inflation and economic pressure were motivating him to reach a deal with Tehran, Trump replied, “Not at all.” He reiterated that the only issue of importance to him regarding Iran is ensuring the country cannot develop nuclear arms. Another journalist questioned whether he was considering the economic strain on Americans caused by the conflict, to which Trump responded that everyone in the United States understands Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.

The war with Iran has driven up food and fuel prices, worsening daily life for ordinary Americans, according to the report.

The United States Department of Defense has reported that the cost of the ongoing war with Iran has reached approximately $29 billion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented the updated figure during two hearings of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday. The disclosure came as part of discussions on the Pentagon’s proposed $1.5 trillion budget.

According to the hearings, the war expenditure has increased by about $4 billion over the past two weeks, up from a previous estimate of $25 billion. The Pentagon’s comptroller clarified that the new $29 billion figure does not yet include the cost of repairing U.S. facilities damaged by Iranian attacks, suggesting that the final total could rise further.

The hearings placed particular emphasis on the growing financial burden of the conflict and its implications for U.S. military strategy and defense spending priorities.

US Senator Chuck Schumer has called on Republican lawmakers to support efforts to pressure President Donald Trump to end the ongoing conflict with Iran. Amid rising fuel prices and economic strain, Schumer said that the continuation of the war is driving up living costs for ordinary Americans. In a post on social media platform X, he criticized Trump for refusing to stop the war, noting that Americans are paying more than $4.50 per gallon of gasoline.

Schumer argued that if Republicans truly care about reducing expenses and protecting US troops, they should support the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. The Democratic Party has launched its seventh attempt to pass the resolution, which seeks to ensure that no president can conduct military operations for more than 60 days without congressional approval.

Previous Democratic efforts have failed due to their minority position in Congress and partisan divisions. However, with rising energy prices, military spending, and concerns over troop safety, the opposition is renewing political pressure on the administration.

US President Donald Trump will be accompanied by leading figures from the technology and business sectors during his upcoming visit to China, according to a White House official cited by Reuters. The delegation includes Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook, GE Aerospace’s Larry Culp, Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg, Meta’s Dina Powell McCormick, BlackRock’s Larry Fink, Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman, and Mastercard’s Michael Miebach. Executives from Simon, Qualcomm, and Visa will also join, while Cisco’s Chuck Robbins will not attend due to business commitments. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was not invited.

The visit is expected to focus on easing trade and investment between the two countries. China may announce major purchases of Boeing aircraft, US agricultural products, and energy supplies. Sources indicate discussions are underway for a potential order of about 500 Boeing 737 Max and several dozen widebody jets, possibly the largest single aircraft deal in history.

Both sides will also discuss extending the suspension of their ongoing trade war, which could ensure continued Chinese exports of rare earth minerals to the United States. The White House said the trip will emphasize agriculture and commercial aviation as key areas of cooperation.