A Gulf diplomat told Middle East Monitor that Donald Trump plans to announce U.S. recognition of Palestine as a state—excluding Hamas from any governance role. The announcement is expected during a mid-May U.S.-Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia. If confirmed, this move could significantly shift Middle Eastern geopolitics and push more nations to join the Abraham Accords.

According to Israeli Army Radio journalist Yair Kozen, close aides of Donald Trump informed Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer that Trump feels “betrayed” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A U.S. official noted, “Nothing angers Trump more than feeling manipulated or deceived.” Kozen added that Israel’s failure to provide a clear strategy regarding Iran and Yemen has also strained U.S.-Israel relations. Meanwhile, Israel’s continued assault on Gaza claimed 27 more Palestinian lives in the last 24 hours.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated Washington has no intention of engaging in the India-Pakistan conflict. “We may encourage de-escalation but will not enter a war that doesn’t serve our direct interests,” he said, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed concern over the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to cease hostilities immediately. He offered U.S. assistance in resolving the dispute. In an earlier reaction following the airstrikes, Trump called the attack "shameful."

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran-backed Houthi rebels have agreed to stop obstructing American naval operations in the Middle East. "They’ve told us they no longer want war. They’ve surrendered," Trump said. "We will respect that decision and halt our bombing operations as well." His statement follows a recent missile strike by the Houthis near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday. In retaliation, Israel launched over 50 airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port city on Monday.

The U.S. State Department has called on India and Pakistan to choose a responsible path toward resolving tensions, emphasizing the need for long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.

Speaking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, "We urge both governments to move forward responsibly while maintaining peace and stability in the region. We have maintained communication with both sides at multiple levels."

Following the April attack that escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the United States expressed sympathy toward India. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held phone calls with senior officials from both countries, urging restraint and de-escalation. Earlier, former President Donald Trump had described India's strike as "shameful."

Source: Al Jazeera

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled India’s missile strikes on Pakistan-administered territory as “shameful.” Speaking to reporters, he remarked, “Anyone familiar with the history could sense this was coming. These two countries have been in conflict for decades, even centuries. Still, I hope this ends quickly.” India’s early morning missile assault on Wednesday led to the deaths of two civilians and left several others injured. In response, Pakistan downed two Indian aircraft later the same day.

For the second consecutive night, Moscow has come under heavy drone assault from Ukraine. In response, four major airports—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky—have been temporarily shut down for security reasons. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that at least 19 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and shot down across the city. Debris from some drones landed on a major highway, but no casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, in Russia’s Kursk region, a Ukrainian attack damaged a power substation in the town of Rylsk, injuring two people.

The Trump administration has declared that Harvard University will no longer receive federal research grants. In a letter to the university, Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused Harvard of mocking higher education and failing to uphold academic standards. McMahon criticized the university for allegedly admitting foreign students who exhibit violent behavior and anti-American sentiment. She stated that Harvard will now function solely as a privately funded institution. The university claims the letter is a retaliatory move following a lawsuit it filed on April 21.

Russia has offered to help de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. In a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s readiness to support a political resolution. Lavrov had earlier held similar discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Sunday that Russia has enough power and resources to bring the war in Ukraine to a "logical conclusion" without the use of nuclear weapons. Reflecting on his 25 years in power, Putin said, "I do not consider myself a politician. I still breathe the same air as millions of Russians." Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace talks to end the war.

Ukraine launched a large-scale overnight attack using 183 drones and two ballistic missiles on various Russian targets, including Novorossiysk port in the Black Sea. The attack damaged a grain terminal and several residential buildings, injuring at least five people, including two children. Novorossiysk’s mayor declared a state of emergency following the assault.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the US is not dismissing the possibility of a second phase of sanctions against Russia. “We are not lifting any existing sanctions. The President supports a diplomatic approach to each step,” she stated. However, she acknowledged that global attention must also focus on other regions. President Trump had earlier said that he would provide a detailed response about tougher sanctions a week after his April 24 announcement.

The United States has dropped two more spots in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, now ranking 57th—below conflict-torn Sierra Leone. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), global press freedom is at its lowest point in history, with half the world’s countries deemed “bad environments” for journalism. Fewer than one-quarter of countries are considered to have a “satisfactory” environment. Despite online ad revenue reaching $247 billion in 2024, a significant portion went to tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Amazon.

US Vice President J.D. Vance has stated that the Ukraine war is not expected to end anytime soon. He emphasized that the key question now is how the US can facilitate a resolution between Russia and Ukraine. “Ultimately, it is up to Russia and Ukraine to reach a decision to end this brutal war,” he said. “Yes, Ukrainians are understandably angry—their country has been invaded. But should we lose thousands of soldiers over a few miles of land?” Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that unless there is significant progress on the battlefield soon, President Trump may reduce his engagement with the crisis.