A new mineral agreement has been signed between Ukraine and the United States, granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources and promising investment in Kyiv’s reconstruction. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reacted, saying this effectively dismantles the Kyiv regime, as Ukraine will now have to finance U.S. military aid with its mineral wealth. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated, “This agreement sends a strong message to the Russian leadership — there is no difference between the American and Ukrainian people or their goals. It also gives President Trump a stronger position in negotiations with Russia.” The agreement now awaits approval by Ukraine's parliament.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that of the 59 hostages held in Gaza, only 24 are believed to be alive — and he fears the number may be even lower. Referring to Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, Trump said, “We don’t know how he’s doing, but we hope for the best.” He also expressed disappointment, saying, “Two months ago, we were fairly confident he’d be released. But now the situation has worsened.” On Iran, Trump added, “Iran is a failed state. The U.S. is imposing more sanctions, and those buying oil from Iran will not be allowed to do business in America.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif and Indian FM S. Jaishankar regarding the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Rubio urged both nations to cooperate in de-escalating tensions. While reiterating the US’s support for India in combating terrorism, he called on Pakistan to assist in the investigation and publicly condemn the attack. US official Tammy Bruce stated that India was advised to exercise restraint in responding to the incident.

The United States and Ukraine have signed a mineral resource agreement granting the US priority access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and future reconstruction investment opportunities in Kyiv. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signed the deal. According to the Treasury, the agreement reflects the Trump administration’s strong commitment to a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine. Trump recently emphasized that the US should receive benefits in exchange for aiding Kyiv—this deal aligns with that stance.

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to speak with both countries’ foreign ministers within 24 hours. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a briefing, “We’re engaging both sides and urging all parties not to escalate the situation.” The U.S. also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s cooperation in the recent arrest of an ISIS-linked suspect.

A U.S. Navy fighter jet, worth approximately $67 million, accidentally plunged into the Red Sea while deployed against Houthi forces. The aircraft fell from the USS Harry S. Truman on Monday while being towed in a hangar bay. One sailor was injured in the mishap. Fortunately, the crew quickly distanced themselves from the falling aircraft, preventing any major casualties.

Donald Trump has called for U.S. military and commercial ships to be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals. He wrote, “I have instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address this issue.” Trump also hinted that he would not rule out using economic or military force to regain control of the Panama Canal if necessary. Historically, the United States completed construction of the canal in the early 20th century but handed over control to Panama in 1999.

Amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that harsher sanctions could be imposed on Russian President Vladimir Putin, including banking restrictions. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, signaling continued U.S. pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin for a fourth round of talks in Moscow.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Rome on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, marking his first unexpected foreign trip of his second term. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Trump will join nearly 50 world leaders and 10 monarchs at the Vatican. Despite past tensions with the Pope over immigration policies, Trump stated he might meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the event, although Zelensky’s attendance remains uncertain.

Commenting on renewed tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam attack, Donald Trump said such tensions are “nothing new.” He remarked, “Border skirmishes have been happening for 1,500 years; they will eventually find a solution one way or another.” Cross-border firing has reportedly increased since the attack.

Donald Trump said he is willing to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian if necessary. This comes after recent talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations in Oman, where a tentative nuclear deal framework was discussed. A U.S. official described the talks as “very positive.” Trump stated, “I believe we are on the verge of reaching a deal with Iran.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would soon join the Abraham Accords — a normalization agreement between Israel and several Arab countries brokered during his first term. Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia next month, marking his second foreign trip of his second campaign after attending Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican. Trump also noted that Saudi Arabia has pledged to invest one trillion dollars into the U.S. economy, and he plans visits to Qatar and the UAE as well.

The US has advised citizens to avoid travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border and the region of Kashmir. Caution is also advised for parts of Manipur and central/eastern India. US officials require approval to visit most parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha—except their capital cities. Prior permission is also needed for visits to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and non-capital areas of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

Reacting to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s statement rejecting recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Donald Trump criticized the stance. “No one’s asking him to cede Crimea. If he wanted to fight for it, why didn’t he do it 11 years ago when it was handed over without a shot?” Trump questioned. He added that peace was within reach, but Zelensky’s provocations are making it difficult to end the war.

In a controversial peace proposal, the United States has reportedly suggested informal recognition of nearly all Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia since the 2022 invasion. According to Axios, the plan includes lifting post-2014 sanctions on Russia, returning a small part of Kharkiv to Ukraine, and designating the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant as Ukrainian territory—though it would be operated by the U.S. and supply electricity to both Russia and Ukraine. While seen as a diplomatic win for Russia, the proposal could be a severe blow to Ukraine’s government and its people.