U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the Gaza war is nearing its conclusion, saying he believes the conflict will reach a “final end” within two to three weeks.
“This war must end,” Trump said on Monday, citing rising deaths, starvation, and worsening humanitarian conditions.
While his administration has repeatedly pledged to help end the conflict, Washington has simultaneously approved billions in arms sales to Israel and rejected international moves to recognize a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital killed at least 21 people, including six journalists, with reporters from Reuters and Al Jazeera among the victims.

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of facilitating Iran’s illegal oil sales. The State Department revealed Thursday that two China-based crude oil and petroleum terminal operators were sanctioned for importing “millions of barrels” of Iranian crude via blacklisted tankers.
The Treasury Department also sanctioned Greek national Antonios Margaritis, his network, and associated firms for allegedly exploiting his shipping industry ties to transport Iranian petroleum. Several additional vessels and operators were blacklisted as Washington tightened pressure on Tehran’s oil exports.

Former U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley has cautioned President Donald Trump not to view India as a competitor like China amid escalating tensions over U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and oil imports from Russia. Haley emphasized that issues like tariffs or U.S. involvement in India-Pakistan ceasefires should not divide the world’s two largest democracies. She urged Washington to recognize India as a valuable democratic partner and warned that undermining decades of strategic cooperation would be a serious geopolitical mistake.

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, has announced plans to cut nearly half of the agency’s workforce and reduce its annual budget by $700 million as part of a major restructuring. The move aims to streamline operations, merge teams, and ensure impartial, timely intelligence. Hours earlier, she revealed that the Trump administration would revoke security clearances of 37 current and former officials accused of politicizing intelligence, though no formal evidence or charges were presented.

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll has found that 58% of Americans believe all UN member states should recognize Palestine as an independent state. In contrast, 33% oppose the move, while 9% remain undecided.

The six-day survey shows 78% of Democrats support recognition, whereas 53% of Republicans oppose it. Additionally, 65% of respondents said the U.S. should take steps to help Palestinians facing starvation in Gaza, with 28% disagreeing—most of them Republican.

Analysts suggest the findings indicate a troubling decline in U.S. public support for Israel, posing diplomatic concerns for Tel Aviv.

The US has introduced a new policy requiring immigration officials to assess visa applicants’ “attitude towards America.” Those found expressing anti-American sentiments may be denied entry.

This includes monitoring applicants’ activities on social media. Evidence of anti-American views, ties to terrorist organizations, or involvement in antisemitic activities could disqualify applicants.

The revised guidelines from USCIS have raised concerns among immigration rights activists and lawyers, who fear the measure could be misused.

CNN reports that the US State Department has already canceled more than 6,000 student visas this year under tightened scrutiny.

U.S. President Donald Trump has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war hero,” despite the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. In a radio interview, Trump dismissed attempts to hold Netanyahu accountable, claimed credit for past hostage releases, and boasted about ordering airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He also accused Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of siding with Palestinians. Gaza authorities report over 62,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has sharply declined 212 days into his second term, with a net rating of minus 15 percent. Only 40% of Americans are satisfied, while 55% are dissatisfied. Confidence in his foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, is falling. Economic expectations and immigration support have also weakened. Regional disparities show lowest approval in Democrat-leaning states. White and male voters remain most supportive, while younger, minority, and highly educated groups oppose him, including some traditional Republican seniors.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the previous 25% rate, aiming to pressure Russia to end the Ukraine conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is creating international pressure, including sanctions, to expedite peace. He recently met Ukrainian President Zelensky and hinted at a possible tripartite dialogue with Putin. European leaders have shown support, while the U.S. continues efforts to facilitate direct Russia-Ukraine talks for a long-term resolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump has categorically ruled out deploying American troops to Ukraine, saying his primary objective is to end the bloodshed.

In a phone interview with Fox News after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, Trump said: “I guarantee there will be no U.S. troops in Ukraine. My goal is simply to stop people from dying.”

He added that he recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging restraint. “If Putin doesn’t behave, the situation will turn difficult. I also expect Zelensky to do what is necessary, but he must remain flexible in negotiations.”

The U.S. has revoked visas for more than 6,000 foreign students over multiple violations, including overstaying, breaking immigration laws, and engaging in criminal activities.
According to the State Department, many of those whose visas were canceled were involved in offenses such as assault, drunk driving, theft, and in some cases, alleged “support for terrorism.” The Trump administration also targeted certain students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, accusing them of engaging in anti-Semitic behavior.
Authorities said about 4,000 visas were canceled due to legal violations, while 200–300 were revoked over alleged links to “terrorist activities.” The crackdown follows earlier directives requiring student visa applicants to submit social media account details as part of background checks.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to hold a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky within the next two weeks.
“We don’t yet know if President Putin will have the courage to attend such a summit—pressure is still required,” Merz said. He added that Trump was “impressed by European unity” and that discussions with Washington are now moving toward details of Ukraine’s security guarantees.
During a break in Monday’s talks, Trump reportedly spoke to Putin by phone, leading to agreement on a direct meeting between the two presidents. Trump also committed to convening a trilateral summit to “truly launch the talks.” Praising the announcement, Merz noted that the U.S. is also prepared to lend its support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the upcoming trilateral summit involving Russia, the United States, and European leaders will focus on “regional matters.” Following a meeting on Monday with former U.S. President Donald Trump and EU leaders, Zelensky said the discussions touched on “highly sensitive issues,” including security guarantees and humanitarian concerns.
“The most important point is that all these sensitive issues—regional and others—will be discussed at the trilateral meeting,” Zelensky emphasized. He added that Trump is working to facilitate such a meeting. “He said, whether he is present or not, Ukraine would be glad if I take part,” Zelensky remarked. He also expressed gratitude to the United States for its engagement on potential security guarantees and humanitarian issues.

Donald Trump revealed that he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin for 40 minutes during a series of meetings with European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Trump said he began working on arranging a trilateral meeting between himself, Putin, and Zelensky. “I will sit down with both presidents and help decide the venue for the talks,” he announced.
He added that discussions also covered security guarantees for Ukraine, with European countries expected to coordinate efforts alongside the U.S.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized the need for a permanent peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war, rather than a temporary ceasefire.
Speaking after a 90-minute meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Trump said, “I personally like ceasefires because they stop the killings immediately, but in the end, we need a sustainable peace deal.”
However, German Chancellor Merz stated that a ceasefire must precede any peace talks. “I cannot imagine negotiations without a ceasefire. Russia must be pressured into stopping hostilities first,” he said.