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Japan's Nikkei index surged more than 5% on May 2, hitting a new intraday high on hopes of a US-Iran deal to end the Middle East conflict. Crude oil futures also fell, boosting investor sentiment.
North Korea’s ambassador to the UN declared that Pyongyang will not be bound by any nuclear nonproliferation treaty, rejecting external pressure to change its nuclear-weapon state status. The statement came during the 11th NPT Review Conference, where the US and allies have criticized North Korea’s nuclear program. The country, which withdrew from the NPT in 2003, has conducted six nuclear tests and is believed to hold dozens of warheads.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing as US-Iran mediation efforts accelerated. Analysts said shared US-China interests in reopening the Strait of Hormuz could pave the way for peace. China’s balancing act and its role as a key economic lifeline for Tehran give Beijing a potential window for diplomacy.
A new AHLA survey reveals that 80% of hotels in 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 World Cup have fewer bookings than expected, citing visa issues and geopolitical concerns. The findings underscore challenges as the U.S. co-hosts the tournament with Mexico and Canada.
A diplomatic rift between U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war has escalated into a broader debate on Europe's transatlantic ties, as Berlin pushes to become the continent's top military power. Trump's decision to reposition 5,000 troops from Germany and plans to scrap long-range missile deployments have fueled tensions. Germany's dispatch of a minesweeper to the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict has also drawn criticism over its claimed neutrality.
President Donald Trump has suspended the military operation "Project Freedom" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing requests from Pakistan and other nations and progress in talks with Iran. The decision aims to allow diplomatic efforts to finalize a comprehensive agreement with Tehran while maintaining the blockade.
The US military has launched 'Project Freedom' to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway blocked amid US-Iran tensions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the campaign as defensive and temporary, while Iran has warned vessels to follow its designated corridors or face retaliation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV over Iran, arguing the president's comments were misinterpreted ahead of a tense Vatican meeting on Thursday. Rubio emphasized the threat Iran poses to Catholic communities and disputed claims that Trump accused the Pope of endangering Catholics. The exchange highlights deepening divisions between Washington and the Catholic Church on Iran policy and other issues.
The United States is pressing Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Washington in May, even as fighting continues in southern Lebanon. The push risks deepening internal divisions in Lebanon, where Hezbollah and other factions oppose direct talks while Israel occupies Lebanese territory. Analysts say Lebanese President Aoun lacks domestic and regional support for such a high-profile summit under current conditions.
