International relations, geopolitics, wars, major global shifts
The US Justice Department has opened denaturalisation proceedings against roughly a dozen naturalised citizens, including Indian-origin businessman Debashis Ghosh, accused of a $2.5 million investment fraud.
China has officially confirmed a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing, setting up a direct summit between the two countries. The meeting could shift market expectations on trade tariffs, technology restrictions, and broader U.S.-China relations.
Xinhua confirmed Donald Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15 for a summit with Xi Jinping, delayed earlier by U.S. military strikes on Iran. The meeting is closely watched for signals on tariffs, tech controls, and broader U.S.-China trade terms.
Brent crude jumped $3.18 to $104.47 a barrel after US-Iran peace talks collapsed, adding to Friday's gains for a roughly 4% two-day rally. The breakdown removes the prospect of fresh Iranian supply and adds a geopolitical risk premium to oil markets.
Vladimir Putin has signalled openness to peace talks on Ukraine as the US pushes for a ceasefire, but negotiations remain deadlocked on territory, security guarantees, and accountability. The signal shifts diplomatic tone without resolving the core disputes that have blocked any deal.
Oil prices jumped Monday after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the conflict with Iran is "not over" and President Trump rejected a Tehran proposal to end hostilities. The developments reduce near-term prospects for de-escalation, keeping a risk premium in crude prices.
Trump and Netanyahu both refused in Sunday interviews to rule out renewed military action against Iran, days after the administration said the war had run its course. The reversal reintroduces uncertainty for oil markets and regional diplomacy.
Trump called Iran's response to US nuclear proposals "unacceptable," while Iran's military said it is ready if war with the US and Israel resumes. The exchange signals a sharp breakdown in diplomacy, keeping oil markets on edge and raising the risk of renewed regional conflict.
South Korea says two unidentified flying objects struck a Korean-operated cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, and an investigation is underway. The incident raises fresh concern about commercial shipping safety in a corridor that carries about 20% of global oil trade.
Trump and Xi are meeting face-to-face for the first time in over six months, with trade, Iran, nuclear issues, and AI all on the agenda. The summit is aimed at stabilising a relationship under strain, and any signals on tariffs or tech restrictions will move markets.
President Trump rejected Iran's latest response to a U.S. ceasefire proposal, delivered through Pakistani mediators on Sunday. The breakdown keeps diplomatic tensions elevated and adds uncertainty to Middle East stability and energy markets.
Trump is expected to press Xi Jinping on China's purchases of Iranian oil during an upcoming summit between the two leaders. A credible commitment from Beijing could tighten global oil supply and weaken Iran's financial position ahead of ongoing nuclear talks.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says the war with Iran is "not over" as the conflict enters its second month with no peace deal in sight. The prolonged fighting has already driven up oil and gas prices in the U.S. and globally, squeezing consumers and adding geopolitical risk to markets.
Iran has responded to a US peace proposal while warning against any new attacks on Iranian territory. The response arrived just before a US-China summit in South Korea, adding diplomatic weight to an already sensitive moment.
Iran has sent a response to a US ceasefire proposal through Pakistan, using Islamabad as a diplomatic intermediary. Tehran is demanding a halt to hostilities and binding guarantees against future attacks, keeping a diplomatic channel open while setting a high bar for any deal.
A senior U.S. official confirmed Sunday that a rare earths deal with China remains in effect and that an extension will be announced when the time is right. The agreement is critical for U.S. manufacturers of EVs, defense systems, and electronics that rely on Chinese rare earth supplies.
Russia and Ukraine each accused the other of violating a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire on Sunday, with both sides reporting casualties from drone and artillery strikes. The breakdown signals that a negotiated pause remains fragile and keeps pressure on European energy and defense outlooks.
Ukraine and Russia are publicly blaming each other for violating the US-backed ceasefire, putting the truce under strain. Mutual accusations without a clear monitoring mechanism risk unraveling the agreement before permanent peace talks can advance.
Iran has signaled it may offer assurances on the use of its nuclear facilities but will not destroy its uranium stockpile or allow it to be moved abroad. The stance limits the tools available to negotiators seeking to reduce Iran's nuclear breakout capability.
WHO has directed 42-day active health monitoring for all passengers and crew of the MV Hondius after an Andes hantavirus outbreak killed three people and infected several others on board.