Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Tankers exit Hormuz as Trump, Vance talk up Iran deal prospects Reuters

The US Senate advanced a resolution aimed at limiting the scope of presidential authority concerning military action in Iran.

"Believe me, if we don't get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We're all ready to go," said Trump.

Senate advances anti-Iran war measure in surprise blow to Trump Politico

Israel's national security minister triggered a backlash abroad Wednesday, after releasing videos showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla, hands bound and foreheads on the ground.

US President Donald Trump said his administration’s negotiations with Iran were “in the final stages” on Wednesday, while simultaneously warning of further attacks, as a fragile ceasefire concluded...

Mr Trump is under pressure, with rising energy costs beginning to bite at home.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing at the start of a visit focused on energy security.

The Inescapable Symbolism of Putin’s China Visit on the Heels of the Trump–Xi Summit National Review

<img width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AA-20251229-40109417-40109416-US_PRESIDENT_TRUMP_ISRAELI_PM_NETANYAHU_MEETING_IN_FLORIDA-1.

The World Health Organization reports a continued increase in suspected Ebola deaths in the Congo. Officials caution that the risk of spread remains high at local levels.

President Vladimir Putin is in Beijing for talks with President Xi Jinping, in a closely watched visit that comes just days after President Trump's high-profile trip to China.

Oil falls after Trump says US will end Iran war 'very quickly' Reuters

Called a “dear friend” by the Russian president, Xi Jinping stepped up his appeal for a Mideast ceasefire, days after the Chinese leader hosted US President Donald Trump in Beijing.

Rwandan authorities have intensified health screenings and tightened movement along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo as a deadly Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain...

Days after US President Donald Trump’s visit framed around managing risks, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached a raft of agreements and pledged deeper...

2026-05-20T09:39:38Z GENEVA (AP) — The head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday the risk of global spread of the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda is high at national, regional...

Rwandan authorities have intensified health screenings and tightened movement along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo as a deadly Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain...

New Iran peace proposal triggers tense Trump-Netanyahu call Axios

Trump says Iran eager to make deal as conflict continues US President Donald Trump said the war involving Iran would end “very quickly”, adding that Tehran was eager to reach a deal and that the...

BRUSSELS, May 20 (Reuters) - The European Commission found the treatment of the Gaza flotilla activists shown in a video released by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is "completely...

France and Italy are among the countries that have criticised a video showing Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting dozens of activists detained at an Israeli port.

Israeli police force Gaza flotilla activists to kneel with hands bound, video shows Reuters

The World Health Organization warns that the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa may continue for months and could be spreading more rapidly than previously understood.

Foreign Ministry says treatment appears 'inconsistent' with Israeli assurances about respect for international law, fundamental rights

An Israeli minister's actions toward detainees from a Gaza flotilla have drawn widespread international condemnation. Reports detail the minister's handling of the activists, prompting calls for accountability and diplomatic action.

Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin with a military ceremony in Beijing.

"The Pulse With Francine Lacqua" is all about conversations with high profile guests in the beating heart of global business, economics, finance and politics.

Right on the heels of President Trump's state visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin stopped in Beijing for a meeting with his chief ally, Xi Jinping.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing to reaffirm their strategic partnership. The leaders discussed deepening cooperation across various sectors.

OTTAWA, May 20 - Israel's treatment of detained Gaza flotilla activists is \"abominable,\" Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday, using unusually harsh language to condemn a close ally.

US President Donald Trump said Monday he had halted a strike on Iran planned for Tuesday after Arab states including Tehran’s new foe the UAE urged him to allow more time for talks, even as reports...

The World Health Organization warns of a significant and rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Authorities are urging heightened vigilance and coordinated response efforts.

Trump reportedly prepared for a strike against Iran but paused the planned attack, citing diplomatic efforts and the possibility of a nuclear deal. Following the pause, Iran issued warnings regarding potential retaliatory actions on new fronts.

"If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will extend beyond the region this time," the Revolutionary Guards said.

Former President Trump discussed the possibility of increased military action against Iran, while also signaling that diplomatic solutions and regional cooperation might be viable.

Despite an active Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the national World Cup team is reportedly continuing plans for a trip to the United States.

The World Health Organization is sounding the alarm over the “scale and speed” of a deadly Ebola outbreak sweeping eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

An escalating outbreak of a rare Ebola strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo has kicked off a race to find vaccines and treatments that can be quickly tested and rolled out to save lives and...

<img width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AA-20260519-41433692-41433689-ISRAELI_ARMY_INTERVENED_IN_ALL_VESSELS_OF_THE_GLOBAL_SUMUD_FLOTILLA-1-1.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., reacts as he speaks during an election night watch party after losing the Republican party&#x27;s nomination at the Marriott Cincinnati Airport, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in...

Iran warned on Wednesday that the Middle East war would spread far beyond the region if the United States and Israel resumed their attacks, after President Donald Trump threatened to strike again...

Castro and five others are charged with conspiracy to kill US nationals, murder, and destruction of aircraft

Arsenal secured the Premier League championship title, ending a 22-year drought. The victory followed a crucial match day result.

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Turkey last week in the latest attempt by activists to breach Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Israeli authorities have begun detaining hundreds of activists seized from a Gaza-bound flotilla at the southern port of Ashdod on Wednesday, a rights group said, after Israeli forces intercepted...

The activists will be able to meet their consular representatives in Israel.

Miami prosecutors have prepared an indictment against former Cuban president Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of two NGO planes that killed four people onboard.

The WHO said Tuesday it was examining whether any candidate vaccines or treatments could be used to rein in what it warned could be a lengthy Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a state visit to China, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Israeli authorities said that 430 activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla were en route to Israel, after their vessels were intercepted at sea.

Massie's loss underscores the risks for lawmakers who defy Trump.

Thomas Massie defeated in GOP Primary after attacks from Trump The Australian

Ahead of the Islamic Center attack, where two teens killed three people on Monday, the mother of one teen reported that her son was suicidal and had run away, according to police, who said weapons...

Charges filed in Miami against 94-year-old for allegedly shooting down exiles’ planes in 1996The United States issued a federal criminal indictment against Raúl Castro, Cuba’s former president, and...

Arsenal secured the Premier League title after a draw with Manchester City, ending a 22-year wait for the club.

Communications Director Burhanettin Duran denounces what he calls aggressive Israeli action against flotilla in international waters and urges release of detained volunteers

The World Health Organization reports that Ebola virus has likely been circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo for two months and warns that the outbreak may continue to grow.

Why health officials are worried about containing the Ebola outbreak Axios

The lawmakers had also urged for voluntary “gold standard” nonproliferation protections.

Israel's far-right national security minister posted a video on Wednesday showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla kneeling with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground, sparking...

The articles focus on Thomas Massie's political challenges against Donald Trump within the Republican Party, particularly in Kentucky. The coverage

The news covers a mix of regional geopolitical tensions, including condemnations and regrets regarding attacks on Saudi Arabia, diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and the US concerning Gaza, and statements from Iraqi groups. Separately, the articles report on the box office performance of the movie 'Michael'.

The mosque complex had been subjected to sporadic acts of Islamophobia, the imam said.

<img width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AA-20260205-40470620-40470605-PRIME_MINISTER_OF_CANADA_MARK_CARNEY.

NEW LONDON, Connecticut, May 20 - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States may have to attack Iran even harder but will wait and see if a deal is reached, reprising the...

El viaje sin regreso de Yulixa Toloza: del quirófano clandestino en el sur de Bogotá a una carretera solitaria donde fue abandonada Revista Semana

Former President Trump stated that the United States was nearing a resumption of attacks against Iran. This comment follows reports of legislative efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions.

JERUSALEM, May 20 - Israeli police on Wednesday forced detained activists who were aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla to kneel on the ground in rows with their hands tied behind their backs while a...

The provided articles cover a diverse range of topics, including humanitarian crises in South Sudan, economic reports on South Africa's inflation and industry, and various localized news items concerning South African sports, legal cases, and geopolitical identity.

The United States grand jury indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro. The charges come amid increased US pressure on Cuba and relate to past incidents.

Kentucky US Rep. Thomas Massie lost his Republican House primary Tuesday, becoming the latest Republican lawmaker to anger President Donald Trump and then fall to a primary challenger backed by the...

Thomas Massie lost his primary challenge in Kentucky, a defeat that signaled Donald Trump's increased influence and grip on the Republican Party. The primary was noted for its high spending and the challenger's loss to a Trump-backed candidate.

Governments across Asia are tightening border screening and quarantine preparedness as health authorities work to contain a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

Republican candidate Thomas Massie lost his primary bid in Kentucky, a result that was widely seen as a victory for Donald Trump.

Hong Kong authorities have approved 820 additional flights and fast-tracked 4,100 adjustment applications to help airlines respond to sudden surges in passenger and cargo demand amid the Middle East...

Takaichi, Lee forge energy pact amid uncertainty in Middle East 朝日新聞

PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, May 20, 2026: The 17th Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo is getting a lot of coverage. Papers are looking into the impact of recent aid cuts on the emergency response plan.

W.H.O. this Wednesday elevated the Ebola epidemic impacting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to a high-risk level, following nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths that could...

China’s leader Xi Jinping called for a halt to fighting in the Middle East, ignored Russia’s war in Ukraine and took a veiled swipe at the United States.

Three killed in San Diego mosque shooting Punch Newspapers

Former President Trump stated he would attempt to broker a deal with Iran. Meanwhile, Iran warned that any renewed attack by the US or Israel could escalate the conflict beyond the region.

As the Middle East conflict drives up energy costs and clouds outlooks, the UN warns the world economy faces one of its weakest years since the 2008 financial crisis — with Europe among the hardest...

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is impacting global energy markets and economic growth forecasts. Nations are adjusting energy infrastructure and diplomatic ties in response to the instability.

On his visit to China, Vladimir Putin told Xi Jinping that relations between the two countries had reached an 'unprecedentedly high level' despite 'unfavorable external factors,' without naming any...

Trump has said that Rubio and Vance running together would make a "perfect ticket", but indicated that it was still way too soon to make a call between them.

Donald Trump and J.D. Vance discussed potential agreements regarding Iran, amid reports of regional instability. The talks focus on de-escalation and managing the energy transit routes.

The FBI reported that the perpetrators of the Monday attack on the Islamic Center complex in Claremont, San Diego met online and left behind writings containing hate speech against multiple religions...

The warning was issued as President Trump and Vice President JD Vance say progress is being made toward a deal, while keeping open the threat of renewed strikes.

'It is indeed Washington and West Jerusalem who bear responsibility for current regional escalation,' Russian UN envoy Nebenzia tells Security Council

Elon Musk's SpaceX IPO filing is out Axios

Democrats move to shut down Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund Axios

‘They will be eventually answering to all of this in The Hague and by the justice of the people, and we continue mobilizing until Palestine is free,’ Yves Thiago Avila tells Anadolu

Italy summons Israel envoy over Ben-Gvir's video of detained flotilla activists Haaretz

The UAE said drones that targeted its Barakah nuclear plant last week were launched from Iraq, indicating Tehran-backed militias have continued targeting Gulf energy infrastructure on behalf of Iran.

Experts say the visit was a symbolic win for Putin, even as negotiations on energy infrastructure floundered.

Russian president is welcomed to Beijing with an honour guard after saying relations with China have reached an ‘unprecedented level’ Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing for a state visit, four...

Police officers who guarded Capitol sue to block Trump's $1.8 billion 'slush fund' Reuters

President Donald Trump scored a big victory against one of his most vocal Republican critics - Thomas M

Pretoria has demanded the release of South Africans reportedly abducted by Israeli forces while taking part in a Gaza-bound aid mission Read Full Article at RT.com

Foreign partners pledge $34.5m to boost Ebola response in Uganda, DR Congo Daily Monitor

Perché l'intesa Meloni-Modi può cambiare i rapporti tra Italia e India Corriere della Sera

Guterres warns Middle East conflict is worsening inflation and disrupting global energy supplies

Two teenagers who shot and killed three people in an attack on a San Diego mosque were radicalized online where they first met and shared white supremacist views, according to authorities and...

South Africa: Police Launch Manhunt After North West Crime Activist Killed allAfrica.com

The UN chief strongly condemned Israel's decision to establish an army base on the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem. This move has drawn international criticism regarding the status of the compound.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a visit by Donald Trump. The meeting focused on reaffirming strategic ties between Beijing and Moscow.

[Scrolla] Eskom gave the City of Johannesburg until 8 July to pay a R5.2-billion debt or face major bulk electricity cuts.

La primera foto de Eduardo David Ramos, el falso cirujano venezolano involucrado en la muerte de Yulixa Toloza, tras ser capturado ELTIEMPO.COM

During a recent summit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping reportedly suggested to Donald Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin might eventually regret the invasion of Ukraine. The discussion highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics between major powers.

Reports indicate Israeli authorities are detaining Gaza flotilla activists and utilizing militias to control remaining areas of Gaza. Separately, there are reports of the US and Israel preparing for potential strikes against Iran.

Meta to debut AI smart glasses in Japan, with translation on the way Nikkei Asia

The charges added fuel to speculation that US President Donald Trump intends to topple the Cuban government.

Samsung union suspends strike after agreeing on bonuses Nikkei Asia

Russia and China are deepening their strategic alliance, with Putin visiting China for high-stakes talks with Xi Jinping. This cooperation is framed as a coordinated effort to counter US influence and shape a new global order.

South ​Korea's ​labour minister will personally mediate talks ​between ‌Samsung ⁠Electronics and ‌its South Korean ⁠union, the ministry announced Thursday after the union threatened a strike...

Samsung has a tentative deal with workers to avoid a memory chip strike The Verge

Authorities tighten security amid concerns over threats targeting candidates, campaign events, with more than 7,800 candidates contesting nationwide races