During the summit, Trump criticised Spain, calling it a "wasted cause" and announcing a halt to US trade with the country after Madrid resisted US calls to increase defence spending and support military action against Iran .

Fico said the meeting also showed that some NATO members were interested in opening dialogue with Russia, a position Slovakia has long supported.

He reiterated that Slovakia would not contribute to NATO's €70 billion military aid package for Ukraine or the EU's €90 billion military loan.

"We are in favour of cooperation, dialogue and humanitarian aid; however, we are not in favour of war ," Fico said.

NATO leaders agreed during the July 7-8 summit to provide €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine in 2026, with a commitment to maintain similar support in 2027.

"Should the United States continue to violate its obligations under the MoU, Iran will no longer be bound to fulfil its obligations under the MoU," Iravani said.

He accused Washington of violating the agreement by carrying out military strikes on Iranian territory, including attacks on southern cities and several islands in the Persian Gulf on July 7 and 8.

"The United States bears full international responsibility for all legal and political consequences arising from its unlawful action," he said.

Addressing the Strait of Hormuz, Iravani said responsibility for reopening the strategic waterway and conducting demining operations rested solely with Iran under the memorandum. He warned that any attempts by external powers to establish separate arrangements would breach the agreement, delay the resumption of commercial shipping and increase regional tensions.

The United States has said its latest strikes were carried out in response to attacks on commercial vessels transiting the strait. Tehran has not claimed responsibility for those attacks, Viory reports.

"The truth is that this morning, the team from the United States of America would have deserved a red card," Rodríguez said.

The Cuban foreign minister then held up a photograph of what he said was a hospital operating room in Cuba.

"I want to contribute to Permanent Representative Walsh's photo gallery...This photo is dramatic, Mr President. It is an operating room in which they are using the flashlight of a mobile phone for light. It is due to the energy blockade of the United States of America," he said.

Rodríguez later displayed another image, which he identified as being from a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation, rejecting US criticism of Cuba's human rights record and allegations of arbitrary detentions.

"Mr Walsh has referred to the issue of arbitrary detentions, human rights, repression and others. I want to show this photo. It is not in Cuba, Mr President. It is in the United States of America during an ICE raid," he said.

"ICE detains a small five-year-old child. Child Liam Conejo. Here he is when he is being held by an ICE thug. This did not happen in Cuba."

Rodríguez concluded by saying Cuba would not change its political course under pressure from Washington, defending the country's sovereignty and independence.

Responding to questions about the use of Italian military bases, Meloni said the government's position had remained unchanged.

"As far as the bases are concerned, it is not that we made decisions or choices in such a way, one day doing one thing and another day doing something else. We have had a very clear line from the beginning of the conflict in Iran, and we maintain that line," she said.

Her remarks came after US President Donald Trump criticised Italy's refusal to support US military action against Iran.

On Tuesday, Trump described Meloni as "a nice person" but said her decision not to become involved had affected their relationship.

"She refused to get involved, so it soured my relationship with her a little bit...I think she made a mistake," Trump told reporters in Turkey. Meloni also voiced concern over the worsening security situation in the Middle East, warning that further escalation could destabilise the wider region.

"I am obviously very concerned about what is happening in Iran," she said. "We cannot rule out that this might also spread to other areas of this delicate region." The Italian prime minister argued that military action had failed to produce lasting results and said diplomacy remained the best path toward resolving the crisis.

On NATO, Meloni said discussions with allies had not included any plans to reduce US troop deployments in Europe. She added, however, that Washington had long called on European allies to assume a greater share of the alliance's defence responsibilities.

"We beat Venezuela in one day, and we knocked the hell out of Iran. They're dying to settle. They want to settle so badly. We gave them a week off for a funeral because we're nice," Trump said.

Trump made the remarks while highlighting what he described as America's military strength and global leadership. He also praised the country's achievements over the past 250 years, citing advances in science, technology, culture and space exploration .

"For 250 years, the entire world has looked to our country and been inspired by the leaps of progress, feats of strength, and acts of selflessness, faith, and hope that could only have happened right here," he said.

The president also pointed to US accomplishments ranging from mapping the human genome and landing astronauts on the moon to its influence in music, sports and innovation. He noted that the United States has won the most Olympic medals and Nobel Prizes, before joking that he had yet to receive the prestigious award himself.

Iran finished third in Group G with three points after drawing all three matches against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, missing out on a place in the knockout stage.

Senior figures in Iranian football blamed tournament conditions and restrictions imposed during the competition for the team's early exit.

"For the next 50 years, this host country (US) cannot stage the World Cup," said Amir Mehdi Alavi of Iran's football federation.

"Not only Iran, but all the other teams were upset. Look at the match lighting; look at the hydration facilities provided for the players. It proved itself incapable of hosting."

Heydar Baharvand, president of the Iranian Football League Organisation, claimed the team's elimination was influenced by actions taken by the United States.

"Look, we are the only national team that was eliminated without a loss, and that was due to the sabotage carried out by the US government ," he said.

Iran was based in Tijuana, Mexico, throughout the tournament after facing visa issues and restrictions on entering the United States.

One supporter, Karami, also criticised the tournament organisers, saying the team had not been treated fairly.

"The organising committee did not treat our national team with the fairness they deserved; they showed a lack of consideration regarding the flights to and from venues, which, to put it plainly, affected the boys' morale."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first tournament to feature 48 teams and is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The competition runs from June 11 to July 19 across 16 host cities in North America .

“Iran is trying to force us to withdraw by force from southern Lebanon, and basically Israel, Lebanon, and the United States are telling them, ‘It is none of your business .’ You have no role in Lebanon, neither you, nor Hezbollah, nor any terrorist organisation,” he said.

Netanyahu said the 14-point framework allows Israeli troops to remain in southern Lebanon for as long as Hezbollah remains armed and continues to pose a threat to Israel.

“We have been conducting negotiations in Washington between representatives of Israel, Lebanon, and the United States, a prolonged negotiation, and today it has borne fruit. The most important thing is, first of all, that Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon. This is a great achievement,” he added.

Under the framework, the Lebanese Armed Forces are expected to “restore effective sovereignty over all Lebanese territory,” while non-state armed groups would be disarmed and their military infrastructure dismantled.

Netanyahu said the agreement would allow the Lebanese army to begin organising its deployment in selected areas.

“We are allowing the Lebanese army to begin organising to take up territory. We are establishing two pilot areas, both recommended by the IDF; one is completely outside the security zone and south of the Litani, and the other is north of the Litani,” he said.

The agreement was signed at the US State Department in Washington on Friday, following four days of talks mediated by the Trump administration. As part of the agreement, Washington pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance, as well as more than $30 million in support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, Viory reports.

He also claimed US President Donald Trump had shifted his position on Iran’s nuclear programme, saying Washington had moved from demanding unconditional surrender to acknowledging Iran’s rights. His remarks come as Qatar announced the start of the Lake Lucerne Summit, bringing together US and Iranian representatives with mediation from Qatar and Pakistan. Talks are expected to address a regional ceasefire, navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear programme, alongside a 14-point memorandum outlining de-escalation measures and a 60-day window for broader negotiations.

One Iranian participant said the deaths were part of a broader pattern of violence against children in the region.

"It was not surprising for me, because it is not the first time that they tried to kill children, to kill students. They did this pattern in other countries in the Middle East , like in Palestine, in Gaza, in Lebanon, in Syria," she said.

"The students are also a wealth for a country, because they will grow up and build their future. So it's not surprising for me they want to kill the children ," she added.

Another activist from the United States criticised Washington's response to the incident, accusing the country of avoiding accountability.

"I have never seen the country take responsibility for colonialism, imperialism, or the wars it causes. They always have an excuse," she said. "They are never going to take responsibility for the killings, the wars they start, or the aggressions they carry out. No, I do not expect to see that happen in my lifetime."

The Minab school strike was among the deadliest reported incidents of the conflict. Iranian authorities said up to 170 people were killed, including many children.

Others criticised the reliability of the agreement and the US position, suggesting shifting policies could undermine trust. The memorandum of understanding, signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire framework, steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted calls for withdrawal from Lebanon.

“In principle, I held a different view, but because of the commitment the honourable president, as the head of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me on his own behalf and on behalf of other members to safeguard the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and because he explicitly accepted responsibility for it, I granted permission for it,” the statement said.

Khamenei added that Pezeshkian had assured him Iran “will not submit” if the United States makes what he described as excessive demands during the next stage of negotiations.

He stressed that engaging in direct talks with Washington did not amount to “accepting the enemy's views.”

The supreme leader also praised Iranian officials for their efforts in advancing the negotiations and claimed that US President Donald Trump had used “various levers” in an attempt to secure the agreement.

The agreement follows months of fighting that disrupted regional security, shipping routes and energy markets .

“If a photo of me or my voice appears in any of the videos, the platform has an algorithm to restrict the dissemination of that information,” Petro said. “That is silencing a president of the Republic elected by popular vote.”

His remarks came amid a political dispute involving Gloria Arizabaleta, chair of the House Accusations Committee, who signed a controversial resolution proposing Petro’s provisional suspension over allegations that he improperly intervened in the presidential campaign.

Constitutional experts challenged the move, arguing that only the Senate has authority to suspend a sitting president. Within 24 hours, Colombia’s Inspector General suspended Arizabaleta for allegedly exceeding her powers.

In May, Colombia’s Council of State ordered Petro not to use official channels to support or oppose political parties, after ruling that some of his statements breached rules governing public officials during election periods.

Petro rejected the allegations, saying he had a duty to report alleged crimes against him or members of his administration. Colombia is due to hold the second round of its presidential election on June 21, after no candidate won an outright majority in the first round on May 31.

Far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella will face left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, who is backed by Petro’s political movement. Petro is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election and is expected to leave office on August 7.

The agreement, expected to be signed in Geneva, would see Iran commit to renouncing the development or acquisition of nuclear weapons in exchange for support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The deal follows nearly four months of conflict involving the US and Israel, which has resulted in over 7,000 deaths, according to official figures, and has raised concerns over regional stability and energy markets .

Speaking to Atlantico , Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire said:

Hilaire is confident of retaining his island's precious visa-free access to Europe, as a result of upgrades to its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). The European Union has taken a tougher stance on citizenship-by-investment schemes, with its latest Visa Suspension Mechanism report arguing that the operation of such programmes could itself become grounds for suspending visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The report specifically highlighted Caribbean countries operating citizenship programmes, including Saint Lucia.

Hilaire says he is working to convince the EU of the importance and justification for retaining their in-depth partnership.

"The dialogue we maintain with Brussels is real, continuous and conducted in good faith," he said in an interview.

The debate is about more than passports. For Saint Lucia, it is also about preserving one of the benefits that have made Caribbean citizenship programmes attractive: visa-free access to Europe. The issue has become even more sensitive after the European Union pointed to Vanuatu as an example of a country that lost its visa-free status over concerns related to investor citizenship schemes.

However, Hilaire argues that Saint Lucia's programme has changed significantly in recent years.

"Following the Caribbean memorandum of understanding signed in early 2024, we have raised the minimum thresholds, strengthened due diligence, harmonised our standards with our four regional partners and introduced, from 2026, a five-year initial passport, a mandatory orientation programme, a thirty-day stay in the country and full biometric registration."

Hilaire, the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Tourism, Investment and Commerce, among others, says the debate goes beyond technical requirements.

"Saint Lucia is a sovereign democracy of 180,000 people, facing climate vulnerability, debt constraints and limited fiscal space. We are not asking Europe for charity: we are asking for a partnership grounded in facts. The conversation must be about evidence, not only about fears."

Zone of peace

Beyond the debate over investment migration, Saint Lucia is also responding to a changing geopolitical landscape. Increased military activity, diverging positions within CARICOM and competition among global powers have brought renewed attention to the Caribbean.

Hilaire believes the region's traditional approach remains relevant.

"Saint Lucia's position is one of quiet diplomacy. We have always regarded the Caribbean as a zone of peace, and we continue to do so," he said.

He argues that small states can play an important role in an increasingly multipolar world, serving as what he calls "honest brokers" in international affairs.

The government is also looking to strengthen ties with France through Martinique and Guadeloupe. Hilaire describes the relationship as "one of the most underestimated in the Atlantic" and sees opportunities for deeper cooperation on climate resilience, security and culture.

Tourism remains central to Saint Lucia's economy, but the government is seeking new markets. While North America remains the island's largest source of visitors, Hilaire believes France offers untapped potential, particularly through Saint Lucia's shared Creole heritage and creative industries. The key challenge, he says, is improving air connectivity with Europe.

Despite concerns about climate change, debt pressures and shifting global alliances, Hilaire remains optimistic.

"Small states have one underestimated asset: agility," he said. "We can move faster than the major powers on regulation, on partnerships, on positioning."

Image from Depositphotos.com

“Iran's blocked assets will also be released according to the memorandum of understanding that will be signed,” he said.

Araghchi also indicated that the framework would address broader regional issues, including the conflict in Lebanon, as part of efforts to reduce tensions across the Middle East.

The foreign minister warned that opponents of the negotiations were attempting to derail the process, singling out Israel as the main adversary of the proposed agreement.

“I must explicitly state that this agreement has enemies, at the forefront of which is the Zionist regime, and they are looking for pretexts to disrupt this agreement,” he said.

He stressed that pressure and threats would not change Iran's position and could instead undermine diplomatic progress.

“In these circumstances, threats are not only ineffective but also set back a potential agreement; threats must stop, and we must speak with the language of respect in order for us to reach an agreement,” Araghchi said.

His comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a deal with Iran could be signed “this weekend” and suggested a formal signing ceremony could take place in Europe.

Trump also said he had cancelled a planned military strike on Iran following recent exchanges of attacks between the two countries, including incidents linked to a U.S. Apache helicopter crash that Washington blamed on an Iranian drone.

“Of course, it is natural for the US President to make such remarks because he has gained nothing,” Azizi said. “He did not achieve anything in the 40-day war, nor in these times. Now, because he has an empty track record and empty hands, and has incurred very heavy costs in this war that have brought no gains for the Americans, while also causing numerous economic problems for the world and the Americans, he is forced to make these threats.”

His comments came amid continued tensions between Tehran and Washington despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a broader agreement following the conflict.

Azizi warned that any future military action against Iran would be met with a stronger response from Tehran.

“However, he should know that this is Iran. This is a united front with a firm ideology based on the principles and ideals of Islam ,” he said.

“Just as our nation and our armed forces stood united during the Ramadan war, should he take any uncalculated action, he will definitely receive a more regretful, more painful, and undoubtedly more decisive response.”

The remarks follow recent warnings from Trump, who has suggested that further military action against Iran remains an option if negotiations fail or if Tehran resumes activities Washington views as threatening regional security .

“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran, and we're going to be subject to finalisation of documents,” Trump said. “We should get done over the next few days. Probably have a signing maybe in Europe.”

The announcement came after Trump said he had cancelled planned military strikes against Iran following an exchange of attacks between the two sides. Tensions had also escalated earlier in the week after the crash of a US Apache helicopter, which Washington blamed on an Iranian drone.

Iran has carried out strikes against US military assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait during the conflict. Trump said the agreement would ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, describing it as the central objective of the negotiations.

“Most importantly, we have a deal that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, which was the whole purpose of what we had to go through to get this,” he said.

The president also said he had spoken with leaders across the Middle East, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as officials from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Turkey.

Trump claimed regional leaders welcomed the breakthrough and said the agreement could pave the way for improved relations across the region.

“The whole Middle East is happy,” he said. Iran had not publicly commented on Trump's announcement at the time of publication.

Speakers at the event linked the situation to broader geopolitical tensions, while highlighting India’s historical ties with Iran. The gathering comes amid ongoing regional conflict and heightened tensions involving Iran and its allies.

Xi's visit to North Korea comes as Beijing seeks to strengthen ties with its long-time ally amid Pyongyang's growing relationship with Moscow and rising tensions across East Asia . The two leaders pledged deeper cooperation and reaffirmed the importance of their decades-old partnership.

The Pyongyang trip followed a busy diplomatic schedule in Beijing.

In mid-May, Xi hosted US President Donald Trump for a closely watched summit aimed at stabilising relations after years of trade disputes and strategic competition between the world's two largest economies.

Less than a week later, Xi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Chinese capital. The two leaders reaffirmed their strategic partnership and issued a joint statement criticising aspects of US foreign policy , underscoring the growing importance of Sino-Russian ties.

Taken individually, each meeting reflected a different set of interests and priorities. Together, however, they highlight China's unique position in an increasingly fragmented world .

“There are 15 people and most are team managers, part of the technical staff as well,” he said. “If they do not show up, it will be a challenge for our team.”

Despite the setback, the ambassador said Iran remained determined to participate in the tournament and would continue efforts to secure the necessary travel documents.

Pasandideh described the World Cup as an opportunity to showcase Iranian talent and promote international understanding through sport.

“The presence of the Iranian national football team in the World Cup is an opportunity to showcase the sporting capabilities of Iranian youth and, at the same time, strengthen friendship and understanding between peoples,” he said.

He stressed that sporting events should remain separate from political disputes. “We believe that sports should be a bridge to bring people together and not a tool to impose restrictions or exclusions. Sports should unite nations, not separate them,” he added.

The ambassador called on FIFA to engage with the relevant authorities to ensure the full participation of Iran's delegation in matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.

The visa dispute comes on the back of ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington and could complicate preparations for Iran's opening World Cup match against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.

Petro further alleged electoral fraud and said he does not recognise the preliminary vote count, while de la Espriella, who led the first round with 43.74% of the vote, called on him to accept the result. Ivan Cepeda secured 40.90%, forcing a second round scheduled for 21 June, when voters will decide the country’s next president after no candidate achieved an outright majority.

“Why did Marco Rubio and the US Congress propose to tighten sanctions the day before yesterday?” Kobyakov said. “It became clear to them that the outcome was not in their favour, but in our favour. And now what do they need to do? They need to make our lives as difficult as possible.”

He also criticised Washington's role in peace efforts, alleging that the United States was attempting to distance itself from negotiations after supporting Ukraine throughout the conflict.

“The United States is trying to get out of the negotiations,” Kobyakov said. “The United States ignited the conflict , dragged everyone into it, and now they pretend that they can become mediators.”

His remarks came days after U.S. lawmakers announced plans to develop additional sanctions targeting Russia.

Despite political tensions, Kobyakov said American businesses appeared interested in rebuilding ties with Moscow, citing the presence of a U.S. delegation at this year's forum after years of limited participation.

“One of the facilities that has raised some controversy is the facility we agreed to set up in conjunction with the Americans at one of our military air bases,” Ruto said.

He noted that Kenya hosts a significant U.S. military presence and said the government had expanded its health response capabilities nationwide.

“We have also set up 23 other isolation facilities across the country with the support of partners, among them the Americans, as well as using our own resources,” he said, adding that Washington had contributed 1.8 billion Kenyan shillings toward Ebola-related health infrastructure .

Ruto said the United States had requested additional facilities that could be used if American citizens or military personnel in Kenya required quarantine or monitoring.

“Even if the Americans had not set up that facility at the military base, if there were any Americans in Kenya, we would take them to a Kenyan facility,” he said. “We would not turn them away because the Constitution of Kenya tells us that we are responsible for the health of all people in Kenya.”

The proposed 50-bed isolation centre at Laikipia Air Base near Nanyuki is intended to monitor Americans exposed to Ebola in the DRC or Uganda. U.S. officials have said the facility would be used for individuals not showing symptoms, while confirmed patients would be treated elsewhere.

The project has sparked public opposition, with people accusing the government of exposing Kenyans to unnecessary risks and turning the country into a quarantine hub for foreign nationals.

Kenya’s High Court has extended a suspension on the project and ordered the government to release agreements, protocols and risk assessments related to the facility. Protests in Nanyuki earlier this week left two people dead, although the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.

"You know, look, India, for years has, and I don't blame them, I blame us, because we had stupid people here. India for years really took advantage of the United States," Trump said. "They charged us tremendous tariffs , and they paid nothing."

The president said the current situation had shifted in the United States' favour, adding that his administration was generating greater economic benefits from trade with India.

“Marco Rubio does not like Latin America , and even less so Brazil,” Lula said. “His behaviour towards Latin America is concerning.”

The Brazilian president said his government would take diplomatic steps in response to the growing tensions and insisted Brazil would not accept measures that undermine its economic sovereignty.

“We cannot accept the treatment that the United States gave to Brazil this week,” Lula said, while stressing that his government remained open to dialogue.

Lula also challenged Washington’s justification for the proposed tariffs , arguing that the United States does not face a trade imbalance with Brazil.

“It is a tax based on falsehoods,” he said. “If anyone were to impose a tax, it would be Brazil against the United States, not the United States against Brazil.”

The dispute follows a proposal by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 25 percent tariff on Brazilian imports, a move Washington says is intended to protect domestic industries.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Lula said he was not seeking confrontation with the United States or other major global powers.

“What I want is to demonstrate that it is only possible to live in peace if we strengthen democracy, strengthen multilateralism, and handle relations between heads of state responsibly,” he said.

Brazil has warned that it is considering reciprocal trade measures, while maintaining that the proposed U.S. tariffs are unjustified and harmful to bilateral relations.

“Yesterday I heard from the news that the US decided to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Brazil, precisely when we were in negotiations and when I had had a meeting with President Trump,” Lula said.

He singled out Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who recently met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, accusing him of encouraging foreign interference in Brazil’s affairs.

“Those Bolsonaro sons manage to be worse than him and are, in fact, sellers of the homeland,” Lula said. “They went to ask a foreign country to interfere in Brazilian decisions.”

Lula argued that the dispute went beyond trade issues and was linked to political lobbying by Bolsonaro allies within the U.S. administration.

He also criticised U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing him as hostile toward Latin America and claiming he had warned Trump that Rubio “doesn't like Brazil.”

The Brazilian president said any attempt to use international pressure against his government would ultimately harm Brazil’s economy and reiterated the need to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on the United States.

Flavio Bolsonaro has denied supporting punitive measures against Brazil, saying he urged U.S. officials not to target Brazilian companies during his visit.

Lula rejected that explanation, accusing the senator of misrepresenting his actions and claiming he had previously supported similar measures against the country.

The dispute comes after Washington announced plans on Monday to impose a 25 percent tariff on Brazilian imports, raising tensions between Latin America ’s largest economy and the United States.

The incident has further escalated tensions, with Russia denouncing the strike as terrorism and launching retaliatory attacks on Ukrainian military infrastructure. Meanwhile, conflicting claims persist over the intended target of the original strike. Baqaei also addressed broader geopolitical tensions, criticising US actions and noting ongoing but inconclusive diplomatic exchanges between Tehran and Washington.

During his trip, Bolsonaro also pushed for tougher US action against Brazil’s major criminal gangs, urging Washington to designate Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organisations — a move later backed by US officials. The proposal has heightened political tensions, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government rejecting the classification, warning that it could raise sovereignty and legal concerns and deepen divisions ahead of the vote.

Milei also claimed that countries like Venezuela are being “liberated” and predicted a future free Cuba, comments that come as Washington increases pressure on Havana through tighter sanctions . While US officials have reportedly considered contingency plans for unrest, Cuba has warned that further escalation could worsen the crisis and lead to serious consequences, even as it signals openness to dialogue.

“There may be sectors that actually want this to influence the United States elections in November or to influence the Mexican elections in 2027,” she said. “In both cases, the issue of sovereignty is very important.”

She accused U.S. politicians of repeatedly using Mexico as a campaign issue during election periods. “When there are elections in the United States, they have tried to use Mexico for the election,” Sheinbaum said. “We are nobody’s piñata.”

The president defended a constitutional reform recently approved by Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, arguing that all political parties should support measures aimed at preventing foreign influence in national elections. “All Mexicans should agree with this: that there should be no foreign interference in elections in Mexico,” she said.

The proposed reform would allow federal and local elections to be annulled if authorities determine that foreign interference influenced the outcome. It covers activities such as illicit financing, propaganda campaigns, digital manipulation and political, economic, diplomatic or media pressure from foreign governments.

Sheinbaum acknowledged that clear rules would be needed to determine when foreign interference had occurred and how it could be proven. The measure passed the lower house by 307 votes to 128, with one abstention, and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Opposition lawmakers have warned that the reform could be applied too broadly or used to challenge legitimate election results. The ruling party argues it is necessary to protect Mexico’s sovereignty and electoral integrity.

Mexico’s next general elections, scheduled for June 2027, will elect all 500 members of the Chamber of Deputies, 17 governors and more than 2,000 local officials.

“The Taiwan issue is China’s internal affair, and resolving it is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, which brooks no external interference,” Mao said.

“Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait requires a clear and unequivocal opposition to ‘Taiwan independence,’” she added.

Her comments followed an assessment by the International Institute for Strategic Studies warning that a large-scale conflict over Taiwan could trigger targeted attacks on communications infrastructure and potentially escalate into a nuclear crisis.

Mao also addressed tensions over rare earth exports after speculation that Beijing could tighten restrictions ahead of schedule despite a temporary trade truce with Washington.

Last year, China and the United States agreed to pause the harshest trade measures, including restrictions on rare-earth mineral exports, until November 10.

However, recent social media posts by the Chinese Embassy in Washington referencing domestic rare-earth regulations sparked concerns among analysts that Beijing was preparing to reimpose restrictions earlier than expected.

Mao rejected those claims, saying the embassy had only shared updates on ongoing trade consultations.

“Both sides should work together to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and maintain the stable development of China-US economic and trade relations,” she said.

Turning to regional security, Mao also reiterated China’s criticism of Western-led alliances in the Indo-Pacific, including the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, made up of the United States, Japan, India and Australia.

In a recent remark, Trump said he preferred using the term “soccer” in the United States because of the country’s association with American football.

“I call it soccer,” Trump said. “It’s just easier to do, because we have football and they have two footballs.”

The comment contrasted with an earlier statement Trump made during a FIFA World Cup event, where he argued the sport should instead be called “football”.

“When you think about it, shouldn’t it really be called football? This is football, there’s no question about it,” Trump said at the time.

He also joked that the National Football League (NFL) might need to adopt a different name if the United States were to follow the terminology commonly used across much of the world.

Outside the United States, the sport is widely referred to as football, while “American football” is used to distinguish the NFL and related competitions. The term “soccer” remains dominant in the US, where the NFL continues to be the country’s most popular sports league.

Trump’s remarks come as FIFA intensifies preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

The understated reception quickly fuelled speculation on social media , with some users suggesting New Delhi was intentionally signalling displeasure amid growing strains in India-US relations over trade disputes, tariffs and Washington’s criticism of India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil.

Despite the optics, Rubio’s trip still yielded substantive diplomatic engagements. He later met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions with senior Indian officials on trade, regional security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

This visit appeared to be aimed at stabilising ties after months of friction between the two countries under President Donald Trump ’s “America First” trade policies.

While no major breakthrough was announced, both sides signalled their intention to maintain strategic cooperation, particularly on supply chains, defence and regional security, even as underlying disagreements continue to test the relationship.

“Our plan is first to draft a memorandum of understanding, a framework agreement consisting of 14 articles,” Baqaei said.

He said the proposed document would address issues including the end of what Iran describes as a U.S. naval blockade and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

“The end of US naval aggression… along with issues related to the release of Iran’s frozen assets, are the main topics addressed by this memorandum,” he added.

Baqaei said the nuclear issue would not be dealt with in detail at this stage, despite repeated U.S. demands for it to remain central to negotiations.

“The nuclear issue was a pretext for two aggressive wars against the Iranian people ,” he said.

He added that Tehran was prioritising efforts to end the conflict “on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

Baqaei thanked Pakistan for mediating talks between Tehran and Washington, with support from regional actors including Qatar, and said detailed discussions could continue for between 30 and 60 days.

The comments come amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted access for what it calls “unfriendly” countries while the United States maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Earlier this week, Baqaei said Iran was coordinating with Oman and other regional parties on a mechanism governing navigation through the strategic waterway.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Washington wanted the Strait of Hormuz to remain “free” and insisted that “no fees should be imposed.”

Trump also claimed the U.S. had “full control” over the strait and described the naval blockade on Iran as “100% effective.”

Ticket prices have triggered backlash. FIFA projects record revenue of $10.9 billion. Visa concerns have raised questions about whether fans from less wealthy countries will be able to attend. In Mexico, cartel-related violence and mass shootings have added another layer of unease for travelling supporters.

Yet for Ghanaian sports pundit and commentator Philip Sitsofe, the World Cup still carries a force that often survives doubt.

“The World Cup is the World Cup,” he told Global South World. “Every player wants to play there. We are going to see unknown players announce themselves. We are going to see players who are going to become world superstars after the World Cup.”

But this edition will also test football in ways previous tournaments did not.

“It’s a World Cup we’ve never seen before because the number of teams playing there are way more than what we are used to,” Sitsofe noted.

For Africa, that expansion means opportunity. CAF will have 10 teams at the tournament, giving the continent its biggest representation yet.

Morocco, ranked eighth in the world, arrives with a pedigree after their historic semifinal run in Qatar, must face record champions Brazil. Senegal, following the recent AFCON controversy, faces a major test against France. Algeria will face defending champions Argentina, Egypt, with Mohamed Salah, faces Belgium, currently ranked 9th globally, Côte d'Ivoire will play against four-time champion Germany, South Africa will face host nation Mexico, Tunisia must play the Netherlands and Japan, while DR Congo will compete against Portugal and Colombia.

Our country, Ghana, ranked 74th globally, and the lowest-ranked African nation representing at the tournament must navigate a difficult group featuring England , Croatia, and Panama. Cabo Verde, among the least populous countries on the continent, with less than 600,000 people, debuts at the tournament, also underlining the widening reach of the tournament.

Sitsofe believes Morocco remains Africa’s strongest hope.

“They’ve got what it takes,” he said. “They’ve got the potential. They can mix it up. They might be resilient at the back and still be open enough to attack.”

He also expects Senegal to trouble France , despite the quality of the French side.

“France will be favourites,” he said, “but Senegal have got it in them to cause upsets.”

For Ghana, however, his assessment was far more cautious. The Black Stars enter the tournament at a difficult moment, after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON and struggling with form, structure, and confidence.

“The Black Stars have more problems than those countries they are going to play against,” Sitsofe said.

He believes Ghana’s opening match against Panama could define the campaign.

“Ghana has to find a way of beating Panama and see if, in the subsequent games against England and Croatia, they can manage a draw,” he said. “The first game is crucial. We need to win to build some momentum and confidence.”

On Antoine Semenyo, arguably Ghana's best player heading into the tournament based on form, Sitsofe argued that Ghana cannot simply expect individual brilliance to rescue the team.

Semonyo is having the season of his life. The Manchester City forward, who helped his side secure a domestic English cup double, could have represented England, but now has the weight of over 34 million Ghanaians resting on his shoulders to help defeat the country he has called home for most of his life.

“If you are thinking Semenyo is going to be the one man to drive the team forward, then we are mistaken,” he said. “The Black Stars lack structure, direction, habits, tactics, and platform.”

That point may be the central warning for Ghana. The expanded World Cup gives more teams a chance, but it does not erase the demands of elite football. Hope alone will not carry the Black Stars through.

Ghana must now build “a more comprehensive team” rather than waiting for individuals to save it, he said.

“It must be clear that any attempt to use this excuse for an action against these comrades inside Cuba will meet fierce resistance from the Cuban people ,” he said.

The comments followed the announcement by U.S. prosecutors of charges linked to the 1996 downing of two aircraft operated by the anti-Castro group Brothers to the Rescue over the Florida Straits, which killed four people.

Among those accused are Raul Castro and several former Cuban military and government officials, who U.S. authorities allege participated in planning and carrying out the operation.

Fernandez de Cossio defended Cuba’s actions, arguing that Havana acted to protect its sovereignty and airspace after repeated warnings to Washington about incursions by the organisation’s aircraft.

“It exercised the right to protect its airspace and the peace of the Cuban people,” he said. “Cuba repeatedly asked the government of the United States to take action, and it did not do so.”

He described the indictment as “an act of injustice” against officials he said were fulfilling their duty to defend the country.

“The comrades accused here in this indictment acted fulfilling a duty, the duty to protect the airspace, the homeland and the peace of Cubans,” Fernandez de Cossio said.

The deputy foreign minister also accused Washington of having a history of using legal accusations to justify intervention against foreign governments.

“This indictment carries an additional threat, since the United States has a known dark practice of using accusations like these to act militarily against sovereign states,” he said.

Relations between Havana and Washington have deteriorated further in recent months amid expanded U.S. sanctions and rising tensions over Cuba’s economic and political crisis.

“They’re all talking about the picture we took when I gave you this great cologne — Just in case you ran out!” the note read.

Sharaa replied in English: “Some meetings leave an impression; ours apparently left a fragrance.”

“Thank you, Mr President @realDonaldTrump, for your generosity and for topping up this precious gift. May the spirit of that meeting continue to shape a stronger relationship between Syria and the United States,” he added.

The exchange follows a meeting between the two leaders at the White House in November 2025, the first by a Syrian leader since the country’s independence in 1946.

Video from the visit showed Trump handing Sharaa a bottle of Trump cologne and spraying some on him and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Trump also gave Sharaa a perfume box for his wife and joked about “how many wives” he had.

According to the fragrance website, the cologne sells for $249 a bottle and “embodies strength, power, and victory”.

The US and Syria have moved to restore ties since Sharaa’s Islamist-led authorities ousted former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

“Europe has fundamental interests in how the Arctic develops,” Sikela said.

He said the EU’s updated Arctic strategy would focus on investment in energy, education , connectivity and the “responsible development of resources.”

“It will not be written in Brussels and delivered here,” Sikela said. “Greenlandic input at this formative stage is one of the central reasons for my visit.”

Sikela described Greenland as central to Europe’s Arctic strategy, saying the EU wanted to “build with Greenland” rather than simply benefit from its resources.

Prime Minister Nielsen said Greenland was interested in developing a “stronger and better” partnership with the European Union.

Responding to questions about tensions with Washington, Nielsen denied that the meeting was intended as a political message to U.S. President Donald Trump .

“In Greenland, in terms of the United States, we have a working group. We have a dialogue to try to sort things out,” he said.

He added that the strengthening of EU-Greenland ties had been under discussion long before the recent geopolitical tensions surrounding the Arctic island.

The commissioner’s visit coincided with the first official trip to Greenland by Jeff Landry, Trump’s special envoy to the territory.

Trump has repeatedly pushed for the United States to acquire Greenland, arguing that control of the island is important for countering growing Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic.

Rubio argued that Cuba’s economic crisis was the result of decades of corruption and mismanagement by the country’s leadership.

“The real reason you don’t have electricity, fuel, or food is because those who control your country have looted billions of dollars,” he said.

The remarks came as Cuba faces one of its worst energy crises in decades, with severe fuel shortages and blackouts lasting up to 22 hours a day in some parts of the country.

The Cuban government has blamed U.S. sanctions and restrictions on fuel imports for worsening the crisis, while Washington accuses Havana of economic mismanagement.

Rubio also criticised the influence of GAESA, the military-linked business conglomerate that controls large sectors of Cuba’s economy.

“Only those close to the GAESA elite or who are part of it can have profitable businesses,” Rubio said.

He said President Donald Trump was offering “a new path” in which ordinary Cubans could own businesses, banks, media outlets and other enterprises without political restrictions.

“A new Cuba where you can complain about a failing system without fear of going to jail,” Rubio said. “And a new Cuba where you have the real opportunity to choose who governs your country.”

Rubio also announced a proposed $100 million package of food and medical aid, saying the assistance would be distributed through the Catholic Church and humanitarian organisations rather than the Cuban government .

The address follows a series of measures by the Trump administration aimed at tightening pressure on Havana, including additional tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba and expanded sanctions against entities Washington says threaten U.S. national security .

Araghchi made the comments on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, held on May 14 and 15 under India ’s chairmanship. The gathering was overshadowed by divisions over the Iran conflict and ended without a joint statement.

Despite the impasse, Araghchi said Tehran had received messages indicating Washington was willing to continue talks.

His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest response, calling it “totally unacceptable” and warning that the ceasefire was on “life support.”

During a visit to China, Trump said he discussed the conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming Beijing supported efforts to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“Nothing from China allowed on the plane,” Goodin wrote on X as the delegation prepared to depart for the United States.

The White House has not officially confirmed the report, although such precautions are not uncommon during high-level visits involving geopolitical rivals.

The episode comes against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Washington and Beijing over cybersecurity, espionage and allegations of state-backed hacking .

During the return flight, Trump was asked whether he had discussed reported Chinese cyberattacks targeting the United States with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“I did. And he talked about attacks we did in China,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “What they do, we do too. We spy like hell on them too.”

Similar security measures were reportedly adopted earlier this year by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s delegation during a trip to China.

According to a report by Canada’s National Post, officials travelling with Carney used burner phones throughout the visit, while personal and work devices were powered down and stored inside Faraday bags before entering Chinese airspace.

The burner phones were reportedly surrendered once the delegation had left Chinese airspace.

The measures reflect growing caution among Western governments over digital surveillance risks during official visits to China, particularly as concerns over cyber intrusions continue to strain relations between major powers.

“He said he’s not going to give military equipment. That’s a big statement,” Trump said, referring to Xi.

Trump added that Xi “would like to see Hormuz Strait opened,” amid ongoing tensions over the key oil transit route. Recent reports said Trump and Xi discussed Iran, energy stability and the Strait of Hormuz during their meeting in Beijing.

Trump also said the talks covered trade , claiming Xi had agreed to order 200 Boeing aircraft.

“Boeing wanted 150. He got 200,” Trump said, describing the reported order as a major boost for U.S. jobs.

The remarks come as Washington continues efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, while tensions with Iran remain high. China has publicly supported reopening the waterway and has denied allegations that it is supplying weapons to Tehran.

Trump recounted how American founding father Benjamin Franklin had once published the sayings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius in his newspaper, while also noting that the ancient sage is depicted among famous lawgivers carved into the walls of the US Supreme Court .

He also highlighted how Chinese admirers of George Washington donated a commemorative tablet now displayed inside the Washington Monument, using the examples to frame the relationship as one built on “commerce and respect” stretching back 250 years.

The historical references formed part of a carefully choreographed evening aimed at projecting warmth between the world’s two largest economies despite persistent geopolitical tensions.

Trump later invited Xi and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan to Washington for a state visit on Sept. 24, which would mark Xi’s first trip to the White House in more than a decade.

The two leaders also exchanged unusually warm rhetoric during the banquet, with Xi saying China and the US should be “partners rather than rivals”.

“Achieving the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” Xi said.

“The whole world is watching our meeting,” Xi said.

“Currently, transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent. The world has come to a new crossroads. Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides trap and create a new paradigm of major country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide more stability for the world?”

Xi said both countries had a responsibility to shape future global stability.

“They are the questions of our times that you and I need to answer as leaders of major countries,” he continued.

“China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together, and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era.”

Trump’s visit to China runs from May 13 to 15 and marks his second state visit to the country, as well as the first by a US president since 2017. The trip had originally been planned for April but was postponed at the request of the United States because of the conflict involving Iran.

The leaders previously met in Busan, South Korea, in October, where both sides agreed to pause an escalating tariffs dispute.

Trump was welcomed at Beijing Capital International Airport by Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng alongside senior Chinese and American officials. Rows of performers waving Chinese and American flags lined the tarmac, while a military band and honour guard took part in the ceremony.

The US president arrived with a delegation that included his son Eric Trump and several high-profile American business leaders, among them Tesla chief executive Elon Musk and Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang.

Their presence highlighted the economic and technological stakes surrounding the visit, particularly as Washington and Beijing continue to navigate disputes over advanced semiconductor exports and market access.

Trump is expected to meet Xi over the next two days, with discussions likely to focus on trade, artificial intelligence cooperation, arms sales to Taiwan and the broader geopolitical fallout from the Iran conflict.

The visit marks Trump’s first trip to China since 2017 and comes as both sides seek to stabilise relations after years of rivalry.

German ancestry continues to shape the cultural and demographic identity of the United States, with millions of Americans tracing their roots back to German immigrants who arrived over several centuries.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), Pennsylvania is among the U.S. states with the largest populations claiming German ancestry, with roughly 2.8 million people, followed closely by California and Ohio.

The ACS estimates that more than 43 million Americans identify as having German ancestry , making German Americans one of the largest self-reported ethnic groups in the country.

States across the Midwest and Northeast dominate the rankings. Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota all have large German-descended populations, reflecting historical immigration patterns from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Historians say German migration to the United States accelerated after the failed European revolutions of 1848, alongside economic hardship and political instability in German-speaking regions. Millions of immigrants settled in farming communities and industrial cities, particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and Texas.

Pennsylvania became a major centre of German settlement during the colonial era, giving rise to the term “Pennsylvania Dutch,” a reference derived from the German word “Deutsch.” Despite the name, the community’s roots are overwhelmingly German rather than Dutch.

German influence remains deeply embedded in American culture, from food traditions and brewing industries to education, music and religious institutions. Oktoberfest celebrations held in states such as Wisconsin, Texas and Ohio attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Texas also developed a strong German cultural presence during the 19th century, particularly in towns such as Fredericksburg and New Braunfels, founded by German settlers seeking land and economic opportunity.

Historians note that German immigration significantly influenced the development of America ’s agricultural economy and manufacturing base, particularly in the Midwest.

Despite the strong demographic presence, assimilation during the two World Wars reduced the public visibility of German identity in the United States. Anti-German sentiment during World War I and World War II led many families to stop speaking German publicly and downplay their heritage.

Today, however, ancestry surveys show renewed interest among Americans in tracing family origins and preserving ethnic traditions.

The Census Bureau says ancestry reporting reflects self-identification rather than nationality or citizenship, meaning many people identifying as German American have family roots stretching back generations.

“We were losing to Russia and to China in space and we had it as part of the Air Force but it wasn't really thought of,” he said, arguing that the field had previously lacked focus when managed under the Air Force.

He added that the establishment of the United States Space Force had changed the situation significantly, placing strong leadership in charge and improving performance.

“We put a great general in charge and the Space Force is now leading the other countries, China, Russia, and there is no fourth, really,” Trump said.

“The president of the host country for the World Cup, rather than offering a welcome or saying that everything is ready here, declares that they are not prepared to host or ensure the safety of one team,” Alavi said.

He added that the tournament had become “completely intertwined with politicisation” despite FIFA’s efforts to keep football separate from political tensions.

“It is FIFA’s duty, as the institution responsible for legislation, supervision, and enforcement, to prevent this phenomenon from becoming even more political,” Alavi said.

His remarks followed Trump’s March 12 post on Truth Social, in which he said Iran’s national team was welcome at the World Cup but questioned whether it was appropriate for them to participate “for their own life and safety.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, but Iran are scheduled to play all three of their Group G matches in the United States. The team will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before playing Egypt in Seattle.

Alavi said seeking alternative venues for Iran’s matches was “not possible” under FIFA protocols.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that Washington had no objection to Iranian athletes taking part in the tournament, but suggested that members of Iran’s delegation with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face restrictions.