“The newly published asset declarations have shown the entire country that Tisza Party representatives are wealthy,” Orban said.

“They have also taken the lead in luxury lifestyles. Gifted BMWs are flying around, ministers are being driven in Maseratis, while our representatives can only look on,” he added.

Orban also condemned what he described as politically motivated investigations into his former administration, arguing that the government's actions amounted to an abuse of power.

“The current showcase investigations, politically motivated proceedings, aggressiveness and abuse of power will ultimately work in our favour,” he said. “The government is gradually entering into an abusive relationship with the entire country.”

His remarks came after Hungary's Integrity Authority said senior officials from the Orban era could potentially face prosecution over an estimated €3.5 billion in missing EU funds . While neither Orban nor members of his inner circle have been directly accused, parliament has established five commissions to investigate alleged corruption under his administration.

Despite attacking the government, Orban acknowledged that Fidesz had contributed to its own defeat in April's election . “Our election message did not work, while our opponents' message proved far more attractive,” he said.

Delegates overwhelmingly voted to keep Orban as Fidesz leader, backing him by 729 votes to eight.

The former prime minister's re-election comes as Fidesz seeks to rebuild after losing power to Peter Magyar's Tisza Party, which secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority in April.

“We assembled a large team of staff and friends, and our project lasted around a year and a half - that is, a year and seven months,” Samvelyan told Viory. “There were around 40 people working on it, and each person was responsible for a different task.”

He said the monument had received widespread public support and described the positive reaction from Armenians as one of the project's most significant achievements.

The initiative was launched by Armenian businessman and politician Gagik Tsarukyan, who has promoted the project as a major cultural and religious landmark.

According to local media reports citing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the statue is also expected to boost tourism and attract visitors from around the world .

Once completed, the monument will surpass the current record-holder, the Jesus Christ the Saviour statue in Indonesia's North Sumatra province, which stands at 61 metres tall.

He also criticised the handling of Hungary's dispute with the European Union over asylum policy, arguing that the previous government had knowingly exposed the country to substantial financial penalties.

“This daily one million euros, about which the cabinet meeting minutes acknowledge, not that it is justified, but that the previous government did everything to ensure there would be a penalty of this severity,” Magyar said.

In June 2024, the European Court of Justice fined Hungary €200 million and imposed an additional €1 million daily penalty for failing to comply with EU asylum regulations.

Magyar said his government was exploring solutions used elsewhere in Europe to meet EU requirements while avoiding the establishment of migrant camps in Hungary.

“We are working to develop such a regulation so that, on the one hand, there indeed won't be migrant camps in Hungary, and we won't have to continue paying this daily fine of one million euros,” he said.

Asked about the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which entered into force on Friday, Magyar said Hungary would favour providing technical assistance to other member states rather than accepting relocated asylum seekers.

“There is a third option, for example, which the Orban government also used previously, providing additional technical border protection assistance through Frontex to either Greece or Serbia,” he said.

Magyar argued that the pact includes broader provisions beyond migrant relocation and introduces stricter migration rules than previous EU frameworks.

“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.

Interpreter Omar Martinez explained that the project was designed to ensure that fans with disabilities could fully participate in the excitement of the tournament.

“What we are doing today is interpretation for deaf people and for a deaf-blind person, in which we use tactile sign language, where the deaf person touches the hands and can understand the interpretation and what is happening in the match,” Martinez said.

Among those attending was Jose de Jesus Loera, who was born deaf or hard of hearing and later lost his sight completely. He described the experience as his first World Cup match.

“I feel more emotions, with the vibration, with the speakers and the screen. I feel that it is much more exciting,” he said.

Another fan, Manuel Martinez Garcia, said the initiative allowed people with disabilities to enjoy the event without communication barriers.

“It gives me more emotions to see that there are many people and to be with all the people so that we are not excluded,” he said. “It's very exciting to feel it, and I hope Mexico wins.”

FutFest 2026 was created to bring the World Cup closer to local communities through free public screenings, cultural activities and inclusion programmes aimed at making the tournament accessible to a wider audience.

“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.

“The Security Council will make determinations with effective mediation, and ultimately of humanity,” Petro said. “Finding ways for a quick resolution to the wars and conflicts occurring throughout the Middle East region.”

The Colombian leader also criticised Israel's actions in the region, accusing it of seeking to “nullify” Palestine and Lebanon, and called on the United States to help mediate efforts aimed at restoring Lebanon's sovereignty.

Beyond the Middle East, Petro urged an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba and condemned anti-immigration policies , describing them as discriminatory measures used for political gain.

Colombia's presidency of the Security Council will oversee a month-long agenda that includes a high-level debate on the Middle East titled “Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace .”

As council president, Colombia will be responsible for directing the body's programme of work and chairing both formal and informal meetings throughout June.

The country has also scheduled high-level discussions on Women, Peace and Security and Children and Armed Conflict as part of its presidency programme.

A counter-demonstration organised by Southampton Stand Up Against Racism also took place. Police maintained a separation between the two groups before the counter-protest dispersed.

The demonstrations followed the sentencing of 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years, for the murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton last December.

The case drew national attention after police bodycam footage emerged showing Nowak telling officers he had been stabbed while being detained at the scene. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has since called for an urgent review of laws governing the carrying of bladed articles for religious and ceremonial purposes, saying mistakes made during the incident should be examined.

Tensions were further heightened by a knife attack in Belfast on Monday in which a man was seriously injured after being slashed in the head and neck. Video of the incident circulated widely on social media .

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “sickening.” Police arrested a 30-year-old Sudanese national in connection with the Belfast attack and said there was currently no evidence to suggest it was terrorism-related.

According to police, the suspect travelled from Sudan to Paris before entering Ireland through Dublin and later moving to Belfast, where he sought asylum and was granted permission to remain.

Ayrton Condorhuayra, president of the National Multisectoral Committee of Bolivia, urged President Rodrigo Paz to use emergency powers to address the crisis.

“To the president, I say: Rodrigo, you have the people's approval. Declare a state of emergency,” Condorhuayra told the crowd.

He also called for the resignation of Vice President Edman Lara and demanded the arrest of former president Evo Morales, accusing him of being behind the protests and road blockades that have disrupted transport and supply chains across the country.

Participants at the rally said the blockades were causing shortages of food, medicine , oxygen and other essential goods.

“As a citizen of La Paz, we are not willing to continue with these critical days,” said Eva Oporto. “We cannot continue with this lack of food, health supplies and oxygen.”

Another resident appealed to authorities to act, citing growing hardship among families and concerns over access to healthcare.

The demonstration came a day after President Paz signed legislation regulating states of emergency, granting authorities powers that include deploying the military to clear blocked transport routes.

Bolivia has faced weeks of protests and road blockades that have disrupted the movement of goods and fuel in several regions. Despite mounting pressure, Paz has reaffirmed his intention to remain in office until the end of his term in 2030.

The measure is intended to ease pressure on the city's roads as large crowds are expected for the start of the tournament.

“To avoid traffic and problems on the day of the World Cup,” Sheinbaum said when explaining the decision.

The president stressed that the decree does not require all private businesses to close or suspend operations. “It is not an obligation,” she said.

According to the government, industrial production, manufacturing activities and essential services will continue operating as normal. Restaurants, shops and other businesses will also remain open.

Exemptions from the remote-work directive include healthcare services, national security agencies, transport operations, social programmes and activities directly linked to the organisation of the World Cup.

Educational institutions in Mexico City will also suspend classes on June 11, including public pre schools , primary and secondary schools, as well as upper-secondary and higher education institutions under the Public Education system.

Mexico is one of the co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.

“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.

Security forces launched the operation in the early hours of the morning to reopen the highway linking Santa Cruz with Beni and western Bolivia, a key corridor for the transport of goods and supplies.

Productive Development Minister Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto defended the intervention, describing San Julian as a critical route for the movement of food, fuel, medicine and oxygen.

“That is why a determination was made based on the critical evaluations that are currently available regarding supply,” Justiniano said. “A joint action between the Police and the Army has determined to enter this area,” he told Viory.

He accused “radical groups with purely political interests” of maintaining the blockades despite government efforts to engage in dialogue with protest leaders.

According to Justiniano, the operation aims to restore traffic, recover control of the area and allow residents and businesses to resume transporting goods.

The unrest comes amid five weeks of protests and road blockades across Bolivia, where demonstrators are demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

According to the Ombudsman’s Office, the protests have left at least 10 people dead, 37 injured and more than 100 facing legal proceedings. Authorities have also reported that seven people died after delays or an inability to access medical care due to the blockades.

“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.

According to Garcia, 217 trucks are transporting materials for 29,266 voting tables across 2,253 polling centres.

“It was planned for all units to have a global satellite positioning system so we can monitor the location of each one in real time,” he told Viory.

Roberto Burneo, head of the National Elections Jury, said the operation demonstrated the strength and reliability of Peru's electoral system.

“These moments signify the guarantee of democracy , the guarantee that this second-round electoral process will be transparent and completely orderly,” Burneo said.

Peruvians will vote on Sunday in a runoff between Keiko Fujimori of the Popular Force party and left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez of Together for Peru.

Fujimori secured 17.19 percent of the vote in the first round, while Sanchez received 12.03 percent, leaving both candidates seeking support from voters whose preferred contenders were eliminated.

More than 27 million Peruvians are eligible to cast ballots in the election, which will determine the country's president for the 2026–2031 term.

“Every day we woke up wanting to come back, and all the other guys there thought the same,” he said. “We prayed constantly. We all have crosses and icons. Without faith, we wouldn’t have returned or survived.”

Earlier, Russia’s Defence Ministry announced that Moscow and Kyiv had carried out a “185-for-185” prisoner exchange with mediation from the United Arab Emirates.

“On 5 June, 185 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In exchange, 185 prisoners of war from the Ukrainian Armed Forces were handed over,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that the released Russian servicemen were initially transferred to Belarus, where they received medical and psychological assistance before returning home.

According to Russian authorities, the soldiers will now undergo further treatment and rehabilitation at specialised medical facilities in Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed the exchange, saying 185 Ukrainian servicemen and one civilian had been returned from Russian captivity. He thanked those involved in facilitating the swap, including international mediators.

The United Arab Emirates has played a recurring role in brokering prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 185 military personnel and one civilian had been returned in the exchange. “Another 185 Ukrainian defenders are returning home from Russian captivity today. One civilian is also returning alongside the defenders,” Zelensky said in a statement.

He noted that some of the released prisoners had been held by Russia since 2022. “I thank everyone who makes this possible: the team working on prisoner exchanges and our partners,” he added.

Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed the swap, saying the returned Russian servicemen were in Belarus, where they were receiving medical and psychological support.

“After receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance, the Russian servicemen will be transported to the Russian Federation for further treatment and rehabilitation,” the ministry said.

The United Arab Emirates helped facilitate the exchange through humanitarian mediation efforts, according to Russian authorities.

Prisoner swaps have remained one of the few areas of cooperation between Kyiv and Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.

Among the critics was Republican Representative Randy Fine, who said the measure appeared to have been "copied and pasted" from previous sanctions legislation targeting Iran and would do little to help Ukraine.

"This bill is not about helping Ukraine. This is not about standing up to Vladimir Putin. This is about engaging in Trump derangement syndrome," Fine said during debate on the House floor.

“There are two components here. One component is development and investment, and the second component is security, deterrence, and prevention,” he said. “We are very determined to carry this out.”

Netanyahu said the initiative was designed to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for northern communities while promoting coexistence among the region’s diverse populations.

“As we say to Jews, Druze, Circassians, and Muslims - we all live together in the same package, and I am committed to that,” he said.

The prime minister described the programme as a major milestone and expressed confidence that northern Israel would undergo a transformation similar to what he said had been achieved in the south.

The remarks come days after the Israeli government approved a 13 billion shekel ($4.5 billion) plan proposed by Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to strengthen towns near the Lebanese border.

The package includes the construction of 1,800 new public bomb shelters, subsidies for safe rooms in homes located within nine kilometres of the border, and a five-year development programme aimed at attracting 100,000 new residents.

Combined with previously approved funding, the total investment in the initiative is expected to reach 20 billion shekels ($6.9 billion).

Netanyahu called the announcement “a day of celebration” and thanked local leaders and government officials involved in advancing the project.

“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.

“BRICS represents a significant proportion of the Global South countries, and the Global South accounts for around 45 per cent of the world’s population,” da Silva Cunha said.

He argued that the economic weight of BRICS now exceeds that of the Group of Seven ( G7 ) industrialised nations.

“As a member of BRICS, Russia will be able to play a key role in Africa’s economic development,” he added.

The remarks came during the 29th edition of SPIEF, which is being held from June 3 to 6 in St Petersburg.

Organisers expect more than 20,000 participants from around 76 countries to attend the forum, including political leaders, business executives and policymakers.

For the first time in several years, representatives from the United States have also accepted an invitation to attend the event.

Established in 1997, SPIEF has become one of Russia’s flagship international economic gatherings and a platform for discussions on global trade , investment and development. Russian President Vladimir Putin has participated regularly since 2005.

“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.

“It is a message of hope. It is a message of unity. It is a message not to lose faith in our future,” Fujimori told the crowd.

She also encouraged supporters to use social media and personal networks to promote her platform.

“There are only a few days left, and the race is very close,” she said. “I need you to help spread our proposals.”

Footage from the rally showed supporters waving flags, chanting slogans and recording the event on their mobile phones as Fujimori addressed the gathering.

The rally formed part of a nationwide campaign push by both candidates before Peruvians head to the polls on Sunday.

Fujimori secured 17.19 percent of the vote in the first round, while Sanchez, representing the Together for Peru coalition, received 12.03 percent, leaving both candidates seeking support from voters whose preferred contenders were eliminated.

Fujimori has focused her campaign on economic recovery, job creation and tackling crime, while Sanchez has advocated greater state involvement in the economy and institutional reforms. More than 27 million Peruvians are eligible to vote in the election.

The daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, Keiko Fujimori is making another bid for the presidency after narrowly losing several previous elections .

“We need to deal with illegal migration,” he said. “We have seen how illegal immigration into our country can put pressure on our public services and undermine our efforts to create decent work for all.”

The president said the government was intensifying efforts to enforce immigration laws, including tougher action against employers who hire undocumented migrants, stronger border controls and measures to tackle corruption within the immigration system.

“We're cracking down on violations of immigration laws,” Ramaphosa said. “We are increasing our inspections of workplaces and prosecuting employers who violate our labour laws. We are strengthening border security , stamping out corruption in the immigration system and closing the loopholes in fragmented immigration laws.”

At the same time, he urged South Africans not to target migrants or take the law into their own hands.

“We must never give in to violence , to xenophobia, and to vigilantism,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened debate over migration and public services in South Africa , where anti-immigrant sentiment has periodically flared in recent years.

According to Statistics South Africa and the Department of Home Affairs, foreign-born residents account for an estimated three to five percent of the country's population, with most migrants originating from neighbouring Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho.

“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 Beaufort is a dramatic step. It is a dramatic shift in the policy we are leading,” he said. “We have returned united, determined and stronger than ever.”

The remarks came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched extensive strikes on what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki areas. The military said one Israeli soldier was killed during the operation.

Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to expand its operations in Lebanon and confirmed that Israeli troops had crossed the Litani River.

“They seized commanding areas, they conquered the Beaufort Ridge, and now my directive is to deepen and expand our hold in places that were under Hezbollah's occupation,” he said.

The prime minister added that Israeli forces were operating simultaneously in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, and claimed Israel had established a security zone beyond its borders.

“We will restore security to the residents of the north, just as we did for the residents of the south,” Netanyahu said. “It will take time, but we will complete the mission.”

Israel previously controlled Beaufort Castle from 1982 until its withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000 following the First Lebanon War.

The latest escalation follows Netanyahu’s announcement last week that he had ordered intensified strikes against Hezbollah and an expansion of ground operations aimed at securing what he described as strategic areas.

The fighting comes despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon first announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 15 and later extended several times following talks hosted by Washington.

The unusual water buffalo attracted widespread attention on social media because of its pinkish-white skin and distinctive golden-blonde tuft of hair, which many said resembled U.S. President Donald Trump ’s hairstyle.

Zoo officials said the animal is still adjusting to its new surroundings after being relocated from a private farm.

“Every time the animal changes places, it eats less food,” said zoo officer Humayun Kabir. “There are also some problems due to excessive heat. There was a fan system on the farm, but there is no fan here, so it is a bit weak.”

Kabir said the buffalo’s arrival had significantly boosted attendance at the zoo during the Eid holiday.

“On the second day of Eid al-Adha, there were more than 2,000 visitors to the zoo,” he said. “Every year there are fewer visitors on Eid al-Adha, but this year, after bringing Donald Trump to the zoo, the number of visitors has increased a lot.”

Visitors said they were eager to see the animal after videos and photographs of it circulated widely online.

“I saw a lot of discussion on Facebook about this buffalo and many videos on YouTube,” one visitor said. “The buffalo’s appearance is similar to Donald Trump, which is why there has been a lot of excitement.”

The buffalo was reportedly saved from the traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifice after drawing large crowds and attracting national attention for its distinctive appearance.

Paraguayan Ambassador to Bolivia Enrique Jose Guerrero Cari said the assistance was sent on the instructions of President Santiago Peña as a gesture of solidarity with the Bolivian people.

The shipment forms part of a six-tonne aid package destined for the cities of La Paz and El Alto, which have been among the hardest hit by supply disruptions.

“It includes basic food items such as flour, sugar, salt, rice, pasta and oil , everything a family might need to prepare meals,” Guerrero said.

The aid arrives as residents in Santa Cruz continue to queue at cargo terminals in an effort to send food and supplies to relatives affected by shortages in other parts of the country.

Claudia Tapia, a Santa Cruz resident who regularly sends meat and chicken to family members in La Paz, welcomed the international assistance.

“Any assistance is welcome for our country because we are truly in a very critical situation,” she said.

Bolivia has endured more than three weeks of protests and road blockades, disrupting transport networks and contributing to shortages of food, fuel and medicine, particularly in La Paz and El Alto.

Protesters have been demanding economic relief measures, the reversal of austerity policies and, in some cases, the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

For many residents, the harvest is both a cultural tradition and an important source of income.

“Senene are part of our culture because they did not begin today; they have existed since the time of our ancestors,” vendor Aisha Athumani said.

Traders say the seasonal business supports thousands of families across the region.

“To be honest, senene has helped me a lot,” trader Abdulazak Michael said. “My children are in school, I have built a house, and I support my family.”

After harvesting, the insects are typically cleaned and fried with salt and spices or smoked and dried for longer storage. They are commonly eaten as snacks, served alongside meals, or sold in markets in sealed bags and containers.

Considered a delicacy in the Kagera Region and parts of Uganda, senene harvesting has become a significant seasonal economic activity, with regional estimates suggesting that several thousand tonnes are collected during peak harvest periods each year.

He said Israel’s campaign against Iran was not yet complete and revealed he remains in frequent contact with U.S. President Donald Trump .

“We still need to complete the mission. I speak with President Trump about this every day - almost every day, every two days. We still have work to finish,” he said.

Netanyahu also highlighted the growing threat posed by drones, citing Iran’s Shahed drones and more advanced systems under development.

“I have no doubt that here too we will become the first country in the world to truly deliver a solution,” he said, referring to drone defence capabilities.

Turning to the war in Gaza, Netanyahu claimed Israeli forces had expanded their control over the territory.

He said the Israel Defense Forces now control about 60 percent of Gaza, up from 50 percent, and that he had instructed the military to increase that figure to 70 percent.

“We are squeezing them from every direction. We will deal with the remnants,” he said, referring to Hamas.

Netanyahu also outlined a broader vision for Israel’s role in regional energy networks, predicting that future oil and gas routes would increasingly connect the Gulf to the Mediterranean through Israel.

“We can further strengthen Israel’s power and truly turn ourselves into a global player,” he said.

On domestic policy , the prime minister said he had instructed officials to establish new communities as part of efforts to expand settlement and development projects across what he described as the Land of Israel.

“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.

EZEMA deputy leader Negatu Wolde urged voters to move away from ethnic-based politics .

“We call on the people of our country to use this opportunity as a golden opportunity to break free from the cycle of ethnic politics that has oppressed, isolated and divided our country for many years,” he told Viory.

The election campaign has been overshadowed by concerns over media freedom, political inclusiveness and security challenges. EZEMA member Eyouel Solomon accused the government of dominating the media landscape and limiting fair political competition.

“We have seen two things: commercial media that sometimes give some space for opposition parties, and government media that acts as the mouth of the government,” he said. “This is not fair.”

The process has also been disrupted by ongoing conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Ethiopia’s National Election Board suspended polling in 46 districts affected by insecurity.

Despite the tensions, supporters at the rally expressed confidence that EZEMA could make gains in the June 1 vote.

“If it wins, it is a worthy party that has shown its ability to lead the country,” supporter Dagem Assefa said. “But if it loses, it will prepare peacefully for the next election.”

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has led Ethiopia for eight years, heads the ruling Prosperity Party, which was formed in 2019 from the former Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front coalition.

“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.

“Uganda is temporarily closing the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo with immediate effect,” Atwine told reporters.

She said only authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, cargo transport and security personnel would be allowed to cross, subject to strict health screening and monitoring.

Atwine added that anyone permitted to enter Uganda from the DRC by land or air would face mandatory 21-day isolation measures.

The ministry has also deployed locator phone systems at border posts and airports to improve tracking and contact tracing.

Uganda has so far reported seven Ebola cases and one death linked to the outbreak centred in eastern Congo’s Ituri province.

The first imported case in Uganda died in Kampala on May 14 before tests confirmed infection with the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

The DRC and Uganda officially declared outbreaks on May 15 after laboratory confirmation of the virus, prompting the World Health Organization to later classify the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Health officials are particularly concerned because there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain.

The WHO has advised against blanket border closures, warning they could encourage people to use informal crossings and undermine surveillance efforts. Ugandan authorities, however, say tighter controls are necessary because of heavy cross-border movement and increased risks to healthcare workers.

According to Moscow, units from the Northern Group of Forces are continuing offensive operations aimed at creating what it described as a “ security buffer zone” in the Sumy and Kharkov regions.

“The enemy attempted to redeploy reserves from elite assault units in order to hold their positions, but these efforts were unsuccessful,” the ministry said in a statement. “The militants suffered losses and were forced to withdraw.”

Ukraine had not commented on the Russian claims at the time of publication.

However, Ukraine’s General Staff reported that air strikes had been recorded in several areas of the Sumy region, including near Tolstodubovo, over the previous 24 hours.

Russia launched its full-scale military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022 following its recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’s Republics.

Kyiv condemned the move as an invasion, while Western countries imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow and increased military support for Ukraine.

Many worshippers described the return to Al-Aqsa as emotional after restrictions prevented access during key religious celebrations earlier this year.

“We cannot live without Al-Aqsa Mosque. We must pray there every day,” worshipper Abu Mutaz Al-Salima said.

He recalled the difficulties faced during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when worshippers were prevented from entering the site.

Israel closed the mosque after the outbreak of the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28. The shutdown lasted 40 days and coincided with Eid al-Fitr in March, marking the first time since 1967 that the site was entirely closed to the public during the holiday.

Another worshipper, Nidal Najm, said the atmosphere this year contrasted sharply with previous restrictions.

“Unlike last year, when Al-Aqsa Mosque was closed and it was not possible to reach it or pray there, thank God now there are large crowds and a very strong turnout,” he said.

Last year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations were also affected by heavy security measures, including checkpoints and identity checks that restricted access for many Palestinians.

Eid al-Adha is one of the holiest occasions in Islam and coincides with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Footage showed passengers arriving in buses and immigration vehicles, carrying luggage through the airport before gathering at check-in counters.

“We all know what is happening, and it’s not comfortable for us to be here anymore,” one traveller said. “Home sweet home, so we have to go.”

Another passenger said he did not intend to return to South Africa.

Despite the departures, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, insisted relations between the two countries remained stable.

“There is no diplomatic row,” Quashie said, adding that the repatriation process had been coordinated with South African authorities, including the Department of Home Affairs and security services.

According to the commissioner, about 326 Ghanaian nationals reported for departure, although the aircraft could only accommodate 300 passengers. Additional charter flights are expected within days.

The Ghana High Commission said more than 800 Ghanaian nationals have registered for the state-assisted return programme.

The departures come amid rising anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, where protesters have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs, increasing crime and putting pressure on public services .

“It hurt us very, very much to know that the president dismissed the prime minister,” activist Nourdine Diallo said. “We campaigned by saying ‘Diomaye is Sonko - Sonko is Diomaye.’ This slogan was really real, it wasn’t just words.”

Some supporters compared the political split to historic divisions among African leaders.

“As an African, it’s the usual in our history ,” said Adama Fall, a PASTEF municipal councillor in Thies-Ouest. “Today, we are reliving history.”

Despite Sonko’s dismissal, supporters insisted he remained central to the movement’s future. “He will rest and come back to us in force to lead us in this revolution,” activist Maimouna Goudiaby said.

Fall accused President Faye of leading a “counter-revolution” against the movement Sonko built through the PASTEF party.

President Faye announced Sonko’s dismissal in a decree read on state television late Friday night. The decree also dissolved the government but did not name a replacement prime minister.

Sonko later reacted on social media , writing: “Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep light-hearted in the city of Keur Gorgui.”

The two men rose to power together during the 2024 election after Sonko was barred from running because of legal cases he denied. Faye, backed by Sonko’s opposition movement, defeated then-president Macky Sall in a major political upset.

“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.”

“By decree number 2026-1128 of May 22, 2026, the President of the Republic… has terminated the duties of Mr Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state members of the government ,” Ba said.

He added that the outgoing administration would remain in charge of handling current affairs until a new government is appointed.

The presidency did not immediately announce a replacement prime minister.

Sonko reacted shortly after the announcement in a social media post, writing: “Praise be to Allah. Tonight I will sleep light-hearted in the city of Keur Gorgui.”

Relations between Faye and Sonko had reportedly deteriorated in recent months over political control, economic policy and the allocation of state contracts.

The two leaders were key allies in the 2024 presidential election, after Sonko was barred from running because of legal cases he described as politically motivated. Faye, backed by Sonko’s opposition movement, went on to defeat former President Macky Sall in a major political upset.