US-Israeli strikes on Iran have killed 18, jeopardizing a peace MoU. President Pezeshkian is being scapegoated for the deal's failure, masking internal divisions within Iran's ruling elite, particularly between the technocratic-economic wing led by Ghalibaf and the ideological-maximalist Paydari Front.
The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) faces internal power struggles and declining approval ratings post-election wins. Leader Jung Chung-rae faces pressure to resign amid factional rifts, highlighting tensions ahead of the August party convention. This infighting may hinder the Lee administration's economic and democratic reform efforts.
A conflict between the US/Israel and Iran demonstrates how power dynamics are shifting. Despite superior conventional strength, the US/Israel coalition failed to achieve objectives against a resilient Iran, highlighting the growing capacity of weaker states to resist and the diminishing willingness of stronger powers to accept risks.
Iran has emerged as a formidable regional power after the second war against it, with the US and Israel suffering significant defeats. A provisional ceasefire has been reached, but key issues remain unresolved, and the conflict is seen as part of a larger global power transition.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has received a royal pardon, effective Wednesday. He served eight months of a one-year sentence for corruption and abuse of power before his early release last month due to age. A government committee will decide on the removal of his electronic monitoring device.
The arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada on corruption charges has created an 11-11 tie in the Philippine Senate, potentially stalling legislation and complicating Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio's impeachment trial.
Shenzhen-based Wingtech has sued in a Guangdong court, demanding restoration of control over Nexperia and 8 billion yuan in compensation, after the Dutch government's September 2025 order to seize control was suspended but left Wingtech's control "restricted".
Slams Cong for Kerala & Karnataka power struggles
D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro must decide by Monday whether to appeal a judge's ruling that blocked her subpoenas to the Federal Reserve in her criminal investigation of outgoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The appeal will determine when President Trump can appoint a new Fed governor to replace Powell, who plans to stay on as a member after his chairmanship ends. While Pirro claims she closed the investigation on April 24, Trump said the next day it was still ongoing, and her appeal could keep the threat alive while potentially reshaping DOJ investigative powers.
A intensifying power struggle within Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration has seen the President and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf pushing to remove Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The leadership accuses Araghchi of bypassing civilian leadership and taking directions from Revolutionary Guard commander Ahmad Vahidi, raising concerns about military influence over foreign policy.
Wingtech Technology faces a delisting risk warning on the Shanghai Stock Exchange after its auditor issued a disclaimer of opinion regarding Nexperia's financial records. The company has until the end of 2026 to resolve the audit issues.
A US think tank reports internal power struggles within Iran's leadership, with IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi appearing to prevail over pragmatist officials like Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. This development suggests Iran may adopt a harderline stance in future negotiations. Meanwhile, Iranian and US delegations are meeting with Pakistani mediators in Islamabad.
