US President Donald Trump described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a very tough cookie' and one of the world leaders he most admires, in a wide-ranging interview with Axios. He also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as 'all business'.
PM Modi discussed maritime security and Indian seafarer safety with US President Trump at the G7 Summit. The meeting followed the deaths of three Indian sailors in US strikes off Oman. Trump expressed condolences and pledged cooperation on seafarer safety.
Iran urged Saudi Arabia to expel US troops, while Russia's SVR chief warned Armenia against relying solely on the West. News also covered a shelling attack off Yemen, Putin's communication with Trump, Macron's stance on French wine tariffs, US troop movements near Iran, China's automotive advancements, Trump's 'guardian of Middle East' proposal, Iran's Strait of Hormuz policy, and a potential US-Iran deal. Other reports included Israeli actions in Lebanon, Ukraine conflict updates, and Hungary's EU talks.
Fury mounts in India over US refusal to apologize for killing Indian sailors in Strait of Hormuz strikes. Leaders to meet at G7 amid strained relations, with families demanding answers and opposition criticizing PM Modi's silence.
Iran's Ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, discusses the national team's participation in the World Cup, highlighting it as a signal for peace amidst US tensions. He notes visa issues for coaching staff and expresses hope for improved US-Iran relations, suggesting a shift in US focus away from Israeli interests could foster friendship.
US Vice President JD Vance stated that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has made mistakes in his approach to US relations, particularly concerning Iran. Vance emphasized that while Netanyahu is a strong partner, the US will always prioritize its own national interests when they diverge.
Former official Bian Qingzu stated that the 2026 US midterm elections will significantly impact China-US relations, noting "anti-Trump sentiment" and the potential Democratic Party gains in Congress.
Mikhail Shvydkoy, Russian President's special envoy, believes US participation at SPIEF could signal progress in Russia-US relations, despite strong anti-Russian sentiment and ongoing sanctions.
Steven Seagal, US actor and Russian Foreign Ministry Special Representative for Russia-US Cultural Links, stated that culture is the best way to improve relations between Russia and the US during a panel discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Dmitry Novikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, stated that expecting an improvement in Russia-US relations is naive, citing Russia's designation as a threat by NATO and the US's membership in the alliance.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, faces underlying tensions between the three nations regarding trade, immigration, and drug-trafficking, potentially impacting diplomatic relations despite the unifying potential of the event.
President Trump stated he is not rushing into a peace deal with Iran, emphasizing the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will remain until an agreement is reached. He warned Tehran against developing nuclear weapons, while acknowledging "professional and productive" talks. Oil prices dropped to a two-week low amid optimism for a deal.
Donald Trump stated that the US blockade on Iranian ships will remain until a deal is signed, emphasizing that "time is on our side" and urging both sides to "take their time and get it right." He also reiterated that Iran "cannot develop or procure a nuclear weapon."
A paper suggests US-China rivalry has escalated into a full-scale strategic one, with President Xi Jinping elevating a diplomatic formula as the guiding vision. The analysis warns of major tests ahead and a growing likelihood of conflict.
A government official told Yonhap that Xi Jinping might visit North Korea later this month or early next month. A separate source said the Chinese leader could mediate relations between North Korea and the US. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated China maintains continuity and consistency on Korean peninsula denuclearisation and will play a constructive role.
The US and China's AI supremacy competition poses unprecedented existential danger, especially in the nuclear age. Engagement, not decoupling, is crucial to manage these dangers.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss US relations, as well as conflicts in Ukraine and Iran over tea. Ushakov noted that the official part of the negotiations was "generally positive." Following their meeting, the leaders signed a joint statement on strengthening comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the state of Russia-US relations with Equatorial Guinea's Foreign Minister Simeon Oyono Esono Angue during a press conference in Moscow. Lavrov noted the significant global attention on US-Russian relations.
A "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability" was a key formulation from the Xi-Trump summit, suggesting a framework for regulated coexistence amid rivalry, with cooperation as the mainstay and competition within limits.
Trump frames US-China relationship as historically consequential, citing US founding fathers' admiration for Confucian values and the US-funded establishment of Xi's alma mater, Tsinghua University, in 1911.
Venezuela's government has initiated a debt restructuring process to alleviate its $150 billion defaulted debt, citing past US financial sanctions as a major impediment. The move comes amid thawing relations with the US, including lifted sanctions, potential oil shipments, and investments in its oil industry.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov discusses Russia's successful Sarmat missile launch, conditions for full-fledged Ukraine peace talks, and potential economic cooperation with the US.
Chinese expert Wu Xinbo states US President Donald Trump must compromise with China for a successful deal, noting Trump's transactional approach and China's increased global influence. Trump's May 13-15 visit to China will discuss Iran, trade, Taiwan, and other bilateral issues with President Xi Jinping.
China expresses willingness to cooperate with the US on equal terms ahead of Trump's state visit and summit with Xi Jinping, focusing on expanded cooperation and managed differences.
