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Sunday, May 31, 2026

Breaking: Iran Denies President's Resignation Reports

Amid heightened tensions following the conflict between the United States and Iran, attention has shifted to political developments within Iran. Reports circulating in some Iranian media outlets claimed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had resigned from his position. However, the Iranian government has firmly denied these reports. Elias Hazrati, head of Iran’s Information Council, rejected the resignation claims and described them as misinformation spread by individuals seeking to undermine national unity. According to him, certain groups are attempting to create confusion and instability by circulating false rumors. To counter the speculation, the Iranian President’s Office released a video message featuring President Pezeshkian. In the video, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the country and stated that he would continue on the current path with determination and strength for as long as he is able. He also expressed support for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, emphasizing loyalty to the nation’s leadership and honoring those who have sacrificed for the country.

source https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/world-breaking-iran-denies-president-s-resignation-reports-1847345

Trump Pushes For Revisions To Proposed Iran Deal Amid Ongoing Nuclear Dispute: Report

US President Donald Trump has requested further revisions to a proposed agreement with Iran aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and advancing negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme, CBS News reported. The latest development indicates that key differences remain unresolved despite months of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BcHqz4gtoYU?si=bTTJcL6NMe5J7gC9" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h3>Trump Seeks Stronger Terms</h3> According to US media reports, the latest draft agreement includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, provisions related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for renewed discussions on Iran's nuclear activities. However, no formal agreement has been announced. A high-level meeting chaired by Trump in the White House Situation Room on Friday ended without a final decision, despite earlier indications that a breakthrough could be imminent. Speaking to Fox News, Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remained a non-negotiable condition. "The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons," he said. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/myanmar-ammo-depot-blast-kills-50-over-100-houses-damaged-1847316">Myanmar Ammo Depot Blast Kills 50; Over 100 Houses Damaged</a> Trump also indicated that he was not rushing to conclude negotiations, while reports suggested he had sought multiple changes to the draft agreement during and after Friday's discussions. A White House official echoed that position, saying, "President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines." <h3>Key Issues Under Negotiation</h3> According to CBS News, the proposed framework addresses several contentious issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. If finalised, the agreement could potentially lead to the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets through sanctions relief. The framework has previously been described as a memorandum of understanding pending formal approval by both governments. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-florida-judge-scrutinise-trump-10-billion-irs-lawsuit-settlement-amid-allegations-of-fraud-and-collusion-1847180/amp">US Judge To Scrutinise Trump’s $10 Billion IRS Settlement Amid Allegations Of Fraud And Collusion</a> <h3>Iran Remains Cautious</h3> Iranian officials have continued to stress that any agreement must safeguard the country's interests and sovereign rights. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reportedly said Tehran would reject any arrangement lacking adequate guarantees. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also urged caution regarding reports of an imminent breakthrough. "Until a conclusion is reached... everything that is being said now is speculation," he said. Iranian media reported that negotiations remain active, with both sides continuing to exchange proposed amendments to the draft text. Tehran has also reportedly demanded the unfreezing of financial assets before broader nuclear discussions move forward. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-deal-trump-says-close-to-very-good-deal-warns-of-military-action-if-talks-fail-nuclear-programme-hormuz-1847186">Trump Says US-Iran Close To 'Very Good Deal', Warns Of Military Action If Talks Fail</a> <h3>Military Warning Amid Diplomatic Efforts</h3> The negotiations come after months of conflict followed by a tentative ceasefire that began on April 8. Although Trump has repeatedly suggested that an agreement could be close, a final settlement has yet to emerge. Adding pressure to the talks, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that military operations could resume if negotiations fail to meet Washington's objectives. "Our stockpiles are more than suited for that," Hegseth said during remarks in Singapore. The latest round of revisions underscores the continuing disagreements between Washington and Tehran over critical elements of the proposed framework, leaving the future of the agreement uncertain despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-pushes-for-revisions-to-proposed-iran-deal-amid-ongoing-nuclear-dispute-report-1847331

Myanmar Ammo Depot Blast Kills 50; Over 100 Houses Damaged

An explosion at an ammunition storage facility in Namkham, located in Myanmar’s Shan State, has reportedly killed around 50 people and injured more than 60 others. Shan State is one of the regions heavily affected by the country's ongoing civil conflict. The incident came to light while Myanmar President and former military ruler Min Aung Hlaing is on a visit to India from May 30 to June 3. The Myanmar President met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Sunday and is scheduled to receive a ceremonial welcome on Monday. The visit has drawn quiet international attention, as it is uncommon for the head of what many describe as a pseudo-democratic regime to receive such a reception. <h2>Blast Occurred 3 km From China Border</h2> The explosion took place in an area located around 3 kilometres south of the China-Myanmar border. The region is under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group that has been engaged in a guerrilla conflict against Myanmar’s government. A member of a rescue team at the site said that 46 bodies had been recovered by Sunday evening, including six children. The bodies were sent for cremation. The rescuer also said that 74 injured people had been taken to a township hospital. Rescue operations are still underway. More than 100 houses in the surrounding area have reportedly been damaged. <h2>Extensive Damage In Residential Areas</h2> According to Myanmar news agency Shwe Phee Myay, the death toll is estimated to be between 50 and 55. Photographs and videos related to the incident have also been shared. Several residential buildings suffered damage, while local authorities continue to oversee rescue operations at the site. In a statement, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army said that the economic department had stored gelignite, which is used in mining and stone quarrying operations. The material is commonly used for excavation and breaking rocks, but can become explosive if stored for an extended period.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/myanmar-ammo-depot-blast-kills-50-over-100-houses-damaged-1847316

Saturday, May 30, 2026

US Judge To Scrutinise Trump’s $10 Billion IRS Settlement Amid Allegations Of Fraud And Collusion

A federal judge in Florida has signalled that she will examine a controversial settlement between the US Justice Department and President Donald Trump that resolved his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), intensifying legal scrutiny of an agreement that has already drawn criticism from former judges and lawmakers. US District Judge Kathleen Williams ordered Trump's legal team to respond by June 12 to a motion filed by 35 retired federal judges who contend that the settlement was tainted by collusion and deception, Reuters reported. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/26_4PidQXD4?si=SH6Q0Hm_QMLJbuwr" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h3>Judge Raises Questions After Case Dismissal</h3> Trump had sued the federal government over the alleged mishandling of his tax records, claiming their disclosure led to media leaks. The dispute was resolved through a settlement that proposed the creation of a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund for individuals who claim to have been victims of political "weaponisation." Following the agreement, Trump sought to dismiss the lawsuit, a request that Williams granted on May 18. However, in a new order issued Friday, the judge indicated that the court retained authority to examine potential misconduct connected to the settlement. Williams directed Trump's attorneys to address allegations that the case resulted from "deception" and explain why the court should not revisit the matter, the report said. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-can-t-stop-praising-pakistan-congress-slams-hegseth-over-asim-munir-remarks-1847149/amp">‘US Can’t Stop Praising Pakistan’: Congress Slams Hegseth Over Asim Munir Remarks</a> <h3>Retired Judges Challenge Settlement</h3> The motion filed by the retired federal judges argues that the settlement was never formally presented to the court and raises serious concerns about the conduct of both Trump and government officials. According to the filing, the agreement "is a product of collusion and is itself a fraud on the court." The group further argued that the circumstances surrounding the settlement raise broader questions about the integrity of the judicial process and public confidence in the administration of justice. Legal observers noted that it is uncommon for a judge to seek responses to such motions after a case has already been dismissed. If Williams decides to reopen the case, she could schedule hearings or pursue additional judicial review. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pete-hegseth-warns-us-ready-to-strike-iran-again-if-talks-collapse-1847161">Pete Hegseth Warns US Ready To Strike Iran Again If Talks Collapse</a> <h3>Separate Court Blocks Compensation Fund</h3> In a related development, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia temporarily blocked the Trump administration from establishing the proposed "Anti-Weaponisation Fund," Reuters reported. The injunction will remain in place at least until June 12 while legal challenges continue. The proposed fund has generated criticism from across the political spectrum, including some members of Trump's Republican Party, amid concerns that taxpayer money could ultimately benefit individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Critics have characterised the proposed fund as a political "slush fund." ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-fires-hellfire-missile-to-stop-vessel-bound-for-iran-in-gulf-of-oman-1847168">US Fires Hellfire Missile To Stop Vessel Bound For Iran In Gulf Of Oman</a> <h3>Settlement Terms Draw Legal Questions</h3> The agreement contains provisions that have attracted additional scrutiny from legal experts. Among its terms is a restriction preventing the IRS from pursuing audits of Trump, his relatives and his companies concerning tax returns filed before May 18, as well as matters that were previously raised or could have been raised. Legal scholars have described the arrangement as highly unusual, noting that funds of such magnitude are typically established through congressional legislation or administered under court supervision. The combination of a multibillion-dollar settlement, restrictions on future IRS actions and the creation of a large compensation fund has placed the agreement at the centre of a growing legal and political debate.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-florida-judge-scrutinise-trump-10-billion-irs-lawsuit-settlement-amid-allegations-of-fraud-and-collusion-1847180

Karachi Chokes On Toxic Stench As 1.4 Lakh Tonnes Of Waste Piles Up After Eid; Oppn Blames Civic Failure

A sanitation crisis gripped Karachi after Eid-ul-Adha as large quantities of decomposing animal waste and garbage littered streets across the city left residents battling toxic stench, raising concerns over public health and municipal management. The situation exposed persistent shortcomings in the city's waste management system, with many residential neighbourhoods reporting uncleared animal remains days after the conclusion of Eid celebrations. <h3>Residents Complain Of Foul Odours, Unhygienic Conditions</h3> While the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) conducted waste collection operations on major roads and in prominent localities during the three-day festival period, several residential areas continued to struggle with piles of rotting waste. According to reports cited by Dawn, many neighbourhoods remained covered with decomposing animal offal and garbage from Wednesday through Friday, filling the air with an unbearable stench. The combination of extreme heat and high humidity accelerated the decomposition process, causing animal fat and organic waste to spread across roads and public spaces, creating difficult living conditions for residents. Residents complained that the foul smell had become so intense that it was difficult to remain indoors, while concerns grew over the potential health risks associated with the prolonged accumulation of waste. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-can-t-stop-praising-pakistan-congress-slams-hegseth-over-asim-munir-remarks-1847149/amp">‘US Can’t Stop Praising Pakistan’: Congress Slams Hegseth Over Asim Munir Remarks</a> <h3>Opposition Parties Target Provincial Administration</h3> The worsening sanitation crisis sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, which accused the provincial administration of failing to effectively manage post-Eid clean-up operations. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government, describing the situation as a result of "a dangerous combination of corruption and incompetence." He questioned why residents were allegedly forced to arrange private waste collection despite the SSWMB operating with a budget of PKR 43 billion. Rehman said local administrations run by his party had been compelled to organise independent sanitation campaigns and waste disposal drives to assist residents during the festival period. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pete-hegseth-warns-us-ready-to-strike-iran-again-if-talks-collapse-1847161">Pete Hegseth Warns US Ready To Strike Iran Again If Talks Collapse</a> <h3>MQM-P Alleges Collapse Of Sanitation System</h3> The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also launched a strong attack on the authorities, alleging that civic agencies had failed to execute an effective strategy for collecting sacrificial remains. The party claimed that animal waste remained unattended in several areas, including Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Baldia, Keamari, Orangi, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, North Karachi and Surjani Town. According to MQM-P, residents across the city were left struggling with pollution, foul odours and deteriorating sanitary conditions as the sanitation system in many parts of the city had become ineffective. <h3>Karachi Mayor Defends Clean-Up Effort</h3> Despite criticism from residents and opposition leaders, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab defended the municipal response and expressed satisfaction with the clean-up operation. According to an official statement, the mayor said elected representatives and municipal officials remained actively involved throughout the Eid period and supervised waste removal efforts across different parts of the city. He maintained that the overall situation remained under control and praised the performance of sanitation workers involved in the operation. The mayor also said he personally monitored the removal of sacrificial waste alongside SSWMB teams until the collection process was completed. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/aimim-chief-owaisi-sparks-fresh-row-with-close-liquor-shops-during-ramadan-remark-1847144">AIMIM Chief Owaisi Sparks Fresh Row With ‘Close Liquor Shops During Ramadan’ Remark</a> <h3>Authorities Claim Over 1.4 Lakh Tonnes Of Waste Processed</h3> Municipal authorities said extensive arrangements had been made to manage waste generated during Eid-ul-Adha. According to figures released by the SSWMB, more than 142,816 tonnes of animal remains and household waste were processed during the post-Eid operation. The total included 64,122 tonnes of animal offal and 78,694 tonnes of carcass remains and general garbage. Officials said nine disposal trenches and 99 collection points had been established across Karachi to facilitate waste removal. The agency also carried out disinfectant spraying, lime application and fumigation drives in an effort to control odours and maintain hygiene. Despite these measures, complaints continued to emerge from several neighbourhoods, underscoring the challenges facing Karachi's sanitation infrastructure and the growing public frustration over recurring waste management failures during major religious festivals. (With inputs from ANI report)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-chokes-toxic-stench-1-40-000-tonnes-animal-waste-piles-up-eid-al-adha-in-karachi-1847176

US Fires Hellfire Missile To Stop Vessel Bound For Iran In Gulf Of Oman

U.S. forces operating in the Gulf of Oman disabled a Gambia-flagged vessel allegedly attempting to violate Washington’s blockade measures against Iran, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The incident took place on May 29 amid continuing tensions in the region despite an ongoing ceasefire with Iran. <h2 data-section-id="h0eg5d" data-start="337" data-end="380">Vessel Disabled After Multiple Warnings</h2> According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces observed the commercial vessel, identified as M/V Lian Star, transiting international waters toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/A0a2tUJfUE">https://t.co/A0a2tUJfUE</a> — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://ift.tt/7WdpgLy 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/YdNSEeq" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> The statement said U.S. forces issued more than 20 warnings to the vessel, informing its crew that it was violating the U.S. blockade. After the crew allegedly failed to comply, a U.S. aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, disabling the vessel. “A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room after Lian Star’s crew failed to comply,” the statement said. CENTCOM added that the vessel “is no longer transiting to Iran.” <h2 data-section-id="wdij4k" data-start="1049" data-end="1089">CENTCOM Details Blockade Enforcement</h2> The U.S. military said the action was part of broader efforts to enforce blockade measures in the region. According to the statement, U.S. forces have so far disabled five commercial vessels and redirected 116 others while implementing the blockade. The operations are continuing even as a ceasefire with Iran remains in effect, CENTCOM said. <h2 data-section-id="xrw4s" data-start="1437" data-end="1472">Tensions Persist In Gulf Region</h2> The latest development comes amid heightened security concerns across key maritime routes in the Gulf region, including the Gulf of Oman, which remains strategically important for global energy shipments and commercial shipping activity.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-fires-hellfire-missile-to-stop-vessel-bound-for-iran-in-gulf-of-oman-1847168

Russia Recalls Armenia Envoy Amid Growing EU Ties Tensions

Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru <h2>What you need to know</h2> <ul> <li>Armenia has strong economic ties with Moscow</li> <li>The government argues that Russia and allies failed to help Armenia in the 2020 and 2023 wars with Azerbaijan</li> <li>Russia says Armenia can't be both in the EU and the Russian-led Eurasian economic bloc</li> <li>Putin stressed that Russia's conflict with Ukraine started over Kyiv's seeking to join the European Union</li> </ul> Russia announced on Saturday it had recalled its ambassador to Yerevan over Armenia's efforts to strengthen its ties with the European Union. Armenia historically has strong economic, diplomatic and security ties to Russia, but its government has in recent years increasingly pivoted toward the West. The Caucasian country held an Armenia-EU summit earlier in May, which Brussels hailed as a "leap forward" in ties. <h2>Why did Russia recall its ambassador to Armenia?</h2> Moscow said that Armenia's rapprochement with Brussels could undermine its membership in a Russian-led economic bloc. "The Russian ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, S. Kopyrkin, has been recalled to Moscow for consultations on steps taken by the Armenian leadership on a rapprochement with the European Union, undermining cooperation within Eurasian Economic Union," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is a single market which, besides Armenia, is also made up of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Moscow has previously stressed that Armenia can't be a member both of the EU and the EEU. <h2>Putin cites 'Ukrainian scenario' in warning to Yerevan</h2> The statement comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin tied the dispute with Armenia to what he called the "Ukrainian scenario," saying that Moscow's military confrontation with Kyiv began after Ukraine began to seek closer ties to the European Union. During a EEU summit in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, on Friday, Putin also called for Armenia to hold a swift referendum on whether its citizens wish to remain in the Moscow-led bloc or instead go ahead with advancing EU accession talks. At the same summit, the Eurasian bloc's leaders warned that Armenia's plans to apply for EU candidacy posed "significant risks" for their economic security and ordered officials to prepare a report on the "possible consequences of suspending" Armenia's membership in the EEU. Russia has also warned Yerevan it could halt supplies of cheap Russian natural gas to Armenia and ban imports of Armenian brandy, fruit and vegetables, which Putin said could make Armenia lose at least 14% of its GDP. <h2>Why is Armenia pivoting away from Russia?</h2> Armenia began to pivot away from Moscow after it was defeated in 2020 and 2023 wars with Azerbaijan, which led to the effective dissolution of the breakaway republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. The territory was within Azerbaijan's internationally recognized borders but had been governed by Armenian separatists since a war in the 1990s, and the 2023 war led to the exile of the vast majority of its population, largely ethnic Armenians. The wars were also accompanied by border skirmishes with Azerbaijan that affected internationally-recognized Armenian territory. Yerevan froze its membership in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in 2024, saying that in not defending Armenia from Azerbaijan, member states effectively failed to honor mutual defense obligations. While Armenia has not formally applied for EU candidacy yet, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government has declared its intention to make a membership bid. Armenia has also agreed to a US-brokered peace deal to normalize its relations with Azerbaijan and establish an economic transit corridor that would allow Baku to connect to its exclave of Nakhchivan. Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google by clicking here and hitting the "star" or "preferred" button, so you'll always see our verified news first. Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/russia-recalls-armenia-envoy-amid-growing-eu-ties-tensions-1847165