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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

Friday, May 29, 2026

Iran-US Relations: Iran Says No Final Agreement Reached with the United States

Iran has denied reports suggesting that a final agreement has been reached with the United States. Speaking on the issue, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that no deal has been finalized between the two countries so far. He emphasized that Iran's immediate priority remains ending the ongoing conflict rather than engaging in negotiations on other matters. Baghaei also clarified that discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program are not currently on the agenda. According to him, the focus at present is solely on efforts to bring the war to an end. Addressing another key issue, he said that decisions concerning the management of the Strait of Hormuz should be made by Iran and Oman. The statement comes amid growing international attention on possible diplomatic developments between Tehran and Washington. However, Iran's latest remarks indicate that no formal agreement has been concluded and that resolving the conflict remains the country's primary concern at this stage.

source https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/world-iran-us-relations-iran-says-no-final-agreement-reached-with-the-united-states-1847047

US Judge Orders Trump’s Name Removed From Kennedy Center; President Calls Ruling ‘Unfair’

A federal court in Washington, D.C., has dealt a major setback to President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape one of America’s most prominent cultural institutions, ruling that his name must be removed from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The decision, handed down by Judge Christopher Cooper, states that the Kennedy Center cannot be renamed without authorization from Congress. In addition to blocking the renaming effort, the court also rejected plans that would have allowed the temporary closure of the venue for a broader renovation initiative. <h3>Court Says Congress Holds Final Authority</h3> Under the ruling, all references to Trump must be removed from the institution’s official identity within 14 days. The order covers the center’s title, exterior signage, and all related materials, including printed documents and online platforms. The legal dispute centers on Trump’s move to attach his name to the iconic arts venue as part of a larger effort to rebrand key institutions in the nation’s capital. While Trump maintained that the Kennedy Center’s board had approved the decision, the court concluded that such a change falls exclusively under congressional authority, as per reports. Judge Cooper’s ruling effectively invalidates the renaming effort, reaffirming that decisions involving the institution’s official designation require legislative approval. ALSO READ: <a title="Trump To Accept Only Iran Deal That Meets His ‘Red Lines’: White House After Security Meeting" href="https://ift.tt/sRTYlyW" target="_self">Trump To Accept Only Iran Deal That Meets His ‘Red Lines’: White House After Security Meeting</a> <h3>Kennedy Center Plans Appeal</h3> Following the judgment, a spokesperson for the Kennedy Center confirmed that the organization intends to challenge the ruling through the appeals process. Trump also reacted publicly, using his social media platform Truth Social to criticize the decision and outline his next steps. He indicated that he would seek congressional involvement regarding the future governance of the center. He further suggested that his participation in the project could end if he is not granted broader authority to implement his plans, describing the situation as a “hopeless journey.” ALSO READ: <a title="How India Is Moving Ships Through Strait Of Hormuz Amid Rising Risks" href="https://ift.tt/Xbma5U8" target="_self">How India Is Moving Ships Through Strait Of Hormuz Amid Rising Risks</a> <h3>Renovation Vision Faces Continued Legal Hurdles</h3> The dispute extends beyond the center’s name. Trump has promoted an ambitious redevelopment proposal that includes the construction of a 250-foot arch and a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site formerly occupied by the White House’s East Wing. Although a federal appeals court has allowed the ballroom proposal to proceed, other portions of the broader redevelopment agenda remain entangled in ongoing legal battles. Trump has repeatedly argued that the Kennedy Center requires significant upgrades, citing concerns about aging infrastructure. He has claimed that structural deterioration and safety issues, including problems with support beams and parking facilities, make major repairs necessary to protect visitors.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-name-removed-from-kennedy-center-judge-christopher-cooper-orders-washington-dc-1847029

Trump To Accept Only Iran Deal That Meets His ‘Red Lines’: White House After Security Meeting

The White House said President Donald Trump will support only an agreement with Iran that aligns with US interests and his stated “red lines,” including preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The statement followed a national security meeting took place in the White House Situation Room on Friday and lasted for approximately two hours, CNN reported. The White House also refrained from announcing any policy decision following Trump’s high-level meeting, even though the President had earlier indicated the discussion would help him reach a “final determination” on matters concerning Iran. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6i_tpmrmaH0?si=99WPf5juOgHT82V-" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h3>White House Reiterates Trump’s Conditions</h3> In a statement released after the discussions concluded, a White House official stressed that any future understanding with Tehran would have to satisfy the President’s key demands. “The Situation Room meeting has concluded and lasted approximately two hours. President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon,” the official said. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-news-update-no-nuclear-bomb-open-hormuz-immediately-trump-sets-terms-for-iran-1847004">Trump Claims 'Hormuz To Remain Toll-Free'; Iran Calls Remarks 'Mix Of Truth & Lies'</a> Before the meeting, Trump had said he was convening his national security team “to make a final determination.” He also publicly outlined several requirements he believes Iran must accept as part of any arrangement aimed at easing tensions between the two countries. “Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb,” Trump declared. In a post on Truth Social, the President also called for unrestricted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. “The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions. All water mines (bombs), if any, will be terminated (we have removed, through detonation, numerous such mines with our great underwater mine sweepers. Iran will complete the immediate removal and/or detonation of any mines that are left, which will not be many)!” Trump said. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-news-live-update-how-india-is-moving-ships-through-strait-of-hormuz-amid-rising-risks-1847010">How India Is Moving Ships Through Strait Of Hormuz Amid Rising Risks</a> <h3>Tehran Rejects Claims Of A Final Understanding</h3> Iran later dismissed reports suggesting that a final agreement had been reached and rejected the notion that it would act in response to foreign demands, according to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV. Speaking to state television, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran does not accept directives from Western governments. “Tehran has said goodbye to the language of 'must' 47 years ago. None of the Western parties can use the language of 'must' when they talk about the Islamic Republic of Iran. We make our own decisions based on the interests and rights of the Iranian nation,” Baghaei said. <h3>Questions Remain Over Reported Ceasefire Framework</h3> The diplomatic impasse emerged amid reports of a proposed 60-day memorandum of understanding intended to preserve a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. According to reports, the framework would include an Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons. Initial discussions during the 60-day period were also expected to focus on the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and possible restrictions on enrichment activities. However, Baghaei denied that any negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme had taken place between the two countries. “Regarding the nuclear issue, we have no negotiations,” he said. His remarks stand in contrast to Trump’s repeated assertions that the United States has made clear to Tehran that uranium enrichment cannot continue if it is linked to the development of nuclear weapons. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/exclusive-pak-s-us-influence-op-exposed-lobbying-firm-hired-to-access-white-house-pentagon-1846990">Exclusive: Pak's US Influence Op Exposed; Lobbying Firm Hired To Access White House, Pentagon</a> <h3>Strait Of Hormuz Remains A Key Issue</h3> Baghaei also addressed Trump’s comments on the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that the strategically important waterway falls within the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman. He said the two coastal nations have a responsibility to balance national security interests with the need to guarantee safe international shipping. “Certainly Iran and Oman, as two responsible countries, must adopt mechanisms that preserve their national interests and security as coastal states and also give the international community assurance that shipping through this route is conducted safely,” he said. With both sides maintaining sharply different positions, no immediate breakthrough appeared to emerge from Friday’s discussions, leaving uncertainty over the prospects for any future US-Iran agreement.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-to-accept-only-iran-deal-that-meets-his-red-lines-white-house-says-after-security-meeting-1847025