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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

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Trump Could Feature On $250 Bill Amid White House's Push Ahead Of America's 250th Anniversary

US President Donald Trump could soon appear on a proposed $250 currency note as part of a plan linked to celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary, according to reports and statements from US officials. The proposal, first reported by the Washington Post on Thursday, would mark a major break from longstanding American tradition, as it could become the first instance in nearly 150 years of a living individual appearing on US currency. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b9KrOi5rvks?si=OzF7e6X1IsYZ4V1v" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that legislation seeking to permit the move is currently under consideration in Congress. “Right now there is proposed legislation -- front of the House, in front of the Senate -- to change the first requirement so that a living person, Donald J. Trump, could be on a $250 bill,” Bessent said during a media briefing on Thursday. “I don't think that there's anything untoward about having the President of the United States, the person who's president of the United States, on the 250th anniversary bill,” he added. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-says-us-aircraft-downed-near-bushehr-centcom-denies-claim-1846797">Iran Says US Aircraft Downed Near Bushehr; CENTCOM Denies Claim</a> <h3>Treasury Preparing For Possible Approval</h3> According to the Washington Post, two Trump-appointed Treasury Department officials reportedly urged staff at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing last year to begin preparing prototype designs for the proposed note. A design mock-up obtained by the newspaper reportedly carried the words “America 250 anniversary,” referencing the United States declaring independence on July 4, 1776. Bessent stated that while preparations had been made in advance, the Treasury Department would continue to follow existing legal procedures. A Treasury Department spokesperson told AFP that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is “conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” regarding the proposal. The spokesperson also clarified that US Treasurer Brandon Beach had not directed officials to print the currency before any congressional approval. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-severs-un-ties-after-accuses-body-of-equating-with-hamas-on-violence-blacklist-antnio-guterres-1846803">Israel Severs UN Ties After Accusing Body Of Equating It With Hamas On Sexual Violence Blacklist</a> <h3>Legal Concerns Raised By Officials</h3> The proposal has reportedly raised concerns within the Bureau of Engraving and Printing because federal law prohibits living presidents from appearing on US currency. Employees cited by the Washington Post, speaking anonymously, said senior officials had warned about legal and procedural complications tied to the plan. According to the report, Bureau director Patricia Solimene had expressed concerns to Treasury officials, including Brandon Beach, regarding potential violations of federal regulations. The newspaper further reported that Solimene was later reassigned from her position. <h3>Debate Over Trump’s Expanding Public Presence</h3> The proposal comes amid broader criticism from Trump’s opponents, who accuse the administration of increasingly placing the president’s image and name across national institutions and public symbols. Earlier this year, the US Commission of Fine Arts approved the minting of a commemorative “Semiquincentennial Gold Coin” made of 24-carat gold. In recent months, institutions including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the US Institute of Peace have reportedly been rebranded to include Trump’s name. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/abp-exclusive-air-force-may-help-transport-re-neet-papers-says-dharmendra-pradhan-on-leak-cbse-row-1846787">Exclusive | Air Force May Help Transport Re-NEET Papers, Says Dharmendra Pradhan on Leak, CBSE Row</a> Trump’s likeness has also appeared on banners displayed at the Department of Justice and the Department of Agriculture, while the State Department has indicated that his image may soon feature in certain US passports. Legislation allowing Trump to appear on a $250 bill was introduced in Congress last year but has not advanced significantly so far. Democratic lawmakers strongly criticised the proposal, with Senator Mark Warner calling it an attempt by the White House to blatantly “stoke the president’s ego.”

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-officials-push-for-250-currency-notes-featuring-his-portrait-white-house-america-250-anniversary-plan-1846812

Israel Severs UN Ties After Accusing Body Of Equating It With Hamas On Sexual Violence Blacklist

Israeli officials have launched a fierce attack on the United Nations following reports that Israeli institutions could be included in a U.N. register of parties accused of sexual violence during armed conflict. The backlash has triggered a major diplomatic confrontation, with Israel announcing that it will suspend all engagement with the office of U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, accused the U.N. leadership of drawing a false equivalence between Israel and internationally designated terror organizations. <h3>Israel Announces Freeze In Relations</h3> Danon’s office confirmed that Israel would cut off contact with the Secretary-General’s office for as long as Guterres remains in his post. The move came after reports suggested Israeli bodies were being added to a confidential annex attached to the U.N.’s annual report on sexual violence in conflict zones. According to Danon, Israel views the reported decision as politically motivated and deeply biased, as per reports. He argued that the U.N. had ignored Israel’s democratic institutions and legal mechanisms while advancing accusations against the country. In a video statement, Danon said Israeli authorities had opened the door for U.N. representatives to examine the allegations independently, but claimed those invitations were rejected. He further accused the international body of continuing what he described as an anti-Israel campaign fueled by selective reporting and political pressure. ALSO READ: <a title="Exclusive | Air Force May Help Transport Re-NEET Papers, Says Dharmendra Pradhan on Leak, CBSE Row" href="https://ift.tt/Ft2S0IL" target="_self">Exclusive | Air Force May Help Transport Re-NEET Papers, Says Dharmendra Pradhan on Leak, CBSE Row</a> <h3>UN Yet To Officially Confirm List</h3> The United Nations has not formally confirmed whether Israeli entities will appear on the list. The Secretary-General’s annual report on conflict-related sexual violence has also not yet been released publicly. Traditionally, the report contains an annex naming armed groups, governments, and institutions accused of committing sexual violence during conflicts. Inclusion on the list often brings intense international scrutiny and calls for accountability measures. The reported development has nevertheless sparked immediate political outrage in Israel, with officials insisting the comparison to extremist groups is unacceptable. ALSO READ: <a title="US Launches Fresh Strikes In Iran Near Hormuz, Downs Drones; Explosions Reported Near Military Site" href="https://ift.tt/7pE0aTR" target="_self">US Launches Fresh Strikes In Iran Near Hormuz, Downs Drones; Explosions Reported Near Military Site</a> <h3>Allegations Detailed In Rights Reports</h3> The controversy comes amid growing international attention over allegations made by human rights organizations and media investigations concerning the treatment of Palestinian detainees. Earlier this month, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof published an opinion article citing testimonies from Palestinians who alleged sexual abuse and mistreatment while in Israeli detention facilities. Kristof wrote that while there was no indication senior Israeli leaders had ordered such crimes, he believed systemic failures had allowed abuse to occur repeatedly. His article described allegations that included rape using objects, assaults targeting detainees’ genitals, threats of sexual violence, and humiliation during detention. The report also referenced findings and allegations documented by groups including Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, Save the Children, B’Tselem, and the Committee to Protect Journalists. Kristof additionally cited an earlier U.N. report that alleged Palestinians had been subjected to systematic sexualized torture.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-severs-un-ties-after-accuses-body-of-equating-with-hamas-on-violence-blacklist-antnio-guterres-1846803

Iran Says US Aircraft Downed Near Bushehr; CENTCOM Denies Claim

The United States has rejected Iranian media reports alleging that an American aircraft was brought down over Iran’s Bushehr province, with US officials insisting that no US military aircraft had been destroyed near the region. The denial came after Iranian state television reported early Friday that a “hostile aircraft” had been intercepted and shot down in the Jam area of Bushehr province. The report cited Jam County governor Masoud Tangestani, who claimed Iranian air defence systems had successfully targeted the aircraft. “The incident tonight involved the downing of a hostile aircraft,” semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Tangestani as saying, while adding that normalcy had since returned to the city. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XeKsGfVWa8U?si=C1Tfsy0rFx--bBaC" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> However, the US military swiftly dismissed the claim. “No U.S. aircraft were shot down. ⁠All U.S. air assets are accounted for,” the U.S. ⁠Central Command said in a post ⁠on X. US Central Command (CENTCOM) also reiterated that reports aired on Iranian state television regarding the alleged incident near Bushehr were inaccurate. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🚫CLAIM: Iran's state TV claimed Iranian forces downed a U.S. aircraft near Bushehr. FALSE. ✅TRUTH: No U.S. aircraft were shot down. All U.S. air assets are accounted for. <a href="https://t.co/2EaKJ2Fj3d">pic.twitter.com/2EaKJ2Fj3d</a> — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://ift.tt/mMQHhDf 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/ZUrv2lw" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-ceasefire-may-be-extended-by-60-days-awaits-trump-approval-reports-1846791">US-Iran Ceasefire May Be Extended By 60 Days, Awaits Trump Approval: Reports</a> <h3>Ceasefire Extension Under Discussion</h3> The conflicting claims emerged amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at extending an existing ceasefire and easing restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to sources cited by Reuters, the United States and Iran reached a preliminary understanding on Thursday to prolong the truce for another 60 days. The proposed arrangement would also permit commercial traffic to continue moving through the strategically important waterway while negotiators address unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme. If formally approved by leadership in both countries, the agreement would mark the most significant de-escalation since hostilities began on February 28. US President Donald Trump has yet to approve the proposed arrangement, according to Reuters. Iranian authorities have also not officially endorsed the deal. Iran’s Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to the negotiating team, reported that the text of the agreement had not yet been finalised or confirmed. “We're not there yet, but we're very close and we're going to keep on working at it,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters in Washington. “I can't guarantee that we're going to get there, but right now I feel pretty good about it,” Vance added. The Trump administration has repeatedly indicated that a breakthrough agreement was imminent, though Iranian officials have often disputed or downplayed those assertions.  ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-oman-blow-up-next-amid-iran-conflict-us-prez-escalates-threats-over-hormuz-standoff-1846591">Trump To ‘Blow Up’ Oman Next? US Prez Escalates Threats Over Hormuz Standoff Amid Iran Conflict</a> <h3>Fresh Military Exchanges</h3> The latest controversy also followed renewed military exchanges between the two countries. Earlier, US Central Command stated that American forces had intercepted five Iranian attack drones and struck a ground control station in the port city of Bandar Abbas that was allegedly preparing to launch a sixth drone. Kuwaiti authorities later intercepted a ballistic missile reportedly fired towards the country, which hosts a major US military base. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently claimed responsibility for targeting the US base linked to the Bandar Abbas operation and warned that any further attacks would trigger a “more decisive response”, according to Tasnim news agency. Kuwait condemned the missile launch and urged Iran to immediately halt what it described as a dangerous escalation. Separately, reports also emerged that the IRGC had targeted four vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz, including ships allegedly connected to the United States. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-attacks-us-airbase-in-retaliation-for-american-strikes-near-bandar-abbas-irgc-strait-of-hormuz-1846606">Iran Targets US Airbase In Retaliation For American Strikes Near Bandar Abbas</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-says-us-aircraft-downed-near-bushehr-centcom-denies-claim-1846797

US-Iran Ceasefire May Be Extended By 60 Days, Awaits Trump Approval: Reports

The US and Iranian negotiators have agreed to extend the current ceasefire for another 60 days, unnamed sources told the US outlet Axios as well as the Associated Press, Reuters and AFP. However, the deal is still awaiting the approval of US President Donald Trump. According to the reports, the deal would restart nuclear talks and allow free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The White House did not immediately comment on the reports. 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/us-iran-ceasefire-may-be-extended-by-60-days-awaits-trump-approval-reports-1846791