Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged the difficulty of the task and provided no operational details but indicated that other countries were prepared to assist. “It won’t be easy, we will have that open fairly soon,” he said, adding that multiple nations reliant on the waterway were offering support.

The Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has seen traffic severely curtailed since Tehran effectively blocked passage following the outbreak of hostilities. The disruption has triggered sharp volatility in global energy markets and raised concerns over supply security.

The conflict escalated after U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Israel and U.S. military installations in Gulf states. The broader regional confrontation has resulted in significant casualties, mass displacement and sustained pressure on oil prices.Trump has also pressed allies to contribute more actively to securing the waterway.

Following talks with the U.S. president, Mark Rutte urged European governments to provide concrete commitments within days, according to Reuters reporting.A fragile ceasefire announced earlier this week between Washington and Tehran has yet to restore normal shipping flows through the strait.

Separately, the United Kingdom is set to convene another meeting next week involving countries seeking to reestablish safe maritime transit through the strait. The discussions are expected to include senior officials and focus on coordinated diplomatic, economic and potential security measures to ensure passage for commercial vessels.

The meeting follows earlier consultations involving dozens of countries, including foreign ministers and military planners, as governments weigh options ranging from sanctions on Iran to maritime security operations once conditions permit.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said a credible plan is needed to reopen the route and stabilize global trade flows.

The “Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards” is a global initiative recognizing efforts aligned with the UN SDG Action Campaign and the broader Sustainable Development Goals agenda.

The awards, launched as part of the SDG Global Festival of Action, highlight work across areas including climate action, gender equality, education and peacebuilding.

Marina Ponti, global director of the campaign, said the program aims to amplify voices from underserved communities leading transformative change. She described awardees as individuals who act decisively despite constraints and demonstrate commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable world.

Ponti said the 2026 edition will feature three categories: Changemaker, recognizing leadership in justice and peace; Creativity, focusing on initiatives using art and innovation; and Resilience, highlighting efforts addressing conflict, inequality and climate pressures.

Past awardees include Syrian refugee Jin Dawod, whose mental health platform supports displaced communities across 26 countries, and Julienne Lusenge, known for her work supporting survivors of gender-based violence and advancing peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to Ponti, the program has received around 5,500 applications from 190 countries in recent years, with entries assessed on impact, scalability and innovation, alongside what she described as a distinguishing “wow factor.”

She noted disparities in application volumes due to barriers such as language and access, with a higher share of submissions coming from English-speaking countries. The campaign is exploring measures to improve inclusivity through expanded outreach, language support and partnerships.

Ponti added that governments can strengthen participation by investing in local initiatives through funding, training and capacity-building programs to help scale grassroots solutions.

Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony scheduled for later in the year.

Zelensky said Kyiv had deployed several hundred military specialists to the Middle East following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, aiming to share its experience in countering drone threats and safeguarding maritime routes.

“Ukrainian military personnel are taking part in consultations on the further operation of the Strait of Hormuz. Safe navigation is a global value; we know this from our experience defending the Black Sea,” Zelensky said in his evening address.

Ukraine has relied on asymmetric tactics and technological innovations during its war with Russia, including the use of naval drones, to counter attempts to restrict access to the Black Sea, a critical corridor for its economy and military operations.

Zelensky said interest in Ukraine’s defense capabilities is expanding beyond Europe, with diplomats receiving requests from Asian countries seeking cooperation on maritime security and related technologies.He did not identify the countries involved but said officials had been instructed to engage on the requests promptly.

Ukraine’s participation in Hormuz-related discussions reflects growing international focus on securing key maritime chokepoints amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global energy and trade flows.

The milestone was reached roughly two days, five hours and 24 minutes after launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to NASA, with onboard crew reporting visible views of the Moon and newly released images capturing Earth from deep space.

“We can see the Moon out of the docking hatch right now, it is a beautiful sight,” astronaut Christina Koch said during a live broadcast late Friday, describing the moment the crew was informed they had passed the midpoint.

NASA’s tracking data showed the Orion spacecraft continuing on its trajectory as astronauts conducted system checks and onboard tests following an intense launch sequence and critical engine burn that set the spacecraft on course toward lunar orbit.

Crew member Jeremy Hansen described the experience as “extraordinary” during a media interaction, noting this was his first journey into space. “The views are extraordinary,” he said, adding that floating in zero gravity felt “like a little kid.

”The four-member crew also includes Victor Glover and mission commander Reid Wiseman, who has been credited by NASA officials for capturing detailed images of Earth showing oceans and cloud formations.

NASA said all systems aboard Orion were functioning normally, with astronauts in “great spirits” and maintaining contact with family members while continuing mission tasks, including medical checks and preparation for scientific observations during the closest approach to the Moon.

The next key phase is expected late Sunday into Monday, when the spacecraft enters the Moon’s gravitational sphere of influence, marking a transition where lunar gravity becomes the dominant force acting on Orion.

If successful, the mission could see the crew travel farther from Earth than any humans in history as the spacecraft loops around the Moon, an achievement not completed in more than five decades.

“There is nothing normal about this,” Wiseman said earlier, describing the mission as a significant technical and human undertaking.

The Artemis II mission forms part of NASA’s broader program to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustained presence, with future plans aimed at building a permanent lunar base to support deeper space exploration.

The suspect, Park Wang-yeol, was serving a 60-year sentence for the murder of three South Koreans when he was transferred to Seoul for investigation.

Authorities said the extradition was arranged after President Lee Jae Myung requested cooperation from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during a summit earlier.

Officials from South Korea’s foreign and justice ministries said the transfer was conducted under a temporary clause that suspends the inmate’s sentence in the Philippines to allow prosecution at home. Park arrived in Seoul under police escort and was immediately placed in custody.

Authorities allege that Park, believed to be 47, orchestrated a drug trafficking operation from prison, coordinating with accomplices in South Korea to smuggle and distribute large quantities of illegal narcotics.

Justice ministry and police officials declined to confirm details regarding the scale or financial value of the operation. However, some local media reports have estimated that the network distributed up to 60 kilograms of methamphetamine per month, with a street value of around 30 billion won (about $20 million).

South Korea has reported a steady rise in illegal drug use in recent years, despite stringent enforcement measures and crackdowns targeting imports and domestic distribution networks.

Security concerns over prison operationsOfficials said Park had escaped from Philippine custody twice, citing lapses in prison supervision that allegedly allowed inmates access to smuggled mobile phones to continue criminal activities.

In a statement, South Korea’s foreign ministry said bringing Park to trial domestically was necessary to prevent similar cases of criminals directing illegal operations while incarcerated abroad.

President Lee also expressed gratitude to Marcos, stating that authorities would pursue individuals harming the country “to the end of the earth.

”Philippine officials were not immediately available for comment.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent separate cables to the current President of Cyprus, expressing heartfelt condolences after the passing of the former leader. The messages also extended sympathy to the family of the late president and to the people of Cyprus during this period of mourning.

George Vassiliou, who passed away at the age of 94, served as President of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993. His tenure is remembered for a focus on dialogue, economic cooperation, and engagement with regional and international partners during a significant period in the country’s modern political history.

During his years in office, Vassiliou was known for emphasizing diplomacy and openness, particularly in areas related to trade and international cooperation. His leadership coincided with a time when Cyprus was strengthening its global economic and political connections.

Saudi Arabia’s expression of condolences reflects a broader tradition of diplomatic respect shown toward other nations and their leaders. Such gestures are seen as an important element of international relations, reinforcing goodwill and shared human values beyond political differences.

The cables sent by the Saudi leadership acknowledged the contributions made by the former Cypriot president to his country. They also recognized the sense of loss felt by the Cypriot people, emphasizing solidarity in times of national mourning.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Cyprus have historically included cooperation in trade, tourism, and regional dialogue. Diplomatic exchanges and mutual respect have helped maintain constructive ties between the two countries over the years.

Expressions of condolence from heads of state often serve to reaffirm diplomatic bonds while honoring the legacy of leaders who have played a role on the international stage. In this context, the Saudi leadership’s messages underline the importance of empathy and respect in global affairs.

George Vassiliou’s public life extended beyond his presidency, as he remained engaged in discussions related to economic development and international cooperation. His contributions continue to be acknowledged by leaders and institutions around the world.

For Cyprus, the passing of a former president represents not only a personal loss for his family but also a moment of reflection on national history. Tributes from international partners add to the recognition of his role in shaping the country’s political and economic path.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership frequently conveys condolences on the passing of prominent international figures, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as an active and considerate participant in global diplomacy. Such messages are part of a broader commitment to respectful engagement with the international community.

As Cyprus remembers one of its former leaders, messages of sympathy from abroad underscore the shared values of respect, remembrance, and international cooperation. These gestures contribute to maintaining positive relations and mutual understanding between nations.

Japan and Qatar have reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, highlighting a shared vision for sustainable growth and long term partnership.

The renewed engagement reflects mutual trust, strategic dialogue, and a desire to strengthen ties that benefit both nations and their people.

The discussions emphasized the importance of continuous diplomatic engagement as a foundation for economic stability and international collaboration.

Both sides acknowledged that regular high level dialogue plays a key role in aligning priorities and expanding opportunities for cooperation.

Energy cooperation remained a central pillar of the partnership, with a focus on reliable supply chains and long standing collaboration.

The dialogue underlined how energy security supports industrial growth, economic planning, and broader development objectives.

Economic cooperation was highlighted as an area of growing momentum, driven by investment flows, trade expansion, and private sector participation.

Both countries recognized the value of creating a favorable environment for businesses, innovation, and joint ventures.

Infrastructure development and strategic investment were also discussed as engines for inclusive growth and long term resilience.]

The partnership aims to support projects that contribute to national development plans and regional connectivity.

Education and academic exchange were noted as important drivers of people to people ties and knowledge sharing.

Universities and research institutions from both countries continue to explore collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.

Cultural exchange was recognized as a meaningful way to strengthen mutual understanding and social connection.

Such initiatives help promote shared values, heritage appreciation, and long lasting goodwill between communities.

Sports cooperation and international events were mentioned as platforms that foster friendship and global engagement.

These exchanges encourage youth participation, cultural dialogue, and positive international visibility.

The ministers also discussed cooperation in sustainable development and environmental initiatives.

Shared efforts in this area support global goals while aligning with national sustainability strategies.

Humanitarian collaboration and development assistance were highlighted as areas where both countries can combine strengths.

Joint initiatives aim to support capacity building, social development, and community resilience.

The dialogue reflected confidence in the steady progress achieved through previous agreements and joint frameworks.

Both sides expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in emerging sectors and future oriented projects.

Strong institutional mechanisms were acknowledged as essential for monitoring progress and ensuring effective implementation.

These structures help translate shared commitments into practical outcomes and measurable results.

The partnership was described as forward looking, balanced, and grounded in mutual respect.

It continues to evolve in response to global changes and shared aspirations.

Both countries reaffirmed their intention to maintain close coordination and constructive engagement.

This approach supports stability, growth, and positive contributions to the wider international community.

The renewed commitment signals continuity, trust, and a shared determination to deepen bilateral ties.

It reflects a relationship built on dialogue, cooperation, and long term strategic alignment.

He highlighted that balanced diplomacy and open communication are key to maintaining trust and avoiding misunderstandings in a region deeply connected through trade, culture, and shared security interests.

Speaking in the context of broader regional relations, the South Korean leadership underlined that Seoul prefers constructive engagement over involvement in disagreements between other nations.

The focus, he said, should remain on dialogue, confidence-building measures, and practical cooperation that benefits people across borders.

South Korea has consistently positioned itself as a supporter of multilateralism and peaceful coexistence in East Asia.

By encouraging restraint and understanding, Seoul aims to contribute to an environment where differences are addressed through diplomatic channels rather than confrontation.

Regional stability plays a crucial role in sustaining economic momentum across Northeast Asia, one of the world’s most interconnected economic zones.

South Korea’s approach reflects its reliance on smooth regional ties to support supply chains, investment flows, tourism, and technological collaboration.

The president also pointed to the importance of regular high-level meetings and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding among neighboring countries.

Such engagement, he noted, helps reduce tensions, build familiarity, and reinforce shared commitments to peace and prosperity.

In recent years, South Korea has expanded its diplomatic outreach, balancing relationships with major regional partners while maintaining an independent and pragmatic foreign policy.

This strategy allows Seoul to act as a stabilizing presence, supporting dialogue and cooperation without escalating sensitive issues.

Observers note that South Korea’s emphasis on non-interference aligns with international norms that respect sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution.

By avoiding inflammatory rhetoric, Seoul seeks to keep regional discussions focused on shared challenges such as economic recovery, climate resilience, and public health.

The president reiterated that sustainable peace in East Asia depends on trust, predictability, and adherence to international law.

He added that all countries benefit when regional dynamics are managed through patience, diplomacy, and long-term vision.

South Korea continues to strengthen bilateral ties with regional partners through cultural exchanges, economic agreements, and security dialogues.

These efforts are designed to reinforce a cooperative framework that can withstand periods of uncertainty and global change.

Looking ahead, Seoul plans to prioritize diplomacy that emphasizes common ground rather than differences.

This includes promoting regional forums, encouraging transparent communication, and supporting initiatives that foster mutual confidence.

South Korea’s message reflects a broader aspiration for East Asia to remain a zone of opportunity rather than tension.

By advocating calm and dialogue, Seoul signals its commitment to contributing positively to regional peace and shared development.

The United States is reshaping its global climate engagement, prioritising national interests and domestic energy strategy while prompting renewed debate on international cooperation and sustainability.

The United States has announced plans to withdraw from several climate-related United Nations treaties, marking a significant shift in how the country approaches global environmental agreements. The move reflects a broader strategy focused on domestic priorities and energy independence.

President Donald Trump outlined the decision in a memo to senior officials, listing dozens of international organisations and UN entities from which the US intends to disengage. The administration has framed the move as an effort to realign policy with national economic and strategic interests.

Among the agreements affected is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, widely regarded as a foundational international climate accord. The treaty has historically shaped global climate cooperation and served as the parent agreement to later climate initiatives.

The United States has also stepped away from participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. American scientists have long contributed to the body’s research, which assesses climate science and informs global policy discussions.

The administration argues that some international climate institutions conflict with US priorities such as oil, gas, and mining development. Officials say the shift allows greater flexibility in supporting domestic industries and resource security.

Supporters of the move say it could open space for alternative approaches to environmental policy. They argue that innovation, market-driven solutions, and national strategies can address climate challenges without binding international commitments.

Legal experts have noted that the withdrawal process may require further review. Some treaties were approved by the US Senate decades ago, raising questions about the formal steps needed to complete an exit.

International responses have been mixed, with global officials and environmental groups expressing concern. At the same time, the decision has sparked renewed discussion about how climate cooperation can evolve in a changing geopolitical landscape.

Regional environmental organisations have encouraged the US to follow established procedures when adjusting its treaty commitments. Calls for dialogue reflect hopes that cooperation can continue through alternative forums and partnerships.

Despite criticism, the move highlights the complexity of balancing economic growth, energy security, and environmental responsibility. Policymakers face increasing pressure to align climate action with domestic realities.

Climate impacts such as extreme weather events remain a shared global challenge. Observers say that even outside formal treaties, the US retains significant influence through technology, finance, and innovation.

Private sector investment and state-level climate initiatives continue to play a major role within the US. Many companies and local governments remain committed to emissions reduction and sustainability goals.

The decision also comes amid broader discussions about resource security, including access to critical minerals and energy supplies. These priorities are increasingly shaping international relationships and policy decisions.

Global climate governance is evolving as countries reassess their roles and commitments. New models of cooperation may emerge that reflect diverse national interests while addressing shared environmental risks.

Analysts note that climate action is no longer limited to treaty participation. Innovation in clean energy, adaptation, and resilience continues across borders through research and commercial collaboration.

As the global climate debate continues, the US repositioning underscores the need for flexible and inclusive solutions. Different pathways may coexist as nations pursue sustainability alongside economic development.

Overall, the US withdrawal signals a strategic reset rather than an end to climate engagement. How the country leverages its influence outside UN frameworks will shape future global climate efforts.

The exchange, held amid rising international scrutiny, reflected a broader effort to keep communication channels open and promote peaceful outcomes during times of geopolitical tension.

Belarus also deepened its diplomatic outreach, with President Alexander Lukashenko holding his second meeting in under three weeks with Venezuelan ambassador Jesus Rafael Salazar Velazquez.

The discussions signaled a willingness to strengthen ties and coordinate approaches to regional issues, reflecting a long-standing partnership built on cooperation and mutual respect.

Reports indicate that Maduro conveyed readiness to step aside under conditions of full legal amnesty for himself and his family.

The request underscores the complex legal and political considerations shaping Venezuela’s future and the international community’s role in facilitating lawful transitions of power.

Lukashenko emphasized in earlier meetings that Maduro would always be welcome in Belarus, encouraging continued dialogue on matters requiring mutual attention.

The diplomatic tone remained positive, signaling an openness to peaceful solutions and an emphasis on sovereignty, stability, and legal protections.

Putin’s call reiterated Russia’s view that Venezuela’s national interests and sovereignty must be safeguarded in the face of growing external pressure.

His remarks aligned with Moscow’s longstanding position that constructive diplomacy should guide international engagement rather than confrontation.

Meanwhile, the United States has continued to increase pressure on Maduro’s administration, maintaining its stance on the legitimacy of Venezuela’s leadership.

Washington has voiced its position firmly, but global observers continue to highlight the importance of lawful, measured, and diplomatic strategies over heightened tensions.

The situation comes as the U.S. undertakes a military build-up in the Caribbean, a move that has prompted calls from several quarters for restraint and respect for international law.

Analysts note that avoiding escalation is essential to preserving stability across the Western Hemisphere.

Russian officials expressed hope that diplomatic channels would remain active to prevent any slide toward conflict.

The emphasis was on responsible statecraft and the shared international interest in preventing unpredictable consequences.

Lukashenko’s outreach to both the Venezuelan government and the U.S. administration demonstrates a nuanced diplomatic balancing act.

Belarus has sought to strengthen its global ties, improve political dialogue, and create pathways for constructive negotiations that benefit regional and international stability.

Recent U.S. moves to ease certain sanctions on Belarus and appoint a special envoy for dialogue indicate a shift toward engagement over isolation.

This trend highlights the growing recognition that diplomatic solutions grounded in legal frameworks and mutual understanding can help pave the way for lasting peace.

The evolving dynamic between Russia, Belarus, Venezuela, and the United States underscores the importance of diplomacy as a cornerstone of global politics.

At a moment of heightened geopolitical focus, the priority shared by many nations remains the pursuit of lawful, peaceful, and cooperative outcomes that support regional security and international stability.