Rubio said the United States was working toward arranging the visit and that he was expected to travel to India later this year to prepare for Trump’s trip.

“We’re working toward sometime early next year to have the president come,” Rubio told IANS, adding that negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement were nearing completion. “We’re on the last inches of getting it done and it’s very positive,” he said.

The proposed visit follows a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in France last week, where Trump described their discussions as “very good.”

India has sought a visit by Trump for several months, with discussions also including the possibility of a broader meeting involving Japan and Australia as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation among Indo-Pacific partners.

Relations between Washington and New Delhi have faced strains over the past year after the United States imposed higher tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Bilateral ties have also been affected by U.S. engagement with Pakistan, India’s regional rival.

Rubio traveled to India last month in an effort to stabilize relations. However, diplomatic tensions resurfaced after three Indian sailors were killed during attacks on commercial shipping involving U.S. naval operations in the Gulf.

Despite those challenges, officials from both countries have continued negotiations on trade and broader strategic cooperation, with Rubio signaling that progress toward a bilateral agreement remains positive.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the latest U.S. attacks on coastal surveillance installations breached the memorandum of understanding reached by both sides to halt hostilities.

“These brutal attacks, which targeted Iranian coastal surveillance facilities, are a blatant violation” of the peace agreement, the ministry said.

The U.S. military said its forces launched strikes on Friday against Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radar sites, describing the operation as a response to an Iranian attack on a cargo vessel transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The exchange marks the latest escalation despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire framework established after weeks of conflict. The competing accounts underscore the continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the implementation of the agreement.

Neither side indicated that formal negotiations had been suspended, but the latest military actions have raised fresh uncertainty over the durability of the peace arrangement.

The meeting comes as Washington continues consultations with European allies following recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East and as NATO members coordinate positions ahead of the alliance’s summit in Ankara.

According to the spokesperson, Wadephul and Rubio will review developments in the Middle East, where regional security remains a key priority for both governments amid ongoing diplomatic initiatives and conflict-related challenges.

The ministers will also discuss continued Western support for Ukraine as Russia’s invasion enters its fifth year, alongside preparations for the NATO summit, where defense spending, deterrence and allied security cooperation are expected to dominate the agenda.

Following his visit to Washington, Wadephul will continue his diplomatic tour with stops in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, the ministry said.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military had standing orders to act against any threats encountered in Lebanon and reiterated that Israeli forces would not withdraw from the security zone extending roughly 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

“There has never been, and there is currently no restriction on IDF soldiers in Lebanon from acting to eliminate threats,” Katz said in a statement, adding that both he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made clear that Israel would maintain its presence in the area.

The comments underscored continuing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon frontier despite diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran to halt hostilities across multiple fronts in the region.

Iran, which backs Hezbollah, said later on Sunday that implementation of provisions related to ending the conflict in Lebanon was a prerequisite for advancing negotiations with the United States on a final agreement following a deal reached earlier this week.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran could not move into the next phase of negotiations unless commitments regarding a cessation of hostilities were fulfilled. In a post on X, he said the termination of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, remained essential to further diplomatic progress.

Baghaei also said the situation in Lebanon would dominate discussions with U.S. officials in Switzerland, alongside issues including frozen Iranian assets and Iranian oil exports.

“The Zionist regime continues to violate its commitment in Lebanon, and this issue will be the main topic of discussion in today’s talks,” Baghaei said in remarks carried by the IRNA state news agency.

Tehran announced on Thursday that it had reached an agreement with Washington aimed at ending months of hostilities that began on Feb. 28 following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. Under the arrangement, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon was also expected to cease.

Iran’s military said on Saturday it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to what it described as ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, adding another layer of uncertainty to regional security and energy markets.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, there were no reports of new strikes in Lebanon after Saturday evening. Baghaei said a “fragile cessation” of hostilities had been in place since Saturday.

The latest exchanges highlight the central role of the Lebanon conflict in wider regional diplomacy, as efforts continue to stabilize tensions following months of military confrontation involving Israel, Hezbollah, Iran and the United States.

The poll, conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in partnership with the Agam Institute between June 17 and June 20, surveyed 3,644 respondents and found widespread concern about Israel’s strategic position following the conflict and diplomatic settlement.

According to the survey, 92.1 percent of respondents said Iran had either won the conflict or gained more from its outcome than Israel, while 82.9 percent believed Israel’s long-term security position had deteriorated as a result of the war and the subsequent U.S.-Iran agreement.

The findings suggest dissatisfaction extended across Israel’s political spectrum. Among supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing governing bloc, 93.1 percent said Iran had emerged as the victor or principal beneficiary of the conflict.

Opposition to the agreement between Washington and Tehran was also pronounced. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, 63.2 percent, opposed the deal, while only 12.1 percent expressed support. The remainder were either undecided or did not state a preference.

The survey also highlighted declining confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership during the conflict. Some 72.5 percent of respondents said they did not believe the prime minister’s assessment of the military campaign’s achievements, while 56.4 percent rated his management of the conflict as either poor or unsuccessful.

Support for Netanyahu’s continued premiership also appeared to weaken. The poll showed backing for the Israeli leader falling to 29.4 percent in June from 40.5 percent recorded in early March, indicating a significant erosion in public support over the course of the conflict.

Despite concerns about the outcome of the war, the survey found continued public backing for a hardline security approach toward Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. Nearly half of respondents, 48.2 percent, supported renewed large-scale military action against the Iran-backed group, even if such a move risked friction with the United States. By comparison, 21 percent opposed further escalation.

The release of the survey coincided with efforts to advance diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Representatives from both countries were scheduled to meet in Switzerland on Sunday to discuss transforming the temporary agreement into a more durable framework.

The diplomatic process faces additional uncertainty amid tensions on Israel’s northern border. A renewed ceasefire announced by Washington on Friday followed clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce.

The poll’s findings underscore the political and strategic challenges facing Israel’s leadership as it seeks to reassure the public about the country’s security posture while navigating a rapidly evolving regional landscape shaped by diplomacy, military confrontation and shifting alliances.

Tajani called Trump’s remarks “serious and offensive” toward both Meloni and Italy, while announcing the cancellation of his scheduled visit to Washington this weekend.

The dispute erupted after an interview with Trump aired on Italy’s La7 television network on Friday. According to the broadcaster, Trump said Meloni had requested a photo opportunity with him during the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains and claimed she had “begged” for it. La7 published a dubbed version of the exchange online.

Responding in a video statement, Meloni described Trump’s account as “completely fabricated” and expressed surprise at the comments.

“Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly stunned,” Meloni said. “I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies.”

She added: “Italy and I do not beg.”

The unusually direct public rebuttal marked one of Meloni’s sharpest responses to Trump since the start of his second term. The Italian leader had initially sought to preserve close transatlantic ties and position herself as a bridge between Washington and the European Union, including by attending Trump’s inauguration as the only European Union head of government present.

Relations between Rome and Washington, however, have become increasingly strained over several foreign policy issues. Meloni has criticized the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran as illegal, while Italy remains a firm supporter of Ukraine, an issue that has also generated friction with Trump.

Differences over U.S. tariffs and Washington’s support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza have further complicated bilateral relations.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also rejected Trump’s characterization, saying he could not imagine Meloni asking anyone for a photograph.

“I can, however, imagine how much it cost her to set aside what Trump had said weeks ago, to serve the interests of Italy, of Europe, and of the West,” Crosetto wrote on X.

He added that such remarks did not benefit either country or the broader Western alliance.

The controversy follows earlier criticism directed at Meloni by Trump in an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper in April, when he faulted her opposition to the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran. Meloni did not publicly respond at the time.

The latest exchange has brought those tensions into the open, underscoring the challenges facing one of Washington’s traditionally closest partners in Europe as disagreements widen over key geopolitical issues.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Lai said Taiwan’s efforts to safeguard its security, democratic system and way of life should not be viewed as a provocation toward Beijing. He reiterated that the island rejects unification under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party and remains committed to enhancing its self-defense capabilities.

The request comes as Washington reviews the proposed arms package, which includes advanced U.S.-developed weapons systems. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month that the proposal remained under consideration, while American officials have also assessed the impact of overseas military commitments on available weapons stockpiles.

The United States maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and is legally obligated under domestic legislation to provide the island with defensive capabilities, despite formally recognizing Beijing as the sole government of China. Arms sales to Taiwan remain one of the most contentious issues in U.S.-China relations.

Responding to Lai’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said attempts to pursue independence through U.S. support or military means were destined to fail. He accused Taiwan’s leadership of escalating regional tensions and dismissed Taipei’s defense initiatives.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it reserves the right to use force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that its future should be determined by its people.

Lai’s administration has pledged to raise defense spending above 3 percent of gross domestic product this year. The government has proposed a broader defense procurement plan worth approximately NT$1.25 trillion ($40 billion), including purchases of American weaponry, domestically produced drones and other military equipment.

However, the proposal has faced resistance in Taiwan’s legislature. Opposition parties, which hold a majority of seats, approved a reduced special defense budget last month worth about $25 billion, cutting roughly one-third of the funding requested by the government.

In a move aimed at addressing capability gaps, Taiwan’s cabinet on Thursday approved an additional NT$210 billion ($6.6 billion) for indigenous unmanned systems. The defense ministry has argued that the reduced budget approved by lawmakers would be insufficient to fully achieve planned force modernization goals.

Lai also accused China of increasing pressure on neighboring countries, including Japan and the Philippines, amid maritime disputes in waters east of Taiwan. His comments followed recent announcements by Tokyo and Manila that they would begin formal negotiations to delimit maritime boundaries between their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.

China has opposed those talks and continues to assert broad claims across the East and South China Seas. Lai said Beijing’s military activities and coercive actions in the Taiwan Strait and wider Indo-Pacific region were expanding, raising concerns among regional governments.

Japan and the Philippines have strengthened security cooperation in recent years amid shared concerns over China’s maritime claims and growing military presence across disputed waters.

The Justice Department said in a court filing that thunderstorms created safety risks for workers carrying out the removal work and requested an extension until Saturday afternoon.

Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who filed the lawsuit, opposed the request, calling the delay unacceptable and part of what she described as a pattern of failing to comply with the court’s order.

A federal judge in Washington had earlier rejected a request from the administration and the Kennedy Center board to pause the removal order while an appeal moved forward.

US District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that only Congress has the authority to rename the performing arts venue, which was established as a memorial to former President John F. Kennedy.

The administration appealed the decision to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which also declined to suspend the order.

Attorneys for Beatty said the law was clear that changing the Kennedy Center’s name required congressional action.

The Kennedy Center opened in 1971 as a memorial to Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. After Trump appointed several board members, the board voted in December to rename the center to include his name.

Trump announced plans earlier this year for a major renovation of the center as part of a broader effort to reshape Washington’s landmark sites.

Sharif said Pakistan was preparing for an electronic signing within the next 24 hours, followed by technical-level talks expected next week.

The announcement came after weeks of negotiations involving international mediators following intensified fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel that raised fears of a wider regional conflict.

US Central Command said on Friday that it had intercepted several Iranian attack drones targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.

The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, disrupted oil and natural gas flows from the Arabian Gulf and affected global energy markets. A ceasefire has been in place since April 7.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said terms related to Iran’s nuclear program would be finalized within 60 days after the initial agreement and that the timeline could be extended if needed.

The United States and Israel have expressed concerns that Iran’s nuclear activities could lead to the development of nuclear weapons, while Tehran has maintained that its program is peaceful.

A senior US official said the emerging agreement would begin a process to remove or destroy Iran’s highly enriched uranium, with technical details to be worked out during the 60-day period.

The agreement is also expected to include steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official. Iran has sought the ability to charge ships for services while they transit the waterway, a proposal criticized by some countries as inconsistent with international law.

Regional officials said the deal could include phased sanctions relief for Iran and the release of frozen assets.

The situation in Lebanon remains unresolved, with Iran insisting that any agreement should include a ceasefire there. Fighting continued in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

The ministry said it summoned US Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks to lodge “a strong protest” over what it called continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners.The attacks had resulted in the “tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” the ministry said in a statement.

Meeks was first summoned on Wednesday after a US strike hit the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman, killing three Indian crew members.The incident followed a June 8 strike on another Palau-flagged tanker, MT Marivex, from which Omani authorities rescued 24 Indian sailors.

On Thursday, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker was also hit in a US strike, according to Indian officials. New Delhi said the vessel’s crew, including 20 Indian sailors, were rescued.A US State Department official said Washington was in direct contact with the Indian government regarding the matter.

India is among the world’s largest sources of merchant seafarers, with more than 320,000 active sailors in 2025, according to the country’s shipping ministry.The shipping ministry has advised Indian sailors operating on Indian and foreign-flagged vessels travelling through conflict-affected waters to exercise the highest degree of caution.

“The continuing attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome,” Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said, adding that such attacks must stop.India’s navy said on Thursday it had conducted a high-risk operation to remove an unexploded missile warhead from the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Olympic Life after it was struck off Oman on May 26.The vessel later reached India’s southern port of Kochi safely.

The navy said the projectile had entered the hull, passed through several structural compartments and became lodged inside a fuel tank.Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have faced disruption since Iran restricted maritime traffic after attacks by the United States and Israel began on February 28. The United States has also imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.