Diplomacy

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Monday that the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran is holding, marking a critical early success in the Trump administration’s diplomatic push. The ceasefire, which came after weeks of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, has allowed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to resume normal operations. In a significant follow-up, the White House announced a pause to “Project Freedom” — the controversial military operation to escort commercial vessels through the strait — as the administration pivots toward diplomatic negotiations. ...

[Flash] Trump has again criticized Pope Leo’s stance on the Iran conflict, accusing the pope of “endangering lives,” AP News reported. The comments could complicate Secretary of State Rubio’s planned visit to the Vatican this week, highlighting a divergence between the US administration and the Vatican on Iran policy.

Growing rift between UAE and Saudi Arabia intensifies over Iran policy and economic competition.

Trump publicly criticized Pope Francis’s stance on Iran, claiming his comments could endanger Catholics worldwide. The remarks have sparked widespread international discussion.

Russia and Ukraine announced competing ceasefire plans on May 4, with Russia proposing a May 8-10 truce for Victory Day commemorations, while Ukraine declared an earlier ceasefire starting May 6, creating a diplomatic contest over timing.

Fortune reports that China’s unprecedented defiance of U.S. sanctions — by systematically rewriting the rules — is triggering a new geopolitical confrontation between the two powers, reshaping global trade dynamics.

North Korea sends a rare delegation to visit South Korea in an important diplomatic contact that has drawn international attention to the future direction of peninsular relations

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet Pope Leo XIV to discuss Iran tensions and differences between the Trump administration and the Vatican

Taiwan president reached Eswatini days after blaming China for cancelling a previous trip. Beijing called the visit a stowaway-style escape farce.

The Taiwan president reached Eswatini after claiming China blocked his original travel plans, with Beijing describing the visit as a stowaway-style escape farce