Al Arabiya reported on Friday that a final draft of a potential U.S.–Iran agreement could be announced within hours, citing sources familiar with the developments. According to these sources, the proposal outlines a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire across land, sea, and air. The draft reportedly includes commitments from both sides to avoid targeting military, civilian, and economic infrastructure, alongside a halt to military actions and hostile media activity. It also emphasizes principles such as respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in domestic affairs. In addition, it is said to guarantee freedom of navigation in key waterways including the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman.

Sources further indicated that the agreement would establish a joint mechanism to oversee implementation and settle disputes. Follow-up negotiations on unresolved issues are expected to begin within a week of the deal taking effect. The plan also reportedly involves the gradual easing of U.S. sanctions in return for Iran’s compliance with the terms, while reaffirming adherence to international law and the U.N. Charter. The agreement would take effect immediately after a formal announcement by Washington and Tehran.

The report also pointed to signs of diplomatic movement, including Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extending his visit to Tehran and holding additional talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Araghchi. There is also speculation that Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir may visit Iran ahead of any formal announcement.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted in Sweden at a NATO press conference that there had been “some slight progress” in discussions with Iran. However, key details regarding Iran’s nuclear program remain unclear. U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained a hardline stance, stating that Iran’s nuclear capabilities must be eliminated.

Iran is believed to possess around 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, which could potentially be used for weapons development if further processed. Addressing this stockpile remains a central focus of U.S. policy toward Tehran, with both the U.S. and Israel viewing Iran’s nuclear program as a significant security concern.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Centcom.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry has reported 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country, while officials continue to verify how many of the reported fatalities are directly linked to the virus amid concerns about a delayed response from authorities.

Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba confirmed that 513 suspected infections and 131 deaths have been recorded in affected regions, noting that investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of some deaths. He emphasized that the situation is still being assessed as health teams work to verify and respond to new cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday due to its rapid spread and severity. According to health officials, the current outbreak—first confirmed on Friday—is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. This variant is considered rare and currently has no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available, making containment more challenging.

Although the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have experienced more than 20 Ebola outbreaks in the past, this is only the third recorded instance of the Bundibugyo strain. Health authorities have confirmed cases across several locations, including Bunia, Goma (the capital of North Kivu under rebel control), Mongbwalu, Butembo, and Nyankunde, raising concerns about wider regional transmission.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed serious concern over the speed and scale of the outbreak. He stated that the UN health agency is closely monitoring the situation and will convene its emergency committee to evaluate the outbreak and recommend appropriate international response measures.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A major scare unfolded on Sunday at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show held at Mountain Home Air Force Base, when two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during a performance, triggering a temporary lockdown at the base. According to reports, the incident took place shortly after 12:30 pm local time, when the aircraft were performing an aerial display as part of the air show. Moments after the collision, thick black smoke was seen rising near the crash site, which was located about two miles outside the base.

Emergency teams rushed to the area immediately as the situation escalated. Authorities confirmed that all four crew members on board the two jets successfully ejected before impact. Videos shared on social media appeared to show the aircraft colliding in the air and breaking apart, followed by four parachutes descending safely to the ground.

Officials later stated that emergency responders remained on-site to secure the area and begin a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. A spokesperson also confirmed that all remaining Sunday events were canceled as a precaution while authorities assessed the situation. The U.S. Navy said that a formal investigation has been launched, with teams reviewing flight data, communication records, and eyewitness footage to determine what led to the accident.

The Mountain Home Air Force Base was placed under lockdown following the incident, and local police also assisted in securing the area. The air show, which had returned this year after an eight-year gap, had drawn thousands of spectators. Organizers had reportedly spent nearly two years preparing for the event, with extensive safety arrangements and technical teams deployed across the base.

The incident has also brought renewed attention to past accidents at the same location. In 2018, a hang glider pilot died during an air show at the base, and in 2003, a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet crashed during a performance, though the pilot survived after ejecting. Authorities have assured that further details will be released as the investigation continues.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from India Today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday led to several significant agreements and investment commitments spanning defence, energy, infrastructure, and banking sectors. India and the UAE signed a Framework Agreement on Strategic Defence Partnership, marking a step forward in strengthening bilateral security cooperation. The two sides also concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Petroleum Reserves along with an agreement on the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), further deepening energy collaboration.

In the maritime domain, both countries agreed to establish a Ship Repair Cluster at Vadinar through an MoU. Additionally, investment commitments worth around USD 5 billion were announced in Indian infrastructure projects, as well as in RBL Bank and Samman Capital. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE visit is part of a broader five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, which also includes the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, aimed at expanding India’s strategic partnerships in trade, technology, energy, innovation, and green growth. Following the UAE, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Netherlands for talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meetings with the Dutch royal family, focusing on semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence, innovation, and water management.

He will then travel to Sweden for bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, with a focus on AI, emerging technologies, and green transition, before attending the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Norway, where regional cooperation and supply chain resilience are expected to be key topics.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

An Ebola outbreak has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, with around 400 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths. To understand its possible origin, containment measures, and why it is especially concerning, Ian Sample speaks with clinical epidemiologist Daniela Manno from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On the eve of Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, hosts Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore how the US president’s stance on relations with Xi Jinping has evolved since his first presidential campaign, and what both leaders are likely hoping to gain from the meeting. The discussion also highlights the group of technology CEOs accompanying Trump, including Elon Musk of Tesla and Apple chief Tim Cook, and explains why trade issues are expected to dominate the agenda. The segment examines how Trump’s ballroom project escalated to an estimated billion-dollar cost and questions who is ultimately expected to fund it.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Jonathan Freedland talks with law professor and author Leah Litman about the recent rulings of the conservative-majority Supreme Court, upcoming cases, and the debate over whether the court is now being seen more as a political body than a purely judicial one.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Since the beginning of March, three cabinet secretaries have either resigned or been removed from the US administration. Reports now indicate that additional officials may also be at risk of losing their positions. Jonathan Freedland discusses with MS NOW White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López why Donald Trump appears to be acting with greater decisiveness and severity in his second term.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.