The Heat

The Middle East remains in crisis, with no clear path toward lasting peace. Major obstacles continue to stand in the way of any agreement between Washington and Tehran. So where do things stand now? Is this merely a tactical pause in negotiations, or does it signal a deeper breakdown in the diplomatic process?

Through unimaginable loss, they forged an unlikely friendship and began a shared mission to push for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira met in Beijing for the fifth Foreign Ministerial-Level Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue between the two sides.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and growing uncertainty in global governance, delegates gathered in Singapore for the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue.

More than six years after the killing of George Floyd, where do race relations in the United States stand today?

The United States moved a naval fleet into the Caribbean on the same day the Department of Justice announced charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro. Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the indictment and called it a "political stunt."

A new case of hantavirus was confirmed in Spain this week. A passenger from the cruise ship MV Hondius tested positive and is isolating at a hospital in Madrid. Three people in all have died in the outbreak tied to that ill-fated cruise.

The latest US attacks against Iran, which Washington described as “self-defense” came as the two sides continued negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. The strikes targeted Iranian missile sites and boats allegedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a four-day official visit to China. On Saturday, he visited Hangzhou and on Sunday he attended a high-profile business conference. On Monday, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Both countries are also marking 75 years of diplomatic ties. Building trade and investment are two important themes during the Prime Minister’s visit.

Pakistan's army chief is heading to Tehran in a diplomatic push to end the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Iran and the U.S. said progress has been made in talks aimed at resolving the conflict, though some hurdles remain.

May 21 marks 75 years since China and Pakistan established formal diplomatic relations. Both nations continue to strengthen their long-lasting friendship, promote mutual cooperation and trust, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. Beijing and Islamabad now look to advance phase two of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with a focus on innovation, green development and regional connectivity.

The World Cup football tournament gets underway next month with games taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The global extravaganza will showcase some of the most famous and talented footballers in the world.

A majority of Americans are deeply concerned about the economy. Nearly three-quarters say incomes aren't keeping up with inflation, driven in large part by escalating energy costs and higher tariffs.

What began as an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran by the United States and Israel has evolved into a multi-front battle with Israel bombing Lebanon, and Iran attacking US allies in the Persian Gulf.

China and the U.S. have set a new vision for their relations during a state visit in Beijing. The two sides have agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional issues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump agree on building a constructive relationship of strategic stability.

More than a dozen US business leaders accompanied President Trump on his state visit to China.

The US Supreme Court ruled it is unconstitutional for the US state of Louisiana to have two majority-Black congressional districts. The decision weakens key protections under the Voting Rights Act, a landmark civil rights law designed to protect minority voters from discrimination.

Over the weekend, the Iranian government sent its response to the US proposal to end the war but it was met with rejection. In a social media post, US President Donald Trump said Iranian demands were “totally unacceptable."

The fragile Iran ceasefire is under growing strain after new exchanges of missile, drone and naval fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears the conflict could reignite across the region.

It’s been nearly seven months since a US-brokered ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hamas. Yet the bloodshed and suffering in Gaza have not stopped as Israel continues to limit humanitarian aid and violate the ceasefire almost daily.

China's zero-tariff policy took effect across Africa on May 1st. The new measure removes import duties on all products from 53 African nations that have diplomatic ties with Beijing.

The European Union has approved a €90 billion loan to help Ukraine acquire military equipment. The aid package is enough to cover two-thirds of Ukraine’s budget for the war over the next two years.

Iran has warned the United States Navy to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Trump announced a plan to help stranded ships.

The US-Israeli war on Iran has now reached the 2-month-mark. What are the prospects for peace?