Washington's Iran options harden against a Beijing nuclear understanding, with the costs spreading from US farms to the LIRR
Washington finalised Iran strike options — an Isfahan special-forces raid, a Kharg Island amphibious assault, expanded mainland bombardment — as Trump and Xi locked in a Beijing principle barring an Iranian nuclear weapon. US Special Forces and Nigerian troops killed IS deputy Abu-Bilal al-Minuki; prosecutors arrested an Iraqi militia commander tied to multi-continent plots. At home, farmers reported their worst crisis since the 1980s; the LIRR struck for the first time in decades; Louisiana postponed its primary after the Supreme Court's Callais ruling.
Recent events
us98US finalizes Iran strike package for Isfahan nuclear raid and Kharg Island as classified review shows Tehran has rebuilt 30 of 33 missile positions
The US-Israeli joint command has finalized contingency plans to broaden Operation Epic Fury against Iran if the truce talks collapse, including a special-forces seizure of enriched material at the Isfahan nuclear facility, an amphibious assault to take Kharg Island, and expanded long-range bombardment of mainland targets, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a New York Times report disclosed. Classified assessments show Iran has restored 30 of 33 missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz and retains around 70 percent of its mobile launchers and ballistic inventory and 90 percent of its underground bunkers, contradicting earlier White House statements that the Iranian military was "crushed" or "decimated." Donald Trump and Xi Jinping locked in an in-principle understanding in Beijing that Iran cannot be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon, with Washington weighing a targeted easing of secondary sanctions on Chinese state and independent buyers of Iranian crude to keep Beijing inside the pressure regime.
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US finalizes Iran strike package for Isfahan nuclear raid and Kharg Island as classified review shows Tehran has rebuilt 30 of 33 missile positions
The US-Israeli joint command has finalized contingency plans to broaden Operation Epic Fury against Iran if the truce talks collapse, including a special-forces seizure of enriched material at the Isfahan nuclear facility, an amphibious assault to take Kharg Island, and expanded long-range bombardment of mainland targets, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a New York Times report disclosed. Classified assessments show Iran has restored 30 of 33 missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz and retains around 70 percent of its mobile launchers and ballistic inventory and 90 percent of its underground bunkers, contradicting earlier White House statements that the Iranian military was "crushed" or "decimated." Donald Trump and Xi Jinping locked in an in-principle understanding in Beijing that Iran cannot be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon, with Washington weighing a targeted easing of secondary sanctions on Chinese state and independent buyers of Iranian crude to keep Beijing inside the pressure regime.
The US-Israeli joint command has finalized contingency plans to broaden Operation Epic Fury against Iran if the truce talks collapse, including a special-forces seizure of enriched material at the Isfahan nuclear facility, an amphibious assault to take Kharg Island, and expanded long-range bombardment of mainland targets, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a New York Times report disclosed. Classified assessments show Iran has restored 30 of 33 missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz and retains around 70 percent of its mobile launchers and ballistic inventory and 90 percent of its underground bunkers, contradicting earlier White House statements that the Iranian military was "crushed" or "decimated." Donald Trump and Xi Jinping locked in an in-principle understanding in Beijing that Iran cannot be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon, with Washington weighing a targeted easing of secondary sanctions on Chinese state and independent buyers of Iranian crude to keep Beijing inside the pressure regime.
us95US arrests Iraqi militia commander accused of orchestrating international terror attacks
US authorities have arrested and charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national alleged to be a senior commander of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah, with orchestrating at least 18 attacks across the US, Canada, and Europe. A criminal complaint unsealed Friday in Manhattan federal court accuses him of directing firebombings, a synagogue arson, a shooting at the US consulate in Toronto, and plotting attacks on Jewish targets in New York, California, and Arizona. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed al-Saadi was arrested overseas and brought to the US, calling him “another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism.”
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US arrests Iraqi militia commander accused of orchestrating international terror attacks
US authorities have arrested and charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national alleged to be a senior commander of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah, with orchestrating at least 18 attacks across the US, Canada, and Europe. A criminal complaint unsealed Friday in Manhattan federal court accuses him of directing firebombings, a synagogue arson, a shooting at the US consulate in Toronto, and plotting attacks on Jewish targets in New York, California, and Arizona. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed al-Saadi was arrested overseas and brought to the US, calling him “another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism.”
US authorities have arrested and charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national alleged to be a senior commander of Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah, with orchestrating at least 18 attacks across the US, Canada, and Europe. A criminal complaint unsealed Friday in Manhattan federal court accuses him of directing firebombings, a synagogue arson, a shooting at the US consulate in Toronto, and plotting attacks on Jewish targets in New York, California, and Arizona. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed al-Saadi was arrested overseas and brought to the US, calling him “another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism.”
us88US farmers face worst crisis since 1980s as Iran conflict drives up diesel and fertilizer costs
Farmers across the Midwest are entering planting season under mounting financial pressure as the Iran conflict drives up diesel and fertilizer prices, deepening an agricultural downturn that some say is the worst since the 1980s. Diesel averaged $5.67 per gallon as of May 14, up 60% from a year earlier, and 70% of farmers cannot afford the fertilizer they need, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The crisis threatens to push more family farms out of business and drive up food prices, with ground beef already up 19% year-over-year.
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US farmers face worst crisis since 1980s as Iran conflict drives up diesel and fertilizer costs
Farmers across the Midwest are entering planting season under mounting financial pressure as the Iran conflict drives up diesel and fertilizer prices, deepening an agricultural downturn that some say is the worst since the 1980s. Diesel averaged $5.67 per gallon as of May 14, up 60% from a year earlier, and 70% of farmers cannot afford the fertilizer they need, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The crisis threatens to push more family farms out of business and drive up food prices, with ground beef already up 19% year-over-year.
Farmers across the Midwest are entering planting season under mounting financial pressure as the Iran conflict drives up diesel and fertilizer prices, deepening an agricultural downturn that some say is the worst since the 1980s. Diesel averaged $5.67 per gallon as of May 14, up 60% from a year earlier, and 70% of farmers cannot afford the fertilizer they need, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The crisis threatens to push more family farms out of business and drive up food prices, with ground beef already up 19% year-over-year.
us85China and US pledge to coordinate diplomatic efforts to end Ukraine and Middle East wars
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and the US have agreed to coordinate diplomatic leverage to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, following a two-day summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing. Wang stated that both capitals are investing “significant efforts” to spearhead immediate peace negotiations, and that Beijing is abandoning its hands-off posture on the Ukraine crisis. The announcement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on May 19 for a state visit.
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China and US pledge to coordinate diplomatic efforts to end Ukraine and Middle East wars
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and the US have agreed to coordinate diplomatic leverage to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, following a two-day summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing. Wang stated that both capitals are investing “significant efforts” to spearhead immediate peace negotiations, and that Beijing is abandoning its hands-off posture on the Ukraine crisis. The announcement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on May 19 for a state visit.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and the US have agreed to coordinate diplomatic leverage to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, following a two-day summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in Beijing. Wang stated that both capitals are investing “significant efforts” to spearhead immediate peace negotiations, and that Beijing is abandoning its hands-off posture on the Ukraine crisis. The announcement comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on May 19 for a state visit.
us41Long Island Rail Road workers strike, halting service for first time in decades
Five unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers went on strike early Saturday after failing to reach a contract agreement with the MTA by a midnight deadline, shutting down North America's largest commuter rail system for the first time since 1994. The strike, affecting up to 300,000 daily riders, centers on a dispute over a 5% wage increase for 2026, which the MTA says would cost $100 million per percentage point and force fare hikes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul blamed the Trump administration for cutting mediation short and urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. Limited shuttle buses and alternate transit options have been arranged, but the MTA warns the contingency plan cannot handle normal ridership.
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Long Island Rail Road workers strike, halting service for first time in decades
Five unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers went on strike early Saturday after failing to reach a contract agreement with the MTA by a midnight deadline, shutting down North America's largest commuter rail system for the first time since 1994. The strike, affecting up to 300,000 daily riders, centers on a dispute over a 5% wage increase for 2026, which the MTA says would cost $100 million per percentage point and force fare hikes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul blamed the Trump administration for cutting mediation short and urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. Limited shuttle buses and alternate transit options have been arranged, but the MTA warns the contingency plan cannot handle normal ridership.
Five unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers went on strike early Saturday after failing to reach a contract agreement with the MTA by a midnight deadline, shutting down North America's largest commuter rail system for the first time since 1994. The strike, affecting up to 300,000 daily riders, centers on a dispute over a 5% wage increase for 2026, which the MTA says would cost $100 million per percentage point and force fare hikes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul blamed the Trump administration for cutting mediation short and urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. Limited shuttle buses and alternate transit options have been arranged, but the MTA warns the contingency plan cannot handle normal ridership.
us40US and Nigerian forces kill Islamic State global deputy leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in joint operation
In a joint operation, US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by President Trump as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, in the Lake Chad Basin. The strike on his fortified compound in Metele, Borno state, also killed several lieutenants. Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national designated a global terrorist in 2023, oversaw IS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping. The operation marks a significant blow to IS's African and global networks and highlights deepening US-Nigerian counterterrorism cooperation.
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US and Nigerian forces kill Islamic State global deputy leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in joint operation
In a joint operation, US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by President Trump as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, in the Lake Chad Basin. The strike on his fortified compound in Metele, Borno state, also killed several lieutenants. Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national designated a global terrorist in 2023, oversaw IS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping. The operation marks a significant blow to IS's African and global networks and highlights deepening US-Nigerian counterterrorism cooperation.
In a joint operation, US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by President Trump as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, in the Lake Chad Basin. The strike on his fortified compound in Metele, Borno state, also killed several lieutenants. Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national designated a global terrorist in 2023, oversaw IS-linked operations across the Sahel and West Africa and was linked to the 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping. The operation marks a significant blow to IS's African and global networks and highlights deepening US-Nigerian counterterrorism cooperation.
us39Trump officials urged UAE to seize Iranian island, report says
Senior officials in the Trump administration reportedly encouraged the United Arab Emirates to capture Iran's Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, proposing Emirati ground action instead of American boots on the ground. The proposal follows covert Emirati strikes on the island in early April.
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Trump officials urged UAE to seize Iranian island, report says
Senior officials in the Trump administration reportedly encouraged the United Arab Emirates to capture Iran's Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, proposing Emirati ground action instead of American boots on the ground. The proposal follows covert Emirati strikes on the island in early April.
Senior officials in the Trump administration reportedly encouraged the United Arab Emirates to capture Iran's Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, proposing Emirati ground action instead of American boots on the ground. The proposal follows covert Emirati strikes on the island in early April.
us38US indictment reveals deep cartel-politician symbiosis in Sinaloa, putting Sheinbaum in a dilemma
Background: The US Justice Department indicted Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other Mexican officials for conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to import drugs into the US. The indictment details a symbiotic relationship where the cartel helped Rocha Moya win the 2021 election by kidnapping and intimidating rivals, in exchange for impunity and protection. Allegations include that a senior Culiacán police commander accepted bribes to allow cartel access to municipal police and assisted in the kidnapping and murder of a DEA source. The US is now linking economic market access under the UMSCA trade agreement to security cooperation. President Sheinbaum faces a dilemma: cooperating risks internal party conflict within her Morena party, while ignoring risks a trade war. She has adopted a strategy of controlled cooperation, demanding evidence and referring the case to the Mexican Attorney General's Office, which is led by a close confidante. Rocha Moya has announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on his defense.
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US indictment reveals deep cartel-politician symbiosis in Sinaloa, putting Sheinbaum in a dilemma
Background: The US Justice Department indicted Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other Mexican officials for conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to import drugs into the US. The indictment details a symbiotic relationship where the cartel helped Rocha Moya win the 2021 election by kidnapping and intimidating rivals, in exchange for impunity and protection. Allegations include that a senior Culiacán police commander accepted bribes to allow cartel access to municipal police and assisted in the kidnapping and murder of a DEA source. The US is now linking economic market access under the UMSCA trade agreement to security cooperation. President Sheinbaum faces a dilemma: cooperating risks internal party conflict within her Morena party, while ignoring risks a trade war. She has adopted a strategy of controlled cooperation, demanding evidence and referring the case to the Mexican Attorney General's Office, which is led by a close confidante. Rocha Moya has announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on his defense.
Background: The US Justice Department indicted Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other Mexican officials for conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to import drugs into the US. The indictment details a symbiotic relationship where the cartel helped Rocha Moya win the 2021 election by kidnapping and intimidating rivals, in exchange for impunity and protection. Allegations include that a senior Culiacán police commander accepted bribes to allow cartel access to municipal police and assisted in the kidnapping and murder of a DEA source. The US is now linking economic market access under the UMSCA trade agreement to security cooperation. President Sheinbaum faces a dilemma: cooperating risks internal party conflict within her Morena party, while ignoring risks a trade war. She has adopted a strategy of controlled cooperation, demanding evidence and referring the case to the Mexican Attorney General's Office, which is led by a close confidante. Rocha Moya has announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on his defense.