Oil prices decrease by 5% in Asia early trading amidst hopes of a Iran–U.S. ceasefire deal to end the war.
Source:
AFP via ABS-CBN News 
May 25
Business and economy
Disasters and accidents
The death toll of the building collapse in Angeles, Philippines, rises to four, while search operations are ongoing for 17 people still missing.
Source:
Xinhua
Around 20 people are injured at the Ginza Six shopping complex in Tokyo, Japan, after a man sprays an unidentified substance near an ATM, prompting reports of a strong odor inside the building.
Source:
The Japan Times
Armed conflicts and attacks
Pakistani military chief Asim Munir and prime minister Shehbaz Sharif visit Beijing for talks with Chinese officials as part of mediation efforts related to the war.
2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefireChina in the 2026 Iran warPakistan in the 2026 Iran warChina–Pakistan relations
Source:
AFP via LBCI
Crude oil tanker arrives in Japan after previously becoming the first Japanese owned ship to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the war started on February 28.
Source:
NHK World Japan
May 24
Armed conflicts and attacks
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reports that 33 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz after receiving permission in the past 24 hours.
Source:
Iran International
The Iranian military shoots down an alleged Israeli surveillance drone over Hormozgan province, Iran.
Source:
Iran International
At least 30 people are killed and over 52 are injured after the explosion of a bomb at a car park near a train station in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. The Balochistan Liberation Army claims responsibility.
Source:
The Independent Urdu
Four people are killed and over a hundred are injured in a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine.
Source:
The Washington Post
Sports
In auto racing, Meyer Shank's Felix Rosenqvist defeats Penske's David Malukas to win the 110th Indianapolis 500, giving Meyer Shank its second victory in the event. The margin of victory is 0.023 seconds, making it the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history.
Source:
FOX Sports
The president of the Iranian football federation says FIFA has approved the country's World Cup training base being switched from the United States to Mexico due to the ongoing conflict.
Source:
BBC Sport
Disasters and accidents
At least three people are killed after a nine-storey building, under construction as a condo-hotel, collapses in Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines. At least 26 people are rescued, while search operations are ongoing for 17 others still missing.
Source:
Reuters
Source:
Xinhua
Politics and elections
Iranian Americans gather in San Francisco, California, US at the Ferry Building to oppose an immediate end to the Iran War, citing concerns that it would leave the Islamic Republic regime in power and undermine hopes for changes in the country.
Source:
CBS San Francisco
DISY wins the most with 17 seats, followed by AKEL in second with 15 seats and ELAM in third with eight seats. ALMA and Direct Democracy Cyprus enter the legislature with four seats each.
Source:
Phileleftheros
Source:
Reuters
Turkish police raid the headquarters of the Republican People's Party and evict its leadership, including Özgür Özel.
Source:
Reuters
Residents of Kraków, Poland, have overwhelmingly backed the dismissal of Mayor Aleksander Miszalski (Civic Platform) and the city council in a local recall referendum for the first time in the city's history. Exit polls have shown a 33.4% voter turnout with 97.8% of voters backing dismissing Miszalski, while 96.0% supported removing the council.
Source:
TVP World
In Senegal, Malick Ndiaye resigns as National Assembly president following the dismissal of prime minister Ousmane Sonko, clearing the way for Sonko to seek the parliament's presidency amid tensions within the ruling coalition.
Source:
Bloomberg
Health and environment
At least 16 people die from heat stroke in Telangana, India, as temperatures exceed 45 °C (113 °F) during a heat wave, prompting public safety measures from the government.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Law and crime
Bahrain sentences nine people to life in prison for espionage on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Source:
Iran International
Hundreds of inmates seize control of a prison in Barinas, Venezuela, and protest alleged torture and abuse, demanding the removal of the prison director as security forces surround the facility.
Source:
The Sun
Four people are killed and one of the gunmen is injured in a mass shooting in Kabul, Afghanistan. Two suspects are arrested.
Source:
Pajhwok Afghan News
May 23
Politics and elections
Tens of thousands of people rally in Belgrade, Serbia, to protest against the government and president Aleksandar Vučić, and call for earlier parliamentary and presidential elections.
Source:
AFP via France 24
Thousands of people march through Madrid, Spain, demanding the resignation of prime minister Pedro Sánchez following several corruption scandals involving his cabinet and his family.
Source:
Reuters
Health and environment
The International Red Cross announces that three of its local volunteers have died from Ebola while working in the Djugu Territory, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in March.
Source:
CBS News
India issues a travel advisory to Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan amidst the Ebola outbreak.
Source:
The Hindu
Uganda's health ministry confirms three new Ebola cases, a woman who traveled from the DRC and two Ugandan workers that had contact with her, bringing the country's total to five cases and one death.
Source:
RFI
An Ebola clinic run by Doctors Without Borders is set on fire by residents in Mongbwalu, Djugu Territory, Ituri Province, DRC.
Source:
AP
Armed conflicts and attacks
Iran, the United States, and mediator Pakistan reports that progress has been made in ceasefire talks, with the Iranian foreign ministry saying that Iran is focused on finalizing a memorandum of understanding.
Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefirePakistan in the 2026 Iran war
Source:
Reuters
The reports that mediators are nearing a deal to extend the ceasefire between Iran and the United States by 60 days and establish a framework for nuclear talks.
Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefire
Source:
Financial Times
U.S. president Donald Trump says that the details of the emerging agreement will be "announced shortly," and that it will include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefire
Source:
Al Jazeera
The U.S. Central Command says that they have redirected 100 commercial ships and disabled four others from the Strait of Hormuz since the blockade started.
Source:
AA
Iran's Fars News Agency reports that the agreement will allow Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz.
Source:
Reuters
The Lebanese Civil Defense reports that an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Sir el Gharbiyeh, southern Lebanon, has killed at least 11 people and injured six.
Source:
Dawn
A Ukrainian drone attack causes a fire at a Transneft oil terminal in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia.
Source:
ABC News
During a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, political groups in Sudan including the Somoud” alliance and Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdul Wahid al-Nur approve a roadmap in a effort to end the civil war in the country.
Source:
AA
Law and crime
A gunman opens fire at a security checkpoint outside the White House in Washington, D.C., wounding a bystander. The suspect is killed by the United States Secret Service.
Source:
Reuters
The Syrian General Intelligence Directorate and the Turkish National Intelligence Organization conduct a joint operation in Syria and arrest ten people allegedly linked with ISIL.
Source:
Al Jazeera
Arts and culture
Romanian director Cristian Mungiu wins his second Palme d'Or for the drama film at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in France.
Source:
Korea JoongAng Daily
Sports
In association football, amid the expulsion of Southampton F.C. due to the espionage incident, Hull City beat Middlesborugh at Wembley Stadium in London 1–0 in the play-off finals to secure promotion to the English Premier League for the next season.
Source:
BBC Sport
The Iran national football team moves its squad's base to Tijuana, Mexico, with approval from FIFA to avoid visa-related issues with the United States.
Source:
Al Jazeera
The DR Congo national football team announces that it will maintain its planned schedule, including two friendly matches in Belgium and Spain, before going to Houston, Texas, United States, for the World Cup, despite being warned to isolate, stating the entire squad is based outside of the DRC.
Source:
Reuters
In association football, Celtic beat second-tier Dunfermline Athletic 3–1 to win a record-extending 43th Scottish Cup title and complete the double this season.
Source:
ESPN
In women's association football, Spain's FC Barcelona beat France's OL Lyonnes 4–0 to win their fourth Women's Champions League title at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Norway.
Source:
The Guardian
In women's association football, North Korea's Naegohyang beat Japan's Tokyo Verdy 1–0 to win the AFC Women's Champions League at the Suwon Sports Complex in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
Source:
The Guardian
In rugby union, Union Bordeaux Bègles beat Leinster Rugby 41–19 at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Basque County, Spain, to win the European Rugby Champions Cup, thus completing a treble.
Source:
BBC Sport
In association football, Lech Poznań end their season with a second consecutive and 10th-ever Ekstraklasa title.
Source:
beIN Sports
Disasters and accidents
California governor Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency in Orange County, California, U.S., in response to a possible release of methyl methacrylate in Garden Grove.
Source:
BBC News
International relations
France permanently bans Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir following his actions towards members of the Global Sumud Flotilla who were detained by the Israeli Navy several days earlier.
Source:
Politico
In accordance with bilateral agreements, Vietnam grants 40 scholarships to Ukrainians for the 2026–2027 academic year for bachelor's, master's, and postgraduate degrees, including a one-year language course for those who do not speak Vietnamese. Kazakhstan also grants 40 scholarships for similar degrees.
Source:
Interfax-Ukraine
May 22
Armed conflicts and attacks
Pakistan Army field marshal Asim Munir visits Tehran, Iran, in a effort to broker a ceasefire deal between Iran and the United States to end the war.
Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefirePakistan in the 2026 Iran war
Source:
Axios
According to the Tasnim News Agency, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and field marshal Asim Munir held late night talks amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefirePakistan in the 2026 Iran war
Source:
The News PK
A source citing Reuters says that a negotiating team from Qatar arrives in Tehran in an effort to secure a peace deal between Iran and the U.S. to end the war.
Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefire
Source:
Shafaq
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says that "excessive demands" by the U.S. are the main obstacle in the peace talks.
Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefire
Source:
Al Jazeera
An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson says that Iran will not agree to give its highly enriched uranium to the U.S.
Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)2026 Iran war2025–2026 Iran–United States negotiations2026 Iran war ceasefire
Source:
Al Jazeera
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reports that 35 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz with permission over the previous 24 hours.
Source:
Al Jazeera
A Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker crosses the strait for the first time in nearly two weeks, bound from Ras Laffan to Tianjin, China.
Source:
Al Jazeera
Six people are killed and six more injured in an Israeli airstrike in Deir Qanoun an-Naher. Two paramedics are among the fatalities, while three more are injured.
Source:
Al Jazeera
A paramedic is killed and four more are injured in two separate Israeli airstrikes in Tyre District.
Source:
Al Jazeera
Source:
Al Jazeera
Russian president Vladimir Putin says that a drone strike on a dormitory and school in Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast has killed at least six people and injured dozens more, attributing the attack to Ukraine, but Ukraine's military describes the comments from Russia as manipulation, saying it hit a drone command unit in Starobilsk.
Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)Attacks in Russia during the Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)Luhansk Oblast campaign2026 Starobilsk strike
Source:
Reuters
U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio says that no peace talks are currently taking place, but the United States is "ready" to play a role if they resume.
Source:
AA
The Malian military conducts drone strikes on the governor's office and other locations in Kidal, Kidal Region, Mali, which did not cause any casualties.
Source:
The Defense Post
Seven people are killed and 110 more injured in clashes between the Misak and Nasa, rival Indigenous groups, over a dispute to a land in Silvia, Cauca Department, Colombia. The army has deployed 500 soldiers in response.
Source:
AP
International relations
Acting U.S. navy secretary Hung Cao says that the United States has put on hold US$14 billion of arms sales to Taiwan to preserve munitions during the Iran war.
Source:
Al Jazeera
NATO conducts Operation Arcade Strike, an exercise in drone warfare, at an unused platform of the London Underground's Charing Cross tube station to be prepared for potential conflict with Russia by 2030.
Source:
The New Voice of Ukraine
Sports
Andrew Giuliani, head of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, says that the DR Congo soccer team must isolate for 21 days or risk the ability to enter the U.S. for the upcoming FIFA World Cup amidst the ebola outbreak in the country.
Source:
ESPN
Politics and elections
Slovenia elects Democratic Party leader Janez Janša as prime minister after lawmakers approve a minority coalition government, replacing former prime minister Robert Golob of the Freedom Movement.
Source:
Bloomberg
Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismisses prime minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolves the government amid growing tensions within the ruling coalition and ongoing economic challenges in Senegal.
Source:
AFP via France 24
The reports that Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a commander of the IRGC-aligned Shia Iraqi militia group Kata'ib Hezbollah, who was arrested earlier this month in Turkey for plotting terror attacks across Europe and North America including Jewish sites, also plotted to assassinate U.S. president Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump in retaliation of the 2020 strike against former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.
Source:
First Post
Health and environment
The World Health Organization raises its assessment of the risk from the Ebola outbreak within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from "high" to "very high" due to its rapid spread, while keeping it "low" at the global level. Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that the outbreak in Uganda is stable.
Source:
AP
Rwanda imposes a travel ban on foreign nationals that have been to the DRC in the past thirty days, and requires a quarantine for Rwandan citizens or residents who have been there.
Source:
Reuters
United Nations emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher announces that the organization is providing US$60 million in funding for the outbreak response.
Source:
Reuters
Disasters and accidents
More than 90 miners are killed and others are injured in a mining accident after a gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi, China.
Source:
Sky News
Source:
Arab News PK
One person is killed and 36 others are injured, including two seriously, in an explosion at a dry dock in Staten Island, New York, United States.
Source:
BBC News
At least one person is killed and nine others are injured in an explosion at the petrochemical plant of MOL in Tiszaújváros, Borsod–Abaúj–Zemplén County, Hungary.
Source:
Reuters
40,000 people are evacuated in Garden Grove, California due to a chemical tank leak, and fears of a possible explosion.
Source:
New York Times
Major power outages at night on Sumatra island leave millions without electricity for hours. Several officials declare a state of emergency due to concerns over temperature and weather conditions.
Source:
Tempo
Business and economy
Mexico and the European Union sign an updated trade agreement that reduces tariffs and expands market access.
Source:
AFP via RFI
The Dutch cabinet approves a bill to ban the importation of goods from Israeli settlements, and will explore if the ban can be extended to services and investments.
Source:
Asharq Al-Awsat