Britain has admitted it “handled clumsily” a controversial sanctions licence that allowed Russian oil products refined in countries like India and Turkey to continue entering the UK market, reigniting debate over Western criticism of India’s energy trade with Moscow. UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant apologised in Parliament for confusion surrounding the temporary waiver, which permitted imports of jet fuel and diesel refined from Russian crude to avoid supply disruptions during global energy instability linked to Middle East tensions. The development strengthens India’s long-standing argument that Western nations indirectly benefited from Russian energy while criticising others publicly. Reports estimate billions of pounds worth of refined Russian-origin oil products entered Britain through third countries after sanctions were imposed in 2022. (PC: Times Now)

US President Donald Trump said ongoing peace talks between the United States and Iran are on the “borderline” between a possible deal and renewed military strikes. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, Trump warned the diplomatic window could close quickly if Tehran fails to provide “100% good answers” on its nuclear programme. He claimed Iran was moving toward developing nuclear weapons and said the issue would end “one way or the other.” Trump also stressed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid global oil concerns. Meanwhile, Iran confirmed it is reviewing a new US proposal while warning that any renewed attacks could trigger a wider regional conflict.

Russian fighter jets repeatedly intercepted a British Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft during a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea, according to UK defence sources. The RAF spy plane was reportedly operating in international airspace when multiple Russian warplanes approached and shadowed it at close range. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and NATO over the ongoing Ukraine conflict and increased military activity in the region. British officials described the mission as lawful and routine, while Moscow accused Western nations of escalating surveillance near Russian territory. The repeated interceptions underline growing risks of military confrontation in the strategically sensitive Black Sea region. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are in their “final stages” and expressed hope for a diplomatic agreement to avoid further conflict. However, Trump warned that the United States remains prepared to launch military attacks if talks fail to produce an acceptable deal. The negotiations focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and reopening the Strait of Hormuz after recent disruptions to global oil shipments. Iran has continued indirect talks through mediators while insisting on sanctions relief and security guarantees. Oil markets reacted cautiously as fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East continue to impact global energy prices. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing following former US President Donald Trump’s recent diplomatic engagement with Moscow. The high-profile meeting highlighted the strengthening strategic partnership between China and Russia amid growing geopolitical tensions with the West. Discussions reportedly focused on energy cooperation, military coordination, trade expansion and global security issues, including the Ukraine conflict and Indo-Pacific developments. Both leaders reaffirmed opposition to Western sanctions and pledged closer cooperation in international forums. The visit signals Beijing and Moscow’s continued alignment despite rising pressure from the United States and its allies. (PC: AFP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will begin his first official visit to India on May 23 for a four-day diplomatic tour covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. During the visit, Rubio is expected to hold high-level meetings with senior Indian officials to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, energy security and strategic partnerships. He will also participate in the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India on May 26 alongside representatives from Australia and Japan. The discussions are likely to focus on Indo-Pacific security, global geopolitical tensions and expanding India-US bilateral ties amid evolving international challenges. (PC: AFP)

A US Congressional Research Service (CRS) report claimed that at least 42 American military aircraft were lost or damaged during the ongoing Iran war under Operation Epic Fury. The reported losses include F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, an F-35A stealth fighter, MQ-9 Reaper drones, KC-135 refuelling aircraft, an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane, and special operations helicopters. Pentagon officials said repair and replacement costs have sharply increased, pushing operational expenses close to $29 billion. The CRS warned the numbers could rise further because of ongoing combat, classified data, and difficulties in confirming battlefield losses during the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would “do whatever I want him to do” regarding the escalating Iran conflict, underlining strong US-Israel coordination. Trump said he was not rushing to end the confrontation and prioritized achieving strategic goals over speed. His remarks came amid stalled US-Iran diplomatic talks, ongoing Israeli military operations, and growing fears of a wider regional war. The escalating tensions have increased concerns over Middle East stability, global oil prices, and the possibility of broader international involvement in the conflict. (PC: India Today)

Yume, the Akita dog gifted by Japan’s Akita Prefecture to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012, died in 2025 due to old age, the Russian presidential office confirmed. The dog would have turned 14 on April 24. Yume was presented as a gesture of gratitude for Russia’s assistance following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and was believed to have lived at Putin’s official residence. The dog became a symbol of Japan-Russia goodwill and frequently drew public attention during diplomatic interactions. In January 2025, the Kremlin had described Yume as “well, mischievous, devoted and keeping the president happy.” The revelation has renewed memories of one of diplomacy’s most recognisable animal companions. (PC: X)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been invited to attend a special United Nations Security Council meeting scheduled in New York next week amid continuing international focus on Iran and rising geopolitical tensions. The invitation signals growing diplomatic attention on Tehran’s role in ongoing regional and global security discussions, particularly as negotiations and concerns surrounding Iran’s foreign policy and nuclear position continue to dominate international debate. However, Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed whether Araghchi will participate in the high-level session. The uncertainty surrounding his attendance has further fueled speculation over Iran’s diplomatic strategy and possible engagement with global powers during the upcoming UN deliberations. More details are expected in the coming days from Tehran and the UN. (PC: Times Now)