- US Congress passes key funding bill to avert government shutdown
- Keir Starmer Rebukes Calls to Resign Amid Labour Party Dissent
- Putin appears at scaled-back Victory Day parade amid health concerns
- Thousands march in Brussels against government pension reforms
- Justice Department charges Dali cargo ship operator over Key Bridge collapse
- US president Trump rejects Iran’s ceasefire proposal amid escalating tensions
- EU criticises reopening of Russian pavilion at Venice Biennale, calls for funding halt
- Canada braces for potential blackouts as solar flare approaches Earth tomorrow
The Ultimate guide to Manhattan
It is time to explore Manhattan, you’ve got the trip planned and you are ready to go. But Manhattan is so big, how do you start, or where do you start, well we’ve got you covered with; The ultimate guide to Manhattan, one of the 5 boroughs of New York City. Some may argue it is the most important borough in New York; in financial terms it is, since it is home to Wall street.
An important note to remember is Manhattan is a huge area and if you are looking to explore Manhattan over one or two days, you’ll need to pick the POI that matter you most and do they in a swift manner and efficiently. For instance you can explore Manhattan by seeing Grand central station, 5th Avenue and Times Square, in one day, because they are in close proximity to one another, so it’s always good to plan ahead
Manhattan is divided into 5 boroughs and then several neighborhoods, including Lower Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, Upper Manhattan, the West Side, and the East Side, but they all fall into the same categories below.
- Lower Manhattan / Downtown
- Midtown Manhattan
- Upper Manhattan
- Harlem
- Washington Heights
- IN AN EMERGENCY Call 911
- Fire department Manhattan 212-999-2222
- NEW York Emergency Medical Services 718-999-2770
- New York Tourism board
About Manhattan New York
Explore Manhattans Neighbourhoods
- Alphabet City
- Battery Park City
- Bloomingdale District
- Bowery
- Carnegie Hill
- Central Park
- Chelsea
- Chinatown
- Civic Center
- East Harlem
- East Village
- Financial District
- Flatiron District
- Fort George
- Garment District
- Governors Island
- Gramercy
- Greenwich Village
- Hamilton Heights
- Harlem
- Hell’s Kitchen (Clinton)
- The Highline
- Hudson Heights
- Hudson Square
- Hudson Yards
- Inwood
- Kips Bay
- Lenox Hill
- Lincoln Square
- Little Italy/NoLIta
- Lower East Side
- Manhattan Valley
- Manhattanville
- Marble Hill
- Meatpacking District
- Metropolitan Hill
- Midtown
- Midtown East
- Midtown South
- Morningside Heights
- Murray Hill
- NoHo
- NoMad
- Randall’s Island
- Roosevelt Island
- Rose Hill
- SoHo
- South Street Seaport
- Spanish Harlem (El Barrio)
- Stuyvesant Town
- Sugar Hill
- Sutton Place
- Theater District (Times Square)
- TriBeCa
- Tudor City
- Turtle Bay
- Two Bridges
- Union Square
- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
- Washington Heights
- West Village
- World Trade Center
- Yorkville
Things to do in New York City
US Congress passes key funding bill to avert government shutdown
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal case today that could reshape the landscape of election laws nationwide. The case centers on whether states can impose rules limiting ballot drop boxes and mail-in voting, raising critical questions about voter access and election integrity. Justices will hear arguments from both sides, with advocates arguing for uniform voting standards while opponents warn against unnecessary restrictions that could disenfranchise voters.
As the court deliberates, economic analysts are closely monitoring potential impacts on voter turnout, which could affect market sentiment leading up to elections. Some experts suggest that reduced accessibility to voting may dampen consumer confidence, influencing spending patterns. Attention will now shift to the court’s ruling expected later this week, which may set precedents for upcoming election cycles.
Key developments across the United States
South Carolina Republicans Debate Presidential Candidates
US POLITICS — South Carolina Republicans held a debate featuring several presidential candidates.
The event showcased candidates vying for the GOP nomination, highlighting their policy positions and campaign strategies. It provided a platform for candidates to engage directly with voters and discussed key issues affecting the party’s base, such as economic policies and social issues.
Generic Medication Prices Spark Congressional Hearing
US POLITICS — Congress held hearings on the rising prices of generic medications.
Lawmakers examined the pharmaceutical industry’s pricing practices and the impact on consumers. The hearings aimed to identify potential legislative solutions to make medications more affordable and transparent in pricing.
Democratic Candidates Rally for Support in Key States
US POLITICS — Democratic candidates are mobilizing support in battleground states ahead of upcoming elections.
The candidates are focusing on connecting with voters in states critical to the party’s success in national elections. Their campaigns are emphasizing major issues such as climate change, healthcare, and economic recovery.
Supreme Court to Hear Landmark Case on Voting Rights
US LAW — The Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case regarding voting rights.
This upcoming case could have major implications for election laws and voter access across the United States. The Court’s decision will likely influence future legislation surrounding voting rights and potentially reshape the electoral landscape.
Bipartisan Support Grows for Infrastructure Funding Bill
US ECONOMY — A bipartisan coalition is gaining momentum for a new infrastructure funding bill.
The proposed legislation aims to address critical infrastructure needs across the country while creating jobs. This growing support is seen as essential for enhancing economic development and improving public transportation and other essential services.
What to watch — The Supreme Court’s decision on voting rights is anticipated to have significant implications for upcoming elections and legislation.
Further reading from US News sources
Bloomberg
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Politico
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Reuters
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Associated Press
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Media Lens: Keir Starmer Rebukes Calls to Resign Amid Labour Party Dissent
Story focus: Keir Starmer rejects calls to resign.
Primary entity: Keir Starmer | Region:
The main geographic focus is the United Kingdom (U.K.).
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejects calls to resign amid increasing pressure from within his party. Starmer maintains his position and aims to continue leading the Labour Party effectively.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly rejected increasing calls from within his own Labour Party to resign. This comes amid rising discontent concerning his leadership, particularly regarding his stance on various political issues, as reported by multiple media outlets including CBS News and CNN.
Status quo
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recently faced intensifying pressures to resign, even from within his own Labour Party. His leadership has come under scrutiny amid various challenges, prompting debates over the future direction of the party and potential successors. As Starmer continues to navigate these calls, discussions about alternative leadership options are gaining traction among party members and analysts.
Confirmed facts
- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected calls to resign from within his own party.
- Starmer recently faced increased pressure amidst discussions regarding his leadership.
- Sources report that both CBS News and CNN covered Starmer’s response to the resignation calls.
- Starmer’s leadership is being scrutinized in light of Labour’s political strategies.
Preconceptions
- CBS News prioritises the internal party dynamics regarding Keir Starmer’s leadership, highlighting dissent within the Labour Party, whereas CNN emphasizes potential successors and future political implications with less focus on internal conflict.
- C-SPAN covers the news with a straightforward, fact-based approach that reduces speculation about political outcomes, while CNBC presents a more analytical perspective, emphasizing the complexities of Starmer’s EU negotiations.
- CBS News places urgency on the immediate political climate and public opinion pressures facing Starmer, contrasting with CNBC, which discusses broader economic implications and international viewpoints.
Elisions
- Coverage on potential successors to Keir Starmer is mentioned in CNN’s article but lacks detailed analysis compared to CNBC’s in-depth exploration of the political implications of Starmer’s EU push.
- The CBS News article briefly covers Starmer’s refusal to resign under pressure, while C-SPAN presents a more extensive focus on public opinion surrounding this issue, indicating differing levels of public engagement.
- CNBC discusses the harsh political realities facing Starmer’s EU agenda, yet does not delve into the international reactions or implications, which C-SPAN partially addresses through broader contextual analysis.
One story, four angles
CBS News – U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejects mounting calls to resign, even from his own party
Publication: CBS News | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: 0.4 | Legal precision: Moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: This article emphasizes Starmer’s refusal to resign amidst internal party pressures, directing attention towards party discontent more than Starmer’s policies or actions.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison**: CBS positions Starmer as defiant, using “rejects mounting calls,” focusing on his resistance rather than addressing criticism.
2. **Example**: The wording “even from his own party” suggests deep internal conflict, amplifying the urgency of intra-party dissent.
3. **Example**: The placement of “mounting calls” near the top draws immediate concern from readers regarding Starmer’s leadership challenges.
Bias: Selection: Highlights dissent from the party, minimizing supportive voices | Language: “rejects” conveys a confrontational tone | Omission: Lacks mention of Starmer’s policies or achievements that may counterbalance resistance.
Assessment: The reader is led to believe Starmer’s leadership is under severe threat.
CNN – Who could replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Britain’s next prime minister?
Publication: CNN | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: 0.3 | Legal precision: Moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: CNN’s article centers on the speculation surrounding Starmer’s potential replacements, encouraging readers to consider future leadership over current issues.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison**: CNN focuses on speculation and future potential, framing Starmer’s position as precarious and suggesting imminent leadership changes.
2. **Example**: Phrasing like “who could replace” implicitly signals that Starmer’s position is more vulnerable than CBS’s framing.
3. **Example**: The emphasis on “Britain’s next prime minister” broadens the narrative to overall political instability, not just Starmer’s issues.
Bias: Selection: Prioritizes potential successors over current leadership analysis | Language: “could replace” implies inevitability of change | Omission: Misses opportunities to discuss what Starmer’s success would entail.
Assessment: The reader starts to believe that a leadership change in Labour is imminent.
CNBC – CNBC’s UK Exchange newsletter: Starmer’s EU push faces a harsh political reality
Publication: CNBC | Intensity: (6/10) | Sentiment: 0.2 | Legal precision: Moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: CNBC reframes the focus on Starmer’s EU policies, inviting readers to consider broader geopolitical implications rather than internal party matters.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison**: Emphasizes political realities of Starmer’s EU push, contrasting earlier articles that dwell on intra-party dynamics.
2. **Example**: The term “harsh political reality” shifts focus to external pressures rather than party dissent.
3. **Example**: Placement of “EU push” in the headline signals a differing priority on policy over leadership crisis.
Bias: Selection: Concentrates on EU relations, downplaying internal party turmoil | Language: “harsh political reality” suggests inevitability of failure | Omission: Lacks in-depth analysis of Starmer’s EU strategy or its potential benefits.
Assessment: The reader takes away that Starmer’s policy initiatives are at significant risk due to external pressures.
C-SPAN – President Trump Arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport
Publication: C-SPAN | Intensity: (4/10) | Sentiment: 0.1 | Legal precision: High
Expand
Espresso Shot: C-SPAN’s article conveys a straightforward reporting style, focusing on event coverage without editorialization, thus emphasizing neutrality.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison**: Unlike other sources, C-SPAN steps back from the political context, offering a pure report of Trump’s arrival.
2. **Example**: Uses objective phrasing like “arrives at” without speculation, simply presenting the facts.
3. **Example**: The absence of opinion or conjecture stabilizes the article’s neutrality amidst charged political discussions.
Bias: Selection: Avoids engaging with any political implications of the event | Language: Neutral terms ultimately limit the drama | Omission: Fails to discuss the broader geopolitical context of the visit.
Assessment: The reader perceives the coverage as neutral, merely reporting an event without implications.
In examining how UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership is portrayed, CNBC highlights the harsh political realities of his EU push, presenting a critical stance on his governance. Conversely, CBS News focuses on his resistance to resign amid internal party pressures, framing him as steadfast. This positions CBS’s framing as more defensive and potentially protective, while CNBC’s narrative leans toward escalatory, suggesting imminent challenges to Starmer’s authority. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
CBS News
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejects mounting calls to resign, even from his own party
CNN
Who could replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Britain’s next prime minister?
C-SPAN
President Trump Arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport
CNBC
CNBC’s UK Exchange newsletter: Starmer’s EU push faces a harsh political reality
Get you up to speed: Putin appears at scaled-back Victory Day parade amid health concerns
Vladimir Putin was spotted at a scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow, which has historically featured large military displays. Reports suggest that Putin has begun to use Botox ‘heavily’ amid concerns for his health, particularly following observations of his puffy and swollen face.
Vladimir Putin’s recent appearance at the scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow prompted concerns regarding his health, with Ukrainian commentator Anton Gerashchenko joking that sanctions may have impacted the country’s Botox supply. Reports from 2022 indicated that Putin had begun using Botox “heavily” amidst worries about his health, with speculation from an FSB officer suggesting he may have cancer and only “two to three years to stay alive.”
Vladimir Putin’s appearance at the scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow has raised concerns over his health and has led commentators to suggest he is increasingly losing power. Reports from inside the Kremlin indicate that Putin has begun using Botox heavily, amidst unconfirmed claims of his deteriorating health.
Putin appears at victory parade with ‘swollen’ face amid health fears | News World

The leader’s face appeared puffy and swollen at the parade (Picture: east2west)
Vladimir Putin’s puffy face and swollen cheeks saw a commentator question whether Russian sanctions had affected the country’s Botox supply.
The Russian president was spotted out in public for a Victory Day parade in Moscow over the weekend.
But Putin was branded a ‘deeply frightened, ageing dictator’, with his appearance triggering fears over his health.
Ukrainian commentator Anton Gerashchenko pointed to one unflattering image of the 73-year-old’s swollen cheeks, joking: ‘The face of a ‘victor’ and the leader of a ‘superpower’.
‘It seems sanctions have even reached Putin’s Botox.’
His lopsided face, which has been compared to ‘melting wax’, has been cause for concern among both supporters and critics.
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In 2022, reports from inside the Kremlin said Putin had begun to use Botox ‘heavily’ amid concerns for his health.
Unconfirmed reports which resurfaced this year have suggested the leader has cancer, with an FSB officer claiming he had ‘no more than two to three years to stay alive’.
Crimean Wind said: ‘History shows that many dictators visibly aged before the fall of their regime or their death. Scientists link this to chronic stress, paranoid fear of losing power, and isolation, which accelerate the body’s ageing.’

Putin’s appearance has spurred worry (Picture: east2west)
Normally, Russia’s Victory Day parade is a large fanfare event featuring tanks, nuclear warheads and thousands of soldiers marching through the capital.
This year’s celebration was scaled back amid fears of retaliatory attacks by Ukraine. Some commentators suggest the smaller event shows Putin is losing his power.
Another Ukrainian commentator, Alexey Kopytko, said: ‘At the parade, the centre of attention was not the leader of a superpower, but a tired old man with shifty eyes whom they still tolerate. And he senses it.
‘Either Putin himself is afraid, or he’s being wound up and intimidated this way — which causes him to become fearful and paranoid.’
The parade, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War, is Russia’s largest military holiday.
The Soviet Union lost 27million people in 1941-45 in what it calls the Great Patriotic War, an enormous sacrifice that left a deep scar in the national psyche and remains a rare point of consensus in the nation’s divisive history under Communist rule.
Victory Day parades on Red Square have involved a broad array of heavy weapons – from armoured vehicles to nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles – every year since 2008.
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Thousands march in Brussels against government pension reforms
Between 40,000 and 70,000 people marched in Brussels, organised by the country’s three main trade unions to protest against the federal government’s “anti-social” reforms.
Between 40,000 and 70,000 demonstrators expressed discontent over federal reforms, highlighting significant public opposition to government policies affecting pensions and wage indexation.
“The pension reform leaves workers worse off,” stated a representative from the trade unions, characterising the government’s actions as “anti-social.”
Key developments
Between 40,000 and 70,000 individuals participated in a national demonstration in Brussels, responding to a call from Belgium’s three main trade unions against government reforms deemed “anti-social”.
The rally focused on key concerns including pensions, purchasing power, and the automatic indexation of wages, which unions argue negatively impact workers’ livelihoods.
Due to the protest, public transport experienced reduced service, and Charleroi Airport cancelled all flights for the day, disrupting travel across the country.
General strike in Belgium against government reforms draws tens of thousands to the capital

Published on
Between 40,000 and 70,000 people marched through the streets of Brussels on Tuesday. The demonstrators gathered at the call of the country’s three main trade unions to denounce the federal government’s reforms, which the trade unions consider to be “anti-social”.
The main issues and demands of the demonstration: pensions, purchasing power and automatic wage indexation.
Unions have condemned a pension reform that leaves workers worse off. They have also condemned an attack on the automatic indexation of wages.
The rally took place against a backdrop of soaring energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East.
This national demonstration is part of a trade union campaign led for the past year and a half by workers’ representatives against the ruling coalition government led by Prime minister Bart De Wever, a Flemish nationalist.
Public transport across the country was running at a reduced service. Charleroi Airport cancelled all flights scheduled for the day.
The last national demonstration, on March 12, had drawn between 80,000 and 100,000 people to Brussels.
Media Lens: Justice Department charges Dali cargo ship operator over Key Bridge collapse
Justice Dept. charges shipping company in Key Bridge collapse.
The Justice Department has filed charges against the operators of a shipping company linked to the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse. This follows a Maryland settlement of $2.25 billion, as reported in coverage in latest US news and US and global politics.
What happened
The Justice Department has filed charges against the operators of a shipping company involved in the deadly Key Bridge collapse. This legal action follows Maryland’s settlement of $2.25 billion connected to the incident.
The charges include the operator of the cargo ship Dali, which is implicated in the bridge disaster. The indictments aim to address the accountability of those responsible for the collapse and its consequences.
Key facts
- The Justice Department has charged a shipping company in connection with the Key Bridge collapse.
- Maryland reached a $2.25 billion settlement related to the bridge collapse.
- Criminal charges have been filed against the operator and an employee of the shipping company.
- Victims’ families hope the federal indictment will aid their civil case.
Where coverage differs
- Outlet A emphasizes the criminal charges against operators, while Outlet B emphasizes the financial settlement related to the same incident.
- Outlet C foregrounds the implications for victims’ families rather than the legal actions taken.
- Outlet D prioritizes the context of the bridge collapse over the specific individuals involved in the charges.
One story, four angles
The Washington Post – Justice Dept. charges shipping company in deadly Key Bridge collapse
Publication: The Washington Post | Primary framing pattern: legal | Tone: serious | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: high
Expand
Espresso Shot: The Washington Post focuses on the legal aspects following the deadly Key Bridge collapse, presenting charges filed against the responsible shipping company. High detail is given to the legal consequences and the circumstances leading to this development.
Publication emphasis: The outlet emphasizes the Justice Department’s legal action against the company involved in the bridge collapse.
Framing analysis: The article foregrounds the legal consequences and actions taken by authorities, while backgrounding the human aspects, such as victim impact or community reaction.
Bias: Selection: Focused on legal actions; Language: Formal legal terms are used; Omission: Limited details on victims’ stories.
Assessment: The Washington Post provides a detailed legal analysis emphasizing accountability in the context of the event.
WTOP – Maryland reaches $2.25 billion settlement on Key Bridge collapse as Justice Dept. files charges against operator, employee
Publication: WTOP | Primary framing pattern: policy | Tone: informative | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: WTOP frames the story around both the significant financial settlement and the legal actions being taken, offering a comprehensive view of the ramifications and responsibilities stemming from the Key Bridge incident.
Publication emphasis: The report highlights a substantial financial settlement in conjunction with legal proceedings, indicating a strong response from both the state and federal authorities.
Framing analysis: The article prioritizes the financial implications and legal accountability, while sidelining personal stories of those affected by the tragedy.
Bias: Selection: Focus on financial and legal outcomes; Language: Objective, financial terms are prominent; Omission: Lack of emotional narratives from victims’ families.
Assessment: WTOP provides a fact-based overview that underscores accountability through significant financial settlements and legal action.
WBAL-TV – ‘The purposeful hiding’: Key Bridge victims’ families hope federal indictment helps their civil case
Publication: WBAL-TV | Primary framing pattern: moral | Tone: empathetic | Intensity: 8/10 | Sentiment: positive | Legal precision: moderate
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Espresso Shot: WBAL-TV emphasizes the emotional impact of the Key Bridge collapse on victims’ families, spotlighting their hopes for justice and accountability with federal indictments improving their civil case prospects.
Publication emphasis: The outlet prioritizes the perspectives and emotional experiences of the victims’ families amidst the legal proceedings.
Framing analysis: The narrative is centered around moral implications and emotional struggles, while legal details are secondary, depicting how federal actions resonate with affected families.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on victims’ emotions; Language: Emotional and personal narratives are highlighted; Omission: Limited discussion on technical aspects of the case.
Assessment: WBAL-TV captivates the audience with a heartfelt account that prioritizes human stories in the midst of legal controversies.
BBC – Baltimore Key Bridge collapse: Criminal charges filed against Dali cargo ship operator
Publication: BBC | Primary framing pattern: legal | Tone: neutral | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: high
Expand
Espresso Shot: BBC reports on the criminal charges against the Dali cargo ship’s operator linked to the Key Bridge collapse, offering crucial details on both the legal aspects and the event’s broader implications.
Publication emphasis: Focus is placed on the legal proceedings and the ramifications of the charges against the shipping company.
Framing analysis: The article foregrounds legal proceedings while providing essential factual background, ensuring clarity around culpability in the incident.
Bias: Selection: Concentrates on legal implications; Language: Uses formal legal terminology; Omission: Less focus on the human toll of the disaster.
Assessment: BBC delivers a straightforward legal analysis emphasizing accountability while providing minimal emotional context related to victims.
Food for thought
The Washington Post emphasizes the “criminal charges” against the shipping company and its operator as pivotal, framing the incident within a strong legal context that foregrounds potential accountability. Conversely, WTOP’s report escalates the urgency, highlighting a significant $2.25 billion settlement alongside federal charges, which adds pressure on the implicated parties and underscores the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, WBAL-TV introduces a more personal angle by focusing on the affected families’ hopes for justice amid the legal turmoil. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Get you up to speed: US president Trump rejects Iran‘s ceasefire proposal amid escalating tensions
US President Donald Trump stated that the Iran ceasefire is on “life support” after he rejected Tehran’s latest proposal to end the ongoing conflict. Trump dismissed the proposal, which included some concessions on Iran’s disputed nuclear programme, as “garbage.”
US President Donald Trump stated that the Iran ceasefire is on “life support” and described Iran’s latest proposal as “garbage.” According to officials, the proposal included concessions on Iran’s nuclear programme, but tensions remain high amid ongoing military exchanges and economic concerns.
US President Donald Trump is expected to encourage President Xi Jinping of China to exert pressure on Iran, as China is the largest buyer of Iran’s sanctioned crude oil. Meanwhile, the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz continues, affecting global fuel prices and markets, with Iran maintaining control over the vital shipping route.
Trump admits he didn’t finish reading Iran’s ‘garbage’ peace proposal | News US
Washington, DC on May 8, 2026. Trump is traveling to Sterling, Virginia, where he will participate in a LIV Golf dinner. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)” decoding=”sync”/>
Trump has refused to finish reading the latest proposal (Picture: AFP)
US President Donald Trump said the Iran ceasefire is on ‘life support’ after he rejected Tehran’s latest proposal to end the two countries’ ongoing conflict.
Officials said the proposal included some concessions on Iran’s disputed nuclear programme, but Trump dismissed it as ‘garbage’.
The stalled talks and recent exchanges of fire could tip the Middle East back into open warfare and prolong the energy crisis.
Iran still has a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, and America’s blockade of Iranian ports is still in place.
However, the US and Iran ostensibly reached a ceasefire last month – though tensions remain high.
Asked at an unrelated White House event if the ceasefire was still in place, Trump said it is ‘unbelievably weak’ and on ‘life support’ before taking aim at the recent peace proposal from Iran.
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‘I would call [the ceasefire] the weakest right now after reading that piece of garbage they sent us,’ Trump added. ‘I didn’t even finish reading it.’

Iranian strikes earlier in the conflict crippled neighbouring oil businesses (Picture: AFP)
Trump is expected to use a trip to China this week to urge President Xi Jinping to put pressure on Iran. Beijing is the biggest buyer of Iran’s sanctioned crude oil.
There are many contested issues standing in the way of a US-Iran peace deal. Trump has demanded a major rollback of Iran’s nuclear activities, while Iran is pushing for a more limited agreement that would reopen the Strait and lift the blockade ahead of further negotiations.
Two regional officials said that Iran has offered to dilute part of its highly enriched uranium and transport the rest to a third country. Russia has previously offered to take it.
Still, Trump has demanded that the nuclear material be removed completely, and is unlikely to accept other Iranian proposals for the formalisation of its control of the Strait.
Trump said on Sunday that Iran’s response to his latest proposal was ‘TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!’

A US blockade is still in place in part of the Strait of Hormuz (Picture: AFP)
Ending the blockade before discussing Iran’s nuclear programme would eliminate a major point of leverage for Trump.
In the meantime, the standoff over the Strait, which is a key transit point for the world’s oil and natural gas exports, has sent fuel prices skyrocketing and rattled world markets.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who launched the war with Trump on February 28, has kept insisting that the conflict was ‘not over’.
The US and Israel have killed dozens of high-ranking Iranian officials, including the country’s supreme leader, in the opening salvos of the war, and the conflict has inflicted heavy damage to Iran’s economy.
Iran’s proposal asked that the US recognise its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait since the start of the war, allowing only a small number of ships to pass and charging tolls.
But experts say such an arrangement would likely violate international law that provides for freedom of navigation.
That proposal is also likely to be widely rejected by the international community, as the strait was open to international traffic before the war.
Iran is also demanding war reparations from the US, the lifting of international sanctions, the unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad, and an end to the war between Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to Iranian state TV.
Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange blows, mainly in southern Lebanon, since a nominal ceasefire took hold last month.
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