**Summary:** U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing next week, where he intends to pressure Chinese President Xi Jinping to increase economic and military pressure on Iran to help end the conflict in the Middle East.

**Key points:**
- The agenda for the visit includes discussions on trade, tariffs, and artificial intelligence, alongside the conflict in Iran.
- President Donald Trump has previously raised concerns with President Xi Jinping regarding Chinese revenue generated for Iran and Russia through oil sales.
- The trip was originally planned for March but was postponed due to the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
- The visit will feature a formal welcome ceremony, bilateral meetings, and a state banquet.

**Why it matters:** The meeting represents a critical diplomatic effort by the United States to leverage its relationship with China to influence regional security and conflict resolution in the Middle East.

elintransigente.com - Lula da Silva y Donald Trump , una cumbre por los aranceles y con miras a las elecciones

elcomercio.pe - Trump presionará a presidente chino por Irán en visita a Pekín, según funcionario

Donald Trump to Press China on Iran During Upcoming Beijing Visit

**Summary:** The Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly not appeared in public since sustaining injuries during a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike, complicating ongoing ceasefire negotiations with the United States.

**Key points:**
- Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly suffered back and knee injuries during an explosion caused by the airstrike.
- The leader's absence has sparked internal debate among Iranian officials regarding the extent of potential concessions in negotiations with Washington.
- U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that Iran has not yet provided a clear response to American proposals for a peaceful resolution.

**Why it matters:** The uncertainty surrounding the status of Iran's leadership creates a significant diplomatic vacuum that threatens to stall critical ceasefire and nuclear program negotiations.

day.az - Иран не ответил США

day.az - В США заявили о "пропаже верховного лидера Ирана"

lenta.ru - В США сообщили о пропаже верховного лидера Ирана в самый неподходящий момент

Reports Emerge of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Missing Following Airstrike

**Summary:** Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a potential mediator in the ongoing war in Ukraine, sparking a polarized response within the German political landscape.

**Key points:**
- The German government dismissed the proposal as a tactical 'sham offer' and part of Russia's hybrid strategy.
- SPD foreign policy experts expressed openness to evaluating the offer, while other parties like the Greens and FDP rejected it.
- Reports suggest German officials are considering President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as an alternative mediator.
- Gerhard Schröder has maintained a long-standing personal friendship with Vladimir Putin, which has drawn significant criticism in Germany.

**Why it matters:** The proposal highlights deep divisions within the German government regarding diplomatic engagement with Russia and the credibility of potential peace initiatives.

vz.ru - В Германии после предложения Путина нашли замену Шредеру в роли переговорщика :: Новости дня / ВЗГЛЯД

tagesschau.de - Putin schlägt Schröder als Vermittler vor - die Reaktionen sind gemischt

soester-anzeiger.de - Schröder als Ukraine - Verhandler ? SPD : „ Wäre fahrlässig , das auszuschlagen

Putin Proposes Former German Chancellor Schröder as Ukraine War Mediator

**Summary:** Iran has officially responded to a U.S. peace proposal aimed at ending the two-month-old conflict, with negotiations currently focused on a ceasefire and maritime access in the Strait of Hormuz.

**Key points:**
- The Iranian government delivered its response through Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator.
- The proposed memorandum of understanding seeks a temporary pause in hostilities to facilitate broader diplomatic discussions.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to strike U.S. regional assets following the bombing of two Iranian merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman.
- U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he was awaiting Iran's response to the latest diplomatic overture.

**Why it matters:** The exchange of diplomatic responses and military threats highlights the volatile state of the U.S.-Iran conflict, where ongoing maritime skirmishes complicate efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

La Tercera - Irán entrega respuesta a propuesta de Estados Unidos para frenar conflicto

EL COMERCIO PERÚ - Irán amenaza con atacar intereses de EE.UU. en caso de nuevos ataques a sus buques

Iran Submits Response to U.S. Peace Proposal Amid Regional Tensions

**Summary:** The Kremlin has accused Armenia of providing a platform for anti-Russian remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during his recent visit to Yerevan, signaling a further deterioration in relations between the two allies.

**Key points:**
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Armenia's decision to host President Zelenskiy for anti-Russian statements is inconsistent with the spirit of their bilateral relations.
- Russia has summoned the Armenian ambassador to protest what it termed as terrorist threats made by the Ukrainian leader while in Yerevan.
- Moscow expressed concern over Armenia's increasing alignment with the European Union following a recent European Political Community meeting.
- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not attend the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, citing the start of an election campaign.

**Why it matters:** The diplomatic friction highlights the growing strain in the traditional alliance between Russia and Armenia as Yerevan pursues closer ties with the European Union.

lenta.ru - Назван вероятный выбор Армении между ЕС и Ес и ЕАЭС

dnes.dir.bg - Кремъл: Недопустимо е Армения да предоставя на Зеленски "трибуна за русофобски изказвания"

straitstimes.com - Kremlin accuses Armenia of providing platform for Ukraine's Zelenskiy, agencies report

rss.unian.net - В Кремле выдвинули претензии Армении из-за заявлений Зеленского в Ереване и требуют объяснений

Russia Criticizes Armenia Over Hosting Ukrainian President Zelenskiy

**Summary:** During a visit to Zangilan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev announced plans to transform the city into a major regional transport hub, highlighting ongoing railway construction projects connecting to the Zangezur Corridor.

**Key points:**
- President Ilham Aliyev stated that the railway from Baku to Zangilan is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months.
- The planned rail network is intended to connect to Nakhchivan via the Zangezur Corridor.
- President Ilham Aliyev attributed Azerbaijan's growing international standing to its dignified policy, military success, and the alignment of its words and actions.
- The President noted that 60,000 hectares of forest were destroyed during the occupation of the region.

**Why it matters:** The development of Zangilan as a transport hub is a strategic component of Azerbaijan's post-conflict reconstruction efforts and regional connectivity goals.

day.az - Prezident İlham Əliyev: Biz Zəngilanı bölgənin nəqliyyat mərkəzlərindən birinə çevirəcəyik

trend.az - We will transform Zangilan into a transport hub for Azerbaijan and the entire region - President Ilham Aliyev

President Ilham Aliyev Outlines Development Plans for Zangilan

**Summary:** Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), stated that energy options for the European Union and the United Kingdom have deteriorated due to the ongoing energy crisis and strengthening Russia-China energy ties.

**Key points:**
- Kirill Dmitriev, who also serves as a special representative for investment-economic cooperation, linked the worsening European energy situation to the rejection of reliable Russian energy supplies.
- President Vladimir Putin recently announced that Russia and China have reached a high level of agreement regarding future cooperation in the oil and gas sectors.
- Global energy markets face additional pressure from disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has hindered the export of oil and liquefied natural gas.

**Why it matters:** The statements highlight the ongoing geopolitical shift in energy dependencies as Russia seeks to pivot its energy exports toward Asian markets while European nations struggle with supply instability.

vz.ru - Дмитриев заявил об ухудшении вариантов для ЕС в энергетике :: Новости дня / ВЗГЛЯД

lenta.ru - В России заявили об ухудшении условий в энергетике для Европы

Russian Official Claims Energy Crisis Worsening for Europe Amid China Cooperation

**Summary:** South Indian film superstar and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Thalapathy Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at a ceremony held in Chennai's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

**Key points:**
- Governor R. N. Ravi administered the oath of office to the new Chief Minister.
- The TVK party secured a mandate by winning 108 seats in the recent legislative assembly elections.
- Vijay secured the support of 121 legislators, including backing from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Congress.
- The new administration faces a floor test in the state assembly scheduled for May 13, 2026.
- Prominent political figures, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, attended the event.

**Why it matters:** The transition marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, as a prominent cinema figure assumes leadership of the state government.

pratahkal.com - थलपति विजय का ऐतिहासिक राज्याभिषेक : तमिलनाडु की राजनीति में नए युग का उदय | Thalapathy Vijay to take oath as Tamil Nadu CM today ; Rahul Gandhi to attend

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