8 minutes ago — Trump arrives in Beijing to meet Xi Jinping
President Trump landed in Beijing Wednesday evening local time for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said the two countries are the world’s leading powers and reiterated U.S. military strength as he departed the White House. Trump told reporters he expects a “long talk” with Xi, including discussions about Iran and trade.
18 minutes ago — China urges Pakistan to press on with mediation
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi phoned Pakistan’s FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar, praising Pakistan’s role in facilitating U.S.-Iran talks and urging it to “maintain confidence” and intensify mediation. Pakistan has acted as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington and tried to nudge negotiators back to the table despite tensions over Iranian military aircraft parked in Pakistan. China said it will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts and “make its own contribution” to restoring regional peace and resolving the Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
50 minutes ago — Iran state TV: Strait gridlock creates local work
Iran’s state broadcaster reported that the ship backlog in the Strait of Hormuz has generated business for coastal residents in Hormozgan province. Reporters said dozens of vessels are anchored awaiting Iran’s coordination with the IRGC Navy to transit. Local services — medical, food, refueling, repairs and small-boat transfers — are reportedly servicing multiple ships daily. The report noted, however, that while some coastal vendors see opportunities, the wider Iranian economy remains crippled by sanctions, a U.S. naval blockade, and severe inflation.
7:51 AM — Israel strikes cars south of Beirut, Lebanese media say
Lebanese state media reported Israeli strikes hit two cars on a highway linking Beirut to southern Lebanon near Jiyeh. An AFP photographer saw a burned-out vehicle and rescuers carrying a body; casualties were not confirmed by authorities. The strikes come amid continued Israeli air operations against Hezbollah despite a truce brokered in April. Lebanon and Israel are scheduled for another round of direct U.S.-mediated talks in Washington.
7:20 AM — Iran’s soccer team readies for World Cup amid visa fears
Iran’s national team is training in Turkey before flying to the U.S. for World Cup friendlies, but officials worry U.S. visa issues could disrupt plans. Iran’s soccer federation has listed conditions for attending, including visas for all players and staff, respect for the flag and anthem, and security guarantees. U.S. officials say players are welcome but warned individuals with ties to the IRGC could face entry restrictions.
7:00 AM — IRGC drills signal readiness to confront new attack
Brig. Gen. Hassan Hassanzadeh said five-day drills around Tehran demonstrated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ high level of readiness to confront a fresh U.S. or Israeli attack “any place and at any time.” The exercises included special forces and commandos rehearsing counter‑special-operations scenarios and tactics across terrain types.
7:00 AM — Iran lays out preconditions for talks, calls U.S. offer a “demand for surrender”
Iran’s semi-official Fars agency published five conditions Tehran wants met before resuming negotiations with Washington: an end to conflicts on all fronts (including the Israel-Hezbollah front), lifting of sanctions, release of frozen Iranian assets, compensation for war damages, and formal recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Fars said Iran rejected the latest U.S. 14-point proposal as a “demand for surrender.” The Trump administration is unlikely to accept some of those terms.
7:00 AM — Iran to be central at Trump-Xi summit
Iran is expected to be a primary topic at the Trump-Xi meetings. Trump has sought greater market access for U.S. firms in China, but geopolitical tensions over Taiwan and the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran complicate the agenda. Beijing has urged faster progress toward peace and has been pressing Pakistan to help mediate.
7:00 AM — Australia to join French-British mission protecting Hormuz shipping
Australia said it will contribute a Wedgetail E-7A surveillance aircraft to a defensive, multinational mission led by France and the U.K. to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The mission aims to demonstrate commitment to the security of international trade after the U.S. suspended its own ship‑escort operation.
7:00 AM — Trump calls media coverage of Iran “virtual treason”
President Trump posted that it is “virtual TREASON” for media to report that Iran is performing well militarily, accusing the press of giving the enemy “false hope.” He repeated claims that Iran’s navy and air force have been decimated, and criticized outlets he says are “rooting against our country.” Constitutional treason definitions differ from the president’s political statement.
7:00 AM — U.S. consumer prices surge to highest level since May 2023
The April Consumer Price Index rose 0.6% month over month and 3.8% year over year — the fastest annual pace since May 2023. Energy costs accounted for roughly 40% of the monthly increase, with gasoline up about 28.4% year over year. Core inflation (excluding food and energy) was reported at an annual 2.8%, signaling broader price pressures.
(Reporting compiled from multiple agency and state media accounts.)