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The US House of Representatives has rejected a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's power to wage war with Iran. The vote, which took place on Thursday, resulted in 213 votes in favor and 214 against the resolution, highlighting the deep divisions within Congress on the issue.The narrow margin underscores the intense debate over Trump's military actions in Iran and the role of Congress in authorizing war. The resolution's defeat comes a day after a similar measure failed in the US Senate, with Republicans largely opposing efforts to constrain Trump's military authority.Democrats have accused Republicans of giving unchecked power to Trump, who has been engaged in a military conflict with Iran since February 28. The war has resulted in significant human and economic costs, including the loss of servicemembers' lives and soaring gas prices.Under the US Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war, although presidents may conduct military actions in instances of immediate self-defense. The Trump administration has maintained that Iran's actions since the 1979 Iranian Revolution constitute such a threat, while critics argue that the US and Israeli attack on Iran was unprovoked and violated international law.The failed resolution reflects the ongoing struggle between Congress and the executive branch over the power to wage war. Democrats have argued that Congress must assert its authority to prevent an unchecked expansion of presidential power, while Republicans have largely supported Trump's military actions in Iran.Ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran are ongoing, with both sides signaling a willingness to engage in further talks. However, significant issues remain unresolved, including control of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran's nuclear program.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has declared that his country is prepared to fight if necessary, despite not seeking conflict with the United States. This statement comes as Cuba marks the 65th anniversary of its socialist revolutionary character, amid heightened tensions with the US.Diaz-Canel's defiant remarks were made before a crowd commemorating Fidel Castro's declaration of the socialist nature of the Cuban Revolution and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion by US-aligned forces. He emphasized Cuba's readiness to confront serious threats, including military aggression, stating, 'We do not want it, but it is our duty to prepare to avoid it and, if it becomes inevitable, to defeat it.'The US, under President Donald Trump, has been increasing pressure on Cuba, threatening the island nation's government and tightening energy restrictions. Trump has suggested that the US could overthrow the Cuban government, following the US-Israel conflict with Iran. These actions have contributed to fuel shortages and energy blackouts in Cuba, straining workers and businesses.Cuba's economy has long suffered from a US economic embargo, economic mismanagement, and political repression, prompting many Cubans to leave the country. A United Nations vote in 2025 saw 165 countries demand an end to the US embargo, with only seven countries, including the US, Israel, Argentina, and Hungary, voting against.Diaz-Canel has strongly defended Cuba, stating, 'Cuba is not a failed state. Cuba is a besieged state,' facing multidimensional aggression through economic warfare and an intensified blockade.

The US State Department has introduced visa restrictions for individuals from countries in the Western Hemisphere who support US adversaries, undermining America's interests in the region. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to expand US influence across the Western Hemisphere.The policy change comes as President Donald Trump seeks to assert US dominance in the region through his 'Donroe Doctrine', a modern interpretation of the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine. The doctrine aims to counter growing Chinese influence in Latin America and combat drug trafficking.The State Department has identified 26 individuals who have already had their visas revoked under this new policy. These individuals are accused of 'knowingly directing, authorizing, funding, or providing significant support to' US adversaries in the Western Hemisphere.Activities that could lead to visa restrictions include enabling adversarial powers to acquire strategic resources, destabilizing regional security efforts, undermining American economic interests, and conducting influence operations to undermine the sovereignty and stability of nations in the region.This move continues a trend under the Trump administration of revoking visas from foreign critics and political opponents. Examples include the revocation of visas for pro-Palestine protesters and individuals with ties to the Iranian government.The Trump administration has also taken a more militaristic approach towards Latin American governments deemed adversarial, including a recent attack on Venezuela and a fuel blockade against Cuba. These actions have resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, including dozens of deaths in Venezuela and at least 177 people killed in lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats.

A Senate vote on Wednesday failed to block a proposed sale of military bulldozers to Israel, with the measure losing 40‑59. Only seven Democrats crossed party lines to side with the Republican majority, underscoring a notable, though limited, shift in congressional sentiment.Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the bill amid mounting outrage over Israel’s use of bulldozers to raze villages in Gaza and Lebanon—actions described by rights groups as ethnic cleansing. While the resolution did not pass, 36 Democratic senators also backed a separate effort to stop 1,000‑lb bombs from reaching Israel, more than double the support such measures received last year.Advocacy organizations seized on the vote as a historic moment. Hassan el‑Tayyab of the Friends Committee on National Legislation said the tally shows a majority of Senate Democrats now oppose unconditional aid, aligning with broader American opinion. A recent Pew Research Center poll found 60 % of U.S. adults hold unfavorable views of Israel, with even higher negativity among voters under 50.Republican senators remained uniformly opposed. Senator Rick Scott accused the Democratic supporters of siding with terrorism, arguing that the blocked sales would have helped allies confront threats. The partisan divide highlights the political risk for Republicans who break with former President Donald Trump on Israel policy.Prominent lobbying groups also weighed in. The pro‑Israel lobby AIPAC warned that curbing arms sales would jeopardize Israel’s security, while liberal Zionist organization J Street welcomed the growing willingness to question unconditional assistance. Jewish Voice for Peace’s political director Beth Miller called the vote an "inflection point," suggesting it reveals "massive cracks" in the long‑standing U.S.–Israel alliance.Within the Democratic caucus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faced criticism for voting against the resolution, prompting calls from progressive lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna for his resignation. Demonstrators outside Schumer’s and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices demanded they support the bill, reflecting intensified grassroots pressure.The episode signals a potential realignment in U.S. foreign‑policy calculations. As public fatigue with the Gaza war, the Lebanon conflict, and the stalled Iran confrontation grows, lawmakers appear increasingly wary of using American tax dollars to fund overseas military operations that could entangle U.S. troops and erode domestic support.

In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, lawmakers across the US Congress are demanding greater accountability for sexual misconduct. This week, two US representatives, Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, resigned amid a flood of allegations. Their departures have been hailed as a significant step towards addressing the issue.Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, and Lauren Boebert, a Republican, have been at the forefront of the calls for accountability. Ocasio-Cortez described the resignations as “an important turning point” and emphasized that “abuse of power should never be accepted, especially in public office”. She also named Republican Cory Mills, who is under investigation for sexual misconduct, as the next lawmaker who should resign.Boebert has taken steps to strip Swalwell and Gonzales of their federal pensions and has urged those facing harassment in Congress to come forward. She said, “If your boss is mistreating you, or someone else in the office, tell somebody – come to my office. If you want to remain anonymous, remain anonymous”.The allegations against Swalwell and Gonzales are serious. Five women have publicly accused Swalwell of sexual abuse, with one accuser claiming he drugged and raped her in 2018. Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a staff member in 2024, which is prohibited by the House code of conduct.Lawmakers are now pushing for stricter rules and a safer environment for reporting misconduct. Representative Jackie Speier condemned the tendency for Congress to “basically look the other way” and called on leadership to take action.This movement towards accountability has been likened to the bipartisan push to compel the administration of US President Donald Trump to release investigative documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The effort to hold lawmakers accountable for their actions marks a significant shift in the culture of Congress.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to prolong Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an estimated 350,000 Haitian nationals residing in the United States, marking a clear departure from President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. In a tightly contested vote, the measure passed 224 to 204, with ten Republicans breaking ranks to join the Democratic majority. The legislation would keep TPS in place for an additional three years, citing the persistent violence and political instability that continue to plague Haiti. Following House approval, the bill proceeds to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Should it clear that chamber, Trump has signaled he would veto the extension, setting up a direct showdown between the executive branch and a bipartisan Congress. Democratic Representative Ayanna Pressley, co‑chair of the House Haiti Caucus, hailed the vote as “a monumental victory” and emphasized that the decision reflects both practical policy and humanitarian responsibility. The legislation advanced through a bipartisan discharge petition, a procedural tool that circumvents the Republican leadership’s control of the House agenda, underscoring the urgency lawmakers feel about protecting Haitian residents. President Trump and his administration have repeatedly sought to roll back TPS designations, arguing that prior extensions exceeded executive authority and conflicted with U.S. “national interests.” This stance is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls, including proposals to deport Haitian legal permanent residents alleged to have gang ties. TPS, by design, shields foreign nationals already in the U.S. from removal when their home countries face temporary crises such as natural disasters or armed conflict, while also granting limited work authorization. Haiti’s deteriorating security situation—exacerbated since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse—has seen powerful gangs dominate large swaths of Port‑au‑Prince, prompting the State Department to issue travel warnings for U.S. citizens. Advocacy groups warn that the looming threat of deportation adds severe stress to Haitian communities in the United States, urging Congress to act swiftly to prevent further trauma. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is slated to hear a case that could accelerate the administration’s push to rescind deportation protections for both Haitians and Syrians, adding another layer of legal uncertainty to the issue.

President Donald Trump's ambitious plan to erect a colossal arch in Washington, DC, has cleared a significant hurdle with the US Commission of Fine Arts giving its approval to the proposed design. The arch, which would stand at 76 meters (250 feet) high, is intended to be built on Memorial Circle, between the Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. The commission's approval is a crucial step forward for the project, which has faced criticism and legal challenges. The arch would be significantly larger than the Lincoln Memorial, which stands at 99 feet (30 meters) tall, and approximately twice as tall as the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which the design resembles. The proposed monument, dubbed the 'Triumphal Arch,' would feature the phrases 'One Nation Under God' and 'Liberty and Justice for All' in gold lettering atop either side. However, the design has faced opposition, with about three out of every four people who delivered public comments expressing opposition, many citing its enormous size. Criticism has also centered on the potential impact on views of the national cemetery, a resting place for war veterans. Public Citizen Litigation Group is representing some Vietnam War veterans in a lawsuit against the proposed construction, arguing that it needs congressional approval. Even within the Commission of Fine Arts, there was some dissent. James McCrery II, the vice chair, suggested modifications to the design, including removing the winged statue and eagles on top and the lions at its base, citing that African animals are 'not a beast natural to the North American continent.' The project is part of Trump's efforts to leave his mark on the physical landscape of Washington, DC. The commission still needs to vote on final approval for the proposal after reviewing updated designs. If given final approval, the arch would tower above other landmarks in the national capital.

The United States is pushing for de-escalation in the region, with President Donald Trump announcing that Israeli and Lebanese leaders will speak for the first time in 34 years. This development has raised cautious hopes for a diplomatic solution to the fighting that has continued for more than six weeks.The conflict has resulted in over 2,000 people killed and more than 1 million displaced across Lebanon. Israel's military operations in Lebanon and its invasion of the country's south have intensified, with Hezbollah entering the war by launching rockets, missiles, and drones towards a missile defense site near Haifa in northern Israel.Iran's speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, told his Lebanese counterpart, Nabih Berri, in a phone conversation that a ceasefire in Lebanon is vital. Ghalibaf led the Iranian delegation at the first round of US-Iran talks in Pakistan last week, which ended without a deal.The prospective talks between Israel and Lebanon follow a rare direct engagement between the two countries' US ambassadors in Washington on Tuesday – also their first such direct contact in decades. However, with both sides maintaining starkly different objectives, and the Lebanon front closely tied to broader negotiations involving Iran, it remains unclear whether the talks can produce tangible results.Analysts say that even if a phone call were to take place between Israel's Netanyahu and his Lebanese counterpart, it would be “mostly symbolic rather than substantive”. Lebanon wants a ceasefire as a priority to enter into negotiations whose aim would be to liberate lands currently occupied by Israel.A key demand from Iran in its dialogue with the US is that Israel end its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah is Tehran's most powerful regional ally and a central part of the “axis of resistance”, a network of armed groups across the Middle East aligned with Iran against Israel.

Pope Leo XIV has strongly denounced a 'handful of tyrants' ravaging the Earth with war and exploitation, while preaching a message of peace in Cameroon, a region plagued by a longstanding separatist conflict. During his visit to the western Cameroon city of Bamenda, Leo presided over a peace meeting involving leaders from various faiths, aiming to highlight the interfaith movement seeking to end the conflict and support its victims. In his remarks at the St Joseph Cathedral, Leo praised the peace movement and warned against using religion to justify conflicts. He emphasized that 'Blessed are the peacemakers!' but expressed concern over those who manipulate religion for military, economic, or political gain. The pope called for a 'decisive change of course' away from conflict and exploitation, stating, 'The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters!' His comments come amid an ongoing feud with US President Donald Trump, who recently attacked the pope on social media. The conflict in Cameroon has resulted in over 6,000 deaths and displaced more than 600,000 people since 2017. Cameroon, rich in natural resources such as oil, natural gas, cobalt, and gold, has seen its extraction industry dominated by French, English, and increasingly Chinese companies. The pope criticized the exploitation of these resources, saying, 'Those who rob your land of its resources generally invest much of the profit in weapons, thus perpetuating an endless cycle of destabilisation and death.' Despite a temporary pause in fighting by separatist fighters to ensure the pope's safe passage, the conflict shows no signs of resolution, with peace talks stalled due to mutual accusations of bad faith.