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1. Trump Calls Off Iran Strike as Gulf Allies Push for Deal
President Donald Trump announced Monday he was halting a scheduled attack on Iran after Gulf Arab allies urged him to give “serious negotiations” a chance. Trump said an Iranian proposal had arrived and that he was reviewing it “now.” The U.S. and Iran have been locked in hostilities since late February, with Tehran refusing to abandon its nuclear program or halt ballistic missile development. Despite the ceasefire, Treasury has warned that any company paying Iran’s “toll” for passage through the Strait of Hormuz risks violating U.S. sanctions.
2. Trump Tells Congress Ceasefire Ends War Powers Clock
Trump has told Congress that hostilities with Iran have “terminated,” arguing the ceasefire agreed with Tehran paused the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution. In a letter to congressional leaders, Trump said he did not need legislative approval for the war. Democrats have challenged that interpretation — Senator Tim Kaine said the statute “would not support that.” The Senate advanced a war powers resolution last week amid bipartisan pressure.
3. Singapore Steps Up Health Screening After WHO Ebola Alert
Singapore has tightened public health screening at all points of entry after the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency over an Ebola outbreak. Health advisories are now displayed at airports and border crossings. Former Singapore health minister Ong Ye Kung warned against complacency, saying the outbreak and a concurrent hantavirus case prove infectious disease threats “continue to emerge.” The WHO alert has prompted similar measures across Southeast Asia.
4. World Bank Agrees $500 Billion Capital Boost for Developing Nations
The World Bank’s board has approved a landmark $500 billion capital increase to expand lending capacity for developing countries facing climate transition and infrastructure gaps. The deal, struck during the 2026 Spring Meetings, triples the bank’s previous ceiling. World Bank President Ajay Banga called it “a once-in-a-generation moment.” The funds are expected to flow to low-income countries in Africa, South Asia, and small island states over the next three years.
5. India-Pakistan Dialogue Push Gains Steam in Kashmir
Calls for direct India-Pakistan dialogue are gaining traction in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, with regional political parties and civil society groups endorsing a diplomatic Track II initiative. Analysts say both nuclear-armed neighbors face mounting economic pressure from disrupted trade routes, giving renewed incentive to talk. India has not formally responded to the proposal, but back-channel discussions are reportedly underway through Pakistani intermediaries.
