World News

Pentagon pegs Iran war cost at $25 bn as Hegseth slams US Congress critics

During his first public appearance on Capitol Hill since the war began, the defence secretary lashed out at lawmakers in both parties who have questioned the conflict

Democrats probe as Trump OKs nearly $2 bn payout to end wind projects

In the latest deals announced Monday, the administration said Bluepoint Wind and Golden State Wind agreed to end their leases in exchange for reimbursements totaling nearly $900 million

Trump expresses 'disappointment' with Nato allies; lauds King Charles III

The King also reaffirmed support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, noting that enduring partnerships between Europe and North America are essential to maintaining global stability

Trump weighing reduction of US troop presence in Germany after Iran feud

Merz had said earlier Wednesday that his personal relationship with Trump remained 'as good as ever,' but he had 'had doubts from the very beginning about what was started there with the war in Iran'

Powell plans to stay on at Fed after term, cites legal action by Trump team

Powell's decision to stay denies President Donald Trump a chance to fill a seat on the central bank's seven-member governing board with his own appointee

King Charles meets top company CEOs in bid to promote US-UK investment

The British monarch and his wife, Queen Camilla, focused on economic and cultural exchanges on the third day of a visit timed to mark the 250th anniversary of America's independence

Brazil's Senate blocks Prez Lula's SC nominee, first rejection in 132 years

Lula, who is seeking reelection in October for his fourth inconsecutive term, picked Messias to replace Luis Roberto Barroso, who resigned in November

Will encourage King Charles to return Kohinoor diamond to India: Mamdani

"If I was to speak to the King separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Kohinoor diamond," Mamdani said at a press conference

Oil prices near $120 as US-Iran war deadlock keeps supply off market

US President Donald Trump spoke on Wednesday with oil companies about how to mitigate the impact of a possible months-long US blockade of Iran's ports

Hegseth faces tough questions on Iran war in first congressional appearance

Democrats grilled Hegseth and Gen Dan Caine about the ballooning costs of the war, the huge drawdown of critical US munitions and the bombing of a school that killed children

Pentagon says Iran war cost $25 bn so far amid heated Congress hearing

Democratic lawmakers cast the conflict as a costly war of choice that President Donald Trump blundered into without a clear plan

Dubai removes real estate investment limit for two-year investor visa

Experts laud timing of Dubai's move to ease investor visa norms, which could revive interest among Indian buyers amid recent geopolitical uncertainty

Elon Musk testifies at trial that OpenAI's nonprofit status gave it 'halo'

OpenAI has said it created a for-profit entity to allow it to buy computing power and pay top scientists

US Fed keeps interest rates steady; three dissents against 'easing bias'

A fourth dissent at the meeting came in favor of a quarter-percentage-point rate cut

Araghchi dials Jaishankar, discusses energy security, West Asia tensions

India and Iran discussed energy security concerns, Strait of Hormuz disruptions, and preparations for the upcoming BRICS foreign ministers' meeting

Trump rejects Iran's Hormuz offer, to keep blockade until deal is reached

Trump said he had rejected a recent proposal from Iran to reopen the strait but that would have delayed talks on the nuclear issue until later

Behind the AI boom, a boring business is soaring with better ads

The emerging AI systems are helping companies automate their marketing. Small and large companies alike can now create ads, target audiences, bid for space and measure results

Russian FM Lavrov to visit India next week for BRICS meet, hold talks

During his visit on May 14-15, Lavrov will also hold a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing

European stocks fall as traders wait for tech earnings, Fed meeting

Analysts said the United Arab Emirates' decision to quit OPEC was unlikely to have a major near-term impact on prices, though ​it would weaken the oil producers' group

Better get smart soon: Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal amid stalled talks

The President's remarks come at a time of heightened regional tension and a continued diplomatic stalemate