Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed potential for progress in talks with the US, following proposals made by Oman during negotiations in Rome. The talks come as President Donald Trump seeks to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities and Iran aims to lift devastating sanctions on its oil-based economy. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated that a round of talks between Araqchi and Steve Witkoff had ended with "some but not conclusive progress".
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364392/iran-sees-hope-for-progress-after-us-nuclear-talksJapanese Prime Minister Ishiba discussed deeper cooperation with UN Secretary-General Guterres, leveraging international events in Japan such as the World Exposition in Osaka and TICAD 9 in Yokohama. Ishiba emphasized the UN's role in addressing global challenges, while expressing Japan's readiness to support UN reform.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/23/japan/politics/ishiba-guterres-agreement/Global transport leaders from over 80 countries, including South Korea and the US, gathered at the ITF summit to discuss measures to boost transport resilience. South Korean Transport Minister Park Sang-woo shared his country's efforts to promote public transportation and transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce carbon emissions. The ITF is considering guidelines for the private transport sector on incorporating AI into their businesses amid varying national standards, with a policy recommendation serving as a direction for the international community.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/global-transport-industry-sees-big-shifts-from-rise-of-trade-protectionism-1/External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's firm stance on counterterrorism while highlighting its strategic partnership with Germany. The two countries are celebrating 25 years of their partnership, and Jaishankar expressed confidence in upgrading bilateral ties by collaborating on key areas such as defence and security, talent mobility, technology and digital AI, and sustainability. He noted that a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union would also boost trade between India and Germany.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/germany-recognises-our-right-to-defend-against-terrorism-s-jaishankar-8494375#pfrom=home-ndtv_mainnavigationRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia is committed to agreements reached in Istanbul and will complete a draft document outlining conditions for a long-term settlement once prisoner exchanges are completed. He blamed European Union countries supporting Ukraine for the recent surge of Ukrainian drone attacks, which he claims are an attempt to disrupt peace talks. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed interest in expanding talks with Russia to include US President Donald Trump, while Ukraine has acknowledged hitting a Russian battery plant and accused Russia of staging periodic mass drone attacks.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/605922-russia-to-share-peace-plan-with-ukraine-after-prisoner-swapMalaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasized the importance of empowering women in Asean through education, opportunities, and supportive policies to unlock a potential $2.3 trillion in economic growth. He highlighted Malaysia's Madani Economy framework, which prioritizes sustainability, prosperity, and inclusivity, particularly for women's empowerment. The country has implemented measures such as the Women Exporters Development Programme, gender-responsive trade agreements, and a RM200-million fund for women entrepreneurs. Zafrul also mentioned that 69% of his ministry's top management is comprised of women, including experienced professionals like Chief Negotiator on US tariffs and Deputy Secretary-General.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/05/24/women-are-key-to-aseans-us23t-prosperity-malaysian-trade-minister-says-ahead-of-asean-summit/177980North Korea is likely receiving military cooperation from Moscow, including SA-22 missile systems and electronic warfare equipment, as a reciprocal gesture for providing soldiers and materiel to support Russia's war against Ukraine. This cooperation is part of the nations' efforts to counterbalance US influence with Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang strengthening their ties.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/north-korea-in-strongest-strategic-position-in-decades-us-intel-report/The US government is planning to overhaul the National Security Council, weeks after its previous head's departure. The changes aim to shift certain elements to other agencies, as part of a broader effort to reorganize national security operations. This move comes amid concerns over the handling of sensitive information and potential conflicts of interest within the council.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-administration-plans-overhaul-national-security-council-weeks-after-waltzs-departureThe National Security Council (NSC) is undergoing restructuring, which will reduce its influence and shift its focus from policymaking to implementing the president's agenda. This change is expected to give more authority to the State Department, Defense Department, and other relevant agencies involved in diplomacy, national security, and intelligence matters.
https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/usa/white-house-national-security-council-slashes-staff-dramatic-restructuring-sources