International
Putin speaks to Trump, condemns Israel’s strikes on Iran
Putin speaks to Trump, condemns Israel’s strikes on Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to US President Donald Trump for 50 minutes on Saturday, focusing on hostilities between Israel and Iran and calling for efforts to bring them to an end.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin condemned the Israeli military operation against Iran and expressed concern about the risks of escalation.
Trump, in his account on Truth Social, said most of the discussion centered on the Middle East, but that he also told Putin that Russia’s war in Ukraine should end.
“Vladimir Putin condemned Israel’s military operation against Iran and expressed serious concern about a possible escalation of the conflict, which would have unpredictable consequences for the entire situation in the Middle East,” Ushakov told reporters.
Ushakov said Trump described events in the Middle East as “very alarming”. But the two leaders said they do not rule out a return to the negotiating track on Iran’s nuclear programme, Ushakov said.
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Ushakov said US negotiators were ready to hold further talks with Iranian representatives, with Oman as mediator. The latest round, scheduled for Sunday in Oman, has been cancelled.
The Kremlin aide said Putin told Trump that Russia stood by proposals to ease tension and resolve issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
“The Russian president recalled that prior to the current rise in tension our side had proposed concrete steps intended to find mutually acceptable agreements during talks between US and Iranian representatives about the Iranian nuclear programme,” Ushakov said.
“Russia’s principled approach and interest in a resolution is unchanged and, as Vladimir Putin noted, we will continue to act based on this.”
Trump’s account of the conversation included what amounted to his first explicit appeal for the hostilities to end.
“The call lasted approximately 1 hour,” Trump wrote. “He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end.”
Trump said he and Putin mostly discussed the Middle East and spent “much less time” talking about the war in Ukraine. Trump hinted at follow-up discussions on the war in Ukraine in the coming week.
On Ukraine, Ushakov said Putin told the U.S. leader that Russia was ready to continue negotiations with the Ukrainians after June 22, according to state news agency RIA.
Ushakov also said that the presidents expressed satisfaction “at their personal relations which have allowed for them to speak in a business-like manner to seek solutions to issues that are bilateral or on the international agenda, however complex those issues might be”.
Putin also congratulated Trump on his 79th birthday.
Putin speaks to Trump, condemns Israel’s strikes on Iran
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International
Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme
Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme
In a landmark ruling, ten Nigerians have been convicted in the United States for their roles in a sprawling international fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of approximately $215 million from unsuspecting victims across the country and abroad. The convictions, handed down by federal courts in several jurisdictions, shed light on the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters in the digital age.
The scheme, which spanned several years, involved a multifaceted approach to deception, utilizing romance scams, business email compromise, and identity theft to exploit vulnerable individuals and businesses. Prosecutors revealed that the defendants, often working in coordinated teams, crafted elaborate stories and false identities to gain the trust of their victims, some of whom believed they were engaging in legitimate business dealings or developing romantic relationships.
According to court documents, the fraudsters utilized a range of technologies, including fake websites, cloned email addresses, and social media profiles, to perpetrate their crimes. Victims were lulled into a false sense of security before being induced to transfer large sums of money under various pretenses, including investment opportunities and fictitious emergencies.
The investigation, led by the FBI and other agencies, unveiled a complex web of financial transactions that traversed multiple countries. Authorities discovered that the stolen funds were often laundered through a network of shell companies, making it challenging to trace the money back to the criminals. In addition to the Nigerian nationals, several accomplices in other countries were implicated, leading to ongoing investigations and arrests.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a wealth of evidence, including testimonies from victims who described the devastating emotional and financial impact of the fraud. Some victims reported losing their life savings, while others faced severe emotional distress due to the betrayal and manipulation involved.
In their defense, some of the convicted individuals claimed ignorance of the broader scheme, arguing that they were merely following orders from a higher authority. However, the jury found them guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.
U.S. Attorney [Name] stated, “This ruling sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud in any form. These individuals took advantage of the trust of their victims for personal gain, and they will face the consequences of their actions.”
Sentencing for the ten defendants is expected to take place in the coming months, with potential penalties including substantial prison time and restitution payments to the victims. The case underscores the growing threat posed by international fraud rings, particularly in an increasingly digital world.
Experts in cybersecurity and fraud prevention warn that individuals should remain vigilant against unsolicited communications and always verify the authenticity of requests for funds or personal information. As law enforcement continues to crack down on such schemes, victims are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the authorities.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in the fight against cybercrime and the importance of educating the public about potential scams.
Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme
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International
Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over ‘Terminated’ Iran War Claim
Trump Administration Says Iran War ‘Terminated’ Ahead of Congressional Deadline
Washington, D.C. — The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the ongoing military conflict with Iran was effectively “terminated” before the expiration of a 60-day deadline requiring congressional authorization, setting up a contentious legal and political battle in Washington.
Senior administration officials argue that a ceasefire reached in early April brought an end to active hostilities, thereby rendering the requirements of the War Powers Resolution inapplicable. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the absence of recent exchanges of fire signifies that the United States is no longer engaged in active combat operations against Iran.
“The conflict, as defined under the War Powers framework, has ceased,” an official familiar with the administration’s position said. “There are no ongoing hostilities that would trigger the need for congressional authorization.”
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates that the president must seek approval from Congress within 60 days of committing U.S. forces to armed conflict, or otherwise withdraw those forces. That deadline, tied to the recent escalation with Iran, was expected to fall on May 1, 2026.
However, the administration maintains that the ceasefire effectively halted the legal clock, arguing that the absence of sustained combat operations means the United States is no longer in a state of war requiring legislative oversight.
The position has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including members of both major political parties. Critics contend that a ceasefire does not equate to a formal end of hostilities, particularly if U.S. forces remain deployed in the region or continue enforcement measures such as naval blockades.
“Calling it ‘terminated’ doesn’t make it so,” one congressional aide said. “If U.S. forces are still engaged in activities that could lead to conflict, then Congress has a constitutional role to play.”
Legal scholars have also weighed in, noting that the interpretation of what constitutes “hostilities” under the War Powers Resolution has long been a gray area. Some argue that even limited military actions or strategic posturing could fall within the scope of the law, thereby requiring congressional approval.
The debate underscores a broader and longstanding tension between the executive and legislative branches over war-making powers. While presidents have often sought to expand their authority in matters of national security, Congress has periodically pushed back to assert its constitutional prerogative to declare war.
For now, the administration’s stance appears aimed at avoiding an immediate vote in Congress that could either authorize continued operations or compel a withdrawal of U.S. forces. Whether lawmakers will challenge this interpretation through legislation or legal action remains to be seen.
The situation continues to evolve, with implications not only for U.S.-Iran relations but also for the balance of power within the American government.
Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over ‘Terminated’ Iran War Claim
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International
Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School
Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School
A violent stabbing incident at Henry Foss High School in Tacoma has left six people injured, including the suspected attacker, authorities have confirmed.
The attack, which occurred during school hours on Thursday, April 30, 2026, sent shockwaves through the school community and prompted an immediate lockdown of the campus as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
According to local law enforcement officials, the victims include four students and one adult security staff member. The sixth injured individual is the suspect, believed to be a student of the school. All victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. While some were initially reported to be in critical condition, authorities later indicated that all injured persons are now in stable condition.
Police say the suspect has been taken into custody and is expected to face multiple charges related to assault. Officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect due to legal considerations.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may have stemmed from an altercation between students, which escalated into violence. However, investigators have emphasized that the exact motive remains unclear, and a full inquiry is ongoing.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, school authorities activated emergency safety protocols, placing the campus on lockdown to secure students and staff. Parents were notified, and a controlled dismissal process was later implemented to ensure student safety.
Local education officials have announced that classes and extracurricular activities at the school will be temporarily suspended. Counseling services and psychological support are also being made available to students, staff, and families affected by the incident.
Community leaders and law enforcement agencies have condemned the attack, reiterating the importance of school safety and conflict resolution among students. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues.
The incident adds to growing concerns over safety in schools and highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent violence among young people.
Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School
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