US-Canada bridge opening delayed: Gordie Howe Bridge faces issues after Trump threat

NewsWorld‘Over the next week’: Trump predicts imminent breakthrough to reopen Strait of Hormuz and secure permanent Iran peace deal US president says peace agreement with Iran could be ‘even better than a military victory’. 2 min readJun 2, 2026 06:23 AM IST First published on: Jun 2, 2026 at 06:22 AM IST President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump has said an agreement with Iran to extend the current ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached “over the next week”, according to ABC News. Speaking in a phone interview, Trump said progress in talks was positive despite a brief setback. “Looking good, looking good,” he said, adding: “There was a little glitch today, but I turned that one around very quickly.”He said the issue arose after Iran reacted to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. “The Iranians were upset,” Trump said, adding that he spoke to both sides to calm the situation. “I spoke with Hezbollah… and I talked to Bibi and said no shooting, and they both stopped.” pic.twitter.com/MwB4Cj2Pwg— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 1, 2026 Deal still under discussion Trump said discussions are ongoing and a final agreement has not yet been reached. “I still have to get a few more points,” he said. He added that both sides face challenges in reaching a deal. “It’s not a simple thing. You’re talking about a very large country… tremendous hostility,” he said. “It’s not easy from our standpoint either, but we’re getting what we need.” The president said a successful agreement could go beyond military gains. “A peace agreement with Iran could be even better than a military victory,” he said.Story continues below this ad Strategic importance of Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying a large share of global oil supplies. Any disruption in the strait has a direct impact on global energy markets and regional stability. Tensions in the region have remained high in recent months, with periodic clashes involving Iran, Israel and armed groups in Lebanon. The United States and Iran have been engaged in indirect negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and avoiding further escalation in the Gulf region. The ceasefire under discussion is seen as a step towards stabilising the situation and ensuring safe passage through key maritime routes. The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing

NewsWorldUS News'Cancel it', Trump says after artists drop out of US Freedom 250 festival Donald Trump has said musical performances celebrating the country's 250th birthday should be called off after several artists dropped out, citing the event's affiliation with the White House. 3 min readJun 1, 2026 05:26 AM IST First published on: Jun 1, 2026 at 05:26 AM IST President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the White House. (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump has called for a series of concerts marking America’s 250th anniversary to be scrapped after several performers withdrew. “Cancel it,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, describing the remaining line-up as “overpriced” and “boring”.Several artists, including Martina McBride, The Commodores, Young MC and Bret Michaels, have pulled out of the Freedom 250 festival. Some cited concerns over the event’s links to the White House. Martina McBride performs. (Photo: AP) Young MC said on social media that performers were not informed about any “political involvement with the event”. McBride also said she had been told the event would be non-partisan, but that this “turned out to be misleading”. Some performers remain committed Despite the withdrawals, a few acts are still scheduled to perform. Vanilla Ice and Milli Vanilli are set to appear on 26 June, while Flo Rida remains on the line-up for 2 July.Story continues below this ad Vanilla Ice said in a post: “This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America’s birthday.” Vanilla Ice Shrugs Off Freedom 250 Drama, Says He'd Play for Biden or Pu… https://t.co/fbn6aPfflk via @YouTube— Vanilla Ice (@vanillaice) May 29, 2026 Fab Morvan, one half of Milli Vanilli’s public duo, also confirmed he would perform. Trump suggests rally instead In his posts, Trump said he was considering replacing the concert series with a political rally. “I am ordering my representatives to look at the feasibility of doing an AMERICA IS BACK Rally… same time, same location,” he wrote, adding that only “great patriots” would be invited. He later said the fair should be replaced altogether with a “giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY”.Story continues below this ad Trump also wrote that he is the “Number One Attraction anywhere in the World” and claimed he draws larger crowds than Elvis Presley did in his prime. Event tied to anniversary celebrations Freedom 250 is part of a wider set of events marking 250 years of American independence. The initiative was launched under Trump’s administration, though organisers have said it is non-partisan. Singer Bret Michaels performs at halftime of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. (Photo: AP) The White House has partnered with the group on the celebrations, which include a state fair on the National Mall in Washington DC from late June to early July. Separately, a bipartisan body, America250, is also organising official anniversary events, including Independence Day celebrations in cities such as New York and Philadelphia.Story continues below this ad The BBC reported that Trump is also expected to headline the opening ceremony of the Freedom 250 fair. The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international stu