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NewsFeedNATO chief Mark Rutte visited the White House to ease tensions with US President Trump ahead of next month’s NATO summit. Trump has said NATO isn’t doing enough, ordering a review of US forces in Europe after saying allies did not support the US war on Iran.Published On 25 Jun 2026
E-commerce giant Alibaba has launched a high-stakes legal challenge against the US government, suing to get off a Pentagon blacklist that claims it is linked to the Chinese military. The US Department of Defense (DoD) has said that because Alibaba complies with Chinese technology regulators, it is effectively an arm of the military. In the lawsuit filed in a California federal court Alibaba pushed back, claiming the determinations "have no basis in fact or law".The challenge comes after the Pentagon recently expanded its blacklist of companies it will not be able to do business with from the end of the month to include massive tech names like Baidu, BYD, and Nio.The defence department put Alibaba on the blacklist, saying the firm was a "military-civil fusion contributor to the Chinese defence industrial base" because of its regulatory ties to Beijing. But Alibaba countered the argument, saying none of the members of its independent board had any military affiliation.Every multinational operating in China - including American firms - must follow the exact same local rules, it noted. Its platforms, Alibaba said, are built for retail and cloud computing, not weapons or intelligence. "Alibaba is not a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion strategy," the company told the BBC."The decision to place Alibaba on the 1260H list is arbitrary and capricious, and we are filing a lawsuit against the Department of War to demand removal from the list," it added.While the blacklist does not freeze finances immediately, it triggers a brutal operational penalty on 30 June. Starting next week, the Pentagon is legally banned from doing business with any blacklisted firm. Crucially, the law also extends to any US contractor that shares a lobbyist or law firm with a blacklisted entity. In Alibaba's case, the company argues that this restriction creates a functional blockade, forcing its long-term American advisers to sever ties to protect their own lucrative defence contracts. The rule effectively strips the company of its political and legal voice in Washington at the exact moment it needs to defend itself. According to the complaint, Alibaba had previously asked to meet with the agency to address the Chinese military affiliation concerns, which included presenting evidence of its US economic contributions. However, the tech giant says that even after its submissions, the agency did not raise any concerns with the firm nor did it request additional information. Rather, it "designated Alibaba without notice or a fair hearing", the compliant notes. The DoD declined to comment on the matter, telling the BBC, "We do not comment on ongoing litigation".
NewsWorldUS sanctions Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel in latest pressure on its leadership The Cuban government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the sanctions. 1 min readJun 5, 2026 05:53 AM IST First published on: Jun 5, 2026 at 05:52 AM IST Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel, second left, and Raul Castro's grandson Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, center back, take part in a rally in support of former President Raul Castro in front of the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba. (Photo: AP) The US on Thursday imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and some affiliated people and entities, the US Treasury Department’s website showed. The sanctions also targeted four other people and five entities, including Diaz-Canel’s wife, Lis Cuesta Peraza, two members of the Castro family, and the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.The Cuban government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the sanctions. Diaz-Canel, 66, has served as president of the Caribbean country since taking over from Raul Castro, the brother of Cuba’s former leader Fidel Castro, in 2018. Refresh for the latest updates. 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 on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd # Cuba Loading Recommendations... 0102030405Live Blog
US Treasury threatens Oman with sanctions over Hormuz Strait Al Jazeera Why has Trump threatened to bomb Oman, amid Iran war escalation? Al Jazeera Trump’s ‘blow ‘em up’ threat to Oman means he’s now attacked or threatened 1 out of every 13 countries CNN Trump Warns Oman: Hormuz standoff: Trump's 'will blow them up' warning to Oman amid fragile Iran-US peace talks The Times of India Middle East crisis live: Iran says Trump’s threats to ‘blow up’ Oman ‘dangerous and bullying’ The Guardian
The United States on Wednesday (local time) imposed sanctions on Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), accusing Tehran of using the body to "extort" commercial vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and "funnelling" revenue to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).The move, announced by the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), adds the PGSA to the Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list as part of the US President Trump's administration's intensified "Economic Fury" campaign aimed at increasing pressure on Iran amid ongoing regional tensions.According to the Treasury Department, the PGSA was established by Iran to manage requests from ships seeking passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. US officials alleged the authority works closely with the IRGC and the IRGC Navy to direct vessel traffic and impose "illegitimate tolls" on international maritime commerce."The Iranian military's latest attempt to extort global maritime trade is proof that Economic Fury has left the regime desperate for cash," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement, according to the official release."Through Economic Fury, the United States has imposed a financial stranglehold on the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. Treasury has deprived the Iranian regime of revenue for their weapons programs, terrorist proxies, and nuclear ambitions. Under President Trump's leadership, we will remain relentless in our pursuit to constrict the network of vessels, intermediaries, and buyers through which Iran exports both its oil and malevolence." Bessent added.The Treasury Department said vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz were being required to submit information to the PGSA and comply with Iranian-designated navigation routes near Iran's coastline in exchange for "permission" for safe passage.Washington further warned that companies or ship operators complying with Iranian demands for passage fees, " including payments made via fiat currency, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, or other in-kind payments such as nominally charitable donations," could face US sanctions exposure.The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, a counter, a counterterrorism authority used by the United States to target entities accused of materially supporting designated terrorist organisations. The Treasury Department said the PGSA was designated for "having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for" the IRGC.According to the release, the latest measures expand the administration's broader maximum pressure campaign against Tehran, which the Treasury Department said has already targeted "Tehran's global shadow banking networks; designated networks supplying weapons and other military components to Iran; sanctioned a corrupt Iraqi official who has facilitated the sale of oil along with Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq" and "taken numerous actions against Iran's terrorist proxies; and targeted shadow fleet vessels, companies, and other entities that sustain Iran's illicit oil industry."Earlier on May 21, the newly-launched Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) defined the boundaries of the Strait of Hormuz management supervision area.In a post on X, PGSA stated that the supervision area starts from the line connecting Kuh Mobarak in Iran and the south of Fujairah in the UAE in the east of the Strait of Hormuz, to the line connecting the end of Qeshm Island in Iran and Umm al-Qaiwain in the UAE in the west of the Strait of Hormuz.The management body said, "Frequencies in this range for passing through the Strait of Hormuz require coordination with the Persian Gulf Waterway Management and a permit from this entity."Meanwhile, on May 18, Iran announced the launch of a new regulatory body aimed at managing and monitoring operations related to the strategically important waterway, the Strait of
PHOTOS IN DCX IN KAKINADAMinister for Tourism and Culture of Andhra Pradesh Kandula Durgesh on Wednesday warned of stringent actions against the Andhra Paper Limited (APL) if it continues to release effluents into the Godavari river.Speaking to the media, Mr. Durgesh said that the APL management would no longer be allowed to release the effluents even if it threatens to declare a “lock out” for the firm and directed the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation to ensure the collection of ₹13 crore in taxes to be paid by the APL.On the proposed Vijjeswaram-Siddhantham road, Mr. Durgesh has claimed; “[Deputy Chief Minister] Pawan Kalyan has consented to the 33-kilometre-long road that connects 21 ghats for the Godavari pushkarams. The road connects the East and West Godavari districts.” Published - May 27, 2026 07:57 pm IST
Home News India PM Modi called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and discussed different aspects relating to India-Italy friendship, including trade, investment and cultural linkages Updated - May 20, 2026 04:57 pm IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a meeting, in Italy. Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSI) Ajit Doval are also seen. (@NarendraModi/YT via PTI Photo) | Photo Credit: - Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) held wide-ranging talks with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, focusing on areas such as trade, defence, clean energy and technology.Ahead of bilateral talks, PM Modi called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and discussed different aspects relating to India-Italy friendship, including trade, investment and cultural linkages. They also discussed collaboration in areas such as AI, critical minerals, space and nuclear energy.Also Read | Modi and Meloni outline road map for India-Italy strategic partnershipDuring the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior diplomatic officials.Also Read | India, Nordic nations agree to elevate ties to Green Technology and Innovation Strategic PartnershipEarlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Italy, where he met his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, over dinner, followed by a visit to the Colosseum. Before arriving in Rome, the Prime Minister was in Oslo, Norway, where he participated in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit.Follow the latest updates here:May 20, 2026 16:57 India-Italy relations are now capable of reaching their full potential: MeloniFollowing bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni stated, “We are elevating ties to a special strategic partnership. India-Italy relations are now capable of reaching their full potential.”“India and Italy formed a friendship based on respect and mutual trust. It is important to have freedom of navigation in Indo-Pacific,” she added.May 20, 2026 16:51 We have decided to revitalise India-Italy relations, says MeloniItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated at a joint press conference that India and Italy decided to revitalise their relations following bilateral talks on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).May 20, 2026 16:43 WATCH | PM Modi, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni attend joint press meetMay 20, 2026 15:42 PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni hold delegation-level talksPrime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni hold a meeting in Rome.May 20, 2026 15:27 PM Modi receives ceremonial military honour PM Modi receives a ceremonial military honour during his visit to Italy as part of the final leg of his five-nation tour. May 20, 2026 15:21 PM Modi, Sergio Mattarella discuss trade, AI, clean energy and global issues: MEAMEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X, talks about Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Sergio Mattarella. “The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring India-Italy partnership and held discussions in areas including trade, technology, innovation, clean energy, AI and culture,” the statement says. “They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest”, the statement adds. May 20, 2026 14:40 Congress insults PM Modi just because he belongs to OBC community: Shehzaad Poonawala On Lok Sabha LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, “…The kind of words used by Rahul Gandhi for PM Narendra Modi show his upbringing. The Congress always use bad words for him.” May 20, 2026 14:24 PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Italian President Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds delegation-level talks with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarel
Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Friday (local time) condemned the recently announced US sanctions on Havana as “illegal and abusive”.Taking to X, Rodriguez wrote, "We firmly reject the recent unilateral coercive measures adopted by the United States government. These actions demonstrate an intention to impose, once again, collective punishment on the Cuban people. It is no coincidence that these measures were announced on May 1, the very day that millions of Cubans take to the streets to denounce the US blockade and the energy siege."He further said, "While the...
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