# USA
The Pentagon has released $400 million in aid to Ukraine following criticism from the Senate
The US Department of Defence has confirmed the release of $400 million in funding for Ukraine, which had previously been approved by Congress. This came following criticism from Senator Mitch McConnell.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has strengthened its influence in Iran following the death of Ali Khamenei
Since the outbreak of the war with the US and Israel, Iran’s system of government has undergone changes, with key decisions increasingly concentrated in the hands of the military leadership. The role of the Supreme Leader has weakened, whilst the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has grown.
The US has imposed sanctions on 35 individuals and companies for helping Iran circumvent restrictions
Washington has stepped up pressure on Tehran by imposing new sanctions on dozens of individuals and companies. The restrictions target those involved in financial schemes designed to circumvent sanctions.
Trump has ordered preparations for a prolonged blockade of Iran
US President Donald Trump has instructed his advisers to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran. The White House sees this as a way of stepping up pressure on Tehran’s economy.
The US Chargé d'Affaires in Ukraine is set to step down amid differences with Trump
Julie Davis, the US Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine, is set to leave Kyiv in the coming weeks. According to sources speaking to the publication, her decision stems from her disappointment with President Donald Trump’s policy towards Ukraine.
King Charles III began his state visit to the US with a meeting with Donald Trump
King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Queen Camilla have arrived in the United States on a four-day state visit. On the first day, they met with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House.
Marco Rubio is gaining popularity as a presidential candidate for the 2028 election
Some members of President Donald Trump’s inner circle are increasingly viewing Marco Rubio as a potential contender for the presidential nomination in 2028. His standing has strengthened thanks to his work on foreign policy and his support for the administration’s agenda.
Global military spending is rising sharply thanks to Europe, but is falling in the US
Global military spending rose by 2.9% in 2025 to reach a record $2.89 trillion, despite a significant reduction in US spending.
Iran has proposed a deal to the US regarding the Strait of Hormuz without immediate nuclear talks
Iran has presented the US with a new proposal regarding the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the war. It calls for nuclear talks to be postponed until a later stage.
Attempted assassination of Trump: an unknown man opened fire at an official event
On the evening of Saturday 25 April, an unknown individual opened fire with a shotgun near the venue, forcing the Secret Service to urgently evacuate Donald Trump and senior administration officials
So far, only one person in the US has received a 'Trump Gold Card'
US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has stated that only one person has been approved to participate in Donald Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ visa programme, which grants foreigners the right to reside in the US in return for a fee of $1 million.
Devastating tornadoes in the US: homes and infrastructure destroyed, people injured
A powerful tornado swept through northern Oklahoma, causing widespread damage and disrupting infrastructure. Rescue workers are currently assessing the affected areas; there are no reports of fatalities at this stage.
