Al-Monitor

Iran partially restored international internet connectivity on Tuesday following an extended nationwide blackout that began after the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the measure on Monday, with approval from the Special Headquarters for Organizing and Governing the Country’s Cyberspace chaired by First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref. NetBlocks data indicated the reconnection reached pre-January levels in the initial phase.

Mark Carney, identified as Canadian Prime Minister by Al Jazeera and Al-Monitor, spoke by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday regarding the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists. Carney described the treatment as unacceptable, called for an independent investigation, and reaffirmed Canada's positions on West Bank settlements and settler violence without announcing new measures. Itamar Ben-Gvir released video footage last week showing activists, including Canadians, in restraints.

The United States and Iran have maintained a ceasefire since April 8 while the US maintains a blockade of Iranian ports. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in New Delhi that a deal could be reached on Monday, and President Trump posted on Truth Social that negotiators should not rush and that the blockade continues until certification. Reports indicate broad framework approval by Iranian leadership with remaining details under discussion.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari stated that the Fed could implement a series of rate hikes if Middle East turmoil drives inflation. Reports indicate US military strikes near Bandar Abbas and exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside ongoing negotiations in Qatar. US officials denied escorting commercial shipping and a specific WSJ report on naval assistance.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette spent 45 minutes at the Taj Mahal on Monday during his first visit to India. Rubio described the site as one of the wonders of the world and stated the importance of showing respect for local cultures. The stop occurred ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting, with security measures limiting other tourists' access.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that an agreement between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be announced as early as Monday. The single cited source is CBS News. No confirmation of an imminent breakthrough has been reported.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday and described the treatment of detained Gaza flotilla activists as appalling while calling for an independent investigation. Foreign Minister Anita Anand also spoke with her Israeli counterpart. Al-Monitor reports that at least 15 activists alleged sexual assault and several required hospitalization, claims denied by Israel's prison service.

Supported reports indicate a US-Iran ceasefire has held since April 8, 2026, alongside Iranian controls on Gulf shipping and a US blockade of Iranian ports. US officials have issued statements suggesting progress toward a nuclear agreement, while several details on uranium stockpile removal remain unverified. Coverage originates primarily from left-leaning outlets with limited representation from center or right-leaning sources.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on May 25. Both leaders described the bilateral relationship in positive terms and discussed cooperation in multiple sectors. The meeting was reported by Al Jazeera and Al-Monitor.