International News
Trump Unveils $10bn ‘Board of Peace’ As Tensions With Iran Escalate
Donald Trump on Thursday announced a $10 billion commitment from the United States to launch a new global initiative tagged the “Board of Peace,” even as tensions mount between Washington and Iran over its nuclear programme.
The initiative was formally inaugurated at the former United States Institute of Peace building in Washington, which has now been renamed in honour of the 79-year-old president.
ALSO READ: ‘Make A Deal Or Face Consequences’ – Trump Warns Iran
About two dozen world leaders and senior officials attended the ceremony.
Trump said the United States would spearhead funding for the new body, with its first major focus on rebuilding Gaza Strip, devastated by nearly two years of war between Hamas and Israel.
“Together we can achieve the dream of bringing lasting harmony to a region tortured by centuries of war and suffering,” Trump declared, describing peace as “an easy word to say, but a hard word to produce.”
Veto Powers and Funding Conditions
Under the structure unveiled at the event, Trump will retain veto power over decisions of the Board and may continue to lead it even after leaving office.
Countries seeking permanent membership beyond an initial two-year term would be required to contribute $1 billion.
Despite the $10 billion pledge, the president did not provide detailed clarification on how the funds would be allocated, drawing criticism from analysts who described the initiative as opaque.
The Board emerged following a ceasefire reportedly brokered in October by the United States alongside Qatar and Egypt to halt hostilities in Gaza.
The plan has now entered a second phase focused on disarming Hamas and stabilising the territory.
Gaza’s health authorities say hundreds have died since the truce began, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
Iran Warning
The launch comes amid heightened tensions with Iran. Trump confirmed that US envoys recently held talks with Tehran’s top diplomat, pressing for major concessions, particularly regarding its nuclear ambitions.
“We have to make a meaningful deal; otherwise bad things happen,” Trump warned, adding that Washington could escalate further if negotiations fail within days.
US military assets, including warplanes and aircraft carriers, have reportedly been repositioned toward the region on presidential orders, fuelling speculation about possible military action.
International Participation
Among notable attendees was Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, whose country has indicated readiness to deploy up to 8,000 troops if an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza is approved.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Argentine President Javier Milei were also present, alongside Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Israel was represented by its foreign minister, who stood alongside Qatar’s prime minister during a group photograph — a symbolic moment amid strained diplomatic relations.
A technocratic committee headed by engineer Ali Shaath has also been formed to oversee day-to-day governance in Gaza as part of transition efforts.
Mixed Reactions
However, critics have questioned the Board’s mandate and its relationship with existing global institutions such as the United Nations. Some analysts described the initiative as ambitious but lacking clarity and institutional coherence.
While supporters see it as a bold diplomatic experiment, others argue it reflects Trump’s personalised approach to foreign policy.
As diplomatic engagement with Iran continues and military deployments intensify, global attention is now fixed on whether the “Board of Peace” will ease regional tensions or coincide with a fresh escalation in the Middle East.
International News
DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home
Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.
Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.
SEE MORE: Trump Sparks Outrage With Shock Proposal to Rename New Mexico
The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”
The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”
Details later……….
International News
Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital
Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.
The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.
SEE ALSO: NAFDAC Warns Nigerians As Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Market
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.
Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.
Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.
Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.
For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.
International News
‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal
US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.
“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.
SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock
According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.
“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.
“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”
Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”
“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.
“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.
Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.





