AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Hwang Jin-hyun
  • Trump Suggests Possible Military Action Against Iran Amid Stalled Peace Talks
    Trump Suggests Possible Military Action Against Iran Amid Stalled Peace Talks As U.S.-Iran peace negotiations face renewed challenges, President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of further military operations in Iran. In an interview with the U.S. news program "Full Measure" aired on May 10, Trump stated, "We can go in for another two weeks and attack all the targets in Iran." He noted that while about 70% of the specific targets they aimed for have been addressed, there are still other targets available for attack. He added, "Even if we don’t do that, it’s just cleanup work, and it will take them years to rebuild." Trump's comments came in response to a question about whether combat operations could be considered over. He clarified, "No, I didn’t say that. I said they were defeated, but that doesn’t mean it’s over." Following Trump's dissatisfaction with Iran's response to U.S. proposals for peace, assessments suggest that negotiations have effectively returned to square one. His interview, which left the door open for renewed military action, has heightened uncertainty surrounding the conflict. Earlier, Trump expressed his discontent on social media platform Truth Social, stating, "I just read the response from Iran's so-called 'representatives.' I don’t like it. It’s completely unacceptable." Additionally, Trump reaffirmed that securing Iran's enriched uranium remains a key objective. He remarked, "We will get it at some point," and emphasized, "We are monitoring it." He also mentioned the establishment of the Space Force, stating, "They are watching it. As you know, I created the Space Force, and they are monitoring it." Regarding the monitoring capabilities, he warned, "If someone approaches, we will know their name, address, and badge number. We will know if someone gets close, and we will blow it up." Israel Also Targets Iran's Uranium Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments, pressuring Iran further. In an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," he stated, "I believe this war has achieved many results, but it is not over yet," citing the remaining nuclear materials and enriched uranium that need to be removed from Iran. Netanyahu indicated that while it is possible to go in and extract the enriched uranium, he refrained from discussing specific military measures, including the potential deployment of Israeli or U.S. special forces. He noted, "What President Trump told me was, 'I want to go in there.' I believe it is physically possible. If there is an agreement and we can go in and extract it, why not? That would be the best way." However, when asked whether military force could be used to remove uranium if negotiations fail, Netanyahu avoided a direct answer, stating, "I will not discuss military possibilities or plans." He also declined to provide a specific timeline for resolving the issue of Iran's uranium, emphasizing, "This is a very important mission."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 14:36:14
  • UK and France to Host Multinational Defense Meeting on Hormuz Strait
    UK and France to Host Multinational Defense Meeting on Hormuz Strait The United Kingdom and France are set to hold a multinational defense meeting aimed at restoring trade flows through the Hormuz Strait. According to a statement from the UK Ministry of Defence on May 10, UK Defence Secretary John Healy and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu will co-chair the first defense ministers' meeting of a multinational mission involving over 40 countries on May 12. The meeting will be conducted via video conference and is expected to discuss military plans to protect navigation in the Hormuz Strait following a sustainable ceasefire. This follows a two-day military working group meeting led by the UK and France in London last month, which included participation from South Korea. Healy stated, "We are converting diplomatic agreements into actionable military plans to restore confidence in shipping through the Hormuz Strait." These discussions come as the UK and France deploy naval vessels to the region. Last weekend, France sent its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the area, while the UK announced it would dispatch the destroyer HMS Dragon. Both nations described this deployment as a pre-positioning for an international mission to support maritime security. A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence noted that the deployment of HMS Dragon is part of a careful plan to ensure the UK is prepared to assist in securing safety in the Hormuz Strait, should conditions allow. Meanwhile, Iran has reacted strongly to these plans. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that any naval presence from the UK, France, or any other country in the region would face a decisive and immediate response. He asserted, "Only the Islamic Republic of Iran can establish security in this strait." However, President Emmanuel Macron of France clarified that France has no plans to deploy naval forces to the Hormuz Strait. He emphasized that France is considering a security mission coordinated with Iran and opposes any blockade from either side, rejecting any tolls on shipping traffic to ensure safe passage. The Hormuz Strait is a critical corridor for global energy transport. Before the onset of the US-Israel war against Iran on February 28, approximately one-fifth of the world's crude oil was transported through this strait. However, since the war began, Iran has effectively closed the strait, significantly disrupting oil shipments and leading to global market instability and soaring prices. In response, the US has initiated its own blockade of Iranian ports.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 13:45:13
  • Netanyahu: Iran War Wont End Without Uranium Removal and Facility Dismantling
    Netanyahu: Iran War Won't End Without Uranium Removal and Facility Dismantling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war with Iran will not conclude until the removal of high-enriched uranium and the dismantling of nuclear facilities are achieved. In an interview on CBS's "60 Minutes" on May 10, Netanyahu said, "I believe this war has achieved many results, but it is not over yet," citing the remaining nuclear materials and enriched uranium that must be exported from Iran. He added, "There are still enrichment facilities that need to be dismantled, and there are ballistic missiles that proxy forces supported by Iran are trying to produce. We have weakened many of these elements, but all of them still exist, and there is work to be done." Regarding high-enriched uranium, he stated, "It can be removed if we go in and take it out," but he refrained from discussing specific military options, including the potential deployment of Israeli or U.S. special forces. Netanyahu recalled a conversation with former President Donald Trump, saying, "What he told me was, 'I want to go in there.' I believe it is physically possible. If there is an agreement and we can go in and take it out, why not? That would be the best way." International nuclear monitoring agencies estimate that Iran possesses approximately 970 pounds (about 440 kg) of bomb-grade high-enriched uranium. However, when asked if military force could be used to remove the uranium if negotiations fail, Netanyahu avoided a direct answer, stating, "I will not discuss military possibilities or plans." He also declined to provide a specific timeline for resolving the uranium issue, emphasizing that it is a "very important mission." Netanyahu indicated that even if the war with Iran ends, the front with Hezbollah may continue separately. He noted that Iran might seek to include the Hezbollah front in any ceasefire agreement, but Israel must eliminate threats targeting its cities and border areas. He also claimed that if the Iranian regime weakens or collapses, the regional proxy networks established by Iran, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, could also fall apart. However, he cautioned that while the overthrow of the Iranian regime is possible, it is not guaranteed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 11:25:23
  • Trump Rejects Irans Response to US Peace Proposal
    Trump Rejects Iran's Response to US Peace Proposal President Donald Trump has stated that he cannot accept Iran's response to the U.S. proposal for ending hostilities, while Iran has pushed back, asserting that its proposal was not intended to please the U.S. leader. On May 10, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction via social media platform Truth Social, saying, "I just read the response from Iran's so-called 'representatives.' I do not like it. It is completely unacceptable." However, he did not specify which aspects of the Iranian response he found unacceptable. Last week, the U.S. sent a proposal to Iran aimed at ending the conflict. Trump mentioned on May 8 that he expected to receive a letter that night, but Iranian state news agency IRNA reported on May 10 that Iran had communicated its response to the U.S. through the mediator, Pakistan. Details of the Iranian response have been reported differently by various sources. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing informed sources, reported that Iran proposed a ceasefire and a gradual resumption of commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while demanding the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iranian vessels and ports. In contrast, the Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency disputed the WSJ's account, claiming that Iran's response emphasized an immediate end to the war, a guarantee against further U.S. attacks, the lifting of sanctions, and a cessation of hostilities across all fronts. The source also stated that the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran should end immediately following the initial agreement, and sanctions related to the sale of Iranian oil should be lifted within 30 days. Additionally, Tasnim reported that Iran's response included demands for the release of frozen Iranian assets abroad and the implementation of certain U.S. measures within 30 days. Iran: Proposal Not Written to Please Trump Iran has reacted to Trump's rejection of its proposal. According to Tasnim, another informed source stated, "No one in Iran writes proposals to please Trump," asserting that the Iranian negotiating team bases its plans solely on the rights of the Iranian people. The source added that if Trump is not satisfied with Iran's proposal, "then that is certainly a good thing." The source also claimed that Trump is refusing to accept reality, which is why he continues to face defeats in Iran. Meanwhile, media outlets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have suggested that the Strait of Hormuz should be utilized not only as an energy and shipping chokepoint but also as a digital leverage tool. Tasnim reported that over $10 trillion in financial transactions occur daily through undersea fiber optic cables in the Strait, asserting that Iran must secure economic and sovereign benefits from this infrastructure. They proposed imposing licensing fees and annual renewal fees on foreign companies and insisted that major tech firms operate in accordance with Iranian law. Another IRGC-affiliated outlet, Fars News, echoed similar sentiments, stating that over 99% of international internet communications occur via undersea cables and that Iranian companies should manage the maintenance and repair of cables passing through the Strait. Fars noted that Iran could require permits and tolls for vessels passing through the Strait, thereby transforming it into a tool of digital power for Iran. This indicates Iran's intention to impose tolls on vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz while seeking additional revenue generation from this strategic waterway. 2026-05-11 10:34:46
  • Trump Rejects Irans Peace Proposal, Oil Prices Surge Over 3%
    Trump Rejects Iran's Peace Proposal, Oil Prices Surge Over 3% Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated that he cannot accept Iran's response to the U.S. peace proposal, leading to a decline in U.S. stock index futures and a surge in international oil prices. According to Bloomberg, as of 9:18 a.m. KST on May 11, Brent crude oil rose by 3.46% to $104.79 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also increased by 3.48%, reaching $98.74 per barrel. This spike in oil prices was triggered by Trump's public rejection of Iran's response. On May 10, Trump posted on social media platform Truth Social, stating, "I just read the response from the so-called 'representatives' of Iran. I do not like it. It is completely unacceptable." Previously, Iran had reportedly sent a revised response to the U.S. negotiating team, proposing to end the prolonged conflict and lift sanctions against Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran suggested transferring some of its enriched uranium stockpile to a third country but rejected demands to dismantle its nuclear facilities. Trump's strong remarks have dampened hopes for a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Concerns are growing that delays in negotiations could prolong disruptions to energy supplies, especially given the significant restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of war in late February. On Wall Street, expectations are rising that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz will not be resolved quickly. A Goldman Sachs survey indicated that more than half of respondents expect logistical flows through the Strait to face challenges until at least the end of June. The rise in oil prices is also weighing on the stock market. According to Yahoo Finance, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are down 156 points, or 0.3%. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures are also experiencing declines of about 0.2% each. This adjustment follows a strong rebound in major U.S. stock indices last Friday. The U.S. stock market closed higher after the April jobs report exceeded market expectations. According to Bloomberg, non-farm payrolls in April increased by 115,000, significantly surpassing economists' forecast of a 55,000 increase. Consequently, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices both recorded all-time highs on a weekly basis. Yahoo Finance noted that investors are closely watching the upcoming release of the April Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) this week. Whether the rise in oil prices leads to broader inflationary pressures will be a key factor influencing future interest rate outlooks and stock market trends.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 09:24:23
  • Trump and Xi to Hold Summit in Beijing on May 14; Trade Talks Set for May 13 in South Korea
    Trump and Xi to Hold Summit in Beijing on May 14; Trade Talks Set for May 13 in South Korea U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in Beijing on the morning of May 14, local time. According to a report by AFP on May 10, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly announced during a phone briefing that the two leaders will meet in Beijing. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on the evening of May 13. The following morning, a welcome ceremony and a bilateral meeting with Xi will take place, followed by a visit to Tian Tan Park and a state dinner in the evening. On May 15, Trump and Xi will have a private discussion and a working lunch before Trump returns to Washington. Kelly indicated that Xi and his wife are expected to visit the United States later this year. The summit is expected to address key issues including tariffs, Taiwan, artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and competition over critical minerals. Notably, Trump is seeking to pressure China into cooperating on ending the war in Iran, which the U.S. and Israel initiated on February 28. A senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, suggested that Trump is likely to apply pressure on Xi regarding Iran. The official noted that Trump has raised concerns multiple times with Xi about China's financial support for Iran and Russia through oil sales, as well as the sale of dual-use goods that could be used for military and civilian purposes. The recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. on China related to the Iran conflict may also be discussed, the official added. Kelly emphasized that Trump’s visit aims to "recalibrate the relationship with China and prioritize reciprocity and fairness to restore America's economic independence." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessenet and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to Meet in South Korea on May 13 Ahead of the summit, senior trade representatives from both countries will meet in South Korea on May 13. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessenet announced on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he plans to visit Japan and South Korea for a series of meetings ahead of Trump’s historic summit with Xi in Beijing. On May 12, he will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, and other government and private sector representatives in Tokyo to discuss U.S.-Japan economic relations. On May 13, he will stop in Seoul for discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. This indicates that the pre-summit meeting between Vessenet and He will take place in Seoul rather than Beijing. The Chinese side has also confirmed the schedule for the pre-negotiations. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stated on its website that Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit South Korea from May 12 to 13 to engage in economic and trade negotiations with the U.S. side. The Ministry added that both sides will discuss economic and trade issues of mutual interest, based on the important consensus reached during the recent summit in Busan and several phone calls between the two leaders.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 08:30:17
  • Iran Warns Ships from Countries Complying with US Sanctions Will Face Difficulties in Hormuz
    Iran Warns Ships from Countries Complying with US Sanctions Will Face Difficulties in Hormuz Iran's military has warned that vessels from countries adhering to U.S. sanctions against Iran will face challenges in passing through the Strait of Hormuz. On May 10, Mohammad Akraminia, a spokesperson for the Iranian Army, stated in an interview with the state-run IRNA news agency that countries imposing sanctions on Iran following the U.S. precedent will undoubtedly encounter difficulties in navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Akraminia claimed that due to military confrontations with the U.S. and Israel, Iran has no choice but to leverage the "geopolitical potential" of the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that Iran is currently exercising its sovereignty over the waterway. He added that all vessels wishing to transit the strait must now coordinate their actions with Iran, suggesting that this move could provide significant advantages to the country. The spokesperson also indicated that if adversaries were to attack Iran again, the country would respond with new means. He warned that any renewed aggression against Iran would face a "surprising response," which would include new weapons, tactics, and battlefields. Amid these tensions, military strains surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are escalating once more. According to TASS news agency, on the night of May 7, tensions rose as the U.S. and Iran exchanged attacks in the Gulf region. Iranian state television reported that the U.S. attacked an Iranian oil tanker, prompting Iran to claim it retaliated by targeting three U.S. destroyers near the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, reports have emerged that Iran has deployed lightweight submarines for the first time to control shipping in the Strait amid its ongoing conflict with the U.S. According to semi-official Mehr news agency, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, stated that the deployment of submarines is being increased in response to the threats, capabilities, and needs in the Strait of Hormuz. Irani referred to the Iranian submarines as the "dolphins of the Persian Gulf," emphasizing that their primary capability is to operate stealthily in the depths of the strait and intercept and sink all types of hostile vessels. This development indicates Iran's intention to use its control over the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in negotiations for a ceasefire with the U.S.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 03:37:21
  • U.S. Proposes Ceasefire to Iran, But Talks Stall Amid Sanctions
    U.S. Proposes Ceasefire to Iran, But Talks Stall Amid Sanctions The United States has proposed a ceasefire to Iran and is awaiting a response, but discussions to end the U.S.-Iran conflict remain stalled as Iran has not provided an immediate reply. While seeking a diplomatic solution, the U.S. continues to impose sanctions and maintain a maritime blockade, with Iran warning of retaliation against attacks on its vessels. According to Reuters on May 9, the U.S. is waiting for Iran's response to the ceasefire proposal. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on May 8, stating he expected to receive Iran's answer that evening. In an interview with French media, Trump reiterated his expectation for a prompt response from Iran. Margo Hadad, a reporter for France's LCI, shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Trump indicated he anticipated hearing from Iran "very soon" during their conversation. However, a day later, there were no signs of movement from Iran regarding the proposal. The ceasefire offer includes provisions to officially end the war before addressing sensitive issues such as Iran's nuclear program. Currently, the U.S. and Iran appear to be discussing a framework where they would first declare an end to hostilities, followed by negotiations over the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, limitations on Iran's nuclear program, and the lifting of sanctions against Iran over a 30-day period. A key point of contention is how to handle Iran's nuclear program. In a PBS interview last week, Trump claimed that any agreement with Iran would involve the transfer of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium to the U.S. and a halt to operations at Iran's underground nuclear facilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also suggested that, if necessary, Russia could store Iran's enriched uranium as part of a ceasefire agreement. However, it remains uncertain whether Iran will respond promptly to the U.S. proposal. Some analysts suggest that Iran may be stalling to extract further concessions from the U.S. As Trump prepares for a visit to China for a U.S.-China summit on May 14-15, he continues to express optimism about reaching a deal. In contrast, analysts believe that Iran has little incentive to quickly accept U.S. demands, given that a ceasefire is already in effect. The Guardian reported that diplomats who have dealt with Iranian negotiators noted that Iran tends to act as if it has ample time during negotiations. U.S. Intensifies Pressure on Iran In response, the U.S. is seeking diplomatic solutions while also ramping up pressure on Iran. The U.S. Treasury announced on Friday that it would impose sanctions on 10 individuals and entities that assisted Iran's military in acquiring weapons and materials for Shahed drones. The sanctions include several individuals and companies based in China and Hong Kong. Military tensions surrounding the maritime blockade continue. The U.S. military is blocking Iran's trade routes through a maritime blockade, while Iran has warned that it will retaliate against U.S. bases and vessels of hostile forces if its ships are attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, stated via X that as of today, it has altered the routes of 58 commercial vessels and neutralized four ships to prevent entry and exit to Iranian ports since April 13. In response, Iran has vowed to take strong action if its tankers and commercial vessels are attacked. According to AFP, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any attack on Iranian tankers or commercial ships would lead to severe retaliation against U.S. bases and enemy vessels in the region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 03:23:50
  • Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15 Million Over Unauthorized Photo Use
    Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15 Million Over Unauthorized Photo Use Dua Lipa, the global pop star, has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics for $15 million (approximately 22 billion won), claiming unauthorized use of her photo. On May 9, U.S. entertainment outlet Variety reported that Lipa's team filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of publicity rights. According to the lawsuit, Samsung began using Lipa's photo on TV packaging last year. After discovering this, Lipa's team requested that Samsung cease using the image, but the company allegedly refused. The complaint states, "Lipa's face was used extensively in a large-scale marketing campaign for consumer products without her consent or prior consultation, and without granting her any voice or control over its use. Lipa did not permit this and would not have permitted it." The lawsuit also cites social media posts from some consumers who expressed their intent to purchase the TV packaging featuring Lipa's photo. Lipa's team argues this demonstrates Samsung's commercial exploitation of her image and brand value. Lipa, a British artist, debuted in 2015 with the single "New Love" and gained recognition with her first studio album, "Dua Lipa," which reached No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart in 2017. She has since won three Grammy Awards. Variety reached out to Samsung for comment but did not receive an immediate response.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 03:15:20
  • U.S. Navy Blocks Dozens of Ships Amid Irans Threats of Retaliation
    U.S. Navy Blocks Dozens of Ships Amid Iran's Threats of Retaliation The U.S. military is implementing a maritime blockade against Iran, disrupting its trade routes. In response, Iran has warned that it will retaliate against U.S. bases and vessels if its ships are attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on May 9 that it has redirected the routes of 58 commercial vessels and neutralized four ships to prevent access to Iranian ports since April 13. This blockade began on April 13, following a ceasefire agreement with Iran on April 7, and aims to pressure Iran’s funding sources to gain leverage in peace negotiations. In retaliation, Iran has issued a warning that any attacks on its oil tankers or commercial vessels will lead to strong reprisals against U.S. positions and enemy ships in the region. According to reports from AFP and other outlets, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated, "Any attack on Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels will result in a powerful response against U.S. bases and enemy ships in the area." This warning came after the U.S. announced that it had neutralized two Iranian oil tankers attempting to breach the maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and enter Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman. Iran confirmed that there had been "limited clashes" with U.S. forces in the Strait of Hormuz. On May 7, U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. However, both sides maintain that the ceasefire is still in effect. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump stated the previous day that he expected to receive a letter from Iran regarding U.S. demands. It remains unclear whether Iran has formally communicated its position. Previously, President Trump indicated that the peace agreement would include provisions for the removal of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the cessation of operations at its underground nuclear facilities, but Iran has not yet provided an official response.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 03:11:36