Trump says peace deal with Iran 'largely negotiated,' hinting at possible end to conflict SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that a peace agreement with Iran has been "largely negotiated," raising hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East. "Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed and will be announced shortly," he said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. He added that the deal would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which roughly May 24, 2026

Trump weighs resuming strikes on Iran as talks hit deadlock SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a possible resumption of airstrikes on Iran, raising concerns that military confrontation between Washington and Tehran could return to the forefront after he canceled plans to attend his eldest son’s wedding and decided to remain in Washington. The move came as little progress has been made in negotiations since Washington delivered what U.S. media described as a “final offer” to Iran on May 20. Trum May 23, 2026

ASIA DEEP INSIGHT: Global order axis to move again as Xi heads to Pyongyang Beijing in May 2026 was no ordinary capital city. It had become a vast reception chamber where the currents of global power intersected and collided — a strategic stage upon which the outlines of a new international order were being tested. Within days, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing in succession. European leaders intensified contacts with China. Middle Eastern rulers and Central Asian heads of state also gravitated towar May 23, 2026

French-South Korea chamber unveils anniversary book at National Assembly SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - The French-South Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched its 40th anniversary commemorative book at the National Assembly in Seoul, signaling a deepening of economic ties as the two nations mark 140 years of diplomatic relations. The exclusive reception gathered approximately 80 diplomats, lawmakers, and business leaders to celebrate the historical evolution of the bilateral partnership. The event, organized with the support of the South Korea-France May 22, 2026

ASIA INSIGHT: With South Korea's local elections weeks away, how AI is changing political scene across Asia SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - With South Korea's local elections less than two weeks away, the political landscape looks strikingly different from what it was just a few years ago, with voters now witnessing entirely new forms of campaigning shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology. Loudspeaker trucks still circle neighborhoods and candidates still bow at subway stations during the morning rush, but increasingly, the real campaign is unfolding elsewhere, driven by May 22, 2026

ASIA DEEP INSIGHT: Enriched uranium, shadow of Hormuz and Search for "Noah Accord" A 5,000-Year-Old Persian Civilization and a 250-Year-Old American Superpower Stand at the Edge of History The Middle East in May 2026 speaks outwardly of cease-fires and endgame negotiations. Yet beneath the language of diplomacy, the region still stands atop an enormous powder keg. President Donald Trump repeatedly declares that “the war will end very soon.” But beneath the negotiating table, the most dangerous fault lines are becoming sharper, not weaker. At th May 22, 2026

[AJP Spiritual Asia ②] Hinduism and civilization of the soul How an Ancient Indian Faith Became One of Humanity’s Great Spiritual Rivers Humanity in the 21st century is once again confronting its oldest and most enduring questions. Artificial intelligence now learns human language. Robots are increasingly replacing human labor. Algorithms not only predict consumption patterns but also begin to anticipate human judgment itself. Material civilization has achieved unprecedented abundance, yet the inner life of humanity appears more May 22, 2026

From timid boy to war hero: India's wartime doctor honored in Korea SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - At the unveiling of a new memorial near the heavily fortified border with North Korea, Kalpana Prasad, an Indian woman in her 40s and the grand-niece of Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj, recalled how her older family members spoke about their brother, who had served on the frontline during the Korean War. “His siblings rushed to tell their mother, but she refused to believe it because she still remembered him as a shy boy who was afraid to walk alone in the dark, May 21, 2026

America-first policy to outlast Trump, says his former chief of staff SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said the “America First” brand of economic nationalism and a more restrained U.S. approach to overseas engagement are likely to remain defining features of Washington’s policy landscape long after Donald Trump leaves office. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, Mulvaney said protectionism and economic nationalism reflect broader stru May 21, 2026

FSC to offer low-rate insurance for 10 Korean ships near Hormuz SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eok-won said Thursday the government will provide low-rate marine insurance for 10 vessels operated by small and midsized Korean shipping companies currently waiting near the Strait of Hormuz. Lee made the remarks during a meeting with shipping companies, policy lenders and insurers in Seoul, the fourth in a series of industry-finance meetings aimed at supporting sectors hit by the Middle East conflict. “The h May 21, 2026