United States

Sun English Edition | 22 hours, 43 minutes ago | positive

Perfect opening night for US as they beat Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener

The United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026. Goals came from an own goal, Folarin Balogun (2), and Gio Reyna, with Christian Pulisic providing two assists. Paraguay scored a consolation goal in the 73rd minute. The US, under coach Mauricio Pochettino, dominated from the start. Attendance was 70,492. Fans expressed excitement, with Jose Contreras calling it 'one of the happiest days of my life'. The match marked the US's strong start in Group D alongside Australia and Turkey.

Sun English Edition | 22 hours, 43 minutes ago | neutral

Pentagon opens UFO vault: Latest declassified files reveal mysterious glowing orb hotspot

The Pentagon released a third set of declassified UAP files on June 12, 2026, featuring videos of mysterious orbs. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnel announced the release, part of the Trump administration's transparency effort. The files include accounts from credible witnesses and incidents near sensitive facilities. The site has received over 1.7 billion hits since May 8. Additional releases are planned.

Sun English Edition | 22 hours, 43 minutes ago | optimistic

Araghchi says draft US-Iran deal to be inked 'remotely', warns of Israeli sabotage

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that a draft deal with the US will be signed remotely in the coming days. The 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' aims to end the war that started on February 28, 2026. Araghchi stated the agreement includes lifting the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and managing the Strait of Hormuz. He warned of potential Israeli sabotage. US President Donald Trump called off planned strikes and indicated a deal could be signed soon. The deal includes a 60-day period for discussing Iran's nuclear program.

Sun English Edition | 22 hours, 43 minutes ago | neutral

Trump says US strike killed Venezuelan gang leader Nino Guerrero

President Trump announced on June 12, 2026, that a US strike killed Tren de Aragua leader Nino Guerrero (Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores). Guerrero was charged with racketeering in a New York federal court in December. Trump said the strike brought justice to victims including 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray and 22-year-old Laken Reilly. The White House, Pentagon, and Southern Command did not respond to comment.

Sun English Edition | 22 hours, 43 minutes ago | tense

Jaishankar lodged 'strong protest' with Rubio over US strikes that killed Indian sailors

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar lodged a strong protest with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over US Navy strikes that killed three Indian sailors on merchant vessels off Oman. The strikes hit the Palau-flagged MT Settebello on June 10, 2026 and MT Marivex earlier; a third vessel was also hit. Jaishankar reiterated India's protest in a phone call. India summoned US Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks twice. A father of a victim demanded strong action from PM Modi. India issued an advisory for sailors to exercise caution in conflict-affected waters. Indian Navy extracted an unexploded missile warhead from a tanker. The US naval blockade and Iran's Strait of Hormuz restrictions are part of the context of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Sun English Edition | 22 hours, 43 minutes ago | concerned

Palestinian football chief denied US visa to attend World Cup, left waiting in Mexico

Palestinian Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub was denied a US visa to attend the 2026 World Cup and is waiting in Mexico City. He attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Rajoub criticized the visa denial, saying the World Cup should not be used to deny access. FIFA President Infantino acknowledged entry decisions rest with national authorities. Rajoub has advocated on Palestinian football issues including Israeli settlements and the Gaza war's impact.

Sun English Edition | 22 hours, 43 minutes ago | optimistic

No more underdogs — Morocco ready to battle top nations, including heavyweight Brazil

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi insists his team is no longer an underdog as they prepare to face Brazil in the World Cup opener at New York New Jersey Stadium. Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals in 2022. Ouahbi, who took over three months ago, faces injuries to Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli but says the squad is fit. He downplays fear of Brazil, citing Morocco's 2023 friendly win. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti calls it a balanced game. The 48-team tournament features a compelling Group C clash, with Morocco also co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.

Byline | 5 days, 5 hours ago | neutral

Trump Confident of India-US Trade Deal, Calls Modi a Friend

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in reaching a trade agreement with India, calling PM Modi a friend. He criticized India's tariffs, especially on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. A US trade delegation visited India for negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The US recently imposed an additional 12.5% tariff on imports from 54 countries, including India, citing forced labor concerns. Trump noted a previous 200% tariff on Harley-Davidson in India. Trade talks evolved after the US Supreme Court ruled against reciprocal tariff measures under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), leading to a temporary 10% tariff on all imports for 150 days.

Maldives Republic | 9 months, 2 weeks ago | neutral

Frayed India-US Ties Likely to Be Restored

India-US relations are strained due to U.S. tariffs and insults from President Trump, but are expected to be restored due to strong economic and geopolitical ties. India's recent overtures to China are seen as a tactic to pressure Washington. Prime Minister Modi attended the SCO summit in Tianjin on August 31-September 1, but will skip China's victory parade on September 3. He will visit Japan on August 30 to discuss QUAD projects. India reiterated commitment to QUAD, and India and the U.S. held a virtual military cooperation meeting on August 26.

Maldives Republic | 9 months, 3 weeks ago | concerned

US Racial Segregation Moves in Reverse

The article discusses reverse racial segregation in the US, where whites are voluntarily segregating themselves from people of color. The New York Times reports on a whites-only commune called 'Right to the Land' in Ozark Mountains, Arkansas, founded by Eric Orwoll. The commune has about 40 residents and requires whiteness for membership, with screening including interviews, background checks, and ancestry questionnaires. Orwoll claims legal exemption as a private association, but experts say it violates the Fair Housing Act and Civil Rights Act. The article also notes that US racial segregation has increased since 1990 despite diversification, citing a study by the Othering & Belonging Institute. It mentions other ethnic-specific communities like EPIC City in Texas, which faced investigation but no discrimination found.

Maldives Republic | 10 months ago | concerned

What Lies at the Root of Trump-Lula Spat?

The article analyzes the conflict between US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil despite a US trade surplus of $7.4 billion. The real issue is Lula's criminal prosecution of Trump's ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro, for an alleged coup attempt. The US Treasury sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act for human rights violations. Lula hosted a BRICS summit criticizing Trump's tariffs and US-Israeli bombing of Iran. Lula defied Trump, calling Brazil sovereign and threatening to hike tariffs on the US.

Maldives Republic | 10 months ago | neutral

Trump’s Approval Ratings Drop Six Months Into His Second Term

As of August 2025, six months into Donald Trump's second term, his approval ratings range from 37% to 50% across national polls, the lowest of his term. Key polls: Gallup (37% approval, 58% disapproval), Reuters/Ipsos (41% approval), Fox News (46% approval), Emerson (46% approval, 47% disapproval), Trafalgar (50% approval, 48% disapproval), Rasmussen (47% approval), NYT average (44% approval, 53% disapproval). Immigration approval at 45% in Emerson poll, but AP-NORC found a 6-point drop since March. Tariff strategy receives mixed reviews, with only 36% approving handling of inflation. The 'Big Beautiful Bill' and tariffs on 180 countries are highlighted.

Sun English Edition | 10 months ago | neutral

US admits error in Japan trade deal, promises tariff refunds: Tokyo

The US admitted to a mistake in implementing a trade agreement with Japan, promising refunds of import taxes collected due to oversight, said Japan's top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa. Akazawa met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged President Trump to amend an executive order on tariffs. Under the deal, Japan pledged $550 billion investment in the US, and the US will reduce the tariff on Japanese cars to 15% from 27.5%, but the effective date remains unclear. Prolonged higher tariffs could hurt Toyota and Honda.

Maldives Republic | 10 months ago | tense

India Finally Stands Up to Trump’s Bullying, Exposes Chinks in US President’s Armour

India responded strongly to U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of India's tariffs and trade policies, calling his remarks 'unjustified and unreasonable.' Trump had dubbed India the 'King of Tariffs' and announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods for buying oil and weapons from Russia. Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the economy. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs defended purchases of Russian oil as a necessity, pointing out that the EU and US also trade with Russia. Data cited showed India's average tariff at 16%, and a US trade deficit with India of $45.8 billion. India accused the US of importing Russian uranium and palladium.

Maldives Republic | 10 months, 2 weeks ago | tense

US Denies Visa for Islamic Minister Shaheem to Attend UN Conference on Palestine

The United States denied a visa to Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, preventing his attendance at a UN high-level conference on the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine in New York. The Maldivian government has not commented. The Maldives was represented by its UN Permanent Representative Ali Naseer Mohamed. Opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail criticized Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel for not attending personally, saying it sends a concerning message about Maldives' support for Palestine.

Sun English Edition | 10 months, 3 weeks ago | neutral

Trump says 'massive' trade deal reached with Japan

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a 'massive' trade deal with Japan, claiming Japan will invest $550 billion in the US and the US will receive 90% of profits. Trump stated Japan will open its market to US cars, trucks, rice, and other agricultural products, and pay reciprocal tariffs of 15%. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he needs to examine details before commenting. The White House and Japanese officials have not formally responded. The announcement follows months of tense negotiations over auto tariffs and levies.

Sun English Edition | 10 months, 3 weeks ago | tense

Trump accuses Obama of 'treason', urges authorities to go after him

US President Donald Trump accused former President Barack Obama of orchestrating a coup against him, urging severe consequences and for authorities to go after Obama. Trump made the comments while speaking with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Oval Office. He claimed Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden were behind a criminal operation, calling Obama the 'ring leader'. Obama's office released a statement dismissing the allegations as 'bizarre' and 'outrageous', and a 'weak attempt at distraction'. The statement also defended the intelligence assessments regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Maldives Republic | 1 year ago | neutral

Trump’s Rationale for Banning People From Some Countries

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 4 June banning entry to the US of citizens from 12 countries, citing national security concerns, illegal immigration, visa violations, and administrative deficiencies in those countries. The order references over 11 million unauthorized immigrants as of 2021, with Mexicans the largest group. It also notes nearly 11 million unauthorized border encounters from October 2019 to June 2024 and 510,400 visa overstayers in fiscal 2023.

Maldives Republic | 1 year ago | neutral

India, US Set to Iron Out Differences Arising From Indo-Pak War

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Washington to mend ties with the US after tensions from the India-Pakistan war (7-10 May). President Trump's unilateral ceasefire announcement and mediation offer on Kashmir embarrassed India. The US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) report flagged Pakistan's nuclear modernization. The Modi government also sent all-party delegations abroad, but they were criticized as a 'joy ride'. A US trade delegation is expected in India next month to finalize a trade deal.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 3 months ago | concerned

USAID: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

President Trump's decision to shut down USAID has drawn mixed reactions. Trump and Elon Musk, head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), criticized USAID, with Trump labeling it run by 'radical lunatics' and Musk calling it a 'criminal organization.' The move reflects Trump's disdain for soft power and preference for transactional foreign policy. Some worry China could fill the soft power gap through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.