Also known as: Secretary of State Marco Rubio · Rubio · US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
US Secretary of State traveling to Vatican to meet Pope Leo and discuss Middle East bilateral relations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the Vatican to meet with Pope Leo and advance bilateral relations amid tensions over US-Iran peace negotiations. The visit comes as the Trump administration pursues a diplomatic deal with Iran while tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which will include suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 from each country. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian state media confirmed their agreement to the proposal.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
Donald Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which will include suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 from each country. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian state media confirmed their agreement to the proposal.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of pursuing "reckless military adventure" instead of diplomatic solutions, as both sides exchanged accusations of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The tensions come amid ongoing maritime incidents, stalled ceasefire talks, and US naval pressure on Iranian ports.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
The US and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz late Thursday, with each side blaming the other for initiating attacks. Trump said the ceasefire remains in place despite the flare-up, which comes as Iran considers a US proposal to end the war.
8 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, announced the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana, on May 1st. She is on maternity leave and other Trump administration members will hold regular briefings in her absence.
7 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Iran says a US proposal to end the war is "still being considered," with the White House reportedly working on a 14-point memorandum of understanding that could include suspension of Iranian nuclear enrichment, lifting of sanctions, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said the US has had "very good talks with Iran in the last 24 hours" and that a deal is possible.
7 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Iran's football chief Mehdi Taj says their World Cup host "is FIFA, not Mr Trump or America" and has called for respect towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps if Iran's national team is to travel to the United States for the tournament. Taj's visa was cancelled by Canada while traveling to FIFA Congress in Vancouver due to his links to the IRGC, listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the US.
6 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Brent crude futures fell below $102 a barrel following reports that the US and Iran are close to a deal to end their war, with the US reportedly working toward a one-page document to end the conflict and enable nuclear negotiations. Oil prices remain elevated compared to pre-conflict levels of around $70 a barrel, as tensions over Iran's threats to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz—through which about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments usually pass—have disrupted regional production and transportation.
6 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Oil prices edged lower Wednesday after US President Donald Trump said the US would pause Project Freedom, its operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, to pursue a deal with Iran to end the war. Brent crude fell 1.7% to $108 a barrel, while US-traded oil dropped 1.6% to $100.60, reversing earlier gains driven by escalating Middle East attacks.
6 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Pope Leo has responded to attacks by US President Donald Trump, saying his mission is to preach the Gospel and peace, and that anyone is free to criticize him. Trump has criticized the Pope over his stance opposing US and Israel's war on Iran, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio now heading to the Vatican for a two-day visit to advance bilateral relations and discuss the Middle East.
6 May 2026 · Joy Online →
President Trump announced on Tuesday that "Project Freedom," a US operation to guide vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, would be paused for a short period by mutual agreement with Iran as progress is being made toward a deal. Iranian media characterized the pause as a Trump retreat, while US officials indicated the pause was requested by Pakistan acting as an intermediary.
6 May 2026 · Joy Online →