President Donald Trump has reassigned National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a move Vice President JD Vance describes as a promotion. This decision follows a controversy where Waltz inadvertently included a journalist in a Signal chat discussing potential military actions in Yemen. Despite the incident, Vance emphasized Waltz’s continued trust within the administration and his suitability for the UN role. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim National Security Adviser. Waltz’s reassignment marks the first major personnel change in Trump’s second term, occurring just over 100 days into the administration.
S&P SLASHES US GROWTH FORECAST
S&P Global Ratings has sharply reduced its US GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 2.0% to 1.5%, citing uncertainty triggered by US tariff policies and global market volatility. The 2026 projection has also been trimmed to 1.7%. Despite these downward revisions, S&P maintains that the US is not headed for a recession. The economic outlook was revised amid escalating trade tensions, with new import tariffs and retaliatory measures creating ripple effects across major global economies. S&P also lowered forecasts for India, Canada, and Europe, warning that the long-term global economic trajectory remains uncertain due to mounting protectionist pressures.
PAKISTAN ADMITS TERRORISM TIES
Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has acknowledged Pakistan’s historical involvement with terrorism, echoing recent remarks by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. In an interview with Sky News, Bhutto conceded that Pakistan has a troubled past involving extremism but emphasised that the nation has since undertaken reforms to counter it. Asif earlier admitted Pakistan had backed and funded terrorist groups during alliances with the U.S. and the West. Bhutto stressed the lessons learned and Pakistan’s shift away from such practices. The statements have sparked diplomatic and political reactions, especially from neighbouring India, reviving debates on Pakistan’s global counterterrorism stance.
IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS POSTPONED
Planned nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, scheduled for May 3, 2025, have been postponed, according to Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. The talks, aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing US sanctions, were delayed due to logistical reasons. Iran affirmed its commitment to reaching a fair deal, while a US source claimed Washington never officially confirmed its participation. This development comes amid heightened regional tensions, including US air strikes on Iranian-backed Houthis and warnings from US officials about Iran’s militant support. The situation continues to evolve against a backdrop of global diplomatic uncertainty.
ISRAEL STRIKES NEAR SYRIAN PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Israel launched an airstrike near Syria’s presidential palace on May 2, 2025, amid intensifying violence between Syrian government forces and Druze militias near Damascus. The clashes, which erupted after a controversial audio clip circulated online, have left over 50 people dead. Israel’s strike was framed as a warning to Syria’s government to halt aggression against the Druze minority. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz issued a stern joint statement emphasizing protection for the Druze. The strike follows a week of escalating regional tension and questions over Syria’s treatment of minorities under the new leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa.
