Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Thursday (local time) that he had once again shown US President Donald Trump the 2010 Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Brazil and Turkey, arguing it proved that diplomacy could work in addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Speaking at a press conference in Washington after meeting Trump, Lula said this was the second time he had personally shared the agreement, which was intended to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities.
He stated, “I handed it to Trump once again. For the second time, I presented him with the agreement that Brazil and Turkey brokered in 2010 regarding the Iranian nuclear issue.” Lula explained that Brazil and Turkey had persuaded Iran to agree to a revised arrangement aimed at preventing the development of nuclear weapons. He also expressed regret that, after the deal was reached, the international response shifted, with the Obama administration, the European Union, and other powers increasing pressure on Iran.
“We, Brazil and Turkey, managed to convince Iran to accept a revised agreement regarding the non-production of nuclear weapons. I handed President Trump the agreement we reached in 2010. Regrettably, when we finalised that agreement, I do not know why Obama and the European Union—and the rest of the world—decided to ramp up the pressure on Iran,” he said.
He added that the lack of recognition for the agreement may have been due to the fact that it was negotiated by developing countries rather than major global powers, saying, “Possibly because the parties who had brokered the deal were ‘Third World’ nations—countries that do not belong to the elite club of global powers.”
The remarks came after Lula’s meeting with Trump at the White House, where both leaders discussed bilateral issues such as trade and tariffs. Trump later said on Truth Social that the talks were positive and that further discussions between officials from both countries would take place in the coming months.
The 2010 joint declaration by Brazil, Turkey, and Iran aimed to reduce tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme while reaffirming Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It involved Iran agreeing to transfer 1,200 kilograms of low-enriched uranium to Turkey, with assurances that it would remain Iranian property under international monitoring.
In exchange, the Vienna Group—comprising the United States, Russia, France, and the IAEA—was expected to supply fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor within a year. The deal also included provisions for Turkey to return Iran’s uranium if conditions were not met. However, despite initial progress, the agreement did not gain lasting support from major Western powers, and sanctions on Iran continued afterward.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
Global food prices have climbed to their highest level in over three years after disruptions from the Iran conflict strained global supply chains, raising concerns about increased costs for consumers. According to a Friday report, the United Nations food price index rose 1.6 percent in April, driven mainly by increases in vegetable oils, meat, and cereals. Prices are now about 2.5 percent higher than a year earlier.
The ongoing Iran war, now in its third month, has effectively disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, limiting the movement of key agricultural inputs like diesel and fertilisers, which has pushed prices higher. Vegetable oils saw the sharpest rise, increasing 5.9 percent from March and reaching their highest level since July 2022.
FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero noted that vegetable oil prices are rising due to higher crude oil costs, which are boosting demand for biofuels and adding further pressure on the market. The index tracks raw commodity prices rather than retail costs, so changes at the consumer level may take time to appear. However, the latest rise suggests food inflation could accelerate, even as discussions continue between the US and Iran over a potential peace agreement that could reopen the strait.
This marks the third straight monthly increase in the index, which includes grains, sugar, meat, dairy, and vegetable oils. It first rose in February after five months of decline. Meat prices reached a record high, increasing 1.2 percent in April, while cereal prices rose 0.8 percent due to weather-related concerns and expectations of reduced wheat planting in 2026, as farmers shift away from fertiliser-intensive crops because of the conflict.
Producers worldwide are already reporting reduced planting areas and lower yields, as rising diesel and fertiliser costs impact agricultural decisions. Several European countries, including France and Romania, have indicated they may reduce corn production as farmers respond to higher input costs.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
Pakistan’s education system is facing renewed criticism after officials revealed that nearly 17,000 children in Islamabad are still out of school, while concerns over the integrity of the Cambridge examination system have intensified following reports of a leaked Mathematics exam paper, The Express Tribune reported. The issue came to light during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Education, where authorities shared findings showing that thousands of children across 30 union councils in the federal capital remain without access to formal schooling.
During the session, Joint Secretary for Education Hameed Niazi informed committee members that a survey had already been completed and the government aims to enrol all out-of-school children by May 30. The meeting, chaired by Acting Chairperson Syeda Aamna Batool, featured updates from several education-related bodies, including the Ministry of Education, the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA), and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).
Committee member Shazia Soomro strongly criticised the absence of both the Education Minister and the Education Secretary, pointing out that lawmakers consistently attend these meetings while senior officials often remain missing. Director General Education Junaid Akhlaq told the panel that admissions in federal government schools are being carried out strictly on merit and that approximately 32,000 seats are currently available in government-run institutions.
Meanwhile, former PEIRA chairman Ghulam Ali Mallah disclosed that officials had identified around 50 unregistered schools operating in Islamabad. Inspection teams have now been assigned to investigate and take appropriate action. He further stated that private schools would now be legally required to allocate 10 per cent of admissions free of cost to underprivileged students. According to the report, nearly 500 out of around 1,600 schools have already submitted compliance documents.
The committee also voiced serious concern over allegations that a Cambridge Mathematics examination paper had been leaked. IBCC officials confirmed that Cambridge authorities had acknowledged the incident and had been asked to provide a detailed clarification. Reacting to the controversy, Shazia Soomro remarked that while Pakistan’s local examination boards are often criticised for transparency issues, the latest incident has now cast doubts on the credibility and fairness of the internationally recognised Cambridge examination system as well.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday inaugurated the new Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Hospital at Kedarnath Temple, marking a major step toward improving healthcare facilities in the high-altitude pilgrimage region. The hospital will be managed by the Swami Vivekananda Health Mission Society.
The Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand government is consistently working to ensure better and faster medical services for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Dham. He highlighted that establishing a modern healthcare facility equipped with advanced medical infrastructure in the difficult Himalayan terrain would greatly strengthen emergency and routine healthcare services in the region.
According to Dhami, the hospital will not only support lakhs of devotees arriving during the annual Char Dham Yatra but will also benefit local residents living in nearby mountainous areas where access to quality healthcare often remains limited. The Chief Minister further stated that the state administration is giving special attention to healthcare arrangements to make the Kedarnath Yatra safe, organised, and convenient for devotees. He noted that doctors, paramedical teams, medical check-up centres, oxygen support systems, and emergency healthcare services have been deployed across the yatra route to handle any medical emergencies effectively.
Emphasising the government’s broader healthcare vision, Dhami said Uttarakhand is actively working toward building a “Healthy Uttarakhand, Prosperous Uttarakhand.” He added that nearly 6.1 million Ayushman cards have already been distributed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, helping thousands of people receive free medical treatment across the state. The Chief Minister also shared that the government is moving ahead with plans to establish at least one medical college in every district to strengthen medical education and healthcare accessibility.
During his visit to Kedarnath, Dhami also offered prayers at Baba Kedar and wished for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the people of Uttarakhand. He described Kedarnath Dham as not just a major spiritual destination, but also a symbol of public service and humanity. He said the government remains committed to improving healthcare and essential public infrastructure throughout Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. On the occasion, Asha Nautiyal praised the initiative and said the hospital reflects a strong commitment to public welfare and service. She added that the facility would play an important role in delivering improved healthcare services to both pilgrims and local communities in the years ahead.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
As the Iran war continues and energy shortages worsen, China has increased its influence in Asia by helping fuel-dependent countries manage supply disruptions while promoting its renewable energy technology. After the U.S. and Israel attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, China restricted oil-product exports, tightening supplies of fuel like diesel and jet fuel for several Asian nations. While Asia struggles with rising energy costs, China is in a stronger position due to large reserves, reduced oil dependence, and major investments in clean energy. Beijing has held talks with several countries and positioned itself as a stable alternative by offering support through green energy solutions rather than fossil fuels.At the same time, the crisis has helped China expand exports of solar panels and electric vehicles, strengthening its role in global energy security.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and associated meetings in Cebu, scheduled from May 6 to 8, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from all ten ASEAN countries as well as Timor-Leste. The gathering takes place at a critical moment for the region, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressure on ASEAN economies. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the summit’s key issues in detail with Susannah Patton, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In Singapore, bots account for about 58 percent of total internet traffic, with over half classified as malicious. As AI-powered bots become more advanced and harder to distinguish from real users, organizations now face the challenge of not just detecting bots but also interpreting their intent. With AI increasingly blurring the boundary between human and automated activity, businesses are under pressure to adapt. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications for online security, trust, and the internet’s future with Garen Ling, Area Vice President of Sales, ASEAN, App Security and Data Security at Thales.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A 31-year-old man has been accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump following a foiled plot linked to Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Soon after the incident, false claims began circulating online suggesting the attempt was staged. This week, Jonathan Freedland discusses the rise of such conspiracy theories surrounding the US president with journalist Rachel Leingang.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In Destination Anywhere Melanie Oliveiro talks with Kimberly Lynn a travel content creator known as wholistictraveler on Instagram and TikTok. Lynn shares her experiences traveling through Egypt including visits to its oases sand dunes and salt lakes.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
