Trump’s vow to “stop wars” is under fire as the US launches its biggest bombing campaign since ISIS—targeting Yemen’s Houthis with over 800 strikes, but no clear endgame.

The Houthis remain defiant, and allies like Saudi Arabia and UAE stay distant.

Like Biden and Saudi Arabia before him, Trump now faces the same challenge: how to weaken the Houthis without being drawn into a prolonged, unclear conflict.

Experts argue that real impact would require combined U.S.–regional ground coordination, but warn this repeats failed 2015 strategies and underestimates Houthi adaptability.

Source: FT

Australia heads to the polls May 3. PM Albanese’s Labor leads, but independents could tip the balance. Trump-era uncertainty makes voters cautious.

• Compulsory voting for citizens 18+
• 4.8 million out of 18 million eligible voters already cast ballots via early voting

Current Seat Distribution:

• Labor: 77 seats
• Liberal-National Coalition: 53
• Greens: 4
• Others/Independents: 15

76 seats needed for majority.

Source: Reuters

Ukrainian PM on the minerals deal with the US:

Ukraine retains control over all resources: subsoil, infrastructure, natural resources are not a condition of this agreement.

Ukraine only makes a contribution from new licenses, from new rent, for minerals - it will be 50% to this fund in money. Accordingly, no debts, no assistance that was provided to Ukraine before the signing of this agreement is the subject of this agreement.

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces are attacking Nahud city in West Kordofan with more than 300 combat vehicles.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump administration informed Congress of its intention to green-light the export of defense-related products to Ukraine through direct commercial sales (DCS) in the amount of $50 million or more.

Source: Kyiv Post

Israeli reservists speak out against Gaza war as pressure on Netanyahu grows

Over 12,000 Israeli reservists—including ex-Mossad chief—oppose Gaza war, saying Netanyahu puts political survival over hostage rescue. Reserve refusals now hit 50–60%.

Ex-Mossad head Danny Yatom accuses Netanyahu of prioritizing personal and political survival over national interest and hostage rescue.

Infantry soldier “Yoav” (alias) now refuses to return to Gaza, questioning the mission’s moral clarity. Protests grow, as demonstrators display hostage photos alongside those of Palestinian children killed in Gaza.

Source: BBC

Israel redraws Gaza map, limiting Palestinians to a third of the enclave

Israel’s renewed Gaza offensive has displaced over 420,000 Palestinians as 70% of the enclave becomes a military “red zone” or evacuation area, raising fears of de facto annexation.

• 70% of Gaza now evacuation or no-go zones
• Expanded buffer along Israel & Egypt borders
• Aid, water, and medical access cut off
• UN, legal experts warn of violations

Initially, Israel created a 17% buffer zone during early war months by razing land. This area has now dramatically expanded to encompass the majority of Gaza’s territory.

Source: WaPo

Tesla's board has begun a search for a CEO to succeed Elon Musk, WSJ reports.

The company's profits fell by 71% in the first quarter.

Tesla says WSJ's report is false.

US Senate supports Senator Graham's bill on sanctions against Russia.

He proposes introducing a 500% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas or uranium.

Source: Bloomberg

NEW: US military is planning a massive increase in the use of drones in its largest overhaul since the end of the Cold War.

US military plans to equip each combat division with approximately 1,000 drones and dispose of old weapons.

The overhaul would cost $36 billion over the next five years.

Source: WSJ

South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo has resigned in order to clear a path for him to join the race to become the country's permanent president, Yonhap reports.

The number of children receiving treatment for malnutrition in Gaza rose by 80% in April compared to March due to Israel’s ongoing blockade and the closure of border crossings, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

Ukrainian HIMARS strike on a Russian Buk-M3 air defense system.

Indian Navy is carrying out exercises in the Arabian Sea, ANI reports.

Lebanese army says it dismantled over 90% of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure south of the Litani River under post-ceasefire agreement.

President Joseph Aoun says LAF now controls over 85% of the region. Responding to Hezbollah criticism of the state as “weak,” Lebanese officials stress diplomacy is the only viable path forward. The Lebanese public is weary of war.


Source: Asharq al Awsat

NEW: Pakistan partially closes Karachi-Lahore airspace for one month.

Elon Musk to Axios on DOGE's future:

DOGE is a way of life, like Buddhism, Buddha isn't alive anymore. You wouldn't ask the question: 'Who would lead Buddhism?'