U.S. appeals court blocks Trump's 400-mln-USD White House ballroom project
A divided federal appeals court in Washington ruled on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump is unlawfully constructing a massive 400-million-dollar new ballroom at the White House, while pausing the ruling for 14 days to allow the administration to seek Supreme Court review.
"Each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House and its Executive Residence. The President has no -- and claims no -- constitutionally assigned authority over that property, which is designed and maintained for the use of all Presidents, current and future, and for the American people," according to the 2-1 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
"We are aware of no instance in American history in which a President unilaterally and using privately collected funds demolished substantial portions of the White House that Congress authorized to be built and American taxpayers paid for. Until now," the ruling said.
Peru announces resumption of diplomatic relations with Mexico
The governments of Peru and Mexico have decided to resume diplomatic relations, which had remained severed since November 2025, Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday.
In a statement, Peru's Foreign Ministry said the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties "in consideration of the historic bonds of brotherhood, friendship and cooperation that unite Peru and Mexico."
Bilateral relations began to deteriorate in December 2022 amid persistent disagreements over the detention of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), who was accused of attempting a coup after seeking to dissolve Congress.
Iran's president says Tehran favors dialogue, but won't be forced to surrender
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed the country's commitment to pursuing dialogue for safeguarding its rights while highlighting that Tehran will not be forced to surrender.
Pezeshkian made the remarks in an interview, published on the website of his office on Friday, defending the Iranian government's decision to enter negotiations with the United States and sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ending the war.
Pezeshkian said Iran remains committed to its obligations as long as the United States fulfills its commitments under the MoU, adding, "Wherever they fail to fulfill their commitment, we have no obligation to continue."
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Pakistan sign joint defense agreement
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan on Friday signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, stipulating that any armed attack against one of the three countries will be considered an attack against them all.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during the Makkah Summit for Joint Defense held in the Saudi city of Makkah, according to a joint statement issued after the summit.
The agreement reflects the three countries' commitment to strengthening their collective security and safeguarding regional peace and stability, according to the statement.
Shooting in Thailand leaves 8 dead, wounds over 30: PM
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday afternoon that eight people were confirmed dead, including the gunman and his grandparents, and over 30 people were injured, with nine in critical condition, as a gunman opened fire at a school and home in Nonthaburi province earlier the day.
Local police were notified around 10 a.m. local time after a gunman opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in the Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi province on the northwestern outskirts of Bangkok.
A witness at the scene said the gunman wore a purple tracksuit and fired dozens of shots in the school. Video footage released by the media shows continuous gunfire heard throughout the campus.■
