Latest News from Newsweek
Newsweek
20 minutes ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Why MBS Is Keeping the Pressure on Iran
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Though Tehran and Riyadh appear to be getting closer, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is quietly boxing in Iran—replacing confrontation with containment through diplomacy, economic leverage, and nuclear pressure. When Saudi Arabia and Iran restored relations in 2023, the move was widely seen as a turning point. But behind the optics of smiles and handshakes, their core rivalry continued. MBS simply changed the game: masking the iron fist with a velvet glove. It may look like a thaw, but in reality, it's a recalibrated contest for influence. MBS is boxing Iran in Syria, Lebanon, and nuclear diplomacy. President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) before posing for a family picture with Gulf leaders during a gathering of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh on May... President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) before posing for a family picture with Gulf leaders during a gathering of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh on May 14, 2025. More BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images Once on opposite sides of Syria's civil war, Riyadh and Damascus are now forging a strategic bond. Saudi Arabia is using investment to edge out Iran. In May 2025, MBS arranged a private meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—positioning Riyadh, not Tehran, as Syria's international diplomatic guarantor. In Lebanon, the 2023–24 Israel–Hezbollah war devastated Iran's top proxy. Israeli strikes killed much of Hezbollah's leadership, including Hassan Nasrallah, and crippled its infrastructure. With Tehran financially constrained, Saudi Arabia stepped in. Riyadh now plays a gatekeeping role in Lebanon's reconstruction, with foreign aid increasingly tied to Gulf approval. The rise of pro-Gulf leaders such as Army Chief Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a former ICJ judge, signals a political pivot. Iran's "Shiite Crescent," once central to Tehran's power projection across Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, is giving way to a "Saudi Full Moon"—a widening sphere of influence built on investment, diplomacy, and institutional leadership. The regional battlefield has shifted. Riyadh's former reliance on confrontation and harsh rhetoric has given way to diplomatic pressure. Saudi Arabia recently offered to mediate U.S.–Iran nuclear talks. Though seemingly de-escalatory, it was a strategic bid for influence. MBS cast himself as a global statesman, positioning Riyadh as a neutral convener with deeper intent. Excluded from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Riyadh has now inserted itself into the architecture of diplomacy to ensure its red lines on nukes, missiles, militias, and regional destabilization shape any future agreement. In May 2025, the U.S. and Iran concluded their fifth round of indirect nuclear talks. Washington called them beneficial, but Tehran's foreign minister admitted complex issues remain. Saudi Arabia welcomed the talks—on terms aligned with its interests. Whether in the room or not, MBS is setting the diplomatic tone. A striking example came during the May 2025 summit in Riyadh, where MBS hosted Trump and Syria's al-Sharaa. The meeting marked Syria's diplomatic return—on Saudi terms. Trump announced a "cessation of sanctions" against Syria and secured nearly $4 trillion in Gulf investment pledges, including up to $1 trillion from Saudi Arabia. The summit cemented Riyadh's role as the region's financial and strategic anchor, sidelining Tehran, Qatar, and the UAE. It also spotlighted Trump's personal bond with MBS: "I like him too much. That is why we give so much." This is a gesture he has never extended to the UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan or Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. The optics crystallized a regional reversal. Where Iran once posed as the vanguard of resistance, Riyadh now hosts Iran's former allies, reopens the Syria file on its terms, and presents itself as a future-oriented Arab power. Across much of the region, it is Saudi Arabia that now looks like the victor. Alongside its regional diplomacy, Saudi Arabia has embraced nuclear hedging—keeping the domestic capability option on the table to pressure both Tehran and Washington. MBS has made his position clear: "If Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible." This is strategic signaling, not bluster. During Trump's first term, U.S. officials explored nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Those talks have resumed, and Trump has removed the prior requirement that Riyadh normalize relations with Israel in exchange for nuclear cooperation. This break from Biden-era conditionality exposes Riyadh's unprecedented leverage. The message is twofold: if Iran expands its nuclear program, Riyadh will not remain idle. And if Washington wants regional influence, it must reckon with a Saudi Arabia no longer content to play the passive security client. It forces the U.S. to make a choice: either accommodate Riyadh or risk proliferation. It also underscores Saudi Arabia's refusal to be left behind diplomatically, militarily, or strategically. Is Saudi restraint truly de-escalation or a subtler form of coercion? MBS has not abandoned the rivalry with Iran—he has recalibrated it. The Kingdom has shifted from proxy wars and religious conflict to a more finessed strategy: strategic displacement, narrative control, and institutional gatekeeping. Whether by sidelining Iran in Syria, reshaping Lebanon, injecting himself into the United States via Iran nuclear diplomacy, or leveraging nuclear ambiguity, MBS is dictating the pace. The goal is redefinition. This is not rollback. It is replacement. MBS is working within a U.S.-led order while preparing for a post-American Middle East. Dr. Talal Mohammad is an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and an independent consultant in government affairs, geopolitics, and strategic intelligence. He is the author of Iranian-Saudi Rivalry Since 1979: In the Words of Kings and Clerics, and his work has appeared in leading international outlets. You can find him on X @DrOxbridge. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Newsweek
20 minutes ago
- General
- Newsweek
Man, 87, on 'Bucket List' Trip Not Prepared for Note He Gets From Flight Attendant
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When an elderly man boarded an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, his travel companion knew the journey carried special weight. The 87-year-old passenger, facing late-stage heart failure, had long dreamed of visiting the state, telling his granddaughter, "I just want to see the mountains one last time." According to the original poster (OP) on Reddit, the quiet flight soon took a touching turn thanks to one observant crew member. Touching Note The granddaughter wrote that her grandfather spent the flight holding her hand and gazing out the window. A flight attendant—possibly named Tara or Taryn—noticed and approached them gently to check in. After hearing that the trip was part of the man's bucket list, she returned with a set of Alaska Airlines wings and a handwritten note. It read: "We're honored to fly with you today. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey." Stock image: Elderly man in an airport. Stock image: Elderly man in an airport. ajr_images/iStock/Getty Images Plus According to the OP, the man carried that note for the rest of the trip. He passed away peacefully three weeks later and the family buried him with the message in his coat pocket. Approached for comment, a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told Newsweek that while the carrier's staff members are working to confirm the details and identify the flight attendant involved, "We are deeply moved to hear how this moment resonated with the family and your readers. "At Alaska, we are incredibly proud of our flight attendants and all employees who lead with heart and empathy," the spokesperson continued. "While we can't speak to this individual moment without further verification, we can say that recognizing acts of kindness is core to our internal culture. "We have several programs in place—from peer-nominated awards to leadership shout-outs—that celebrate employees who live our values of service and compassion." Reactions from fellow users on Reddit were swift and emotional. One wrote simply, "Wow! Goose bumps!" Another added, "I'm chopping onions again." A third shared, "I am so sorry about you losing your grandpa... but what a beautiful memory you gave him." Another contributor, reflecting on her own experience, commented, "[Alaska Airlines] has many, many lovely flight attendants and I'm getting to know more now. Not surprised to hear about this gesture. "Many good days to you and thank you for sharing." 'Share feedback' While the moment described might have been brief, it left a lasting impact, capturing how frontline airline workers can leave deep impressions with small acts of attention. As highlighted in Alaska Airlines' feedback portal, the company actively encourages passengers to share stories of both praise and concerns. Their site states: "We are always striving to be better. "Share feedback on what we did well, what we could have done better, or any ideas that will make Alaska Airlines the best place to fly." The airline invites notes not only for general travel experiences, but also for accessibility and mileage plan suggestions. Airplane Etiquette Broader conversations about in-flight conduct and courtesy often take off on the forum. A Newsweek article exploring a YouGov poll on airplane etiquette found that 45% of Americans believe passengers should remove headphones when speaking to crew, while a strong majority expect basic civility during flights. That survey revealed a desire for kindness from both crew and fellow passengers, echoing the respect shown in this story. A Redditor shared with the OP in the thread that they can, "Only imagine the mountains and wonders," that the grandfather is now experiencing. "It's great that Alaska was able to give him a quick glimpse of even bigger things to come," they mused. Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via Reddit. Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek. To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Mike Pence Accuses Donald Trump of Ignoring Constitution
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Former Vice President Mike Pence has accused President Donald Trump of supplanting Congress' constitutional authority over trade and commerce, following a federal court ruling that sought to void the majority of his tariffs. "The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy taxes and tariffs," Pence wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Article 1, Section 8 provides that the Congress 'shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises.'" "The president has no authority in the Constitution to unilaterally impose tariffs without an act of Congress," he added. Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment outside regular hours. Why It Matters The potential economic effects of Trump's tariffs, such as high consumer prices on foreign goods and increased overheads for import-reliant businesses, have drawn scrutiny from Democrats and members of the president's own party. Trump has announced numerous tariffs since returning to office in January, including a 10 percent "baseline" tariff on almost all U.S. imports, arguing that the duties were necessary to fix trade imbalances and revive American manufacturing. However, critics have questioned the constitutionality of the president's trade policies, saying tariffs are fundamentally a legislative power granted to Congress and that their unilateral imposition represents an example of executive overreach. What To Know "To restore the power to levy Tariff's back to the American people, Congress should take immediate steps to reclaim their Constitutional authority On Tariffs," Pence wrote on Thursday. The former vice president has made similar arguments in the past. In April, he told attendees at a Grove City College event, "Wherever you come down on the risks or merits associated with tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration, the president has no authority in the Constitution to unilaterally impose tariffs without an act of Congress," the National Review reported. Pence has also criticized the tariffs on economic grounds, arguing that resultant price increases on foreign-made goods—specifically dolls—run counter to the "American dream." Former Vice President Mike Pence at the Jerusalem Post's New York conference on June 3, 2024. Former Vice President Mike Pence at the Jerusalem Post's New York conference on June 3, Pence highlighted on Thursday, Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution establishes the structure and powers of the legislative branch and grants Congress authority over taxes and duties. However, Congress has ceded certain tariff powers to the presidency over the years, primarily through Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962; Sections 122, 201 and 301 of the Trade Act of 1974; Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930; and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. Wednesday's ruling from the U.S. Court of International Trade concerned Trump's invocation of the latter. The Manhattan federal court argued that neither the fentanyl crisis—which Trump used to justify tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico—nor the unfair trading relationships that his reciprocal tariffs were intended to fix constituted sufficient emergencies to override Congress' constitutional powers. "Because of the Constitution's express allocation of the tariff power to Congress … we do not read IEEPA to delegate an unbounded tariff authority to the President," the three-judge panel wrote in its decision. "We instead read IEEPA's provisions to impose meaningful limits on any such authority it confers." The administration called the decision a "judicial coup" and swiftly filed an appeal with the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, which has now paused the lower court's ruling, allowing the tariffs to remain in effect pending the outcome of the appeal. What People Are Saying President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday: "The horrific decision stated that I would have to get the approval of Congress for these Tariffs. In other words, hundreds of politicians would sit around D.C. for weeks, and even months, trying to come to a conclusion as to what to charge other Countries that are treating us unfairly. If allowed to stand, this would completely destroy Presidential Power—The Presidency would never be the same! … The President of the United States must be allowed to protect America against those that are doing it Economic and Financial harm." Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, told CNN: "Under the Constitution, Congress has tariff authority. We gave—for better or worse, Congress gave some of that authority to the presidency. The president has been exercising that authority. The issue before the courts—and it's appropriate for them to decide—is whether he has exceeded that authority. I don't think he has, but that's up to the courts to tell us. In the meantime, nothing's going to change. These [trade] talks are not going to stop, nor should they." Political economist Veronique de Rugy said in comments shared with Newsweek: "The president's power is limited, even in emergencies. Declaring a trade deficit isn't an emergency; it's economics 101. Trump's tariffs weren't just economically destructive, they were legally baseless. Courts rightly refused to hand over unlimited power to a single person. This ruling drew from conservative judicial doctrines like nondelegation and major questions, these philosophies embraced by Trump's own judicial nominees. The ruling restores constitutional order by reminding everyone, including Trump, that tariff power belongs to Congress, not to the president's whims." What Happens Next The appeals court's decision means Trump's tariffs remain in place while the case is considered. It has ordered the plaintiffs to respond by June 5 and given the government until June 9 to issue a reply. White House adviser Peter Navarro has said the administration is prepared to take the appeal to the Supreme Court if necessary. He told reporters on Thursday, "Even if we lose, we will do it another way."
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Solo Traveler Reveals Biggest Regret They Have From Long Trip: "Don't Make the Same Mistake"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A solo traveler has revealed their biggest regret from their trip after returning home. The traveler and original poster (OP), user retrosleepwalker, shared their story on Reddit, explaining how they had initially planned a solo trip to challenge themselves. However, everything changed when they "clicked instantly" with someone during their travels, forming a bond that altered the nature of the trip—and their perspective. Stock image of a couple wearing sunglasses while holding a map together during a trip. Stock image of a couple wearing sunglasses while holding a map together during a trip. iStock / Getty Images Plus "Crazy how someone across the world had so much in common with me," the OP wrote. "We spent the next 2 weeks together. "I felt a little rushed during my trip and a little bit like I betrayed myself by allowing someone to join what was supposed to be a solo thing. "Now that I've done everything, I realize that I should've appreciated our time together more. They were so wonderful, and honestly, the people I met in my journey were the real highlight of the trip - not the destination. "It really sucks that I may not see them ever again but we agreed if we were from the same country, we would've definitely ended up together. I really hope one day we meet again. "It's insane how you can bond with someone so much and may never see that person again." Redditors flocked to the comments to share their thoughts and similar experiences. One wrote, "A big part of solo travel that I love is making connections with people you most likely would have never met if you didn't take yourself on this trip/put yourself out of your comfort zone." Another user shared that they had met someone on a solo trip through Australia and Southeast Asia, adding, "He joined me two months later in Bangkok... Married 24 wonderful years now." 'This has taught me an important lesson' The OP told Newsweek, "I went on this trip envisioning a perfect itinerary - meals, sights, etc., and the last thing I wanted was a romantic connection to cause me to miss out on these things. "Funnily enough, all those sights and meals kind of blur together, and really what I remember most is the way we laughed together and how we were able to experience these things with each other. "Even if it doesn't work out, I'm happy I got to at least experience life with him for this short amount of time. In a way, I feel like this has taught me an important lesson going forward." Positive Experiences Stories like these are not uncommon, as solo travel experiences can take unexpected turns. In one Newsweek article, a solo female traveler recounted how a trip to Naples, Italy, that was intended to be a journey of self-discovery turned into a spontaneous celebration after meeting a 73-year-old woman who invited her to a local village wedding. "Everyone was hugging me and calling me 'bella ragazza,' and I cried a 'lil cause it just felt so warm she wrote in her post. Yet, while these moments feel serendipitous, experts say instant connections don't always translate to long-term success. Love At First Sight In a Brides article exploring the reality of love at first sight, therapist Sharon Gilchrest O'Neill said, "There is a feeling in one's gut that there is something special about this person that you are instantly attracted to, and you sense quickly that they feel the same way." However, she cautioned that these intense early feelings don't necessarily sustain long-term relationships. "It isn't love—not the kind of love that marriage requires over the long haul," O'Neill noted. As for the OP, the lesson they carried home wasn't about romance or regret, but mindfulness. "If you're ever in the same position as me—don't make the same mistake. Be present and appreciate the moment." Newsweek has contacted retrosleepwalker for comment via Reddit. Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek. To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Democrats' Chances of Winning Arizona Governor Race
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new poll indicates that Arizona's gubernatorial race is set to be close, with Democratic incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs holding slim leads over both of her potential Republican challengers, Karrin Taylor Robson and Representative Andy Biggs. According to a survey conducted by Noble Predictive from May 12-16 among 1,026 registered voters, Hobbs garners 41 percent support against Robson's 39 percent, with 17 percent still undecided. Against Biggs, Hobbs leads 40 percent to 38 percent, with the same proportion of undecided voters. The high percentage of undecided voters—17 percent in both matchups—indicates that the race remains anyone's to win. The survey had a margin of error of about ± 3 percentage points. Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers her inaugural address at the state Capitol in Phoenix, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers her inaugural address at the state Capitol in Phoenix, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Ross D. Franklin/AP Why It Matters Arizona's gubernatorial race will be one of the most closely watched elections of the 2026 midterms when Republicans are hoping to unseat incumbent Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who narrowly defeated Republican Kari Lake in the 2022 election. Arizona is a crucial swing state that backed President Donald Trump by nearly 6 points in the 2024 presidential race—his strongest showing of any swing state. What To Know The Republican primary has Karrin Taylor Robson leading the early field in the poll with 24 percent, followed by Biggs and conservative activist Charlie Kirk tied at 17 percent. However, Kirk has now withdrawn from the race and endorsed Biggs—a move likely to shift significant support to Biggs given Kirk's strong favorability among young voters, and Hispanic/Latino voters. "The moment Kirk stepped out and backed Biggs, the math changed. Biggs now has the opportunity to inherit a young, digital-savvy base that Kirk built, which could be decisive," David Byler, chief of research at NPI, said, noting that he could be getting an "army" of support from Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA. However, Trump endorsed both Biggs and Robson, which could complicate dynamics. "When Andy Biggs decided to run for Governor, quite unexpectedly, I had a problem — Two fantastic candidates, two terrific people, two wonderful champions, and it is therefore my Great Honor TO GIVE MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT TO BOTH," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Nonetheless, Hobbs maintains the edge—at least for now. Hobbs, elected in 2022, enjoys a favorability rating of 49 percent, with 37 percent viewing her unfavorably, giving her a net positive rating of +12, a solid foundation for her reelection bid in a state that has trended increasingly competitive in recent years. Robson, who narrowly lost the 2022 GOP primary, is viewed slightly unfavorably (31-32, net -1), while Biggs, a member of Congress, has a net favorability of +4 (28-24). The NPI report also noted that Arizona's electorate is trending younger, more diverse, and more suburban—shifts that could favor Democrats if Hobbs successfully mobilizes these voters. Arizona continues to be a politically competitive state, with a Republican registration advantage. As of April 2025, Arizona's voter registration data indicates a Republican advantage of approximately 7.3 percentage points over Democrats. Specifically, 35.9 percent of registered voters are Republicans, while 28.6 percent are Democrats. Historical midterm trends often favor the party not currently holding the presidency, adding another layer of complexity to the race. Republican candidates have emphasized issues such as border security, tax policy, and loyalty to President Donald Trump—topics that polls show resonate with many Republican voters. What People Are Saying David Byler, chief of research at NPI, said: "The moment Kirk stepped out and backed Biggs, the math changed. Biggs now has the opportunity to inherit a young, digital-savvy base that Kirk built, which could be decisive. "TPUSA is a young person thing. Biggs could be getting more than an endorsement. He could be getting an army. "There's a lot of overlap between what Biggs supporters and Taylor-Robson supporters see in their preferred candidate. To me, that suggests that we are still extremely early in this race. Voters don't have well-formed opinions of either. Things are still fluid." Mike Noble, NPI Founder and CEO, said: "Katie Hobbs has a foundation, but not a fortress. With Republicans energized and the Trump factor still strong, this is shaping up to be a close and unpredictable race this early on." What Happens Next Arizona's gubernatorial primary will be held August 4, 2026, and the general election is slated for November 3, 2026. The Cook Political Report currently classifies the race as a pure tossup.
