Trump says Iran wants to negotiate as the death toll in protests rises to at least 599

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran wants to negotiate with the U.S. after his threat to strike the country over its crackdown on protesters. Activists said Monday the death toll in the demonstrations has risen to at least 599. Iran hasn’t yet responded to Trump’s comments. Oman’s foreign minister traveled to Iran this weekend in a possible bid to mediate. Trump and his team are considering responses including cyberattacks and direct strikes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. He insisted that “the situation has come under total control” in remarks that blamed Israel and the U.S. for the violence without offering evidence. Tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators rallied Monday.

Cuba’s president says no current talks with the US following Trump’s threats

HAVANA (AP) — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says his administration is not in talks with the U.S. government. This comes a day after President Donald Trump threatened Cuba following the U.S. attack on Venezuela earlier this month. Díaz-Canel emphasized on Monday that relations must be based on international law, not hostility or threats. He expressed willingness for dialogue with the U.S. based on mutual respect and sovereignty. Trump has suggested Cuba “make a deal” before it’s too late. Díaz-Canel’s statements were reposted by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez. The situation remains tense, with Cuba facing significant economic challenges due to U.S. sanctions.

Drone strike kills 3 in Gaza as Hamas prepares to transfer governance to new committee

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli drone strike on Monday killed three Palestinians who had crossed the ceasefire line near central Gaza’s Morag corridor, hospital officials said. Israel’s military said the three approached troops and posed an immediate threat. They said they later found weapons and intelligence-gathering equipment on them. The strike came as Gaza awaits an expected announcement this week of a “Board of Peace” to oversee its governance. Hamas has said it will dissolve its existing government once the new committee takes over the territory, as mandated under the U.S.-brokered peace plan. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 440 people have been killed since Israel and Hamas agreed last October to suspend their two-year war.

London’s homicide rate is at a record low

LONDON (AP) — London’s murder rate fell in 2025 to its lowest level in decades, officials said Monday. Mayor Sadiq Khan said the figures disprove claims by U.S. President Donald Trump and others that crime is out of control in the city. Police recorded 97 homicides in 2025, down from 109 in 2024. The rate is the lowest since comparable records began in 1997. Trump has criticized Khan, calling him a “terrible mayor.” City officials credit targeted policing and violence reduction efforts for the decrease. However, overall crime in England and Wales rose by 7% in the year to March 2025, according to statistics.