Trump says Venezuelan jets will be shot down if they endanger US ships

President Donald Trump has warned that Venezuelan jets flying close to US naval vessels risk being shot down if they endanger American forces. The statement follows reports of Venezuelan aircraft approaching a US ship off South America for the second time in two days, BBC reported.

The warning comes after a US strike destroyed what officials called a Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel, killing 11 people. Trump accused President Nicolas Maduro of enabling drug trafficking and sheltering the Tren de Aragua gang, which Washington designates a terrorist group.

Maduro rejected the allegations, insisting Venezuela wants dialogue but “demands respect,” while warning against escalation. He also dismissed US claims as attempts at regime change.

Meanwhile, the US has boosted its presence in the Caribbean, deploying extra naval forces, marines, and 10 F-35 jets to Puerto Rico. Trump said the move reflects a tougher stance against drug flows from Venezuela.

According to BBC, US has long accused Maduro of narco-trafficking, with Trump recently doubling the reward for his capture to $50m whereas Maduro denies all charges.

Japan says US trade deal not settled

Japan said its trade deal with the United States is still incomplete, as Washington has yet to issue orders granting most-favoured-nation status to pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

Economic policy minister Ryosei Akazawa noted that while the US has already adjusted general and auto tariffs, the pending directives are crucial for finalising the agreement, Reuters reported.

Tokyo will keep pressing for the measures and review how US auto tariff changes impact its economy.

 

After Trump jab, India's Modi says ties with US still ' very positive '

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said relations with the United States remain “very positive” despite President Donald Trump’s comment suggesting India may be drifting closer to China.

Trump made the remark after Modi attended a regional summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, while US–India trade tensions have grown over Washington’s new tariffs on Indian goods, Al Jazeera reported.

Modi stressed that the partnership with the US is forward-looking and global in scope. Trump later clarified he had not meant that America had “lost” India, adding that he values his friendship with Modi and the ties between the two countries.

 

Egypt, Qatar condemn Netanyahu remarks on displacing Palestinians in Gaza

Egypt and Qatar have sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over comments suggesting the displacement of Palestinians through the Rafah crossing, Al Jazeera reported.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry called his remarks an attempt to fuel instability and evade responsibility for Israel’s actions in Gaza. It reiterated Cairo’s firm rejection of any forced or coerced displacement of Palestinians, warning such acts amount to war crimes under international law.

The ministry stressed that Egypt will never facilitate Palestinian expulsion, declaring it a “red line” that cannot be crossed.

Netanyahu had claimed in an interview that “half of Gaza’s population wants to leave” and suggested he could open Rafah, though he accused Egypt of keeping it shut, according to Al Jazeera.