Trump negotiates peace deal with Iran, Russia bombarded Kyiv, Mecca Hajj pilgrimage, explosion at coal mine in China killed 82, Congo Ebola risk "very high"

US President Donald Trump announced that he instructed American negotiators not to rush into a peace deal with Iran, emphasizing that "time is on our side". The World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated its national health risk assessment for the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to "very high". On May 24, 2026, Russia launched one of its largest and most intense aerial bombardments on Kyiv since the war began, utilizing its advanced, nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Over 1.5 million Muslim worshippers have gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. A catastrophic underground gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi Province, occurred on Friday, May 22, 2026, resulting in the death of at least 82 people and making it China's deadliest mining disaster in 17 years. At least 24 people were killed in coordinated attacks in Honduras. President Donald Trump is facing sharp criticism for focusing heavily on building a grand White House ballroom while playing down the financial hardships of ordinary Americans.