Fed's Williams said current monetary policy settings are appropriate and he sees no need now to raise or cut rates, adding he does not see a clear directional path for future policy. The Fed has kept rates unchanged so far this year, but officials are divided after an energy-driven jump in prices; some warn that if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz does not recover quickly, a rate hike could be needed soon. The Fed-favored inflation gauge rose 3.8% YoY in April, the largest increase since 20

Kuwait’s defense ministry said on the afternoon of the 3rd it monitored and intercepted 13 “enemy” ballistic missiles and 17 drones in Kuwaiti airspace; some intercepts produced falling debris. The ministry condemned Iran for using missiles and drones to carry out “aggression,” saying multiple civilian and critical facilities — including Kuwait International Airport — were targeted, causing one Indian resident killed, several injured and significant property damage. Kuwait’s foreign ministry earlier said Iranian ballistic missiles and drones attacked multiple civilian sites, including the airport.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said at a regular briefing that the 18th Straits Forum will take place in mid‑June in Fujian, with the forum's plenary session on June 13. The main venue will be Xiamen; Fujian's prefecture‑level cities and the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone will host related events, spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said.