International
Milei highlights the support of the IMF and the World Bank while denying devaluation pressures
Argentine President Javier Milei stressed the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to its Administration, revealed that Argentina is negotiating a new program with the Fund “to get the economy up and running” and categorically denied the alleged pressures of the body led by Kristalina Georgieva to devalue the peso.
“It is false that the IMF is asking (Luis) Caputo (Minister of Economy) to devalue,” Milei said in an interview on Tuesday with the Todo Noticias (TN) channel in which he referred to the conversations he had with the head of the Fund during the Global Summit on Peace in Ukraine held in Bürgenstock (Switzerland) on June 15 and 16.
“I didn’t talk to her about money,” he clarified.
Milei highlighted what he considered to be economic achievements of his Government. “We have been in financial balance for five months in a row” and “it’s been two months in which salaries and pensions (pensions) beat inflation,” he said.
In addition, he stressed that “wholesale inflation today is 3.5%,” compared to 54% when he assumed the Presidency, while mentioning a new agreement in the making with the International Monetary Fund, and celebrated that “the president of the World Bank decided to support Argentina.”
The president also defended the head of his government’s finances by stating that “(Luis) Caputo is the best Minister of Economy in the history of Argentina. No one is going to achieve Caputo’s achievements,” he said.
The Argentine head of state categorically denied the rumors about pressure from the IMF to devalue the currency.
“It is false that the IMF is asking Caputo to devalue.” However, he acknowledged the pending challenges: “The recovery will take time, but we are on the right track,” he said.
At the political level, Milei accused Kirchnerism of trying to destabilize his Government: “Kirchnerism is trying to strike a blow from the first moment,” he said without providing evidence in this regard.
Milei also reaffirmed his leadership and decision in the election of his cabinet. “I’m not going to touch any minister. I’m the boss,” he stressed.
During the interview, Milei announced that Federico Sturzenegger, former president of the Central Bank known for his liberal approach and architect of the Argentine president’s economic reform proposals, will be fully integrated into his Government.
In addition, he criticized figures who, according to him, misappropriate the papal representation: “There are people who take their representation and do not have it. It should not be sympathetic to Pope Francis that those who claim to protect the poor, steal from the poor,” he added.
Milei also referred to the political opposition and the legislative power, pointing out that “a senator earns more than twice as much” as he earns.
At the international level, the president highlighted his relations with far-right politicians. “We have an excellent link with Santiago Abascal (leader of the Spanish far-right Vox party), with the Bolsonaros, with (Giorgia) Meloni,” Italian Prime Minister, boasted.
In addition, he announced an upcoming visit to France: “Macron invited me to go to Paris. I’m going to Paris for the opening of the Olympic Games” and he also defended his official trips.
“I travel as many times as necessary for my work. How many were invited to be at the G7 table? (…), with my travels I put Argentina at the top,” he said.
In his interview with TN, Milei did not skim on criticism of the media and some journalists, whom he accused of lack of ethics. “There are many journalists who are very dirty,” he said.
Finally, the Argentine president recognized the challenges faced by his Administration
International
Iranian leader warns foreign powers have “no place” in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said Thursday that the Persian Gulf is entering a new era marked by a “bright” future without the presence of the United States in the region.
His remarks came during the commemoration of Persian Gulf Day, amid ongoing regional tensions following recent military confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
“Today, two months after the largest military buildup and aggression by the bullies of the world in the region and the humiliating defeat of the United States, a new chapter is being written for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz,” Khamenei stated.
The Iranian leader insisted that the future of the region would be free from American influence and focused instead on the internal development and prosperity of Gulf nations.
“By the power and strength of God, the bright future of the Persian Gulf region will be a future without the United States and dedicated to the progress, welfare, and prosperity of its nations,” he said.
Khamenei also questioned the effectiveness of U.S. military bases in the region, arguing that they do not provide security even for Washington’s allies.
“Foreigners who come from thousands of miles away and commit evil and malicious acts have no place there except at the bottom of its waters,” he declared.
In addition, the Iranian leader defended new measures being prepared by Tehran to regulate maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including fees for vessels passing through the strategic waterway. According to Khamenei, the policies would generate economic benefits and greater stability for the region.
Regional tensions remain high following the conflict that erupted on February 28 between the United States and Israel against Iran, leading to strategic blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply previously passed. The situation has disrupted maritime trade and contributed to rising global oil prices.
Central America
U.S. and Regional Allies Back Panama Amid Dispute With China
The United States, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago issued a joint statement in support of Panama’s sovereignty, arguing that China’s recent actions represent an attempt to politicize maritime trade and undermine the sovereignty of nations in the hemisphere.
“We are closely monitoring China’s selective economic pressure and recent actions affecting vessels flying the Panamanian flag,” the statement released Tuesday said. “Panama is a pillar of our maritime trading system and, as such, must remain free from undue external pressure.”
The statement comes amid growing tensions surrounding the Panama Canal and the operation of key ports linked to global trade.
At the end of January, Panama’s Supreme Court invalidated the legal framework supporting the 1997 concession that granted Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, the right to operate the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals located on the Pacific and Atlantic entrances of the Panama Canal.
The ruling followed mounting pressure from the United States to curb Chinese influence around the strategic waterway, through which roughly 5% of global maritime trade passes.
CK Hutchison, which managed the ports for nearly three decades, rejected the court’s decision and accused Panamanian authorities of illegally confiscating its assets. The company has launched international arbitration proceedings against Panama, seeking more than $2 billion in damages.
Following the court ruling, reports emerged of increased detentions and inspections of Panamanian-flagged vessels in China, actions widely viewed as retaliatory measures.
On Wednesday, China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the joint statement as “completely unfounded and misleading,” accusing the United States of politicizing port operations and warning that Beijing would take steps to protect its interests in Panama.
International
King Charles III Says U.S.-UK Alliance Is “Irreplaceable and Unbreakable”
King Charles III of the United Kingdom reaffirmed the strength of the British-American relationship on Tuesday during a speech before the United States Congress, describing the alliance between the two nations as “irreplaceable and unbreakable.”
The address, delivered at the Capitol, marked the first speech by a British monarch before Congress since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 and comes at a time of political tensions between Donald Trump’s administration and the Labour government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“As President Trump himself observed during his state visit to Britain last autumn, the bond of kinship and identity between the United States and the United Kingdom is invaluable and eternal. It is irreplaceable and unbreakable,” the king said.
While reflecting on the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, which will be commemorated this year, Charles III stated that the partnership between the two countries “was born out of disagreement, but is no less strong because of it.”
The monarch emphasized the democratic values shared by both nations and noted that major global changes have occurred whenever the two allies found common ground.
“When we have found that way to agree, great changes have taken place not only for the benefit of our peoples, but for all peoples,” he said.
King Charles also quoted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently described the relationship as “an indispensable alliance.”
Concluding his speech, the monarch described the shared history of the United States and the United Kingdom as “a story of reconciliation, renewal, and an extraordinary partnership.”
He added that Washington and London have forged “one of the most consequential alliances in human history.”
“I pray with all my heart that our alliance continues to defend our shared values, together with our partners in Europe, the Commonwealth, and around the world, and that we ignore calls urging us to become increasingly isolationist,” Charles III stated.
The king ended by urging both nations to “recommit to one another in selfless service to our peoples and to all peoples of the world.”
Iranian leader warns foreign powers have “no place” in Strait of Hormuz
U.S. and Regional Allies Back Panama Amid Dispute With China
International Project Tackles Gender Violence in Indigenous Communities in Panama
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
