Hundreds of commercial ships are stranded after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, disrupting a route that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Iranian forces reportedly fired near vessels to force them to turn back, leaving crews shaken and unable to leave the region. Shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd say crews are stuck for weeks, facing stress, danger from mines, and difficult conditions onboard. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard … Continue reading Iran shuts Hormuz trapping thousands of sailors

According to The New York Times, Hamas plans to hand over thousands of small arms used by its Gaza police and internal security forces. However, it intends to keep weapons held by its military wing, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas officials said they are coordinating with other Gaza security groups and preparing to transfer governance to a civilian-led body. Many Palestinians in Gaza worry that retaining military capabilities could … Continue reading Hamas officials claim terror group ready to hand over small weapons, rifles to Gazan police

The U.S. military seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the Touska, after it attempted to breach an American naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. Former President Donald Trump said the ship ignored warnings, prompting a U.S. destroyer to disable it and take control. The vessel was already under U.S. sanctions for alleged illegal activity. Iran condemned the incident as a violation of the fragile ceasefire … Continue reading US military seized Iranian-flagged container ship

Turkish authorities have detained more than 160 people over online activity linked to school shootings and alleged misinformation, according to the justice minister. The crackdown follows a deadly incident in which a student opened fire at his former school, injuring 16 people before killing himself. Officials also said dozens of social media accounts were blocked for allegedly targeting schools or encouraging attacks. The shootings sparked … Continue reading Turkey orders mass arrests over online praise for recent school shootings

Former Australian special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith was granted bail after spending 10 days in prison over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The decorated veteran, who received the Victoria Cross, is accused of murdering five people between 2009 and 2012 but denies all charges. Prosecutors allege the victims were unarmed and that some killings were carried out by subordinates under his orders. His lawyer argued … Continue reading Australian ex-soldier Roberts-Smith granted bail in Afghan war crimes case

South Korea celebrated the safe capture of Neukgu, a 2-year-old wolf who escaped from a Daejeon zoo and became a national sensation. After nine days on the run, he was found, tranquilized, and returned to the zoo in stable condition. The escape sparked widespread concern, with officials—including the president—emphasizing efforts to capture him alive. Veterinarians treated Neukgu for minor issues, including removing a fishing hook … Continue reading South Koreans breathe sighs of relief as escaped wolf is returned to zoo safely

Pope Leo XIV drew a crowd of about 120,000 people in Douala, Cameroon, where he criticized inequality despite the country’s natural wealth. He highlighted both material and spiritual poverty, urging young people to use their talents and values to build a better future. During his Africa trip, he also spoke out against corruption, calling it a threat to justice and leadership credibility. Cameroon’s largely young … Continue reading Pope Leo XIV greeted by crowd of 120,000 in Cameroon

An Israeli drone strike killed one person in southern Lebanon on the first full day of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The incident occurred shortly after Donald Trump announced that the U.S. had prohibited Israel from continuing airstrikes in Lebanon. Trump used unusually strong language toward Israel, emphasizing that further attacks were not allowed. Hezbollah has stopped firing on Israel since the truce … Continue reading 1 killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on 1st full day of ceasefire deal

Iran and the United States both said the Strait of Hormuz was reopening, though tensions remain after recent conflict disrupted global shipping and energy prices. Donald Trump claimed NATO offered assistance but said he rejected it, continuing his criticism of the alliance. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Britain would not be drawn into the conflict but announced a future UK-France-led mission to protect … Continue reading UK and France to lead defensive mission in Strait of Hormuz