U.S. seizes Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean as tensions rise
- The United States seized an Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean overnight, according to three U.S. officials cited in the FDD overnight brief.
- President Donald Trump has warned he could resume military strikes on Iran, while Tehran remains in a standoff over its nuclear program and highly enriched uranium.
- The move comes amid broader concerns about Iranian maritime and military capabilities, including a newly disclosed U.S. assessment that identified at least 10 sophisticated naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The seizure adds pressure to already strained U.S.-Iran relations and could factor into any upcoming diplomatic or military decisions in the region.
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U.S. investigates Nicolas Maduro in separate criminal probe, Reuters reports
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Read original · reuters.comTrump-backed Ed Gallrein defeats Thomas Massie in Kentucky House primary
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Read original · youtube.comVenezuela parliament expands Supreme Tribunal and begins new judge selection process
• Venezuela’s National Assembly approved a reform on 9 May 2026 to expand the Supreme Tribunal of Justice from 20 justices to 32, saying the change would speed up judicial work. • The Judicial Nominations Committee was installed on 19 May 2026 to fill 24 vacancies on the court, according to the International Commission of Jurists.
Read original · icj.org
International Commission of JuristsTrump escalates warnings to Iran as U.S. and Israel weigh next steps
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Read original · cbsnews.comNigeria's opposition turmoil renews debate over independent candidacy
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Read original · guardian.ng
Guardian NigeriaUK Parliament set for steel nationalization debate and committee votes this week
• Britain’s Parliament is scheduled to debate a bill to bring steel undertakings into public ownership as MPs return for a packed week starting 18 May 2026. • The Commons and Lords will also continue debating the King’s Speech, while the Private Members’ Bill ballot will give 20 MPs a chance to introduce the session’s first bills.
Read original · hansardsociety.org.uk
Hansard SocietyJapan parties agree to force social media platforms to curb election misinformation
• Nine Japanese political parties, including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and opposition groups, agreed on Thursday to require social media operators to reduce disinformation, misinformation and slander during elections. • The plan would push platforms to halt reward payments to users, respond faster to deletion requests, and label AI-generated content, with lawmakers aiming to pass legislation during the current Diet session.
Read original · japantimes.co.jpNepal opposition moves to block eight government ordinances in National Assembly
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Read original · asianews.networkIraq parliament approves new government after months of political deadlock
• Iraqi lawmakers on Thursday approved a new government headed by businessman Ali al-Zaidi, ending months of deadlock in Baghdad. • The prime minister’s media office said parliament granted confidence to Zaidi’s cabinet, while the INA state news agency reported an absolute majority backed 14 ministerial nominations.
Read original · dailysabah.comAmericans disapprove of Trump administration science and medicine policies by 2-to-1 margin
• A survey by Rutgers University and partner institutions found Americans disapprove of Trump administration policies targeting science and medicine by a margin exceeding 2-to-1, reflecting broad public opposition. • The polling data indicates significant public concern about the administration's approach to scientific research funding and medical policy implementation.
Read original · newswise.comDHS names new acting ICE director amid immigration policy shifts
• The Department of Homeland Security appointed a new acting director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, marking a leadership change during the administration's ongoing immigration policy overhaul. • The appointment comes as the administration pursues significant changes to immigration enforcement and detention practices, including closure of the 'Alligator Alcatraz' migrant detention center.
Read original · abcnews.com
