U.S. seizes Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean as tensions rise

• The U.S. is pursuing a second criminal investigation into ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, according to Reuters, adding to existing legal pressure on the Venezuelan leader. • A Justice Department official and another source familiar with the matter said the new probe raises the possibility of additional charges beyond earlier cases.

• Ed Gallrein, the Trump-backed former Navy SEAL, defeated Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s Republican primary on May 20, 2026, in one of the night’s highest-profile contests. • The race was among the most expensive House primaries on record, with nearly $33 million spent as Trump allies tried to remove one of the GOP’s most independent-minded lawmakers.

• 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.

• President Donald Trump renewed threats against Iran on May 18, warning that “the clock is ticking” as Washington presses Tehran for a deal. • CBS News reported that most Americans are worried about the economic fallout of the Iran standoff, with 67% disapproving of Trump’s handling of the economy and 57% saying his policies are making them financially worse off.

• Nigeria's major opposition parties are facing internal crises ahead of the 2027 general elections, renewing calls for the adoption of independent candidacy. • The push is framed as a potential way to broaden political participation and reduce the influence of party gatekeepers over nominations.

• 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.

• 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.

• Nepal’s opposition parties moved in Kathmandu to block all eight ordinances introduced by the government, escalating political and legal pressure on the ruling side. • The article says the fight centers on measures pushed by the government and now facing an organized effort in the National Assembly to strike them down.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.