Escalating

• The US military carried out strikes targeting Iranian facilities in the Strait of Hormuz area on May 7, 2026, according to Pentagon statements, marking a significant escalation in ongoing US-Iran hostilities. • Iran's state media claimed the US violated a ceasefire agreement by targeting an Iranian tanker, while the Pentagon stated it targeted Iranian facilities responsible for attacks on US forces. • The strikes occur amid negotiations over a potential nuclear deal, with Trump having previously issued ultimatums to Iran and allies, raising concerns about the fragility of diplomatic efforts.

War has combined with battered economy to leave Tehran wondering how hardline it can afford to beIran may not be choking like a stuffed pig as Donald Trump predicted, but its economy is in serious difficulty as a combination of a massive war-damages bill, inflation, currency devaluation, unemployment and a contraction in oil revenues combine to leave the political elite worrying how hardline they can afford to be with their US negotiators. One estimate circulating in Iran’s media suggests the damage to the economy from the US-Israeli attacks is nine times the value of the Iranian budget last year.The UN Development Programme has estimated that 4.1 million more Iranians could fall into poverty. Continue reading...

• Mexican authorities reported 847 homicides in the past 30 days, the highest monthly toll in 18 months, as rival drug trafficking organizations battle for control of U.S. border crossing routes, particularly in Sinaloa and Tamaulipas states. • The U.S. DEA warned of expanded methamphetamine trafficking networks moving through Central America, with seizures at the U.S.-Mexico border up 38% compared to last year. • Mexico's security ministry announced deployment of additional federal police units to three border states and pledged cooperation with U.S. law enforcement agencies to dismantle trafficking networks.

• President Donald Trump is backing Kevin Warsh as his preferred candidate for Federal Reserve chair, intensifying pressure on current Fed Chair Jerome Powell amid ongoing policy disagreements. • Republican Senator Kevin Cramer discussed the timeline for the CLARITY Act and Trump's strategy to reshape Federal Reserve leadership during an appearance on 'Mornings with Maria.'

• Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a bombshell speech from the Kremlin warning against Western military intervention in Iran, marking a significant strategic pivot and directly challenging Trump administration foreign policy. • The address has dramatically escalated geopolitical tensions and prompted immediate reactions from global capitals assessing implications for international security and the balance of power in the Middle East. • Putin's declaration signals Russia's strategic commitment to the region amid the ongoing US-Iran crisis and fragile ceasefire negotiations.

‘Palestine’s Mandela’ suffers three recent attacks including assault where prison guards set a dog on him, lawyer saysJailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti is at immediate risk in Israeli jails, where he has been attacked three times in as many weeks, including in one assault last month where prison guards set a dog on the 66-year-old, his lawyer has said.Barghouti is often called Palestine’s Nelson Mandela. He is respected across otherwise feuding Palestinian factions, has broad popular support across occupied Palestine, repeatedly engaged with Israeli officials before his detention and long backed a two-state solution. Continue reading...

• US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva on April 8, 2026, to discuss de-escalating trade tensions after new US tariffs on Chinese EVs and semiconductors. • The talks addressed a $50 billion US trade deficit with China and Beijing's retaliatory duties on US agricultural goods, with both sides agreeing to a 90-day tariff freeze. • The negotiations matter as they could avert a global economic slowdown, with IMF warning of 0.8% GDP hit if tensions worsen; Wall Street rallied 1.2% on the news.