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Two Chinese oil tankers have left the Strait of Hormuz after staying there for over two months, carrying about 4 million barrels of crude oil. At the same time, President Trump and Vice President Vance said a deal to end the US-Israel war on Iran could happen soon, with negotiations making good progress.
Key Facts
The Chinese-flagged tankers Yuan Gui Yang and Hong Kong-flagged Ocean Lily exited the Strait of Hormuz carrying crude oil.
Yuan Gui Yang loaded 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude on February 27, before the US-Israel war on Iran began.
Ocean Lily carried 1 million barrels each of Qatari and Iraqi crude oil.
South Korea’s Foreign Minister reported a Korean crude vessel also passed through the Strait on Wednesday.
President Trump said the Iran war could end quickly and hoped it would end peacefully.
Vice President Vance said talks between the US and Iran are progressing well, with ongoing negotiations.
President Trump had previously threatened military action against Iran if a deal was not reached.
Oil prices briefly dropped after these comments but remain high due to uncertain supply and geopolitical tensions.
The United Nations lowered global growth predictions, citing higher energy prices and their impact on poor families.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged strong warnings amid ongoing conflict concerns. President Donald Trump said the US might strike Iran again if they do not agree to a deal, while Iran’s military warned it could expand the war beyond the Middle East. A South Korean oil tanker recently passed safely through a key waterway near Iran despite recent attacks on other vessels.
Key Facts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to expand the war beyond the Middle East if the US attacks again.
President Trump said he was close to ordering new strikes on Iran but delayed, hoping for a peace deal.
Iran reportedly proposed a peace plan through Pakistan, a mediator.
Iran’s military said it is using the ceasefire to improve its combat skills.
A South Korean oil tanker passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz carrying 2 million barrels of oil.
Two recent attacks on South Korean ships in the area caused injuries, but Iran denied involvement.
The US Senate moved forward a resolution to end the Iran war unless President Trump gets Congress’s approval to continue.
Oil prices initially dropped on hopeful signals of peace but then rose again.
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Iran warned it would open new military fronts if the US attacks again after President Donald Trump set a short deadline for a deal. Talks to end the Iran war are ongoing, with some progress reported, while violence continues in Lebanon and Gaza involving Israel and Hezbollah.
Key Facts
President Trump gave Iran two to three days to reach a deal to end the conflict.
Iran’s army said it would respond with new weapons and open new fronts if attacked again.
US Vice President JD Vance said talks with Iran are progressing but the US is ready to act militarily if talks fail.
Shahab Dalili, an Iranian citizen with US residency, was released by Iran after 10 years in prison and returned to the US.
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Putin to discuss energy, weapons, and the wars in Iran and Ukraine.
Israeli strikes killed 19 people in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah carried out 26 attacks on Israeli forces near the border.
An Israeli airstrike caused a large fire in Gaza City, with no immediate reports of casualties.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported Israel destroyed 31 healthcare facilities during the conflict.
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Two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, died after a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that killed three people. Police are investigating whether the attack was motivated by extremist beliefs linked to hate and violence.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at the Islamic Center of San Diego and resulted in three deaths.
The two suspects, Cain Clark (18) and Caleb Vazquez (17), were found dead in a nearby vehicle.
Authorities consider the attack a hate crime that may be linked to extremist, neo-Nazi, and accelerationist beliefs.
A video showing the attack was reportedly posted online by one suspect, including footage of the shooting and aftermath.
Items found with the suspects included neo-Nazi symbols and writings promoting white nationalism and hate.
The suspects allegedly wrote essays promoting racist and violent extremist ideas, including anger against immigrants and minorities.
Police had previously spoken to Vazquez about concerns over extremist interests but did not make an arrest.
Investigations continue into the suspects’ motives, online activities, and materials found at the scene.
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Mauritania has fishing agreements with foreign fishing boats to allow them to fish in its waters. There is a question about who gains from these agreements, including whether the local people or the government benefit most.
Key Facts
Mauritania has deals that let foreign fishing boats fish in its ocean areas.
These agreements involve the country’s government and outside fishing companies.
Foreign vessels are catching fish in Mauritanian waters under these deals.
There is concern or discussion about who profits from these fishing rights.
The impact on local fishermen or the local economy is a key part of the conversation.
The article suggests a need to examine the fairness or effects of these agreements.
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The United Kingdom's deputy ambassador to the U.S., James Roscoe, has left his position suddenly in Washington D.C. Reports say he may be involved in an investigation about leaked secret government talks, but no official reason for his departure has been confirmed.
Key Facts
James Roscoe was the UK deputy ambassador to the United States.
He left his role abruptly, with unclear reasons.
British media reports say Roscoe is being questioned in a leak investigation related to National Security Council meetings.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed Roscoe has left but did not say why.
Roscoe once acted as ambassador after the previous ambassador was dismissed.
The permanent ambassador job went to Sir Christian Turner, not Roscoe.
This news is still developing and more details may emerge.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing to strengthen their countries' partnership in trade and international matters. This meeting came shortly after President Donald Trump visited China, showing Beijing’s growing importance on the world stage.
Key Facts
Putin and Xi met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for talks on May 20, 2026.
They discussed energy cooperation, security, and overall political ties.
Both leaders agreed to extend a friendship treaty originally signed in 2001.
China became Russia’s top trading partner after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
China remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict but maintains strong trade ties with Russia.
Russia increased its oil exports to China by 35% in early 2026.
The two countries cooperate closely on foreign policy and see their partnership as a stabilizing force internationally.
Xi emphasized the need to end violence in the Middle East to protect energy supplies and global trade.
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Taiwanese President William Lai said Taiwan’s future should be decided by its own people, not foreign powers. He aims to keep peace across the Taiwan Strait and is open to talks with China on equal terms. China criticized Lai for encouraging independence and accused him of stirring conflict.
Key Facts
Taiwan’s President William Lai believes the island’s 23 million people should decide its future.
Lai wants to maintain peace and prevent outside forces from changing Taiwan’s political situation.
He supports dialogue with China but insists it must be respectful and equal.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of promoting Taiwan independence and causing tension.
Lai’s special defense budget was cut from $40 billion to $25 billion by the opposition-led legislature.
His approval rating is 38 percent, better than 32 percent in his first year as president.
US President Donald Trump suggested US arms sales to Taiwan could be used as leverage in talks with China.
Lai postponed a state visit to Eswatini due to countries denying him airspace access, possibly from Chinese pressure.
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A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck eastern Turkey’s Battalgazi district in Malatya province early Wednesday morning. Schools were evacuated, and people rushed outside, but no damage or injuries were reported immediately.
Key Facts
The earthquake happened at 9 a.m. local time in the Battalgazi district of Malatya province.
The quake had a magnitude of 5.6 and occurred 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) underground.
Emergency services reported no immediate damage or injuries.
Schools in the area were evacuated as a precaution.
Turkey is located on major fault lines, causing frequent earthquakes.
In 2023, a larger 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed over 53,000 people in Turkey and damaged many buildings.
The 2023 earthquake also affected northern Syria, causing about 6,000 deaths there.
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The United Nations has lowered its forecast for global economic growth because of the war involving Iran. It expects the global economy to grow 2.5 percent this year and 2.8 percent in 2027, down from earlier predictions, mainly due to higher energy prices and disrupted oil supplies.
Key Facts
The UN now expects global GDP growth of 2.5% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, down from previous forecasts of 2.7% and 2.9%.
The growth cut is mainly due to the war that started on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran, affecting energy markets.
Rising oil prices and instability in financial markets caused by the war have reduced economic growth predictions.
The UN assumes oil prices will ease later in the year and that governments will use fuel reserves to help limit the damage.
In a worse case, global growth could slow to 2.1%, one of the lowest rates in decades outside the COVID-19 pandemic and 2007-2009 financial crisis.
Developing countries will be hit hardest, with growth 1.3 percentage points below pre-pandemic levels.
Western Asia faces the biggest slowdown, with growth forecast cut from 4.1% to 1.4% in 2026.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, remains nearly closed due to safety concerns, severely limiting oil and gas supply.
The US and China’s growth forecasts remain unchanged at 2% and 4.6%, respectively.
The UN’s forecast downgrade follows similar cuts by the International Monetary Fund earlier in April.
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The Board of Peace, an international group created by President Donald Trump to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, will ask the United Nations Security Council to pressure Hamas to give up its weapons. The ceasefire has stalled mainly because Hamas refuses to disarm and allow a civilian government transition in Gaza.
Key Facts
The Board of Peace was set up by President Donald Trump to manage the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
The group will present a report to the UN Security Council, urging action to make Hamas disarm.
Hamas rejected the report, calling it inaccurate.
The ceasefire has been in place since October but has stalled due to Hamas not disarming.
President Trump’s 20-point plan asks Hamas to surrender weapons and remove its tunnel network.
The plan also calls for Israeli forces to leave Gaza and a new Palestinian government to take charge.
Reconstruction of Gaza cannot start until Hamas and other armed groups disarm.
Nickolay Mladenov, head of the Board of Peace, said that disarming Hamas is the key to moving forward.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and strengthen their countries’ partnership. They discussed energy, security, and trade, and agreed to extend a friendship treaty signed in 2001. Putin’s visit came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Xi, showing China’s important role in global diplomacy.
Key Facts
Vladimir Putin met Xi Jinping in Beijing for talks on May 20, 2026.
The leaders discussed cooperation on energy, security, and trade issues.
Putin called Xi his “dear friend” and highlighted their close communication.
Xi Jinping praised the political trust and strategic cooperation with Russia.
They agreed to renew a friendship treaty that started in 2001.
China is Russia’s biggest trading partner since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
China says it remains neutral on the Ukraine conflict but keeps trade ties with Russia despite Western sanctions.
Putin’s visit followed closely after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, showing China’s global influence.
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India’s top judge, Chief Justice Surya Kant, called some young people “cockroaches” in a court statement about fraud and unemployment. This led to a social media protest called the “Cockroach Janta Party,” started by a young man named Abhijeet Dipke, which quickly gained millions of followers and supporters, including some politicians.
Key Facts
Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant compared some young people to cockroaches due to unemployment and fraud concerns.
He later clarified his remarks were about fraud and not all youth, calling young people the "pillars of a developed India."
The comment angered many young Indians facing unemployment, inflation, and political divides.
Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old public relations graduate, created the “Cockroach Janta Party” as a satirical protest against the judge’s comments.
The party’s social media accounts gained over 3 million followers in three days and 350,000 people signed up as members online.
Some established politicians and retired officials publicly supported or joined this new movement.
India faces high unemployment, especially among educated youth, with a 29.1% unemployment rate for graduates.
The protest reflects wider frustrations with political and economic issues under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
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Bianca Adler, an 18-year-old student from Melbourne, became the youngest Australian to reach the top of Mount Everest. She reached the summit early Wednesday with the help of guides and family, and plans to descend soon.
Key Facts
Bianca Adler is 18 years old and a high school student from Melbourne.
She reached the 8,849 meter summit of Mount Everest around 6:30 am Melbourne time on Wednesday.
She was guided by Pemba and Ngdu and accompanied partway by her parents, Paul and Fiona, who are also climbers.
Bianca described the climb as physically tough, especially the technical parts near the summit, and noted large crowds at the peak.
This was her second attempt; she turned back last year 400 meters from the top due to strong winds.
Nepal issued 410 permits for foreign climbers this spring, with a climbing fee of $15,000 USD.
Bianca’s parents previously climbed Mount Everest in 2006 and 2007.
After descending, Bianca plans to return to Melbourne and continue her final year of high school.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing to discuss energy security and their strong bilateral relationship. Both leaders praised the high level of cooperation between China and Russia despite outside challenges, and Xi called for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Key Facts
President Xi Jinping greeted President Vladimir Putin with an honor guard and a gun salute in Beijing.
The main focus of the visit was energy security and strengthening China-Russia ties.
Xi described the China-Russia relationship as “unyielding” and emphasized political trust and strategic cooperation.
Putin called their cooperation an “unprecedentedly high level” despite unfavorable external factors.
China is Russia’s top trading partner after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
China remains neutral on the Ukraine conflict but continues to trade with Russia, especially in oil and gas.
Xi urged for a comprehensive ceasefire and said further fighting in the Middle East is “inadvisable.”
Russia’s oil exports to China rose by 35% in early 2026, and Russia is a key natural gas supplier to China.
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Chelsea in London is hosting its largest free flower festival, Chelsea in Bloom, from May 18 to May 24. The 2026 theme is "Out of this World," featuring space-inspired floral displays like a giant moon, a UFO, and zodiac-themed decorations across over 145 local businesses.
Key Facts
Chelsea in Bloom is a free flower festival running from May 18 to May 24, 2026.
The festival involves more than 145 shops, restaurants, hotels, and businesses in west London.
The 2026 theme is "Out of this World," inspired by space travel, astrology, and spiritual symbols.
There is a large floral globe on King’s Road honoring Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
Other displays include a UFO over Pavilion Road, zodiac constellations in Sloane Square, and floral dragons and Pegasus on Sloane Street.
A standout installation features a four-metre astronaut made of roses and a six-metre floral moon by designer Ruth Davies.
The event is produced by Cadogan and the Royal Horticultural Society and runs alongside the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Preparations took five to six months, with installation completed over two days.
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The UK government has introduced new rules requiring people who keep pet monkeys, like marmosets, to follow "zoo-like" care standards or risk losing their animals. Some monkey owners worry the strict rules will force many to give up their pets, and animal experts fear many monkeys could be put down if owners cannot meet the new conditions.
Key Facts
New UK law demands pet monkeys be kept in conditions similar to zoos, including specific space, diet, and social needs.
The law started on April 6, 2026, and unlicensed primate owners could face jail time or fines.
Licensed enclosures must have certain outdoor and indoor sizes, such as at least 2.5m by 4m by 2.5m for two marmosets.
Many private owners live in homes or gardens with limits on space and building permissions, making it hard to meet the rules.
The government estimates 3,000 to 5,000 pet primates live privately in the UK.
Some animal welfare groups, like the RSPCA, say monkeys should never be kept at home and want a full ban.
Owners like Lisa-Marie Bearman, who have cared for their monkeys for years, worry about losing their pets or having to give them up.
Local councils are responsible for inspecting homes and granting licenses for keeping monkeys.
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A British couple, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, are on hunger strike in an Iranian prison where they were sentenced to 10 years for spying, charges they deny. Their family says they started the strike to demand their release after phone contact was cut off, and the UK government is working to bring them home.
Key Facts
Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were arrested in Iran in January last year during a motorbike trip.
They were sentenced in February to 10 years in Evin prison in Tehran on espionage charges.
The couple deny all spying accusations.
Craig has been on hunger strike for about 12 days after losing phone access in early May.
Lindsay briefly stopped her hunger strike after being promised phone contact but has since resumed it.
Their family warns the hunger strike is a serious health risk and calls for urgent UK government action.
Supporters plan a motorbike ride and petition delivery in London to raise awareness.
The UK Foreign Office calls their imprisonment unjustified and continues diplomatic efforts for their release.
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Amin Abdullah, a security guard at a mosque in San Diego, was killed while protecting people during a gun attack. His family and community held a gathering to remember him and honor his bravery.
Key Facts
Amin Abdullah worked as a security guard at a mosque.
He was killed while confronting gunmen during an attack on the mosque.
The attack took place in San Diego.
Family members, including his daughter, described him as a loving father.
The community came together to honor Abdullah’s courage and sacrifice.
The event to remember him happened on a Tuesday.
Abdullah’s daughter called him the “absolute best dad in the world.”
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A new outbreak of Ebola is causing fear in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). People in different cities, including Bukavu and Kinshasa, are wearing face masks and asking for better protection as the number of cases increases.
Key Facts
Ebola cases are rising in eastern DR Congo.
Residents and street vendors in cities like Bukavu and Kinshasa are worried.
People are wearing face masks to protect themselves.
There are calls for stronger health protections to control the outbreak.
The fear comes from the serious nature of the Ebola virus and its spread across large distances.
Bukavu and Kinshasa are hundreds of miles apart, showing the outbreak affects a wide area.
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