Iran has offered to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear program. President Donald Trump said Iran can call to negotiate but insists that any deal must include Iran giving up its nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, peace talks remain tense, with Iranian and US officials communicating through mediators like Pakistan and Oman.
Key Facts
Iran proposed lifting its control over the Strait of Hormuz but did not include nuclear program talks in this offer.
Iran’s foreign minister visited Russia to discuss the conflict involving Israel and the United States.
Iran wants the US to lift its blockade as part of the negotiation.
President Trump stated Iran must agree never to have nuclear weapons before talks can continue.
Iran sent written messages to the US through Pakistan outlining its key demands, but these were not formal negotiations.
Peace talks between the US and Iran are stalled, with Pakistan and Oman acting as mediators.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed 14 people amid ongoing tension and ceasefire talks.
Hezbollah’s leader rejected Lebanon’s planned direct talks with Israel, calling them dangerous and destabilizing.
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The National Weather Service predicts up to 10 inches of snow in parts of Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana starting Monday. The heavy snow will cause slippery roads and dangerous outdoor conditions, especially in mountainous areas.
Key Facts
Southern Wyoming’s Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges expect 6 to 10 inches of snow from Monday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon.
Northern and northeastern Wyoming foothills and mountains could see 5 to 10 inches by midday Monday.
Central Colorado’s higher elevations may receive up to 3 inches of snow; parts of north central Colorado could get up to 8 inches with winds up to 40 mph.
South-central and southeastern Montana’s high elevations are forecasted to get 1 to 10 inches of snow and winds between 30 and 35 mph.
Roads affected include Highway 14 in the Bighorns, I-90 from Lodge Grass to Sheridan, US-212 over Lame Deer Divide, and several Colorado mountain passes.
The NWS advises people to check weather updates, avoid nonessential travel, drive slowly, and prepare emergency kits with food, water, and blankets.
Residents should prepare for possible power outages caused by heavy snow affecting power lines and tree branches.
Snowfall is expected to decrease later in the week in Wyoming and Montana, with Colorado seeing light, occasional snow before warmer weather arrives.
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Heavy rain is falling across southern China, causing concerns about flooding. Other parts of Asia and Africa are also experiencing extreme weather, including heatwaves, heavy rain, and flooding, while cold weather affects parts of Canada and the northern US.
Key Facts
Southern China is receiving very heavy rain, with some areas getting 150-200 millimeters of rain.
Chinese authorities are taking emergency steps to prevent flood damage, especially by managing water in reservoirs.
Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and eastern India are forecasted to receive heavy rains, sometimes over 400 millimeters.
Central and northern India are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F).
Nigeria’s eastern city, Jalingo, faced damaging floods after heavy rains, worsened by poor drainage systems.
Parts of Canada and northern US states are having unusually cold weather with snowfall, much colder than normal for April.
Warmer weather is expected to return soon to affected cold regions in North America.
Meteorological teams in affected regions are monitoring the situation closely and preparing for emergencies.
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President Donald Trump said Iran has “no cards” left in its conflict with the U.S. because of the pressure from a blockade on its oil exports. Iran is running out of places to store oil, and if it cannot sell its oil soon, it will have to shut down oil production, which could damage its oil fields permanently and weaken its economy and political power.
Key Facts
Iran’s oil exports have been heavily reduced due to a blockade.
Iran’s main crude oil terminal is Kharg Island, handling about 90% of its exports.
Iran has about 39 million barrels of storage capacity onshore.
Iran must either resume oil exports or start shutting down wells by mid-May, around May 16 to 20.
Shutting down oil wells can cause lasting damage to mature oil fields.
Reduced oil production and export capacity will weaken Iran’s economy and reduce its influence.
The U.S. Navy's blockade is causing Iran’s oil system to face a strict deadline.
Iran’s pressure in negotiations decreases as its oil storage fills and production faces shutdown.
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At least 42 people were killed and 10 injured in fighting between ethnic groups in eastern Chad. The violence started as a dispute over a water well and grew into wider attacks, causing villages to be burned. The government sent a delegation to control the situation, which is part of a larger pattern of conflicts over resources in the area.
Key Facts
The fighting happened in Wadi Fira province in eastern Chad.
The conflict began as a dispute over a water well between two families.
Violence escalated into reprisal attacks and spread across several villages.
At least 42 people died and 10 were injured in the clashes.
The government sent a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat to manage the situation.
Clashes over water and grazing land are common in Chad, often between farmers and herders.
Refugees from Sudan’s civil war have increased tensions near the border.
Human rights groups say security responses have been slow, leading to ongoing violence and a sense of impunity.
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Russian drones attacked the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa, injuring 11 people and damaging homes and infrastructure. In the Zaporizhzhia region, a man was killed by Russian shelling, while a Ukrainian drone strike hit the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, killing an employee.
Key Facts
Russian drone attacks hit three districts in Odesa, causing injuries and damage to buildings, vehicles, and facilities like a hotel and warehouses.
At least 11 people were injured in Odesa, including two children.
One man was killed in the Zaporizhzhia region by Russian attacks.
A Ukrainian drone strike on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant killed a driver working there; the plant is under Russian control and currently shut down.
Russian forces conducted 629 strikes across 45 settlements in Zaporizhzhia region in one day, damaging homes and infrastructure.
Russian reports say Ukrainian drone attacks hit Belgorod in Russia, killing one person and injuring four women.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war are stalled, though President Donald Trump said he has had conversations with Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy about resolving the conflict.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signed security and energy agreements with Azerbaijan and discussed possible future talks with Russia.
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King Charles' planned state visit to the United States will continue as scheduled despite a shooting at a White House dinner attended by President Donald Trump. The visit includes a private meeting with President Trump and a speech to Congress to mark 250 years since U.S. independence.
Key Facts
King Charles is visiting the U.S. on a four-day state visit.
The visit will go ahead despite a recent shooting at a White House dinner.
President Donald Trump attended the dinner where the shooting happened.
The visit aims to improve the U.S.-British relationship.
The two leaders differ on issues related to the Iran war.
King Charles will meet privately with President Trump during the visit.
King Charles will give a speech to Congress about the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
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North Korea has opened a museum in Pyongyang to honor its soldiers who died fighting alongside Russian forces in the war in Ukraine. The event highlighted the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia and included participation from leaders of both countries.
Key Facts
North Korea opened the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats to honor troops killed in Ukraine.
The ceremony marked the first anniversary of a military operation in Russia’s Kursk border region.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian officials, including Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, attended the event.
South Korea estimates North Korea sent about 15,000 soldiers to fight in Kursk, with around 2,000 killed.
Kim Jong Un praised the soldiers as symbols of heroism and blamed the United States and allies for the conflict.
Russia and North Korea plan to sign a military cooperation agreement covering 2027-2031.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a letter calling the museum a symbol of friendship and partnership.
Experts say North Korean troops gained battlefield experience despite initial heavy losses and have become key to Russian efforts in Ukraine.
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King Charles III is visiting the United States during a time of tension between the UK and the US, especially over the UK's refusal to support President Donald Trump's proposed actions against Iran. The visit includes formal events and comes shortly after a security incident at a White House event, but the trip will continue as planned.
Key Facts
King Charles III is making a state visit to the United States, including garden parties and 9/11 commemorations.
The UK, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has refused to join President Trump’s planned military actions against Iran.
President Trump has publicly criticized Prime Minister Starmer and expressed disappointment with UK-US relations.
A man attempted to enter a White House Correspondents' Association dinner armed but was stopped by Secret Service.
The alleged gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, is facing multiple firearms charges and was described by President Trump as a "lone wolf."
Despite the security threat, the King and Queen’s visit will proceed as scheduled after security discussions.
King Charles and Queen Camilla privately expressed sympathy to President Trump and the First Lady following the security incident.
President Trump and King Charles have met before and discussed topics like trade and the environment during past visits.
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Iran wants China to play a bigger role in helping end the conflict with the United States and possibly take control of its highly enriched uranium. Talks between the U.S. and Iran have stalled, but China has helped secure a ceasefire and may act as a mediator in future negotiations.
Key Facts
Iran is asking China to help broker a nuclear deal and possibly hold its highly enriched uranium.
The war between the U.S. and Iran began on February 28 and has affected global oil supplies.
Talks have stalled because Iran rejects U.S. demands to stop all uranium enrichment and missile activities.
China helped secure the ceasefire and is expected to host meetings between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
China could use its role in the deal to increase investment in Iran if the conflict de-escalates.
President Trump praised China’s role in bringing Iran to the negotiation table.
Experts say China is well positioned to mediate between the U.S. and Iran to calm the conflict.
The Iran conflict has affected China’s energy imports but China’s relationship with Iran is mostly about energy.
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An anti-immigration group encouraged followers to boo welcome to country ceremonies at Anzac Day events, which led to disruptions at several services. The group denied organizing the booing but supported criticism of these ceremonies, which honor Indigenous Australians at public events.
Key Facts
An anti-immigration group asked followers how loudly they would boo welcome to country ceremonies at Anzac Day services.
Welcome to country speeches involve Indigenous elders acknowledging traditional land at public events.
The group “Fight for Australia” encouraged opposition to these ceremonies and has connections to the larger “March for Australia” movement.
Booing occurred at multiple Anzac Day events, including in Sydney and Melbourne, disturbing the ceremonies.
Uncle Ray Minniecon, a veteran and Indigenous elder, was booed while giving a welcome speech and expressed sadness about the hostility.
Police removed some people from an Anzac Day service in Perth due to fears they would disrupt the event; no arrests were made.
The anti-immigration group claims they did not organize the booing but posted about it due to public interest.
The group criticized the ceremonies as “woke rituals” but said the booing targeted the ceremonies, not the soldiers.
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Countries that signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will meet in New York to review the treaty’s progress. The current conflict involving the US and Israel attacking Iran’s nuclear sites raises questions about how well the treaty protects non-nuclear countries and enforces rules fairly.
Key Facts
The NPT started in 1970 to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.
Non-nuclear states, including Iran, agree not to build nuclear weapons.
The five recognized nuclear powers (US, UK, France, China, Russia) agree to limit and reduce their nuclear arms.
Iran has nuclear activities under suspicion but no proof of a weapons program found by inspectors and US intelligence.
The US and Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities despite treaty safeguards.
These attacks make the NPT review meeting difficult because they challenge the treaty’s fairness and effectiveness.
Iran argues it has the right to peaceful nuclear technology and points to Israel’s non-membership in the treaty.
The review meeting is in the US, which is part of the conflict with Iran, affecting trust in diplomatic talks.
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Raghu Rai, a famous Indian photojournalist, has died at the age of 83. Over more than fifty years, he took important photos that showed India’s political events, social life, and well-known figures, helping the country see itself in new ways.
Key Facts
Raghu Rai worked as a photojournalist for over five decades.
He captured key moments in India, including the Bhopal gas tragedy and 1980s Punjab militancy.
Rai started his career at The Statesman newspaper in 1966.
He joined Magnum Photos, a top photography agency, in 1977 with help from Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Rai photographed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi extensively.
His portraits include famous Indians like singer Lata Mangeshkar and filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
Rai described photography as a spiritual and disciplined practice.
His work combined news reporting with artistic composition, creating a deep record of India’s history and people.
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Senior Labour leaders have rejected calls from the Conservative Party for a new investigation into what Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Parliament about Peter Mandelson’s appointment. Labour officials say the calls are political tactics ahead of upcoming elections, and the current inquiry led by the foreign affairs committee is still ongoing.
Key Facts
Conservatives want the privileges committee to investigate if Prime Minister Starmer misled Parliament about Mandelson’s appointment.
The privileges committee has previously found Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament about lockdown-breaking parties.
The foreign affairs committee, led by Labour MP Emily Thornberry, is already investigating Mandelson’s appointment.
Senior Labour figures, including former ministers Alan Johnson and David Blunkett, call the new investigation request a political stunt.
Evidence heard so far from officials says Starmer told the truth about the appointment process.
More witnesses, including Starmer’s former chief of staff, are scheduled to give evidence to the foreign affairs committee.
The Commons speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, will decide whether to allow a vote on the new investigation request.
Labour may instruct MPs to oppose the motion, calling the Conservative push political games before local elections.
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Tornado watches are active for many counties in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri due to the National Weather Service warning about severe storms and possible tornadoes. A recent tornado in northern Texas caused deaths and damage, and officials urge people in the watch areas to prepare for severe weather.
Key Facts
Tornado watches are in effect until early Monday morning for parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
The National Weather Service warns that severe storms and tornadoes could develop in these regions.
A tornado in northern Texas on Saturday killed at least two people and damaged homes.
The Texas tornado was rated EF-2, with wind speeds up to 135 mph.
Missouri has 34 counties under tornado watches, including areas in central, south central, and southwest regions.
Oklahoma has tornado watches in 11 counties across central, northern, and northwestern parts.
Kansas counties in central, southern, and southeastern areas are under tornado and severe thunderstorm watches.
Authorities advise residents to have a safe place ready, monitor weather reports, and prepare for fast-moving storms.
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Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to clash, with Russian drones attacking residential areas in Odesa and a Ukrainian strike hitting a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia. Poland plans to develop a large drone force with Ukrainian help to improve regional air defense and security.
Key Facts
Odesa experienced heavy damage and over 10 injuries from Russian drone attacks targeting residential buildings.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, controlled by Russian forces, was hit by a Ukrainian drone strike, killing one transport worker.
The Zaporizhzhia plant is in a cold shutdown mode and near the frontline, with repeated blackouts caused by conflict increasing nuclear risks.
Poland’s Donald Tusk announced plans to build a “drone armada” with Ukraine’s help to enhance defense against air attacks.
The European Union is also considering its own “drone wall” to protect against drone threats following past incursions.
Ukraine commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, with President Zelenskyy calling Russian drone attacks on the site “nuclear terrorism.”
Ukrainian Prime Minister Julia Svyrydenko is visiting Poland for talks on Ukraine’s security and postwar recovery.
The conflict over the Zaporizhzhia plant and broader drone attacks highlight ongoing security and safety concerns in the region.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin and discuss ways to end the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran. Iran is working on diplomatic talks involving Russia, Oman, and Pakistan to try to extend the ceasefire and resolve regional tensions.
Key Facts
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin.
The talks focus on regional and international issues, especially the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran.
Earlier, Araghchi met with Omani officials to seek regional support for peace talks.
The US and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire starting April 8, after over a month of fighting.
The ceasefire faces challenges due to disputes over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and a US blockade on Iranian ports.
Russia is seen as a key player in both possible diplomatic or military outcomes of the conflict.
US President Donald Trump canceled a planned US diplomatic visit to Pakistan, citing confusion in Iran’s leadership.
Pakistan is trying to mediate and hopes to create a framework to include Iran, the US, and Gulf countries in peace talks.
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The Malian army and Russian Wagner mercenaries are struggling to manage increasing attacks from Tuareg separatists and jihadist militants. The Malian government’s control is weak across the large country, especially after international forces left, exposing its weaknesses.
Key Facts
Mali faces coordinated attacks from Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups.
The Malian army and Wagner mercenaries are overstretched and struggling to respond.
Mali is Africa’s eighth largest country, making it difficult to maintain control over all regions.
International forces have withdrawn, reducing support for Mali’s military efforts.
Political, territorial, and military challenges are occurring at the same time.
The attacks have reached the heart of Mali’s government power, showing jihadists’ expanding reach.
The situation creates serious security concerns across Mali.
Recent violence has led to deaths and instability within Mali’s ranks, including the killing of the Malian Defence Minister.
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A measles outbreak in East Darfur, Sudan, has infected about 1,000 people and killed around 70, mainly children, in a population of 12,000. The outbreak worsened due to a lack of medical care, vaccines, and doctors, as many left after the war started. A vaccination campaign began in April to try to control the spread.
Key Facts
The measles outbreak began in January in East Darfur, Sudan.
About 1,000 people have been infected and around 70 have died according to local sources; government figures are lower.
Many doctors left the area after the war, leaving few qualified medical staff.
Vaccines arrived late in April from Chad through UNICEF.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death, especially in young and malnourished children.
There is no specific cure for measles; treatment focuses on preventing complications and supporting patients.
The war caused the collapse of healthcare services, stopping routine vaccinations.
Families often have to pay for medicines to treat complications themselves.
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A bomb exploded outside Dunmurry police station near west Belfast on Saturday night after a car was hijacked and forced to be driven there. Police believe the attack was an attempted murder carried out by the dissident group New IRA, and residents living nearby were evacuated for safety.
Key Facts
The bomb went off at about 10:50 p.m. near Dunmurry police station.
A delivery driver’s car was hijacked and fitted with a gas cylinder bomb.
The driver was forced to park the car outside the police station and then leave.
Police evacuated nearby residents, including families with young children.
The attack is being treated as attempted murder by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Dissident republicans, specifically the New IRA group, are suspected in the attack.
Residents described the bomb’s sound as similar to a car crashing into a wall.
People in the area were warned to stay away in case another device was present.
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