Iran is using a 30-year-old oil tanker called Nasha to store oil because U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade are stopping it from exporting oil. The blockade is causing a buildup of oil tankers near Iran’s ports, limiting Iran’s ability to sell its oil and forcing it to find ways to store more.
Key Facts
Iran deployed the old supertanker Nasha, which can hold 2 million barrels of oil, to store oil near its main export terminal, Kharg Island.
The U.S. naval blockade is preventing Iranian oil tankers from leaving ports, causing many ships to be stuck waiting.
The U.S. claims to have contained more than 20 ships at Iran’s Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman.
Iran has about 18 empty supertankers that could store oil, but none have succeeded in breaking through the blockade so far.
Years of sanctions led to a market of old tankers sold to Iran’s “ghost” fleet, which often have poor maintenance and environmental risks.
Iran has roughly 20 days of onshore and floating oil storage left before it must reduce oil production significantly.
Over 90% of Iranian oil is sold cheaply to small refineries in China, providing some revenue despite the blockade.
The U.S. naval blockade aims to pressure Iran into negotiations and impacts global oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
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President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing at a difficult time for U.S.-China relations. He has fewer advantages or options to negotiate than he might want.
Key Facts
President Trump is visiting Beijing.
The timing of the visit is challenging due to current circumstances.
U.S.-China relations are tense or complicated right now.
President Trump has limited leverage or influence in discussions.
The visit involves diplomatic or political negotiations between the U.S. and China.
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President Donald Trump criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, saying Merz should focus on fixing problems in Germany instead of commenting on the war involving Iran. Trump also suggested that Merz should work on ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke critically about Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany.
Trump told Merz to fix issues within Germany before discussing the Iran war.
Trump mentioned the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump indicated that Merz should focus on helping end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The comments mark a tense exchange between the U.S. and Germany’s leadership.
Germany and the U.S. are longtime allies in international relations.
The Iran war refers to regional or international conflicts involving Iran, though specific details were not mentioned.
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A bus and a car fell into the Seine River near Paris on Thursday. Four people on the bus—a driver, her tutor, and two passengers—were rescued and are safe.
Key Facts
The accident happened near Paris, France.
A bus fell into the Seine River.
A car also fell into the river in the same incident.
Four people were on the bus.
Those four—driver, tutor, and two passengers—were rescued.
All rescued individuals are safe and unharmed.
The news was reported on April 30, 2026.
Officials confirmed the rescue and safety of the people involved.
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France is considering a new law that would teach children in schools how to eat healthier foods, in addition to providing good school meals. The goal is to improve children’s eating habits through classroom lessons.
Key Facts
France is known for its good food and has a strong reputation for quality school lunches.
A new bill is being debated to introduce nutrition education in schools.
The bill aims to teach children how to eat better, not just offer healthy meals.
Chef Olivier Chaput, who teaches cooking to children in France, supports this idea.
The proposal focuses on improving children’s eating habits through education.
This approach is part of France’s broader effort to promote healthy lifestyles.
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U.S. federal officials charged 10 current and former Mexican officials with helping drug trafficking as part of a government effort under President Donald Trump. The charges include the governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state and nine others.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges by unsealing an indictment.
Ten Mexican officials, including current and former ones, face allegations related to drug trafficking.
Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa state, is among those indicted.
The case is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to stop illegal drug flow across international borders.
The officials accused are said to have aided drug trafficking operations.
This action is aimed at disrupting the networks that transport narcotics between Mexico and the U.S.
The indictment reflects ongoing law enforcement cooperation and conflict involving drug trade between the two countries.
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Experts say there is a growing feeling among international leaders that President Donald Trump does not have a clear plan to leave Iran if conflict arises. European countries worry about his unpredictable decisions regarding US involvement in the Middle East.
Key Facts
There is increasing concern worldwide about President Trump’s lack of an exit plan from Iran.
Relations between the US, NATO, and Germany are tense due to disagreements over Iran and US troops.
Dr. Christopher Featherstone from the University of York describes President Trump’s actions as unpredictable and provocative.
European allies fear getting involved in conflicts without understanding President Trump’s long-term goals.
The uncertainty affects diplomatic relations and creates challenges for international cooperation.
The article mentions ongoing issues involving Iran, the Middle East, and transatlantic alliances.
The discussion highlights the difficulty of dealing with unpredictable political leaders in global affairs.
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Mali held a ceremony to honor its defence minister, Sadio Camara, who was killed in a bomb attack by rebel groups. The event took place in Bamako with heavy security, and many people, including military leaders, attended.
Key Facts
Defence minister Sadio Camara died from a car bomb attack on Saturday at his home near Bamako.
The attack was carried out by Tuareg separatists and al Qaeda-linked jihadists.
Mali’s military junta held a tribute ceremony for Camara on Thursday with strict security measures.
Camara was a key figure in improving Mali’s relations with Russia.
The attack was part of a larger assault on several military positions.
At least 23 civilians and soldiers died during the weekend attacks, according to officials.
Mali, along with Niger and Burkina Faso, has distanced itself from France and is closer to Russia politically and militarily.
The military junta leader, Assimi Goita, attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Camara.
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Chigozie Obioma, a Nigerian writer, is featured at the Marrakech African Book Festival (FLAM), which gathers writers and thinkers from Africa and its diaspora. Obioma is known for his books "The Fishermen" and "An Orchestra of Minorities," both nominated for the Booker Prize.
Key Facts
The Marrakech African Book Festival (FLAM) is a major event for African writers and thinkers.
Chigozie Obioma is a Nigerian author recognized internationally.
Obioma’s books "The Fishermen" and "An Orchestra of Minorities" were both shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
The festival brings together writers from Africa and the African diaspora.
FLAM highlights African literature and culture.
The interview with Obioma was part of a cultural program by arts24.
The Booker Prize is a prestigious literary award for English-language novels.
Obioma’s work explores themes relevant to African experiences today.
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Episode 6 of "The Boys" Season 5, titled "King of Hell," will be available to watch on Prime Video on May 6, 2026. New episodes of the season are released weekly on Wednesdays until May 20, 2026, and require a Prime Video subscription to view.
Key Facts
"The Boys" Season 5 Episode 6 releases on May 6, 2026, at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET on Prime Video.
Episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays, with the season ending on May 20, 2026.
A Prime Video subscription costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually with Amazon Prime, or $8.99 per month without Amazon Prime.
The season started with a two-episode premiere on April 8, 2026.
Each new episode runs about 62 minutes.
Season 5 focuses on Homelander’s control, characters imprisoned in a "Freedom Camp," and Butcher’s plan to use a virus against Supes (superpowered people).
The official synopsis hints at major events and changes for the characters and the world.
No plot details for Episode 6 have been revealed yet.
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Two large wildfires have burned more than 50,000 acres in southern Georgia due to dry weather, leftover storm debris, and dry winds. Firefighters are working to control the fires, which have destroyed over 120 homes, the most in the state’s history.
Key Facts
The Pineland Road Fire and Highway 82 Fire started in April and have burned parts of Brantley and Clinch counties.
NASA satellites show large burn areas and ongoing fire fronts.
An extreme drought and debris from a 2024 hurricane made the fires spread faster.
Both fires were caused by human activity: welding sparks and a balloon hitting power lines.
As of late April, one fire was 23% contained and the other 32% contained.
More than 120 homes were destroyed, a record loss for Georgia wildfires.
Eight new small fires also started recently, burning a few more acres.
Emergency groups gave $50,000 total in aid, respirators, and medical supplies to help affected communities.
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US military equipment worth billions of dollars has been destroyed in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Attacks by Iranian missiles and drones, as well as some accidental incidents, have damaged key US military assets and bases in the Gulf region since the war began in February 2024.
Key Facts
The US Secretary of Defense praised US military actions against Iran on March 26, but Iran launched missile and drone attacks the next day.
An Iranian attack destroyed a US radar aircraft worth $700 million at a Saudi base, with several US soldiers wounded.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates US military losses in the war are between $2.3 billion and $2.8 billion.
These losses include aircraft and radars, but do not account for all equipment or naval assets.
Some losses were from "friendly fire," including three US F-15 jets shot down in Kuwait.
Notable damages include destruction of a missile defense radar system (THAAD) valued between $485 million and $970 million.
Satellite images of US bases in the Gulf are restricted by the US government, making damage assessments difficult.
Experts say the US government avoids full transparency about losses due to political reasons and concerns about public perception.
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Four Indonesian soldiers are on trial for throwing acid at an activist who opposed the military’s growing power in the government. The attack injured the activist badly, and the case raises concerns about military influence and fairness in Indonesia’s justice system.
Key Facts
The acid attack happened on March 12 in Jakarta, targeting Andrie Yunus, a 27-year-old activist.
Yunus lost sight in one eye and was burned on about 20% of his face and body.
Four soldiers linked to the military’s Strategic Intelligence Agency face charges of premeditated assault.
The military agency’s chief has resigned, with no public explanation given.
Prosecutors say the soldiers acted out of anger at Yunus but did not have official orders.
Yunus protested an amendment allowing active military personnel to take more government roles.
Human rights groups worry the military court trial may not be fair or fully investigate everyone involved.
The attack is seen as part of a wider pattern of repression against activists and journalists in Indonesia.
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President Donald Trump said that the United States has the advantage in conflicts involving Iran. He mentioned that Iran's economy is close to collapsing while tensions continue in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil shipments.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump claims the U.S. has the upper hand in the conflict with Iran.
Iran's economy is described as being near collapse.
There is a stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz, an important area for global oil transport.
The situation has caused global oil and gas prices to rise.
These remarks were reported by CBS News journalist Nancy Cordes.
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New research shows that slavery in Barbados, a British colony, took away 25 million years of life and work from people of African descent. The study estimates this caused economic harm worth up to $2 trillion but says this number is not a demand for payment, rather a basis for discussion and healing.
Key Facts
Britain enslaved people in Barbados for about 200 years, starting in the early 1600s.
The research estimates 25 million years of life and labor were stolen through slavery in Barbados.
The economic damage to descendants of enslaved people in Barbados could be up to $2 trillion.
The $2 trillion figure includes unpaid labor valued between $500 billion and $700 billion, and lost lifespan valued between $1.1 trillion and $1.3 trillion.
Around 379,000 people were brought from Africa to Barbados, 78,000 died during the journey, and 335,000 were born into slavery on the island.
When slavery ended in 1834, Britain paid £20 million to slave owners but compensated no enslaved people.
The research is intended to help start conversations about reparations and reconciliation, not to demand immediate payment.
Barbados plans to use this research to support their calls for reparatory justice and will submit it to their government for approval.
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The United States and China are in a disagreement over actions involving ships linked to Panama, near the Panama Canal, an important global shipping route. The US and other countries accuse China of holding Panama-flagged ships to pressure Panama, while China denies these claims and says the US is politicizing trade issues.
Key Facts
The Panama Canal is a crucial waterway for global shipping.
The US, along with Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago, accused China of detaining Panama-flagged ships in Chinese ports.
These countries said China’s actions aimed to politicize trade and infringe on Panama’s sovereignty.
China denied the accusations and accused the US of politicizing maritime issues.
Panama’s president acknowledged support from friendly countries but expressed a desire to avoid conflict.
Disruptions to the Panama Canal could cause supply problems, stock market fluctuations, higher inflation, and impact the world economy if they last a long time.
This tension occurs alongside other conflicts in key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz involving the US and Iran.
The situation reflects increasing competition among major powers over control of important international shipping routes.
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After President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop destroying buildings in Lebanon, Netanyahu posted a video showing Israeli forces demolishing structures in southern Lebanon. This happened just hours after President Trump’s request.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to stop destroying buildings in Lebanon.
The destruction was happening in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu shared a video montage showing Israeli forces blowing up infrastructure.
The video was posted shortly after President Trump made his request.
The request and video occurred within hours of each other.
The video highlighted ongoing military actions by Israel in Lebanon.
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Iran’s supreme leader said Iran controls shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and will protect its nuclear and missile programs. He stated Iran aims to manage the strait for the benefit of regional countries and warned foreign forces to stay away.
Key Facts
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for about 20% of global oil trade.
The supreme leader pledged to protect Iran’s nuclear, missile, and technological programs.
Iran wants to charge fees for using the strait, calling them charges for services, not tolls.
The US has imposed a counter-blockade to stop oil tankers from leaving Iranian ports.
Oil prices have risen above $120 a barrel due to disruptions in the strait.
Iran’s military and leaders say they will never lose control of the strait.
Gulf countries and the international community view the strait as an open waterway without tolls.
Talks between Iran and the US on nuclear issues are stalled, with Iran linking ship passage to negotiations.
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Lana Daher, a filmmaker based in Beirut, has made her first full-length movie called "Do You Love Me." The film is about the strength and bravery of the Lebanese people and is based on many hours of footage from Lebanon.
Key Facts
Lana Daher is from Beirut and works as a filmmaker.
"Do You Love Me" is her first feature film.
The film celebrates the courage of the Lebanese people.
Lana Daher studied thousands of hours of footage from Lebanon over six years.
She talked to FRANCE 24 about her movie and her fondness for Beirut.
The film reflects on Lebanon’s recent history and experiences.
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Armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Tuareg separatists have intensified attacks in Mali, taking control of cities including Kidal and attacking military bases. Mali's Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in his home near the capital, and armed groups have threatened to besiege the capital, Bamako.
Key Facts
Since Saturday, violence has increased with attacks on multiple military bases in Mali.
Al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists of the Liberation Front for Azawad (FLA) cooperated in recent attacks.
The northern city of Kidal is now controlled by the FLA and JNIM groups.
Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in Kati, near the capital Bamako.
The Malian military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, came to power through coups in 2020 and 2021.
Mali cut ties with France and evicted French troops and UN peacekeepers, increasing reliance on Russian mercenaries.
The prime minister, Abdoulaye Maiga, supports breaking ties with France and is a close ally of Goita.
Mali has faced a persistent security crisis since 2012 with multiple armed groups controlling parts of the country.
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