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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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India. The diamond was taken from India during British colonial rule and is now part of the British Crown Jewels.
Key Facts
The Koh-i-Noor diamond is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, weighing 105.6 carats.
It originally came from a mine in southern India around the 14th century and passed through various rulers before British control.
After the British took over Punjab in 1849, the diamond was given to Queen Victoria by a child ruler under British pressure.
The diamond was re-cut in 1852 to improve its sparkle, reducing its size from about 186 carats to 105.6 carats.
It has been part of the British Crown Jewels since 1937 and is displayed in the Tower of London.
India has requested the return of the Koh-i-Noor since its independence in 1947, viewing it as a symbol of colonial theft.
Mamdani, whose family background connects to India and colonial history, publicly urged King Charles III to give back the diamond.
The diamond was not used in the recent coronation of Queen Camilla to avoid diplomatic issues.
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Videos have shown attacks against immigrants in South Africa. People in the country are protesting and asking the government to do more about undocumented immigration.
Key Facts
Videos of attacks targeting immigrants have circulated in South Africa.
New protests have taken place in various areas.
Protesters demand the government take stronger action against undocumented immigrants.
The attacks appear to be motivated by anti-immigrant sentiment.
The situation reflects ongoing tension related to immigration in South Africa.
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David Allan Coe, a country singer-songwriter known for writing the hit song "Take This Job and Shove It," has died at age 86. Coe had a long career with popular songs and was known for his outsider style in the music world. The cause of his death was not revealed.
Key Facts
David Allan Coe died in a hospital at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday; he was 86 years old.
He wrote the song "Take This Job and Shove It," which became a hit for Johnny Paycheck in 1977.
Coe also had hits with songs like "You Never Even Called Me By My Name," "The Ride," and "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile."
Born in Akron, Ohio, Coe spent time in prison from 1963 to 1967 and wrote songs while incarcerated.
He was part of the outlaw country music movement and wore a rhinestone suit and mask on stage.
Coe performed with artists such as Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, and Neil Young.
His wife said he was one of the best singers and songwriters of his time and shared personal memories of him.
Coe recorded a collaboration with members of the heavy metal band Pantera in 2006.
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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth answered questions from lawmakers about a U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran. This happened while global oil prices rose sharply, affected by a long-lasting blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for shipping oil.
Key Facts
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced questions from U.S. lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The discussion was about a war or conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
Global oil prices increased significantly during this time.
The rise in oil prices is linked to a stalemate at the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway used to transport oil worldwide.
The conflict and oil price changes are causing concern among U.S. officials and lawmakers.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the United States, spending Wednesday in New York City. They have planned several events in Virginia for Thursday.
Key Facts
King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently visiting the U.S.
On Wednesday, they were in New York City.
A series of events is scheduled for Thursday in Virginia.
CBS News provided coverage of their visit.
Tina Brown, a CBS News royal expert, discussed the visit.
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Israeli forces stopped 22 aid boats near the Greek island of Crete that were trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. About 175 activists on these boats were detained and are being taken to Israel, while the flotilla’s remaining boats are still heading toward Gaza.
Key Facts
Israeli navy intercepted 22 vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla near Crete in international waters.
Around 175 activists from over 20 boats were detained and are being brought to Israel.
Activists said Israeli forces damaged their boats and left them stranded in dangerous conditions before the takeover.
Israel called the flotilla a publicity stunt and labeled the activists as provocateurs.
The flotilla aims to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is ongoing.
Previous flotilla attempts, including one in October 2023, were stopped by Israel with arrests and deportations.
The United Nations reported ongoing violence and severe humanitarian problems in Gaza, with many people displaced.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and widespread suffering in the region.
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Gulf countries are encouraging the United States and Iran to negotiate a deal because the current conflict is disrupting important oil exports and hurting economies. These countries are working quietly behind the scenes, including through Pakistan, to try to restart talks despite ongoing tensions with Iran.
Key Facts
The conflict between the US and Iran is affecting the flow of oil exports from the Gulf region.
Disrupted oil exports are causing economic problems in the Gulf and beyond.
Gulf countries are acting as mediators to help the US and Iran reach an agreement.
These efforts include quiet diplomatic work behind the scenes.
Pakistan is involved as part of the mediation process.
Tensions between Gulf countries and Iran remain high, making talks challenging.
The goal is to reduce conflict and stabilize energy supplies.
The situation is part of broader Middle East tensions involving Iran and the US.
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Rebels in Mali have asked Russian forces to leave the country. This request reflects growing criticism of Russia’s involvement in the Sahel region, even as Russia says it is succeeding and blames other outside groups for problems.
Key Facts
Tuareg rebels in Mali want Russian troops to withdraw.
Russia claims it is achieving success in Mali but blames external groups for issues.
The pullback of Russian forces from Kidal shows pressure on Moscow.
The situation is part of a larger debate about Russia’s role across the Sahel region in Africa.
Mali faces ongoing conflict involving separatist rebels and jihadist fighters.
Analysts warn Mali’s long-term stability looks uncertain despite no immediate threat to its capital.
There are complex insurgencies with different groups wanting independence or a jihadist state.
Mali’s reliance on military solutions has not brought lasting peace and security.
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Migrants from the Horn of Africa are getting stuck in Djibouti after failing to cross the dangerous Bab-el-Mandeb Strait to reach Gulf countries. Many face hunger, detention, and life-threatening risks, with over 900 deaths reported in 2025 on this deadly migration route.
Key Facts
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a dangerous crossing point for migrants trying to reach Gulf countries.
Most migrants come from Ethiopia due to poverty and conflict.
Thousands attempt this journey each year.
In 2025, more than 900 people died trying to cross, marking it as the deadliest migration route recorded.
Many migrants who fail to cross return to Djibouti, where they face tough conditions such as hunger and detention.
The migration crisis is part of a larger pattern of regional instability in the Horn of Africa.
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Iranian-American creator Mahdi Hemmat is making popular AI-generated videos that use Lego-style animation and rap to discuss political issues involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. These videos mix humor and pop culture but also promote pro-Iran messages and criticize President Donald Trump, influencing younger audiences online.
Key Facts
The videos use AI technology to create Lego-style rap animations.
Creator Mahdi Hemmat is Iranian-American.
The content blends satire, entertainment, and political messages.
Videos support pro-Iran views and criticize President Donald Trump.
Millions of views show the videos are popular among younger Western viewers.
These videos highlight how digital creators can shape opinions on political conflicts.
The videos relate to ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel.
They blur the line between entertainment and political propaganda.
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Western feminist groups showed strong support for Iranian women protesting compulsory hijab rules in 2022-2023. However, these groups have largely remained quiet about the recent killing of women and children in Iran caused by missile attacks, highlighting a selective focus on certain types of gender violence.
Key Facts
In 2022-2023, Western feminist institutions loudly supported Iranian protests against compulsory hijab.
Recent missile strikes in Iran have killed many women and children, including over 165 children at a girls’ school in Minab.
These attacks have not received the same level of attention or outrage from Western feminist groups as earlier protests did.
The victims included children who were learning in classrooms when the strikes happened.
The silence on this war-related violence shows selective recognition of what counts as feminist issues.
War often targets women and children, making their deaths a significant feminist concern.
The lack of focus on these casualties contrasts with the earlier global amplification of images of Iranian women resisting dress codes.
This selective silence may allow ongoing violence to continue without challenge.
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Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis that is affecting daily life and healthcare. Power outages have caused hospitals to reduce services, delay surgeries, and put patients who need machines like ventilators at risk. The United Nations is working to provide humanitarian aid, but fuel shortages limit how well help can reach those in need.
Key Facts
Cuba’s energy crisis has lasted over four months and impacts daily activities like lighting and business operations.
Hospitals have postponed tens of thousands of surgeries and face challenges in providing prenatal care.
Patients who depend on machines such as incubators, ventilators, and dialysis machines are in danger when electricity fails.
Energy shortages cause failures in pumps for water, food service, and ambulance transport in hospitals.
The UN and other humanitarian groups have increased their aid efforts to address the crisis but rely on fuel to deliver help.
More than two million people were affected by recent flooding from Hurricane Melissa, worsening the situation.
The UN has mobilized $24 million to support these efforts but needs more fuel to sustain aid operations.
The crisis is seen as a human issue requiring urgent international action rather than a political dispute.
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Young people in Puerto Rico are actively protesting for independence from the United States. They oppose a luxury hotel project that they believe will harm the environment and highlight their broader demand for Puerto Rico to become a fully sovereign nation.
Key Facts
On April 21, 2025, protesters demonstrated at a Manhattan hotel lobby against the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s project in Puerto Rico.
The hotel group plans to develop a $2 billion luxury hotel and residential area called Esencia in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.
Activists say the project will destroy over 1,500 acres of protected land with important archaeological sites.
Puerto Rico became a U.S. commonwealth in 1952; residents have U.S. citizenship but cannot vote in presidential elections or have senators.
The pro-independence group Juventud Unida por la Independencia (JUPI) was founded in 2024 and is driven by young people.
Support for independence has grown after Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused widespread damage, many deaths, and mass migration to the U.S. mainland.
Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny has promoted the independence movement by displaying its flag during the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show.
The movement aims for economic self-sufficiency and control over trade and foreign affairs, seeing sovereignty as a way to improve issues like the island’s power grid.
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The TV show "The Testaments" Season 1 Episode 7 will be released on May 6, 2026, on Hulu via Disney+. In this episode, Daisy’s secret past may come out, Agnes faces an unwanted match and a secret crush, and Becka meets new potential matches.
Key Facts
"The Testaments" Season 1 Episode 7 releases on May 6, 2026.
The episode will be available to stream on Hulu on Disney+ starting at 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET.
A Hulu subscription is required, starting at $11.99 per month.
Episode 7’s story involves Daisy’s past threatening to be revealed, Agnes dealing with a forbidden crush, and Becka meeting kind potential matches.
New episodes of "The Testaments" are released weekly on Wednesdays until May 27, 2026.
Previous episodes focus on the experiences of Agnes, Daisy, and the social rules of Gilead.
The official runtime for Episode 7 has not been announced yet.
Season 2 of "The Testaments" has not been confirmed.
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has created a paramilitary force to protect its mining sector. This force will have more than 20,000 members by 2028 and is supported with funding from the United States and the United Arab Emirates to enhance security and attract investors.
Key Facts
DR Congo has formed a paramilitary guard for its mining industry.
The guard aims to protect mining operations and strengthen government control.
It plans to have over 20,000 members by the year 2028.
The project receives financial support from the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
The new force is intended to help reassure investors amid global competition for important minerals.
The creation of this force is part of DR Congo’s efforts to secure its critical mineral resources.
The announcement was reported by France 24 with details from Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo.
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Winston Marshall, son of the Spectator owner, suggested building a mine-laden floating wall across the English Channel to stop small boat crossings from France to Britain. He discussed this idea on Fox News amid a new deal between the UK and France to reduce crossings, saying previous efforts have failed.
Key Facts
Winston Marshall proposed a floating wall with some sections mined to block crossings in the English Channel.
The idea came during a Fox News discussion about a £660 million UK-France deal to tackle migrant crossings.
The Dover Strait is the narrowest and busiest part of the English Channel for shipping.
Previous UK government efforts tried using inflatable boats to physically stop small boats crossing.
Winston Marshall is a former musician now active as a rightwing online influencer and runs a YouTube show.
His father, Paul Marshall, owns the Spectator magazine and co-owns GB News.
Marshall said most migrants crossing are “economic migrants” and not fleeing war.
He claimed the UK Royal Navy has limited seaworthy ships besides nuclear submarines.
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Leading global media companies have asked Israel to let foreign journalists enter Gaza to report freely. They say it is important to see the situation directly and speak with people there, but Israel has not agreed to this request yet.
Key Facts
Top media groups like BBC, CNN, Reuters, and AP signed a letter urging Israel to allow independent journalism access to Gaza.
Israel stopped foreign journalists from entering Gaza after the war began on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s reasons include concerns about soldier safety and the danger of an active battle zone.
Some foreign reporters have been allowed in on controlled trips, but no free access is granted.
A ceasefire is now in place, and media leaders argue journalists do not endanger troops.
The Foreign Press Association filed a legal petition in Israel’s Supreme Court for access but awaits a decision.
Over 200 Palestinian journalists have died during the conflict, far more than in other recent wars.
Al Jazeera journalist Mohammed Wishah was recently killed in an Israeli drone strike, the 12th death of an Al Jazeera media worker since the war began.
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