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World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
The ongoing conflict involving Iran has caused problems for many economies worldwide. However, some businesses such as oil companies, weapons makers, and betting companies have earned very high profits during this time.
Key Facts
The war involving Iran has negatively impacted global economies.
Oil companies have made record profits amid the conflict.
Arms manufacturers are also seeing very high earnings because of the war.
Betting platforms have benefited financially from the uncertainty caused by the war.
The report on these profits was presented by Yasmeen ElTahan from Al Jazeera.
The article was published on May 1, 2026.
The economic gains are connected to the ongoing military and political conflict with Iran.
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Israel intercepted a flotilla of boats carrying aid to Gaza in international waters near Greece and detained about 175 pro-Palestinian activists. Most activists were released in Greece, but two remain in Israeli custody for suspected illegal activities. The flotilla aimed to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, and the incident has drawn reactions from Israel, Greece, and the United States.
Key Facts
Around 175 activists on 22 boats were detained by Israel near Crete while trying to send aid to Gaza.
Two men are still held by Israel; one suspected of ties to a terrorist group, the other of illegal acts.
The rest of the activists were released on the Greek island of Crete with help from Greek authorities.
The flotilla began sailing two weeks ago from Spain, France, and Italy, with 58 vessels total.
Israel says their operation was peaceful and lawful, done in international waters to enforce a legal blockade.
The Israeli foreign ministry found drugs and contraceptives on some boats during inspection.
The flotilla group called the seizure illegal and demanded the release of all detained activists.
The U.S. State Department supported Israel’s action, calling the flotilla a “political stunt.”
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Oil prices are rising as tensions between the United States and Iran continue, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. Efforts to end the conflict have stalled, with Iran blocking the strait and the U.S. Navy blocking Iranian exports, pushing global oil prices higher.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price rose to $111.29 per barrel, up from about $65 before U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran started on February 28.
Brent oil futures for June reached $126.41 per barrel, the highest since March 2022.
The Strait of Hormuz is important because about 20% of the world's oil and natural gas pass through it.
A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan has been in place since April 8, but Iran says quick progress in talks is unlikely.
Iran has threatened to attack U.S. targets if the U.S. continues military actions in the region.
The United Arab Emirates says Iran’s actions make it unsafe to rely on Iran for safe passage through the strait.
UN Secretary-General warned that continued blockage of the strait could hurt global economic growth, raise inflation, and increase poverty and hunger worldwide.
President Donald Trump has asked U.S. oil companies to find ways to reduce the impact of the ongoing blockade on American consumers.
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New Zealanders are bringing the kiwi bird back to hills near their capital city, Wellington, after more than 100 years. The kiwi, a special bird to New Zealand’s culture, had disappeared because of animals introduced by European settlers. A group called the Capital Kiwi Project has helped move 250 kiwi birds back to the area to help the species survive.
Key Facts
Kiwi birds vanished from the Wellington hills over 100 years ago due to introduced animals harming their population.
The Capital Kiwi Project is a charity working to return kiwi birds to Wellington.
Since the project began, 250 kiwi birds have been relocated to the area.
Kiwi are flightless birds with small wings and a unique look, important to New Zealand’s identity.
Before humans arrived, there were about 12 million kiwi in New Zealand; now, only around 70,000 remain, declining 2% each year.
On April 28, 2026, seven kiwi were released into the Wellington hills and also shown inside New Zealand’s Parliament for the first time.
The project highlights the cultural and spiritual importance of kiwi birds to New Zealanders.
New Zealand uses predator-free islands and sanctuaries to help protect rare and endangered bird species.
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Recent anti-Semitic attacks in Europe, including a knife attack in London, have raised concerns about the involvement of hybrid warfare methods. Investigations suggest that some attackers, mostly teenagers, were recruited through social media channels and promised money, but were not necessarily connected to specific groups.
Key Facts
A knife attack against Jewish people happened in the Golders Green area of London.
British newspapers covered Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to meet local Jewish security groups after the attack.
The suspect in the London attack was previously free to move around despite carrying a knife.
The New York Times reported that many attackers across Europe were teenagers recruited via Snapchat and Telegram.
These attackers were promised quick cash to carry out attacks but often had no clear group affiliation.
The New York Times also reported on Russian hybrid warfare tactics in Poland, urging NATO to respond seriously.
Hybrid warfare means using mix of military, cyber, and other tactics rather than traditional fighting.
Other news from London included the appearance of a new statue by the artist Banksy and a trainee bus driver driving into the River Seine in Paris but no injuries occurred.
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At least 44 Iranian seafarers have been killed and 29 injured since the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran starting February 28. These deaths occurred among civilian sailors, fishermen, and dock workers due to military strikes on Iranian ports and ships during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
The Iranian Merchant Mariners Syndicate reported 44 deaths and 29 injuries among Iranian seafarers from February 28 to April 1.
Those killed include 22 civilian sailors, 16 fishermen, and 6 dock workers.
The report excludes deaths of Iran’s navy personnel harmed by US and Israeli forces.
The conflict began with US and Israeli attacks on Iranian ports and commercial fleets in Iran’s territorial waters and the Gulf.
Over 3,000 airstrikes have been carried out by US and Israeli forces, with around 1,600 Iranian retaliatory strikes in the Middle East.
A US-Iran ceasefire took effect April 8, but a US naval blockade of Iranian ports started April 13 to block Iran’s oil exports.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipping, has been effectively closed, trapping about 20,000 seafarers.
Iranian forces continue to fire on ships near the strait and have seized foreign-flagged cargo ships, while US forces have seized an Iranian vessel and detained its crew.
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The United States and Venezuela have restarted direct commercial flights after seven years. The first flight landed in Caracas from Miami, marking a positive change in relations between the two countries.
Key Facts
The first direct commercial flight in seven years arrived at Simón Bolívar Airport near Caracas.
The flight came from Miami, United States.
The airline operating the flight was Envoy Air, part of American Airlines.
This flight signals an improvement in US-Venezuela relations.
Several businesspeople and US government officials were on board.
The change follows recent political developments in Venezuela earlier in 2026.
Flights between the US and Venezuela had been suspended for seven years before this.
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Jihadist groups in Mali say they are blocking the capital city, Bamako, and taking control of more areas. The militant coalition JNIM and allied groups want to overthrow the military government, while nearby countries Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso work together to fight back.
Key Facts
Jihadist groups in Mali have vowed to blockade Bamako, the capital city.
These groups are trying to overthrow the ruling military junta in Mali.
The coalition is known as JNIM and includes allied militant groups.
They claim to be expanding the territory they control in Mali.
Niger is conducting counter-attacks alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
The conflict is part of a growing insurgency in the region.
The international community is concerned about the worsening crisis.
Some experts say military solutions alone may not end the violence in Mali.
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French President Emmanuel Macron is very popular in Europe but less popular inside France. As France faces political and economic challenges before the 2027 election, social and political divisions are creating an uncertain future.
Key Facts
President Macron is well liked in Europe but not as popular within France.
France is dealing with sociopolitical and economic difficulties ahead of the 2027 election.
Pension reform efforts are currently paused.
May 1 (Labour Day) was a day of success for social democratic groups in France.
The far-right and left-wing political parties in France are divided and unstable.
The next French leader will face multiple unresolved problems upon taking office.
Experts expect the next leader to become unpopular quickly because of these issues.
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The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting the M23 rebel group. The sanctions freeze his assets in the U.S. and prohibit Americans from doing business with him. The move is part of efforts to support peace between DR Congo and Rwanda.
Key Facts
Joseph Kabila led DR Congo from 2001 to 2019 and has been in self-imposed exile since 2023.
The U.S. accuses Kabila of giving money, encouraging army members to defect, and planning attacks via the M23 rebel group.
The M23 group took control of large parts of eastern DR Congo, a mineral-rich area, at the start of 2025.
The U.S. sanctions also target individuals in Rwanda’s army, which the U.S. alleges supports M23; Rwanda denies this claim.
Kabila was sentenced to death last year in a military court in DR Congo for war crimes and treason, but he denies the accusations and did not attend the trial.
The sanctions freeze Kabila’s U.S. assets and ban U.S. citizens and companies from dealing with him.
The U.S. is also promoting a regional economic deal aimed at transparent mineral supply chains in DR Congo.
Kabila appeared last year in the M23-controlled city of Goma, but his current location is unknown.
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Workers around the world are holding rallies on International Labour Day to support workers’ rights and express concern about economic problems caused by conflicts and rising costs. Trade unions and worker groups in many countries are calling for fair wages, better protections, and actions to reduce wealth inequality.
Key Facts
International Labour Day rallies are happening in many cities worldwide.
Trade unions link economic problems to conflicts like the US-Israeli war on Iran and rising energy costs.
Workers in the Philippines, Indonesia, South America, Cuba, France, Turkey, and other countries are participating.
In Argentina, protests oppose recent changes to labor protections by President Javier Milei.
Palestinian workers in Gaza canceled events due to economic hardship from the conflict with Israel.
Some CEO pay last year exceeded $100 million, while many workers face job losses.
Worker groups want higher taxes on the wealthy and limits on top executive pay.
In the US, where May Day is not a public holiday, protests are planned under the slogan “workers over billionaires.”
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The article explains how space systems are important for everyday life, such as navigation, communication, and emergency services. It argues for a new military-backed international alliance called the Artemis Alliance to protect space infrastructure and promote safe, shared use of space.
Key Facts
Space infrastructure supports many services, including rescue operations, financial systems, and global logistics.
Space systems face risks like collisions and interference that can disrupt critical services instantly.
The White House recently issued an executive order to enhance U.S. space capabilities but eliminated the National Space Council, which coordinated space policy.
The article calls for a collective effort, similar to how the Coast Guard protects shipping, to defend space activities.
The Artemis Alliance would bring together spacefaring nations to protect and secure space infrastructure.
Commercial companies, like SpaceX with its satellite constellations, depend on a safe space environment.
Investments in space technology drive innovations benefiting many Earth-based fields, such as robotics and medical imaging.
International agreements like the Outer Space Treaty and Artemis Accords promote peaceful and responsible use of space.
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Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley denied that he was interfering in politics after sending an open letter to Green Party leader Zack Polanski. The letter criticized Polanski for sharing a post about police actions during an arrest, which Rowley said harmed officer morale. This dispute occurred shortly before local elections and raised questions about police involvement in political matters.
Key Facts
Mark Rowley is the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in London.
Rowley wrote a public letter to Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader, over Polanski’s social media post.
The post accused police officers of repeatedly kicking a mentally ill man who was already stunned by a Taser during an arrest.
Rowley said Polanski’s post spread false information and hurt police confidence.
Polanski responded that while he does not know the full facts, the police response needs to be better understood.
The incident happened days before local elections, leading to concerns about police neutrality.
The UK terror threat level was recently raised to “severe” following the Golders Green attack.
Police and government officials are reviewing plans and rules regarding upcoming public protests linked to political issues.
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Commercial flights from Iran’s largest airport, Imam Khomeini International Airport, have restarted after being stopped for about 58 days due to the US-Israel war on Iran. Flights are returning slowly, but there are still fewer flights than before, and many foreign airlines are hesitant to come back because of political uncertainty.
Key Facts
Imam Khomeini International Airport was closed for around 58 days following the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Flights began to resume on April 25, with 15 destinations served by eight domestic airlines.
Destinations include regional and international cities such as Medina, Istanbul, Muscat, China, and Russia.
Before the war, the airport handled about 150 flights daily; now the number is much lower.
The airport building and infrastructure are mostly intact and about 95% ready for operation.
Foreign airlines’ return depends on political stability and their own safety evaluations.
More than 20 aircraft were destroyed during the conflict and cannot be used.
Other airports in Iran, including Mehrabad Airport and airports in Kashan, Tabriz, Ahvaz, Mashhad, Khoy, and Urmia, were also targeted during the war.
The war caused losses in other businesses like tourism, leading to job losses for guides and agents.
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The UK elections watchdog is deciding whether to investigate a £5 million gift Nigel Farage received before he announced he would run in the last general election. The money came from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and was not declared as required by election rules.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage received an undisclosed £5 million gift before becoming a candidate in the last UK general election.
The donor was Christopher Harborne, a crypto billionaire based in Thailand.
Farage said the money was an unconditional gift and used it for his security.
The Electoral Commission is reviewing whether Farage should have declared the gift.
Farage became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time in July 2024.
The Conservative party asked the watchdog to investigate Farage for not declaring the money.
Parliamentary rules require politicians to declare benefits received within 12 months before taking office.
The Conservatives also referred the case to the parliamentary commissioner for standards, claiming Farage broke rules on political donations.
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This week brought severe weather events across different parts of the world. The central US experienced strong tornadoes and large hailstorms, southern China faced extreme rainfall causing floods, and Moscow was hit by a record-breaking snowstorm.
Key Facts
Eight tornadoes occurred on Monday in the central US, including an EF2 tornado in Sycamore, Kansas.
Springfield, Missouri, saw hailstones up to 12 cm (5 inches) that damaged many cars and killed an Emu at a local zoo.
A strong EF3 tornado with winds up to 145 mph hit Mineral Wells, Texas, injuring five people and damaging buildings.
Southern China received 538 mm of rain in 12 hours, flooding streets and forcing the evacuation of 800 residents.
Five people were trapped in a flooded building in China's Guangxi region during the heavy rain.
Moscow saw 21 cm (8 inches) of snow overnight, the most recorded at this time of year since 1880.
A high-pressure system over the North Atlantic pushed Arctic air into western Russia, causing the snowstorm.
The snowstorm in Moscow knocked down 740 trees and disrupted air travel due to strong winds.
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Ukraine has increased its air attacks on Russian oil facilities far inside Russian territory, hitting key sites like oil storage tanks and refineries in the Urals region. These strikes aim to reduce Russia’s oil export capacity and revenues, leading to strong responses from the Russian government.
Key Facts
Ukraine bombed oil storage, ports, and refineries up to 1,600 km from its border, including the city of Perm in the Urals.
The Ukrainian Security Service said nearly all oil storage tanks at the attacked facility in Perm caught fire.
Russia confirmed the strikes and reported shooting down 98 Ukrainian drones in various areas.
Kremlin spokesman called the attacks “terrorist attacks.”
Russia canceled military cadets’ participation in this year’s Victory Day parade, possibly to avoid drone attacks.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s strikes cut Russia’s oil port capacities by 13 to 43 percent at key locations, causing revenue losses estimated at $2.3 billion in March.
A U.S.-based think tank reported at least 18 Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure in April.
Ukraine targeted additional military and oil production facilities, including drone factories and refineries, repeatedly damaging Russian oil export abilities.
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A man in London has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing two Jewish men in a residential area. The police raised the national terrorism threat level because they believe another attack may happen soon.
Key Facts
The suspect, Essa Suleiman, 45, faces two counts of attempted murder and a charge for carrying a knife in public.
Suleiman was also charged with attempted murder for a separate incident earlier the same day in south London.
Police used a taser to arrest Suleiman, who resisted and was reportedly kicked during the arrest.
The police commissioner said officers were scared the suspect might have a bomb when arresting him.
One stabbing victim, age 34, was released from hospital; the other, age 76, is in stable condition.
The attacks happened in Golders Green, an area with a large Jewish community.
The UK raised the terrorism threat level to the second-highest, indicating a high chance of another attack.
Recent attacks have targeted synagogues and Jewish charities in London, raising security concerns.
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The RAC expects the busiest May bank holiday traffic in the UK since 2016, with over 19 million car trips planned despite high fuel prices and possible bad weather. Rail travel will also be disrupted by engineering work, causing delays and station closures on key routes across the country.
Key Facts
Over 19 million leisure car trips are expected during the May bank holiday weekend (Friday to Monday).
This is the highest car trip number since 2016.
Around 40% of drivers plan to take a day trip or overnight break.
Only 6% of drivers said high fuel prices have stopped them from traveling.
The M5 motorway from Bristol to Taunton is predicted to have heavy traffic.
Rain after a sunny spell may change travel plans.
Rail engineering work will close parts of the east coast mainline for three days, affecting journeys between London, Edinburgh, and Newcastle.
Liverpool Lime Street station and London’s Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will close during the weekend.
Network Rail advises travelers to check travel plans carefully and prepare for disruptions.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the United States to strengthen relations between the UK and the US amid recent tensions. King Charles delivered a well-received speech to Congress and attended various events, helping to ease some conflicts even as disagreements remain on certain issues.
Key Facts
King Charles and Queen Camilla made a state visit to Washington and New York.
Their visit aimed to improve the "special relationship" between the UK and the US.
President Donald Trump has caused tensions with the UK and NATO allies due to his stance on Iran and other issues.
King Charles gave a speech to Congress that received many standing ovations.
The speech included references to US history and democratic principles, as well as environmental concerns.
President Trump appeared to behave well at the state dinner and enjoyed a gift from the King, a brass bell from a British WWII submarine.
The visit included stops at the 9/11 Memorial, an urban farm in Harlem, and the New York Public Library.
A tense moment occurred when New York’s mayor suggested Britain should return the Koh-I-Noor diamond to India.
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