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The United States has enforced a naval blockade on Iran’s ports to limit its oil exports, causing delays and a backlog of tankers at Iran’s main oil export hub, Kharg Island. The blockade aims to reduce Iran’s oil sales and government revenue, and current satellite images show significant pressure on Iran’s export operations.
Key Facts
Satellite images from April 26 show at least eight large oil tankers waiting to load oil at Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export port.
The U.S. naval blockade started on April 13 to stop shipments of oil and other goods from leaving or entering Iranian ports.
President Donald Trump’s administration has kept the blockade despite a ceasefire agreement with Iran.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, and attacking commercial ships.
The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped from 138 daily before the conflict to just four recently.
The blockade aims to force Iran to stop or reduce oil production, cutting off a major source of government income.
Analysts estimate Iran’s oil production could fall from about 2.75 million barrels per day to around 1.2-1.3 million barrels per day by mid-May if the blockade continues.
The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned 40 companies and ships connected to Iran’s efforts to evade the blockade by using a “shadow fleet.”
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Sir David Attenborough met a group of mountain gorillas in Rwanda in 1978 while filming the series Life on Earth. With help from gorilla expert Dian Fossey, Attenborough had a rare close encounter with the gorillas, which was recorded on film and remains memorable. The gorilla population was very low due to poaching, making this meeting especially significant.
Key Facts
The footage was filmed in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda in January 1978.
Attenborough’s goal was to show how gorillas have thumbs to grip objects.
Mountain gorillas were nearly extinct, with fewer than 285 left in the area.
Dian Fossey, a US gorilla expert, helped the film crew get close to the gorillas.
Fossey taught Attenborough how to behave around gorillas, including not staring and making belch sounds.
Young gorillas named Poppy and Pablo interacted playfully with Attenborough during filming.
Only a few minutes of the gorilla encounter were recorded due to limited film supplies.
After filming, the crew was stopped and questioned by Rwandan soldiers.
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Fast-moving storms hit parts of the U.S. Midwest, causing heavy rain, hail, strong winds, flooding, and some people needing rescue. More storms are expected, with risks including tornadoes, especially in Missouri and Illinois. Earlier, tornadoes in northern Texas caused deaths and damaged homes.
Key Facts
Storms brought hail, strong wind, and heavy rain to the Midwest on Monday.
Over 64 million people in the Midwest faced the risk of severe storms.
The St. Louis area had a moderate risk for tornadoes and large hail.
Kansas City fire department conducted 11 water rescues with no injuries reported.
Kansas City International Airport received 3.2 inches of rain in six hours.
Northern Texas had tornadoes that killed at least two people and damaged many homes.
An EF-2 tornado with winds up to 135 mph hit Runaway Bay, Texas.
Emergency crews faced difficulty reaching some areas due to blocked roads and downed utilities.
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The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of strong storms and a high risk of tornadoes across parts of the Midwest on Monday. Areas like southwestern Illinois and eastern Missouri, including St. Louis, face dangerous weather conditions including possible large hail and damaging winds.
Key Facts
The NWS issued an updated tornado threat map with an “intense” risk level for the central U.S.
The highest risk areas include southwestern Illinois and eastern Missouri, including St. Louis.
Forecasts predict rotating supercell thunderstorms that can produce strong to intense tornadoes.
Other threats include damaging winds and large hail.
Hundreds of thousands of people are in the areas at greatest risk.
Officials advise residents to monitor forecasts closely and have ways to receive weather warnings.
People should be ready to take shelter quickly if severe weather occurs.
The NWS said the timing and impact of storms may change and more warnings will be issued.
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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, praised Pope Leo for speaking strongly about world injustices and hope during his recent trip to Africa. Mullally met with Pope Leo in Rome to strengthen ties between the Anglican and Catholic churches, which have been divided since 1534 but are working toward reconciliation despite some ongoing differences.
Key Facts
Sarah Mullally became the first woman to lead the Anglican Church in March.
Mullally visited Rome and had a private meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican.
Pope Leo recently spoke out against the US-Israeli war on Iran, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump.
Mullally said Pope Leo speaks powerfully about injustice and hope, especially after his 10-day Africa trip.
The Anglican and Catholic churches split in 1534 and have been healing relations since the 1960s.
King Charles prayed publicly with Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel in a historic act of reconciliation.
A major difference remains: the Anglican Church ordains women, but the Catholic Church does not allow women priests.
Pope Leo supports continued dialogue but has not moved to change Catholic teaching on female priests.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz without discussing nuclear talks with the US for now. He visited Pakistan, Oman, and Russia to gain support for this plan, while the US has not confirmed the proposal and insists on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
Iran wants to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and delay nuclear negotiations with the US.
Abbas Araghchi met leaders in Pakistan, Oman, and Russia during a quick diplomatic tour.
Senior intelligence officials from several countries were involved in the talks in Muscat, Oman.
Pakistan is acting as a middleman between Iran and the US to help with negotiations.
The US has not confirmed details of Iran’s offer and will not negotiate publicly.
President Donald Trump has said Iran cannot have nuclear weapons and is open to talks through secure channels.
Trump faces a May 1 deadline under the War Powers Resolution to get Congress approval for military actions against Iran.
Pakistan’s government says it will keep helping as an honest mediator, despite past talks not reaching an agreement.
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Pakistani jets and drones attacked the Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan, hitting Kunar University and nearby areas. The attacks killed at least seven people and injured 75, including many students and a professor. Pakistan denies targeting the university or residential zones.
Key Facts
At least seven people died and 75 were injured in air strikes in Kunar province, Afghanistan.
Among the injured are university students and a professor from Kunar University.
Afghan officials report heavy damage to the university buildings and surroundings.
The attacks follow a recent Pakistani air strike in Kabul that killed 269 people at a drug rehabilitation center.
Pakistan says its air strikes target militant groups in Afghanistan.
Taliban security forces are managing security in Kunar province.
Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has caused many deaths and injuries in recent months.
A fragile ceasefire was in place after talks mediated by China in April.
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Casablanca Drivers, a band from Corsica, released their third album called "Protocol." The album features electronic music with strong dance beats, and they worked with art director Alexandre Courtès, known for his work with famous music acts.
Key Facts
Casablanca Drivers is an indie electronic band from Corsica.
Their new album is titled "Protocol."
The album includes electronic beats suited for dancing and music fans of different styles.
They collaborated with Alexandre Courtès, a well-known art director in the music industry.
Courtès has worked with artists like Air, Cassius, and Daft Punk.
The album highlights the "French Touch" style of electronic music.
The band members interviewed were Alexandre Diani and Nicolas Paoletti.
The album aims to appeal to both club-goers and punk music fans.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the United States does not have a clear plan to end its conflict with Iran. He also said that the Iranian people are being humiliated by their own leaders.
Key Facts
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is the leader of Germany.
Merz criticized the U.S. for lacking an exit strategy in its conflict with Iran.
He described the situation as the Iranian leadership humiliating its people.
The statement refers to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Merz’s comments highlight concerns about the direction of U.S. policy in the region.
The situation involves international conflict and diplomatic relations.
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Gunmen attacked an unregistered orphanage in Kogi State, Nigeria, kidnapping 23 children and the owner. Security forces rescued 15 children, but eight remain missing. The government said the orphanage was operating illegally and promised to keep working to find all the victims.
Key Facts
The attack happened in Kogi State, in north-central Nigeria.
23 children and the orphanage owner were kidnapped by gunmen.
Security agencies quickly responded and rescued 15 children.
Eight children are still missing after the raid.
The orphanage was not registered and was located in a remote, bushy area.
No group has claimed responsibility, but Boko Haram is active in the region.
Kidnapping for ransom is a common problem in Nigeria.
The government has made paying ransom illegal but kidnappings continue.
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Pope Leo XIV met and prayed with Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally at the Vatican, marking a historic encounter between the leaders of the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. They pledged to work toward healing long-standing divisions despite important differences, especially over women’s roles in the church.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Sarah Mullally prayed together at the Vatican.
Mullally is the first female Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion.
The Anglican and Catholic churches have been divided since 1534, mainly over issues like women’s ordination.
The Catholic Church only allows men to be priests, while the Church of England ordains women.
The meeting shows a willingness to continue dialogue and work on unity despite deep differences.
Mullally’s visit to Rome included prayers at important churches and meetings with Vatican officials.
The October meeting between Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III was the first prayer between their churches' leaders since the Reformation.
The Vatican and Lambeth Palace aim to strengthen Anglican-Catholic relations through prayer and dialogue.
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John Swinney, a leader in Scotland’s National Party, plans to hold a vote early in the new Scottish parliament to ask for legal permission to hold another independence referendum. He may do this even without winning a majority, possibly relying on support from the Scottish Greens. The UK government has said it will not allow this referendum because only it has the power to approve it.
Key Facts
John Swinney will call a vote on independence powers on the first day of the new Scottish parliament.
He may do this even if the SNP does not have an overall majority, seeking support from the Scottish Greens.
The SNP wants the UK government to give Scotland the legal right to hold a second independence referendum.
Only the UK government can legally approve an independence vote, not the Scottish parliament.
In 2022, the UK Supreme Court ruled only Westminster (UK government) can authorize a referendum.
Swinney’s party will publish a draft referendum bill similar to the 2014 vote but it will have no legal power.
Past attempts to hold this vote were blocked by Scotland’s law officer.
The UK government has repeatedly said it will not agree to a Scottish independence referendum.
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Mali has faced growing security problems after armed groups, including an al-Qaeda-linked group and Tuareg rebels, coordinated attacks across the country. Mali’s troubles began with military coups in 1968 and 2012, leading to instability and violence despite periods of democratic rule.
Key Facts
Mali became independent from France in 1960 with Modibo Keita as its first president.
A military coup in 1968 brought Lieutenant Moussa Traore to power, who ruled for 23 years with a repressive regime.
Traore was overthrown in 1991 after mass protests, leading to a period of democracy starting in 1992.
Alpha Oumar Konare was elected president in 1992 and served two terms during a time of economic growth and political freedom.
Corruption increased during President Amadou Toumani Toure’s terms from 2002 to 2012, and the economy shrank.
In 2012, a military coup led by Captain Amadou Haya Sanogo interrupted democratic rule and triggered major security problems.
Tuareg rebels and al-Qaeda-linked groups have since launched attacks across Mali, targeting cities like Bamako and Kidal.
Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in recent attacks that highlighted Mali’s ongoing security weaknesses.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the United States for a formal state visit. This visit comes at a time when there are tensions between the U.S. and the U.K. related to Iran and disagreements involving U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are traveling to the U.S. for a state visit.
The visit is scheduled to begin on Monday.
There are current tensions between the U.S. and the U.K. over issues involving Iran.
President Donald Trump has criticized U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the Iran conflict.
CBS News reporters Holly Williams and Roya Nikkhah provided coverage on the visit.
The visit represents official diplomatic relations between the U.K. and the U.S.
State visits are formal events where leaders discuss political and diplomatic issues.
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A baby boy’s skeleton, wrapped in a 1910 newspaper, was discovered beneath a floorboard in Bishop Auckland, England. Despite investigations, the baby’s identity and cause of death remain unknown, and he was recently given a burial with a ceremony to honor him.
Key Facts
The baby, called Baby Auckland, was found in July 2024 under floorboards in an old Victorian house in Bishop Auckland.
His remains were wrapped in a newspaper from June 10, 1910, with twine around his neck.
A forensic expert carefully removed the skeleton, which was mostly complete except for a small bone.
Examination showed the baby was full-term (about 40 weeks), but the cause of death could not be found.
DNA tests with people who came forward did not match the baby’s DNA.
Police believe the baby likely lived around 1910 based on the newspaper found with him.
A funeral was held to give the baby dignity and respect, with local community members attending.
An inquest into the baby’s death will continue on May 18.
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A Syrian court held the first trial hearing for Bashar al-Assad and senior officials from his government. One former security official, Atif Najib, appeared in court in handcuffs.
Key Facts
The trial is the first hearing involving ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad and his government members.
Former security official Atif Najib was present in court, wearing handcuffs.
The court proceeding took place in Syria.
This trial concerns officials from the Assad era.
The article was reported by AFP and France 24 on April 27, 2026.
The trial is part of ongoing legal and political developments in Syria.
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A small plane crashed near Juba, the capital of South Sudan, killing all 14 people on board. The crash may have been caused by bad weather and poor visibility, according to initial reports from the country’s aviation authority.
Key Facts
The plane was a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviation.
It lost communication while flying from Yei to Juba International Airport.
All 13 passengers and the pilot died in the crash.
Two of the passengers were Kenyan nationals; the rest were South Sudanese.
The crash site is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) outside of Juba.
The aviation authority sent a team to support emergency services and investigate.
Initial reports suggest bad weather and low visibility may have caused the crash.
Videos show the wreckage burning at the crash site.
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Russian paramilitary group Africa Corps confirmed it withdrew from the northern town of Kidal in Mali after heavy fighting. The group, linked to Russia’s Defence Ministry, has supported Mali’s military rulers since 2025, while Russia’s involvement in Mali began in 2021.
Key Facts
Africa Corps is a paramilitary group controlled by Russia’s Defence Ministry.
They operated in Mali starting in 2025 to support the country’s military junta.
The group withdrew from Kidal, a town in northern Mali, following intense clashes.
Russia’s involvement in Mali dates back to 2021.
The fighting involved forces loyal to the Malian junta and others in the region.
Africa Corps is one of several foreign groups active in Mali amid ongoing conflict.
The situation reflects Russia’s growing influence in parts of Africa.
Mali has experienced instability and violence linked to military rule and armed groups.
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The U.S. military conducted a strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Sunday, killing three suspected drug traffickers. The strike was confirmed by U.S. Southern Command and was shown in a video posted on social media.
Key Facts
The strike occurred on a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Three people, described as suspected drug traffickers, were killed.
The U.S. military carried out the operation.
U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) announced the strike on social media.
A video showed the boat moving before it exploded and caught fire.
The operation is part of efforts to target drug trafficking in the region.
Southcom referred to the targets as “narco-terrorists,” linking drugs and terrorism.
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King Charles III will visit the United States for a state visit to mark 250 years of American independence. Polls show King Charles is more popular than President Donald Trump in both the U.S. and the U.K. The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two countries amid some recent tensions.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the U.S. starting Monday for a state visit.
The visit celebrates 250 years since American independence from Britain.
A 2025 poll showed 43% of Americans viewed King Charles favorably, while only 39% viewed President Trump favorably.
In the U.K., 56% viewed King Charles favorably, but only 18% viewed Trump favorably.
Trump’s approval ratings have dropped due to economic worries and controversy over his handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The U.S.-U.K. relationship has been strained by disagreements over NATO and trade tariffs.
Some British politicians opposed the visit, fearing political issues during the meetings.
Security concerns arose after a recent incident at a White House event before the visit.
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