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The US military captured an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named Touska after it tried to pass an American naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump said the US Navy disabled the ship’s engine and that marines now control the vessel.
Key Facts
The cargo ship is called Touska and flies the Iranian flag.
It tried to bypass a US naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the Gulf of Oman.
A US Navy guided missile destroyer warned the ship to stop but the ship ignored the warning.
The Navy disabled the ship by damaging its engine room.
US marines took control of the Touska after it was stopped.
The ship is under US Treasury sanctions due to previous illegal activities.
Touska was stopped near Iran’s border with Pakistan and is more than 900 feet long.
The Iranian government has not made any public comment on the incident.
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Hundreds of people protested in Berlin despite heavy rain. They demonstrated against actions by the United States and Israel toward Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Berlin during heavy rain.
Hundreds of people joined the protest.
Protesters opposed military actions involving the United States and Israel.
The focus was on US and Israeli actions toward Iran.
Protesters also spoke out against Israeli attacks on Gaza.
The protest included opposition to Israel’s involvement in Lebanon.
The event called for an end to these global conflicts.
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Two political meetings took place in Europe with very different views. In Barcelona, left-wing leaders met to discuss how to protect democracy from far-right movements. In Milan, far-right groups gathered, asking for less European Union regulation but stronger security measures.
Key Facts
The Barcelona meeting focused on uniting progressive leaders against far-right threats to democracy.
The Milan gathering brought together far-right figures who want fewer rules from the EU and more security control.
The two events show a clear political divide in Europe between left-wing and far-right perspectives.
Experts from universities and think-tanks discussed how this split might influence global politics.
The far right describes the current state of Europe as a “tragedy” needing change.
The left aims to build a single alliance of progressive forces to counter right-wing authoritarianism.
The discussions highlight increasing polarization in European and global politics.
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A British professor has discovered the exact location and layout of a house in London that William Shakespeare bought in 1613 for 140 pounds. This new finding provides more details about Shakespeare’s life in London during his later years.
Key Facts
Shakespeare bought a house in London’s Blackfriars area in 1613.
The purchase price of the house was 140 pounds, a significant sum at the time.
Before this discovery, the exact location of Shakespeare’s London house was unknown.
Shakespeare may have spent his final years in Stratford but still owned property and was writing plays in London in 1613.
The new evidence about the house was uncovered by Professor Lucy Munro of King’s College London.
This discovery adds to the limited information about Shakespeare’s life.
The location helps better understand Shakespeare’s living situation before his death in 1616.
The finding was announced around the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth.
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An exit poll shows that former President Rumen Radev’s centre-left Progressive Bulgaria party is likely to win Bulgaria’s recent parliamentary election. The poll indicates that the conservative GERB party, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, came in second, while a reformist coalition finished third.
Key Facts
Bulgarians voted in their eighth election in five years, following protests that removed the previous government.
Exit poll by Alpha Research showed Progressive Bulgaria winning 38.1% of the vote.
The conservative GERB party received 15.9%, placing second.
Reformist coalition We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria came third with 14.1%.
Rumen Radev, who left the presidency to run for prime minister, supported anti-corruption protests last year.
Radev is open to working with other parties or forming a minority government.
He has expressed a desire to renew relations with Russia and opposes sending weapons to Ukraine.
Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007 and adopted the euro in January 2026.
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Iran has said it will not join the next round of peace talks with the United States, which plans to send a negotiation team to Pakistan on Monday. President Trump announced the US had seized an Iranian cargo ship and warned that the US might strike Iran unless it agrees to his terms.
Key Facts
Iran refuses to attend the upcoming US-Iran peace talks scheduled in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Iran cited US demands as too harsh and unpredictable, and condemned a naval blockade by the US as a ceasefire breach.
President Trump announced the US military has taken control of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship by damaging its engine room.
The US maintains a blockade on Iranian ports; Iran has partly lifted and then restored a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil.
The US delegation to Islamabad is said to be led by Vice President JD Vance, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner included.
The current conflict has severely disrupted global oil supplies and caused oil prices to rise sharply.
Thousands have died in US-Israeli strikes on Iran and a parallel Israeli invasion of Lebanon since the war began in late February.
Pakistan acts as the main mediator and its Prime Minister has spoken with Iran’s President to support peace efforts.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada’s close economic relationship with the United States has become a problem that needs fixing. He emphasized that Canada must reduce its dependence on the US and look for new trading partners because global trade is becoming more difficult and divided.
Key Facts
Carney said decades of economic partnership with the US are now a "weakness" for Canada.
He mentioned that US trade policies have changed, with tariffs rising to levels not seen since the Great Depression.
Carney pointed out that Canada’s strengths from close US ties have turned into vulnerabilities.
President Donald Trump’s threats of higher tariffs have disrupted trade with many countries, including Canada.
Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become a US state caused concern among Canadians.
Carney referenced historical resilience by showing a toy of General Isaac Brock, who resisted US invasion in 1812.
Carney’s Liberal Party recently won a majority in Canada, giving him more control over economic and trade decisions.
Canada plans to review the US-Canada-Mexico free trade agreement in July.
Carney is pushing Canada to build closer economic ties with other countries, like China, to avoid relying too much on the US.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada’s strong economic ties to the United States, once a strength, are now a weakness that needs fixing. He highlighted changes in U.S. trade policy under President Donald Trump and said Canada must diversify its economy and reduce reliance on the U.S.
Key Facts
Carney stated U.S. tariffs under President Trump hurt Canadian industries like auto and steel.
Canada plans to attract new investments and sign trade deals with other countries.
Carney criticized the uncertainty caused by current U.S. trade policies.
He said Canada cannot rely on the U.S. and must build a stronger, more independent economy.
Carney promised to give regular updates on efforts to diversify away from U.S. dependence.
He emphasized the need for increased defense spending, tax reductions, and more affordable housing.
Carney recalled Canada’s history of supporting the U.S. in wars but said the U.S. has changed.
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) review is planned for July.
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President Donald Trump reported that U.S. naval forces seized an Iranian cargo ship named TOUSKA after it tried to break a U.S. naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman. The ship was disabled by the U.S. Navy and is now under U.S. control while being inspected.
Key Facts
The Iranian ship TOUSKA ignored warnings from the U.S. Navy as it tried to pass through a naval blockade.
The U.S. Navy disabled the ship’s engine room to stop it.
U.S. Marines boarded the ship and took custody.
TOUSKA was under U.S. Treasury sanctions due to past illegal activities.
The vessel is currently being inspected by U.S. forces to determine its cargo.
The Iranian government has not commented on this incident.
This event happened in the Gulf of Oman, near key shipping routes affected by tensions with Iran.
Shipping and energy markets have been disrupted due to ongoing conflicts and blockades in the Middle East.
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David Lammy said President Donald Trump's insults toward UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are "small and petty" and meant to pressure the UK to change its stance on Iran. Lammy emphasized that the UK will not join the conflict and highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions and reopen a vital shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Prime Minister Starmer for not sending British troops or equipment to the war.
Lammy said the UK will not get involved in the conflict in Iran.
Lammy described Trump's insults as petty and aimed at changing UK policy.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for oil and goods, remains blocked.
Lammy recently met US officials to discuss reopening the strait and the global economic impact.
Trump announced US negotiators will visit Pakistan to restart peace talks but warned of military action if Iran refuses a deal.
The UK Chancellor called the conflict a "mistake" that harms the world economy.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the US soon amid tensions in UK-US relations.
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President Donald Trump said that the U.S. Navy used a missile destroyer to stop an Iranian cargo ship trying to go through the Strait of Hormuz without permission. The Navy warned the ship to stop before taking action.
Key Facts
The U.S. Navy used the guided missile destroyer USS Spruance to intercept an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named Touska.
The incident happened in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Navy gave a warning to the cargo ship before stopping it.
President Trump provided this information publicly on Sunday.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international shipping and oil transport.
The U.S. has a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to enforce restrictions.
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President Donald Trump said U.S. forces captured an Iranian cargo ship named Touska near the Strait of Hormuz after it tried to bypass a U.S. naval blockade. The U.S. Navy disabled the ship’s engine, and U.S. Marines now control the vessel. Iran has not commented on this incident.
Key Facts
The cargo ship Touska is flagged under Iran and tried to pass the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
A U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer warned the ship to stop, but the crew did not comply.
The U.S. Navy damaged the ship’s engine room, stopping it.
U.S. Marines are now in custody of the ship and checking its contents.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for about 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Iran stated that no ships would pass while the U.S. blockade remains active.
The blockade started on April 13 and is intended to pressure Iran to reach a deal with the U.S.
President Trump announced U.S. negotiators will visit Islamabad to explore talks with Iran, but Iran said it has not agreed to more negotiations.
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American forces stopped an Iranian cargo ship named Touska in the Gulf of Oman after it tried to bypass a U.S. naval blockade. President Trump said U.S. Marines took control of the ship by damaging its engine room, and officials from both countries are preparing for talks in Pakistan.
Key Facts
The ship, called Touska, was flying an Iranian flag.
It tried to pass a U.S. naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
The U.S. Navy ship USS Spruance warned the vessel to stop.
When the Iranian crew did not stop, the U.S. Navy disabled the ship by blowing a hole in its engine room.
U.S. Marines took the ship into custody.
Iran and the U.S. are planning talks in Pakistan soon.
President Trump warned that if Iran rejects a deal, the U.S. may target Iran’s power plants and bridges.
This is an ongoing situation with updates expected.
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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the United States is considering all possible actions to reduce Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global shipping. He did not confirm whether U.S. troops would board ships heading to China.
Key Facts
Mike Waltz is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important shipping channel that Iran currently influences.
The U.S. wants to limit Iran’s control and the economic benefits Iran gains from the strait.
Waltz said “all options are on the table” regarding actions in the area.
He did not directly answer whether U.S. troops would board vessels bound for China.
The situation involves concerns over global trade and security in an important maritime route.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will explain to Parliament how Peter Mandelson became ambassador despite failing a security check. The scandal has led to the firing of top Foreign Office official Olly Robbins and increased pressure on Starmer’s leadership.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to Washington after failing security vetting.
The Foreign Office did not inform Prime Minister Starmer about the vetting failure.
Olly Robbins, the top civil servant in the Foreign Office, was fired over the scandal.
Robbins is set to answer questions from a parliamentary committee on Tuesday.
Starmer says he was not told about the vetting failure before or after appointing Mandelson.
Starmer promises to reveal all facts on Mandelson’s vetting to Parliament for transparency.
Some government ministers worry the scandal could threaten Starmer’s position as prime minister.
Opposition leaders have called for Starmer to resign over the issue.
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Bulgaria’s former president Rumen Radev, known for his pro-Russian stance, has won the latest parliamentary election with about 39 percent of the vote. His center-left coalition leads by a wide margin but may need to form a coalition government, as no party appears to have an outright majority.
Key Facts
Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria coalition won approximately 39.2% of the vote in Bulgaria’s recent parliamentary election.
The outgoing center-right GERB party, led by Boyko Borissov, received about 15.1%.
The election result does not guarantee a single-party government, suggesting a coalition will be needed.
Voter turnout was low, at 43.4%.
Radev opposes sending military aid to Ukraine and supports restarting talks with Russia.
Bulgaria has faced years of political deadlock and recent protests demanding action on corruption and judicial reform.
Bulgaria joined the eurozone and the Schengen area recently, marking deeper integration with Europe.
The pro-Russian Revival party may pose a coalition option, but Radev seems hesitant to join them formally.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford will sell a private jet worth about $21 million after facing criticism for buying it with public money. The jet was intended for official travel, but Ford agreed it was not the right time to spend on a government plane.
Key Facts
Premier Doug Ford bought a used Bombardier Challenger 650 jet for C$28.9 million (about $21 million).
The jet was planned for official travel, including trips to the U.S. to discuss tariffs with the Trump administration.
After public and political criticism, Ford decided to sell the jet quickly.
The plane was built in Canada in 2016.
Critics said the purchase was unnecessary and called Ford out for using taxpayer money.
Political opponents accused Ford of being out of touch with ordinary families by buying the jet.
Ford promised to continue working on trade and jobs without using the private jet.
Ford’s approval rating is around 31%, one of the lowest for a premier in Canada despite winning a third majority government.
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Israeli ministers officially reopened the Sa-Nur settlement in the West Bank nearly 21 years after it was evacuated in 2005 as part of a policy to disengage from some areas. The Israeli government has approved new housing and settled families there, despite international laws that consider such settlements illegal.
Key Facts
Sa-Nur settlement was evacuated in 2005 during Israel’s disengagement policy.
On April 19, 2026, Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Israel Katz attended the reopening ceremony.
Authorities approved 126 new housing units in Sa-Nur, with 16 families moving in.
The Israeli government recently recognized Sa-Nur and three other former settlements in the West Bank.
The Knesset passed a law in 2023 banning settlers from staying in these former settlements, but this has been reversed in practice.
Since 2022, settlement expansion has increased under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government.
Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Reports show a rise in settler violence against Palestinians, with March 2026 recorded as one of the deadliest months.
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Military strategist Bryan Clark says that the US has changed its goals in the conflict with Iran many times. He believes the US increased its military actions too quickly and may have made Iran stronger by giving it a new way to threaten global oil shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The US war aims toward Iran shifted from wanting regime change to just claiming some success.
Bryan Clark calls this rapid increase in military actions an “escalation trap.”
The US may have misjudged Iran's power and response in the conflict.
Iran now holds a strong position by threatening to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
The discussion took place on the program Talk to Al Jazeera.
The video featuring Clark’s analysis lasts 28 minutes and 35 seconds.
The pause in fighting is referred to as between the US and Israel against Iran.
This situation presents new military and strategic challenges for the US and its allies.
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Tensions are rising over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments, after Iran closed the strait to ships and fired at vessels trying to pass. President Donald Trump has threatened severe actions against Iran unless a deal is reached, while U.S. and international officials continue diplomatic talks to ease the conflict.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway that handles about 20% of the world’s oil and energy supplies.
Iran recently closed the strait to ships and fired at vessels attempting to pass through.
The situation worsened after President Trump announced continued U.S. blockades on Iranian ports.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly shot at an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the strait.
The Iranian blockade has caused a loss of about $50 billion worth of oil from the global market.
President Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges if Iran does not agree to a deal.
Diplomatic talks are planned in Islamabad with U.S. officials including Vice President Vance and Jared Kushner leading the delegation.
Despite tensions, a cease-fire in Lebanon supported by Tehran is currently holding.
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