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Russian Tanker Tests Trump by Heading Toward Cuba
A Russian tanker steaming for Cuba is less about fuel and more about sending a message to Washington. Analysts say it is a provocation and a bargaining chip, not a rescue mission.
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Newsom on Trump, 2028, Israel and Avocados: A Long Lunch at Sam’s
Over bread, seafood and a reluctant avocado, Gov. Gavin Newsom talks family, his five-year memoir, what might stop him from running for president in 2028, and where he draws the line on Israel. He also explains why Democrats need to fight harder against Trump’s playbook.
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Cuba’s power collapse: trapped between U.S. pressure and a rising oil shock
A national blackout in mid-March exposed how U.S. fuel restrictions, higher global oil prices and regional political pressure are pushing Cuba into a deep humanitarian and political crisis. Ordinary people are paying the price while diplomacy, back-channel talks and bold rhetoric decide the next moves.
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Three Months In: Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Shows Early Wins and Big Questions
Australia’s law to stop under-16s from using social media went live in December 2025. Early surveys and data show some promising changes, plenty of caveats, and a lot of work ahead for regulators and parents.
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Mattis Warns a Quick Exit Could Leave Iran in Control of Hormuz as Talks Begin
Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said stopping strikes now would risk ceding the Strait of Hormuz to Iran. Oil prices dipped after President Trump announced a five-day pause on attacks to pursue talks, but experts and industry leaders say a lasting deal looks unlikely.
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Iran Rejects Talks with US, Calls Trump Statements a 'Bluff'
Iranian officials say there have been no direct or indirect talks with the United States and dismissed former president Trump’s recent comments as a ‘bluff’.
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EU President Urges Talks with Iran and an End to Shipping Restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has called for direct negotiations with Iran, an end to hostilities, and for Tehran to lift limits on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
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How the 2026 Oil Disruption Compares to the 1973 Embargo
A quick, slightly sarcastic look at why the current oil shock is being called the biggest since 1973, what actually happened back then, and why today's pain is both similar and very different.
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India Could See Beer Shortages as Middle East Gas Trouble Pushes Up Packaging Costs
Global breweries in India warn of price hikes and possible supply gaps after gas shortages linked to Middle East conflict drive up glass, aluminium and carton costs.
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Conte Says He’s Open to Running in Open Primaries in Italy
Giuseppe Conte says he would consider a run in progressive primaries but hasn’t consulted his Movement yet. Other left and center-left leaders focus on shared policies — and a push for an €11 minimum wage.
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Nordio: 'The reform has my name on it — I take political responsibility'
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio accepts political responsibility for the reform named after him, warns the association of magistrates will gain political weight, and rejects any idea of judicial retaliation after the referendum results.
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Trump Says Hegseth Was First to Back a Move Into Iran as Administration Shifts Its Story
At a Memphis roundtable, President Trump credited Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the first to push for action against Iran, while Tehran denied talks and launched new missile strikes. The fallout includes casualties, oil market shocks, and renewed questions about who pushed for war.