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On Tuesday, shipping data from LSEG and Kpler confirmed that at least three tankers entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, including the Panama‑flagged Peace Gulf, which is bound for Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates. Earlier that day, two U.S.–sanctioned vessels, the Rich Starry and the Elpis, also transited the waterway. Because none of these ships were destined for Iranian ports, they remain exempt from the U.S. blockade that began on Monday. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that, as of 10 a.m. ET (14:00 GMT) on Monday, a naval blockade was in effect against all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, in line with the presidential order issued by former President Trump. The directive applies to "vessels of all nations" operating in Iranian coastal waters, including the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Tehran has warned of possible retaliation against ports in neighboring Gulf states. In response to the blockade, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ordered every ship to follow a newly‑drawn navigation map that forces vessels to enter the strait north of Larak Island and exit south of it, citing the risk of anti‑ship mines in the former main traffic zone. Before the conflict, the strait functioned like a divided highway with two dedicated lanes—each about 3.2 km long—carrying roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments. The IRGC now classifies the original lanes as "restricted" and has effectively closed them. Ship traffic has collapsed by **more than 95 %** since the war began. Kpler’s tracking data shows that only **279 vessels** passed through the strait between Feb. 28 and Apr. 12, a stark contrast to the pre‑war average of around **100 ships per day**. Even after a cease‑fire took effect on Apr. 8, a mere **45 ships** have entered or exited the waterway. The disruption has left hundreds of tankers and other vessels stranded in the Gulf, slashing global oil and gas supplies by an estimated **20 %**—the largest fuel‑supply shock on record. Damage to Gulf energy infrastructure and the sharp reduction in shipments have pushed crude prices up by roughly **50 %**, with Asian importers bearing the brunt of the price spike. According to the same Kpler data, **22 ships** have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict started. The incidents are distributed as follows: eight in United Arab Emirates waters, six in Omani waters, two each in Iraqi and Qatari waters, and one each in Bahraini, Kuwaiti, Saudi and Iranian waters. These figures underscore the strategic vulnerability of the world’s most critical energy chokepoint and highlight how the combined effect of the U.S. naval blockade and Iran’s alternate routing has reshaped global shipping patterns and commodity markets.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has requested the extradition of former intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem from the United States. Ramagem was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida on Tuesday.Lula expressed optimism that Ramagem would be returned to Brazil, stating, "I believe Ramagem will come back to Brazil; he has to come back to serve his sentence."Ramagem fled Brazil in September after being sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in a coup plot in support of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro. The plot allegedly included plans to have Lula killed.Brazil has previously requested Ramagem's extradition, and Lula attributed his arrest to his conviction in Brazil. Ramagem also faces allegations of spying on Bolsonaro's political rivals during his tenure as head of Brazil's top intelligence agency, ABIN.Bolsonaro himself is currently serving a 27-year sentence in Brazil for his role in the coup plot. US President Donald Trump previously sanctioned members of the Brazilian judiciary involved in the case and imposed heavy tariffs on Brazil, but relations have since improved.The US and Brazil have recently announced a joint effort to crack down on drug and weapons shipments, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relationship.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a parliamentary majority for his centrist Liberal government, strengthening his hold on power and allowing him to advance his agenda without relying on opposition support.The Liberals now hold 174 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons of Canada after winning key by-elections in three ridings, or electoral districts, on Monday.In a statement following the victory, Carney signalled that affordability and the economy would remain his central priorities. He added that voters had “placed their trust” in his government.“We accept their support with humility, determination, and a clear understanding of what this moment demands for our country,” Carney said on Tuesday.He also announced that Canada will suspend the federal fuel excise tax on petrol and diesel from April 20 to September 7 to help consumers cope with rising prices. The move, Carney explained, is expected to cut petrol prices by about 10 cents Canadian (US$0.07) a litre and diesel costs by four cents (US$0.03).Analysts say the Liberal majority reflects voter concerns about the economy. A former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney is seen as more fiscally savvy than his predecessors.“He is focused on helping Canada survive the economic turmoil, not remaking society,” said Laura Stephenson, chair of the political science department at the University of Western Ontario. “When we’re in tough times like this, there are different calculations being made.”

Sergey Lavrov touched down in Beijing as Washington intensified its pressure on Iran by attempting to block the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries roughly one‑third of China’s oil imports. The Russian foreign minister was greeted with a red‑carpet reception, according to photos released by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both Beijing and Moscow condemned the United States and Israel over their involvement in the ongoing war on Iran, noting that the conflict has already strained China’s energy supplies. China, a major purchaser of Iranian crude, denounced a newly announced U.S. plan to prohibit vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal waters, calling the measure an unjustified interference with international trade. “The Strait of Hormuz is a vital international trade route for goods and energy, and its security and uninterrupted flow serve the common interest of the global community,” Chinese MFA spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday. According to Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher, the U.S. hopes that by choking Iran’s trade it can force China to pressure Tehran into returning to negotiations, given that Beijing imports about a third of its oil from Iran. Lavrov also held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the need to prevent any resurgence of hostilities in the Middle East and reiterating Russia’s “unwavering readiness” to assist in a diplomatic settlement. Araghchi relayed details of recent U.S.–Iran talks in Pakistan, which ended without a breakthrough, underscoring the limited diplomatic progress on the issue. The visit comes as China‑Russia relations have deepened since Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Earlier in the week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Lavrov, agreeing that the two capitals would cooperate to de‑escalate tensions in the region. Beijing’s diplomatic calendar this week also featured meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and an upcoming visit by Vietnamese President To Lam, highlighting China’s active role in global diplomacy despite its low‑profile stance on the Iran conflict. Analysts note that China’s restrained approach allows it to position itself as a “reliable, stable and predictable partner” for states seeking alternatives to U.S. influence, especially given its extensive trade ties with Tehran. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, slated to visit Beijing next month, warned he would impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese goods if China provides military assistance to Iran. The claim followed a CNN report citing U.S. intelligence that China might deliver new air‑defence systems to Tehran. Chinese officials dismissed the report as “completely fabricated” and warned of “resolute counter‑measures” should the United States use it as a pretext for additional tariffs.

Ghana has named Portuguese veteran Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the men’s national team, a move made less than two months before the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that Queiroz will assume immediate responsibility for the squad’s tournament preparations, working alongside key stakeholders to finalize the roster.“The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, working with all key stakeholders, has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars,” the GFA said in an official statement.At 73, Queiroz recently departed his role as Oman’s manager after the side failed to qualify for the World Cup, but his appointment marks his fifth consecutive World Cup appearance, this time guiding Ghana.Ghana found itself without a coach 72 days before the tournament after parting ways with Otto Addo following friendly defeats to Austria and Germany in March.Queiroz’s World Cup résumé includes leading Portugal to the round of 16 in 2010 and steering Iran through three editions, recording three wins in 13 matches.Born in Mozambique, the former goalkeeper has also managed Egypt, Japan, Colombia and South Africa, and previously helmed Portugal in the early 1990s.“This is not just another job – it is a mission,” Queiroz said. “I am ready to give everything of my experience and knowledge once again, in service of the game and the happiness of people.”He was chosen from more than 600 local and foreign applications because of his extensive World Cup experience.Ghana have been drawn into Group L alongside Croatia, England and Panama.The Black Stars will fine‑tune their tactics in warm‑up matches against Mexico on May 22 and Wales on June 2.

The Sea of Azov, once a cherished destination for Ukrainians, has become a casualty of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The 2022 invasion resulted in Russia seizing the entire sea, creating a 'land bridge' to safeguard its control of Crimea. For Ukrainians like Mariya Bubnova, the sea holds fond memories of sailing and family traditions.Bubnova, a displaced person and mother of two, recalls the warm and barely salty waters of the Azov, where she and her friends would rent sailboats. However, the Russian invasion destroyed her family's business, and they were forced to flee to the Netherlands. The loss of Azov has had a devastating impact on Ukraine's economy, with estimated losses of 10-12% of its GDP and $12.4 trillion in resources, including coal mines, metals, and rare earth minerals.While Russia has gained control of Azov, the victory is considered a Pyrrhic one, with destroyed industrial assets and infrastructure rendering the area largely unusable. The steel plants of Mariupol, once a major industrial hub, lie in ruins, and the seawater is polluted due to the destroyed sewage system and shelling. Furthermore, Russia's gains in terms of industrial assets are estimated to be 'almost zero', as Moscow can only utilize the industrial area of the city of Melitopol.The conflict has also led to a significant brain drain, with refugees from the area settling in other parts of Ukraine or in the West. Bubnova and her family have had to adapt to a new life in Slavutych, a former company town north of Kyiv. Despite the challenges, she and her husband have started a new company to produce canned soups, and her daughter has developed a new recipe for borscht.A possible development that could dramatically boost Azov's geopolitical status is the proposed canal between Azov and the Caspian Sea, which would give Caspian nations access to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. However, this project would rival the Suez Canal and bolster Russia's role in the region, potentially working against China, Türkiye, and Iran.

President Donald Trump asserted that a diplomatic path remains open for Tehran, even as the United States enforces a naval blockade of Iranian ports and Israel deepens its ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Iran’s leadership denounced the blockade as "piracy" and thousands gathered in Tehran to demonstrate against the restriction on maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Associated Press reported that diplomatic channels are still active; Pakistan has volunteered to host a second round of negotiations in Islamabad later this week. US blockade and protests: The enforcement of the maritime restrictions has provoked Iranian accusations of illegal action and sparked street protests in the capital. Tehran’s legal stance: Iran’s armed forces labeled the blockade unlawful, warning that targeting its ports could jeopardize broader Gulf shipping. IRGC warning: A Revolutionary Guard spokesperson hinted that Iran retains "unused capabilities" and may adopt new tactics if the confrontation escalates. Parliamentary support for the Pope: Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised Pope Leo XIV’s condemnation of the war, describing it as courageous. Russian nuclear staff pull‑out: Moscow has withdrawn most of its personnel from Iran’s sole nuclear power plant, a project built with Russian assistance. Qatar’s mediation call: Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged both Washington and Tehran to engage constructively in mediation. Pakistan’s ceasefire assessment: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the US‑Iran truce is holding, even as weekend talks failed to produce a breakthrough. Shipping disruption: A UN spokesperson warned that there is no military solution and noted that roughly 20,000 vessels are stranded, straining global supply chains, especially for fertiliser. UK push for Lebanese inclusion: London advocated adding Lebanon to the US‑Iran ceasefire framework, which currently omits Hezbollah‑related fighting. US‑Lebanon diplomatic talks: Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are slated to meet in Washington to discuss halting hostilities. Hezbollah’s rejection: Leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel the planned Washington meeting, reaffirming the group’s opposition to any direct dialogue with Israel. Russia’s uranium offer: The Kremlin reiterated its willingness to accept Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a broader US‑Iran settlement, echoing President Vladimir Putin’s statements. Trump on Iranian outreach: The former president claimed Iranian officials have expressed a strong desire to negotiate, though he did not identify the interlocutors. Trump’s stance on the Pope: He dismissed criticism of Pope Leo XIV as unwarranted, labeling the pontiff "weak" on key issues, including Iran. Threat to Iranian vessels: Trump warned that U.S. forces will neutralise any Iranian fast‑attack ships that approach the blockade zone. Domestic political pressure: Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are pushing for a new vote to limit the president’s war‑making powers, citing rising U.S. fuel prices. Protester arrests in New York: Approximately 90 demonstrators, including whistleblower Chelsea Manning and actor Hari Nef, were detained during a Manhattan traffic‑stop protest against the war and U.S. arms sales to Israel. Israel’s buffer‑zone push: Israeli forces continue ground and air operations in southern Lebanon, razing structures in border towns such as Naqoura to create a security buffer. Hezbollah retaliation: The group has intensified rocket and drone attacks on Israeli positions in locations like Bint Jbeil and Biyyada. Accusations of a "Greater Israel": Hezbollah chief Hassan Qassem accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing an expansionist agenda backed by the United States. Diplomatic tension with Italy: Israel summoned the Italian ambassador after Italy’s foreign minister condemned Israeli attacks on Beirut as "unacceptable". Casualties in Lebanon: Israeli operations have raised the death toll in southern Lebanon since March 2 to at least 2,089, including a recent drone strike that killed two civilians near Nabatieh. Public opinion in Lebanon: Lebanese citizens are divided, with some weary of the conflict and hopeful for diplomacy, while others distrust Israel’s intentions. Canadian casualty: Canada’s foreign minister confirmed that a Canadian national died in southern Lebanon, though details remain scarce. Energy implications: Reuters reported that a Chinese‑owned tanker, sanctioned by the United States, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade, underscoring the challenges of enforcement. Oil market outlook: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned that oil prices could keep climbing until "meaningful ship traffic" resumes through the strait.

Colombia's Environment Minister, Irene Velez, announced on Monday that the country will cull up to 80 hippos that have been roaming freely in a region near the Magdalena River basin. The decision comes after previous attempts to control the population, including sterilization and capturing the animals, proved too expensive or ineffective.The hippos were introduced to Colombia by infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, when he brought four to his private zoo. After Escobar's death, the hippo population swelled to an estimated 170, with the animals now spotted up to 60 miles from Escobar's former ranch, Hacienda Napoles.Authorities say the hippos pose a threat to villagers who encounter them and compete with native wildlife, such as manatees, for food. Despite local concerns, the hippos have become a tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to the Napoles ranch to spot the animals and buy hippo-themed souvenirs.Animal welfare activists have opposed the culling, citing concerns about the country's history of conflict and the potential for the cull to set a poor example. However, Velez emphasized that the action is necessary to preserve Colombia's ecosystems. The hippos cannot be returned to their natural habitat due to their limited gene pool, which could lead to the spread of diseases.

Brazilian media have reported that Alexandre Ramagem, the country's former intelligence chief, has been detained by US immigration authorities. Ramagem had fled to the United States after being convicted in connection with a coup plot on behalf of former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro.According to CNN Brazil, Ramagem was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday. The Brazilian outlet Globo reported that the arrest took place in Florida. The Brazilian government has sought extradition of Ramagem, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in efforts to keep Bolsonaro in power after he lost the country's 2022 election to leftist challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.Reports state that Ramagem fled Brazil in September, illegally crossing the border into Guyana before taking a plane to the US. The Brazilian embassy in Washington, DC filed documentation with the US Department of State seeking his extradition on December 30, 2025. Bolsonaro himself is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted in September.