Global tensions escalate in Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran military exchanges threaten ceasefire, while diplomatic realignments reshape international alliances amid Trump administration trade actions

US warships shot down Iranian missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz as Trump plans to guide merchant vessels through the waterway, with Iran threatening retaliation and warning against foreign forces approaching the strategic chokepoint.

A fire broke out at UAE's Fujairah oil zone following a drone attack linked to Iran, while authorities intercepted three Iranian missiles, escalating tensions in the Gulf region amid fragile US-Iran ceasefire efforts.

Canada became the first non-European nation to attend the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, with PM Mark Carney seeking to strengthen ties with European allies amid concerns about Trump's trade policies and tariff threats.

Trump tore up part of his EU tariff deal, raising vehicle import duties to 25% and accusing the bloc of non-compliance, signaling intensified trade tensions between the US and Europe.

Israel faced accusations of failing to arrest a wave of violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank while international attention focused on the Iran conflict, with military officials urging government intervention.

Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine for May 8-9 during WWII Victory Day commemorations while threatening massive missile strikes on Kyiv, as Ukraine reported competing ceasefire declarations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit Rome following Trump's dispute with Pope Leo XIV and subsequent clash with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, in an attempt to restore Vatican and bilateral relations.

Modi's BJP won control of West Bengal state for the first time and made gains nationwide in Indian elections, with defeated opponents accusing the party of electoral irregularities.

The Kremlin continues luring African men into Russia's Ukraine war through false job promises, with many forced into combat unwittingly, representing a growing recruitment challenge for Moscow.

US facial recognition systems continue misidentifying shoppers who struggle to clear their names after being falsely shamed and ejected from stores, raising concerns about AI accountability and due process protections.