International
EU, UK Reject Trump’s Call for Military Action to Secure Strait of Hormuz
EU, UK Reject Trump’s Call for Military Action to Secure Strait of Hormuz
European and NATO allies have firmly rebuffed U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for military assistance to secure the Strait of Hormuz, even as the strategic waterway remains effectively blocked amid the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran and global oil prices surge above $100 per barrel. The standoff highlights deep divisions among Western allies over how to respond to the crisis and underscores the challenges of securing international cooperation in the face of intensified regional tensions.
In a series of statements by European defence and foreign ministers, leaders made clear that military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz is not an option for most EU states, pointing instead to diplomatic engagement, strategic clarity, and wider de‑escalation as necessary prerequisites before any coordinated action can be considered.
“What does … Trump expect a handful or two handfuls of European frigates to do in the Strait of Hormuz that the powerful U.S. Navy cannot do?” German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in Berlin. “This is not our war. We have not started it.”
Similarly, Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated that Greece would not participate in any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Italy would not extend its naval missions into the contentious waterway.
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Other European foreign ministers emphasised the need for more strategic clarity from Washington before any allied military support could be considered. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said US allies wanted to understand Trump’s overall “strategic goals” and his plan for the wider conflict, while Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said that a formal NATO request would be required for his country’s participation.
“If there is a request via NATO, we will, of course, out of respect and sympathy for our American allies consider it very carefully,” Sikorski said, indicating that any European involvement would likely need to follow collective defence protocols.
In contrast, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen urged EU member states to keep an open mind about helping ensure freedom of navigation through the strait, even if Europe does not endorse the US‑Israeli military campaign. “We must face the world as it is, not as we want it to be,” Rasmussen said, stressing that any engagement should prioritise de‑escalation.
The United Kingdom reiterated its commitment to working with allies to devise a collective strategy to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore freedom of navigation, but made clear it would not be drawn into a wider war. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was coordinating with partners on a plan aimed at securing maritime routes while avoiding expansion of the conflict.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters in Brussels that EU leaders would focus on what member states are willing and able to contribute to efforts aimed at reopening the strait. “Of course, the need to open the Strait of Hormuz is there right now,” she said, noting that the closure — which has propelled oil prices above $100 per barrel — was inadvertently benefiting Russia’s war on Ukraine by boosting Moscow’s energy revenues.
Energy Market Response and IEA Actions
Amid political stalemate and pressure on oil markets, the International Energy Agency said it stands ready to release additional strategic oil reserves if needed, describing the current situation as “the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.”
Last week, the IEA authorised a record release of 400 million barrels of oil to help cushion the immediate impact of the strait’s effective blockade. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that while recent decline in oil prices showed some relief, the release of reserves is not a lasting solution without assured access through the strait.
“The volume of oil supply offline is already higher than any previous disruption, including the oil crisis of 1973,” Birol said, while confirming that the agency still holds over 1.4 billion barrels in reserve, which could be deployed in future if necessary.
EU, UK Reject Trump’s Call for Military Action to Secure Strait of Hormuz
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International
Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme
Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme
In a landmark ruling, ten Nigerians have been convicted in the United States for their roles in a sprawling international fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of approximately $215 million from unsuspecting victims across the country and abroad. The convictions, handed down by federal courts in several jurisdictions, shed light on the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters in the digital age.
The scheme, which spanned several years, involved a multifaceted approach to deception, utilizing romance scams, business email compromise, and identity theft to exploit vulnerable individuals and businesses. Prosecutors revealed that the defendants, often working in coordinated teams, crafted elaborate stories and false identities to gain the trust of their victims, some of whom believed they were engaging in legitimate business dealings or developing romantic relationships.
According to court documents, the fraudsters utilized a range of technologies, including fake websites, cloned email addresses, and social media profiles, to perpetrate their crimes. Victims were lulled into a false sense of security before being induced to transfer large sums of money under various pretenses, including investment opportunities and fictitious emergencies.
The investigation, led by the FBI and other agencies, unveiled a complex web of financial transactions that traversed multiple countries. Authorities discovered that the stolen funds were often laundered through a network of shell companies, making it challenging to trace the money back to the criminals. In addition to the Nigerian nationals, several accomplices in other countries were implicated, leading to ongoing investigations and arrests.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a wealth of evidence, including testimonies from victims who described the devastating emotional and financial impact of the fraud. Some victims reported losing their life savings, while others faced severe emotional distress due to the betrayal and manipulation involved.
In their defense, some of the convicted individuals claimed ignorance of the broader scheme, arguing that they were merely following orders from a higher authority. However, the jury found them guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.
U.S. Attorney [Name] stated, “This ruling sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud in any form. These individuals took advantage of the trust of their victims for personal gain, and they will face the consequences of their actions.”
Sentencing for the ten defendants is expected to take place in the coming months, with potential penalties including substantial prison time and restitution payments to the victims. The case underscores the growing threat posed by international fraud rings, particularly in an increasingly digital world.
Experts in cybersecurity and fraud prevention warn that individuals should remain vigilant against unsolicited communications and always verify the authenticity of requests for funds or personal information. As law enforcement continues to crack down on such schemes, victims are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the authorities.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in the fight against cybercrime and the importance of educating the public about potential scams.
Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme
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International
Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over ‘Terminated’ Iran War Claim
Trump Administration Says Iran War ‘Terminated’ Ahead of Congressional Deadline
Washington, D.C. — The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the ongoing military conflict with Iran was effectively “terminated” before the expiration of a 60-day deadline requiring congressional authorization, setting up a contentious legal and political battle in Washington.
Senior administration officials argue that a ceasefire reached in early April brought an end to active hostilities, thereby rendering the requirements of the War Powers Resolution inapplicable. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the absence of recent exchanges of fire signifies that the United States is no longer engaged in active combat operations against Iran.
“The conflict, as defined under the War Powers framework, has ceased,” an official familiar with the administration’s position said. “There are no ongoing hostilities that would trigger the need for congressional authorization.”
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates that the president must seek approval from Congress within 60 days of committing U.S. forces to armed conflict, or otherwise withdraw those forces. That deadline, tied to the recent escalation with Iran, was expected to fall on May 1, 2026.
However, the administration maintains that the ceasefire effectively halted the legal clock, arguing that the absence of sustained combat operations means the United States is no longer in a state of war requiring legislative oversight.
The position has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including members of both major political parties. Critics contend that a ceasefire does not equate to a formal end of hostilities, particularly if U.S. forces remain deployed in the region or continue enforcement measures such as naval blockades.
“Calling it ‘terminated’ doesn’t make it so,” one congressional aide said. “If U.S. forces are still engaged in activities that could lead to conflict, then Congress has a constitutional role to play.”
Legal scholars have also weighed in, noting that the interpretation of what constitutes “hostilities” under the War Powers Resolution has long been a gray area. Some argue that even limited military actions or strategic posturing could fall within the scope of the law, thereby requiring congressional approval.
The debate underscores a broader and longstanding tension between the executive and legislative branches over war-making powers. While presidents have often sought to expand their authority in matters of national security, Congress has periodically pushed back to assert its constitutional prerogative to declare war.
For now, the administration’s stance appears aimed at avoiding an immediate vote in Congress that could either authorize continued operations or compel a withdrawal of U.S. forces. Whether lawmakers will challenge this interpretation through legislation or legal action remains to be seen.
The situation continues to evolve, with implications not only for U.S.-Iran relations but also for the balance of power within the American government.
Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over ‘Terminated’ Iran War Claim
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International
Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School
Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School
A violent stabbing incident at Henry Foss High School in Tacoma has left six people injured, including the suspected attacker, authorities have confirmed.
The attack, which occurred during school hours on Thursday, April 30, 2026, sent shockwaves through the school community and prompted an immediate lockdown of the campus as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
According to local law enforcement officials, the victims include four students and one adult security staff member. The sixth injured individual is the suspect, believed to be a student of the school. All victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. While some were initially reported to be in critical condition, authorities later indicated that all injured persons are now in stable condition.
Police say the suspect has been taken into custody and is expected to face multiple charges related to assault. Officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect due to legal considerations.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may have stemmed from an altercation between students, which escalated into violence. However, investigators have emphasized that the exact motive remains unclear, and a full inquiry is ongoing.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, school authorities activated emergency safety protocols, placing the campus on lockdown to secure students and staff. Parents were notified, and a controlled dismissal process was later implemented to ensure student safety.
Local education officials have announced that classes and extracurricular activities at the school will be temporarily suspended. Counseling services and psychological support are also being made available to students, staff, and families affected by the incident.
Community leaders and law enforcement agencies have condemned the attack, reiterating the importance of school safety and conflict resolution among students. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues.
The incident adds to growing concerns over safety in schools and highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent violence among young people.
Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School
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