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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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French Government to Resign: A Caretaker Transition Amid Political Turmoil

 

French President Emmanuel Macron is poised to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government by the end of the day. This move comes after an inconclusive snap election, but the current administration will remain in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is appointed. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Caretaker Government: Attal’s government will continue to handle emergency situations and manage current affairs in the euro zone’s second-largest economy. However, they won’t be able to propose new legislation or make significant changes. Notably, this caretaker government will oversee the smooth running of the upcoming Olympics, scheduled to begin on July 26.

  2. Left-Wing Struggles: Left-wing parties are embroiled in a bitter dispute over who should be the next prime minister. The New Popular Front (NFP), an alliance of socialists, Greens, and communists, unexpectedly topped the vote in the recent snap election. However, tensions persist over forming a left-wing government.

  3. Mainstream Alliance: President Macron has called for mainstream parties to forge an alliance, potentially including elements of the NFP but excluding France Unbowed. The urgency to find a solution is high, as Communist party leader Fabien Roussel warns of a potential “shipwreck” if consensus isn’t reached.

In summary, France faces a delicate political landscape as it navigates this caretaker transition. The fate of the next government remains uncertain, and all eyes are on the negotiations between competing factions. Stay tuned for further developments.


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