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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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Hamas Dismisses Trump's Ultimatum, Demands Lasting Ceasefire for Hostage Release

In a recent development, Hamas has dismissed President Donald Trump's ultimatum to release the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The militant group has reiterated its stance that the hostages will only be freed in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Trump's threat came after the White House confirmed unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, marking the first such engagement since the group was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US in 1997. In a social media post, Trump warned Hamas to release all hostages and return the bodies of the deceased, or face severe consequences.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to back out of the ceasefire agreement reached in January. The agreement called for negotiations over a second phase, which would involve the release of hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The fragile ceasefire, which has facilitated hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid deliveries, is now at risk of collapse. The failure to secure a lasting agreement could reignite violence and escalate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As the situation remains tense, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace and stability to the region.


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