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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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Trade Tensions Escalate: China and Canada Strike Back at U.S. Tariffs


In a dramatic escalation of global trade tensions, China and Canada have swiftly retaliated against the sweeping tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. recently enacted a 25% tariff on most imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10% increase on Chinese goods, doubling the existing duties to 20%.

China responded by imposing tariffs of up to 15% on key U.S. agricultural products, including chicken, wheat, and corn, while Canada announced immediate tariffs of 25% on $20.7 billion worth of American goods, with plans to expand these measures further. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the U.S. actions, calling them unjustified and a violation of trade agreements.

These retaliatory measures are expected to disrupt supply chains and increase costs for businesses and consumers, further straining the already fragile global economy. The trade war shows no signs of abating, with all sides digging in for what could be a prolonged economic standoff.

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