**Summary:** U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the hostilities in violation of a fragile ceasefire.

**Key points:**
- U.S. Central Command stated its forces intercepted unprovoked attacks while three Navy destroyers transited the strait.
- Iran's Khatam Al Anbiya military command claimed the U.S. struck an Iranian oil tanker and other facilities, prompting retaliatory fire.
- The U.S. reported no damage to its assets, while Iranian media claimed their missiles caused significant damage to U.S. vessels.
- The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions and a U.S.-led push at the UN Security Council to end Iran's blockade of the waterway.

**Why it matters:** The escalation threatens to collapse a tenuous ceasefire and further disrupt global energy markets, as approximately 1,500 ships remain trapped by the ongoing blockade.

Trend.Az - Iran reports missile strike on U.S. forces in Strait of Hormuz

CNBC - U.S. and Iran trade fire in Strait of Hormuz; each claims other shot first

The Journal - Iran accuses US of attacking vessels in Strait of Hormuz in breach of ceasefire

Jornal de Negócios - Forças iranianas e EUA reacendem hostilidades no estreito de Ormuz

U.S. and Iran Trade Fire in Strait of Hormuz

**Summary:** France has officially condemned a Polisario Front attack on the city of Smara that occurred on May 5, 2026, resulting in the injury of a civilian. The French mission to the UN warned that such hostilities threaten regional stability.

**Key points:**
- The French UN mission stated the attack jeopardizes the negotiation process established by UN Security Council Resolution 2797.
- France reaffirmed its support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the primary basis for a political settlement.
- The French mission called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident in coordination with Moroccan authorities.
- The attack follows similar condemnations from the United States regarding the security situation in the region.

**Why it matters:** The condemnation by a major international power highlights the escalating security tensions in the Western Sahara and the potential impact on UN-led diplomatic negotiations.

yabiladi.com - Après les Etats-Unis, la France condamne les attaques du Polisario sur Smara

hespress.com - فرنسا تدين هجوم البوليساريو على السمارة.. أعمال عدائية تهدد المفاوضات

France Condemns Polisario Front Attack on Smara

**Summary:** United States President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to the European Union, demanding the implementation of a previously agreed-upon trade deal by July 4 or face significantly higher tariffs.

**Key points:**
- The deadline coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence.
- The 2025 Turnberry agreement included a 15% tariff cap on most EU imports to the U.S. in exchange for the EU eliminating tariffs on U.S. industrial goods.
- Recent negotiations between the European Parliament and EU member states regarding the deal's implementation have concluded without a final agreement.
- President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the trade issue and their shared opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons during a recent phone call.

**Why it matters:** The threat of increased tariffs risks escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and the EU, potentially impacting major industries like automotive manufacturing.

DIE ZEIT - Zollstreit mit den USA: Trump setzt EU neue Frist zur Umsetzung der Handelsvereinbarung

DIE ZEIT - US-Zölle: Trump setzt Frist für Umsetzung von Zolldeal und droht EU

la Repubblica - Dazi, ultimatum di Trump all’Europa: “Rispettate l’accordo entro il 4 luglio o schizzeranno”

Jornal de Negócios - Trump dá à UE prazo até 4 de julho para cortar tarifas para zero

La Libre - Donald Trump laisse jusqu'au 4 juillet à l'Union européenne pour appliquer l'accord

Trump sets July 4 deadline for EU to implement trade deal

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met at the White House for a three-hour bilateral discussion covering trade, tariffs, and cooperation on critical minerals and transnational crime.

**Key points:**
- The meeting marked a significant step in the gradual diplomatic rapprochement between the two leaders following previous tensions.
- Discussions included the status of US tariffs on Brazilian goods and the potential for intelligence sharing.
- The two leaders were joined by key government officials, including Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira and Minister of Finance Dario Durigan.
- Future meetings between representatives from both nations are planned to address specific key points discussed during the session.

**Why it matters:** The meeting signals a shift in US-Brazil relations, moving toward cooperation on strategic economic and security issues like critical minerals and crime, despite recent trade disputes.

larazon.bo - Trump se muestra satisfecho de reunión con el ‘muy dinámico’ Lula

em.com.br - Lula e Trump : veja as fotos do encontro na Casa Branca

em.com.br - Trump diz que reunião com Lula foi muito boa : Ele é muito dinâmico

eldestapeweb.com - Encuestro bileteral entre TRUMP Y LULA

US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Hold Bilateral Meeting

**Summary:** The Mexican government has unveiled a 140 billion peso national plan to expand and modernize its natural gas pipeline network by 2030, aiming to bolster energy sovereignty and support industrial growth.

**Key points:**
- The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) will invest 53 billion pesos to build nine new pipelines to supply 13 combined-cycle power plants.
- The National Center for Natural Gas Control (CENAGAS) will allocate 87 billion pesos for three new pipelines and the rehabilitation of over 21,000 kilometers of existing network.
- Key projects include the Coatzacoalcos II pipeline in Veracruz and the Naco-Hermosillo line in Sonora.
- The initiative is designed to provide reliable energy to the government's new 'Polos del Bienestar' development hubs.

**Why it matters:** This infrastructure expansion is a cornerstone of the administration's energy strategy to reduce dependence on foreign fuel and provide the necessary capacity for Mexico's industrial development.

tiempo.com.mx - Fuera Chihuahua en programa de ampliación a gasoductos en México

elfinanciero.com.mx - México presenta plan nacional para gasoductos; el objetivo es la soberanía energética: Sheinbaum

Mexico Announces 140 Billion Peso Investment Plan for Natural Gas Infrastructure

**Summary:** A Chinese military court has sentenced former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu to death with a two-year reprieve following convictions for corruption.

**Key points:**
- The court found Wei Fenghe guilty of accepting bribes, while Li Shangfu was convicted of both accepting and offering bribes.
- Both individuals were stripped of their political rights for life and had their personal assets confiscated.
- The death sentences with a two-year reprieve typically commute to life imprisonment if the convicts commit no further crimes during the suspension period.
- The proceedings are part of President Xi Jinping's long-standing anti-corruption campaign targeting the Chinese military.

**Why it matters:** The sentencing of two former high-ranking defense officials marks a significant escalation in the Chinese government's efforts to purge corruption from its military leadership.

day.az - В Китае экс-министров приговорили к смерти

jordanzad.com - الصين تحكم بإعدام وزيرَي دفاع سابقين بقضايا فساد

China Sentences Former Defense Ministers to Death for Corruption

**Summary:** The cruise ship MV Hondius is traveling to the Canary Islands for safe disembarkation following a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths and at least eight total cases among passengers and crew.

**Key points:**
- The outbreak is linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can occasionally spread between humans.
- Spanish health authorities have authorized the vessel to dock in Tenerife, despite opposition from the regional president of the Canary Islands.
- Three individuals have been medically evacuated from the ship, with two receiving treatment in the Netherlands.
- Health officials are conducting contact tracing for passengers who disembarked earlier in the voyage.

**Why it matters:** The incident highlights the public health challenges of managing infectious disease outbreaks on international maritime vessels and the complexities of cross-border medical coordination.

jordanzad.com - فيروس هانتا: السفينة التي تشهد تفشياً تتجه إلى جزر الكناري

abc7.com - Hantavirus cruise ship heads for Spain's Canary Islands as officials race to trace victims' contacts

elcomercio.pe - “No se lo tomaron lo suficientemente en serio”, dice conocido videobloguero Ruhi Cenet, pasajero del barco con hantavirus

diariodeavila.es - Hospitalizada en Ámsterdam una azafata por posible hantavirus

dominicanoshoy.com - OMS busca el paciente cero por hantavirus : investiga si el matrimonio que murió fue el origen del brote en el crucero

Cruise Ship MV Hondius Heads to Canary Islands Amid Hantavirus Outbreak

**Summary:** Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has stated he would accept a third term if requested by the people, while linking the 2028 election timeline to the security situation in the country's eastern region.

**Key points:**
- Félix Tshisekedi made the remarks during a conference in Kinshasa attended by government officials and his communication team.
- The opposition and the New Congolese Civil Society have expressed concern that these comments and potential constitutional revisions could heighten political tensions.
- The president's administration is currently facing scrutiny over a legislative proposal regarding a referendum that could facilitate a constitutional change.
- Civil society leaders are urging a peaceful, democratic debate to prevent further social and political instability.

**Why it matters:** The potential for a third term and constitutional reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has sparked significant political debate and fears of increased instability in a nation already struggling with regional conflict.

jeuneafrique.com - Félix Tshisekedi : « Si le peuple veut que j’aie un troisième mandat, j’accepterai »

radiookapi.net - La société civile redoute que les déclarations de Tshisekedi sur un possible troisième mandat aggravent les tensions politiques

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi Open to Third Term Amid Security Concerns