At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. Authorities declared a nationwide State of Emergency as rescue operations intensified and multiple countries offered humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered India's assistance to Venezuela after twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction. The USGS has warned the eventual death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000 as rescue operations continue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he informed US President Donald Trump about Israel's planned operation against Iran without seeking approval, while defending military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon and elsewhere.
US President Donald Trump claimed Iran is agreeing to American demands in ongoing negotiations, rejected any future shipping charges in the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated that military action remains an option if diplomacy fails.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck within minutes, causing building collapses and confirmed fatalities. Rescue operations are underway as the USGS warns the eventual death toll could reach between 10,000 and 100,000.
According to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), IRGC gunboats fired upon two vessels attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran signals a reversal on Hormuz access, linking stricter control to US actions, raising concerns over maritime movement and energy supply routes in a volatile region.
Multiple power centres engage in parallel diplomacy as conflict-hit West Asia sees fragile ceasefire, renewed talks, sanctions pressure and strong public mobilisation across the region.
The US Treasury Department said the new licence permits transactions involving Russian crude and petroleum products that were loaded onto vessels on or before April 17. The authorisation will remain in effect until May 16, replacing an earlier 30-day waiver that expired on April 11.
Iran is considering a new framework for ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz, linking access to security coordination as regional tensions reshape global maritime routes.
