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Political adversaries in Venezuela are exploring unprecedented collaboration to protect the nation’s assets located within the United States, following Washington’s formal acknowledgment of interim President Delcy Rodriguez and the resulting confusion over legal representation in American courts.

Legal representatives for both Rodriguez’s administration and opposition forces submitted a joint request Monday to Manhattan-based U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, asking for a 45-day suspension of proceedings where creditors are attempting to claim funds connected to the state-owned oil enterprise Petroleos de Venezuela. The pause would allow time to establish proper legal representation for Venezuela’s interests.

This request indicates possible collaboration between previously hostile political factions in defending American assets, including the Houston-based oil refinery Citgo Petroleum, from various creditors. These creditors include bondholders of PDVSA and Venezuelan government debt, businesses that lost Venezuelan properties through expropriation, and individuals claiming damages from alleged terrorist activities.

Venezuela’s information ministry, responsible for handling government media inquiries, has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

The relationship between Venezuela’s opposition and the country’s socialist administration has historically been marked by bitter conflict. Opposition forces have maintained control over American assets like Citgo since 2019, when Washington first implemented sanctions against PDVSA as part of efforts to pressure former President Nicolas Maduro, who is now imprisoned, to step down from power.

Following Maduro’s capture by American forces, Washington officially recognized Rodriguez as Venezuela’s legitimate leader in March. According to a Reuters report from April 1, citing four sources familiar with the transition, Rodriguez is now making preparations to assume control of PDVSA’s American subsidiary boards, including Citgo.

The American government’s recognition of Rodriguez’s administration led Judge Netburn to request clarification from all parties regarding who possessed the authority to speak for Venezuela in legal proceedings.

Judge Netburn approved the suspension request on Monday. Legal counsel for both the government and opposition are required to provide an update on selecting permanent legal representation for Venezuela’s interests by May 21.

A Ukrainian defense company responsible for creating the nation’s Flamingo cruise missile is collaborating with European firms to develop an affordable air defense system, according to a senior company official speaking with Reuters.

Fire Point’s co-founder and chief designer Denys Shtilierman revealed that his company is working to create a budget-friendly alternative to the increasingly scarce Patriot missile defense system, with plans to launch by next year.

As global conflicts in Ukraine and Iran create widespread security concerns, Shtilierman explained that Fire Point wants to reduce the expense of stopping a ballistic missile to under $1 million.

The executive also disclosed that Fire Point is waiting for government clearance on a potential investment from a Middle Eastern business group. This deal would value the company at $2.5 billion and could lead to new ventures, including satellite launches in low Earth orbit.

Ukraine’s battlefield experience fighting Russian military forces has positioned the country as a pioneer in affordable defense technology. Following recent conflicts in the Gulf region, Kiev has used this expertise to establish security partnerships with governments throughout the area.

Numerous Ukrainian defense companies are now looking to export their additional production capacity and capitalize on increased global military spending. Although the government has recently relaxed wartime export limitations, each potential agreement still faces thorough review and requires state authorization.

Ukraine and many Western allies depend heavily on the American-manufactured Patriot system for ballistic missile defense. However, Patriot missiles are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain due to extensive use in Gulf operations against Iranian attacks. Europe’s sole anti-ballistic system, the Italian-French SAMP/T, has limited production numbers.

According to Shtilierman, the Patriot system – built by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin – typically needs two or three defense missiles to destroy a ballistic projectile, with each missile costing several million dollars.

“If we can decrease it to less than $1 million, it will be … a game changer in air defence solutions,” he stated during the interview. “We plan to intercept the first ballistic missile at the end of 2027.”

While Shtilierman refused to identify the European companies participating in development discussions, he said Fire Point is “deeply interested” in partnerships involving radar, missile guidance, and communication systems – technologies where the company needs additional expertise.

He mentioned that European firms such as Weibel, Hensoldt, SAAB and Thales offer strong radar capabilities.

Established following Moscow’s 2022 invasion, Fire Point has become Ukraine’s largest producer of long-range drones used in most attacks deep within Russian territory.

Recently, the company’s FP5 long-range cruise missile – widely called the Flamingo – has struck Russian military installations and weapons factories, including a ballistic missile facility located nearly 1,400 kilometers inside Russian borders.

Shtilierman reported that Fire Point is completing development of two supersonic ballistic missiles. The smaller FP-7 missile, with approximately 300-kilometer range, will see its first military use “in the close future,” he said, comparing it to Lockheed Martin’s ATACMS short-range ballistic system.

The larger FP-9, designed to deliver an 800-kilogram warhead up to 850 kilometers, is entering testing phases and would put Moscow within Ukraine’s ballistic weapon range, he added.

Shtilierman suggested that attacks on Moscow, protected by some of the world’s strongest air defenses, would create a “mass shift in the Russian mind and the mind of top guys in Russia.”

Russia’s defense ministry did not provide comment when contacted.

Fabian Hoffmann, a missile specialist and senior researcher at the Norwegian Defence University College, noted that while Russia has successfully intercepted ATACMS missiles, increased ballistic missile usage could strain Russian air defenses already weakened by Ukrainian attacks.

Although Fire Point’s 2027 timeline for launching a low-cost air defense system appears “ambitious,” Hoffmann said strong government demand would exist beyond Ukraine’s military requirements, even if the system’s effectiveness per missile was lower than the Patriot’s.

Ukraine’s anti-monopoly agency has until approximately October to approve the proposed $760-million purchase of a 30% Fire Point stake by the Middle Eastern investor, Shtilierman explained.

Ukrainian news outlets have named the potential buyer as Emirati defense company Edge Group. Neither Edge Group nor Ukraine’s anti-monopoly authorities responded to requests for comment.

This investment would initiate a project to construct a space launch facility in the UAE, ultimately aiming to establish a network of low-orbit European satellites. Shtilierman noted that the country’s proximity to the Indian Ocean and geographic conditions favor space launches.

“We built a carbon winding machine, which allows us to wind a big solid rocket booster for satellite delivery,” he explained, adding that while the project remains conceptual, agreements exist “with a couple of Western companies.”

Whether or not the UAE agreement moves forward, Shtilierman said Fire Point would avoid additional investors until demonstrating success with its missile defense system, which will utilize the company’s FP7 missile.

Fire Point has received inquiries from Gulf nations regarding purchases of existing drone products and awaits Ukrainian government approval to begin exports. Shtilierman stated the company can export up to 2,500 long-range drones monthly.

However, exporting the Flamingo missile faces greater challenges due to regulatory obstacles, he noted.

Fire Point reports producing hundreds of long-range strike drones daily, each costing approximately 50,000 euros ($57,775), plus three Flamingo missiles at roughly 600,000 euros each. He acknowledged certain “bottleneck” problems with Flamingo production, particularly engine manufacturing.

Fire Point will boost Flamingo production when a new internal engine begins mass production in October and a rocket fuel facility in Denmark becomes operational later this year, he said. The Danish plant awaits two final government approvals.

President Donald Trump delivered a stark warning to Iran on Monday, stating the nation could face complete military devastation within a single evening if officials fail to agree to ceasefire terms by Tuesday night.

Speaking during a White House press briefing, Trump issued the ultimatum: “The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.”

The president had previously established Tuesday evening as the final deadline for Iran to accept a ceasefire agreement or face extensive attacks targeting power facilities and other vital infrastructure.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced during the same briefing that Monday would see the most intensive military strikes since operations against Iran began, with Tuesday expected to bring even greater force.

Trump also provided extensive details about a weekend rescue operation that successfully retrieved a downed American pilot from Iranian soil. The president explained how the unidentified airman sought refuge in mountainous terrain, continuously moving to higher elevations to improve his chances of being found.

“It was like finding a needle in a haystack,” Trump remarked about the search efforts.

The recovery mission involved hundreds of American military personnel working to locate the pilot before Iranian forces could capture him, according to Trump.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe, present at the briefing, revealed that the agency conducted a “deception campaign” designed to mislead Iranian officials about the airman’s actual location.

Ratcliffe reported that Saturday morning brought confirmation that “one of America’s best and bravest was alive and concealed in a mountain crevice, still invisible to the enemy, but not to the CIA.”

The pilot, who was shot down Friday, was successfully extracted Sunday morning.

Trump described the rescue operation in dramatic terms: “In a breathtaking show of skill and precision, lethality and force, America’s military descended on the area, the real area, engaged the enemy, rescued the stranded officer, destroyed all threats and exited Iranian territory while taking no casualties of any kind.”

Hegseth noted that the rescued airman activated an emergency beacon to signal his position, and his initial communication upon rescue was: “God is good.”

ZURICH – The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross called on world leaders Monday to follow international warfare standards both in their statements and military actions, following escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric issued a statement emphasizing that “States must respect and ensure respect for the rules of war in both what they say and what they do.” She added, “The world cannot succumb to a political culture that prioritises death over life.”

Spoljaric warned that intentional targeting of crucial civilian infrastructure and nuclear sites through threats or military strikes should not become standard practice in modern conflicts.

While the Red Cross statement addressed ongoing Middle Eastern hostilities, it did not specifically identify any particular nations involved.

Critical civilian facilities including electrical grids, water treatment plants, medical centers, transportation networks, residential areas, and educational institutions have been targeted in fighting that started with joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran in late February, prompting Iranian retaliation throughout the region.

President Trump has issued an ultimatum demanding Iran reach an agreement by Tuesday’s end to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy transport corridor, or face strikes on Iranian power facilities and transportation infrastructure.

Israeli forces targeted Iran’s biggest petrochemical facility on Monday, according to Israel’s defense minister.

LONDON – British officials are facing mounting calls to prevent rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, from entering the United Kingdom after organizers announced him as the featured performer for July’s Wireless Festival.

The 48-year-old artist has faced widespread condemnation for making antisemitic statements and expressing support for Nazi ideology, resulting in multiple social media platform suspensions including on X.

The festival booking announcement triggered immediate backlash, with several major corporations withdrawing their financial backing from the event. The opposition Conservative Party has formally requested that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood use her authority to block his entry into Britain.

A Home Office representative confirmed to Reuters that officials are currently examining his authorization to visit the country. While the department typically avoids commenting on specific cases, Mahmood possesses the legal power to personally deny Ye entry to the UK. Earlier this year in January, officials revoked travel permissions for Dutch far-right activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek for distributing misleading information.

Neither festival representatives nor Ye’s management team provided immediate responses when contacted for comment.

The Jewish Leadership Council issued a statement last week criticizing organizers for selecting Ye amid increasing incidents targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed strong disapproval of the booking decision, calling it “deeply concerning.”

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears,” Starmer stated in remarks initially published by the Sun on Sunday.

“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure.”

A representative for London Mayor Sadiq Khan indicated the rapper’s statements contradict the city’s principles, while emphasizing that festival organizers made the booking choice independently.

Australia previously canceled the performer’s visa in July following his release of “Heil Hitler,” a track that promoted Nazi ideology. This action occurred months after Ye advertised merchandise featuring swastika symbols on his website.

In January, Ye purchased a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal to express remorse for his antisemitic statements, citing an undiagnosed brain injury and untreated bipolar disorder as contributing factors. He also apologized for previously expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler and using Nazi symbolism.

The artist has not appeared in Britain since his headline performance at Glastonbury in 2015.

Major beverage companies Diageo and Pepsi, a longtime festival supporter, announced they were ending their partnerships with the Wireless event due to Ye’s involvement. PepsiCo also confirmed that its Rockstar Energy division had terminated its sponsorship agreement.

PayPal informed Reuters on Monday that its corporate branding would be removed from all future Wireless festival marketing materials.

In an unusual diplomatic development, North Korea has praised South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for apologizing over unauthorized drone flights that crossed into North Korean territory.

During a cabinet meeting on Monday, President Lee expressed remorse for at least two separate drone incidents that he said were conducted by civilians acting against government policy. He characterized these actions as an “act of revolt” against South Korea itself.

North Korea had previously claimed that drones from the South had breached its airspace and accused Seoul of serious provocation, stating they had shot down the aircraft.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, responded positively to Lee’s statements through the KCNA state news agency. “Our government appreciated it as a very fortunate and wise behaviour for its own sake,” she said, referring to the South Korean president’s comments.

She added that her brother viewed Lee’s apology as “a manifestation of a frank and broad-minded man’s attitude.” Kim Yo Jong frequently speaks on foreign policy issues and is believed to represent her brother’s positions.

This diplomatic tone represents a dramatic shift from North Korea’s recent harsh rhetoric, where it has labeled South Korea its “most hostile enemy” and declared that unification was no longer possible.

The Korean Peninsula remains divided, with both nations technically still at war following their 1950-53 conflict that concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

Lee revealed that an internal investigation discovered that a National Intelligence Service worker and an active military member were connected to the drone incidents, which he said violated South Korea’s constitution prohibiting provocative acts against North Korea.

“Although it was not our government’s intention, we express our regret to the North over the fact that unnecessary military tensions were caused by the irresponsible and reckless actions of some individuals,” Lee stated during the cabinet session.

Since assuming office in June, President Lee has attempted multiple diplomatic initiatives with North Korea to repair relations that had deteriorated to historic lows, emphasizing that peaceful coexistence would benefit both nations economically.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Israeli forces have launched their second assault on Iran’s South Pars natural gas facility and its connected petrochemical operations — a crucial energy infrastructure that powers Iranian homes while generating significant export revenue.

On Monday, Israel’s defense minister confirmed that Israeli forces struck a major petrochemical facility at Asaluyeh, the land-based industrial component of the gas field located beneath the Persian Gulf waters.

Defense Minister Katz described the “powerful strike” as targeting what he termed “the largest petrochemical facility in Iran … responsible for about 50% of the country’s petrochemical production.”

Such strikes against South Pars carry significant consequences, as demonstrated when Israel’s previous March 18 assault led Iran to retaliate against energy infrastructure throughout other Middle Eastern nations, escalating regional tensions and creating widespread concern.

Following the March incident, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel would refrain from future South Pars attacks, though he warned via social media that continued Iranian strikes on Qatar’s energy infrastructure would prompt American retaliation to “massively blow up the entirety” of the facility.

The South Pars natural gas field represents Iran’s primary domestic energy source in a nation that frequently faces electricity generation challenges. This underwater gas field — the world’s largest — spans both Iranian and Qatari territories, known as South Pars on Iran’s side and the North Field on Qatar’s side.

Natural gas plays a vital role in Iranian society, powering electricity generation and home heating systems. Iran ranks as the world’s fourth-largest natural gas consumer, trailing only the United States, China, and Russia, according to Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, despite having a significantly smaller economy. Unlike other Middle Eastern nations, Iran depends heavily on gas heating due to its colder climate, with much of this usage receiving government subsidies that discourage conservation efforts.

Beyond domestic energy needs, the petrochemical facility generates crucial export income. The extracted gas produces essential chemical components including ethylene, propylene, methanol, ammonia, and urea, which manufacturers use to create plastic pipes, packaging materials, textiles, household items, and fertilizers. Major importing nations include Turkey, China, India, and various Southeast Asian countries, according to Iranian mining and petrochemical export company Irminex. Iran’s petrochemical sector maintains competitive advantages through reduced raw material costs thanks to direct South Pars gas access.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims these revenues support Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. “Today we destroyed the largest petrochemical plant in Iran,” Netanyahu stated. “In other words, we are systematically destroying the money machine of the Revolutionary Guards.”

Despite possessing substantial energy reserves on paper, Iran has experienced power shortages due to gas supply disruptions. Last July, public facilities were forced to close during a heat wave that overwhelmed the electrical grid.

Therefore, South Pars attacks potentially threaten both civilian welfare and export earnings simultaneously.

Qatar, with its 3 million residents, has invested billions developing the field for liquefied natural gas production, previously exporting from its Ras Laffan facility before wartime shutdowns. This profitable operation made Qatar responsible for approximately one-fifth of global LNG supplies before conflict forced Ras Laffan’s closure.

Iran’s situation differs dramatically with its 93 million population. International sanctions and insufficient investment have prevented LNG export terminal development. Instead, Iran channels its gas through domestic pipeline networks for cooking, home heating, electricity generation, and industrial raw materials. Iran exports relatively modest amounts — roughly 9 billion cubic meters — compared to Qatar’s previous 120 billion cubic meters.

Consequently, South Pars petrochemical operations provide Iran with alternative methods to monetize its vast gas reserves.

Iran previously planned three Persian Gulf coastline LNG export projects, including partnerships with Total Energies and Shell. However, nuclear program sanctions have blocked these initiatives by preventing necessary technology imports and investment. A third Asaluyeh site reportedly nears completion after nearly two decades of construction.

President Donald Trump declared Monday that his established Tuesday deadline for Iran to reach an agreement will not be extended, despite describing Tehran’s recent peace offer as meaningful but insufficient.

The president has threatened extensive strikes against Iranian infrastructure should his Tuesday evening ultimatum pass without resolution. Iranian officials have dismissed Trump’s imposed timeframe.

Speaking to media during a White House Easter egg celebration on the South Lawn, Trump commented on Iran’s diplomatic efforts. “They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step. It’s not good enough,” the president stated.

Trump expressed optimism about a swift resolution, telling reporters: “It could end very quickly, the war, if they do what they have to do. They have to do certain things. They know that, they’ve been negotiating I think in good faith.”

Administration officials have been conducting indirect discussions with Iran through Pakistani intermediaries, seeking an agreement where Iran would abandon nuclear weapons development and reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel. Iranian negotiators have indicated they seek a permanent conflict resolution rather than a temporary halt to hostilities.

The president characterized Iran’s current negotiating team as less extreme than previous representatives who were eliminated in military strikes. “We think they’re actually smarter,” Trump observed, noting they appear “not as radicalized” compared to their predecessors.

Regarding Iran’s petroleum resources, Trump suggested he would prefer American control of Iranian oil reserves, though he acknowledged such action would likely lack public support domestically.

CAIRO, April 6 – Iran has delivered its official response to a United States peace proposal through Pakistani diplomatic channels, declining temporary ceasefire measures and instead demanding a complete resolution to the ongoing conflict, according to the state-run IRNA news agency on Monday.

The Iranian government’s counter-proposal includes ten specific conditions that address broader regional stability concerns. These conditions encompass ending all regional hostilities, establishing secure navigation protocols for the Strait of Hormuz, removing economic sanctions, and implementing reconstruction efforts, according to the news agency.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Officials in Afghanistan report that devastating weather conditions have now claimed at least 110 lives, with seven individuals still unaccounted for as forecasters predict more severe rainfall ahead.

The violent storms and torrential rains started approximately two weeks ago, impacting nearly all of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. According to the Disaster Management Authority, the most recent 24-hour period saw 11 additional fatalities and six new injuries. The seven missing persons are believed to have been swept away by rushing floodwaters in various locations.

During the two-week period, the combination of floods, mudslides, and lightning has resulted in 110 fatalities and left 160 people wounded, officials reported. The destruction includes 958 homes completely leveled and an additional 4,155 structures suffering significant damage.

On Monday, the Defense Ministry reported deploying helicopter rescue operations to extract two individuals who had become trapped by floodwaters in Herat province in the western region.

The disaster has wiped out more than 325 kilometers (200 miles) of roadways, while also damaging commercial properties, farmland, water channels, and drinking water sources, impacting 6,122 families according to authorities. Officials noted these numbers remain preliminary.

Weather officials have issued alerts for Tuesday covering nearly the entire nation, urging citizens to avoid rivers and flood-prone areas.

Afghanistan experienced similar deadly weather earlier this year when heavy snowfall and sudden floods killed dozens nationwide.

Transportation has been severely disrupted with two major highways remaining closed for multiple days due to landslides and flooding. Travelers are being forced to use lengthy alternate routes. The critical Kabul to Jalalabad highway, which connects the capital to Pakistan’s border and eastern Afghan provinces, has been impassable since Thursday. Additionally, the route from Jalalabad northeast to Kunar and Nuristan provinces has been blocked by rockslides since Sunday.

Afghanistan regularly experiences deadly flash flooding triggered by snow and heavy rainfall, often killing dozens or hundreds at once. Spring flooding in 2024 resulted in more than 300 deaths.

BASRA, Iraq – The leader of Iraq’s state-operated Basra Oil Company announced that the nation could revive crude oil shipments to approximately 3.4 million barrels daily within seven days, contingent on the conclusion of hostilities with Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a Reuters analysis, Iraq has experienced the most severe decline in petroleum revenues among Persian Gulf oil-producing nations due to the waterway’s effective shutdown, primarily because the country has limited alternative shipping pathways.

However, Iraq, which ranks as OPEC’s second-largest oil producer, has the capability to rapidly resume production levels that existed before U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran in late February resulted in the strategic waterway’s closure. The Strait normally handles approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

IRAN’S ASSURANCES REMAIN UNOFFICIAL

Bassem Abdul Karim revealed that Iran has only offered oral commitments that would grant Iraqi oil tankers clearance to navigate through the Strait.

“We have not received any formal documents regarding permission for Iraqi tankers to pass,” he said in an interview with Reuters.

Abdul Karim explained that current output from Iraq’s southern petroleum fields stands at roughly 900,000 barrels daily, though he emphasized that ending the conflict and securing safe transit through the Strait could push exports to 3.4 million barrels per day within one week.

President Donald Trump has issued ultimatums to Tehran, warning of unleashing “hell” unless an agreement is reached by Tuesday’s end to restore traffic flow through the Strait of Hormuz.

DRAMATIC DECLINE IN IRAQI PETROLEUM PRODUCTION

Iraqi energy officials reported to Reuters last month that the country’s oil output fell approximately 80% to roughly 800,000 barrels daily as warfare prevented exports and filled storage facilities to capacity.

With restricted distribution channels for Iraqi petroleum, the Rumaila field’s production decreased to about 400,000 barrels per day from its pre-conflict level of 1.35 million barrels daily, while the Zubair field dropped to 300,000 barrels per day from 340,000 barrels daily before hostilities began, Abdul Karim stated.

Multiple smaller drilling sites continue operating at reduced capacity to maintain associated gas production needed for domestic electricity generation, while shutdowns at other locations have provided opportunities for maintenance activities, he noted.

Iraq’s total field production reached 4.3 million barrels daily before the war commenced, which should provide sufficient capacity to export 3.4 million barrels per day despite conflict-related infrastructure damage.

Natural gas production from Basra region fields has fallen to approximately 700 million standard cubic feet daily, compared to about 1.1 billion standard cubic feet per day before the war, mainly due to reduced petroleum extraction, Abdul Karim reported.

SATISFYING DOMESTIC REFINERY NEEDS

To meet internal consumption requirements, the Basra Oil Company transports around 400,000 barrels per day of crude to northern Iraq, including approximately 150,000 barrels daily by truck and roughly 250,000 barrels per day through domestic pipeline infrastructure, supplying refineries with demand totaling 500,000 barrels daily.

The northern Kirkuk fields currently produce about 380,000 barrels per day, Abdul Karim confirmed.

When questioned about drone strike impacts, Abdul Karim described attacks on petroleum facilities as causing “major losses to the continuity of production and oil operations,” noting that both international and Iraqi service companies have been targeted.

A dual-drone assault targeting the Rumaila oilfield on Saturday injured three Iraqi employees, according to security and energy sources who spoke with Reuters.

Abdul Karim said the attack on Rumaila field’s northern section struck locations used by American oilfield service corporations Schlumberger and Baker Hughes, sparking a fire that crews subsequently extinguished.

Both Schlumberger and Baker Hughes did not immediately provide responses to comment requests.

MOSCOW – A former regional governor in Russia received a lengthy prison term Monday after being convicted of stealing public money meant for border security.

Alexei Smirnov, who previously led the Kursk region, was ordered to serve 14 years behind bars following his corruption conviction, according to Russian state media reports.

The sentencing comes as part of a broader criminal investigation targeting multiple former Kursk officials accused of pocketing money allocated for constructing frontier defense systems. The Kursk region sits along Russia’s border, and Ukrainian forces occupied portions of the territory for several months during 2024.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is pushing for rapid expansion of his nation’s energy infrastructure as Middle East conflicts continue to shake global oil markets, according to reports from Beijing.

The leader of the world’s second-largest economy stressed the importance of water-based power generation and environmental protection while calling for careful expansion of atomic energy programs, state media CCTV reported Monday.

Xi referenced the ruling Communist Party’s leadership in his remarks, stating: “The Party Central Committee has gained a profound grasp of global energy development trends and made major decisions by advancing the new energy security strategy in depth.”

The Chinese president’s comments did not specifically reference the ongoing Middle East warfare, though the timing comes as the United States and Iran consider a Pakistani-mediated proposal to resolve their five-week conflict. Tehran continues to resist international pressure to quickly reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

Energy experts note that China faces less vulnerability to rising petroleum costs compared to other major economies. The nation relies on coal for over half its power needs, maintains substantial oil reserves, and receives only about 5% of its total energy consumption through imports passing the Strait of Hormuz.

Xi defended China’s energy strategy, saying: “The path we took in being the first to develop wind and solar power has now proven to be forward-looking. At the same time, coal-fired power remains the foundation of our energy system and must continue to play its supporting role.”

China currently operates more than half the globe’s coal-burning power facilities, making it the largest producer of carbon emissions worldwide. This has created ongoing tensions with Western climate programs. The country continues treating coal power as essential backup infrastructure while simultaneously expanding renewable energy sources.

Despite highlighting coal’s importance in China’s power grid, Xi emphasized his nation’s commitment to environmentally-friendly development approaches.

State media quoted officials saying: “A greener, more diversified and resilient new energy system will provide a strong guarantee for China’s energy security and economic development.”

Major infrastructure projects are moving forward, including construction that began last July on what will become the world’s largest hydroelectric dam along the Tibetan Plateau’s eastern edge.

Additionally, China General Nuclear Power Group started building a solar thermal facility Monday at 4,550 meters elevation in Tibet, according to state news agency Xinhua.

LONDON – A new analysis reveals how the blockade of a critical Middle Eastern shipping route has created vastly different economic outcomes for oil-producing nations in the region.

The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz – which normally handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments – has resulted in massive financial gains for some countries while devastating others, according to recent data.

Iran closed off the strategic waterway following American and Israeli military strikes against Iranian targets in late February, which escalated into broader regional hostilities. Tehran later announced it would permit passage for ships without American or Israeli connections, allowing some tankers to navigate the narrow passage, though global energy markets remain severely disrupted.

The crisis sent international Brent crude prices soaring 60% during March, marking the largest monthly price jump on record.

President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran, warning he will unleash “hell” on Tehran unless a deal is reached by Tuesday’s end to restore normal shipping traffic through the strait.

The financial impact on regional oil exporters has been determined largely by their geographic advantages or disadvantages.

Countries with access to alternative shipping methods – including Iran itself, along with Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – can utilize pipelines and ports that avoid the blocked strait entirely.

Meanwhile, oil from Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar remains effectively stranded, as these nations lack backup routes to reach global markets.

An Iranian government source told reporters that Iran refuses to reopen the strait as part of any temporary truce agreement, following Trump’s latest demands. Tehran has consistently rejected previous American ultimatums, stating it will not accept humiliation.

Neil Quilliam, an associate fellow with the Chatham House think tank, noted the long-term implications: “Now that Hormuz has been closed, it can be closed again and again, and that poses a major threat to the global economy. The genie is out of the bottle.”

The International Energy Agency has characterized this conflict as the most severe energy supply disruption in global history, with over 12 million barrels daily of regional production halted and approximately 40 energy installations damaged.

March export data analysis shows Iraq and Kuwait both experienced roughly 75% drops in estimated oil export earnings compared to the previous year. In contrast, Iran’s revenues jumped 37% while Oman’s increased 26%. Saudi Arabia saw a 4.3% revenue boost, and the UAE experienced a modest 2.6% decline as higher prices compensated for reduced shipping volumes.

For Saudi Arabia, elevated oil prices translate to increased government income through royalties and taxes from state-controlled Aramco, which is predominantly owned by the government and its investment fund.

This revenue boost comes at an opportune time for the kingdom, which had been running budget shortfalls due to heavy investments in economic diversification projects aimed at reducing oil dependency.

Aramco representatives declined to provide comments regarding the revenue calculations. Officials from other affected nations and their petroleum companies have not yet responded to inquiries.

Saudi Arabia’s primary alternative shipping route is its 746-mile East-West pipeline system, constructed during the 1980s Iran-Iraq conflict specifically to circumvent Hormuz. The pipeline links eastern oil production areas to the Red Sea port of Yanbu and currently operates at its maximum 7 million barrel daily capacity.

With approximately 2 million barrels consumed domestically, Saudi Arabia has roughly 5 million barrels available for export daily. Yanbu port handled an average of 4.6 million barrels per day during the week beginning March 23, despite attacks on the facility on March 19.

Saudi crude exports declined 26% year-over-year in March to 4.39 million barrels daily, but higher prices still increased export values by approximately $558 million compared to the previous year. The kingdom had strategically increased February exports to their highest levels since April 2023, anticipating potential American military action against Iran.

Despite the East-West pipeline advantage, Quilliam warned that Saudi Arabia remains exposed to additional attacks by Iran or its Yemeni allies, the Houthis, targeting western energy infrastructure and ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait toward the Red Sea.

The UAE has received partial protection through its Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, which can handle 1.5-1.8 million barrels daily while bypassing the strait. However, the country’s estimated oil export revenues still dropped more than $174 million year-over-year in March, and Fujairah has faced multiple attacks causing loading interruptions.

Among Gulf producers, Iraq suffered the steepest revenue decline – falling 76% to $1.73 billion. Kuwait followed with a 73% drop to $864 million.

Iraq’s state oil marketing organization SOMO reported April 2 that March oil revenues totaled approximately $2 billion, closely matching independent estimates.

Both nations likely face even sharper April declines, as their March figures benefited from shipments that departed during the conflict’s early days. One Iraqi crude tanker successfully navigated the strait last week after Iran announced Iraq would be exempt from shipping restrictions.

Adriana Alvarado, VP of sovereign ratings at Morningstar DBRS, explained that Gulf governments have options to maintain financial stability, including utilizing fiscal reserves or accessing debt markets.

“Apart from Bahrain, the Gulf states have enough fiscal room to deal with the shock, with government debt at moderate levels below 45% of GDP,” she stated.

The crisis’s long-term consequences remain uncertain. While some Western oil companies and political leaders advocate for increased fossil fuel investment to guard against supply disruptions, other analysts argue renewable energy offers superior protection.

Demonstrating how the crisis might accelerate the transition away from oil dependence, France’s TotalEnergies and UAE state-backed renewable firm Masdar announced a $2.2 billion joint venture last week to rapidly expand renewable energy infrastructure across nine Asian nations.

ZANJAN, Iran — Dark banners drape the border checkpoint while images of Iran’s fallen Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei look down, vowing revenge against America and Israel.

Yet during the lengthy 12-hour journey south toward Tehran, ordinary life persists, with scattered evidence of the current conflict, including a Shiite religious facility that authorities report was struck in a recent aerial attack.

Reporters from the Associated Press completed this trek on Saturday following their entry into Iran from Turkey. Their journey provided insights into a nation positioned at the heart of a regional conflict that has disrupted global markets and continues unabated five weeks following Khamenei’s death in the initial American and Israeli offensive.

The Iranian government has authorized the Associated Press to deploy an additional reporting team for a limited assignment. AP maintains existing operations within Iran. The visiting journalists must work alongside a handler from a government-connected organization, though AP maintains complete editorial authority over its reporting.

Evidence of wartime devastation first appeared in Zanjan, a northwestern city located roughly six hours from the border crossing.

Government representatives report that an aerial bombardment struck a religious community facility called a husseiniyah, resulting in two fatalities and destroying both a medical clinic and library. Additional sections of the complex, portions dating back centuries, sustained damage including its golden dome structure.

When questioned regarding the attack, Israeli military officials stated they had targeted “a military headquarters,” adding that they attempt to prevent damage to civilian infrastructure, without providing further details.

“It has hurt me a lot and distressed me a lot,” said Somayeh Shojaei, a local resident who has attended religious and cultural events at the center. “With these airstrikes, (the U.S. and Israel) are showing their malicious intent to the whole world,” she said.

The bombardment claimed the lives of the library’s caretaker and an Iranian Red Crescent volunteer responder, according to Jaafar Mohammadi, the regional director of cultural and Islamic guidance.

Mohammadi explained that economically disadvantaged individuals had accessed free medical care at the clinic while students utilized the library containing over 35,000 volumes, including historical manuscripts.

He stated he remained uncertain about the reasoning behind targeting the facility.

“Iran wanted to negotiate for peace with (U.S. President Donald) Trump, but Trump responded with war,” Mohammadi said. “He started the war, but we will definitely be the victorious side.”

American and Israeli forces have conducted thousands of bombing missions throughout the nation, while Trump has threatened to attack Iran “back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.” During the weekend, he restated his Monday ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for petroleum and natural gas transport.

Iran’s remaining leadership has maintained their defiant stance and governmental control, dismissing what they characterize as unrealistic American peace terms. Israel has shown no signs of reducing its military operations and has encouraged Iranians to remove their current government.

Despite the war creating international upheaval — along with fear and worry among Iranians — everyday activities persist.

Throughout multiple cities along the Tehran route, AP journalists observed regular vehicle traffic, operating businesses, and pedestrians on sidewalks. One restaurant offered traditional Iranian cuisine including grilled lamb with rice, barley soup, and saffron beverages while R.E.M.’s “Losing my religion” played through speakers.

Numerous women were visible conducting daily activities without the government-mandated head coverings, enforcement of which has relaxed in recent years.

The reporting team traveled through two security checkpoints approaching Tehran without being detained.

The capital appeared unusually quiet after midnight hours. Intense aerial bombardments had targeted mountainous areas surrounding the city the night before.

Tehran remains on the conflict’s front lines, experiencing repeated bombing waves that American and Israeli officials claim target military and domestic security installations. Iranian authorities report more than 1,900 casualties, though the breakdown between military personnel and civilians remains unclear.

The AP team observed multiple destroyed government facilities and police stations. They encountered several checkpoints staffed by plainclothes Basij internal security personnel and uniformed Revolutionary Guard members.

Security forces stopped them once, requesting they open their vehicle and display press credentials before allowing them to proceed.

Government fuel subsidies keep gasoline prices at approximately 15 U.S. cents per gallon, though citizens can only purchase about 5 gallons per transaction. No evidence of fuel shortages or waiting lines was apparent.

In Zanjan, Mohamoud Maasoumi, a former military member, described the American conflict as involving “the world’s arrogance” — tensions tracing back to a 1953 CIA-supported overthrow that remains vivid in many Iranians’ memories. He voiced confidence that Iran’s leadership would protect the nation.

“The enemy sees that we are not ever succumbing,” he said.