Author: Andrew Rogers

Tensions are mounting in the North Atlantic over an oil tanker now under Russian naval protection. The tanker, currently positioned between Iceland and the British Isles, has drawn attention from both the United States and Russia amid claims it may be violating sanctions by transporting Iranian oil. U.S. officials say the ship, which previously carried Venezuelan crude, is currently empty. The vessel, formerly known as Belawan, has been renamed Marinera and now sails under the Russian flag. This change has raised new questions about its legal status and ownership. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to block sanctioned…

Chinese military watchers are closely monitoring the country’s aircraft carrier expansion, focusing on whether a new conventional carrier, dubbed the Type 003A, is in the works. While satellite imagery has confirmed a nuclear-powered Type 004 carrier under construction, no concrete evidence yet confirms a new conventional carrier. In November 2025, China commissioned the Type 003 Fujian, a CATOBAR carrier capable of launching both fighter jets and early warning aircraft. This marks a major upgrade from its earlier carriers, the Type 001 Liaoning and Type 002 Shandong, which use ski jumps for STOBAR operations. Fujian also supports China’s new fifth-generation J-35…

Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo are rising after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi remarked on Taiwan in November. China has already taken trade measures against Japan, prompting analysts to examine what levers Tokyo might hold if the relationship worsens. China’s latest move came on Wednesday, when Beijing announced an anti-dumping investigation into a critical chipmaking material imported from Japan. This follows previous steps, including bans on Japanese seafood and restrictions on dual-use goods with potential military applications. Despite these measures, analysts and trade groups report that overall trade between Japan and China remains steady for now. However, China relies heavily…

The United States plans to take long-term control of Venezuelan oil sales and market the country’s crude indefinitely, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday. The move is part of Washington’s broader effort to influence political and economic change in Venezuela while also easing pressure on global oil supplies. Speaking at an energy industry conference in Miami, Wright said the United States will begin by selling oil that is currently stored and backed up in Venezuela. After that, Washington will continue to sell oil produced in the country on an ongoing basis. He stressed that these sales will be…

Republicans in Congress are showing little interest in limiting President Donald Trump’s war powers as he escalates threats abroad. Trump’s recent military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has sparked concern among Democrats and some U.S. allies. Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime Trump ally, gave a blunt response when asked if Congress would limit the president’s authority. “No,” Graham told NBC News. His answer reflects the lack of GOP enthusiasm for reclaiming Congress’ constitutional war powers. Trump has indicated he could take further steps, including the possibility of using ground troops in Venezuela. He also warned other countries about…

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has praised U.S. President Donald Trump for removing Nicolás Maduro from power. She said Venezuelans are “very grateful” to Trump and called for a swift transition to democracy. Machado spoke exclusively to CBS Evening News on Tuesday, just three days after U.S. forces executed a daring mission to capture Maduro, ending his nearly 13-year rule. She aligned herself with Trump in recent months, supporting his administration’s pressure on Maduro’s regime and dedicating her Nobel Peace Prize to him. When Trump ordered last weekend’s operation to remove Maduro from Caracas and fly him to New…

On the night of April 24, 1980, tension was at its peak in the Pentagon. The mission was clear—rescue 52 American hostages held in Iran. Delta Force was preparing for its first major operation. The mission was named Operation Eagle Claw. The plan was precise: eight helicopters and massive C-130 transport planes would land in Iran’s desert, code-named Desert One. But nature intervened immediately. A sudden, intense sandstorm, known as a haboob, struck the desert. The landing site was unclear. Within moments, three of Delta Force’s eight advanced helicopters became unusable. Commanding officer Charlie Beckwith realized the mission could no…

The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces has sent shockwaves from Caracas to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Venezuelan officials report at least 56 security officers have died during the operation, highlighting the high stakes of the mission. Maduro is now in New York, facing charges of narco-terrorism. In court, he denied wrongdoing, calling himself a decent man and the country’s president. The United States does not recognize him as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. María Fernanda Bozmoski, a Venezuelan-American analyst at the Atlantic Council who lives in Wisconsin, said the arrest raises serious questions about the country’s future. She noted that…

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Beijing to discuss deepening economic cooperation and the future of China-EU relations. The talks centered on trade openness, multilateralism, and strategic engagement, highlighting the importance of strong bilateral ties. Martin is the first Irish prime minister to make an official visit to China in 14 years. His five-day trip comes amid growing tension between Beijing and the European Union, with recent trade disputes affecting European products, including dairy and electric vehicles. During the meeting, Xi stressed that China-Ireland relations have developed steadily based on mutual respect, equality, and shared…

Zhao Jinyun, former vice governor of China’s northwestern Gansu province, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for bribery and insider trading. She is the first senior official to be jailed in 2026 amid the country’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign. The Second Intermediate People’s Court of Tianjin issued the sentence on Tuesday. Zhao received separate punishments for bribery and insider trading. She was sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined 3 million yuan ($427,670) for accepting bribes. Additionally, she received five years in prison and a 500,000 yuan fine for insider trading. The total punishment was consolidated to 15…