The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on a transnational opioid supply network linked to Sinaloa Cartel, targeting 23 individuals and entities across India, Latin America, and Mexico. Acting through the Office of Foreign Assets Control, officials accused the network of supplying fentanyl precursor chemicals disguised as safe materials. India-based individuals and firms were among those designated, with arrests already made in 2025. The crackdown highlights growing concerns over globalised chemical supply chains fueling synthetic drug production. Sanctions freeze US-linked assets and restrict financial dealings, aiming to disrupt trafficking networks and curb the proliferation of highly lethal opioids worldwide. (PC: iStock)

Iran has banned the export of steel products following airstrikes targeting its industrial infrastructure during the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. According to local media reports citing customs authorities, the directive came into effect on April 26. The move is aimed at stabilising domestic supply and managing economic disruptions caused by damage to key steel facilities. Iran’s steel sector is a major contributor to its non-oil exports, and the sudden restriction highlights the broader economic fallout of the conflict. The ban could impact regional markets and supply chains already under strain due to escalating geopolitical tensions. (PC: X)

King Charles III will attend a White House ceremony with Donald Trump during his US state visit. Queen Camilla will also be present. The visit enters its second day with a formal event and a bilateral meeting. Later, the King will deliver a rare address to US lawmakers. He is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal” between the UK and US. The visit comes at a time of tension over the Iran conflict. Officials say it is a major diplomatic test. It is the first British state visit to the US since 2007. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump is unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report citing sources. The plan suggests reopening the key shipping route while leaving Iran’s nuclear programme for later talks. Officials said such a move could remove US leverage. They remain concerned about Iran’s uranium stockpile and enrichment. Trump shared his view during a meeting with national security officials. Talks between the two sides are ongoing, but differences remain. Iran has rejected US demands, calling them “illegal and irrational.” Oil prices have risen as uncertainty over the strait continues. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran is in a “state of collapse” and has asked Washington to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though he did not provide evidence. The claim comes as the vital global trade route remains shut following weeks of conflict involving the US and Israel. Trump reiterated that Iran faces a leadership crisis, adding to a series of assertions made in recent weeks. Meanwhile, negotiations to end the blockade and broader tensions have made little progress. Iran has proposed reopening the strait in exchange for easing restrictions, but no agreement has been reached, leaving around 2,000 ships stranded in the region.

The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave oil production groups OPEC and OPEC+ from May 1 after months of differences over output limits.   Officials said the decision is part of a long-term energy plan. Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei said it followed a “careful review”.   The move comes as global markets face pressure due to conflicts affecting oil supply.   The UAE has been a key member of these oil production groups for decades. Its exit may weaken unity and create uncertainty over future output plans. (PC: HT)

A legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman has moved to a US court, marking a new phase in their long dispute over OpenAI.   Musk claims Altman “swindled” him and moved the firm away from its non-profit goal. He is seeking damages and changes in the company’s structure.   OpenAI denies the claims. It says Musk left after failing to gain control and is now acting out of “jealousy”.   Both co-founded OpenAI in 2015. Musk exited in 2018. The case will include key witnesses and could impact the future direction of AI development. (PC: BBC)

A luxury superyacht linked to Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov sailed through the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing blockade. The vessel, Nord, travelled from Dubai to Muscat over the weekend. It is among the few private boats to pass through the route in recent months. The waterway is key for global oil and gas supply. Tensions remain high after the United States imposed restrictions and Iran limited shipping access. Maritime traffic has dropped sharply. It is not clear if Mordashov was on board during the journey. (PC: BBC)

King Charles III will tell the US Congress that the UK and US have “always found ways to come together”, despite differences. The speech comes during his state visit with Queen Camilla. He is expected to express sympathy after the recent Washington DC shooting. The King will call for “reconciliation and renewal” of ties and stress shared values like liberty and tolerance. He will also urge support for NATO and Ukraine. The visit began with a welcome by Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House under tight security. (PC: BBC)

Abbas Araghchi has praised Iran’s growing relationship with Russia following high-level diplomatic talks, describing it as a “strategic partnership” amid regional instability. Writing on X, Araghchi said recent developments have demonstrated the depth and strength of ties between the two countries. He expressed satisfaction at engaging with Russian leadership at the highest level as geopolitical tensions continue to rise. The Iranian foreign minister also welcomed Moscow’s support for diplomacy, highlighting cooperation during a period of significant flux in the region. The remarks underline closer coordination between Tehran and Moscow as both navigate ongoing conflicts and evolving global alignments.