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The United States has moved to control Venezuelan oil sales and seized tankers linked to the country’s exports, steps that have drawn objections from Russia and China and raised questions in Washington.

This comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is preparing to meet Danish officials after Denmark and Greenland requested urgent talks over Greenland amid tensions within Nato.

Read more below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇻🇪 US to control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely: The United States said it will market Venezuelan oil globally and place proceeds in US-controlled accounts, with initial sales expected to involve 30–50 million barrels. The plan follows recent vessel seizures, has prompted warnings from UN experts over international law, and coincides with uncertainty over how Venezuelan authorities will respond.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸🇩🇰🇬🇱 Rubio to meet Denmark over Greenland: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he will meet Danish officials next week after Denmark and Greenland requested urgent talks amid tensions over President Donald Trump’s statements on acquiring Greenland. Rubio declined to say whether military options were under consideration as US and European officials reiterated differing views on alliance risks and Arctic security.

3️⃣ 🇸🇦🇾🇪 Saudi-backed forces advance on Aden: Saudi-led coalition forces launched air strikes and moved on Aden after Southern Transitional Council leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi failed to attend planned talks in Riyadh, with the coalition saying he fled to an unknown location. Control of the city remains disputed, with government officials claiming gains while the STC denied losing Aden.

4️⃣ 🇮🇷 Iran army chief warns of preemptive action: Iran’s army chief said the country could respond with preemptive military action to what he described as threatening rhetoric, following comments by US President Donald Trump on protests. The statement came as Iran introduced new subsidies amid nationwide demonstrations linked to economic pressures, with activist groups reporting deaths, arrests, and unrest.

5️⃣ 🇮🇷 Kurdish regions see violent protest crackdown: Demonstrations continued in Iran’s Kurdish areas as protesters over economic grievances faced force from authorities, including teargas, pellet guns, and reported live fire. Rights groups cited deaths and arrests as calls for a general strike emerged during the 11th day of protests amid worsening economic conditions.

Major Story

🇺🇸🇻🇪 US seizes Venezuela-linked oil tankers

The United States said it seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, boarding the Russian-flagged Marinera with UK logistical support and intercepting the M/T Sophia, which it described as stateless and engaged in illicit activity. US officials said the actions were taken under sanctions enforcement and judicial authority, while Russia denounced the seizure and China accused Washington of threatening global energy security.

The White House said the vessels were part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet,” while Russian authorities disputed the legality of the boarding and said the tanker was properly registered. US officials also said Venezuela’s leadership is cooperating on the Caribbean seizure, as lawmakers in Washington debate the scope, costs, and legal basis of the administration’s actions in Venezuela.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇭🇺🇪🇺 Orbán says EU will collapse: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said Hungary will not leave the EU, arguing the bloc would fall apart due to leadership failures while reaffirming Hungary’s place in the EU and NATO with sovereign policies. He rejected EU positions on energy, migration, and Ukraine, and reiterated Hungary would not fund Kyiv or accept EU-mandated migrants.

2️⃣ 🇸🇾 Clashes in Aleppo displace thousands: Fighting between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in Aleppo reportedly killed at least 12 people over two days and forced tens of thousands to flee Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. Authorities said the operation aimed to restore security, while the Kurdish-led SDF denied having forces in the city and accused the government of forced displacement.

3️⃣ 🇯🇵🇨🇳 Japan nuclear regulator loses phone in China: Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said an employee lost a work-issued smartphone containing confidential contact details of nuclear security staff while traveling in China. The device has not been recovered, and while no misuse is confirmed, the agency said it cannot rule out a data leak and will tighten internal rules.

4️⃣ 🇨🇳🇯🇵 China bans dual-use exports to Japan: China said it imposed export controls on unspecified dual-use items to Japan, citing national security concerns linked to Tokyo’s statements on Taiwan. Japan protested the move, calling it unacceptable and inconsistent with international practice amid worsening bilateral relations.

5️⃣ 🇺🇸 Minnesota readies National Guard after ICE shooting: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a warning order to prepare the National Guard following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, while saying the guard has not been activated. State authorities are investigating the incident as Walz activated emergency response resources and criticised federal actions.

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