Background: The US-Israeli war against Iran has entered its third month with no end in sight, characterized by an indefinite impasse, no good deal possible, Washington losing the initiative, Israel's complicating role, and Iran's asymmetric advantage in defining victory as regime survival. The US and Iran are in a frozen conflict with US financial sanctions and a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's closure of the strait and toll charges, and stalled negotiations. Iran proposed a side deal to reopen the strait in exchange for lifting the blockade, but the US has not decided. President Trump vacillates between military strikes and maintaining maximum pressure. Iran's economy is under severe strain from sanctions and inflation, but the regime remains defiant, relying on a patronage system and Revolutionary Guard influence amid domestic protests and international pressure. Today: The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US remains in place, but tensions persist with Israeli attacks in Lebanon, IRGC warnings against US interference with Iranian shipping, and a British warship deployment to secure Hormuz shipping lanes. Diplomatic activity includes a phased US-Iran framework and Russian offer to store Iranian enriched uranium.

The Institute for the Study of War reports that Russian and Ukrainian forces conducted limited offensive operations on the first day of the May 9-11 ceasefire. Russia used the pause for rotations, reinforcements, and logistics to support future offensives. No POW swap of 1,000 prisoners each has occurred yet. Ukrainian successes prevented significant Russian advances, forcing a scaled-down Victory Day parade due to drone threats. Putin framed the war as equivalent to WWII. Ukrainian forces advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast and the Borova direction.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich stated that President Trump's upcoming visit to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could yield a 'remarkable breakthrough' in U.S.-China relations. The meeting, moved to May due to the Iran conflict, is expected to address Taiwan, the war in Iran, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Gingrich suggested China may reassess its strategic position, while Chinese officials have criticized U.S. actions in the strait. The summit, the first U.S. presidential visit to China in nearly a decade, comes amid a trade truce, ongoing Iran conflict, and heightened Taiwan tensions.

Background: US President Donald Trump previously threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain over their stance on the Iran war. Today, the White House is reportedly considering further reductions of US forces in Europe, with Italy identified as a potential next target, following a confirmed withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany. The reassessment may also scrap plans to station long-range missiles in Germany. The moves are driven by Trump's frustration with allies' insufficient support for US operations against Iran. Poland has offered to host additional forces, with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz calling the alliance the 'cornerstone' of Polish security. The potential for wider withdrawals has raised concerns among Congressional leaders and NATO officials about the future of collective European security.

On May 10, 2026, Russian forces conducted multiple drone attacks on settlements in the Kherson region, including the city of Kherson and the settlement of Komyshany, using FPV drones and UAV-dropped explosives. Four civilians were injured: a 53-year-old Kherson City Council employee struck by a drone in the Korabelnyi district, a 19-year-old man with shrapnel wounds, a 62-year-old woman who suffered a traumatic amputation of her left arm, and another resident. Private homes, apartment buildings, and vehicles were damaged. A pre-trial investigation into war crimes has been launched. This attack underscores the ongoing Russian targeting of civilian infrastructure and personnel in southern Ukraine.

The Trump administration and FDA announced that hundreds of baby formula samples tested under Operation Stork Speed meet a high safety standard, but independent scientists and health advocates dispute this, citing data showing at least half of samples contained PFOS, about half contained phthalates, and some had lead and the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Critics argue that even low levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals pose developmental risks to infants, and that the FDA's testing lacks transparency by not naming products or indicating multiple contaminants. The FDA has not set enforceable limits for many of these substances.

Russia debuted the Geran-5, a new jet-powered cruise missile, during a virtual Victory Day parade on May 9, 2026, with no physical military hardware on Red Square. The missile, resembling the Iranian Karrar, has a range of 1,000 km, a 90 kg warhead, and a speed of 600 km/h. It is built with Chinese engines and Western electronics, posing a potential threat to Ukrainian air defenses through mass production and saturation attacks.

Background: Iran operates a fleet of approximately 300 small speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz for asymmetric warfare, hiding military assets among civilian traffic. A Financial Times report reveals that these fast attack boats, operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are concealed in caves and tunnels along Iran's southern coast, enabling rapid deployment and swarm tactics to threaten global oil and gas flows and challenge US naval forces during heightened tensions.

On 9 May, a Russian drone struck a civilian car in the Znob-Novhorodske hromada of Sumy Oblast, injuring a 47-year-old man. Separately, a 46-year-old man wounded in a drone attack on a grain truck in the Hlukhiv hromada on 3 May died in hospital. Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces conducted more than 50 strikes on 18 settlements across nine hromadas of the oblast, including Sumy, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Yunakivka, Bereza, Esman, Znob-Novhorod, Putyvl, Nova Sloboda, and Velyka Pysarivka. The air raid alert in the region lasted 1 hour and 6 minutes. The attacks underscore ongoing Russian drone and artillery operations against civilian infrastructure in northern Ukraine, despite a declared truce.

The US federal government's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) cuts SNAP food benefits by $186bn over 10 years, threatening 665,000 recipients in California. The state is considering a one-time 5% tax on billionaires' assets to fill the gap, facing opposition from tech entrepreneurs like Sergey Brin. The measure is likely on the November ballot.

The Regional Center for Human Rights (RCHR) released a report documenting how Russia has systematically dismantled Ukraine's legal order in occupied territories, replacing it with a coercive system of Russian courts, police, citizenship, and education. The report details widespread human rights violations including torture, forced passportization, indoctrination, and the use of law as a tool of suppression and assimilation. It warns against normalizing occupation in peace talks and calls for international action to address the ongoing human rights crisis affecting 3-5 million Ukrainians.

Background: The Paris police prefecture banned a far-right march by the Comité du 9-Mai and an antifascist counter-demonstration, a ban upheld by the Administrative Court. On May 10, police arrested 47 people during the banned far-right demonstration by the C9M group and a counter-protest by anti-fascist activists, the first such ban since 2008. Clashes occurred as activists from both sides took to the streets despite the prohibition.

The French parliament unanimously adopted legislation to streamline the restitution of artworks and artifacts looted during the colonial era (1815-1972) to their countries of origin. The law removes the previous requirement for individual parliamentary votes on each item, enabling faster returns to nations such as Algeria, Mali, and Benin. This move fulfills a 2017 pledge by President Macron and marks a shift in France's colonial heritage policy.

The expiration of enhanced premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has led to significant enrollment declines across U.S. health insurance marketplaces. Preliminary data shows total 2026 enrollment fell to about 23 million, a drop of over 1 million, with projections of up to a 25% decline. Major insurers like Cigna and Aetna are exiting the marketplace. State exchanges report sharp disenrollments, particularly in California and Idaho. Experts warn of a 'smaller and sicker' market but do not expect a collapse.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb held a phone call to coordinate their positions ahead of upcoming meetings and negotiations. They discussed diplomatic efforts with the United States and among European nations, emphasizing the importance of strong European cooperation. Zelenskyy noted that the combined effect of sanctions on Russia and other forms of pressure is producing necessary results. The call reflects ongoing coordination between Ukraine and its European partners as diplomatic engagements intensify.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar confirmed he will remain in his role despite the party losing four seats in the Scottish Parliament election, returning only 17 of 129 seats—its worst-ever result. Sarwar took responsibility for the campaign strategy and reiterated his February call for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign. The result reflects a broader collapse of Labour support across the UK, including in Wales and English local elections.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium is leading a high-level economic delegation to Turkey from May 10-14, 2026, including ministers and 428 private sector representatives. The mission aims to strengthen bilateral trade ($9.2 billion in 2025) and explore cooperation in energy, defense, aviation, logistics, and technology. It is the first such visit in 14 years and includes the Türkiye-Belgium Economic Forum and potential intergovernmental agreements.

Horizons MP and president of the Social Affairs Committee Frédéric Valletoux confirmed that former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe will hold his first official presidential campaign meeting on July 5. Valletoux outlined Philippe's structured campaign buildup, denied any pact with Gabriel Attal regarding a single centrist candidate, and emphasized the need for unity to counter far-right and far-left threats in the 2027 election.

The article argues that the ongoing trade war initiated by former US President Donald Trump has inadvertently opened economic opportunities for China, allowing it to expand its influence and fill gaps left by US policies.

Analyst Theresa Fallon argues that Ukraine has gained momentum in the war with Russia, noting that President Zelenskyy has played a weak hand well. The comment comes as Russia held a scaled-back Victory Day parade and Putin suggested the war is 'coming to an end'.

Shadow housing secretary James Cleverly argued the Conservatives remain the largest right-wing party in British politics despite Reform UK winning over 1,450 council seats and control of 14 councils, including in Suffolk, Essex, Sunderland, and Barnsley, in local elections. Cleverly dismissed Reform as a 'cult of personality' without coherent policy, while Reform deputy leader Richard Tice called the results a 'seismic earthquake'. The Conservatives lost more than half the seats they defended, with support falling 11 points compared to 2022, particularly in areas with high Reform vote share. The Green Party also made gains, with leader Zack Polanski declaring two-party politics 'dead and buried'.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune made his third state visit to Türkiye, building on the May 6-8, 2026 visit that established the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and signed 13 agreements. The latest visit further deepened bilateral ties, with trade reaching a record $5.3 billion and a target of $10 billion by 2030. Approximately 1,400 Turkish companies operate in Algeria, making Türkiye the largest non-hydrocarbon investor. Notable projects include Tosyalı Algerie's steel complex in Oran and development of the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine. Energy cooperation expanded, with plans to increase Algerian LNG purchases from 4.4 to 6-6.5 billion cubic meters annually, with potential extension for 5-10 years, and possible transport of Algerian LNG to Southeast Europe and the Balkans via Türkiye. The two countries aligned on regional geopolitics, including the African Sahel, Sudan crisis, tensions with Iran, and the Gaza war, with Algeria potentially integrating into an emerging Ankara-Riyadh axis alongside Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, counterbalancing French influence in Africa.

French President Emmanuel Macron faces accusations of abusing his constitutional appointment powers to place allies in key independent institutions before leaving office in 2027. Recent nominations include Richard Ferrand to the Constitutional Council, Amélie de Montchalin to the Court of Auditors, Emmanuel Moulin to the Bank of France, and Marc Guillaume to the Council of State. Critics argue this locks in presidential influence for years, though constitutional experts note the practice is common under the Fifth Republic and legally permissible.

The Trump administration has proposed multiple contradictory policies on overdose prevention within weeks, including a new prohibition on funding for fentanyl test strips, proposed budget cuts that would gut overdose prevention efforts, and an ambitious drug control strategy that experts say would be impossible to implement if the cuts go through. These conflicting measures confuse experts and could strain health resources and increase overdose risk.

On the afternoon of May 10, Russian forces struck a civilian car with an FPV drone in the Mykolaiv district, injuring a 68-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman. Both were hospitalized in satisfactory condition. The attack underscores the continued targeting of civilian vehicles by Russian drones in southern Ukraine.

Ukrainian company AIDronesUA presented the Maul unmanned evacuation system at the SAHA 2026 defense exhibition in Istanbul. The system features an armored capsule for transporting wounded soldiers, can reach 73 km/h during evacuation, has a 100 km range, and has completed about 100 missions, saving an average of two lives per mission. The development addresses the increased danger of evacuation missions due to FPV drones.

Background: Bosnian lawmakers passed legislation naming the newly formed US company AAFS Infrastructure and Energy as the investor for the Southern Interconnection gas pipeline, bypassing transparent procurement rules, prompting EU warnings about risks to Bosnia's EU accession and funding. Today's development: New reporting reveals that AAFS is led by Joseph Flynn (brother of Trump's former security advisor Michael Flynn) and deputy Jesse Binnall (a Trump lawyer who contested the 2020 election results), with Michael Flynn working for Bosnian Serb separatist leader Milorad Dodik, whose US sanctions were lifted in late 2025. Trump Jr. visited Banja Luka in April for an investor conference opened by Dodik's son. The pipeline route crosses disputed state property, raising constitutional concerns. High Representative Christian Schmidt has not intervened despite warnings, reportedly due to fear of US retaliation. Local politicians and EU officials are reluctant to oppose the US, with one source stating 'We will not oppose Washington under any circumstances.'

Yuri Fedorenko, a Ukrainian soldier with 12 years of service, recounts the dramatic evolution of combat from traditional infantry engagements in 2014 to the current drone and AI-dominated battlefield. His personal story illustrates the technological transformation of the Ukraine war, highlighting how unmanned systems and artificial intelligence have fundamentally changed modern warfare.

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has publicly criticized the decision to hold the Sudeten German Day in Brno for the first time, describing it as a 'very unfortunate development'. He warned that Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt will not have a good time at the event, but emphasized that his remarks are not directed against Germany. Macinka also addressed Czech solidarity with Ukraine, NATO's role, and the need for EU reform, highlighting the historical context of the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.

The Kherson Regional Military Administration reported the evacuation of 15 civilians from the frontline city of Beryslav. The operation, carried out by volunteer Andrii Petukhov and Ukrainian Defense Forces soldiers, brought 11 women and 4 men to safety, along with their pets. Some evacuees had injuries from shelling or Lepestok mines and are receiving medical care.

The new far-right municipal government of Vierzon, France, cancelled the May 10 commemoration of the abolition of slavery, claiming it cost too much and drew few attendees. The opposition, led by Communist MP Nicolas Sansu, organized an alternative ceremony, which included the presence of Christelle Césaire, great-niece of Aimé Césaire, who read poems. The decision has sparked controversy over the town's political direction.

The ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has caused severe energy shortages in Bangladesh, a nation heavily dependent on imported fuel. Fuel supply disruptions have led to long queues at stations, power cuts in industrial zones, and a 30-40% drop in factory output. The crisis threatens Bangladesh's garment export sector, which earns $39 billion annually and employs 4 million workers. The Asian Development Bank cut growth forecasts for developing Asia to 4.7% for 2026, while the World Bank expects Bangladesh's growth to slow to 3.9%. The government has imposed austerity measures including fuel rationing, shutting fertilizer factories, and restricting mall hours. Business costs have risen 35-40%, and garment exports to Europe and the US have fallen 5-13%.

Russian forces are attempting to concentrate personnel in destroyed buildings and shelters on the Oleksandrivka axis in eastern Ukraine, using isolated movements for covert advancement. Ukrainian UAV operators from the 132nd Reconnaissance Battalion of the 7th Rapid Response Corps systematically detect and eliminate these forces before they reach the front line, highlighting ongoing high-intensity combat in the region.

The shuttered U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has notified Congress that it holds $19 billion in remaining funds, primarily from terminated programs. Critics, including humanitarian experts and Democratic lawmakers, urge the administration to disburse the funds for urgent global health and humanitarian needs rather than using them for agency closeout costs. The notification details over $3.2 billion in unobligated fiscal 2025 funds for programs combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and maternal/child health, which Democrats argue are being illegally impounded.

Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (FISU) reports that Russia's market has become dominated by expensive substitutes and parallel imports following the departure of foreign companies after the invasion of Ukraine. Surveys indicate 56% of Russians want foreign firms back, with young people and urban residents most eager. The report highlights severe impacts on technology, industrial sectors, and everyday consumer goods, linking economic isolation to Russia's ongoing war.

Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins, elected to Sunderland City Council, has been suspended from the party pending an investigation into allegations of racist online posts targeting the Nigerian community and misogynistic comments. Deputy leader Darren Grimes acknowledged a failure in the vetting process. The incident has drawn criticism from political opponents and highlighted ongoing scrutiny of Reform UK's candidate selection.

Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis have recommended that JP Morgan Chase shareholders vote to separate the roles of chairman and CEO, currently both held by Jamie Dimon. The shareholder resolution will be voted on at the annual meeting on May 19. The advisers argue that combining the roles creates conflicts of interest and hinders board oversight, while JP Morgan defends the structure, citing strong financial performance and the need for flexibility during succession planning. The dispute has drawn in the White House, with President Trump signing an executive order targeting proxy advisers.

Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced that current repairs on all public roads in Ukraine are expected to be completed by June 1, with a target of 10 million square meters of road surface repairs. Priority is given to roads critical for logistics, defense, and evacuation. The government will allocate an additional UAH 3.5 billion for local road repairs.

Data centers are expanding rapidly worldwide, driven by digitalization and AI, but their classification as critical infrastructure makes them prime targets for cyber and physical attacks, as seen in the US-Israeli war with Iran where Tehran attacked AWS data centers in Bahrain and the UAE. Local communities increasingly oppose them due to high energy and water use, e-waste, and minimal job creation, with recent protests in Chile and a legislative moratorium in Maine.

Major European energy firms Shell, BP, and TotalEnergies reported sharp Q1 profit increases due to soaring oil prices from the Middle East war and Strait of Hormuz blockade. Shell reported net profit of nearly $5.7 billion for Q1 2026, up 19% year-on-year, citing higher prices, increased refining margins, and a higher contribution from trading activities. BP posted $3.84 billion in profit, while TotalEnergies saw profits soar 51% to $5.8 billion. In contrast, U.S. energy firms ExxonMobil and Chevron saw profits decline due to a time lag in derivatives markets. The profit surge has revived calls in the UK and France for windfall taxes, with UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband condemning 'excessive profits' and French President Macron urging a European response. Analysts expect strong profits again in Q2.

The World Decolonization Forum, organized by Enstitü Sosyal, opened in Istanbul on May 10, 2026, with an exhibition titled 'The Burden of Humanity: Decolonization Today' at the Atatürk Cultural Center. The forum, running May 11-12 under the theme 'Decolonizing Knowledge Production and Circulation,' features academic panels, film screenings, and discussions with scholars from Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. Speakers critiqued modern colonialism, including 'techno-colonialism' via digital infrastructure and algorithms, and emphasized the psychological and cultural dimensions of colonial legacies. The exhibition remains open through May 17, and 'Decolonize Film Days' will take place May 13-14.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has launched an AI initiative called SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories) to reduce flight delays and ease the burden on air traffic controllers. The project involves three technology firms—Thales, Air Space Intelligence, and Palantir—and aims to proactively manage airspace demand using airline scheduling data and weather forecasts, rather than replacing human controllers. The initiative comes amid broader efforts to modernize aging aviation infrastructure following a deadly crash near Reagan National Airport.

Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, wanted in Poland for alleged misuse of public funds and deployment of Pegasus spyware against political opponents, has reportedly fled to the United States using a visa from President Donald Trump. He had previously been granted asylum in Hungary by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, but new Hungarian leader Péter Magyar promised extradition. Poland's foreign ministry said it had no official information on his whereabouts and noted his passport had been revoked. This development escalates a cross-border legal and political dispute involving Poland, Hungary, and the United States.

The Kherson Regional Military Administration has conducted over 1,200 remote inspections of destroyed housing using UAVs and satellite imagery, awarding over UAH 5.3 billion in compensation to victims. Thousands of applications remain pending. This effort is part of Ukraine's ongoing recovery and reconstruction in de-occupied territories.

Czech Ambassador to Ukraine Luboš Veselý confirmed at the Dialogues on Europe 2026 forum in the Zakarpattia region that the current Czech government maintains its support for Ukraine, albeit with less public discussion. He stressed that concrete results are being achieved and that support will continue. The forum, held near Uzhhorod, addressed the evolving EU political landscape and its implications for Ukraine and Central Europe.

At Sea Air Space 2026, BlackSea Technologies introduced two new unmanned surface vehicles: the Comet, a 13.1m USV with a 10,000 lb payload capacity, and the Chaser (GARC Block II), a smaller, container-deployable USV. The Comet was displayed in a C-UAS/anti-air warfare configuration with AIM-9X and Hellfire missiles mounted on Sierra Nevada's BRAWLR launcher, four Leonardo DRS RADA AESA radars, and EO/IR sensors. It has a 1,000 nautical mile endurance at 40 knots (Sea State 3, 3,000 lb payload) and a max speed of 45 knots, and is capable of C-UAS, ISR, escort, and mine countermeasures. The Chaser features enhanced weapons integration, reduced IR signature, and 600-800 nautical mile endurance at 20 knots, and is deployable from a 20ft shipping container. Both vessels are manufactured in Baltimore, Maryland, leveraging the company's existing production line that has delivered over 300 GARC Block 1 units.

Ukraine's National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities reported that renewable energy sources provided 11% of total electricity generation in 2025, with solar power dominating at 78% of RES output. Installed RES capacity reached 20.4% of total, including 748 MW of new distributed generation from private households. This marks a significant step in Ukraine's energy transition amid ongoing infrastructure challenges.

Multiple US Cabinet secretaries in the Trump administration face potential departure due to political pressure or personal ambition, elevating their deputies to acting or permanent roles. Key figures include Todd Blanche (acting Attorney General), Keith Sonderling (Labor), Aaron Lukas (ODNI), James Danly (Energy), Paul Dabbar (Commerce), David Fotouhi (EPA), Kate MacGregor (Interior), Stephen Vaden (Agriculture), Nicholas Kent (Education), and Mehmet Oz or Chris Klomp (HHS). The article profiles each deputy's background and readiness to lead their respective agencies.

UAV operators from the Luhansk Assault Regiment of the Liut Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine destroyed a Russian tricolor flag that had been placed by a Russian drone over Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region. The flag was removed shortly after being installed, and the Ukrainian Interior Ministry released a video of the operation, stating that the act was a Russian propaganda attempt that was quickly neutralized.

The short film 'Vitória Régia' (Amazon Water Lily) imagines a dystopian future where a far-right coup in Brazil succeeds, leading to military rule and US control over the Amazon rainforest. Directed by Denis Kamioka (Cisma) and starring Alice Braga, the film was made with Indigenous networks Coiab and Apib to highlight ongoing threats to Indigenous lands and democracy. It draws parallels to real events, including the 2022 coup attempt and Flávio Bolsonaro's alleged offer of rare-earth reserves to the US. The film was shot in March 2025, before Trump's abduction of Maduro, and its creators note the blurring of fiction and reality. Indigenous actor Ywyzar Tentehar and activist Pedro Inoue emphasize the ongoing invasions of Indigenous territories and the power of Indigenous resistance. The film serves as an alert about sovereignty, Indigenous resistance, and the fragility of democracy.