Latest News
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Iran detains 18 crew of foreign tanker captured in Gulf of Oman
Iranian authorities arrested 18 crew members of an alleged smuggled fuel tanker that was seized by the Hormozgan Province judiciary on Friday. The captain of the tanker was among those who were detained as part of a?current investigation. The identity of the vessel and nationalities of the crew were not revealed. Authorities said that the tanker was in violation of multiple laws, including "not obeying stop orders (and) attempting to flee" and lacking navigational and cargo documentation. Iran has been fighting fuel smuggling on land and at sea by Gulf Arab countries. Reporting by Menna alaa Eldin and Dubai Newsroom, Editing by Jan Harvey
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California files suit against Trump administration for terminating transportation grants
California says decision is arbitrary and threatens economy, safety Trump addresses concerns over non-English speaking truck drivers California drivers are less likely to be involved in fatal accidents than the national average By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Dec 12) - California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Friday night for the withholding of more than $33 millions in federal funding. The U.S. Transportation Department had said that California failed to comply with the rules requiring English language proficiency for truckers. In U.S. District Court, northern California, the state filed a lawsuit against Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Transportation Department as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration over the decision to end the grants for California’s commercial vehicle safety program announced in October. California has said that it enforces English language?standards? for commercial drivers which are compatible with federal requirements. The decision is "arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion; and?contrary?to law; threatens the safety and economic damages of all Californians." The Trump administration took a number of steps in response to concerns regarding foreign truck drivers that do not speak English. ?In August Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States would immediately suspend the issuance all worker visas to commercial truck drivers. Requests for comments from the FMCSA and Transportation Department were not immediately responded to. The Transportation Department also threatened New York State on Friday to withdraw $73 million of funding over the issue of commercial driver's licenses issued improperly to non-U.S. Citizens. This is the latest threat from the Trump administration aimed at "Democratic-run" states. After a fatal accident in Florida and an audit by the government, the Transportation Department released emergency rules restricting commercial driver's licenses for non-U.S. nationals. Trump regularly threatens funding for large cities led by Democrats. This includes major infrastructure projects in Chicago, New York, and California. He also threatens to revoke commercial driver's licenses that are issued by Minnesota, New York, and California for non-U.S. citizens. The funds withheld by California are for roadside inspections and enforcement of traffic laws, safety audits on trucking companies, and public education campaigns. California reported that drivers with a California license are involved in 39% less fatal commercial vehicle crashes than the national average. The English proficiency standard for commercial drivers was already a long-standing U.S. Law. However, an April order by Trump reversed the 2016 guidance that inspectors shouldn't remove them from service if they only had a lack of English. In 2023, FMCSA reported that approximately 16% of U.S. drivers are born outside the United States.
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Boeing's Air Force One, the new aircraft for the US President, has been delayed yet again
The U.S. Air Force announced 'on Friday that the delivery of the first of two new Air Force One aircraft from Boeing will be delayed another year, to mid-2028. This is the latest of a number of delays. The Air Force One program, which involves the conversion of two 747-8 aircraft into specialized jets with advanced communication and defense systems to serve as next generation U.S. Presidential air transport, would be four years behind schedule, with a delivery date in 2028. Boeing said it was making progress with the program. "Our main focus is to deliver two Air Force One aircraft that are exceptional for the country." Mid-February, Trump voiced his displeasure at?Boeing while excluding European rival Airbus. Elon Musk, Trump's adviser, "helped us a great deal" to navigate the delivery of the presidential jet. L3Harris Technologies, a defense contractor, was recently hired by the?government to refurbish a Boeing 747 that had been used as interim Air Force One. (Reporting and editing by Maju Samuel in Bengaluru, Abhinav Paramar in Bengaluru)
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AFGE to challenge US decision invalidating union contract for 47,000 TSA officers
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi?Noem terminated on?Friday the collective bargaining agreements covering 47,000 Transportation Security Administration?officers?,?the department announced in a press release. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents airport screening officers at the airport, announced that it would challenge the decision. The Department of Homeland Security announced that it would implement a new labor framework starting on January 11, and no longer collect?union dues' from TSA officers. In June, an American judge issued a preliminary order blocking Noem’s?March 7, 2017 attempt to terminate the collective bargaining contract. The U.S. House of Representatives, on Thursday, voted to restore collective bargaining rights for about 1 million federal employees who are unionized, including TSA. This was in response to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March. The lawmakers said that Trump's executive order sought to repeal the collective bargaining rights of 67% federal workers. Federal workers are subject to significant labor rights limitations. They are not allowed to bargain over wages, benefits or job classifications, and they are also prohibited from striking. Everett Kelley, AFGE National President, said that Secretary Noem's decision ripping up the union contract of 47,000 TSA agents was an illegal act retaliatory to union-busting. TSA announced on Friday that the new labor framework will "return the agency to a security focused framework?that prioritizes workforce preparedness, resource allocation and a mission-focused focus while ensuring an effective stewardship taxpayer dollars." Trump forced the resignation of TSA Administrator David Pekoske on January 20. He had appointed him to his job in 2017, and Joe Biden reappointed him. Trump has yet to name a candidate to replace Pekoske. After nearly a full year of negotiations, the TSA and AFGE reached a seven-year labor agreement in May 2024. Biden's administration increased the scope of bargaining allowed in 2022 for TSA workers. As part of the deal, workers received enhanced shift-trade options, an increased allowance for uniforms, and parental bereavement and weather and safety leaves. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington; editing by Aurora Ellis
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Tensions between Venezuela and the US spike after a tanker is seized as Nobel laureate vows to change
Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader, promised political?change on Friday after leaving the country secretly to collect the Nobel Peace Prize. The?shockwaves intensified following the Trump administration’s seizure earlier this week of an oil tanker. This 'escalation' came after a massive U.S. military buildup was made in the southern Caribbean, as President Donald Trump campaigned to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. It pushed relations to the most volatile level in years. The ripple effect could be felt throughout the region as Venezuelan oil exports plummet and Cuba, which is already struggling to power its grid due to the crisis, faces losing supplies. The Skipper tanker was seized by the U.S. off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, marking the first U.S. capture since sanctions were imposed against Venezuela in 2019. Reports state that the vessel will now be heading to?Houston where it will unload its cargo on smaller ships. The Trump administration doesn't recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader. He has been in power since 2013. Washington has indicated that more seizure are planned to choke off sanctioned crude oil flows. It then imposed new sanctions against three nephews Maduro's spouse and six tankers connected to them. In recent weeks, Trump has discussed a possible military intervention in Venezuela based on accusations that the country is shipping narcotics into the United States. Venezuela has denied these accusations. Over 20 U.S. strikes have taken place in the Caribbean and Pacific this year against suspected drug vessels, resulting in nearly 90 deaths. This alarms human rights activists and stirs debate among U.S. legislators. Democrats, while supporting the campaign, have raised questions about whether it is legal and called for more transparency. They have also asked that a video be released showing the full uncut footage of the strikes on the suspected drug-trafficking vessel. MACHADO DEFIES BAN AND URGES TRANSITION Machado, who has been banned from traveling for a decade and spent a year in hiding, traveled to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on Thursday. She said Maduro will leave power "whether or not there is a negotiated transition," and she pledged to be focused on a smooth transition. She thanked Trump for "decisive" support. Machado aligns himself with U.S. Hardliners who accuse Maduro - a claim that U.S. Intelligence has reportedly questioned - of having ties to criminal organizations. Machado responded, "We ask the world to help" when asked at a news conference in Oslo whether she thought U.S. intervention was necessary in Venezuela. Venezuela said it would lodge complaints with international bodies about the seizure of the tanker. Venezuelan lawmakers also took the step of withdrawing the country from International Criminal Court which is investigating allegations of human rights violations in the South American nation. The Venezuelan government added to the tension by announcing the suspension of an American migrant return flight on Friday. Unofficially, a U.S. official said that the deportation flights will continue. (Reporting and Writing by Staff; Editing and Daina Beth, Solomon, and Matthew Lewis).
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Brazilian airline Azul receives bankruptcy court approval for debt restructuring
A U.S. bankruptcy court judge approved Azul’s debt restructuring on Friday, allowing it to reduce more than $2 billion of debt and raise capital via a new equity right offering and investment from American Airlines and?United?Airlines. At a hearing in White Plains (New York), U.S. Bankruptcy judge Sean Lane approved Azul’s?bankruptcy plans. Azul filed Chapter '11 bankruptcy in New York, in May. Its goal was to reduce its debts and to make its business more resistant to market challenges such as fluctuations in fuel prices and currency exchange rate. The bankruptcy plan of the company converts much of its existing debt into equity, and allows it to raise money by selling new equity shares. United and American have agreed to invest up to $300 million in Azul equity as part of the bankruptcy.
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Venezuelan oil exports plunge sharply following US tanker seizure - sources and data
According to documents, shipping data and maritime sources, Venezuelan oil exports are down sharply after the United States seizes a 'tanker' this week. The United States also imposes new sanctions against shipping companies and vessels that do?business? with the Latin American oil producers. The U.S. is preparing to seize additional vessels. As a result, oil tanker movements in and out of Venezuelan water have virtually ceased. Washington is increasing political and economic pressure against President Nicolas Maduro who depends on oil export revenues to fund his government. The U.S. is executing a massive military buildup in the southern Caribbean, and U.S. president Donald Trump wants to remove Maduro. The vessel was seized on Wednesday, the first time an oil tanker or cargo from Venezuela has been intercepted by the U.S. since 2019. Data and documents show that only tankers chartered from U.S. oil major Chevron, have been sailing into international waters with Venezuelan crude since then. Chevron is authorized by the U.S. Government to work in joint ventures and export oil from the U.S. to the state-run oil firm?PDVSA. Chevron exported two cargoes containing Venezuelan heavy crude oil to the U.S. in the first month of this year, both after the seizure. According to data, two more cargoes were loaded on Friday. The U.S. firm said this week that it operated in Venezuela "without interruption and in full compliance of the laws and regulations applicable." PDVSA has not responded to a comment request. Venezuela criticised the seizure this week and called it "theft." STAUGHT IN VENEZUELAN SEA WATERS According to sources and data, the threat of further seizure of vessels has left tanks that have loaded around 11?million bbls of oil and diesel stuck in Venezuelan water. The U.S. has imposed sanctions against Iran and Russia that have affected some of these tankers. Sources say that the U.S. will likely target vessels sanctioned by the U.S. or those who have transported sanctioned crude oil in future actions. Sources say that the Skipper, the ship that was seized by?U.S. The Skipper, which was seized by the?U.S. on Wednesday, had been transporting both Venezuelan and Iranian crude. In November, Venezuela exported 952,000 barrels of crude oil and fuel per day. This was the third highest monthly average so far this year. Around 80% of these shipments were sent to China directly or indirectly, while exports to the U.S. increased to around 150,000 bpd. Data and documents show that oil exports from OPEC countries were flowing normally before the seizure in the first few days of December. Washington also sanctioned this week six supertankers which recently loaded Venezuelan crude oil, as well as related shipping companies in an effort to increase pressure from the United States on Maduro. According to a document obtained by, PDVSA, Venezuela's oil minister, and the company's Caracas HQ called on Friday executives, workers, and joint venture managers for a teleconference. Minister Delcy Rod was leading it. (Reporting and editing by Marianna Paraga, Franklin Paul, Bill Berkrot and Simon Webb)
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IndiGo, India's largest airline, estimates a payout of over $55 Million to its customers after flight cancellations
IndiGo, India's largest airline, estimated on Friday that it would pay out more than 55.19 million dollars to customers affected by its massive cancellations of flights last week. After the airline cancelled 4,500 flights due to poor roster planning last week, it left tens and thousands of passengers stranded. The civil aviation regulator then ordered that 10% of their domestic winter schedule be cut. In a message on X, the budget airline stated that it was identifying 'flights in which customers were severely impacted on December 3, 4, and 5. IndiGo said it would compensate passengers whose flights "were cancelled within 24 hours before departure time and/or customers who were severely stranded in certain airports." IndiGo was criticized for not planning for the new rest periods and duty rules. This resulted in planes being grounded and disrupting travel arrangements. In response to the reduction of its winter schedule, the 'Indian carrier cut its capacity forecast and passenger unit revenue for?the?third quarter on Wednesday.
What are the main issues in US negotiations with Ukraine and Russia?
Here are some issues that Russia and the U.S. are discussing during talks to pave the way for the end of the war in Ukraine.
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE On March 18, President Vladimir Putin accepted a proposal from U.S. president Donald Trump that Russia and Ukraine cease attacks on the other's infrastructure energy for 30 days. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, said that Ukraine would support this proposal.
The proposed 30-day blanket truce was not reached, as the U.S. and Ukraine both wanted. Since then, both sides have reported that they continue to strike their energy facilities.
NUCLEAR PLANTS According to a U.S. press release, Trump suggested during a phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on March 19, that the U.S. might be able to help Ukraine run its nuclear power plants, as well as owning and operating some of Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Zelenskiy denies that Trump discussed ownership, but he did say the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility in Ukraine - Europe's biggest nuclear plant - was one of the topics. Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of putting the plant at risk by attacking it. Zelenskiy stated that Kyiv was ready to discuss U.S. participation in modernizing plant if the plant were returned to Ukraine.
BLACK SEA SHIPPING On March 24, U.S. officials and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a Trump initiative for a maritime ceasefire along the Black Sea.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was launched in July 2022 by the United Nations and Turkey, allowed for the safe exportation of almost 33 million metric tonnes of Ukrainian grain.
The World Bank's Global Commodities Outlook from April 2024 stated that both Russia and Ukraine shipped grain without major issues. Zelenskiy said that he supports the idea of a maritime ceasefire. Kyiv, however, has not commented on Trump's Black Sea Initiative. It could use Mykolaiv in addition to the three other ports located in Odesa to export grain, iron ore, and other commodities.
Since 2022, Ukraine has caused significant damage to Russia's Black Sea Fleet, forcing Moscow out of its base on occupied Crimea.
PRISONER CHANGES Russia, Ukraine and both sides announced on March 19 that they had exchanged 175 prisoner of war. Russia also handed over 22 Ukrainian prisoners as a gesture of goodwill. Zelenskiy stated that the 22 Ukrainians are "severely injured warriors" and were persecuted by Russia for fabricating crimes.
NATO MEMBERSHIP
Putin wants Ukraine to drop its official ambitions to join NATO.
In its constitution, Ukraine states that joining NATO is a priority and that this would be the most effective way to guarantee security as part of any peace agreement. John Coale said last month that the United States has not ruled out a potential NATO membership or a negotiated go back to Ukraine's pre-2014 border. U.S. defense secretary Pete Hegseth said this prospect was unrealistic.
Trump said that he did not believe Russia "would allow" Ukraine to join NATO.
UKRAINE POST-WAR SECURITY
Ukraine, whose NATO membership is not imminently in the cards, wants to strengthen its military as well as secure continued support from Europe and America. This will be part of any future peace agreement. After a peace agreement is signed, Britain and France plan to build a force of foreign ships, planes and troops in or around Ukraine as a deterrent.
Some Russian officials said that they would not accept a Ukrainian military force of this size. Moscow also said that a reduction in Ukraine’s military was a condition for a peace agreement.
WESTERN SANCTIONES, ELECTIONS Putin said that he wanted the Western sanctions against Russia to be eased. He also wants a presidential elections in Ukraine.
Ukrainian law prohibits elections to be held during martial laws and Ukrainian officials claim that it's not the place of Moscow to dictate a date for an election.
Under Biden, the United States led a broad campaign of sanctions against Russia. This included measures to limit Russia's oil and gas revenue such as a $60 cap per barrel for Russian oil exports. According to sources, the Trump administration is examining ways in which it can ease sanctions if Moscow agrees on ending the war. Trump has also hinted at the possibility of large-scale tariffs and banking restrictions on Russia until peace was achieved.
RUSSIAN-HELD TERRITORY
Russia wants control of all four partially-occupied eastern Ukrainian areas it claims as its own. It also wants the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed and seized in 2014. Unnamed sources at a private Putin event told Russia's Kommersant that Putin wants the U.S. formally to recognise Luhansk and Donetsk as part of Russia, along with Crimea.
Ukraine has said that it will not recognise Russian sovereignty on Ukrainian territory, but it is aware it will need to be returned diplomatically in due course.
UKRAINIAN MINERALS Kyiv has been in talks with Washington about a deal that would give the United States a financial reward for the development of Ukrainian resources, namely rare earths which are used to make electronics. The deal fell apart after the disastrous meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy in the White House at the end last month. On March 19, the White House announced that it was moving beyond just a deal framework to focus on a long term peace agreement. Trump announced the next day that a rare earths deal would be signed in a very short time.
(source: Reuters)