International

An outbreak of hantavirus occurred aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship off Cape Verde. The WHO confirmed a rare human-transmissible strain, leading to ongoing evacuations for infected passengers and crew. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the vessel prepares to sail on.

The Philippines urged Myanmar to grant ASEAN’s special envoy access to detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Manila views this as a vital step for national stability and reconciliation. The move aims to support dialogue with all stakeholders under the Five-Point Consensus.

Norway plans to reopen three North Sea gas fields starting in 2028. This move aims to boost Europe's energy security supply, especially amid global conflicts. The operation will run until 2048 and requires significant investment.

Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire for May 8-9, threatening strikes if Ukraine violated it during its Victory Day commemorations. Ukraine responded with its own truce declaration for May 5-6. US diplomatic efforts are currently stalled amid continued fighting between the two nations.

Following Trump's announcement of aid for stranded ships, Iran warned US forces to stay clear of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran stated it would respond harshly to any foreign military presence in the vital waterway, asserting full control over its security and passage coordination.

China accused the Philippines of landing personnel on a disputed reef in the South China Sea. Manila responded by warning it would dispatch ships to drive off Chinese vessels conducting illegal research, escalating regional tensions.

US LNG exports surged to Asia in April, significantly increasing shipments since the Middle East conflict began. This trend highlights the US's growing role as a key swing supplier, helping stabilize global gas flows amid regional supply cuts.