China Defies Trump Sanctions Push, Tells Firms To Keep Buying Iranian Oil

<p>China has directed domestic companies to disregard US sanctions targeting Iranian oil imports, escalating tensions with Washington and setting up a direct challenge to the Trump administration&rsquo;s pressure campaign against Tehran.</p> <p>According to a report by Fox News, China&rsquo;s Commerce Ministry issued a directive on Sunday invoking a 2021 &ldquo;blocking statute&rdquo; that bars Chinese firms from complying with foreign sanctions Beijing considers illegitimate.</p> <p>The order reportedly applies to several Chinese refiners accused by the United States of purchasing Iranian crude, including independent &ldquo;teapot&rdquo; refineries.</p> <h2><strong>Trump Administration Intensifies Pressure On Iran</strong></h2> <p>The move comes as the Trump administration ramps up sanctions aimed at cutting off a major source of Iranian revenue.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/australia-arrests-3-women-with-alleged-is-links-after-return-from-syria-1842125">Austria Shooting Horror: 3 Dead In Linz, Police Launch Major Probe</a></strong></p> <p>US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of effectively financing Iran&rsquo;s military activities through large-scale oil purchases.</p> <p>Speaking to Fox News, Bessent said: &ldquo;China, let&rsquo;s see them step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the strait.&rdquo;</p> <p>He added: &ldquo;Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism &hellip; China has been buying 90 percent of their energy, so they are funding the largest state sponsor of terrorism.&rdquo;</p> <p>Bessent has repeatedly defended the administration&rsquo;s &ldquo;maximum pressure&rdquo; campaign against Iran, saying the US is &ldquo;suffocating&rdquo; Tehran through financial restrictions and naval enforcement measures.</p> <h2><strong>China Remains Iran&rsquo;s Biggest Oil Buyer</strong></h2> <p>China continues to remain the primary destination for Iranian oil exports despite mounting US sanctions.</p> <p>Much of Iran&rsquo;s sanctioned crude reportedly reaches Chinese refiners through indirect shipping channels and complex maritime networks designed to avoid detection.</p> <p>Defending its latest action, China said the US sanctions unlawfully interfere with normal trade between sovereign nations.</p> <p>China&rsquo;s Commerce Ministry said the American measures violate international norms and confirmed that Chinese firms were prohibited from recognising or complying with the sanctions.</p> <h2><strong>Diplomatic Tensions Rise Ahead Of Trump-Xi Meeting</strong></h2> <p>The latest dispute comes ahead of a highly anticipated meeting later this month between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/business/wall-street-slips-from-record-highs-as-chip-stocks-retreat-iran-talks-in-focus-1842119">Wall Street Slips From Record Highs As Chip Stocks Retreat, Iran Talks In Focus</a></strong></p> <p>Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beijing this week for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, underlining China&rsquo;s growing role as both Iran&rsquo;s leading oil customer and a major diplomatic partner.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/business/china-defies-trump-sanctions-push-tells-firms-to-keep-buying-iranian-oil-1842128

Austria Shooting Horror: 3 Dead In Linz, Police Launch Major Probe

<p><em>Edited by: Rana Taha</em></p> <p>Shots were fired in Linz in Austria on Thursday. A police spokesman told the Reuters news agency that three people had been killed and the weapon used had been recovered by law enforcement.</p> <p>National public broadcaster ORF reported a large police presence in the Klausenbachstrasse area in the north of the city.</p> <h2>What do we know about the Linz shooting?</h2> <p>"The deceased found at the scene were one male and two female persons," Ulrike Handlbauer, a spokeswoman for Upper Austria state police, told ORF. "Police cannot currently give any more detailed comments on the more specific circumstances of the motive or the identity of the deceased."</p> <p>The tabloid news outlet <em>Kronen Zeitung</em> offered further details on the incident, reporting that an elderly man had shot two women and then himself outside a gastronomical business. It also cited police as saying that the wider danger to the public had passed.</p> <p>Linz is situated on the River Danube in the Upper Austria region in the north of the country, around half way between Salzburg in the west and Vienna in the east. It's home to more than 200,000 people.</p> <p>Gun crime is relatively rare in Austria with only around 0.2 people per 100,000 per year being killed by gunshots. For orientation, that's more than 25 times less frequent than in the US but also not among the lowest levels in Europe.</p> <p><em>If you are suffering from serious emotional strain or suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to seek professional help. You can find information on where to find such help, no matter where you live in this world, at this website: </em><a href="https://befrienders.org/">https://befrienders.org/</a></p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on <strong>Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by <strong>ABP Live</strong>.</em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/austria-shooting-horror-3-dead-in-linz-police-launch-major-probe-1842126

Australia Arrests 3 Women With Alleged IS Links After Return From Syria

<p><em>Edited by: Rana Taha</em></p> <p>Australian authorities arrested three women who arrived at Sydney and Melbourne airports after flying back from Syria where they had allegedly supported fighters from the so-called "Islamic State" (IS), police said.</p> <p>The women, aged 31, 32 and 53, are all Australian citizens. They have spent the last few years in refugee camps in Syria after the downfall of IS.</p> <p>Another woman who was travelling with the group was not arrested. According to reports, nine children were also among the groups flying back to Australia.</p> <h2>Women welcomed by security and reporters</h2> <p>Police said ahead of the arrivals that the women could be charged with "terrorism offences" after travelling to a banned area, as well as "crimes against humanity offences such as engaging in slave trading."</p> <p>The groups of returnees were greeted by black-clad security personnel as well as throngs of journalists.</p> <p>Heavily-armed police officers were present to supervise the escorting of the women and children past the reporters to a minibus, the Australian public broadcaster ABC said.</p> <h2>Australia not keen for return of citizens from Syria</h2> <p>Australia, as well as countries like the UK and Canada, has been reluctant to bring back its citizens who traveled to Syria to support IS.</p> <p>Australian officials said they would not help IS-connected individuals to return, but also could not stop them.</p> <p>Some 21 Australians are still believed to be in the Al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, according to ABC.</p> <p>One of the returning women told the broadcaster she was looking forward to being back in Australia.</p> <p>"We just want our children to be safe. It was like hell [in Syria] for them," she told ABC in Doha Airport before boarding the flight to Melbourne.</p> <p>Australian law considered travel to the former Syrian IS stronghold of Raqqa without a legitimate reason between 2014 and 2017 illegal.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on&nbsp;<strong>Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on&nbsp;<strong>ABP Live</strong>&nbsp;as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by&nbsp;<strong>ABP Live</strong>.</em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/australia-arrests-3-women-with-alleged-is-links-after-return-from-syria-1842125

‘God Is Good’: Karoline Leavitt Announces Arrival Of Baby Viviana

<p>Karoline Leavitt has announced the birth of her daughter, Viviana, sharing an emotional post alongside a photograph of herself holding the newborn.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">On May 1st, Viviana aka &ldquo;Vivi&rdquo; joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love. 💕 <br /><br />She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.<br /><br />Thank you to&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/wM1P1zEGsa">pic.twitter.com/wM1P1zEGsa</a></p> &mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/karolineleavitt/status/2052392674297020617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <p>In the post shared on social media, Leavitt revealed that her daughter, whom the family will call &ldquo;Vivi&rdquo;, was born on May 1.</p> <h2><strong>&lsquo;Our Hearts Instantly Exploded With Love&rsquo;</strong></h2> <p>Announcing the birth, Leavitt wrote, &ldquo;On May 1st, Viviana aka &lsquo;Vivi&rsquo; joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love. 💕&rdquo;</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/40-passengers-left-cruise-ship-after-first-death-multiple-countries-on-alert-1842076">40 Passengers Left Cruise Ship After First Death - Multiple Countries On Alert</a></strong></p> <p>She added that the baby is &ldquo;perfect and healthy&rdquo; and said the family is adjusting to life with its newest member.</p> <h2><strong>&lsquo;Big Brother Is Joyfully Adjusting&rsquo;</strong></h2> <p>Leavitt also shared that her son has warmly welcomed his baby sister.</p> <p>&ldquo;She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.&rdquo;</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/this-is-not-covid-who-reassures-public-over-hantavirus-outbreak-1842112">&lsquo;This Is Not COVID&rsquo;: WHO Reassures Public Over Hantavirus Outbreak</a></strong></p> <p>The post included a picture of Leavitt cradling the newborn in her arms.</p> <h2><strong>Thanks Supporters For Prayers During Pregnancy</strong></h2> <p>The Trump administration official also thanked supporters who had sent prayers and wishes during her pregnancy.</p> <p>&ldquo;Thank you to everyone who reached out with prayers during my pregnancy - I truly felt them throughout the entire experience. God is Good.🙏&rdquo;</p> <p>The announcement quickly drew congratulatory messages and reactions across social media.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/god-is-good-karoline-leavitt-announces-arrival-of-baby-viviana-1842122

US Navy Disables Iranian Oil Tanker In Gulf Of Oman Over ‘Blockade Violation’

<p>The US military on Wednesday said it disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel allegedly attempted to violate an American blockade and sail towards an Iranian port. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the tanker M/T Hasna ignored repeated warnings issued by American forces before a US Navy fighter jet fired cannon rounds that disabled the ship&rsquo;s rudder. The incident marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran at a time when the United States is continuing negotiations with Iran following the recent ceasefire.</p> <p>President Donald Trump has also warned that the US would intensify bombing operations if Tehran refuses to agree to a deal.</p> <h2>Tanker Stopped By US Forces</h2> <p>In a statement, CENTCOM said the Iranian-flagged vessel was observed travelling through international waters towards an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman at around 9 a.m. ET.</p> <p>American forces reportedly issued multiple warnings to the tanker&rsquo;s crew and informed them that the vessel was violating the US blockade imposed on ships attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports. However, according to the US military, the crew failed to comply despite repeated instructions.</p> <p>CENTCOM stated that a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier subsequently fired several 20mm cannon rounds, disabling the tanker&rsquo;s rudder and preventing it from continuing its journey towards Iran.</p> <p>The US military later confirmed that the vessel was no longer transiting towards Iranian territory and reiterated that the blockade against ships entering or departing Iranian ports &ldquo;remains in full effect&rdquo;.</p> <h2>Tensions Rise Again</h2> <p>The naval confrontation comes amid growing tensions surrounding ongoing US-Iran negotiations. President Donald Trump recently warned that American forces would begin bombing Iran &ldquo;at a much higher level and intensity&rdquo; than before the ceasefire if Tehran failed to reach an agreement with Washington.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would hold discussions with Trump regarding the negotiations with Iran.</p> <p>Netanyahu stressed that there was &ldquo;full coordination&rdquo; between Israel and the United States and said both countries shared the objective of removing enriched nuclear material from Iran and dismantling Tehran&rsquo;s enrichment capabilities.</p> <p>Despite the rising military tensions in the Gulf, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran are still continuing, although uncertainty over the outcome of the talks remains high.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-news-live-update-us-navy-disables-iranian-oil-tanker-in-gulf-of-oman-over-blockade-violation-1841883

Iran Says It Is Reviewing Fresh US Proposal, Will Respond Soon

<section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:299fc1a7-637b-4693-b0ea-842880d5df65-104" data-testid="conversation-turn-210" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="b22db5c6-17f0-492b-943a-18473d3d1154" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-3" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling"> <p data-start="0" data-end="256">Iran said on Wednesday it is reviewing a fresh US proposal as both sides appear to be edging towards a preliminary one-page memorandum aimed at ending the Gulf conflict, with more complex issues, including Tehran&rsquo;s nuclear programme, to be addressed later.</p> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="256">Tehran To Convey Response Soon</h2> <p data-start="258" data-end="661">An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, quoted by the ISNA news agency, said Tehran would soon convey its response via Pakistan, which hosted the only round of peace talks and continues to act as a key intermediary. US President Donald Trump indicated progress but offered no specifics, saying the war could end if Iran agrees to the proposed terms, while cautioning it was too early for direct talks, Reuters reported.</p> <p data-start="663" data-end="1074">Sources familiar with the mediation said the draft 14-point memorandum could pave the way for restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, easing US sanctions, and initiating discussions on curbs to Iran&rsquo;s nuclear activities. However, several longstanding US demands,&nbsp; including limits on Iran&rsquo;s missile programme and its support for regional proxy groups, are reportedly not part of the initial framework.</p> <h2 data-start="663" data-end="1074">Iran Seeks 'fair Agreement'</h2> <p data-start="1076" data-end="1331">Despite signs of progress, uncertainty remains. Iran has signalled it is seeking a &ldquo;fair and comprehensive agreement&rdquo;, while Israel, a key US ally, is said to be preparing for a possible escalation, indicating it is not yet aligned with any imminent deal.</p> <p data-start="1333" data-end="1623" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Markets reacted sharply to reports of a potential breakthrough, with global oil prices dropping significantly amid hopes of reduced disruption to energy supplies. Meanwhile, Trump temporarily paused a naval operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, citing advances in negotiations.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-live-updates-iran-says-it-is-reviewing-fresh-us-proposal-will-respond-soon-pakistan-1841880

WHO Confirms Five Hantavirus Cases Linked To Cruise Ship Off African Coast

<p>The number of confirmed hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship stranded off the coast of Cape Verde has risen to five, according to reports by the Associated Press citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The latest figure includes two passengers who were evacuated on Wednesday and later tested positive in South Africa. The vessel, carrying nearly 150 people on board, has triggered growing international concern after health authorities confirmed infections involving the Andes strain of hantavirus-a rare but potentially dangerous virus primarily found in parts of South America. Authorities are now monitoring passengers and crew closely amid fears of further spread.</p> <h2>Cases Rise To Five</h2> <p>South African health authorities earlier confirmed that two evacuated passengers aboard the ship were infected with the Andes strain of hantavirus. The passengers were airlifted to South Africa for medical treatment and testing after the vessel became stranded near Cape Verde.</p> <p>According to the WHO, the Andes virus is mainly found in countries such as Argentina and Chile. Unlike many other hantavirus strains, the Andes variant is considered unusual because it can spread from person to person, although such transmission remains relatively rare.</p> <p>Experts say infections generally occur through very close contact, including sharing food, beds or prolonged exposure to bodily fluids.</p> <p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/hantavirus-outbreak-alert-on-cruise-ship-in-south-africa-two-passengers-test-positive-1841818">Hantavirus Outbreak Alert On Cruise Ship In South Africa; Two Passengers Test Positive</a></p> <h2>Concerns Over Transmission</h2> <p>The South African Department of Health stated that the infections were confirmed through laboratory testing conducted after the passengers arrived in the country. Authorities have not yet disclosed the condition of all infected individuals but are continuing medical monitoring and contact tracing measures.</p> <p>The cruise ship remains under close observation as health officials assess the risk of further transmission among passengers and crew members. Nearly 150 people are believed to be on board the vessel.</p> <p>Medical experts have stressed that hantavirus infections remain uncommon globally, but the Andes strain has drawn attention because of its limited ability to spread between humans. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle pain and severe respiratory complications in serious cases.</p> <p>Health agencies are continuing investigations to determine how the infections occurred and whether additional containment measures may be required in the coming days.</p> <p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://news.abplive.com/health/hantavirus-infection-kills-3-know-early-symptoms-and-precautions-1841504">Hantavirus Infection Kills 3: Know Early Symptoms And Precautions</a></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/who-confirms-five-hantavirus-cases-linked-to-cruise-ship-off-african-coast-1841877