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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
A potential second oil slick has been spotted close to Iran’s Kharg Island, a crucial export location, as reported by maritime intelligence company Windward AI. This discovery intensifies concerns over a looming environmental crisis, with a larger spill detected on May 8, now perilously drifting towards Saudi Arabian waters.
This newly identified slick emerges amidst warnings from U.N. officials, who caution that oil spills in this area could lead to severe environmental damage, exacerbated by the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
“A possible new oil spill was observed at 11 a.m. local time today,” Windward informed Fox News Digital. The firm estimated the affected area to be visible over a span of 12 to 20 square kilometers.
While Tehran attributes the spills to foreign vessels, maritime specialists suggest that the primary slick—believed to encompass tens of thousands of barrels and extending over approximately 65 square kilometers, as per the U.N. University Institute for Water, Environment and Health—is more likely due to outdated infrastructure, pipeline failures, or the heightened tensions that have plagued the region since February.
This suspected oil spill, spanning dozens of square kilometers near Iran’s Kharg Island, has been captured in satellite images this week.(Reuters)
“We should worry about the cause of the slick and monitor things carefully to see if there are new developments,” U.N. official Dr. Kaveh Madani told Fox News Digital.
“If this slick gets bigger, we should be seriously worried about there being a leakage of aging infrastructure,” Madani said, adding the slick was “moving away toward the southwest of the island.”
“We just have to see how it moves and if it gets closer to the centers of population. If it does, desalination operations also must be halted. The risk is low right now,” he said.
Madani also noted the slick is near a zone with a heavy concentration of pipelines and energy infrastructure.
“Keeping these infrastructure systems healthy and operational has been very hard for the Iranians even in peacetime due to sanctions,” he said, warning that amid conflict, a “major accident is very likely.”
Water circulation in the Persian Gulf is slow, meaning pollution can persist for extended periods, he added.
“We saw similar instances during the Gulf wars and the Iran-Iraq War, with these things impacting coastal communities, the fishing industry, marine life and even the intake of desalination plants,” he said.
Satellite view shows Kharg Island located in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iran.(Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2024)
The larger spill, visible in satellite images as a gray-and-white slick, was first detected west of Kharg Island, Windward AI reported May 8, and has been steadily moving.
“It is believed to be crude rather than bunker fuel and unlikely to have come from a ship, possibly originating from pipeline issues or a failed ship-to-ship transfer,” the firm said.
The spill could pass through Qatar’s exclusive economic zone within about four days, with possible landfall near Al Mirfa in the United Arab Emirates in roughly 13 days, according to Windward.
The incident comes as Washington ramps up “Economic Fury,” tightening sanctions and increasing its naval presence near the Strait of Hormuz to curb Iran’s oil exports.
Since Iran closed the strait in late February following the outbreak of hostilities, tankers have bottlenecked across the region as the vital oil chokepoint remains largely shut.
“We also know that there are many tankers in the area, so there is a chance of an accidental spill,” Madani said.
A second suspected oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island is raising environmental fears as a larger spill drifts toward Gulf waters and officials warn aging infrastructure, conflict and tanker congestion could worsen the threat.(Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto)
“As long as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is there and the region is in a war mode, the environment would not be a priority, but monitoring the behavior of tankers would not be trivial,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jafar Pourkabgani, a lawmaker representing Bushehr province, claimed the slick was caused by “oil residue and ballast water waste from European tankers” discharged into the sea.
“This claim is false and part of the enemy’s psychological operation,” he wrote on X, referring to allegations Iran released oil due to full storage tanks.
Iran’s Oil Terminals Company also denied reports of a leak near Kharg Island, according to Reuters.
The company’s chief executive said Sunday that inspections found no evidence of leaks from storage tanks, pipelines, loading facilities or nearby tankers.
Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture.
LaMelo Ball and his partner, Ana Montana, have shared the joyous news of welcoming their baby boy earlier this year. Alongside this announcement, they revealed plans to launch a platform and nonprofit organization aimed at supporting women navigating the challenges of fertility and IVF treatments.
Their son, LaOne, entered the world in January, and the couple expressed to People that he “has changed our hearts in the best way.”
“Family has always meant everything to us, but becoming parents has given us an entirely new perspective on love, purpose, legacy, and what truly matters most,” they conveyed.
LaMelo and Ana have been in a romantic relationship officially since 2023, although rumors had linked them together even before then.
“He has brought so much happiness and meaning into our lives, and we’re incredibly grateful to God for trusting us with such a special blessing,” the couple’s statement to People continued. “We’re embracing this new chapter with so much love and excitement as we raise and guide our son together.”
The existence of LaOne had been revealed by Ball’s father, LaVar Ball, in March on the “Ball in the Family Podcast with Lonzo & Gelo Ball.”
The elder Ball said that he would train up his grandson like he did his sons.
“Yes indeed. If I raised ya’ three killas’ in the backyard, what do you think I’ma do with a gym in the backyard?” he said.
The nonprofit that the two are launching will help provide women with needed education, emotional support, trusted resources and reproductive health awareness, and they are also looking to launch a grant for women to provide financial support to those going through the IVF process.
“This is more than awareness, it’s about creating real support, real access and a community where women feel seen, understood and hopeful,” Montana said.
Michael Pennington, an actor renowned for his role in “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi,” has passed away.
According to reports by the Telegraph, Pennington died on Sunday at the age of 82.
In the 1983 blockbuster “Return of the Jedi,” he portrayed the character of Death Star Commander Moff Jerjerrod, a memorable role in the beloved franchise.
Throughout his distinguished career, the British actor also gained recognition for his portrayal of Laertes in the 1969 adaptation of “Hamlet,” as well as his depiction of Michael Foot in the 2011 film “The Iron Lady.”
Other notable roles the British actor played were Laertes in 1969’s “Hamlet” and Michael Foot in 2011’s “The Iron Lady.”
Pennington also founded the English Shakespeare Company in 1986 with theater director Michael Bogdanov, which promotes the work of William Shakespeare.
Pennington judged himself harshly for his “Star Wars” character, though it was well received by fans.
“I look at it now and I think I overact horribly and I can’t even remember the storyline,” he said in a September 2012 interview. “We all did it for a song, but I suppose that it has given me some kind of calling card for movies.”
“Whenever I come out of the Stage Door after a performance, all people would ask about was ‘Star Wars,’” he continued. “Nowadays, there’s less of that and more about ‘The Iron Lady.’”
He got married to actress Katharine Barker in 1964, and they shared a son, Mark, before they divorced in 1967. According to the Telegraph, his partner, arts administrator Prue Skene, died last year.
“A warm and pleasant man, Michael Pennington enjoyed the company of fellow actors and took his turn in cooking a meal for everyone, proving himself an accomplished chef,” the outlet also wrote.
“At one time he liked to hand out jars of his homemade quince butter,” they added.
Nancy Guthrie’s Health Concerns Highlighted as Urgent Medication Requirement Surfaces
In the ongoing search for Nancy, officials have stressed the critical nature of her daily medication, which she likely lacks access to at the moment.
“Nancy is an 84-year-old woman facing various health challenges, requiring medication that is crucial for her survival,” stated Nanos during a press briefing on February 2. “Without it, she could face life-threatening consequences within 24 hours.”
He urged, “We appeal to anyone with information—whether you’ve seen or heard anything—to reach out. Dial 911. We need to prevent another tragic situation and are asking for the community’s assistance.”
Despite her physical limitations over recent years, Nanos pointed out that Nancy maintains sharp cognitive faculties.
“Nancy Guthrie is of a great sound mind,” Nanos explained. “This is not dementia-related. She is as sharp as a tack. The family wants everybody to know this isn’t somebody who just wandered off. Her physical limits are based on just age.”
As the investigation into Nancy’s disappearance continues, Nanos shared his hopes for Nancy’s safe return.
“I hope we find her safe and sound,” he emphasized, “but we cannot ignore what’s in front of us.”
Feeling like your legs have lost some of their vigor after hitting 60? Try these five morning exercises to rebuild them.
Many underestimate the crucial role leg strength plays in everyday activities, particularly as we age. It’s pivotal for maintaining stability, moving with assurance, and effortlessly handling tasks like climbing stairs, rising from a chair, or carrying items. When your legs are robust, everyday actions become smoother and more manageable, enhancing both your activity levels and your independence.
However, without regular exercise, leg strength can diminish over time. As daily movement decreases and more hours are spent sitting, the muscles supporting your hips and knees lose the challenges they need to stay strong. This gradual decline results in slower movements, diminished balance, and a general sense of unreliability in your legs.
Incorporating a brief morning routine can help restore that lost strength. By engaging your muscles early in the day, you reinforce essential movement patterns and maintain consistency, all without the need for lengthy workouts or complex equipment. The aim is to move effectively, stay consistent, and provide your legs with the stimulus they need to remain strong.
A short morning routine can help bring that strength back into your day. It gets your muscles working early, reinforces the movement patterns your body relies on, and builds consistency without needing long workouts or a complicated setup. The goal here is to move well, stay consistent, and give your legs a reason to stay strong.
Air Squats
Air squats tie directly into everyday movement, which is why they’re one of the first places to start when building leg strength back up. Sitting down and standing up, getting in and out of a car, even picking something up from the ground all rely on this pattern. When you move through squats with control, your hips, knees, and ankles start working together again instead of feeling stiff or disconnected. Over time, that consistency helps bring back both strength and confidence in your lower body.
Push your hips back and bend your knees to lower down.
Keep your weight balanced through your feet.
Drive through your heels to stand back up.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Box squats, tempo squats, assisted squats
Form Tip: Keep your knees tracking in line with your toes. And yes, your knees can go past your toes!
Glute Bridge
Glute bridges help activate the muscles around your hips, which tend to go quiet when you spend a lot of time sitting. When the glutes aren’t doing their job, other areas like your lower back and knees often pick up the slack, and that’s where discomfort can start to creep in. This movement brings the focus back where it belongs and helps restore strength through your hips. When your glutes start firing again, many other movements feel smoother and more stable.
Muscles Trained: Glutes, hamstrings, core
How to Do It:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Place your arms at your sides for support.
Press through your heels and lift your hips upward.
Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement.
Lower your hips back down under control.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Single-leg bridges, elevated feet bridges, paused bridges
Form Tip: Drive through your heels and avoid arching your lower back.
Bodyweight Good Morning
The hinge pattern is one of the most overlooked pieces of lower-body strength, and it plays a big role in how your back and hips handle daily movement. Good mornings teach your body how to bend at the hips while keeping your spine stable, which helps reduce unnecessary strain through your lower back. When done consistently, this movement builds strength in the backs of your legs and improves how your body handles lifting and bending throughout the day.
Muscles Trained: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back
How to Do It:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
Place your hands on your hips or behind your head.
Keep your chest up and hinge at your hips.
Lower your torso until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
Return to the starting position by driving your hips forward.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Band-resisted good mornings, tempo hinges, staggered stance hinges
Form Tip: Keep your back flat and focus on pushing your hips back.
Walking Lunges
Walking lunges add a dynamic element to your routine, helping with both strength and balance. Each step challenges your stability and forces your legs to work independently, which is important for maintaining coordination as you age. There’s also a natural rhythm to the movement that makes it feel less rigid than stationary exercises. When you stay controlled and move with purpose, it builds strength while reinforcing better movement patterns.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 10 steps per leg. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Reverse lunges, stationary split squats, shorter step lunges
Form Tip: Keep your torso upright and control each step.
Lateral Lunges
Most people spend a lot of time moving forward and backward, but very little time moving side to side. Lateral lunges help fill that gap by strengthening the muscles that support your hips in a different direction. That added strength carries over into balance, helping reduce the risk of feeling unstable during daily movement. When you move through these with control, you’ll start to feel your hips working in a way that doesn’t always get trained.
Muscles Trained: Glutes, inner thighs, quadriceps
How to Do It:
Stand with your feet together.
Step out to the side with one leg.
Bend that knee and push your hips back.
Keep your other leg straight as you lower down.
Push through your foot to return to the starting position.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps per side. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Short-range lateral lunges, supported lateral lunges, tempo reps
Form Tip: Keep your chest up and sit back into your hips.
The Best Tips for Restoring Leg Muscle After 60
Shutterstock
Building leg strength back up doesn’t require long workouts or complicated routines, but it does come down to showing up consistently and moving with intention. These exercises cover the main patterns your body relies on, and when you keep them in rotation, your legs start to feel stronger, more stable, and more capable during everyday movement. Over time, that consistency is what drives real progress.
Stay consistent with your mornings: A short daily routine adds up quickly and keeps your legs active.
Move with control instead of rushing reps: Slowing down helps your muscles stay engaged and improves the feel of each movement.
Work through a comfortable range: Go as far as you can with good form and build from there as your mobility improves.
Keep your posture in check: Staying tall and braced helps your legs handle the work rather than shifting the stress elsewhere.
Stay active throughout the day: Regular movement outside of workouts supports strength and overall function.
References
Strollo, S E et al. “A review of the relationship between leg power and selected chronic disease in older adults.” The journal of nutrition, health & aging vol. 19,2 (2015): 240-8. doi:10.1007/s12603-014-0528-y
Frith, Emily, and Paul D Loprinzi. “The Association between Lower Extremity Muscular Strength and Cognitive Function in a National Sample of Older Adults.” Journal of lifestyle medicine vol. 8,2 (2018): 99-104. doi:10.15280/jlm.2018.8.2.99
The remains of a missing U.S. soldier who disappeared during a hiking trip in Morocco were discovered on Sunday.
The soldier was identified as 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr, a 27-year-old officer specializing in Air Defense Artillery. He was one of two American soldiers who tragically fell from a cliff during an off-duty hike in Morocco.
Efforts continue as military teams are actively searching for the other missing soldier.
The pair went missing on May 2 while they were in Morocco for African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise.
According to the Moroccan military, the two soldiers were last seen around 9 p.m. local time near the Cap Draa Training Area, located outside the city of Tan-Tan.
A military search team found Key in the water along the shoreline at approximately on Saturday morning local time, within roughly one mile of where both Soldiers reportedly entered the ocean.
A preliminary report suggested the pair had taken a hike to view the sunset when one of the two fell into the water and was unable to swim, CBS News said.
The second soldier dove in and tried to rescue the first soldier but was hit by a wave. Further rescue attempts by other troops were unsuccessful.
The remains were those of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr, a 14A Air Defense Artillery officer who was one of two US soldiers who fell off a cliff during a recreational hike in Morocco while off duty. He was 27 years old
The two were reported missing May 2 after participating in African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise held in Morocco
Their disappearance triggered a search-and-rescue operation involving more than 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco and other military partners.
The operation deployed frigates, vessels, helicopters and drones.
‘Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco,’ said Brig. Gen Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
‘Our hearts are with his Family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him. The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Family is grieving, and we will continue to support one another and 1st Lt. Key’s Family as we honor his life and service.’
Search efforts will continue for the missing second soldier, a US defense official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as they were not allowed to speak publicly on the issue.
The official said a U.S. contingent remained in Morocco after the war games ended Friday to provide command and control and to continue search and rescue operations.
Key was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, the army said.
His decorations include the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
He entered military service in 2023 as an officer candidate and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024 as an Air Defense Artillery officer.
Key later completed the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, according to the statement.
His next-of-kin were notified prior to the military’s announcement. Key is survived by his parents, sister and brother-in-law.
Key’s remains were taken to a local morgue, with plans underway to bring them back to the United States.
African Lion 26, is a US-led exercise launched in April across four countries – Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal – with more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 nations. Since 2004, it has been the largest US joint military exercise in Africa.
In 2012, two US Marines were killed and two others injured during a helicopter crash in Morocco´s southern city of Agadir while taking part in the exercises.
The US Military has said that the multi-national exercise is key to strengthening regional security cooperation and refining the readiness of participating forces for global crises.
Morocco is one of the US’s top allies in northern and western Africa, where other countries in the region, such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, have been distancing themselves from Western powers since 2020.
AFRICOM stated that as the search is carried out, ‘Our focus is on the service members involved and their families.’
Kentucky law enforcement has apprehended a woman accused of tattooing her 22-month-old child.
Identified as 27-year-old Brook McDaniel, she was detained by Kentucky State Police last Monday, as reported by the Adair County Regional Jail.
Authorities conducting a home inspection found the living conditions to be “deplorable.” Additionally, they observed that the toddler had a black dot tattoo on his arm, with noticeable redness surrounding the area, according to a report from local news outlet LEX 18.
Eyewitnesses informed investigators that McDaniel allegedly inked the toddler while she was also tattooing herself, the news source further reported.
Brook McDaniel was arrested on May 4, 2026, under accusations of giving her young son a tattoo. (Adair County Regional Jail)
According to the arrest documents, McDaniel was detained in Monticello after officials reportedly received a child abuse complaint.
Troopers said the suspect admitted to the allegations when confronted, according to Lex 18.
McDaniel told the authorities that while she was tattooing her own leg, the child allegedly “walked up to her and stuck his arm in the way of her tattoo gun,” the citation stated.
McDaniel told authorities she was tattooing her own leg when the child allegedly walked up and put his arm in the path of the tattoo gun, according to the citation.(Luis Marin/Eyepix Group/LightRocket)
As a result, troopers reportedly discovered a “black dot tattoo on his right forearm with redness around the area.”
Several witnesses also described the marking as a “party dot” — a term commonly used to describe a single small dot — and claimed the toddler had “wanted the tattoo,” the outlet reported.
Several witnesses described the mark as a “party dot,” a term often used for a single small dot.(iStock)
Police reportedly contacted the Department for Community-Based Services due to the “deplorable” conditions investigators said they found inside the home.
McDaniel was arrested and transported to the Adair County Regional Jail. She is charged with fourth-degree assault – child abuse.
Fox News Digital reached out to Kentucky State Police for more information.
Bonny Chu is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital.
Abraham “Abe” Foxman, a stalwart in the fight against antisemitism and a champion for marginalized communities, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. Foxman’s half-century-long career at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) left an indelible mark on the global stage.
Having served as the national director of the ADL from 1987 until 2015, Foxman became a pivotal figure in the struggle against hate and bigotry. The ADL recognized him as “one of the world’s foremost voices against antisemitism and hate” in a statement released to honor his legacy.
Foxman’s life story began in 1940 in what is now Belarus. His early years were marked by the turmoil of World War II, as his homeland came under Nazi control just a year after his birth. During this harrowing time, a Polish Catholic nanny played a crucial role in his survival, a testament to the resilience and compassion that would define his life’s work, according to the ADL.
Tragically separated from his parents during the war, Foxman was eventually reunited with them after its conclusion. Yet, the shadow of the Holocaust loomed large, having claimed the lives of 14 of his family members, as recounted by the organization.
In a poignant turn of events, the nanny who saved him attempted to keep custody, even going as far as a legal battle against his parents. Despite losing the case, she remained undeterred, reportedly attempting to kidnap him. This desperate act prompted his parents to flee to the United States, seeking a new beginning away from the strife of their past.
Foxman joined the ADL immediately after graduating from New York University’s School of Law in 1965. He served in various roles before he was eventually tapped as the national director in 1987.
While leading the charge, Foxman blew past all expectations — and helped establish the ADL as the anti-hate mainstay it is today. He never shied away from confronting antisemitism at its root, even when it was spouted by some of society’s most powerful figures.
He also famously, and controversially, expanded the ADL’s tenets beyond a sole focus on Jewish issues.
He established a research arm probing white supremacy and other forms of extremism, advocated for immigrants, sought to advance gay rights during the AIDs epidemic, and developed educational programs to teach young people about topics from the Holocaust to the lasting effects of bullying.
In 2000 — around the same time he raised a staggering $6 million during a single banquet at the Waldorf Astoria — Foxman’s heart suddenly stopped in his sleep, but he was quickly revived and underwent an emergency bypass surgery.
At the time, many speculated the brush with death would force Foxman into retirement. But he refused to let a short-lived scare dampen his spirit, and he remained at the helm of the ADL until 2015.
When he retired after a storied 50 years with the ADL, Foxman passed the torch to the org’s current CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, who, on Sunday, mourned the trailblazer’s death as a loss of a key “moral voice.”
“Abe Foxman was an iconic Jewish leader who embraced the ideal of an America free from antisemitism and hate and who strongly believed that these scourges could be defeated if good people opposed it,” Greenblatt said in a statement.
Nicole Munchnik, the ADL board chair, described Foxman as “a warm friend, advisor, spirited antagonist and hugger – all over lunch.”
Foxman is survived by his wife, Golda Bauman, their two children, and several grandchildren.
DELPHI, Greece — In an exclusive discussion with News, Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), expressed a bold vision. He believes that former President Donald Trump has the potential to broker a monumental agreement with Iran that could ignite a global economic surge, benefiting both the United States and Iran in the wake of their past conflicts.
Talabani, who plays a pivotal role in the governance of the Kurdish semi-autonomous region adjacent to Iran, is the son of Jalal Talabani, Iraq’s former president from 2005 to 2014. Following the fall of Saddam Hussein, Jalal led Iraq towards stability, and now his son is advocating for regional peace and economic growth, particularly in Kurdistan.
“The agreement needs to be strictly between the U.S. and Iran, without interference from third parties,” Talabani stated during his conversation with News.
He further elaborated, “I believe that if President Trump is guided by America’s interests and truly implements an ‘America First’ strategy, he could secure a beneficial deal with Iran that would also favor Iran’s own interests.”
Talabani conveyed his hopes to News that Trump can achieve a groundbreaking deal with Iran, one that not only addresses nuclear disarmament but also includes significant economic incentives.
“I think President Trump is a master of the deal, and I think he knows that a deal needs both sides to buy in for it to stick,” Talabani told – News. “If a deal is imposed by one side on the other, even if they reach an agreement, it may not stick. So, I think what we need now is a deal that is between the United States and Iran.”
Talabani sat down with – News for a lengthy exclusive interview in Delphi, Greece, on the sidelines of the Delphi Economic Forum in late April. At that time, in the early days of the now-extended-multiple-times ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, the early picture of a possible deal was starting to come together.
“Well, first we need peace in the region and in Kurdistan,” Talabani told – News. “We’re rooting for a deal. We’re supporting a deal, and we’ve made it clear to all sides we’re willing to help in any way that we can whether it’s through back channels, whether it’s to utilize Kurdistan’s strategic location to support any deconfliction — we need this deconfliction. The impact of this war on Iraq, on Kurdistan, was significant, primarily economically as it has impacted the rest of the world. So, we welcome the ceasefire. We welcome the extension of the ceasefire. As they say, it takes more bravery to end the war than it does to start it. I think this is where we are at now, and we’re hoping that President Trump will do the right thing and do what it takes to get a deal that brings peace to the region, brings peace between the United States and Iran, and that will have I think enormous ramifications positively for the rest of the world.”
Talabani said that for a deal to succeed, it has to be solely between the United States and Iran, and not include other third parties.
“I’m hopeful that Iran and the United States reach a deal, and I’m also hoping that other actors do not go out of their way to scupper that deal,” Talabani said.
As for the timeline here, Talabani was unsure how long it will take but hopes it is soon.
“I wish I could tell you. I’m not being coy,” Talabani said when asked how long this will take. “I really don’t know, and nobody knows. I think the only person that could know is President Trump. Again, I will repeat, if he’s left to his own devices, and if other countries are not trying to dissuade him from a deal, then the likelihood of reaching that deal in a shorter period of time increases.”
As for the Strait of Hormuz specifically, Talabani said the beginnings of a deal need to materialize before it opens.
“I think that there needs to be some concrete agreements between the United States and Iran before the strait opens,” he said. “I think if the strait could have been opened militarily, it would have been done by now. So, I think there is an understanding that this strait can only be opened through a deal. So, the Iranians are very good negotiators, and I don’t think they’re going to be very willing to give up this massive card that they have without a return — without something that is concrete. I think if the United States weighs up all of the variables that make up the complete deal this is a big one.”
Talabani represents the Kurds who totally agree with Trump’s assessment of U.S. failures in Iraq — Trump has argued America should have taken the oil, something former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama failed to do — as he told – News the year before in Delphi. Now, he believes that in the aftermath of the war in Iran, the U.S. should get engaged economically and bring in American energy companies to help develop Iran’s underutilized oil and natural gas assets that have not been realized to their fullest potential for years because of international sanctions. Talabani hailed the possible “economic benefits” of a U.S.-Iran deal for both sides, arguing that for this to fully succeed the negotiations need to go beyond simply the security elements.
“I believe that if you look beyond the security dynamic between America and Iran, there is a whole giant world for an economic angle to this war,” Talabani told – News. “So much of what has been discussed between U.S. and Iran has been on the nuclear issue, on security, on the ballistic missiles issue, but I haven’t had any discussions about the economic benefits of a deal between Iran and the U.S. and again, this is a mutually beneficial deal, a deal that can greatly increase Iran’s economy but also give American interests access to a whole new market, which has been by and large strangled for the last 40 years. So, the opportunities are vast.”
Talabani said the idea that Iran can get a nuclear weapon is finished now thanks to Trump. But again, for a big deal to succeed the Kurds hope that it will tie together the economic components of energy production — something Trump has done with adversaries and allies worldwide, a sort of trademark move of the president. Of course, Trump has used this same move in places like Venezuela after the capture of Nicolas Maduro but also with allies like here in Greece where natural gas explorations are set to begin offshore early next year by two American energy companies, Chevron and Exxon-Mobil, something that can unleash economic prosperity in the region. Something similar could be on the horizon in Iran.
“I think we’re beyond that now, also because to be fair to the Iranians, they’ve never said they wanted a nuclear weapon, and they made it very clear to Mr. Witkoff that this was not on their agenda, and they’ve made it clear to other world actors,” Talabani said. “The detail was about the level of enriched uranium. How relevant that discussion is today, I’m not privy to the information on the damage done but I think again if we just look at this through a very sliced window of nuclear file, ballistic missile file, then there’s not really much room for a deal. But if we broaden that horizon to look at all of the other benefits for both sides and for the global economy and for America’s economy and Iran’s economy, there are many other variables that could make this a very good deal. Again, if we just limit everything to these two specific cases, I can’t see it. I’m not optimistic.”
Trump himself has similarly said since this interview with Talabani was recorded that there “could be” U.S. energy companies entering Iran as a component of a broader deal with them, telling – News that could end up happening. And now, with Trump’s trip to China coming up around the corner, it’s likelier and likelier that economic components could emerge as a major part of this equation moving forward.
“China is obviously the big importer of Iranian oil,” Talabani said when asked if China can help Trump land the deal. “But I think you will not find any international actor not wanting the strait to open for maybe different reasons but everyone wants this to open. So, I’m hoping that this will kind of expedite the necessity of a deal because it’s gotten bigger than just what the immediate objectives were before the war started. Now, the economy here in Greece, which is such a massive maritime economy, how many of their ships are now unable to do what they used to be able to do in the Gulf? They’re not used to shipping things by land, right? So, the world is not ready and won’t be ready to adjust to the closure of the strait. So, this is why everybody needs to not just have an opinion but use that opinion to force a deal or to get people closer to a deal.”
Talabani said that what is needed to be included in any end deal is “the economy and infrastructure and what comes with this lifting of sanctions, increased trade, greater inclusion.”
“You know, ultimately, Iran would also need to feel a level of confidence that they’re welcomed players again in the world,” Talabani added.
He even said that a deal could include mineral and rare earth development, too, but also warned that the U.S. should understand how unified Iran is in his view right now.
“I think it’s all about the optics. I think both sides need to come out of this deal feeling victorious, and the victory for President Trump is he came into this war with some objectives, you could argue he fulfilled those objectives,” Talabani said. “At the same time, you have an Iran that has proven to be much more resilient than anyone expected them to be. Now the landscape is conducive for a deal that includes the economy, that includes energy, that includes oil, that includes minerals, right? So, and I think too much is made of this schism between the diplomats in Iran and the IRGC. I think Iran is very unified right now as a state, but also as a nation. They’re reeling from the effects of this war, and the damage done to their country has created a sense of national pride in Iran. I don’t think this is a bad thing for the United States. It’s something that could be tapped into by the United States because again you can show the benefits of a relationship with the United States in a way that perhaps before you could not.”
Talabani stressed again that Iran is very unified.
“The difference between Iran and a country like Syria, and a country like Iraq was in Syria when Assad fell, the state fell,” Talabani said. “In Iraq, when Saddam fell, the state fell because the states were tied to the individual. Iran is not a country where everything was tied to the Ayatollah, Ayatollah Khamenei. It’s a country of institutions. It has a military institution, it has a civilian institution, it has a paramilitary institution. Then it has the religious clerical establishment, and each one has its own infrastructure. I think this was perhaps those around the world that thought by decapitating Iran that you will then in turn bring the collapse of the regime. They miscalculated. Iran is a country that has institutions, and right now those institutions are in sync. The military side are doing what they’re doing, the diplomats are doing what they’re doing. I think there’s greater unity now in Iran than there’s probably ever been.”
Iraq broadly, and Kurdistan specifically, “took hits too” economically, Talabani said.
“Iraq’s main source of revenue is oil, to include the Kurdistan Region,” Talabani said. “So, when the straits are closed, there’s no oil being sold, which means there’s no revenue coming into Kurdistan. A big portion of Kurdistan’s revenue relies on trade between Iraq and Iran, and if there’s no trade, then there’s no revenue. So, the impact on the economy has been massive, and that’s why we’re very eager for there to be progress so the economic angle can begin to normalize. I think that’s one aspect that has been a direct impact on Kurdistan. At the same time, I think we were very clear with everybody involved that the Kurds of Iran should not be used as a tool or as a vehicle to bring about regime change in Iran. We did not think that was a good policy, a good strategy. And I’m very happy that President Trump also came to that conclusion.”
Talabani expanded on that point about how Trump in his view correctly determined that using the Kurds in Iran to effectuate regime change in Tehran would have been not a good strategy by noting he thinks they would have been “massacred.”
“He was able to analyze the situation and realize this was not going to work,” Talabani told – News. “The Kurds would have been massacred had they have been the tip of the spear in this and so this took up a lot of energy for us to work our relations on all sides including with the Kurds of Iran to say ‘don’t be duped by a third party into thinking that you guys can make this happen.’ Again, to be absolutely transparent, the U.S. knew very early that this was not the vehicle — that the Kurds of Iran should not be the tip of the spear.”
Iran has delivered its reply to the most recent ceasefire offer from the United States, a proposal that President Donald Trump has declined.
“I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it — Totally Unacceptable! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump expressed in a post on Truth Social Sunday afternoon.
The United States remains confident in its strategic position. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Walz, shared with Fox News Sunday host Shannon Bream, “We’re witnessing global support aligning with us.”
“Iran has revealed its true nature, but President Trump is still open to diplomacy, supported by the strength of our formidable U.S. military,” Walz continued.
The latest initiative from the Trump administration proposed a resolution to the conflict, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a rollback of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran seeks to end the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, and to ensure the security of shipping, state TV said.
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen or heard publicly since the war began, ‘issued new and decisive directives for the continuation of operations and the powerful confrontation with the enemies’ while meeting with the head of the joint military command, the state broadcaster reported, with no details.
Trump has reiterated threats to resume full-scale bombing if Iran does not accept an agreement to reopen the strait and roll back its nuclear program. Iran has largely blocked the strategic waterway that’s key to the global flow of oil, natural gas and fertilizer since the war began, rattling world markets.
President Donald Trump in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22nd, 2026
A woman holds the Iranian flag as she stands infront of an anti-US billboard referring to President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz, installed on a building at the Valiasr Square in Tehran on May 10, 2026
An explosion of what appears to be white phosphorus fired by the IDF on the Lebanese side of the Israel-Lebanon border as seen from the Israeli side of the border, May 10, 2026
The U.S. military in turn has blockaded Iranian ports since April 13, saying it has turned back 61 commercial vessels and disabled four. On Friday, it struck two Iranian oil tankers it said were trying to breach the blockade. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy says any attack on Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels would be met with a ‘heavy assault’ on U.S. bases in the region and enemy ships.
Another sticking point in negotiations is Iran’s highly enriched uranium. The U.N. nuclear agency says Iran has more than 440 kilograms (970 pounds) enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons grade.
In an interview posted late Saturday, an Iranian military spokesperson said forces were on ‘full readiness’ to protect sites where uranium is stored.
‘We considered it possible that they might intend to steal it through infiltration operations or heli-borne operations,’ Brig. Gen. Akrami Nia told the IRNA news agency.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an excerpt of an interview with CBS airing Sunday said the war isn’t over because the enriched uranium needs to be taken out of Iran. ‘Trump has said to me, ‘I want to go in there,’ and I think it can be done physically,’ he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that Moscow’s proposal to take enriched uranium from Iran to help negotiate a settlement remains on the table.
The majority of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely at its Isfahan nuclear complex, the International Atomic Energy Agency director-general told The Associated Press last month. The facility was hit by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in the 12-day war last year and faced less intense attacks this year.
