INTERNACIONAL
Second suspected oil slick near Iran raises fears of major disaster in vital global oil corridor
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A second suspected oil slick has been detected near Iran’s Kharg Island export hub, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward AI, heightening fears of an environmental disaster as a larger spill identified May 8 continues drifting toward Saudi Arabian waters.
The suspected new slick comes as U.N. officials warned Sunday that oil spills in the region could trigger an environmental catastrophe amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis.
«Another possible oil spill was detected today at 11 a.m. local time,» Windward told Fox News Digital. The approximate visible area, according to the firm, was between 12 to 20 square kilometers.
Tehran has pointed to foreign vessels, but maritime experts say the main slick — estimated at tens of thousands of barrels and covering about 65 square kilometers, according to the U.N. University Institute for Water, Environment and Health — is more likely linked to aging infrastructure, pipeline ruptures or a «war mode» environment that has threatened the waterway since February.
IRAN THREATENS MASS ‘WATER WAR’ WITH STRIKES ON KEY PLANTS IN DAYS, UN OFFICIAL WARNS
A suspected oil spill covering dozens of square kilometres of sea near Iran’s main oil hub of Kharg Island has been seen on satellite imagery 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.
BEFORE-AND-AFTER SATELLITE IMAGERY OFFERS A RARE LOOK AT DAMAGE INSIDE IRAN
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.
US EYES SEIZING IRAN’S OIL LIFELINE — BUT IT MAY NOT CRIPPLE TEHRAN
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.
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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.
middle east, pollution, saudi arabia, iran, environmental disasters
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President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a moment when both Washington and Beijing are trying to stabilize one of the world’s most consequential rivalries without giving ground on deeper strategic disputes.
The two-day visit marks Trump’s first trip to China since 2017 and comes amid mounting tensions over trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and the fallout from the war with Iran. While the White House is framing the summit as an opportunity for new economic agreements and «rebalancing» the U.S.–China relationship, analysts say Beijing’s priorities are far broader and more long-term.
«Trump arrives seeking headline deals and visible momentum ahead of the midterms,» wrote Zongyuan Zoe Liu, senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. «Xi is playing a longer game, focused on strategic patience rather than substantive compromise.»
TRUMP HEADS TO BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI TALKS AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH
President Donald Trump is expected to press Chinese President Xi Jinping on China’s economic and strategic support for both Iran and Russia, including oil revenue, dual-use components and potential weapons transfers, according to senior administration officials. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Topics expected to be discussed during the summit include trade, aerospace, agriculture and energy agreements, and the creation of a U.S.–China Board of Trade and Board of Investment, according to the White House.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump’s goal is to «deliver more good deals on behalf of our country» while safeguarding U.S. national security.
Trump participated in a welcome ceremony and bilateral meeting with Xi Thursday morning local time in Beijing, followed by a tour of the Temple of Heaven alongside the Chinese leader and a state banquet later.
Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Beijing views the summit as an opportunity to stabilize ties between the world’s two largest economies.
«Heads-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance for China–U.S. relations,» Liu said in a statement to Fox News Digital. «We welcome President Trump’s state visit to China. China stands ready to work with the U.S. to expand cooperation and manage differences in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, and provide more stability and certainty for a transforming and volatile world.»
For Xi, analysts say, the top priority likely is avoiding further escalation with Washington while buying time for China’s slowing economy, as it continues to struggle with weak domestic demand, deflationary pressure and industrial overcapacity.
A recent report by the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission warned that Beijing is doubling down on state-led industrial policy despite mounting structural weaknesses in the Chinese economy.
The commission said China is increasingly operating a «two-speed» economy, where much of the broader economy stagnates while sectors prioritized by the Chinese Communist Party receive massive state support and continue expanding beyond market demand.
The report also warned of a new «China Shock 2.0,» arguing Beijing’s excess industrial capacity and record trade surplus are disrupting global markets while increasing foreign dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains in sectors ranging from batteries and pharmaceuticals to semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
«Chinese policy seeks simultaneously to reduce China’s reliance on foreign technology while increasing the world’s dependence on China,» the commission noted in its findings.
TRUMP TO CONFRONT XI AT HIGH-STAKES SUMMIT OVER CHINA BACKING FOR IRAN, RUSSIA
President Trump was greeted by a formal state welcome when he touched down in Beijing ahead of high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
At the same time, Xi is entering the talks with leverage stemming from the ongoing Iran crisis and global energy disruptions.
Trump has faced growing domestic pressure over rising energy prices tied to instability in the Middle East and shipping threats near the Strait of Hormuz. Beijing, meanwhile, remains one of Iran’s largest oil customers and maintains political ties with Tehran.
Susan Thornton, former acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs during Trump’s first term, said during a recent Stanford University Asia-Pacific Research Center interview that expectations for major breakthroughs should remain low despite the summit’s symbolism.
«The primary value lies in the act of meeting itself,» Thornton said.
She suggested Beijing may see a strategic advantage in America’s renewed focus on the Middle East. While China has made nominal peace proposals, it has not stepped up as a mediator.
«It seems like they are kind of hanging back and waiting to see what will happen,» Thornton said, arguing that from Beijing’s perspective, a U.S. entanglement in the Middle East may serve as a useful distraction, diverting Washington’s attention and pressure away from China.
One area where the two sides could announce tangible progress is agriculture.
The White House is pushing Beijing for expanded purchases of U.S. farm products ahead of the summit, according to a Reuters report published Tuesday, particularly soybeans and grains.
But traders and analysts told Reuters that China’s appetite for major new soybean commitments may be limited due to weak domestic demand and cheaper alternatives from Brazil. Instead, markets are watching for potential agreements involving corn, sorghum, wheat, beef and poultry, sectors viewed as less politically contentious in the broader U.S.–China relationship.
More than a dozen U.S. business executives, including leaders from agricultural giant Cargill, are accompanying Trump during the visit.
PRESIDENT TRUMP MUST PUT AMERICAN HOSTAGES FIRST IN HIGH-STAKES BEIJING SUMMIT
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan welcome U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump at the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, in Beijing, Nov. 8, 2017. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi via Getty Images)
Despite the focus on trade and geopolitical tensions, survivors of China’s religious persecution are urging the administration not to sideline Beijing’s crackdown on religious groups and dissidents.
Ahead of the summit, Trump publicly pledged to raise the case of imprisoned Chinese pastor Ezra Jin following advocacy efforts by his daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, who has accused Beijing of persecuting Christians.
Former U.S. officials told Fox News Digital they are skeptical human rights concerns will play a central role during a summit primarily focused on lowering tensions and stabilizing economic ties between the two powers.
Taiwan and technology restrictions are also expected to loom over the talks. Beijing continues to oppose U.S. arms sales and support for Taiwan, while Washington has tightened export controls targeting China’s advanced semiconductor and AI sectors.
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For President Donald Trump, the summit offers an opportunity to showcase economic wins and diplomatic engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)
Still, despite the escalating rivalry, neither Washington nor Beijing appears eager for a direct confrontation.
For Trump, the summit offers an opportunity to showcase economic wins and diplomatic engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms.
For Xi, analysts say, the goal is far more measured: preserve stability, avoid confrontation and continue positioning China for a prolonged strategic competition with the United States.
china, donald trump, taiwan, xi jinping, trade
INTERNACIONAL
Video: alumnos de una escuela católica de Chile protagonizaron una batalla campal y cinco docentes resultaron heridos
Una mañana que parecía tranquila en el liceo La Asunción de Talcahuano terminó en un verdadero escándalo.
Durante el primer recreo de este martes, mientras se jugaba un partido de fútbol entre alumnos de cuarto año, se desató una pelea masiva que dejó un saldo preocupante: 17 estudiantes detenidos y al menos seis profesores e inspectores lesionados.
Según detalló el mayor Milton Rossel, de la Segunda Comisaría de Talcahuano, detuvieron a 17 estudiantes, tres de ellos mayores de edad.
Además, confirmó que los docentes e inspectores resultaron heridos cuando intentaron separar a los alumnos en medio del caos.
Videos grabados por testigos se hicieron virales y dan cuenta de la violencia de la pelea, que comenzó en el patio y siguió en pasillos de la institución católica, que depende dele arzobispado de Concepción.
Brutal pelea en un colegio de Chile: detuvieron a 17 alumnos. (Foto: captura de video).
Lesiones y medidas disciplinarias tras la pelea
El mayor Rossel aclaró que “todas las personas, ya sean alumnos, profesores e inspectores, tienen lesiones de carácter leve”. Sin embargo, la situación generó una fuerte preocupación en la comunidad educativa.
Desde la Secretaría Regional Ministerial de Educación, Teresa Carrasco calificó el hecho como “inaceptable” y aseguró que la Superintendencia de Educación ya ingresó una denuncia de oficio. “Desde ahí tendremos un monitoreo constante”, afirmó la funcionaria.
Por su parte, el SEREMI de Seguridad, Richard Soto, remarcó que la escalada de violencia en los colegios es un tema que el Gobierno está analizando, pero pidió el compromiso de “padres, apoderados y toda la comunidad educativa” para enfrentar el problema.
El colegio suspendió actividades y reuniones
A través de un comunicado, el liceo informó que se brindó atención en enfermería a quienes presentaban lesiones y se realizó el procedimiento de constatación junto a Carabineros de Chile. Además, explicaron que varios docentes resultaron heridos al intentar resguardar la integridad física de los estudiantes.
En tanto, el Liceo La Asunción -dependiente del Arzobispado de Concepción- determinó la suspensión total de clases para este miércoles en todos sus niveles, con el fin de realizar una “jornada de reflexión” tras los graves hechos.
Loa alumnos detenidos recuperaron la libertad este miércoles, indicaron desde Carabineros.
Un fenómeno que crece: más de la mitad de los colegios con denuncias en 2025
El caso de Talcahuano no es aislado. Según datos oficiales presentados la semana pasada por autoridades de Seguridad Pública ante el Senado, más del 54% de los colegios chilenos registraron al menos una denuncia policial en 2025. En total, se reportaron más de 56.000 incidentes en 13.465 instituciones educativas.
El subsecretario de Seguridad Pública, Andrés Jouannet, sostuvo ante los legisladores que “la violencia física e intimidatoria se ha instalado como un fenómeno estructural en el espacio educativo chileno”.
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Los datos del Centro de Estudios y Análisis de Delitos (CEAD) muestran que el 17,5% de los casos fueron lesiones leves, mientras que hubo 226 episodios de lesiones graves o gravísimas y más de 6.000 amenazas.
Entre los delitos más graves, se registraron 544 hechos con armas de fuego o armas blancas, 274 riñas y 127 amenazas con armas. Sin embargo, las autoridades remarcaron que “la violencia extrema solo representa un 10% de las denuncias”.
Debate político y nuevas leyes: el proyecto “Escuelas Protegidas”
El aumento de la violencia llevó al Gobierno a impulsar el proyecto de ley “Escuelas Protegidas”, que ya fue aprobado en la Cámara de Diputadas y Diputados y avanza en el Senado.
La iniciativa propone endurecer las penas por delitos cometidos en las aulas, habilitar la revisión de mochilas y prohibir prendas que oculten el rostro.
El presidente de Chile, el ultraderechista José Antonio Kast, envió el proyecto al Congreso tras el asesinato de una asistente educacional en Calama, ocurrido en marzo.
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Sin embargo, el debate político sigue abierto: algunos senadores advirtieron que la ley prioriza “una lógica de control y sanción, y no uno integral de protección de derechos”.
Mientras tanto, la Comisión de Educación del Senado aprobó por unanimidad el avance del proyecto, que ahora deberá ser votado en el pleno.
Chile, batalla campal
INTERNACIONAL
ICE drops ‘uncontrolled’ fraud bombshell involving thousands of foreign students, ‘phantom employees’
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Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons announced that federal investigators have uncovered more than 10,000 foreign students connected to «suspect employers» as part of another potentially massive fraud scheme, this time involving the federal STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension program.
At a news conference Tuesday, Lyons said the cases uncovered thus far are «just the tip of the iceberg.»
OPT is a U.S. immigration program that lets international students on F-1 visas work temporarily in the country in jobs related to their field of study. Lyons said that when the program was first created under the Bush administration and expanded under the Obama administration, the Department of Homeland Security expected «only a few thousand foreign students would receive training approval before returning home.»
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BEGINS NEW WAVE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA REVOCATIONS: ‘NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO A VISA’
«Instead,» Lyons said, that OPT «ballooned into an uncontrolled guest worker pipeline with hundreds of thousands of foreign students working in the United States.»
He added that «as the program size exploded, so has the fraud.»
Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrives for a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on oversight of ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and Citizenship and Immigration Services in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 12, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)
«Today, we are announcing we have identified over 10,000 foreign students who claim to be working for highly suspect employers, and that’s just among the top 25 OPT employers. This is only the tip of the iceberg,» he said.
«We’ve dramatically expanded our oversight of OPT and can report that we found fraud nationwide.»
According to Lyons, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers have visited «problematic OPT worksite employers» in Virginia, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. He said that many of the suspicious employers include nongovernmental organizations.
According to Lyons, investigators have «discovered empty buildings and locked doors at addresses where hundreds of foreign students are allegedly employed.» Investigators have also found hundreds of foreign students listed as working out of residential addresses.
«In many places,» he continued, «multiple OPT employers claim to operate from the same address, but none actually lease the facility.»
ICE PROBES SUSPECTED MINNESOTA FRAUD SITES AS OFFICIALS FOLLOW POTENTIAL $9B MONEY TRAIL
«When someone does open the door, their statements are inconsistent, or they claim no knowledge of the business,» said Lyons.
The ICE director also said investigators uncovered what he referred to as «phantom employees,» who he said are foreign students who obtained work authorization through OPT but never actually showed up for work at the sites they claimed to work out of.
«This is not accidental,» Lyons concluded. «This is deliberate, coordinated and criminal.»
He added that «this fraud is not victimless,» calling it a «blatant attack on the goodwill of the American people.»
EX-BIDEN DHS HEAD CONCEDES ADMINISTRATION COULD HAVE ACTED SOONER ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration has launched a nationwide effort to investigate long-running taxpayer fraud, including a Department of Justice inter-agency task force established earlier this year. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
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Vice President JD Vance, who President Donald Trump appointed «fraud czar,» celebrated the discovery in an X post as «another great win for our fraud task force.»
Vance wrote that the administration «will not tolerate foreign nationals abusing our visa system at the expense of the American people.»
immigration, jobs, enforcement, investigations, homeland security, migrant crime
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