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Distress call captures tanker under fire, Iran shuts Hormuz trapping thousands of sailors
Trump warns Iran it ‘can’t blackmail’ US with Hormuz closure
Fox News reports on heightened tensions in the Middle East as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reaffirms strict control over the Strait of Hormuz and fires on passing ships. President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, states the US naval blockade will remain in full force. White House correspondent Alex Hogan provides updates on the escalating diplomatic and military standoff.
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Hundreds of commercial tankers are stranded on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran shut the critical chokepoint on April 18, halting traffic and leaving crews trapped amid reports of gunfire and «traumatic experiences» on board.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered an international waterway under international law, through which ships have the right of transit passage, according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical chokepoint for global energy markets, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker the same day, while a projectile struck a container vessel, damaging cargo.
STARMER AND MACRON ACCUSED OF ‘PLAYING AT BEING RELEVANT’ WITH STRAIT OF HORMUZ PLAN
U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that «U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the assets executing a blockade mission impacting Iranian ports.» (CENTCOM)
Audio released by maritime monitoring group TankerTrackers appears to capture the moment a vessel and its crew came under fire while approaching the strait, including a distress call from a crew member.
«Sepah Navy! Motor tanker Sanmar Herald! You gave me clearance to go… you are firing now. Let me turn back!» the crew member can be heard saying in the recording, according to TankerTrackers.
Iranian state media confirmed that shots were fired near vessels to force them to turn back, while the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India said the foreign secretary was deeply concerned.
Hapag-Lloyd, the world’s fifth-largest container shipping line, told Fox News Digital that it had activated a crisis team as its crews remain stuck on board vessels in the region.
«We have been working from Friday afternoon until today with the entire crisis team to bring the vessels out — in vain, unfortunately,» said Nils Haupt, senior director of group communications at Hapag-Lloyd AG.
«These events can easily lead to traumatic experiences. There is also a significant risk from sea mines, which has made insuring vessels for passage through the Strait nearly impossible.»
LISA DAFTARI: HORMUZ WHIPLASH PROVES TEHRAN CAN’T HONOR ANY DEAL IT SIGNS
«The crews are well, but they are becoming increasingly impatient and frustrated. It is very unfortunate that we could not leave today,» he added. «Many ships are still stuck in the Persian Gulf.»
«Our six ships are anchored near the port of Dubai, and all crews hope for an improvement in the situation,» Haupt said.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on April 18 that the strait would remain closed until the U.S. lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, warning ships not to move from anchorage or risk being treated as «enemy» collaborators.
Iran has previously argued that restrictions on its oil exports and shipping amount to «economic warfare,» framing actions in the Strait of Hormuz as a response to foreign pressure on its economy, according to statements from Iranian officials and state media in past incidents.
«Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and any violating vessel will be targeted,» the IRGC said in a statement carried by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
TRUMP ORDERS A BLOCKADE IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS TENSIONS WITH IRAN SOAR
Fishing boats dot the sea as cargo ships, in the background, sail through the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo)
The United States imposed the blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait, with U.S. Central Command saying the measures are being enforced «impartially against all vessels.»
Hapag-Lloyd said its vessels have been stuck for weeks following the initial closure after the outbreak of war with Iran on Feb. 28.
«For us, it is critical that our vessels can pass through the strait soon,» Haupt said.
«We offer all crew members unlimited data so they can video call loved ones and access entertainment. Crews are strong, but after weeks on board there is growing monotony and frustration.»
«One crew experienced a fire on board from bomb fragments. Others have seen missiles or drones near their vessels,» he added.
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«They are resilient, but each additional day makes the situation more difficult, more monotonous, and more stressful.»
President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed not to close the strait again but after the closure, Trump called the situation «blackmail» and said the U.S. would not back down.
conflicts, middle east, war with iran, saudi arabia, iran
INTERNACIONAL
Fury erupts as US brand fires 1,600 employees after securing thousands of foreign worker visas
Boston federal judge blocks Trump fee for H-1B visas
A federal judge in Boston has blocked the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, stating it is an unauthorized tax without congressional approval. The policy, enacted last year, drastically increased the fee from $2,000-$5,000 to prioritize U.S. citizens. The White House plans to appeal the decision.
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A popular U.S.-based gaming brand owned by Microsoft is facing fury after mass employee layoffs occurred in the wake of the company being approved for thousands of foreign worker visas.
Microsoft announced that it will lay off 4,800 people total and 1,600 from the corporation’s XBOX division, which makes and sells the dominant video game console.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has been approved this year to hire from foreign countries 2,273 employer-sponsored, non-immigrant workers under what is known as the H-1B visa program, according to data from U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Furious online critics claim that American jobs are being unfairly handed to foreigners in an effort to cut labor costs but at the cost of leaving U.S. workers in the lurch.
‘AMERICA FIRST’ IMMIGRATION OVERHAUL BILL WOULD CODIFY TRUMP’S CAMPAIGN PROMISES ONCE AND FOR ALL
Asha Sharma, chief executive officer of Xbox,, during the Bloomberg Tech conference in San Francisco, California, US, on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The event brings together the leading CEOs, investors and innovators who are harnessing technology to change the world around us. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
«A great way to fix this is to throw anyone doing this in prison,» said one user on X. «Fire Americans to replace with thousands of visa workers? Straight to jail, and assets seized. This story has been told countless times. Fire American staff and hire foreigners. Over and over.»
«It is the fault of our Government [sic] for approving the H-1Bs,» another social media user lamented. «Our Government [sic] has sold us out of jobs at home and those being moved to other countries.»
HOUSE REPUBLICANS RIP INTO SENATE FOR DELAYING IMMIGRATION RECONCILIATION PACKAGE: ‘I’M VERY FRUSTRATED’
Another user described the H-1B program as «industrial scale job theft from Americans.»
Microsoft is the sixth-largest beneficiary of H-1B visas, a program that is overwhelmingly dominated by workers from India. The company has even more H-1B applications pending. Microsoft has employees worldwide, but most are in the United States.
«These decisions are based on business need, not visa status. H-1B employees were also impacted by job eliminations in the U.S.,» a Microsoft spokesperson told Fox News Digital when reached for comment on the lay offs.
Fans compete in a gaming tournament at Microsoft retail store at the Florida Mall on November 21, 2013 in Orlando, Florida and another five cities across the country for a chance to win up to $25,000 in prizes and a chance to participate in a final showdown at the Jacksonville, Fla. Microsoft Store opening, featuring a performance by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Tournament finalists will receive an Ultimate Xbox One Gaming House including all launch night titles in each of the six participating stores. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Microsoft) (Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Microsoft)
«Every single employer is exploiting the H-1B visa program,» said the Project for Immigration Reform.
A lawmaker even called for a complete end to the non-immigrant visa program.
TRUMP TAPS ACTING LABOR SECRETARY KEITH SONDERLING FOR PERMANENT ROLE PENDING SENATE CONFIRMATION
«This is INSANE. LEGAL immigration is a major problem. These companies, especially big tech, are abusing these immigration programs to replace American workers with foreign workers,» said Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va.
«No more. It’s long past time to end the H-1B scam.»
XBOX CEO Asha Sharma cited the company’s financial health for the layoffs.
«Our business today is not healthy,» said a memo from Sharma, according to The Associated Press. «We are operating at margins that are 3-10x lower than comparable platform and publishing businesses.»
Sharma added that her strategy is to «reset» XBOX.
Some online critics, however, claimed Sharma’s Indian heritage played a role in firing the Americans, given the percentage of H-1B workers from India. Sharma was born in Wisconsin.
Vice President JD Vance announced on Tuesday a large-scale investigation into H-1B visa fraud.
«Today, I’m proud to announce that the federal Department of Labor has started dozens of subpoenas and investigations into foreign fraudsters who are trying to take advantage of the H-1B visa program,» he said during a press conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
«American jobs ought to go to American workers and not foreign fraudsters and the Department of Labor is fighting back against it.»
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Sept. 19, 2025, establishing the «Trump Gold Card» and introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. The «Trump Gold Card» is a visa program that allows foreign nationals permanent residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for a $1 million investment in the United States. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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Recently, President Donald Trump tried to limit employers’ use of the H-1B program by imposing a $100,000 fee for companies seeking H-1B applications.
A federal judge struck down that order, reasoning that it amounted to a tax that only Congress has the ability to impose.
politics, jobs, tech, microsoft, big tech backlash
INTERNACIONAL
Era el estilista de las celebridades, apareció muerto junto a su madre y una carta escondía la verdad
Mauricio Leal era uno de los estilistas más reconocidos de Colombia. Dueño de un exclusivo salón de belleza en Bogotá, trabajaba con actrices, modelos, cantantes e influencers, y había construido una exitosa carrera que lo convirtió en una figura muy querida dentro del mundo del espectáculo.
Pero el 22 de noviembre de 2021 su nombre comenzó a ocupar las portadas de todos los medios por un motivo completamente distinto. Ese día fue encontrado muerto junto a su madre, Marleny Hernández, en la casa que ambos compartían en La Calera, un municipio ubicado en las afueras de Bogotá.
Lo que en un principio parecía un homicidio seguido de suicidio terminó convirtiéndose en uno de los casos policiales más impactantes de la historia reciente de Colombia, con una investigación que descubrió una escena cuidadosamente montada y reveló que el asesino era una persona de su entorno más cercano.
El hallazgo
La mañana del 22 de noviembre, familiares y allegados comenzaron a preocuparse porque Mauricio no respondía los llamados ni los mensajes. Poco después, las autoridades ingresaron a la casa y encontraron una escena estremecedora.
El peluquero y su madre estaban muertos dentro de la casa, ambos con múltiples puñaladas. Junto al cuerpo de Mauricio se encontró una carta escrita a mano en la que, supuestamente, confesaba haber asesinado a su madre para luego quitarse la vida. “No puedo más”, decía ese documento, que después se convirtió en la principal prueba de la causa.
Durante las primeras horas, esa hipótesis pareció convencer a parte de los investigadores. Sin embargo, había varios detalles que no terminaban de cerrar.
Las heridas, la posición de los cuerpos y distintos elementos hallados en la propiedad despertaron sospechas entre los peritos, que comenzaron a reconstruir minuto a minuto lo que había ocurrido. El peluquero Mauricio Leal junto a su madre, Marleny. Ambos fueron asesinados en noviembre de 2021. (Foto: City TV)
Con el avance de las pericias forenses, la teoría del homicidio seguido de suicidio empezó a derrumbarse. Los especialistas concluyeron que Mauricio había sido obligado a escribir la carta antes de morir y que, debido a la gravedad de las heridas que presentaba, era prácticamente imposible que hubiera podido redactarla por voluntad propia después de atacar a su madre.
Además, el análisis de la escena permitió establecer que alguien había intentado alterar la evidencia para hacer creer que se trataba de un suicidio.
La investigación dio entonces un giro total: ya no buscaban explicar una tragedia familiar, sino identificar al responsable de un doble homicidio cuidadosamente planificado.
El principal sospechoso
A medida que avanzaban las declaraciones y el análisis de cámaras de seguridad, todas las miradas comenzaron a dirigirse hacia Jhonier Leal, hermano mayor de Mauricio.
Los investigadores detectaron inconsistencias en sus declaraciones y movimientos que no coincidían con el relato que había dado sobre las horas previas al crimen. Jhonier y Mauricio Leal. (Foto: La República)
También encontraron pruebas que indicaban que había manipulado distintos elementos de la escena y que había permanecido en la casa durante un tiempo mayor al que había reconocido.
La Fiscalía colombiana sostuvo que el hombre había organizado el asesinato con un objetivo económico: quedarse con la importante fortuna de Mauricio, que incluía propiedades, vehículos, empresas y otros bienes obtenidos durante años de trabajo.
En enero de 2022, apenas dos meses después del crimen, Jhonier Leal fue detenido e imputado por el doble homicidio.
Durante una audiencia sorprendió al admitir su responsabilidad. Entre lágrimas, aceptó haber asesinado tanto a su hermano como a su madre y pidió perdón a su familia.
Sin embargo, poco tiempo después cambió completamente su estrategia judicial. Su defensa aseguró que había sido presionado para declararse culpable e intentó retractarse de la confesión, por lo que el proceso continuó con la presentación de pruebas periciales, testimonios y reconstrucciones realizadas por la Fiscalía. Mauricio Leal era conocido como el «peluquero de las estrellas» en Colombia. (Foto: El Universo)
Leé también: La consideraban como una hija, pero ella los traicionó: una joven secuestró a sus vecinos para robarles y luego los enterró vivos
La condena
Tras analizar toda la evidencia reunida durante la investigación, la Justicia concluyó que el doble crimen había sido cometido por Jhonier Leal y que el móvil había sido económico.
Los jueces consideraron probado que asesinó a su hermano y a su madre, que intentó simular un homicidio seguido de suicidio mediante la carta encontrada junto al cuerpo de Mauricio y que alteró la escena para desviar la investigación.
En junio de 2024 fue condenado a más de 55 años de prisión por el doble homicidio agravado.
Colombia, Asesinato
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