In a decisive pre-dawn operation, U.S. forces moved swiftly to intercept and secure the tanker M/T Sophia in international Caribbean waters, marking a major escalation in Washington’s crackdown on illicit maritime networks operating beyond the reach of global sanctions. According to U.S. Southern Command, the vessel, identified as a stateless, sanctioned tanker linked to sanctions-evasion routes involving Russia, Iran and Venezuela was apprehended before first light through a coordinated effort involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense, and Homeland Security agencies. The operation was carried out without incident. WATCH 

 A stunning and controversial moment unfolded at the White House after MARIA CORINA MACHADO, the Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, presented her Nobel medal to U.S. President DONALD TRUMP as a symbolic gesture of gratitude and respect. The act, however, ignited global outrage and raised urgent questions about how Nobel Peace Prizes are understood and respected.