PARIS, France – May 10, 2026 – The following are key international developments reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Sunday:
- Middle East Conflict Intensifies: Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 24 people on Saturday as Washington awaited Tehran’s response to a peace proposal aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran, now in its 72nd day. Naval skirmishes near the Strait of Hormuz continue despite an earlier ceasefire, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned of “heavy assault” on US sites and “enemy ships” if its tankers are targeted.
- Strait of Hormuz Shipping Incident: A bulk carrier reported being struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Qatar on Sunday, causing a small fire that was extinguished without casualties. This incident comes as Iran’s military spokesperson warned countries enforcing US sanctions would face difficulties transiting the Strait.
- US-China Summit Approaching: U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for a highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, marking the first visit by a US president to China in nearly a decade. The trip, delayed by the conflict with Iran, will focus on geopolitical tensions including trade, Taiwan, the Iran war, and artificial intelligence.
- Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: A cruise ship carrying over 140 people, affected by a hantavirus outbreak, has arrived in Tenerife, Spain’s Canary Islands. Three deaths have been linked to the outbreak, and five passengers who previously disembarked are confirmed infected, though no one currently on board is showing symptoms.
- Iran Faces Escalating Drug Shortages and Price Hikes: Prices for some medicines in Iran have surged by up to 400%, and pharmacies are struggling to provide critical drugs for various illnesses, including cancer and MS. This worsening crisis is attributed to the removal of subsidized foreign currency and the impact of the recent war.
- Gaza Aid Flotilla Activists Deported: Israel deported two activists, a Palestinian-Spanish citizen and a Brazilian national, who were detained for leading an aid flotilla attempting to breach the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
- Hungary Under New Leadership: Peter Magyar has been sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, ending Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule. Magyar’s center-right Tisza Party secured a two-thirds majority in parliament in recent elections.
- Global Economy Grapples with Energy Crisis: The ongoing conflict in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to severely strain the global energy supply system, leading to soaring oil and gas prices and increased inflation worldwide.
