The USS Gerald R. Ford has been ordered to the Middle East, marking the second aircraft carrier deployment to the region amid escalating tensions, according to Fox News. This development, confirmed by a U.S. official, comes as President Donald Trump considers potential military action against Iran.
The USS Ford, which began its deployment in June 2025, was redirected from the Caribbean Sea. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in the Middle East over two weeks prior, Fox News reported.
In other international news, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly selected his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir, according to South Korea's spy agency. Kim Ju Ae, believed to be 13 years old, has been increasingly visible at high-profile events with her father, including a recent trip to Beijing. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) cited her growing public presence as a key factor in its assessment, as reported by BBC World. The NIS also stated it would monitor her attendance at upcoming North Korean party events.
Meanwhile, in the United States, a top antitrust official is resigning amidst reported tensions with the Trump administration. Gail Slater, who led the antitrust division at the Department of Justice (DOJ), announced her departure on social media, stating, "It is with great sadness and abiding hope that I leave my role," according to BBC Business. Her resignation has sparked concerns among critics who believe it signals a weakening of anti-monopoly enforcement.
Elsewhere, Mexico has sent humanitarian aid to Cuba, as reported by The Guardian. Two Mexican navy ships arrived in Havana, carrying much-needed supplies. This move comes as Mexico navigates a delicate diplomatic situation with the United States, particularly given the economic challenges facing Cuba.
Finally, in Venezuela, emboldened activists have taken to the streets, according to The Guardian. Protesters gathered in cities across the country, including Caracas, to demand the release of political prisoners. This follows the recent downfall of Nicolás Maduro, with demonstrators enjoying greater freedom of expression. Student demonstrators gathered at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas to call for the release of all political prisoners, as reported by The Guardian.
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