5 Most Popular International News Stories
The United States aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford will soon leave the Middle East region in “the next few days”. This latest movement comes as peace negotiations between the US and Iran have stalled.
USS Gerald R. Ford, one of three US aircraft carriers deployed to the Middle East region, is said to be returning to its base in the US.
In addition to that news, here are the international stories that caught the attention of detikcom readers today, Thursday (30/4/2026):
- Trump Warns Iran Blockade Could Last Months, Oil Prices Soar
United States President Donald Trump has warned Iran that the naval blockade imposed by Washington on Tehran’s ports could last for months. Trump’s warning immediately caused oil prices to surge to their highest level in the last four years.
The statement, as reported by AFP and TRT World on Thursday (30/4/2026), was made by Trump in a closed meeting with executives from US oil companies held at the White House on Tuesday (28/4) local time. The meeting was first reported by US media outlet Axios.
In the meeting, Trump opined that the blockade on Iranian ports is more effective than bombing. Tehran continues to demand that Washington lift the blockade before reaching any agreement.
- Iran President Asserts US Blockade Will Definitely Fail
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the US Navy’s blockade on Iranian ports will worsen disruptions in the Gulf region and will fail to achieve its goals.
“Any attempt to impose a blockade or maritime restrictions is contrary to international law… and will definitely fail,” Pezeshkian said in a statement, as reported by AFP news agency on Thursday (30/4/2026).
He added that such actions “will not only fail to enhance regional security but will actually be a source of tension and disruption to lasting stability in the Persian Gulf”.
- Frustrated, Trump Intends to Cut US Troops in Germany
President Donald Trump stated that the United States is considering reducing the number of its troops in Germany. He made this comment amid a dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the Iran war.
“The United States is studying and reviewing the possibility of reducing troops in Germany, with a decision to be made in the near future,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, as reported by AFP news agency on Thursday (30/4/2026).
The United States had more than 35,000 troops in Germany in 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service, although the number is now believed to be higher. According to German media, the figure is approaching 50,000 personnel.
- Trump Rejects Iran Proposal, Blockade Continues Until Nuclear Deal
United States President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest proposal, which offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade. Trump emphasised that the naval blockade remains in place until a nuclear agreement is reached between Washington and Tehran.
Iran’s latest proposal also suggested delaying nuclear negotiations to the next stage, after the Strait of Hormuz is opened and the US blockade is lifted.
In an interview with US media outlet Axios, as reported by Anadolu Agency on Thursday (30/4/2026), Trump claimed that Tehran wants to reach an agreement to lift the naval blockade imposed by Washington on Iranian ports.
- World’s Largest US Aircraft Carrier to Leave Middle East, Why?
United States aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford will soon leave the Middle East region in “the next few days”. This latest movement comes as peace negotiations between the US and Iran have stalled.
USS Gerald R. Ford, one of three US aircraft carriers deployed to the Middle East region, is said to be returning to its base in the US.
Prominent US media outlet The Washington Post, citing several US officials, as reported by Anadolu Agency on Thursday (30/4/2026), reported that USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to arrive at its base in Virginia in mid-May.