AnewZ Morning Brief – 13 May 2026

AnewZ Morning Brief – 13 May 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping, ahead of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, 30 October, 2025
Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein

Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 13th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Tehran tightens grip on Hormuz as Trump heads to China

Iran has strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. President Donald Trump departed for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump said Washington does not need China’s help to end the conflict with Tehran, despite fading hopes for a lasting peace agreement and continuing disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

Trump says stopping Iran’s nuclear programme is more important than America's economic pain

President Donald Trump said preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains his only priority, dismissing concerns over rising inflation, fuel prices and economic pressure on American households linked to the war. His comments come as Republicans grow increasingly concerned that the conflict’s financial impact could damage the party ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Dutch hospital quarantines staff after hantavirus protocol breach

A hospital in the Netherlands has quaratined 12 staff members after biological samples from a hantavirus patient were handled without the strictest safety procedures according to authorities. Health officials say the risk of transmission remains very low, while the World Health Organization has increased the number of confirmed cases linked to the MV Hondius outbreak and stressed there is no indication of a COVID-like global threat.

U.S.–China trade rivalry intensifies ahead of Trump’s Beijing visit

President Donald Trump's visit to China is bringing renewed attention to the broader U.S.–China economic confrontation, which has evolved from a tariff dispute into a strategic battle over technology, rare earth minerals, artificial intelligence (AI) and global supply chains. Although temporary trade agreements remain in place, both sides continue preparing for a longer-term struggle over economic and geopolitical influence.

Stars dazzle as Cannes Film Festival 2026 opens 
The 79th Cannes Film Festival has officially opened on the French Riviera again bringing together filmmakers, actors and industry leaders from around the world. This year’s competition features 22 films competing, while filmmaker Peter Jackson received the the Honorary Palme d’Or in recognition of his contribution to global cinema.

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