German Chancellor Merz is in a serious crisis less than a year after taking office. His party’s poll numbers are bad, and his personal ratings are even worse.

There are growing tensions inside the government, especially with coalition partner Lars Klingbeil. Both sides blame each other for failed reforms and poor coordination.

Insiders say Merz is inconsistent, poorly communicates decisions, and is losing support within his own party.

Talks about a possible confidence vote or even the collapse of the government are already happening behind the scenes.

Source: BILD

A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone was damaged mid-flight over the Persian Gulf on April 27, but managed to land safely with no injuries.

This comes just weeks after a separate Triton crash (April 9) in the same region.

Significant because Tritons are rare, high-value (~$240M) ISR assets.

France's Jordan Bardella on Iran:

The Americans have probably underestimated their adversary, as they did previously in Afghanistan and in Iraq.

We can clearly see that the desire to destabilize a regime cannot be achieved with just a few air operations.

Why? Because the Iranian regime appears to be more solid than expected.

It is likely more resilient than anticipated. It is now more radicalized than it was just a few weeks ago.

Trump on Israeli President Herzog:

He will be a national hero if he gives Bibi a pardon.

He has a trial in the middle of a war? Give me a break.

Source: Axios

France's Jordan Bardella on Iran:

This is not our war, but we are heavily suffering the consequences.

I have always been extremely cautious about this recurring temptation from Trump to want to orchestrate external interventions.

France's Jordan Bardella:

I want the Algerian regime — which lives partly on historical resentment and a kind of grievance toward France — to understand that we gave Algeria its independence, and that it must now give us back ours.

Tomorrow, within the framework of a relationship of equals, we will go to the Algerian authorities not only to demand an end to provocations, but also to require that Algeria accept the return of its nationals who have no right to stay on French soil.

France's Jordan Bardella:

Macronism is just another name for socialism.

France's Jordan Bardella:

Donald Trump’s policy is now completely erratic, and no one is able to predict what he wants.

By definition, when you change your position very regularly, when you are not consistent, you no longer provide certainty — especially as the leader of an allied country.

And obviously, this situation harms the reliability and credibility of the United States on the international stage.

France's Jordan Bardella:

Hezbollah must be disarmed.

In that sense, targeted strikes and operations by Israel can be considered legitimate — but they must be proportionate, because once again, I want to say that I have never given unconditional support to anyone, and in matters of foreign policy and defense, I never will.

France's Jordan Bardella:

I do want the fall of the Iranian regime — but should we send French soldiers or European soldiers onto Iranian soil?

I do not think so.

Putin meets with Kadyrov at the Kremlin.

BREAKING: Israeli Navy starts intercepting Gaza-bound flotilla.

Crew ordered to kneel; communications jammed, SOS sent, drones overhead.

Iranian Navy Chief:

Soon, we’ll reveal a weapon they deeply fear—right on their doorstep.

Hope it doesn’t give them a heart attack!

Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaee:

We will not tolerate a naval blockade.

If the blockade continues, Iran will respond.

Iran’s Ghalibaf:

3 days in, no well exploded. We could extend to 30 and livestream the well here.

That was the kind of junk advice the US admin gets from people like Bessent who also push the blockade theory and cranked oil up to $120+.

Next stop: 140. The issue isn't the theory, it's the mindset.

Trump to Axios:

Iran ruined Lebanon. Their proxy [Hezbollah] ruined Lebanon.

When Iran gets taken out, Hezbollah automatically gets taken out.

Trump said he told Netanyahu to limit military action in Lebanon to “surgical” strikes and avoid a broader war:

He has got to do it more surgically. Not knock down buildings… it is too terrible and makes Israel look bad.

Source: Axios

Trump has spoken to Netanyahu “every day this week.”

Source: Axios

Trump to Axios:

Lebanon can make a comeback.

BREAKING: Trump:

The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

A United States Secret Service officer shot during the White House Correspondents' Dinner was not hit by friendly fire, officials say.

Investigators determined the suspect, Cole Allen, fired the shot.

Six shots were fired total—one by Allen and five by the agent. The bullet likely struck the agent’s phone inside his vest, preventing serious injury.

Source: CBS News