The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to vote Friday on a proposal to secure the Strait of Hormuz after it was significantly watered down in the face of opposition from China and Russia about allowing force to reopen the critical waterway that Iran has largely cut off to global shipping. The final draft of Bahrain’s resolution, obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, authorizes the use of defensive — but not offensive — action to ensure vessels can safely transit the strait. One-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes through the waterway where Iran’s stranglehold during the war has sent energy...

Emmanuel Macron: “I am delighted to meet President Lee Jae-myung again. France and the Republic of Korea are walking together on the path of trust and action. “From history and culture, to shared values, and even the bonds of our two countries’ youth generations, our friendship is an important milestone and a future we will shape together in an increasingly unstable world.”

The Cuban government said Thursday it would release 2,010 prisoners in a move that comes while the Trump administration puts extreme pressure on the island’s government with a suffocating oil blockade. The announcement said the pardons were a “humanitarian gesture” in connection with Holy Week and didn’t mention mounting pressures with the U.S. The government said the prisoners affected are foreigners and Cubans, including women, the elderly and young people. It didn’t say when they were being released or under what conditions, nor did it mention the crimes they were accused of committing. Authorities also provided no details on whether...

Journalist:  Trump targeted you again with personal remarks. Do you have anything to say? Emmanuel Macron: “We are talking about war, civilians dying, economies suffering. What I heard is neither serious nor worthy of response. A world leader can’t use language he is speaking”