US President Donald Trump has proposed talks with Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but warned of potential military action if diplomacy fails. The talks, mediated by Oman, began on April 12 and are the highest-level contact since Trump abandoned a nuclear accord in 2018. Trump has also ordered all purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products to stop, threatening secondary sanctions against any country or person involved.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307354-iran-says-fourth-round-of-nuclear-talks-with-us-postponedTurkish Petroleum Minister Fatih Yıldız met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani to discuss oil and natural gas projects, as well as new cooperation steps in production, transmission, and trade. He also met with Niger's Mines Minister Ousmane Abarchi to explore joint mining ventures, while meeting with Libyan Industry and Mines Minister Ahmed Abu-Heisa to deepen cooperation in industries such as mining and infrastructure development. Additionally, Yıldız met with Moldovan counterpart Dorin Junghietu on the sidelines of the Istanbul summit, discussing energy security, electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, and smart grid technologies.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/bayraktar-syrian-and-iraqi-ministers-discuss-cooperation-208727Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacer stated at the opening of "Technofest" in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) that a two-state solution is approaching, with the rights of Turkish Cypriots to be respected. He emphasized that the territory can become a center for technological progress due to over 100,000 students studying at universities there. Kacer stressed that Turkish Cypriots will not compromise their rights and sovereignty as the Cyprus issue is resolved.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/968275-turkish-minister-the-time-is-approaching-when-the-cyprus-issue-will-be-resolved-by-creating-two-separate-statesUkrainians have mixed reactions to a newly signed US-Ukraine agreement, with some expressing cautious optimism and others feeling frustrated and disillusioned. Diana Abramova, whose father went missing in combat last year, hopes the deal will bring Ukraine closer to victory, while Natalia Vysotska, a university lecturer, remains optimistic despite not knowing the terms of the agreement. Iryna Vasylevska, a Kyiv resident, feels that her country's land is being used as a bargaining chip for the world and that it lacks full protection. Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Rogov, have criticized the deal, with Medvedev claiming Ukraine has "effectively paid" for American military aid with its mineral resources.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-odesa-drones-trump-dac51e957514fa7d2304c8d455ebb4c9The US economy contracted for the first time in three years, with consumer spending growing at a slower-than-expected 1.8% pace in the first quarter. This contraction is attributed to the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's tariff plans, which have led to concerns about inflation and global economic growth. Companies such as Estee Lauder and Harley-Davidson have also pulled their forecasts due to the uncertain macroeconomic environment. The US has approached China for talks over tariffs, potentially signaling Beijing's openness to negotiations.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/gloomy-retail-earnings-show-consumers-are-feeling-pinch-us-tariffsThe United States has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports, with cumulative duties reaching 245%, affecting goods worth over $500 billion in sales last year. China has retaliated with tariffs of up to 125% on US imports, including Boeing planes and electronics. The trade war is expected to harm China's economy, which relies heavily on exports to the US, and may also affect American manufacturers and consumers. Analysts predict a significant impact on China's GDP, with some estimating an 80% cut in trade between the two countries. Talks between the US and China are ongoing, but Beijing has expressed skepticism about Washington's sincerity, citing pressure on its economy as a driving force behind the call for negotiations.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/where-things-stand-in-the-us-china-trade-war/article_d6fcbbd5-5b01-51ee-ad8f-17e69c4d31f0.htmlIranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has condemned US sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran and other countries, calling them "economic terrorism". The sanctions were imposed by the US Treasury Department and State Department on Tuesday and Wednesday, targeting six Iran-based individuals and 13 entities for alleged involvement in trading Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will hold Iran and its partners accountable if they attempt to generate oil revenues to fund destabilizing activities. The move comes ahead of a fourth round of Iran-US talks in Rome, where Tehran seeks relief from sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/economic-terrorism-iran-slams-fresh-us-sanctions-8308509The Indian Army responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack with a "calibrated and proportionate" response. US Vice President JD Vance urged India to avoid a broader regional conflict by responding to Pakistan in a way that cooperates with their efforts to hunt down the terrorists involved, as tensions between the two countries rise following the deadly attack on civilians.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-updates-pak-violates-ceasefire-again-us-backs-india-8309994Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky may find some comfort in a recent deal with the US, as it offers better terms than one offered by former President Donald Trump two months ago. The new agreement eliminates the demand for Ukraine to hand over $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals and other resources in exchange for military aid. Instead, Ukraine retains ownership of its natural resources, with new developments shared on a 50-50 basis. However, security guarantees are not included in the deal, which has raised concerns about the safety of American contractors working in Ukraine. The lack of security guarantees is particularly concerning given Russia's history of aggression, as evidenced by the invasion of Ukraine three years ago when Coca-Cola was already operating in the country.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-14669571/MARK-ALMOND-question-Trump-concessions-Russia.html