Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meets with a Hamas delegation in Ankara.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani met with U.S congressman Cory Mills in Damascus.

Footage of the 21st American MQ-9 Reaper UAV shot down by Yemen's Houthis.

Japan is considering relaxing auto safety rules for imports as a part of the tariff negotiations with the US.

Source: Nikkei Asia

The Trump administration is ready to recognize Russian control of Crimea as part of a US proposal to end the war with Ukraine, CNN reports.

Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades:

We targeted a Merkava 4 tank and a D9 military bulldozer with two Al-Yassin 105 shells, setting them on fire in the Jabal al-Surani area, east of the al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City.

Air raid alerts have now been activated in Kyiv and other regions, Russia's ceasefire seems to be too fragile.

There are no airstrike alerts in Ukraine for the first time in a long time.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha:

Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire if Russia does actually cease it. But not for 30 hours. For 30 days, as we agreed upon in Jeddah on March 11.

Netanyahu:

I'm certain the kidnapped soldiers can be returned without Hamas meeting its conditions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

We made clear to the Americans that 2015 nuclear deal is no longer good enough for us.

Zelensky:

If Russia is suddenly ready to really join the format of complete and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act in a mirror image – as it will be from the Russian side. Silence in response to silence, strikes in defense of strikes. If complete silence really prevails, Ukraine proposes to extend it after the end of Easter on April 20.

So far, according to the report of the Commander-in-Chief, Russian assault operations are continuing in some areas of the front and Russian artillery is not subsiding. Therefore, there is no trust in the words from Moscow.

European Commission:

Russia could stop this war at any moment if it really wanted to.

IDF confirmed the death of a soldier today in the Gaza Strip:

Sergeant Major Ghalib Suleiman Al-Nassara, 35.

US jets have carried out 13 air strikes on Yemen's Hodeidah port and airport, Houthi-affiliated media reported.

Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid:

Netanyahu's spokesman's statements are an admission that the government has abandoned the pursuit of the hostages.

Netanyahu's spokesman:

It is impossible to reach a deal that would return all the kidnapped soldiers, as Hamas wants an end to the war in return.

Netanyahu's spokesman:

We will destroy Hamas as soon as we return all the hostages, living or dead.

Gaza: Starving, shattered, and forgotten.

No aid in over a month.

50,800+ killed—15,000+ children.
2 million displaced, again and again.

Hospitals bombed. No meds, no fuel, no food.

All UN bakeries shut. 345,000 face famine. Children are starving.

Bayraktar TB2 Now Flies with Indigenous Engine

Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar:

We believed, we worked together, we succeeded.

Bayraktar TB2 is the most ordered and mass-produced tactical UAV in its class worldwide. Developed entirely in-house—from airframe to avionics, flight control computer to all software—it originally used an internal combustion piston engine.

At the time, critics focused on the engine not being domestic. But for this class of UAV, the engine wasn’t mission-critical, so we prioritized more strategic components.

Developing a local engine wasn’t economically feasible back then. But TB2’s global success changed that—it became not just the most produced, but also the most exported and battle-proven platform in its class.

With growing demand and to secure our supply chain, we launched efforts to develop a high-performance local engine.

Backed by 40 national companies under SAHA Istanbul and fully funded by Baykar, our team developed the TM100 engine, featuring triple-redundant control units, modular power packs, and advanced thermal management.

It’s now the most advanced engine in its class—and it’s already passed its first flight tests.

Ukrainian head of the Central Military District Kovalenko:

There is no truce: in all directions, the Russian Federation continues to fire, as before.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha:

Putin has now made statements about his alleged readiness for a cease-fire. 30 hours instead of 30 days. Unfortunately, we have had a long history of his statements not matching his actions. We know his words cannot be trusted and we will look at actions, not words.

Russia can agree at any time to the proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which has been on the table since March.

Volodymyr Zelensky did not give a direct response to Putin's proposed Easter truce.

Zelensky only stated that Putin is “playing with people’s lives.”

Omani Foreign Ministry:

Iran and the U.S. have agreed to enter into the next phase of the negotiations with the aim of sealing a fair, enduring and binding deal which will ensure Iran completely free of nuclear weapons and sanctions, and maintaining its ability to develop peaceful nuclear energy.

Omani Foreign Minister:

Talks between the US and Iran are gaining momentum, and what was once unlikely has now become possible.

The US wants to organize another meeting between Trump's envoy Witkoff and Russian representatives to discuss a framework agreement to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, CNN reported.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar:

The French will lose their regional influence and harm their standing if they recognize a Palestinian state.

Russian MoD:

Russia has returned 246 servicemen from Ukrainian captivity, and 246 Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of war have been transferred in exchange.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar:

If we cannot release the hostages from Gaza through diplomatic means, we will have to do so through strong military action.

Third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US will take place in Oman, Iranian state media reports.

Russian MoD:

The ceasefire is being introduced for humanitarian purposes and will be observed by the Russian group of troops, provided that Kiev mutually observes it.

Putin:

Russia is always ready for negotiations and welcomes the desire of the United States, China, and other countries to reach a fair settlement regarding Ukraine.

Hamas releases new video of an Israeli hostage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi after the US talks:

The two sides agreed to continue the indirect talks in few days at technical level to be followed by another round at their own level on coming Saturday.

Myanmar Junta Airstrikes Defy ASEAN Ceasefire Call

Myanmar’s regime airstrikes have targeted resistance-held areas, killing many civilians shortly after Malaysia, ASEAN’s chair, called for a ceasefire.

A regime fighter jet from Meiktila airbase dropped a 300lb bomb on Lake Kya village in Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region, on Friday morning, killing 13 civilians and injuring three others, according to Pyin Oo Lwin District People’s Defense Force (PDF).

Source: The Irrawaddy

Putin:

The course of the ceasefire will show the readiness of Ukraine to desire and be able to resolve the issue peacefully.

Putin claims that Ukraine has violated the moratorium on strikes against energy facilities more than 100 times.

Putin called on Ukraine to follow Russia's example with an Easter truce.

Russian Chief of Staff Gerasimov:

"99.5% of the territory of the Kursk region has been liberated."

NEW: Putin has declared a ceasefire in Ukraine on Easter.

The Russian side will cease all hostilities from 6:00 p.m. on April 19 to 12:00 a.m. on April 21.

DRC and M23 resume fragile Doha talks

Negotiations between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebel group continue in Doha.

Former President Joseph Kabila reportedly traveled to Goma, while the United States is increasing its diplomatic and economic pressure on both Kinshasa and Kigali to support de-escalation.

Despite the deadlock, progress has been made through mutual concessions. A joint document is now being drafted, sources said.

A Western diplomat following the talks said, “It’s still a fragile process, but it remains active.”

Source: RFI

The third round of Iran-US nuclear talks will be held in a few days, Iranian state media reports.

GRAPHIC CONTENT:

The Somali Federal Defence Forces in Puntland have captured key bases from IS militants.

According to local reports, Somali forces backed by US Africa Command captured key Daesh positions in the Al-Miskaad mountains, including Dallaas, Shilin-Cas, Buur-Gaal and Dhanan, which had long been used as militants hideouts.

Photographs of IS militants killed during the operation show that foreign fighters were among the militants.

Second round of Iran-US nuclear talks have ended in Rome, Iranian state media reports.

More than 70 Beninese soldiers were killed in two coordinated attacks near Kandi on Thursday, according to Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), al-Qaeda’s Sahel-based affiliate.

Local media reports estimate the death toll at around 20.

JNIM also published photographs showing weapons, ammunition, and other equipment reportedly seized during the assaults.

Turkish intelligence chief meets Hamas delegation

Ibrahim Kalın, the head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MİT), held a meeting with a Hamas delegation led by Shura Council Chairman Mohammed Darwish, focusing on humanitarian aid efforts and the political future of Gaza.

The Turkish intelligence chief and the Hamas delegation discussed the latest developments in the ceasefire negotiations and emphasised the importance of countering Israeli plans to forcibly displace Gazans.

Kalın emphasised the need for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire to end the suffering and prevent further escalation of tensions.

Hamas Armed Wing Spox. Abu Obaida:

We were able to retrieve a martyr who was tasked with securing the prisoner, Edan Alexander. The fate of the prisoner and the rest of the captive mujahideen remains unknown.

An Israeli soldier was reportedly killed and five others were seriously injured during a Hamas ambush in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media. An Israeli tank was also reportedly destroyed.

Yemen's Houthis claim to have shot down yet another MQ-9 Reaper UAV, this would be the 21st one to be downed if confirmed.

Each Reaper UAV costs about $32 million.

Future German Chancellor Merz:

Germany will once again assume responsibility – in Europe and in the world. Not loudly, but reliably. Not arrogantly, but in partnership.

Turkish President Erdogan:

18 months of genocide in Gaza have shown how hollow the so-called 'Western values' are.

Iranian official to Reuters:

We are prepared for any possible Israeli strike and the response will be harsh and decisive.

European weapons in Sudan: A €50 million Emirati contract

Despite EU arms embargoes, European-made mortar bombs from Bulgaria were detected in Sudan.

The bombs were manufactured by Dunarit. The UAE army was the official buyer, but documents reveal shady re-export links.

• Among the 105,000 mortar bombs worth €50 million, 15,000 x 81mm, 2,780 x 60mm, 30,000 x 82mm and 11,464 x 120mm mortar bombs were shipped in January-February 2020.

• Bulgarian ARM-BG Ltd. and the UAE's International Golden Group were involved.

Suspicious detail:

ARM-BG had only 4 employees, its revenue rose from $1 million in 2018 to $106 million in 2020 and fell to $6 million in 2021.

The UAE firm International Golden Group, known for illegal arms deals in the past, may have channelled these shipments.

Source: France 24

Turkish Tanker Trapped in Yemen Strike

During the U.S. strike on April 17 targeting the Ras Isa oil terminal in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Hudaydah coast, a fuel tanker operated by a Turkish company was docked at the port to unload cargo.

Upon learning of the incident, the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the Turkish Embassy in Sanaa launched immediate diplomatic efforts.

According to available information, the vessel sustained minor shrapnel damage but remained operational. The ship attempted to leave the port after the attack but was denied departure by the group controlling the terminal.

No vessels present at the terminal were allowed to depart following the strike. All ships were directed to wait in a designated area, and the situation is currently calm.

The ship’s crew consists of 26 personnel—four Turkish nationals including the captain, and 22 Indian nationals. All are reported to be in good health.

Efforts to secure the vessel’s safe departure from Yemen are ongoing and are being pursued at the highest diplomatic level.

Satellite Image: Planet Labs/TWZ

Turkish jets dropped leaflets over the Qandil and Asos mountains in Iraq.

The leaflets called on PKK terrorists to lay down their arms and surrender, urging them to emerge from their hideouts waving white flags.

The message emphasized that this was a final opportunity—to choose life before it’s too late and to seek refuge in the state’s tolerance.

Russian forces attempt armored train assault on Ukrainian positions.

Russian troops reinforced a locomotive with metal plating and tried to advance along railway tracks toward Ukrainian lines.

The result? A fiery failure.

Kremlin:

Russia welcomes talks between Iran and the US on the nuclear program, the issue should be resolved only through diplomatic means.

Behind Closed Doors: The Tariff Pivot

While Peter Navarro was tied up in a meeting elsewhere in the building, financial figures Bessent and Lutnick seized their chance.

With no opposition in the room, they made an unscheduled dash to the Oval Office to convince Donald Trump to pause some tariffs—a move aimed at calming volatile markets.

The plan wasn’t on the president’s calendar, and Navarro had no idea it was unfolding.

Trump agreed to the pause and posted about it on Truth Social, catching Navarro completely off guard.

According to insiders, Bessent and press secretary Karoline Leavitt went straight to the cameras to publicly announce the shift in policy.

Source: WSJ

The second round of Iranian-US talks has begun in Rome.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

Israel is the only barrier preventing a Middle East free of nuclear weapons.

Russia's UAC delivered a new batch of serially produced Su-34 fighter-bomber jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The previous batch was delivered in December last year.

Japan Pledges $3 Billion Loan to Ukraine Using Frozen Russian Assets

Japan has joined the G7’s ERA mechanism, offering Ukraine a $3 billion loan backed by profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets.

Signed by Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko and Japan’s Ambassador Masashi Nakagome, the 30-year loan will fund urgent budget needs and reconstruction.

Marchenko noted Japan has given over $8.5 billion to Ukraine since 2022, calling the move a sign of shared values.

The ERA mechanism taps into the $318 billion in frozen Russian assets abroad—mostly held in the EU.

Iran Says It’s Ready to Back Syria’s New Government

Iran is ready to support Syria’s new government, said Deputy FM Saeed Khatibzadeh.

“We officially declare our readiness to assist Damascus,” he told Tabnak.

Japanese opposition lawmaker Shinji Oguma calls out Trump for his tariff negotiations:

It's akin to being extorted by a delinquent.

If you are robbed and you give them money, they will return to rob you again.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski says every Republican Senator is afraid of Trump:

“I'm oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real.”

Trump's spiritual advisor Paula White says Christians must visit Israel "to reach heaven".

📸 Photo of 9-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, a Palestinian boy who lost both arms in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, has won Press Photo of the Year.

Taken by Gaza-born photographer Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times, the image captures Mahmoud in Doha, where he was taken for treatment.

“When he realized his arms were gone,” his mother recalled, “the first thing he asked was, ‘How will I hug you?’”

Opponent liberal former Turkish politician Besim Tibuk on Trump’s Oval Office treatment of Zelensky:

What they did to Zelensky was historic filth.

That son of a bitch (Trump) blamed Ukraine the moment he took office.

If I were Zelensky, I’d have said, ‘Fuck you and your whole bloodline,’ and walked out.

Ukraine Backs Trump Peace Plan — Russia’s Move Next

Ukraine’s defense minister told U.S. officials that Kyiv agrees with “90%” of Trump’s peace framework presented in Paris this week.

Talks in London this week aim to finalize a full cease-fire offer before presenting it to Moscow as a “best and final” deal.

Now all eyes are on the Kremlin’s response.

Source: New York Post

There’s little serious discussion in Washington about the next round of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, congressional allies say.

European officials also worry that crucial U.S. intelligence support may soon fade.

Source: NYT

Rubio Pressures Ukraine as U.S. Patience Wears Thin

In Paris peace talks, European diplomats say U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused pressure on Ukraine—not Russia.

Ukrainian officials fear a U.S. pullback could halt military aid.

While Kyiv accepted Trump’s 30-day ceasefire plan, Moscow has delayed, claiming leverage on the battlefield.

Source: Axios

A U.S. judge ordered the transfer of Turkish PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk from ICE custody in Louisiana to Vermont, calling her arrest over a pro-Palestinian op-ed “constitutionally concerning.”

Ozturk, a Fulbright scholar at Tufts, was detained after her visa was revoked.

The judge found evidence her detention may be retaliation for protected speech and scheduled hearings in May.

Her case has become a flashpoint amid efforts to deport pro-Palestinian voices on U.S. campuses.

Source: Reuters

Pentagon turmoil deepens: Top Hegseth aide leaves post

Joe Kasper, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff will leave his role in the coming days for a new position at the agency, according to a senior administration official, amid a week of turmoil for the Pentagon.

Senior adviser Dan Caldwell, Hegseth deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick and Colin Carroll, the chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, were placed on leave this week in an ongoing leak probe.

Investigation began after reports Musk might receive top-secret info—Trump & Hegseth denied the claims.

The investigation followed a New York Times report suggesting Elon Musk might receive a top-secret military briefing on U.S. war plans with China, though Trump and Hegseth denied any such briefing.

Source: Politico

Iran says nuclear deal is possible if Washington is realistic

Iran says a nuclear deal with the U.S. is still possible—if Washington drops “unrealistic demands.”

“Iran's red lines are never agreeing to dismantle uranium enrichment centrifuges or stopping enrichment altogether,” said Iranian official.

• Talks resumed in Rome after initial round in Oman; Iran seeks guarantees Trump won’t abandon another pact.

• Tehran open to enrichment limits but wants protection from future walkouts.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera

US Supreme Court has blocked the Trump administration from deporting foreign nationals under the Alien Enemies Act.

NEW: Israel hasn’t ruled out striking Iran’s nuclear sites in the coming months, despite Trump telling Netanyahu the U.S. won’t back such action for now.

Israeli officials remain firm on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and demand full dismantlement of its program in any deal.

Source: Reuters

NEW: Israel hasn’t ruled out striking Iran’s nuclear sites in the coming months, despite Trump telling Netanyahu the U.S. won’t back such action for now.

Israeli officials remain firm on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and demand full dismantlement of its program in any deal.

Source: Reuters

NEW: An Iranian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Rome for the second round of nuclear talks with the United States.

A final decision on Crimea hasn’t been made, according to people.

The White House and State Department didn’t respond to a request for comment.

A US official declined to comment on the possibility of recognizing Crimea or the details of the talks.

BREAKING: U.S. ready to recognize Crimea as part of Russia in Ukraine peace deal.

Source: Bloomberg

Houthis:

We are ready to move to the next level of escalation with Washington.

US will cut troop levels in Syria to less than 1,000 in coming months, Pentagon says.

Footage of the MQ-9 Reaper UAV shot down by the Houthis.

NEW: U.S. State Department warns of possible attacks in Syria.

“We advise our citizens not to travel to Syria at this time and urge those already there to leave immediately.

Intelligence information indicates imminent attacks in areas frequented by civilians in Syria, including markets, hotels, and places of worship.”

Morag axis in Rafah in the Gaza Strip:

April 5 and April 15.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani will visit Washington soon, Syria TV reports.

Trump:

If Powell knew what he was doing, rates would come down.

Trump: (Russia and Ukraine)

A lot of people are being killed as we talk about, as they play games. We’re not gonna take that.

Yemen's Houthis claim to have shot down another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper UAV today, making it the 20th one to be downed.

Each Reaper UAV costs about $32 million.

Trump:

There’s no specific number of days for us to walk away from the Ukraine negotiations if no deal is reached.

Secretary of State Rubio said today "Trump may abandon peace talks within days"

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi will travel to Beijing next week to consult with Chinese officials.

Trump:

If the Iranians get a nuclear weapon, they won’t be happy—because their lives will be in great danger.

Trump:

And by the way we have nice conversations going with China. Just to intercede, you know? It's like really very good.

FACT CHECK: Trump did NOT say "the US will no longer provide military support to Ukraine."

He said he “wouldn’t say that.”

Trump, asked if Russia is playing him, says "no one is playing me."

Trump:

We have a really good chance of getting a Russia-Ukraine deal.