US and Iranian officials held a first round of direct talks in Oman, marking a significant step towards a nuclear deal. The meeting between US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was described as "very positive and constructive" by the White House. This comes after years of rising tensions and stalled diplomacy under President Donald Trump's foreign policy strategy, which is being re-evaluated amid Iran's expansion of its nuclear program.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-team-holds-constructive-nuclear-talks-iran-meet-again-next-weekendUS-China tariffs have failed to shift manufacturing of smartphones, computers, and gadgets to the US, with China's central tariff office stating there is "no possibility for market acceptance" at current levels. Hu Jianlong, founder of Brands Factory, a consultancy working with Chinese companies, believes the situation remains unresolved and uncertain. The high-stakes tariff war began over 20 years ago, following China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 1996, which led to significant economic growth and increased exports to the US and other Western markets.
https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-trade-tariff-business-volatility-223e4cd53165da6fbd64aff5652a1affUS tariffs on computers, smartphones, and chip-making equipment have been exempted, a move hailed as "the best news possible" for tech investors like Daniel Ives at Wedbush Securities. The exemptions were intended to prevent the US tech industry from being taken back a decade and slowing down the AI Revolution. However, experts warn that the disruption in trade between the US and China could lead to higher prices for consumers and potentially spark a global recession. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has criticized the US tariffs, stating they will inflict serious harm on poor nations, while Beijing has indicated it will ignore further levies due to economic impracticality.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40357337/us-exempts-tech-imports-in-tariff-step-backUS and Iran held indirect nuclear talks in Oman, facilitated by the country's foreign minister, as preferred by Iran. The talks lasted over two and a half hours before the heads of both delegations briefly spoke together. US President Trump had announced direct talks with Iran earlier that day, but they proceeded through Oman's foreign minister instead.
https://www.news18.com/world/us-iran-hold-positive-and-constructive-nuclear-talks-set-for-further-dialogue-next-week-9297006.htmlThe World Health Organization (WHO) has made progress in negotiations on technology transfer for pandemic-related health products, with Latin American countries pushing for facilitation of the transfer. The issue was a contentious point during the Covid-19 pandemic, as poorer countries felt rich nations were hoarding vaccine doses and tests. According to Amprou, a delegate, the point has been resolved through constructive negotiations. However, the latest version of the text is not yet available, and experts question its effectiveness in preventing future pandemics. The US was absent from the negotiations after President Donald Trump announced his country's withdrawal from the WHO, which could heighten risks to global health surveillance.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40357332/who-members-reach-accord-in-principle-over-tackling-future-pandemicsFrance's Anne-Claire Amprou announced that France supports an accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, which will be finalized by delegates in Geneva on Tuesday.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/13/world/science-health/future-pandemic-accord/South Korean Acting President Han's call with US President Trump could be a breakthrough in stalled trade talks between Korea and the US. Meanwhile, DP chief Lee Jae-myung has resigned from party leadership ahead of his presidential run, while pro-Yoon factions within the People Power Party (PPP) are pushing for Han to join the race, potentially forcing Yoon to reconsider his own candidacy.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-14/opinion/columns/Before-Endorsing-Han-Ducksoo-the-People-Power-Party-Must-First-Address-Yoon-Suk-Yeol/2283940Israel has expanded its military activity across Gaza, with Defense Minister announcing plans to rapidly expand into most of the territory. The country has also completed the Morag corridor, cutting off the southern city of Rafah from the rest of Gaza. Israel is pressuring Hamas to release 59 hostages and accept new ceasefire terms. A hospital in Gaza was severely damaged in a strike, with over 100 patients and medical staff affected. The health ministry reported that patients were evacuated into the streets on hospital beds due to the evacuation being "frightening". This is the fifth attack on the hospital since the war began, with Medical Aid for Palestinians stating it has been targeted multiple times by Israel.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-13-04-2025-aeeb5b4b8f5b3067e04bd8475e8c375eUS President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Jared Kushner, held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, urging Russia to make progress on a peace deal for Ukraine. Following Sunday's strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on the US and Europe to take tougher action against Russia, describing it as terrorism.
https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/europe/ukraine-says-21-killed-russian-ballistic-missile-strike-sumy-1114891