Grossi has been leading global efforts on Iran's nuclear program since late 2019, having previously held key roles at the IAEA, including chief of staff and ambassador to Austria in Argentina.
https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/world/iaea-chief-grossi-voices-interest-in-un-secretary-general-post.phtmlUS Vice President Kamala Harris' comments suggest that Ukraine will have to cede territory to Russia in exchange for a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron's office emphasizes Ukraine's territorial integrity and European aspirations, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson believes the decision should be made by Ukraine itself. US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow, potentially meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and recent air attacks on Kyiv that killed nine people in Marganets.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/russia-launches-kyiv-missile-attack-hours-after-trump-blames-zelensky/article_573970b6-1820-5e18-9d28-f63fd6405bd7.htmlThe head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has called on Iran to explain tunnels built around a nuclear site at Natanz, amid concerns they may store undeclared material. Grossi expressed optimism that US-Iran talks will lead to a deal, citing a new round of technical talks expected this weekend. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei responded to US sanctions by saying the move was in contradiction with US demands for dialogue and negotiation. The US has imposed sanctions despite diplomacy efforts, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio advocating for no enrichment capabilities for Iran.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/un-watchdog-asks-iran-to-clarify-tunnels-but-upbeat-on-deal/article_fb871d1d-2593-5a82-8a83-30e763593b1f.htmlThe Trump Administration's cuts to overseas aid have hindered global cooperation, exacerbating challenges such as poverty alleviation, climate change, and economic instability in vulnerable regions like Pakistan. The IMF has lowered its FY25 GDP growth estimate for Pakistan to 2.6% from 3%, amid rising trade tensions, financial market fluctuations, and unpredictable policy shifts.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40359191/world-economy-on-shaky-groundUS states have introduced measures to limit property ownership by firms and individuals with ties to China, citing concerns over espionage and national security. Kansas has passed a law restricting foreign ownership within 100 miles of military installations, while other states like Arkansas and North Dakota have also taken steps. Critics argue that these efforts are unlikely to deter China's influence, as the country's economic interests in the US are relatively small. Scholars attribute state actions to targeted lobbying rather than popular pressure, with some lawmakers expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures.
https://apnews.com/article/china-tariffs-states-farmland-drones-cybersecurity-ec3da7d5d28d385105d68c7c36f87169King Abdullah received US House of Representatives Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with a delegation of lawmakers, at his palace in Amman. The meeting focused on strengthening ties between Jordan and the US, as well as cooperation on regional issues. King Abdullah emphasized the need to end the war on Gaza, resume aid flow, and support the Arab plan for Gaza's reconstruction without displacing residents. He also warned about Israeli attacks on Palestinians and holy sites in Jerusalem, stressing the importance of a two-state solution that fulfils Palestinian rights. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi and Director Alaa Batayneh.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-receives-us-house-minority-leaderGlobal luxury brands are cutting prices to make their exclusive products more affordable as Chinese spending drops, a trend that could impact the high-end market. US Treasury Secretary Janet Bessent says tariffs on both the US and China need to fall for trade talks to start. A meeting between world leaders from China and the EU took place without the USA, while Hapag-Lloyd reports 30% of China's US-bound shipments have been cancelled. China has signaled that it is open to trade talks after US President Trump hinted at cutting tariffs "substantially" in a potential deal.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/china-allow-overseas-investors-access-more-sectorsMalaysia's reputation as a legitimate trading partner could be compromised if it becomes a conduit for Chinese goods to evade US tariffs, experts warn. Online sellers in the US are being targeted by China-based freight brokers who offer to reroute products through Malaysia and falsely declare them as Malaysian-made to take advantage of lower tariff rates. The scheme has surged since former US president Donald Trump reimposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, with some brokers using social media to reach out to clients and offer fake shipment values or origins. If such practices persist, it could jeopardize Malaysia's standing in global markets and expose legitimate exporters to heightened scrutiny.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/04/24/china-goods-falsely-labelled-as-malaysian-to-evade-us-tariffs-say-reports/174289Pakistan's Special Secretary Nabeel Munir met with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin to discuss global and regional terrorism, focusing on the threat posed by Afghanistan and the region. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation against militants and recognized the importance of collective efforts in maintaining stability. They agreed to hold the next meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group to Counter International Terrorism in 2026.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1304280-pakistan-russia-to-strengthen-counterterrorism-cooperation-fo