HRH Prince El Hassan Bin Talal met with a French Senate delegation and a US Congressional aides delegation in Amman. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, human solidarity, and economic opportunities to counter polarization and hatred. The Prince highlighted the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies' efforts to promote interfaith understanding. Prince El Hassan also called for pragmatic strategies and a comprehensive approach to development that prioritizes human dignity. Senate President Faisal Fayez discussed Jordanian-US ties, regional developments, and economic challenges with the US delegation, urging the US administration to reconsider tariffs on Jordanian exports and restore funding from USAID in critical sectors.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/prince-el-hassan-meets-delegations-french-senate-us-congressRubio's plan to reorganize the US Agency for International Development (USAID) includes closing multiple embassies and eliminating offices focused on human rights and democracy, which could undermine aid and diplomacy efforts in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Experts like Irina Tsukerman warn that this could lead to a loss of influence to China and other competitors, eroding America's intelligence-gathering capacity and "soft power" projection. Gordon Gray, former US Ambassador to Tunisia, believes the budget cuts and staff reductions are more critical than the reorganization itself, questioning how aid will be distributed if embassies continue to downsize.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/state-department-shakeup-prompts-concerns-from-foreign-aid-experts/article_e0e42a86-4c1c-58a6-b0cc-2a554c135c6c.htmlThe Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has asked President Donald Trump for help in bringing back manufacturing jobs by exempting tariffs on molds, tooling, and machinery for American automotive parts manufacturers. The organization, which represents over 7,500 companies contributing $337 billion to the US economy, is struggling with domestic producers of steel and aluminum making it difficult for some US companies to stay competitive. SEMA President Mike Spagnola wrote that tariffs will make it significantly more expensive for a Louisiana manufacturer to bring back operations, as machinery costs could double if sourced from China. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation's John Bozzella warned that additional tariffs would increase costs on consumers, reduce vehicle sales and exports, without creating new jobs.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/specialty-auto-part-makers-seek-tax-cuts-incentives-tariff-exemptions/article_df3b65fe-053a-5f62-b354-37189dcb1ea3.htmlSecretary Scott Bessent of the US Department of the Treasury clarified that "America First" does not mean isolationism, but rather a call for collaboration among trade partners. He stated that the slogan aims to promote deeper cooperation and mutual respect among nations, with the goal of restoring fairness in the international economic system.
https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/america-first-doesnt-mean-america-alone-treasury-secretary-says-scott-bessent#US President Trump is considering broadening exemptions from tariffs on Chinese imports, potentially including car parts alongside steel and aluminium. Financial Times reported that Trump could exempt tech products like smartphones and chipmaking tools. Bessent stated that Beijing's export-reliant economic model is unsustainable and harming the world. He emphasized that "America first" means collaboration with trading partners, not isolation.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/601526-trump-pushes-for-fair-china-deal-as-tariff-deadlock-continuesUkraine is engaged in security talks with the US and European countries, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Gen. Keith Kellogg, after similar discussions in Paris last week. Ukrainian Foreign Minister has described a recent meeting with Gen. Kellogg as "constructive", while a source claims Ukraine has met all US requests during negotiations.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/trump-admin-threatens-to-walk-away-from-peace-negotiations-with-ukraine-russiaUkrainian officials, including President's Office Head Andrii Yermak, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha, met with representatives from the US, UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine in London for negotiations.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3985304-ukrainian-delegation-discusses-pathways-to-just-peace-with-general-kellogg-in-london.htmlUkrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held key meetings in London with UK counterparts David Lammy and John Healey, as well as representatives from France (Emmanuel Bonne) and Germany (Jens Plötner), including US Special Envoy General Keith Kellogg. The discussions focused on the path to peace and Ukraine's commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. Sybiha expressed gratitude for UK support and emphasized Ukraine's desire to end the war, with a strong commitment to working together to achieve this goal.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3985328-important-meetings-in-london-help-coordinate-positions-sybiha.htmlThe Huthis, part of Iran's "axis of resistance" against Israel and the US, have been targeted by a US-led campaign that has killed over 200 people since mid-March. The group has responded with missile attacks on Israel and cargo vessels in the Red Sea, while also recruiting tens of thousands of child soldiers. Analysts say the US escalation is likely to increase Huthi mobilisation and recruitment, but may also destroy their military capabilities and force their leadership into hiding. The US sanctions have also had a significant economic impact, strangling the rebels financially and making it risky for companies to operate in their territory.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/yemens-huthis-seek-propaganda-boost-from-deadly-us-strikes/article_0c6298a9-a0df-5966-9760-ac11db550f02.html