A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to discuss a proposed truce with international guarantees, which would last between five and seven years. The proposal includes a committee of independent technocrats governing Gaza, a measure accepted by Hamas. Russia, China, Turkey or the UN Security Council are considered possible guarantors. Israel has ruled out any arrangement allowing Hamas to preserve its influence in Gaza and rearm. The US supports Israel's position, while France, Germany, and Britain condemn Israel's food blockade, calling it "intolerable". The Israeli military operation in Gaza has killed over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, with the Health Ministry attributing most deaths to civilians.
https://stltoday.com/news/nation-world/article_ebd7912a-9ff9-4c4d-87fc-a3892a824ecb.htmlThe US and Iran are set to hold a third round of talks on restraints for Tehran's nuclear program. The Institute for Science and International Security has released a report based on satellite imagery showing the construction of tunnel complexes beneath Mt. Kolang Gaz La, which could become operational soon. These complexes have raised concerns that they could be used to store highly enriched uranium or undeclared nuclear materials. Iran has denied pursuing a nuclear weapon and claims to be assembling advanced centrifuges in one complex instead of the Natanz plant, which was destroyed by sabotage in 2020. The US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached quickly, while Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on complete dismantlement of the program.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40359146/iran-fortifying-buried-nuclear-sites-as-talks-with-us-continue-report-saysIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed moderate optimism after meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexian in Beijing, stating that talks between the two nations are moving in the right direction if the US approaches constructively and avoids unrealistic demands.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/966103-iran-criticizes-new-us-sanctions-ahead-of-key-talksIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to visit Azerbaijan next week at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, marking a rare sign of warming relations between the two countries. The visit comes after years of strained relations due to issues such as Baku's close ties with Israel and concerns over potential attacks on Iran. Tensions have been high since a January 2023 attack on Azerbaijan's embassy in Tehran, which left one diplomat dead and two wounded. However, recent joint naval exercises between the two countries in November may signal a thawing of relations, with Pezeshkian expressing hopes for "rapid and serious improvement" in cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40359154/iran-president-to-visit-azerbaijan-in-sign-of-warming-tiesJapan is unlikely to team up with China against US President Donald Trump's tariffs, as Tokyo prioritizes its security alliance with Washington over economic alignment with Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has reportedly called on Japan to form a united front against protectionism, but this is seen as unlikely given Japan's strategic calculus. Japan already faces a 25% tariff on all vehicles and auto parts exports to the US, under Trump's imposed tariffs.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3307619/will-japan-risk-its-us-alliance-team-china-against-trumps-tariffs?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsKenya is diversifying its trade partners following US President Donald Trump's imposition of 10% tariffs on all Kenyan exports to the US. China has emerged as a key interest, currently Kenya's top trade partner in East Africa, with significant commercial ties and potential for deeper cooperation. Discussions between the two countries focus on funding for the Naivasha-Malaba railway project and a Nairobi-Mau Summit motorway. Kenya aims to increase export opportunities and tap new markets for products like tea.
https://africanews.com/2025/04/23/kenya-president-ruto-arrives-in-china-for-four-day-state-visit/US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal with China, stating that both sides have made significant progress in negotiations. The US-China trade war has been ongoing for over two years, with tariffs imposed on billions of dollars' worth of Chinese goods. However, recent talks between the two countries have led to a potential agreement, which could bring an end to the trade tensions and stabilize global markets.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332732.shtmlMalaysian Minister Tengku Zafrul will lead a delegation to the US, accompanied by Miti deputy secretary-general Mastura Ahmad Mustafa and other ministry officials. The visit aims to demonstrate Malaysia's support for industries in the US, rather than posing a threat. During his recent media briefing, Tengku Zafrul expressed Asean's stance on tariffs, particularly after the special meeting of Asean Economic Ministers. He met with US Ambassador Matt Murray and emphasized Malaysia's commitment as an Asean chair in 2025 and a committed Apec member, seeking a fair and equitable trade solution.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/23/tengku-zafrul-in-washington-to-seek-fair-solution-on-retaliatory-tariffs/174179Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Khan has denied that the Pahalgam attack was an act of foreign interference, calling it a local uprising. Pakistan expressed condolences to India over the loss of tourists' lives in the incident. World leaders including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have condemned the attack, with Putin offering support to India in its fight against terrorism. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued statements condemning the attack, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/23/dont-blame-us-pakistan-defence-minister-on-pahalgam-attack-in-india