MIDDLE EAST DIPLOMACY
Apple tops Wall Street's profit expectations but tariff fears still loom
Apple's profit increased by 4.8% to $24.78 billion. Sales also rose by 5% to $95.36 billion. Tim Cook navigated tariff challenges. He also shifted production to India and Vietnam. iPhone sales increased in Japan, India, and the Middle East. However, sales declined in China. The company faces antitrust issues related to the App Store and Google's search engine payments.
NSA head Mike Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong to exit Trump admin amid Signal chat fiasco
Mike Waltz and Alex Wong will soon depart from their roles as national security advisors. This marks a significant shift within President Donald Trump's administration. Waltz, a former Republican lawmaker, faced scrutiny after a scandal involving a Signal chat. Steve Witkoff is a potential candidate to succeed Waltz. He has experience in Russia-Ukraine diplomacy and the Middle East.
Pentagon chief warns Iran of consequences for supporting Houthis
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a stern warning to Iran regarding its support for the Houthis in Yemen, who have been attacking Red Sea shipping. Despite the warning, the U.S. is set to resume nuclear talks with Iran in Rome. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Middle East, deploying bombers and air defense systems.
Is Trump failing to deliver peace in Ukraine and Gaza within his first 100 days? Check details
Donald Trump faces challenges in fulfilling his foreign policy promises. He aimed to resolve the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict quickly. Talks with Russia and Ukraine show mixed results. A ceasefire in Gaza faltered. Trump seeks a nuclear deal with Iran. His team cites successes like deportations and hostage releases. Critics question his approach.
Former president Kovind calls IMEC bridge between civilisations
The SCM Middle East Conclave and Awards 2025 in Dubai highlighted the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a transformative trade route. Former president Ram Nath Kovind emphasized its role as a bridge between civilizations, fostering economic growth and unity.
Operation Zeppelin: Inside Adani's counter to Hindenburg
Hindenburg Research, a forensic financial firm, targeted the Adani Group in January 2023 with a report alleging stock manipulation and accounting fraud, which led to a dramatic drop in Adani’s stock value. The fallout threatened the conglomerate’s stability but Adani responded swiftly, using a mix of public relations, legal maneuvers, and strategic actions to regain investor confidence.
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Who is Steve Witkoff? Donald Trump's most trusted man on foreign policy, even more powerful than Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the CIA Director
Steve Witkoff is now a key policy leader in Donald Trump's second term. He has surpassed many foreign policy veterans. Witkoff's close ties with Trump have boosted his influence. He handles Gaza, Russia, and Iran matters. Witkoff uses his own money for travel. He is compared to Jared Kushner. Witkoff has the trust of Trump and his family.
Iran, US conclude second round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome
In Rome, the US and Iran concluded a second round of Oman-mediated talks on Tehran's nuclear program, described by Iranian media as "constructive." Discussions focused on reviving the 2015 nuclear accord, though disagreements persist over uranium enrichment and sanctions. Despite skepticism, both sides hint at continued dialogue, while the US warns of potential military action if diplomacy fails.
Iran, US to hold talks in Rome in bid to reach nuclear deal
Iran and the United States are set to resume nuclear talks in Rome, mediated by Oman, aiming to resolve their long-standing dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. These indirect negotiations follow a previous round in Muscat, amid Trump's renewed threats of military action if diplomacy falters.
Why have the ayatollahs gone quiet? U.S. and Israel reportedly finalize plan involving commando raids and 30,000lb bombs to cripple Iran’s nuclear sites within weeks
Israel and US Iran strike plan is making headlines as both nations reportedly finalize a powerful military strategy involving commando raids and 30,000lb bombs to dismantle Iran’s nuclear sites within weeks. With tensions at a boiling point, President Donald Trump and PM Netanyahu are eyeing May for a possible strike if Iran doesn’t agree to a new nuclear deal. US bombers, aircraft carriers, and missile systems have already moved into position.
Trump’s tariffs threaten India’s niche dairy exports; here’s how to fight back!
Experts and stakeholders note that while India’s dairy sector is largely self-sufficient with limited US exports, tariffs could still impact its niche dairy exports.
UN watchdog chief says Iran 'not far' from nuclear bomb
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran is nearing nuclear bomb capacity as he arrived in Tehran for talks. Western nations have long suspected Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. Grossi emphasized the need for verification, not just assurances. Ahead of further Iran-US talks, Iran insists uranium enrichment is non-negotiable, despite US calls to halt it.
Ukraine says 32 killed by Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy
A devastating Russian ballistic missile attack struck Sumy, Ukraine, on Palm Sunday, resulting in 32 deaths and over 80 injuries. President Zelenskiy condemned the strike as a deliberate act of terror against civilians and called for a strong international response. The attack, which involved cluster munitions, occurred after a visit to Moscow by a U.S. envoy seeking a peace deal.
Iran and US agree to more talks over Tehran's nuclear program after 1st round in Oman
Iran and the United States convened in Oman for negotiations regarding Tehran's nuclear program, marking the first talks since President Trump's return. Discussions, mediated by Omani officials, addressed Iran's enrichment levels and potential sanctions relief.
Iran says 'indirect talks' begin with a US envoy over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program
In Oman, envoys from Iran and the United States have initiated indirect negotiations concerning Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. With tensions high and the potential for military action looming, the talks aim to address Iran's enrichment activities and prevent weaponization.
US tariffs could shrink global trade by 3%: UN economist
Tariffs imposed by the US could shrink global trade by three per cent, prompting a shift in export markets from the US and China towards India, Canada, and Brazil. China's retaliatory tariffs of 125 per cent on US imports signal a long-term strategy, potentially halting goods trade between the two largest economies.
Facing calls to disarm, Hezbollah ready to discuss weapons if Israel withdraws, senior official says
Hezbollah signals openness to disarmament talks with the Lebanese president, contingent on Israel's withdrawal from disputed southern territories and cessation of strikes. This shift reflects the altered regional power dynamics following the 2024 conflict with Israel and the toppling of Assad in Syria.
From real estate to nuclear talks: Who is Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to Iran?
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are meeting in Oman to revive nuclear negotiations amidst rising tensions. Witkoff, a real estate tycoon, contrasts sharply with Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat and architect of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Araghchi seeks sanctions relief, acknowledging the original JCPOA may need revisions due to Iran's advanced nuclear program.
Repairing the famished road to Manipur
Manipur faces a long road to peace despite the imposition of President's Rule, with ethnic strife persisting and disarmament efforts faltering. Dialogue between warring groups is crucial, potentially outside Manipur, alongside addressing the needs of displaced people and ensuring transparent fund allocation. The Centre must focus on border security and prevent external interference to restore normalcy.
Trump says US, Iran set for direct nuclear talks; Tehran says they will be indirect
President Trump announced potential direct talks with Iran regarding its nuclear program, but Iran insisted on indirect discussions mediated by Oman. Trump warned of dire consequences for Iran if negotiations fail, highlighting the tension between the two nations. Despite skepticism and past failed attempts, both sides cautiously consider the opportunity amidst regional instability and weakened Iranian influence.
Australia says US tariffs 'not act of a friend' but rules out reciprocal move
U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 10% tariff on Australian goods has been criticized by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling it "not the act of a friend." Despite the tariffs, Australia ruled out reciprocal duties to avoid higher prices for households.
Donald Trump's first foreign visit in his second term: Here's where he plans to go and what his agenda is, will he meet Russia's Putin?
Former President Trump plans a Middle East trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, aiming to bolster U.S. investments and possibly meet Putin. Key details, historical context, and FAQs.
As global warming grows, Trump sees Greenland & the Arctic as realms of great power rivalry: Klaus Dodds
Professor Klaus Dodds explains that the US is interested in Greenland for its rare earth minerals, hemispheric security, and Arctic shipping routes. The involvement of Asian and Middle Eastern countries in Arctic projects is growing. He also mentions the need for Europe to support Greenland against possible US annexation. Vulnerabilities from climate change are also highlighted.
Negotiations on a Ukraine ceasefire enter third day in Saudi Arabia with renewed US-Ukraine talks
Negotiations between U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh continue, aiming at a partial ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. While safe shipping in the Black Sea gains tentative support, key details remain unresolved. Moscow and Washington plan further contacts, but no specific dates are set.
Donald Trump’s major makeover of US diplomacy leaves many allies at a loss
US President Donald Trump's second term has dramatically altered US foreign diplomacy. A significant shift in policies on Russia, climate change, and global trade has created confusion and disrupted communication channels. Some allies find it difficult to adjust to Trump's 'America First' approach, leading to strained diplomatic relations and uncertainty over policy implementation.
Iran says US has no authority to dictate foreign policy: Top diplomat
Iran says US has no authority to dictate foreign policy: top diplomat
JD Vance's socks catches Donald Trump's attention in high stakes meeting; here's what he said and how he reacted
During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, President Trump got distracted by JD Vance's shamrock-themed socks, causing a moment of levity. Trump and Martin then discussed US-Ireland trade relations and global conflicts. Trump raised concerns about Ireland benefiting from US tax policies, while Martin highlighted Ireland's economic contributions and importance of bilateral trade.
Welcome to the Bigg Boss world of doing business, where the 30-sec spectacle is king
Donald Trump's unconventional approach to diplomacy, illustrated by his confrontational meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signals a shift towards more dramatic, reality TV-style interactions in global politics. This shift is expected to influence not only international relations but also business negotiations and private deals.
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