The South African government has appointed seasoned diplomat Roelf Meyer, who helped negotiate the end of white minority rule in his country in the 1990s, as the next ambassador to the United States. According to local media reports, this appointment is seen as a sign that Pretoria aims to improve its relations with Washington following what has been described as a “turbulent year” in bilateral ties.
Uzbekistan Airways has resumed regular flights on the Tashkent-Tel Aviv route starting from April 14, as officially announced by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Israel. The flights operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, marking a step in the airline's efforts to expand its international network and foster regional connectivity.
US Vice President JD Vance stated that President Donald Trump wants a "grand bargain" with Tehran, where the United States would help Iran "thrive and prosper" and "join the world economy" in exchange for commitments against nuclear weapons. These remarks came after the first round of talks in Pakistan ended in apparent failure last weekend, lasting less than a day. Vance acknowledged the deep mistrust between the two nations cannot be resolved overnight but claimed Iranian negotiators are willing to deal.
The US state of Maine has become the first state to call for a temporary halt to the construction of large data centers driven by artificial intelligence (AI) demand. A bill passed by both legislative chambers, if signed by Democratic Governor Janet Mills, will pause approvals for data centers requiring more than 20 megawatts of power until late 2027, while a state council studies their impact on electricity grids, costs, and the environment.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told the BBC that a "small bit of economic pain" from the war with Iran is acceptable for long-term international security. He allegedly stated that he is less concerned about short-term economic forecasts than the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missiles capable of reaching London. "I wonder what the hit to global GDP would be if a nuclear weapon hit London... I am saying that I am less concerned about short-term forecasts, for long-term security," he said, framing the conflict as necessary to eliminate the risk of Iranian nuclear strikes on Western capitals.
Israel’s military has killed at least 11 Palestinians, including two children, in separate attacks across the war-torn Gaza Strip, marking the latest violations by Israel of a “ceasefire” with Hamas that came into effect on October 10 last year.
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez has called on the United States to lift the suite of sanctions that have severely impacted the country's economy. Her remarks on Tuesday came after the US Treasury Department announced it would issue new licenses to allow transactions with certain Venezuelan banks and individuals.
Haiti has declared three days of national mourning following a deadly stampede at the historic Citadelle Laferriere fortress in the northern part of the country on Saturday. The crush resulted in at least 25 fatalities, occurring at the entrance of the popular tourist site as visitors pressed to both enter and exit simultaneously, creating a dangerous bottleneck.
Berlin Conference on Sudan War: Peace Hopes Dim as Crisis Deepens
Israeli and Lebanese officials have held their first direct negotiations since 1983, as Israel continues its deadly military campaign against Hezbollah. The talks took place on Tuesday in Washington, DC, and lasted over two hours at an event hosted by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This meeting occurs at a time when the fragile ceasefire struck on April 8, which paused the US and Israel’s war on Iran for two weeks, is being tested. Iran and ceasefire mediator Pakistan maintain that Lebanon was included in the initial ceasefire, while the US and Israel argue it was not.
Atletico Madrid secured a place in the Champions League semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona, despite losing the quarterfinal second leg 2-1. Barcelona, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, took an early lead through goals by Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres within 24 minutes, but Ademola Lookman's strike in the 31st minute restored Atletico's advantage on aggregate in a gripping all-Spanish clash.
Rallies have been held across Canada, including in Toronto, urging the government to reverse planned cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides basic health coverage to refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable groups not covered by provincial healthcare plans. The protests, part of a national day of action, come ahead of changes set to take effect on May 1, which will require beneficiaries to pay $4 per prescription medication and 30% of costs for supplemental services like dental, vision, and counselling care.