Hamas releases new video of Israeli hostages with the caption:

"Time is running out"

A motorcade believed to be carrying Trump's envoy Witkoff has left the site of talks with Iran in Muscat, AP reports.

Trump issued a directive expanding military control over federal lands near the US-Mexico border to bolster his efforts to crack down on undocumented migration.

Source: Bloomberg

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States ended a few minutes ago.

The parties agreed that these talks would continue next week.

The heads of the Iranian and American delegations spoke for a few minutes in the presence of the Omani Foreign Minister as they left the talks.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud:

Somaliland is a part of Somalia and no one has approached us with a proposal to receive Palestinian people.

The second round of Iran-US talks will take place on April 19, the Iranian Foreign Minister said.

Rwanda Denies M23 Ties, Blames Congo

Rwandan FM Olivier Nduhungirehe to Clash Report:

“M23 is a Congolese group defending Congolese citizens of Rwandan culture. Rwanda did not take any cities—we’re only defending our borders.”

Nduhungirehe added that Rwanda has faced over 20 cross-border attacks since 2018 and accused successive Congolese governments of harboring genocidal militias:

“It’s been 31 years since the genocide. We’ve been rebuilding, while Congo protects those who destroyed us.”

FULL interview on YouTube

Rwanda Rejects Western Pressure, Backs Türkiye Ties

Rwandan FM Olivier Nduhungirehe to Clash Report:

“No Western country can threaten our security or impose conditions. Rwanda will never relive 1994.”

He praised Türkiye’s support and added:

“We have strong bilateral relations with Türkiye for many years. The support of Türkiye as a country is always important. We welcome investment in Africa and value strong, equal partnerships.”

FULL interview on YouTube

Syria’s foreign and finance ministers, along with the central bank governor, plan to attend the IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington.

Source: Reuters

Chinese Stocks Rally Despite Tariff Pressure

Chinese stocks extended their winning streak to four days, with the Shanghai Composite rising 0.5% and the Shenzhen Component up 0.8%.

The iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI) is up over 26% YTD, outpacing U.S. markets.

Gains driven by optimism over state-backed equity support and buybacks.

U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods now total 145%, but markets show resilience.

American billionaire Ray Dalio:

60% of the U.S. population has below a 6th grade reading level.

It’s tough to be productive.

Hamas releases a new video of the Israeli hostage, who holds American citizenship, "Idan Alexander"

Trump signed an executive order extending Biden's sanctions package against Russia for one year, according to a notice in the US Federal Register.

Chinese Army anti-drone training.

Iran-US talks in Oman were positive and constructive, Trump's envoy Witkoff says.

White House:

Trump has made it clear that China cannot be relied upon to manufacture semiconductors, chips, smartphones, and computers.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani in Antalya, Türkiye.

White House:

Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Araghchi that he had instructions from President Trump to resolve our two nations’ differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible.

Ukrainian F-16 jet shot down today was either shot down by a Russian S-400 system or an R-37 air-to-air missile, BBC reports.

26 years old pilot Pavel Ivanov died died in the incident.