Reports indicate mediators are nearing an extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have commented on the ongoing conflict and ceasefire negotiations, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasizing Iran’s pursuit of dialogue. Meanwhile, the U.S. is set to deploy thousands more troops to the Middle East. An Iranian supertanker reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a U.S. blockade, and an Iranian Kurdish leader has signaled support for further U.S. attacks on Iran. Despite ceasefire talks, Israel continues its military actions against Lebanon and Gaza. Talks involving the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon have taken place. Other significant developments include the Joint Chiefs chairman lobbying Congress to renew a warrantless surveillance law, the State Department accusing Cuba of involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the Trump administration reportedly ordering the Pentagon to prepare for military operations against Cuba. Domestically, ICE has arrested immigrant delivery drivers in California and invested heavily in AI surveillance tools. Internationally, a school shooting injured 16 in Turkey, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized Trump’s immigration policy, Spain approved an amnesty program for undocumented immigrants, and Greece is accused of recruiting migrants as ‘enforcers’. Rival Libyan factions participated in joint U.S. special forces exercises, and Somali forces killed 27 al-Shabaab militants. Russian strikes hit Dnipro and Izmail, causing civilian casualties and damaging foreign-flagged ships.

Mediators Reportedly Move Closer to Extending U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

Efforts are intensifying to restart negotiations between the United States and Iran to extend a fragile ceasefire before its expiration next week. Regional officials informed the Associated Press that the U.S. and Iran have reached an “in principle agreement” to extend the ceasefire, allowing for further diplomatic engagement. Key sticking points include Iran’s nuclear program, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commenced a diplomatic tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey to facilitate a new round of U.S.-Iran talks.

Trump and Vance Comment on War and Ceasefire Negotiations

In an interview with Fox Business, President Donald Trump suggested the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is nearing its conclusion, stating, “I think it’s close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over.” However, he also issued a warning that the U.S. is “not finished,” reiterating unverified claims that the war was provoked by Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons. Vice President JD Vance, speaking at a Turning Point USA event, acknowledged significant mistrust between Americans and Iranians, noting that resolution would not be “overnight,” but expressed optimism about the current situation.

Pezeshkian Affirms Iran’s Pursuit of Dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared Iran’s commitment to dialogue, stating, “Iran is not seeking war or instability and has always emphasized dialogue and constructive engagement with various countries. However, any attempt to impose one’s will or force the country to surrender is doomed to failure, and the Iranian nation will never accept such an approach,” as reported by IRNA news agency.

U.S. to Deploy Thousands More Troops to Middle East

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire extension, the United States is preparing to send thousands of additional troops to the Middle East in the coming days, according to the Washington Post. Citing U.S. officials, the Post reported that these forces include 6,000 troops aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its escort warships, along with 4,200 personnel from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and its embarked Marine Corps task force, expected to arrive by month’s end. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump “has wisely kept all options on the table in the event that the Iranians will not forgo their nuclear ambitions and make a deal that is acceptable to the United States.”

Iranian Supertanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz Despite U.S. Blockade

A sanctioned Iranian supertanker successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz towards Iran’s Imam Khomeini Port, defying a U.S. blockade, Fars News Agency reported. It remains unclear whether the tanker was carrying cargo or was empty. Fars also cited ship tracking data indicating a food supply vessel had entered the Gulf en route to Imam Khomeini port. U.S. Central Command had previously asserted that no ships bound for Iranian ports had breached the American blockade. Maj Gen Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned that Iran’s military could extend its blockade beyond the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. naval blockade persists, deeming it a breach of the ceasefire. Abdollahi stated that Iranian armed forces “will not allow any exports or imports to continue in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman or the Red Sea” if the U.S. blockade “creates insecurity for Iran’s merchant and oil tanker vessels,” according to Tasnim news agency.

World Bank Prepares Up to $100 Billion in War Relief Funding for Middle East

World Bank President Ajay Banga announced the institution’s readiness to mobilize $80 billion to $100 billion over the next 15 months for Middle East countries severely affected by the war, surpassing the $70 billion deployed during the COVID pandemic. This initiative coincides with the International Monetary Fund’s decision to lower its global growth outlook due to war-induced energy price spikes. The IMF noted that its forecast would have been upgraded by 0.1 percentage point to 3.4% without the conflict. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva suggested a rapid global economic recovery if the war concludes within weeks but warned of a significant worsening outlook if the conflict extends through the summer.

Iranian Kurdish Leader Signals Support for Further U.S. Attacks on Iran

Iran launched four attacks on at least two Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, continuing its campaign of drone and ballistic missile strikes. This follows reports of Kurdish groups considering alignment with the U.S. and Israel in their conflict with Iran, and allegedly receiving “light weapons” from U.S. officials to support an uprising. Abdullah Mohtadi, leader of the Kurdish Komala Party, told Al-Monitor that sustained U.S. and Israeli bombing campaigns, further weakening the regime, would facilitate a popular uprising. He did not rule out cooperation with any country, “including Israel,” and denied receiving U.S. weapons while expressing admiration for Trump’s “end to the policy of appeasement toward Iran.”

Despite Ceasefire Talks, Israel Continues to Batter Lebanon

At least 14 Lebanese civilians were killed by Israeli airstrikes, including members of families in Jbaa and Ansariyeh, with additional casualties in Qadmus. A drone strike on a motorcycle in Zahrani killed one person. Two Israeli airstrikes hit civilian vehicles south of Beirut without reported casualties, artillery shelling struck Bint Jbeil district, and strikes were reported in towns between Hallousiyeh and Zrariyeh. The Israeli military renewed its sweeping displacement order for all Lebanese residents south of the Zahrani River. Intense fighting was reported in Bint Jbeil as Israeli forces advanced, with machine-gun fire and shelling heard. Air strikes on Tyre and al-Abbasiyya killed at least two. Israel’s military claimed over 200 targets were struck in southern Lebanon within 24 hours.

U.S., Israel, and Lebanon Hold Talks

Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington, DC, convened by the State Department. Participants included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, Lebanese Ambassador Nadeh Hamadeh, and other officials. The State Department reported “productive discussions on steps toward launching direct negotiations.” The U.S. emphasized that any ceasefire agreement “must be reached between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track,” despite Lebanon’s mention in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement. Hezbollah staunchly opposed the talks. The U.S. reiterated support for Israel’s “right to defend itself from Hezbollah’s attacks.” The Lebanese delegation stressed sovereignty, called for full implementation of the November 2024 ceasefire, and sought urgent humanitarian relief. Israel’s delegation, prioritizing Hezbollah’s disarmament, expressed surprise at finding itself on “the same side of the equation” as its Lebanese counterparts.

Israel Continues to Attack Gaza and the West Bank

The Israeli military claimed to have killed one Palestinian in northern Gaza who “crossed the yellow line.” Israeli gunfire and shelling wounded four Palestinians in Zeitoun and Jabalia refugee camp, with later attacks destroying several houses in Zeitoun. At least 11 Palestinians, including two children, were killed in separate Israeli attacks, with four killed in a strike targeting a police vehicle and several near an intersection in Shati refugee camp. A 14-year-old was killed near Jabalia refugee camp. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a house and structures in Silwan and Issawiya, assaulting community members and journalists. Israeli settlers attacked a Bedouin family near Jericho, and security forces arrested a former charity head in Hebron. Three Palestinians were detained in Bal’a during a 15-hour raid. Settler attacks injured three Palestinians in Tuqu’, destroyed a road near Nablus, and razed a horse stable in Al-Ram. Palestinian political prisoner Marwan Barghouti was reportedly subjected to repeated violent assaults by Israeli prison guards, raising fears for his safety.

House Democrats Introduce Bill to Assess Trump’s Fitness for Office

House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) introduced legislation to establish a 17-member bipartisan commission under the 25th Amendment to medically examine President Donald Trump and assess his fitness for office. The bill, with 50 Democratic co-sponsors, faces significant hurdles but follows calls for Trump’s impeachment or removal by over 85 House and Senate Democrats.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Lobbies Congress to Renew Warrantless Surveillance Law

Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Caine urged congressional committees to support President Donald Trump’s push for an 18-month reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This section, while ostensibly for foreign targets, permits warrantless surveillance of Americans. Caine warned that its loss would “increase risk to the Joint Force, degrade our worldwide combat lethality, and significantly impair U.S. security.” The intervention highlights White House concerns ahead of the law’s April 20 expiration, with some Republicans and Democrats expressing privacy concerns and seeking reforms.

State Department Accuses Cuba of Role in Russia’s War in Ukraine

The Trump administration informed Congress that between 1,000 and 5,000 Cuban nationals are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with Cuba also providing “diplomatic and political support for Moscow,” according to an Axios report on a State Department memo. While not concluding Havana officially dispatched all fighters, the report indicates “significant indicators that the regime knowingly tolerated, enabled, or selectively facilitated the flow.” Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) commented that replacing Cuba’s government would be beneficial for the U.S. and its allies.

Trump Admin Reportedly Orders Pentagon to Prepare for Military Operations Against Cuba

The Trump administration has quietly directed Pentagon officials and other U.S. government agencies to intensify preparations for potential military operations against Cuba, according to Zeteo, citing three informed sources.

ICE Pays $12.2 Million for AI Surveillance Tool Mapping Immigrants’ Daily Routines

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has awarded a $12.2 million contract to Edge Ops LLC for an AI tool named “Project SAFE HAVEN.” This tool uses “persistent passive data collection” to map the “habitual locations, routes, and behavioral patterns” of targets and aims to build profiles by scraping data from Wi-Fi connections and mobile devices. The tool was acquired for the Homeland Security Task Force National Coordination Center, which coordinates ICE, the Pentagon, and the FBI.

ICE Arrests Immigrant Delivery Drivers at California Checkpoint

An “interagency” pilot program at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in California has led to the detention of dozens of rideshare and delivery drivers. Military police at the base gates reportedly call ICE on non-citizens or non-green card holders, pressuring detainees to leave the U.S. Among those arrested was Assim Alkhawaja, a Palestinian man with a pending asylum claim and valid work permit, who was shackled and pressured to depart voluntarily. Another was a Haitian Uber Driver who criticized the exploitative conditions of the detention facility.

Thomson Reuters Fires Employee for Dissenting Against Selling Data to ICE, Lawsuit Alleges

Thomson Reuters reportedly fired legal editor Billie Little after over 200 employees objected to the use of the company’s CLEAR database, containing personal data, by federal immigration authorities. A lawsuit alleges Little was singled out for her resistance, making her the only employee fired for such actions, violating Oregon’s whistleblower protection law.

86-Year-Old Detained by ICE in Louisiana

An 86-year-old French woman, identified as Marie-Thérèse, is being held in a crowded Louisiana detention facility after ICE agents arrested and shackled her. She moved to Alabama to marry a former U.S. Army colonel, but her husband died before she obtained a green card, leaving her immigration status unresolved. Her family fears for her life due to her heart and back conditions.

Tennessee Passes Act Penalizing Student Protest

The Tennessee General Assembly passed the Charlie Kirk Act, a “free speech” legislation that could lead to suspension or expulsion for students and faculty staging walkouts or using oversized signs during campus events. The bill also protects individuals with certain views (e.g., opposition to abortion, homosexuality, “transgender behavior”) from disinvitation and allows student organizations to deny membership based on “lifestyle” conflicts. The measure, passed along partisan lines, awaits Gov. Bill Lee’s signature.

New Poll Shows Cori Bush Tied with Wesley Bell in Missouri Democratic Primary

A new poll commissioned by former Rep. Cori Bush shows her statistically tied with incumbent Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) among likely Democratic primary voters in Missouri’s 1st congressional district. The poll also found Bush has higher overall favorability, and that AIPAC, a major backer of Bell, carries a 40% unfavorable rating among district Democrats, while ICE is 86% unfavorable.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills Deflects Genocide Question, Points to African Countries

Maine Governor and senatorial candidate Janet Mills (D), when asked if Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, condemned the events of October 7 but refused to answer directly. Instead, she pointed to ongoing genocides in Sudan, Rwanda, and Somalia, stating, “There’s a lot we have to be concerned about, a lot on our plate.”

Milei’s Disability Agency at Center of Campaign Corruption Allegations

Argentina’s National Disability Agency (ANDIS) is reportedly embroiled in an alleged kickback scheme where pharmaceutical companies received government contracts in exchange for bribes, paid to officials close to President Javier Milei. One defendant implicated Milei’s sister, Karina. Milei himself is accused of having a campaign event financed by the Kovalivker family, implicated in the case, and is reportedly under investigation.

U.S. Military Kills Four in Second Pacific Boat Strike in Two Days

The U.S. military struck a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people, marking the 50th such strike since early September and bringing the total death toll to at least 174. U.S. Southern Command cited unspecified intelligence about the vessel traveling on “known narco-trafficking routes” but provided no evidence of drug smuggling.

School Shooting Injures 16 in Turkey

An 18-year-old opened fire with a shotgun at a vocational high school in Siverek, Şanlıurfa province, injuring 16 people—including students, teachers, a canteen employee, and a police officer—before taking his own life. The motive remains unclear.

Mexican President Sheinbaum Rebukes Trump for Immigration Policy

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated her disapproval of the U.S. immigration policy, calling the deaths of Mexican nationals in U.S. immigration detention “unacceptable.” Her remarks followed the death of Alejandro Cabrera Clemente at a Louisiana ICE facility, the fifteenth such death in just over a year. She announced investigations into all 15 deaths, instructed consulates to visit detention centers daily, and is considering appeals to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations, vowing to defend Mexicans “at every level.”

Spain Approves Amnesty Program for Half a Million Undocumented Immigrants

Spain’s government approved a program allowing up to 500,000 undocumented immigrants to apply for legal status. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez fast-tracked the measure via decree. Eligible applicants must have arrived before January 1, prove at least five months of residency, and have no criminal record, receiving a one-year work and residency permit renewable into longer-term status. Sánchez called it “an act of justice and a necessity,” citing immigrants’ contribution to Spain’s economy.

Greece Accused of Recruiting Migrants as “Enforcers” to Pressure Other Migrants Out

A new BBC investigation alleges Greek police have recruited detained migrants since 2020 to conduct violent illegal pushbacks along the Evros river border with Turkey. Witnesses described masked units stripping, robbing, and beating new arrivals, with some reporting sexual violence and death threats. The mercenary migrants were reportedly compensated with Arab or Turkish currencies, and occasionally with sexual services.

Hundreds of Former European Ministers, Diplomats Call for Suspension of EU-Israel Association Agreement

A group of 350 former European ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials urged the European Union to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing Israel’s systematic violations of international law in Palestine. They stated that “With the world attention focussed elsewhere, Israel under the cloak of illegal military operations in Iran and Lebanon, has pursued the subjugation of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, by doubling down on its illegal occupation policy.”

Venezuela’s Interim President Calls for Full Sanctions Relief

Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez called on the United States to lift all sanctions on Venezuela, emphasizing the need for “a Venezuela free of sanctions, as a means of providing institutional legal certainty to investors coming to our country.” This statement followed the U.S. Treasury Department’s easing of some restrictions on Venezuela’s banking system.

Hundreds of Rohingya Refugees and Bangladeshi Nationals Missing After Boat Capsizes

Approximately 250 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals are missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea, en route from Bangladesh to Malaysia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported. Nine survivors were rescued, six of whom are alleged traffickers. One survivor recounted 25-30 deaths from suffocation and overcrowding before spending 36 hours in open water.

U.S. to Send Third-Country Deportees to DRC This Week

The United States is set to send 37 to 45 deportees, nationals of countries other than Congo (including Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Guatemala), to the Democratic Republic of Congo by Friday under a third-country deportation agreement. The deportees will be housed in a hotel near Kinshasa’s main airport for 10 to 15 days.

Rival Libyan Factions Participate in U.S. Special Forces Exercises Together for the First Time

Forces from Libya’s eastern and western rival administrations jointly participated in U.S. AFRICOM’s “Flintlock” special operations exercises in Sirte, marking the first such joint military event between the former civil war adversaries. This follows an agreement on Libya’s first unified budget in over a decade, signaling a thaw between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and Khalifa Haftar’s eastern Libyan National Army.

Somali Forces Kill 27 al-Shabaab Militants in Jubbaland

Somalia’s armed forces and regional security forces killed 27 al-Shabaab militants, including “key members,” in a “large-scale operation” in the Lower and Middle Jubba regions. The operation received support from airstrikes by undisclosed international partners, with the U.S. military having previously conducted such strikes.

Russian Strikes Hit Dnipro and Izmail, Killing Civilians and Hitting Foreign-Flagged Ships

A Russian missile strike killed at least five civilians and wounded over two dozen in Dnipro, damaging infrastructure. Russian drones also struck Ukraine’s Izmail port, damaging a Panama-flagged vessel and port infrastructure. A separate strike hit the Liberian-flagged merchant vessel “Lady Maris” in a maritime corridor, which reached Chornomorsk after its crew extinguished a fire.