Syria has recalled ambassadors from Russia and Saudi Arabia as part of new diplomatic reshuffle.

Chargé d’affaires will manage both embassies until new appointments are made by President Al Shaara.

Notable: Trump and Netanyahu made no announcement on lifting or reducing the 17% tariffs on Israeli goods — despite Netanyahu’s hopes to resolve the issue during their meeting.

Trump said he wasn’t “sure” about it, then mentioned US giving Israel $4 billion aid annually.

Three Iranian officials say Iran and the U.S. plan to hold indirect talks in Oman on Saturday. Tehran signaled openness to direct talks if the first round goes well — a notable shift in stance.

Source: Farnaz Fassihi

📸 Chinese Embassy in the U.S.

Rumeysa Öztürk trial in the US: Federal judge asks for additional evidence

Regarding the detainment of Rumeysa Öztürk, a doctoral candidate apprehended in the United States for her advocacy of Palestine, the Federal District Judge has requested supplementary evidence from all parties to proceed with the trial.

Judge Sessions of the Vermont District Court presided over the first hearing in the matter of Öztürk, considering legal arguments from opposing counsel. The defendant, having been taken into custody in Massachusetts, was moved to Louisiana on March 25.

In accordance with the decision of the federal judge in Massachusetts, Rumeysa Öztürk, who had been held in Louisiana for two weeks before being transferred to Vermont for its closer proximity to her home, did not attend the initial hearing.

Following consideration of arguments from both parties, Federal Judge William Sessions acknowledged the case's unique circumstances and recommended further documentary and informational discovery.

BIG IF TRUE:

It has been reported that the Taliban have transferred control of Bagram Air Base to the United States. The reports cite visits by U.S. C-17 aircraft carrying military supplies and senior intelligence officials, including the deputy director of the CIA.

However, these reports have not been officially confirmed.

A string of allegations:

Amu TV cited three authoritative sources, including a Taliban official from Kandahar, in reporting a meeting between Sirajuddin Haqqani and U.S. delegations during his recent trip to the UAE.

The Taliban recently withdrew from Bagram Air Base after receiving payments from the US government. Shortly thereafter, a large number of US C-17 aircraft with military vehicles arrived at the base, indicating a possible US move to reassert control over Bagram.

Sources: Zark Shabab, Micheal Bond, AMU Tv, Khamaa Press

Trump announces record-breaking $1 trillion Pentagon budget:

"$1 trillion, and nobody's seen anything like it. We have to build our military and we're very cost conscious. But the military is something that we have to build, and we have to be strong, because you got a lot of bad forces out there now."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:

Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect high-level talks. It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America's court.

China Vows to ‘Fight to the End’ Over U.S. Tariff Threat

China pledged to “fight to the end” after President Trump threatened an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, potentially raising total U.S. duties to over 100%.

“The U.S. threat is a mistake on top of a mistake,” said China’s Ministry of Commerce.

“If the U.S. insists on going its own way, China will fight to the end.”

Beijing has already imposed a 34% retaliatory tariff, and warned it will not yield to what it called U.S. “blackmail.”

Elon Musk Urges Trump to Drop China Tariffs

Tesla CEO Elon Musk personally urged President Trump to reverse new tariffs on Chinese imports, including a proposed 50% duty.

Despite Musk’s appeals, confirmed by multiple sources, Trump has not backed down.

Musk also voiced opposition publicly, sharing a video of Milton Friedman to promote free trade.

“Tariffs hurt U.S. businesses more than China,” said Musk ally Joe Lonsdale, echoing concerns from other tech leaders.

The standoff signals a rare rift between Trump and Musk, a major backer who contributed nearly $290 million to GOP campaigns in the last election.

Netanyahu’s visit to Washington ended abruptly and somewhat suspiciously.

The White House visit yielded no progress in negotiations or in lifting the tariffs imposed by Trump on Israel.

Source: Israeli Broadcasting Authority

Chinese Foreign Ministry:

If the United States insists on waging a trade war and imposing tariffs, China will fight to the end.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

Israel’s current policy in Syria is one of provocation.

From a strategic and security standpoint, it doesn’t even serve Israel’s own interests.

If Israel perceives a security threat, it should articulate its concerns in a way that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another state.

Elon Musk:

They want to kill me for exposing their fraud and hurt Tesla for fighting government waste. Bad people do bad things.

Gaza: No Food, No Fuel, No Future

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly due to ongoing conflict and Israel’s blockade, in place since March 2, 2025.

Food
• All UN-supported bakeries have shut down; markets lack basic items like tomatoes, sugar, and oil.
• Families survive on one meal a day, and charitable food distributions have ceased.
• The World Food Programme will soon run out of aid, with only emergency biscuits left.

Medicine
• Hospitals are rationing painkillers and antibiotics, with supplies for pregnant women nearly gone.
• Over half of trauma hospitals are at or near capacity.
• Medical staff are forced to improvise with basic tools due to lack of equipment—even soap is scarce.

Other Essentials
• Fuel shortages have crippled hospitals, bakeries, and water systems.
• Clean water access is limited, raising major public health risks.

Response
• Aid agencies are pleading for international pressure on Israel to allow critical supplies.
• The Red Crescent continues emergency operations under extreme strain.

A counteroffensive against Al-Shabaab was launched in Abooreey this morning by the Somali government and allied local militias. Clashes are now ongoing within the settlement’s urban center.

Source: Aaga Cawllan

🇯🇵 Tokyo Stock Exchange closed up 6.02% today, rebounding after a sharp drop the previous day.

Mali closes its airspace to Algeria “as a reciprocal measure”.

NEW: Egypt and France sign €7 billion agreement to develop green hydrogen production facility.

NEW: China's state planner said that it held a meeting with private domestic companies, including Trina Solar, ride-hailing company Didi and Goertek, to hear suggestions about how to deal with additional U.S. tariffs.

Elon Musk gets trolled while attempting to live stream Path of Exile 2 from his private jet.