President Trump threatened Iran with "missiles locked and loaded" following calls for his assassination at Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral. Tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran insisting on control and charging fees, while the U.S. demands it remain an international waterway.
South Korean diplomat Chang Wook-jin met with U.S. officials in Washington to discuss cooperation on democracy and human rights. They exchanged views, explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, and agreed to maintain close communication on mutual interests.
Iran and Oman will discuss the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz with other Gulf states following a war-ending agreement. A memorandum of understanding to be signed Friday in Geneva will allow 60 days of toll-free passage for commercial ships before these discussions begin, aligning with international law.
The US is reportedly considering deploying nuclear-capable aircraft to more NATO member states in Europe, according to The Financial Times. Nations on NATO's eastern flank have expressed interest in hosting these bases, though an agreement is not imminent.
US-Iran deal talks trigger market optimism, despite Trump's warning of a potential walk away, as Wall Street futures rise and crude prices diverge.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials, including Raúl Castro's grandson, to discuss intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and security. The U.S. emphasized the need for Cuba to make fundamental changes for engagement, while Cuba denied being a threat to U.S. security and protested its listing as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles III's state visit to the U.S. will proceed as planned despite security concerns following Saturday's shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The King and Queen are scheduled to fly to the U.S. on Monday for the April 27-30 visit, which includes a White House banquet and address to Congress. The Palace stated the King is 'greatly relieved' that Trump and other dignitaries were unharmed, with British security services coordinating closely with U.S. counterparts.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks following a meeting at the White House with high-ranking representatives from both countries. Trump stated the U.S. will work with Lebanon to help protect it from Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group. The meeting included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. ambassadors to both nations.
Two CIA officers and two Mexican investigators were killed in a vehicle crash in northern Mexico while returning from an operation to destroy a clandestine drug lab. The incident has sparked discrepancies between U.S. and Mexican authorities over the extent of American involvement in Mexico's security operations, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum claiming she knew nothing of a joint operation despite reports the Mexican army participated.
Cuba confirmed it recently met with US officials on the island—the first such diplomatic talks since 2016—as tensions remain high over the US energy blockade. Cuban officials said the US delegation included assistant secretaries of state, and that discussions focused on lifting the embargo, which Cuba calls economic coercion. The meetings occurred amid Trump's threats to tariff countries supplying oil to Cuba.
