News from April 13, 2025 at 2 AM

According to news reports, US President Donald Trump is prepared to make compromises to reach a deal on Iran's nuclear program. Currently, indirect talks between the United States and Iran are underway in Muscat, Oman. If these talks yield a positive result, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, may meet directly with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi after April 12 or April 13. This negotiation is seen as a significant turning point in US-Iran relations.

Since the collapse of a ceasefire in mid-March, Israel's renewed offensive in Gaza has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. On April 12, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to expand the military offensive and ordered the evacuation of residents in Khan Younis and surrounding areas. The IDF has taken control of the Morag axis, incorporating it into a security zone. A Hamas official expressed hope for progress towards a ceasefire in talks with Egyptian mediators in Cairo. Israel's assault aims to pressure Hamas to release 58 remaining hostages. Hamas released a video of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander criticizing the Israeli government. The UN warned that expanding evacuation orders are forcibly transferring people, raising concerns about the future viability of Palestinians in Gaza.

On April 11, an immigration judge in the United States ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian student protester from Columbia University detained by the Trump administration, can be deported. The judge stated that the government had provided sufficient grounds for deportation. Khalil's lawyer argued that the process was a mockery of due process and vowed to seek a waiver. Khalil's arrest, which sparked protests, was deemed a national security threat. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Khalil's activism could harm US foreign policy but did not formally allege Hamas ties. Numerous lawyers have joined the case, viewing it as a test for freedom of speech and the limits of Trump's power. Similar cases involve students from Tufts University and Columbia.

On April 11, 2025, Argentina's government expects the International Monetary Fund (IMF) board to approve a $20 billion loan. The central bank announced that starting April 17, it will remove the fixed currency peg, allowing the peso to freely fluctuate within a band of 1,000 to 1,400 pesos per dollar. Argentina will eliminate major parts of the 'cepo' capital controls restricting access to foreign currency, enabling companies to repatriate profits from this year. Economy Minister Luis Caputo stated that this move will end foreign exchange restrictions imposed in 2019. The new exchange rate system could lead to the peso weakening by nearly a third, though the central bank may have tools to intervene. Argentina awaits final IMF board approval for its 23rd program to replenish depleted foreign currency reserves, address inflation, and rising country risk index. Caputo also announced that the IMF loan will be disbursed in tranches, with an initial $12 billion arriving by next Tuesday.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro experienced severe abdominal pain during an event in northeastern Brazil on April 11 and was hospitalized in Rio Grande do Norte, interrupting his regional tour aimed at gaining political support. On April 12, he posted on X that he might need a fifth surgery. His doctor, Antonio Macedo, confirmed the need for surgery, but the location was still undecided. Bolsonaro, who was stabbed during his 2018 campaign and has undergone multiple surgeries, is currently on trial by Brazil's Supreme Court for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government after his 2022 election loss. Despite denying any wrongdoing, he plans to run in the next presidential election.

An explosion occurred near the offices of Hellenic Train in central Athens, with CCTV footage showing the blast originating from a backpack. Police reported anonymous calls warning of the attack to Greek media. Transport Minister Christos Staikouras condemned the act as 'criminal,' endangering lives. Local outlets Efsyn and Zougla reported the explosive device was in a padlocked backpack on an unlicensed scooter. The bomb disposal squad arrived too late. Hellenic Train confirmed no injuries and limited damage. The explosion comes amid public anger over a February 2023 railway disaster that killed 57 people.

Col Susannah Meyers, the head of the US military base in Greenland, was fired after reportedly sending an email distancing herself from Vice-President JD Vance's criticism of Denmark. The US Space Operations Command stated that Meyers was removed from her role at Pituffik Space Base due to a 'loss of confidence in her ability to lead'. Last month, Vance criticized Denmark for not adequately supporting Greenlanders and insufficient security spending during his visit to the Danish territory. Meyers' alleged email, released by a military news site, indicated that Vance's comments were 'not reflective' of the base. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell cited the article, stating that actions undermining US leadership would not be tolerated. On March 31, Meyers reportedly wrote that she did not understand current politics, but Vance's concerns did not represent the base. The Space Force announced Col Shawn Lee as her replacement, emphasizing that commanders must remain nonpartisan. Meyers had taken command of the Arctic station in July last year, while Lee was previously a squadron commander in Alaska. During his visit, Vance reiterated Trump's desire to annex Greenland for security reasons, which both Greenland and Denmark oppose. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, during her visit to Greenland, told Trump, 'You can't annex other countries,' and offered closer collaboration with the US in defending the Arctic. The US has maintained a strategic interest in Greenland since World War Two, with Pituffik Space Base being crucial for US defense. Most Greenlanders want independence from Denmark but do not wish to become part of the US.

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a devastating attack on Zamzam Camp for displaced people near al-Fasher in North Darfur, leaving hundreds dead or wounded, mostly women and children. The assault began on Thursday and continued through Saturday, destroying homes, markets, and healthcare facilities. Earlier in the week, a similar attack on Abu Shouk Camp killed 35 civilians. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Clementine Nkweta-Salami stated that at least 100 civilians were killed in both camps, which host over 700,000 displaced people. Relief International, the last organization providing critical services in Zamzam Camp, reported its clinic was overrun and nine staff members were killed. The RSF dismissed allegations of atrocities, claiming a video depicting civilian suffering was staged by the Sudanese army. Humanitarian agencies and local leaders are calling for an immediate ceasefire and access for aid workers. The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and devastated regions like Darfur.

On April 11, the Metropolitan Police released footage showing undercover officers dressed as Batman and Robin apprehending a man suspected of street scams near Westminster Bridge. The man was running a 'cup-and-ball' game, which was an illegal gambling operation. During an operation on February 15, Batman (Inspector Darren Watson) and Robin (Police Constable Abdi Osman) successfully arrested a suspect and seized the game props. The police stated that this was part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling in the area. Two men were ultimately arrested and later convicted.

On April 12, 2025, a pro-government rally in support of President Aleksandar Vucic's policies and opposing months of student-led protests was held in Belgrade, Serbia. Thousands of people from towns in Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia arrived by buses. Main streets were blocked, and stands with fast food and drinks were set up in front of the parliament. The rally was Vucic's response to a massive anti-government rally on March 15, which saw over 100,000 people attending the largest protest in decades. Months of anti-government rallies followed a railway station roof collapse that killed 16, sparking widespread accusations of corruption and negligence. The protests have expanded to include students, teachers, and farmers, posing a significant challenge to Vucic, who has been in power for 12 years. Vucic declared 'The coloured revolution is over' at the rally. The event also aimed to promote a new movement led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressed the rally via video link. Tensions between Vucic's supporters and anti-government protesters escalated, with clashes in Belgrade and Novi Pazar.

Canadian renowned director Ted Kotcheff passed away on April 10 at the age of 94. Known for films like 'Wake in Fright,' Kotcheff's career spanned over six decades. Starting as a TV director, he was expelled from the U.S. for political reasons and moved to London. After 40, he gained more opportunities in filmmaking, with works like 'Wake in Fright' and 'The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz' receiving acclaim. His film 'First Blood' was a box office hit, but he refused to direct its sequel due to his opposition to the Vietnam War. In his later years, Kotcheff served as a producer for NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU' and published memoirs and poetry.

Hamas has confirmed the dispatch of a negotiating team to Egypt for further talks on a Gaza ceasefire deal. The Hamas delegation, led by senior Politburo official Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo on April 12 at the invitation of the Egyptian side. The delegates are expected to discuss reaching a ceasefire agreement with negotiators from Egypt and Qatar during the upcoming meeting in Cairo, aimed at finding a peaceful solution for the Gaza region.