US and Iran Hold Nuclear Talks Amid Ukraine Conflict

The US and Iran held a second round of nuclear talks in Rome, with Iran's foreign minister saying the discussions were positive and showed "movement forward." The talks are part of an effort to strike a new nuclear deal between the two countries, with President Donald Trump insisting on a deal within weeks. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court temporarily paused deportations under Trump's use of the wartime Alien Enemies Act. The Trump administration is also considering recognizing Russian control of Crimea as part of a proposed framework for ending the war in Ukraine, and has escalated its efforts to portray a wrongly deported Maryland man as a gang member with a violent history. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials amid criticism from Pope Francis on the Trump administration's immigration policies. The administration's immigration crackdown and trade war are also having ripple effects, including on student visas and the cost of popular snacks at Asian American grocery stores.

The US and Iran have held a second round of nuclear talks in Rome and agreed to meet again next week, but hopes for de-escalation are tempered by mounting military threats and mixed messages. US President Donald Trump has warned Tehran of its options: a deal or war, and previously suggested Israel would lead a military response if talks failed. However, he later told reporters he was not in a rush to take military action and preferred to give diplomacy a chance. Iran has stockpiled enough highly-enriched uranium to make several bombs, but insists it will not develop nuclear weapons. The talks come amid a flurry of diplomatic activity, including visits between Iranian and Saudi officials, and between Iranian and Russian leaders. The atmosphere remains tense, with Ayatollah Khamenei expressing distrust of US negotiations and warning of retaliation in the event of US military action. The two sides have differing accounts of the talks, with the US describing them as direct and Iran saying they are indirect, mediated by Oman.

US President Donald Trump has stated that the US will "take a pass" on brokering further Russia-Ukraine talks if Moscow or Kyiv make it difficult to reach a peace deal. Trump's comments came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the US would abandon talks unless there were clear signs of progress within days. The US is attempting to broker a ceasefire, but Russian strikes on Ukraine continue. Meanwhile, Ukraine and the US have taken steps towards a minerals deal, signing a memorandum of intent on setting up an investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US may "move on" from trying to secure a Russia-Ukraine peace deal if there's no progress soon, stating "it's not our war" and that the administration has "other priorities to focus on." Rubio's comments came after landmark talks in Paris showed some progress, with a new meeting expected next week in London. He suggested the US involvement could be decided "in a matter of days." Rubio's stance contrasts with previous warnings from the Biden administration and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who have emphasized Russia's intent to expand its borders and threaten Western democracies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine that will last until midnight on Sunday, citing "humanitarian grounds." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the move as "Putin's next attempt to play with people's lives," noting that Russian drone strikes were still occurring. The announcement came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration was ready to "move on" from peace talks between Russia and Ukraine if progress was not made soon. On the same day, Russia and Ukraine conducted a large prisoner swap, with 246 Russian service members and 277 Ukrainian prisoners returning home. Fighting continued before the ceasefire, with Russia's Defense Ministry claiming to have taken control of a village in the Kursk region.

The US and Iran held their second round of negotiations in Rome on Saturday, mediated by Oman, to discuss Tehran's nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and the two sides agreed to hold another round of talks in Oman on April 26, with technical experts meeting beforehand. Araghchi described the talks as "constructive" and said they were "moving forward." The negotiations come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and follow the US withdrawal from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. Oman has facilitated indirect talks between the two countries, and Italy has offered to continue hosting technical-level sessions. The talks aim to ensure Iran is "completely free of nuclear weapons and sanctions" while maintaining its ability to develop peaceful nuclear energy.

Iran and the US held their second round of negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program in Rome, mediated by Oman, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff meeting indirectly in separate halls at the Omani Embassy. The talks come amid rising tensions in the Middle East and a rapidly advancing Iranian nuclear program, with the US and Iran having a decades-long history of enmity since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The negotiations aim to reach a deal that would limit Iran's uranium enrichment in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, with Iran seeking a balanced agreement to steady its troubled economy.

US and Iranian officials met in Rome for high-level talks on Tehran's nuclear program, with Oman serving as a mediator. The talks are the second round of negotiations, following an initial meeting in Muscat a week prior. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led their respective delegations, with Witkoff having met with Israeli officials in Paris ahead of the talks. The negotiations come amid concerns about Iran's nuclear enrichment and the threat of military action, with the UN's nuclear watchdog warning that time is limited to reach a deal.

The second round of high-stakes nuclear talks between the US and Iran concluded in Rome, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that there was "movement forward" and a better understanding on some principles and goals. The talks, mediated by Oman, were held in separate rooms with the two sides not communicating directly with each other. A third round of talks is set to take place next Saturday in Muscat, and technical expert talks will begin on Wednesday in Oman. The negotiations aim to address the US concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities, with Washington wanting Tehran to stop producing highly enriched uranium. Iran has suggested it is willing to negotiate compromises in return for sanctions relief to ease pressure on its economy.

The Trump administration is prepared to recognize Russian control over Crimea as part of a proposed framework to end the war in Ukraine, according to a source familiar with the proposal. The framework, shared with European and Ukrainian officials in Paris and communicated to Russia through a phone call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, also includes a proposed ceasefire along the conflict's front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that recognizing occupied territories as Russian is a "red line" for his government. The US proposal is still being developed, with further discussions planned in London next week, and a meeting between Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian officials to secure Moscow's agreement.

President Trump stated that the US will abandon peace efforts in Ukraine if Russia is not serious about agreeing to a ceasefire, saying "we're just going to take a pass" if one party makes it difficult. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had earlier stated that the US is ready to "move on" if no progress is made, echoing Trump's sentiments. Ukraine has agreed to ceasefire proposals, but Russia has delayed an agreement, despite adhering to a 30-day ceasefire on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs on Russian oil if Russia is at fault for not stopping the bloodshed.

US-Iran nuclear talks are ongoing, but Iran's history of deception and cheating on its nuclear commitments has raised concerns about its intentions. General Jack Keane, a Fox News analyst, stated that Iran is reusing its "playbook" from the 2015 nuclear deal, which led to a "disastrous" agreement. The Trump administration is pushing for a new deal that would prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon, with President Trump stating that "they can't have a nuclear weapon." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that enrichment of uranium is "non-negotiable." Experts warn that Iran's past cheating and current nuclear activities, including producing uranium that can be used in six atomic bombs, cast doubt on its willingness to adhere to a new agreement.

US Senator Marco Rubio's comments indicate growing frustration from the Donald Trump administration at the lack of progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, two months after they began. Despite multiple meetings, little has been achieved, with a 30-day ceasefire and a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea failing to materialize. Trump's team has been criticized for being too soft on Russia, and Rubio's threat to "move on" from the talks may be seen as a negotiating tactic. Russia is unlikely to be concerned by the threat, as it has managed to keep its improving bilateral relations with the US separate from the war.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to "take a pass" on Ukraine peace talks due to a lack of progress, suggesting the US could abandon its efforts to broker a permanent ceasefire. Trump's administration has grown frustrated with the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating they are prepared to "move on". Trump denied being played by Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Putin is not serious about ending the war. A US minerals deal with Ukraine, which Trump hopes will profit from the country's natural resources, has been delayed, but a "memorandum of intent" may soon be signed.

Iran and the US will begin expert-level talks to discuss a possible deal over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after a second round of negotiations in Rome. The experts will meet in Oman before Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff meet again on April 26. The talks, described as indirect, represent a historic moment given the decades of enmity between the two countries. The discussions come as tensions rise in the Middle East over the Israel-Hamas war and US airstrikes targeting Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Iran is seeking a deal to steady its troubled economy, and the Iranian currency has improved with the talks.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, ongoing since 2022, has seen various developments, with recent efforts towards a ceasefire. In March 2025, US President Trump held a phone call with Russian President Putin to discuss a possible ceasefire. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy later spoke with Trump, following which the US and Russia held talks in Saudi Arabia on a Black Sea ceasefire. Ukraine has been producing drones to aid their fighters, with around 2 million made in the previous year. The war has caused significant disruptions, with nighttime darkness due to power cuts and dimming of lights. Ukrainians in frontline regions continue to face losses and uncertainty, though they remain hopeful. In April 2025, Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire, which Zelenskyy dismissed as another attempt to "play with human lives." The US has warned it will abandon Ukraine peace talks if progress isn't made soon.

Many Russians initially believed that President Trump's election would lead to a negotiated peace in Ukraine that would satisfy the Kremlin, but three months into his second term, disappointment is growing in Moscow. Trump's whirlwind approach to talks and Putin's inflexibility have frustrated those in the Kremlin's orbit, with some fearing a collapse in talks could escalate fighting. Putin remains steadfast in his demands, including Ukraine not joining NATO and withdrawing from certain territories, and has not budged from his rejection of a cease-fire. Trump's warnings that the US could walk away from talks have had little effect, and some Russians believe Putin is gaining confidence that Russia can defeat Ukraine in a war of attrition. Despite this, some Russians remain hopeful that a compromise is possible, but others warn that if the US walks away, Russia will have to create new conditions for a diplomatic process, potentially through further use of force.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a one-day "Easter truce" in the war with Ukraine, ordering his forces to stop all military activity from Saturday evening to Sunday, in a move seen as an attempt to show the Trump administration that Moscow is open to peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the announcement as "next attempt to play with people's lives" and did not confirm whether Ukraine would observe the truce. The declaration comes as the Trump administration expressed impatience with Russia's unwillingness to agree to a cease-fire, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying the US could decide to "move on" from trying to end the war.

The US and Iran are set to hold another round of nuclear talks in Rome, mediated by Omani diplomats, amid close scrutiny from Israel. The US has sent mixed signals on its goals, with envoy Steve Witkoff initially suggesting Iran could have a limited nuclear program, but later insisting it must be fully dismantled. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any deal must prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon now and in the future. Israel is watching closely, as it has long relied on a hardline US stance against Iran, and is concerned about its own vulnerability. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for civilian use, but scientists believe it is close to producing nuclear weapons. Experts say the US and Iran are still defining each other's red lines, and a failure to reach a deal could lead to a military confrontation, which Israel and its allies in Congress may be pushing for.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a ceasefire in Ukraine from now until midnight Sunday in honor of Easter, but warned that Russia would respond to any Ukrainian attacks during that time. Putin expects Ukraine to reciprocate and sees their response as a test of their commitment to a peaceful resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears to have rejected the proposal.

The US and Ukraine have agreed on a mineral deal framework, where the US will invest in Ukraine's recovery in exchange for a share of its natural resources. However, the deal's significance has been overshadowed by US President Donald Trump's threat to pull out of brokering a ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia conflict if progress is not made soon. The threat has raised concerns that the US is prioritizing its commercial interests over Ukraine's security, and that the mineral deal is more of a business venture than a gesture of support for Ukraine. The move is seen as beneficial to Russia, which has been accused of launching deadly missile strikes on civilians, and has been met with criticism from Ukrainian officials who urge the US and Europe to pressure Russia to end the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, effective from 6 p.m. on Saturday to midnight on Easter Sunday, citing "humanitarian considerations." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded that Russian drone attacks continue, with air raid alerts spreading across Ukraine. The ceasefire announcement came as Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have pushed Ukrainian forces from a foothold in Russia's Kursk region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a brief Easter ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, calling for a two-day pause in hostilities from 6 p.m. Moscow time on Saturday to midnight on Monday. Putin hoped Ukraine would follow suit, allowing Russia to gauge Kyiv's sincerity about a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded skeptically, calling it "yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives" and noted air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv shortly after Putin's announcement, with Shahed drones in Ukrainian skies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a one-day Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering his troops to "stop all military activities" until midnight on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded skeptically, accusing Putin of trying to "play with human lives" as air raid alerts continued across Ukraine. The announcement came as Russia and Ukraine held a large prisoner of war exchange, with each side handing back over 240 prisoners. Russia also claimed to have retaken most of the Kursk territory seized by Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, citing humanitarian reasons, to last from Saturday evening to midnight on Easter Sunday. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the move as "another attempt by Putin to play with human lives," pointing to ongoing air raid alerts and Russian drone attacks in Ukraine. The announcement came as Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have pushed Ukrainian troops out of a foothold in Russia's Kursk region, and amid reports of continued fighting and Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian territory.

Vladimir Putin announced an "Easter truce" in the Ukraine war, claiming Russia would stop "all military operations" from 6 p.m. on Saturday until 12 a.m. on Monday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was skeptical, calling it "yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives," and noted that air raid alarms were still sounding in Ukraine as Russia launched strikes just before the ceasefire was set to begin. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Moscow's Chief of the General Staff had ordered a pause in combat operations, but Kyiv had not confirmed whether it would also observe the truce. Critics questioned the feasibility of the suddenly-declared ceasefire, with one expert saying Putin's announcement was an "excuse for (Putin) to blame Ukraine" for any failure to hold.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in the Ukraine war, effective from 6pm Moscow time on Saturday to midnight on Easter Sunday, citing "humanitarian considerations". Putin instructed Russian troops to halt military actions during this period but remain prepared to respond to any Ukrainian provocations or truce violations. The Russian Defence Ministry has instructed group commanders to adhere to the ceasefire, provided it is "mutually respected" by Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering his forces to halt hostilities on Saturday until Sunday. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian drones attacked Ukraine on Saturday, which Ukrainian air defence units were repelling, contradicting Putin's ceasefire declaration.