Canadian PM Mark Carney: ”Trump is trying to break us so the U.S. can own us. They want our land. They want our resources. They want our water. They want our country. And we are all going to stand up against Donald Trump”

According to Reuters, a senior Iranian official has revealed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued strict directives to Iran’s negotiating team, outlining non-negotiable red lines. These include a refusal to dismantle uranium enrichment centrifuges, no reductions in enriched uranium stockpiles beyond the levels agreed to in the 2015 nuclear deal, and no full suspension of enrichment activities. Additionally, Khamenei has ruled out any negotiations over Iran’s ballistic missile program, which Tehran continues to assert is unrelated to nuclear talks.

For the first time since the Assad regime’s collapse last December, Syrian Air has officially announced the resumption of direct commercial flights between Damascus and the Emirati cities of Dubai and Sharjah, starting Sunday, April 20. The move follows last week’s visit by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the UAE, after which the Emirati General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approved the reestablishment of air links between the two countries. However, no UAE-based carriers have yet announced plans to operate flights to Damascus.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to deliver a rare public statement at the conclusion of Shabbat tomorrow, with reports indicating he will address the ongoing hostage situation and rising tensions with Iran. The announcement comes amid claims that U.S. President Trump persuaded Israel to hold off on planned strikes against Iranian nuclear sites next month, as U.S.-Iran negotiations are set to resume tomorrow in Rome.

U.S. Begins Troop Drawdown in Northeastern Syria Following Israeli media reports earlier this week suggesting a potential U.S. withdrawal from Syria, The New York Times now confirms that the U.S. has begun a phased drawdown of forces in the country. The process, which began Thursday, includes the redeployment of 600 American troops from northeastern Syria and the closure of three out of eight military bases in Kurdish-controlled territory. The bases being shut down—Mission Support Site (MSS) Green Village, MSS Euphrates, and a smaller outpost near Deir ez-Zor—are being transferred to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who now operate under the authority of the Syrian government. Currently, around 2,000 U.S. troops are stationed in the region. After the initial 60-day reduction period, military officials will reassess whether to proceed with further cuts. Ground commanders have reportedly recommended maintaining at least 500 personnel in the country. Despite these recommendations, President Trump remains skeptical about keeping U.S. troops in Syria long-term. The current reductions are based on operational assessments and have received approval from both the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The Trump administration is also preparing a comprehensive policy review, with some officials suggesting a full withdrawal from Syria could occur by 2026.

U.S. Forces Begin Major Drawdown in Syria This morning, multiple sightings of U.S. convoys carrying equipment have been reported, marking the beginning of a significant withdrawal of American troops from Syria. The first group of the 600 personnel set to depart is now handing over control of bases and outposts to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who operate under the authority of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Two Chinese Coast Guard vessels attacked a small Filipino supply transport ship. The incident took place at Scarborough Shoal, just 125 nautical miles off the Philippine coast—well within its Exclusive Economic Zone. Such attacks have become increasingly frequent and aggressive, as Beijing claims sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, including the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and parts of Malaysia.

According to Axios, Elon Musk’s March 21st visit to the Pentagon was originally set to include a top-secret briefing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior officials on U.S. preparations for a potential conflict with China. However, President Trump reportedly called off the briefing after details were leaked to The New York Times the day before. “What the fuck is Elon doing there? Make sure he doesn’t go,” Trump allegedly said after the leak spread within the White House. A senior official clarified, “The President still has a lot of admiration for Elon, but there are red lines. Elon does significant business in China and maintains good ties there. This briefing just wasn’t appropriate.”

Trump: Harvard is a joke View quoted note →

The British Supreme Court has ruled that “transgender women”—or men who identify as women—should not be legally defined as women. The court’s decision was unanimous.