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Russia and Ukraine to hold direct talks in Ankara: CNN Turk

Russia Ukraine War

Delegations from the two countries will meet to discuss security in the Black Sea, the outlet said in an article on Sunday.

The meetings will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Turkish Naval Forces headquarters in Ankara, according to sources.

During talks between Russian and US experts in Riyadh in late March, it was agreed to move towards reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which according to the Kremlin, should include the removal of Western restrictions against the Russian Agricultural Bank and other financial institutions involved in the international sale of food and fertilizers.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, originally brokered in July 2022 by the UN and Türkiye, envisioned the safe passage of Ukrainian agricultural products in exchange for the US and EU lifting its restrictions on Russian grain and fertilizer exports. Moscow withdrew from the deal a year later, citing the West’s failure to uphold its obligations.

US President Donald Trump confirmed last month that his administration is considering lifting some curbs on Moscow in order to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, saying that “there are about five or six conditions. We are looking at all of them.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ruled out relaxing EU restrictions on Moscow, insisting they should “remain in effect until a just and lasting peace is established in Ukraine.”

Iranian lawmakers condemn desecration of Quran in the Netherlands

Iranian Parliament

The lawmakers denounced the incident, which involved an extremist individual burning a copy of the Quran on April 2, 2025, outside Amsterdam’s city hall.

Describing the act as deeply offensive and a direct assault on the beliefs of over a billion Muslims worldwide, the statement said such actions not only violate the sanctity of a holy book but also threaten peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among societies.

The Iranian lawmakers emphasized that while everyone has the right to express their views, such expressions must not infringe on the dignity and spiritual values of others.

They warned that under the pretext of free speech, provocation and Islamophobia must not be tolerated.

The statement further called on the Dutch government to prevent such Islamophobic acts and to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible. It also cautioned the Netherlands government not to fall into alignment with supporters of the “inhuman crimes of the Zionist regime.”

Media Activist: Oman talks Diplomatic Victory for Iran, US

Pezeshkian Trump

In an article titled “These Talks Cannot Fail” published on Khabaronline news outlet, Mahmoudi stated that the very act of negotiation between Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy for the Middle East, in Oman is inherently a diplomatic triumph for both Iran and the US. “A negotiation formally requested by the US and accepted by Iran.”

Regarding the focus of the Oman talks—namely Iran’s nuclear program—Mahmoudi emphasized that if US President Donald Trump intended to derail the Iran-US talks, he could have easily raised red-line issues for Iran, such as “missile disarmament,” or invited a vocal opponent of the Islamic Republic to the White House, which he did not.

According to the activist, this might be the first time a bilateral Iran-US negotiation faces no significant or overt opposition. Unlike the JCPOA, which faced open and influential opponents like Saudi Arabia, the Zionist regime, and Russia (albeit covertly), the current talks lack such resistance.

He said that today, for various reasons, neither Russia nor Saudi Arabia opposes the talks, nor do Europe or Israel dare openly object to Iran-US negotiations.

Mahmoudi also addressed domestic opposition to the nuclear deal in Iran, noting inside Iran, the “shadow government” has been effectively restrained by the establishment.

He added that, except for the Zionist regime, all UN member states will likely welcome the bilateral Iran-US talks to varying degrees. However, the European troika – France, Germany, and the UK-, Russia, and China are not entirely pleased about being sidelined from the negotiation table with Iran. Still, given their challenges with Trump, they prefer to play the role of “apparent supporters” for now.

Citing recent remarks by Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, who, quoting the Supreme Leader, stated that legitimate US investment in Iran is permissible, Mahmoudi suggested that this approval might be the most significant reason to predict the success of the bilateral talks.

The Iranian media activist warned that a failure to reach an agreement in the upcoming talks would undoubtedly embolden the Zionist regime to continue its crimes against the Axis of Resistance and its aggressions against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Dozens killed in Russia strikes on Ukrainian city of Sumy, deadliest in 2025

At least 84 people, including several children, have also been wounded in the strikes on the city’s center, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, making it the worst single attack on Ukrainian civilians since 2023.

Last week, a Russian missile attack killed 20 people in the central city of Kryvyi Rih.

Zelensky said the deadly strikes were carried out by ballistic missiles and called for a “strong response from the world” in a statement.

“Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging out this war,” he said, adding, “Without pressure on the aggressor, peace is impossible. Talking has never stopped ballistic missiles and bombs. We need to treat Russia as a terrorist deserves.”

The raids hit the city center on Palm Sunday as residents were attending church services on one of the busiest church-going days of the year, according to Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

Two ballistic missiles were fired by Russia into the city center, said Volodymyr Artyukh, head of the military administration in the region.

“At that time, a lot of people were on the street,” he continued, adding, “The enemy was hoping to inflict the greatest damage on people in the city of Sumy.”

Artem Kobzar, acting mayor of Sumy, confirmed the death toll, stating, “Many people were killed today as a result of the missile strike.”

A video posted by Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko shows firefighters responding at the scene, putting out cars on fire and evacuating a woman from her home. Among the destruction seen in the city center are destroyed buildings, blown-out windows and piles of rubble. Bodies covered in emergency blankets can be seen on the ground.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it “absolute evil” to launch the attacks on a Christian holiday and noted that the missiles hit a residential area of the city.

“We urge partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defense capabilities and increase pressure on Moscow,” Sybiha said in a statement posted to X.

“Strength is the only language they can understand and the only way to put an end to the horrific terror,” he added.

Unverified photos and video from the scene show bodies lying on the street and rescue efforts underway. Footage posted to Telegram shows the moment strikes hit the city, registering a loud noise and a large cloud of black smoke billowing into the air.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, called the incident a “horrific example of Russia intensifying attacks while Ukraine has accepted an unconditional ceasefire.”

Russia has increased air attacks and missile strikes on the Sumy region in recent weeks as it has pushed Ukrainian forces out of much of the adjoining Russian territory of Kursk. Its troops have also occupied a few small settlements just inside Sumy region.

Iranian MP praises professionalism of nuclear negotiation team

Speaking during Sunday’s parliamentary session, Hassan Qashqavi highlighted the national consensus in support of the nuclear talks between Iran and the US in Muscat.

He stated, “The world acknowledges the professionalism of Iran’s negotiation team, and the Nuclear Committee fully supports the process.”

Addressing claims by MP Mehdi Koochakzadeh that the committee opposes the negotiations, Qashqavi clarified, “Members of the Nuclear Committee, including myself, (Mahmoud) Nabavian, and (Ali) Khezrian, are in favor of the talks.”

He dismissed allegations of internal disagreements, reaffirming the parliament’s supervisory role and adherence to the Leader’s directives regarding the talks.

Qashqavi also criticized media campaigns opposing the negotiations, particularly those driven by extremist pro-Israeli factions.

He reiterated the parliament’s alignment with the Leader, emphasizing unity and respect for expert opinions.

Separately, MP Salman Es’haqi lauded Iran’s negotiation team for upholding constitutional principles and coordinating with national authorities.

He assured that the team would not cross any red lines, adding, “Iran’s strength lies in its people, social capital in the Islamic world, and military capabilities, placing the nation in a position of pride.”

The Iranian delegation concluded the first round of talks with the US on Saturday, described by both parties as ‘constructive’. The second round is slated for Saturday.

Iran’s Leader emphasizes strengthening armed forces’ weaponry capabilities

In a meeting with commanders and officials of Iran’s armed forces, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed enhancing weaponry capabilities, organizational structure, and the welfare of the armed forces. He added that software readiness—faith in the goal and mission, and certainty in the righteousness of the path—is crucial, despite hostile efforts to undermine it.

He noted that what provokes enemies is not the name of the Islamic Republic, but the determination of a country to be Muslim, independent, and dignified, relying on itself for its honor.

The Leader pointed to the double standards of global powers, who consider their possession of the most destructive weapons permissible but deem defensive progress by others as impermissible.

Ayatollah Khamenei attributed the anger of adversaries and their media uproar to Iran’s ongoing progress, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic enjoys significant momentum and advancement, though some tangible economic challenges remain that must be addressed.

At the start of the meeting, Major General Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, referred to the events of 2024 in Iran and the region, highlighting the global awakening on the Palestinian issue and the historic resistance of the people of Gaza and Lebanon against the Zionist regime’s atrocities as proud peaks in the fight against oppression.

General Bagheri listed strengthening defensive and deterrent capabilities, producing advanced equipment and weaponry, conducting numerous high-quality military exercises, full coordination among the armed forces, contributing to national progress and construction, and synergy between field operations and diplomacy as key programs and actions of the armed forces.

He stated that Iran’s armed forces, backed by the people, are fully prepared and will leave the enemies’ sinister goals unfulfilled.

Iranian currency strengthens amid positive signals from indirect Iran-US nuclear talks

Dollar

The dollar’s value in Iran’s unofficial market, which had peaked at 106,000 tomans, saw a sharp drop to approximately 85,000 tomans on Sunday following the first round of talks held in Muscat, Oman, on Saturday.

According to IRNA news agency, cryptocurrencies such as Tether also reflected similar downward trends, now trading at around 87,000 tomans.

Brokers in Tehran’s Ferdowsi Street and Istanbul Crossroads continue limited transactions amidst fears of further declines in currency values.

One broker reported that sellers primarily consist of individuals with small investments concerned about additional losses. Buyers, however, are mostly travelers or individuals transferring funds abroad.

Despite market uncertainty, activity persists for currencies including euros and Iraqi dinars.

Another broker noted reduced buyer presence, with most transactions driven by panic among sellers ahead of anticipated negotiations next Saturday.

Speculation remains high, with the prospect of further price drops if talks yield positive outcomes, or potential rebounds should negotiations falter.

‘Let Us Wait!’ – A response to Kayhan’s opposition to nuclear negotiations

Araghchi Witkoff

In reaction to the ‘news analysis’, Asr-e Iran website highlighted it was ironically published before the US president even delivered his latest remarks – which, in fact, struck an optimistic tone about the ongoing Oman negotiations.

Asr-e Iran wrote, “The choice of words is telling. Kayhan speaks of “waiting” as if we’re at risk of missing a departing train. But what if the train left years ago? When factories shut down due to power shortages, or when inflation erodes salaries, isn’t that the real “waiting”? The negotiations aim precisely to end this paralysis.”

It further exposed contradictions, pointing out that “Kayhan insists Trump’s America is uniquely dangerous, yet spent years claiming “no difference” between Trump and Biden. Why the sudden distinction?”

The article also noted that Kayhan’s editor, Hossein Shariatmadari, opposed talks even under former Iranian administration of Ebrahim Raisi – long before Hamas leaders were assassinated or Syria’s government weakened, asking “Where is his “alternative scenario” now? War?”

Asr-e Iran also questioned Kayhan’s social standing in Iran when it frets about “public anxiety,” stating the newspaper’s channel on Telegram, a widely popular though restricted social media in Iran, has just 4,000 followers. “Can it truly speak for 85 million Iranians?” it rhetorically asked.

Iran says next round of negotiations with US to be indirect, mediated by Oman

Esmael baghaei

In a televised interview about the next round of Iran-US negotiations, Baqaei said, “The talks will continue to be indirect and hosted by Oman. Oman, as the intermediary and mediator, will continue to play this role.”

He added that the framework of the negotiations will remain as it has been. “Whether the location will be Oman or elsewhere is still under discussion,” he noted.

In response to a question about whether the talks could, for example, be held in the UAE with Oman still involved, Baqaei said, “Wherever they take place, Oman is responsible for arranging the logistics and facilitating the exchange of messages between the delegations. Oman will handle how the delegations communicate with each other.”

Baqaei emphasized that the location of the next talks is not particularly significant. “What matters is that the format and structure of the negotiations will continue as before—indirect and mediated by Oman.”

The first round of the Iran-US indirect nuclear talks were held on Saturday in Musqat.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araqchi, and the US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, attended the negotiations.

The two sides agreed to pursue the talks on Saturday.

Israeli-US captive accuses Trump of falling for Netanyahu’s lies, blocking Gaza prisoner release

In a video released by Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, Alexander addressed Trump directly on the 26th day since Israel resumed its assault on Gaza.

“I see every day that Netanyahu is running the country like a dictator, while I am collapsing physically and mentally,” he said.

Alexander accused all parties of lying and breaking promises to secure his release.

“Everyone lied –my people, the Israeli government, the army, and the US administration,” he continued, adding, “I heard three weeks ago that Hamas was ready to release me, but you refused and left me behind.”

Alexander asked: “Tell me why? Why am I still here and not home with my family and friends? Why am I recording my second video?”

“I truly want to come home safely and celebrate the holiday (Passover, which began Saturday) with you.”

Addressing Trump directly, Alexander said: “President Trump, I believed you would succeed in getting me out of here alive.”

He asked: “Why did you fall for Netanyahu’s lies? Tell me why? Why am I here, suffering nightmares every night?”

“Why am I here and not in my home? Why am I not in America?” he asked.

He voiced fears of being killed in Israeli airstrikes, stating: “I don’t want to believe that you might not see me alive again after this video.”

Alexander directed a final message to the demonstrators in Israel: “Keep protesting. Do everything you can.”

He noted the words of Yair Horn, who was released during the first phase of a prisoner swap deal.

“I remember Yair’s words when he said: ‘Our time is running out,’ and now it really is,” he continued, adding, “Every day, I feel the bombing getting closer to our heads. It’s very hard … we are losing hope.”

“This video is mine, this is my face — try to remember it.”

He ended with a haunting message: “We truly believe we will return home as corpses. There is nothing more to say. There is no hope.”

The families of Israeli captives later demanded that the public continue demonstrating against Netanyahu’s government, urging action to reach a prisoner exchange deal with Palestinian factions that could bring their loved ones home.

The appeal came during a news conference held by relatives of the captives near the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv.

One relative said: “Do not stop taking to the streets. Do not lose hope, until the government brings all our children back.”

She accused the government of using the hostages as political leverage.

“Since the events of Oct. 7, the government has done everything to sacrifice the captives in Gaza,” she stated, adding, “We are being forced to fight against a heartless government to bring our families back, and sadly, that won’t happen without a real struggle.”

Israel estimates 59 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with at least 22 alive.

They were expected to be set free in the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, which would require Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza and end the war permanently.

But Israel renewed the assault and broke a January ceasefire agreement. It has killed nearly 51,000 Palestinians in Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and reduced the enclave to rubble.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.