US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the US is not dismissing the possibility of a second phase of sanctions against Russia. “We are not lifting any existing sanctions. The President supports a diplomatic approach to each step,” she stated. However, she acknowledged that global attention must also focus on other regions. President Trump had earlier said that he would provide a detailed response about tougher sanctions a week after his April 24 announcement.

The United States has dropped two more spots in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, now ranking 57th—below conflict-torn Sierra Leone. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), global press freedom is at its lowest point in history, with half the world’s countries deemed “bad environments” for journalism. Fewer than one-quarter of countries are considered to have a “satisfactory” environment. Despite online ad revenue reaching $247 billion in 2024, a significant portion went to tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Amazon.

US Vice President J.D. Vance has stated that the Ukraine war is not expected to end anytime soon. He emphasized that the key question now is how the US can facilitate a resolution between Russia and Ukraine. “Ultimately, it is up to Russia and Ukraine to reach a decision to end this brutal war,” he said. “Yes, Ukrainians are understandably angry—their country has been invaded. But should we lose thousands of soldiers over a few miles of land?” Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that unless there is significant progress on the battlefield soon, President Trump may reduce his engagement with the crisis.

More than 14,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims are still awaiting visas for the upcoming Hajj, leaving many in uncertainty. So far, 15,154 pilgrims have departed for Saudi Arabia, with one death reported. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged citizens not to assist unauthorized individuals holding visit visas in entering restricted Hajj areas or offering them accommodation, as it violates Hajj regulations.

The Arakan Army has released four Rohingya individuals who were taken hostage after crossing the Naf River into Myanmar. The freed men—Arafat Ullah (21), Anis Ullah (22), Md. Jaber (14), and Anwar Sadek (27)—have returned to the Jadimura refugee camp in Teknaf. Allegedly, they had crossed the border to transport narcotics when they were abducted.

All madrasas in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir have been closed for 10 days amid fears of possible Indian military attacks following rising tensions with New Delhi. Although the Pakistani government officially cited high temperatures as the reason, Hafiz Nazir Ahmad, Director of Religious Affairs in Kashmir, acknowledged that the shutdown is largely due to security concerns. He warned that India's military might target religious institutions at any time.

To ensure orderly Hajj operations and uphold Saudi-Bangladesh relations, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has requested pilgrims not to perform Hajj without valid permits. Pilgrims traveling on visit visas are barred from entering holy sites. Bangladeshis have been advised not to assist unauthorized pilgrims with lodging, transport, or access to restricted areas. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior warned that unauthorized pilgrims could face fines up to 20,000 riyals, with facilitators being fined as much as 100,000 riyals.

A new mineral agreement has been signed between Ukraine and the United States, granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources and promising investment in Kyiv’s reconstruction. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reacted, saying this effectively dismantles the Kyiv regime, as Ukraine will now have to finance U.S. military aid with its mineral wealth. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated, “This agreement sends a strong message to the Russian leadership — there is no difference between the American and Ukrainian people or their goals. It also gives President Trump a stronger position in negotiations with Russia.” The agreement now awaits approval by Ukraine's parliament.

A Swedish court has sentenced journalist Joakim Medin to 11 months in prison for allegedly insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Medin, a reporter for Dagens ETC, was arrested on March 27 at Istanbul Airport during widespread protests. He is accused of participating in a January 2023 protest in Stockholm, where a puppet of Erdoğan was symbolically hanged. The puppet was also seen later at the Stockholm Pride Parade with a Kurdish group’s float. While Medin has denied the charges, the court has conditionally released him pending trial on another related offense.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that of the 59 hostages held in Gaza, only 24 are believed to be alive — and he fears the number may be even lower. Referring to Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, Trump said, “We don’t know how he’s doing, but we hope for the best.” He also expressed disappointment, saying, “Two months ago, we were fairly confident he’d be released. But now the situation has worsened.” On Iran, Trump added, “Iran is a failed state. The U.S. is imposing more sanctions, and those buying oil from Iran will not be allowed to do business in America.”

India and Pakistan continue to trade blame over the recent Pahalgam attack. Now, a leaked document on Telegram has added fuel to the fire, allegedly linking India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to the incident. The document outlines a plan to produce forensic evidence using vague video footage 36 hours after the attack, attempting to tie it to Pakistan’s ISI. It also suggests that hundreds of fake social media accounts and pre-arranged media outlets were used to spread disinformation. RAW agents disguised as tourists were reportedly stationed in specific areas to act as ‘eyewitnesses’ for the narrative.

During a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Qatar blamed Israel for the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Qatar’s representative accused Israel of weaponizing humanitarian aid to achieve military goals, saying hunger is once again part of Israel’s official policy. The hearing followed a 2023 UN General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation and its influence on international institutions.

In a defiant protest in Quetta, Hindu lawmaker Sanjay Kumar of the Pakistan People’s Party condemned Indian allegations of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Leading a demonstration, he declared, “If India dares to attack, more than 10 million Pakistani Hindus will stand with our army.” Demonstrators held placards denouncing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s military.

Indian authorities claim the four militants responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, are still hiding in South Kashmir’s dense forests. According to NDTV, these militants are believed to be self-sufficient in supplies, which has helped them avoid detection—suggesting no ongoing support from across the border.

Indian outrage has surged over Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s remarks about Kashmir. Speaking on April 17 to expatriates, Munir called Kashmir Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and vowed to support its people’s struggle. Linking this with the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Indian commentators are drawing connections despite no conclusive evidence. Munir previously claimed Pakistan would fight ten wars if necessary over Kashmir.