AnewZ Morning Brief - April 3rd, 2025
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 3rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 4th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. US introduces tariffs on goods from Canada, China, Mexico worth $1.5 trillion
The US administration is implementing a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, alongside an increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, amounting to about $1.5 trillion annually, according to TASS.
Bloomberg reports that Canadian energy products will face a 10% tariff. The US government justifies these measures as a response to the unacceptable flow of drugs and illegal migrants into the country.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump confirmed the introduction of new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods. He also signed an executive order raising tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, citing China’s failure to curb fentanyl supplies to the US.
2. White House confirms suspending military aid to Kyiv
A White House official has confirmed the suspension of military aid to Ukraine, according to Reuters. The official stated that the US is pausing and reviewing aid to ensure it is effectively contributing to a resolution.
Bloomberg and Fox News reported that the pause will continue until US President Donald Trump determines that Ukraine has shown a "good-faith commitment to peace."
"The President has been clear that his focus is on peace," the official said, adding, "We need our partners to share that commitment."
3. White House seeks plan for possible Russia sanctions relief
The United States is preparing a plan to potentially ease sanctions on Russia as President Donald Trump seeks to restore relations with Moscow and end the war in Ukraine, according to a US official and another source familiar with the matter, as reported by Reuters.
The White House has instructed the State and Treasury departments to create a list of sanctions that could be lifted for discussions with Russian representatives in the coming days. These talks are part of broader efforts to improve diplomatic and economic relations with Moscow, the sources noted.
Officials are drafting a proposal to remove sanctions from select entities and individuals, including some Russian oligarchs. While options papers on sanctions are typically prepared, the White House's recent request emphasizes Trump's willingness to ease Russian sanctions as part of a potential deal with Moscow.
It remains unclear what specific concessions Washington might seek in exchange for any sanctions relief. Given Russia's status as one of the world's largest oil producers, easing US sanctions on its energy sector could help stabilize fuel prices, particularly if Trump moves to curb oil exports from OPEC member Iran.
4. Erdogan: Türkiye working on signing peace treaty between Azerbaijan, Armenia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's ongoing efforts to maintain stability in the South Caucasus during an iftar (Ramadan evening meal) with ambassadors, Report informs.
He highlighted that Türkiye is actively pursuing the normalization of relations with Armenia and working towards a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
5. Pope Francis suffered two episodes of respiratory insufficiency, Vatican says
Pope Francis, diagnosed with double pneumonia, experienced two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" and required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, according to the Holy See’s press service, as reported by TASS.
The statement explained that the pontiff's respiratory issues were caused by a significant buildup of endobronchial mucus and subsequent bronchospasm. Two bronchoscopies were performed to remove large secretions, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed in the afternoon. Despite these challenges, the Pope remained alert, oriented, and cooperative. His prognosis remains guarded.
Earlier reports from Vatican sources noted that Pope Francis has been eating normally and even enjoys coffee for breakfast. The 88-year-old pontiff has been under treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14 for double pneumonia.
6. Israeli warplanes attack facilities near Syria’s Tartus seaport
Israeli warplanes launched missile strikes on facilities near the western Syrian seaport of Tartus, Al Hadath television reported, citing TASS.
The warplanes, which entered Syrian airspace from Lebanon, have been flying at low altitudes over the area.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed an attack on an ammunition depot in Al Qardahah, located in Syria's northwest Latakia province. The IDF press service stated that the strike targeted a military site where weapons previously belonging to the Syrian regime were stored.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
South Korea’s top court will decide on Friday whether to remove or reinstate President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose brief martial law order sparked the country’s biggest political crisis in years.
The Pentagon’s internal debate over restructuring key military commands — including potentially ending the U.S. monopoly over NATO’s top post — has raised red flags among generals and lawmakers alike, amid growing unease in Europe.
President Trump’s new tariffs hit 185 countries, with Kazakhstan facing the highest rate at 27%. Kazakhstan now seeks talks with U.S. officials to ease the impact.
The U.S. has pressured Lebanon to act against Hezbollah, urging the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enforce a ceasefire. The LAF, caught between U.S. demands and Hezbollah’s influence, risks losing vital U.S. support if it fails to act.
U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher is set to visit Myanmar on Friday, following the country’s devastating earthquake. The U.N. is urging for urgent international assistance and unhindered aid access as the region grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.
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