Iran agrees to fourth round of nuclear talks with the U.S.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Within hours of Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech, a chorus of global voices began responding — some cautiously, others furiously. While the U.S. president promised to rebalance what he called “decades of economic exploitation,” world capitals began drawing their own red lines.
Standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Trump called it “Liberation Day”. But for much of the world, it felt more like a diplomatic earthquake.
In a 48-minute address, Trump unveiled:
A 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. (starting April 5)
Customised higher tariffs on roughly 60 countries — including a staggering 54% rate on China, 46% on Vietnam, 20% on the EU, and 10% on the UK
A national emergency declaration to justify the sweeping economic action
“Our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered,” Trump said, promising that “American industry will be reborn.”
Ireland: “Tariffs benefit no one”
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin responded sharply, calling the 20% EU-wide tariff “deeply regrettable.”
“They hurt jobs. They hurt people. We will defend the Irish economy.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris echoed the alarm, warning of prolonged damage:
“A 20% blanket tariff could hit Irish investment hard. Every disagreement ends in agreement — but we must be prepared.”
Poland: “Friendship means fairness”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X:
“Friendship means partnership. Partnership means really and truly reciprocal tariffs. Adequate decisions are needed.”
Sweden: “We don’t want a trade war”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson struck a broader tone:
“Free trade brought peace, prosperity and innovation. Tariffs make our people poorer and the world more dangerous.”
He warned the U.S. move “reverses decades of cooperation” and pledged that Sweden will continue to fight for open markets within the EU.
🇨🇳 China: Financial freeze
Beijing took quiet but significant action, suspending approvals for outbound investments in U.S. assets — a calculated form of pressure designed to gain leverage before any negotiations begin.
Japan: Calls for talks
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Tokyo will seek immediate dialogue, particularly on car tariffs. He signalled willingness to fly to Washington if needed.
The Bank of Japan warned the tariffs could harm global growth and worsen supply chain fragility.
India: “Reviewing options”
India faces a 26% reciprocal tariff and is weighing its next steps. Officials indicated retaliation is not off the table, but no measures have yet been announced.
South Korea: Rebound at risk
South Korea, seeing an export revival, warned that Trump’s tariffs could derail recovery. The government confirmed it is preparing a mitigation strategy to shield key industries.
Within Trump’s administration, the move drew cheers from top allies:
Kristi Noem: “Strong action that will help make America safe again.”
Mike Waltz: “Economic security is national security.”
Speaker Mike Johnson: “We will not be exploited anymore.”
But the markets didn’t celebrate. U.S. indices closed cautiously, and futures fell:
Nasdaq futures dropped 2.5%
FTSE 100 slipped 0.7%
Gold hit a record above $3,130/oz
Brent crude slid 1% before rebounding
Auto stocks — Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla — all tumbled.
Trump invoked U.S. trade history — recalling the tariff-backed era before 1913 — as a golden age. But economists were quick to issue warnings.
“This is worse than expected,” said Mary Lovely of the Peterson Institute.
“There are huge implications for global trade and inflation.”
Trump promised “kind reciprocity”, but insisted other countries must drop their barriers first:
“Terminate your tariffs. Stop manipulating your currencies. If not — you’ll pay.”
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Ukraine's security service says it has detained two alleged Hungarian spies accused of gathering military intelligence in the Zakarpattia region, near the shared border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet in Kyiv on Saturday, as Europe weighs its long-term security role in Ukraine's future.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on one Chinese firm and three Iranian companies, as outlined in a presidential decree issued Friday.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said Switzerland and the U.S. have agreed to accelarate trade talks.
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