Day 77 | Trump says China's Xi vowed not to send weapons to Iran

Lebanon and 'Israel' on Friday extended a ceasefire for 45 days, despite a new flareup in violence, the US State Department said after mediating talks.

"The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.

Hezbollah said on Friday it had launched drones at an 'Israeli' barracks near Nahariya in northern 'Israel', as Lebanon-'Israel' talks entered a second day.

In a statement, the Lebanese group said that it had targeted the Liman barracks north of Nahariya, "with a squadron of attack drones".

Air raid sirens were activated in Kiryat Shmona and the Upper Galilee after reports of a drone crossing from Lebanon, according to local alerts.

US President Donald Trump on Friday warned self-ruled Taiwan against pushing for formal independence, after he discussed the flashpoint issue with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing.

"We're not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China's going to be OK with that," Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier in an interview.

"But we're not looking at somebody saying, 'let's go independent because the United States is backing us.'"

US President Donald Trump on Friday warned self-ruled Taiwan against pushing for formal independence, after he discussed the flashpoint issue with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing.

"We're not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China's going to be OK with that," Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier in an interview.

"But we're not looking at somebody saying, 'let's go independent because the United States is backing us.'"

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to pay a state visit to the United States in autumn, Beijing's top diplomat said according to state media, hours after Donald Trump departed China following a two-day summit.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States in autumn this year at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday," Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.

Smoke rises following three 'Israeli' airstrikes on the town of Kfartebnit in southern Lebanon.

An MH-60R Sea Hawk takes off from the flight deck of the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) while transiting the Arabian Sea as US forces enforce a maritime blockade against Iran.

US Central Command said 75 commercial vessels have been redirected and four disabled to ensure compliance with the operation.

• H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed orders ADNOC to accelerate the West-East Pipeline.
• The order comes to double oil export capacity through Fujairah and bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
• The TA’ZIZ ecosystem in Al Ruwais is on track to produce 4.7 million tonnes of chemicals annually by 2028.
• The move is supported by a new $10 billion partnership with Alpha Dhabi.
• ADNOC is directed to prioritize "Made in the Emirates" products across its 2026–2028 project pipeline.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the ADNOC Board Executive Committee, has directed ADNOC to accelerate the delivery of the new West-East Pipeline project.

During a high-level meeting at ADNOC headquarters on Friday, Sheikh Khaled emphasized that the project is vital to meeting global energy demand and enhancing the UAE’s role as a reliable international producer.

The new pipeline, currently under construction, is designed to double ADNOC’s export capacity through the Port of Fujairah.

While the project was originally slated for completion in 2027, the Crown Prince's directive for "accelerated delivery" highlights the strategic importance of expanding export routes that provide direct access to the Gulf of Oman, bypassing potential maritime constraints.

$10 billion investment

The Executive Committee reviewed significant progress at the TA’ZIZ Phase 1 chemicals ecosystem in Al Ruwais Industrial City.

Sheikh Khaled welcomed the recent long-term offtake and feedstock agreements announced during the Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum.

 A central highlight of the briefing was the partnership with Alpha Dhabi on a feasibility study to produce up to 14 industrial chemicals locally.

This strategic collaboration involves approximately $10 billion (AED 36.7 billion) in capital investment.

Once operational in 2028, the TA’ZIZ platform will produce 4.7 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of chemicals, serving critical global sectors such as construction, automotive, and packaging.

Prioritizing "Made in the Emirates"

Affirming ADNOC’s position as a driver of national economic growth, Sheikh Khaled directed the company to prioritize "Made in the Emirates" products across its entire operational and project portfolio.

This mandate aligns with ADNOC’s In-Country Value (ICV) program, which aims to create new domestic value chains and support local manufacturers.

The committee noted that ADNOC remains well-positioned to responsibly increase production to meet market needs, provided export constraints allow.

By focusing on industrial resilience and local sourcing, the company aims to mitigate global supply chain disruptions while fostering a globally competitive industrial hub in Al Dhafra.

The 'Israeli' Home Front Command activated emergency sirens across four towns in the Western Galilee on Friday afternoon after detecting a suspected drone infiltration from Lebanon.

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi identifies "mixed signals" from Washington as the primary obstacle to a diplomatic breakthrough.
• Iran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz is open for "friendly nations".
• Tehran asserts that the United States must accept the failure of military solutions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Indian media on Friday that the most significant challenge facing a resolution to the regional crisis is the inconsistent rhetoric coming from the United States.

Speaking on the sidelines of his diplomatic visit to India, Araghchi criticized the "mixed signals" sent through various American interviews, statements, and official positions, which he claims complicate any path toward a political settlement.

"There is no military solution, and I think the United States must understand this reality," Araghchi stated.

He argued that Washington has already "tested" Iran at least twice during the current conflict and should now realize that force will not yield results.

"They have reached the conclusion that a military solution does not exist," he added, calling for a shift in the American approach.

Navigational rules

Addressing the global concern over the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi clarified Tehran’s current maritime policy.

He firmly denied that the waterway is completely closed, emphasizing that it remains a viable route for many international carriers.

"As far as we are concerned, the Strait of Hormuz is not closed, especially for friendly countries," the Foreign Minister explained.

He noted that restrictions are applied exclusively to those Tehran defines as "enemies."

To ensure safe passage and avoid "potential obstacles," Araghchi stated that ships belonging to friendly nations are simply required to coordinate their transit with Iranian military forces.

"Complete end" to war

While the US and 'Israel' have pushed for limited ceasefires, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s demand for a permanent conclusion to the hostilities.

He characterized the current situation as an "aggressive war" that must be terminated entirely before full maritime normalcy can return.

"The only solution is a complete end to this war of aggression," Araghchi said.

He promised that once a final settlement is reached, Iran would move to "guarantee safe passage for every single ship" without exception.

Nuclear program, enriched uranium

Araghchi affirmed Iran's readiness to prove its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.

Meanwhile he described the enriched uranium file as a "very complex" case, and an understanding has been reached to delay discussions to a later stage of negotiations.

Negotiations vs. war resumption

Araghchi stated that Iran welcomes any Chinese assistance to resolve the regional crisis.

He confirmed that the Pakistani mediation faced some difficulties, but has not failed.

Araghchi further emphasized that Tehran is equally prepared for either a diplomatic settlement or a return to full-scale war.

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov identifies "unprovoked US-Israeli aggression" as the primary cause of the current Iranian crisis.
• Russia calls for the removal of all obstacles in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure global maritime security.
• Moscow urges an immediate halt to the war in Iran and warns that Western "regime change" policies only deepen regional chaos.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday that any resolution to the ongoing conflict requires addressing the root cause: what he termed "unprovoked US-Israeli aggression" against Iran.

Speaking from Moscow, Lavrov argued that the current regional instability is a direct consequence of military actions and political pressure exerted by Washington and its allies.

The Foreign Minister emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

"The war in Iran must be stopped immediately, and a truce must be reached," Lavrov told reporters, adding that the international community cannot afford a prolonged conflict in such a strategically vital region.

Ensuring freedom of navigation

Addressing the global economic impact of the war, Lavrov stressed the importance of maritime stability. He stated that it is "essential for there to be no problems or obstacles" in the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia has maintained that the security of global energy corridors is a shared international responsibility.

Lavrov’s comments follow recent reports of selective passage for certain vessels, but Moscow is advocating for a broader de-escalation to prevent the waterway from becoming a permanent theater of military confrontation.

Criticism of Western intervention

Lavrov also took aim at the broader Western strategy in the Middle East and North Africa.

He warned that foreign intervention -whether through direct military force or attempts at "regime change"- serves only to complicate already volatile situations.

According to the Foreign Minister, these "external interferences" have historically led to long-term chaos rather than stability.

He concluded by reiterating Russia’s position that only through diplomatic dialogue and respect for national sovereignty can a lasting peace be established in the Gulf region.

• Beijing confirms "important agreements" in trade and industry with US.
• China declares readiness to work with all parties to stabilize supply chains and protect energy flows.
• The Foreign Ministry urges an immediate end to the "catastrophic" war in Iran.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that the United States and China have reached "important agreements" across multiple trade and industrial sectors.

Following the departure of US President Donald Trump from the capital, a ministry spokesperson described the economic relationship between the two countries as "win-win," signaling a major de-escalation in bilateral tensions.

Beijing emphasized its commitment to global stability, stating it is "ready to work with all parties" to guarantee global energy security and the resilience of international supply chains.

The spokesperson highlighted that maintaining stability in the Gulf region and the Middle East remains a top priority for China’s strategic agenda.

Calls for diplomatic "exit" in the Gulf

Turning to the regional conflict, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued a stark warning regarding the ongoing war in Iran.

The official stated that the conflict has caused "catastrophes in the region" and carries "serious repercussions" for the global order.

"We must find an exit from the Iran war as quickly as possible," the spokesperson said, urging the international community not to squander the current opportunity for negotiations.

Beijing’s position is clear: a diplomatic solution is the only path to ending the hostilities and ensuring the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Protecting global supply chains

The ministry reiterated that China is prepared to take an active role in stabilizing the flow of goods and energy.

By reaching new industrial agreements with Washington, Beijing aims to insulate the global economy from the "turbulent" effects of the Middle East crisis.

Experts noted that the consensus reached during the Trump-Xi summit provides a rare window to transition from military confrontation to diplomatic dialogue.

The spokesperson concluded by stressing that reopening critical maritime corridors is essential for the economic health of both the East and the West.

IS President Donald Trump’s motorcade was spotted departing central Beijing late Friday afternoon, heading toward Capital International Airport to mark the conclusion of his historic state visit, according to the US President's Public Schedule via The White House calendar 

• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halts the movement of 4,000 troops to Poland.
• This marks the second major US force reduction in Europe this month.
• It follows Trump’s recent withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany after a public dispute with Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran conflict.

The Department of Defense abruptly canceled the deployment of more than 4,000 troops to Poland on Thursday.

The decision caught military officials off guard, particularly as many members of the Second Armored Brigade Combat Team and their equipment had already arrived in the country.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not provided an official reason for calling off the mission.

This move follows a recent Pentagon announcement to withdraw 5,000 service members from Germany.

Those troops are being redeployed to the United States and other overseas posts.

The administration also canceled a Biden-era plan to station a missile-equipped artillery unit in Europe, signaling a significant shift in the American military footprint on the continent.

Friction with Europe

The recent troop reductions come amid heightened tensions between Trump and European leaders.

Trump recently responded with anger to comments from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who suggested that Iran had "humiliated" the United States and questioned the administration's strategy to end the conflict.

Trump has threatened even deeper cuts, mentioning Italy and Spain as potential targets for withdrawals.

He has argued that these nations have not sufficiently supported US goals in the war against Iran.

Pentagon officials stated the long-term aim is for European allies to "shoulder more of the responsibility" for their own defense while lessening the US role in the theater.

Impact on NATO

There are currently about 7,400 US troops stationed in Poland, with the Army’s V Corps forward headquarters located in Poznan.

While the sudden cancellation baffled some military officials, a NATO spokesperson said the adjustment would not affect the alliance's defense plans.

The official noted that Germany and Canada have already increased their presence on the eastern flank to compensate for US shifts.

Critics in Congress have condemned the pullbacks, citing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East as reasons to maintain a strong presence.

Despite the planned withdrawals, Germany remains the second-largest host of US forces globally, with over 30,000 troops stationed at critical bases used for operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

'Israeli' army radio confirmed on Friday morning that the military death toll in southern Lebanon has risen to six since the ceasefire understandings took effect on April 17.

'Israeli' media reported explosions in the Galilee after air raid sirens were activated following rocket fire launched from Lebanon early Friday.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he made "fantastic trade deals" with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as the two met for a second day of talks in Beijing.

"A lot of good has come of it. We've made some fantastic trade deals, great for both countries," Trump said as he toured the gardens of the Zhongnanhai, the Chinese central leadership compound.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it must reach a diplomatic agreement with Washington or face “annihilation,” escalating his rhetoric over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Speaking in a televised interview with US broadcasters, Trump said he hoped Iran was paying attention to his remarks, adding: “They can make a deal, or they get annihilated.”

He claimed Iran had recently moved military assets, including missiles, from underground facilities. “They’ve taken some missiles from underground. It will all be gone in one day,” he said, without providing evidence.