The Weekly Report: April 5-12 2026
United States
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent a notice to all employees who have been furloughed to return to work despite the partial government shutdown. Moreover, they will have to return to work on Monday. On April 3, President Trump signed an emergency order to pay all DHS employees immediately. A spokesperson for DHS said “the paychecks are now being processed”.
Asia
U.S. and Iranian negotiation teams arrived in Islamabad Pakistan to begin peace talks. Military and police were deployed across Islamabad to ensure the security of Iranian and U.S. officials. The U.S. negotiation team is being led by J.D. Vance while the Iranian side is being led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliment.
Europe
Airport across Europe have begun to issue warnings that if jet fuel does not start arriving soon, flight cancellations could ensue. Airport officials added, specifically, summer flights would be effected due to the shortage. Moreover Airport Council International (ACI) has warned that their could be “harsh economic impacts” as a result of flight cancellations.
Americas
In Venezuela, the country’s National Assembly has passed a law that will modernize the country’s mining industry and seek foreign investment. This latest law that was past, is the latest example of the country showing its compliance with President Trumps demands. This is important because the country is known to have some of the largest gold reserves in the world alongside other rare earths.
Africa
Djiboutis President Ismail Omar Guelleh won a historic sixth term in office, taking 97.8 percent of the vote. President Guelleh campaigned on his ability to ensure his nations stablity in a time of conflict in the Middle East and surrounding areas. Much of the opposition boycotted the elections as they believe the elections are unfair.
Middle East
Israel continued its campaign in Lebanon even as U.S. and Iran prepare to meet. Iran has said that Israel’s attacks in Lebanon violate the deal between the U.S. and Iran that allows for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. and Israel halting all military operations. As a result of this, Iran threatened to cancel talks in Pakistan, however it appears to have been a threat that wasn’t followed through on.
