The Weekly Report: April 12-19 2026
United States
The U.S. military carried out its 51st air strike since the beginning of the campaign, on a boat suspected of carrying drugs in the Pacific Ocean. This strike resulted in the deaths of three people according to U.S. SOUTHCOM, which is responsible for military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was the third such strike in just three days.
Asia
Pakistan is hoping to be the host nation for another round of peace talks between Iran and the U.S. This comes as the talks held last week did not result in a peace deal. Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir traveled to Tehran on Wednesday to hold disussions with his Iranian counterparts. Pakistan expects that a second round of talks will take place in Pakistan again, according to Pakistans foreign ministry.
Europe
The Prime Minister of Hungary, Victor Orban was defeated in parlimentary elections which will result in a new Hungarian Prime Minister for the first time since 2010. The Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, took 138 out of 199 seats in a decisive victory. Following the defeat, Prime Minister Orban said “a political era has ended”.
Americas
Laura Dogu, the top U.S. diplomat in Venezuela, will leave vacate her post after reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas in January. She will be replacted by the top U.S. diplomat currently in Guatemala John Barrett. It remains unclear as to why Dogu is vacating her post only a few months after taking the position.
Africa
South Africa will have a new ambassador in the U.S. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former member of the National Party. This move comes as South Africa seeks to improve relations with the U.S. following months of strained relations. Meyer has served numerous positions in the South African government in the past such as defense minister from 1991 to 1992.
Middle East
On Friday a ceasfire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect. This peace deal was a point of contention hindering peace talks between the U.S and Iran. Since the fighting began in March, 2100 people have been killed in Lebanon with thousands more internally displaced. The announcement of the peace deal followed rare, direct, talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington D.C.
