**Summary:** The Organization of Atomic Energy of Iran (IAEO) reported that a uranium processing plant in central Iran was targeted by attacks from US and Israeli forces on Friday. The IAEO stated that the attack on the Ardakan facility in Yazd province did not cause any release of radioactive materials.

**Key points:**
- The attack on the Ardakan plant in Yazd province occurred in two stages, according to an official from Markazi province, Hassan Ghamari.
- Iranian media also reported strikes against a heavy water nuclear reactor in Khondab.
- Reports indicated no casualties or radiation leaks at the targeted facilities.

**Why it matters:** This event represents a direct military escalation involving the US and Israel against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, raising international tensions.

الطاقة الذرية الايرانية : استهداف مصنع " الكعكة الصفراء " - jordanzad.com

США и Израиль атаковали ядерный комплекс с тяжеловодным реактором в Иране - Lenta.ru

Irano AE organizacija: pataikė į mūsų urano perdirbimo gamyklą - 15min.lt

US and Israel reportedly strike Iranian nuclear facilities

США и Израиль атаковали завод по производству уранового концентрата в Иране - Lenta.ru

**Summary:** Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister on Friday, tasked with restoring political stability and addressing job creation in the nation. His Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a sweeping majority in the March 5 election.

**Key points:**
- Shah, 35, is Nepal's youngest prime minister in decades and the first Madhesi leader.
- The RSP won 182 out of 275 seats in parliament following the first vote after deadly anti-corruption protests in September last year.
- Shah's early challenges include implementing the report investigating the protest violence, which recommended prosecuting former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
- The Nepali Congress party finished a distant second with 38 seats, while Oli's Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) secured 25 seats.

**Why it matters:** Shah's ascension marks the arrival of a new generation of leaders in Nepal, promising to tackle endemic corruption and unemployment that fuels emigration.

The Straits Times - Ex-rapper Shah sworn in as Nepal prime minister after sweeping election win

RTBF Actus - Népal : le rappeur devenu maire de Katmandou Balendra Shah officiellement Premier ministre

Balendra Shah, Ex-Rapper and Kathmandu Mayor, Sworn In as Nepal PM

**Summary:** According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), the Russian occupation army sustained losses of at least 1000 military personnel, 68 artillery systems, and 9 armored combat vehicles during the past day (March 26, 2026). The cumulative estimated combat losses for the enemy since February 24, 2022, reached approximately 1,293,170 personnel.

**Key points:**
- Total estimated personnel losses for Russia since 24.02.22 reached about 1,293,170 (+1,000 in the last day).
- Other reported daily losses include 1 tank (+1), 2 MLRS (+2), and 217 units of automotive equipment (+217).
- The AFU General Staff noted that the data is being clarified.
- Total estimated losses for UAVs (operational-tactical level) reached 200,611 (+2,222 in the last day).

**Why it matters:** These figures represent the reported daily combat attrition rates against Russian forces, providing an update on the ongoing military conflict.

Генштаб оновив дані про втрати ворога: мінус ще 1000 російських окупантів - Українська правда

Армія РФ за добу війни в Україні втратила 1000 військових, 68 артсистем і 9 бронемашин - Еспресо.TV

Russian Army Losses Update: 1000 Troops, 68 Artillery Systems Lost in One Day

**Summary:** Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores appeared for a second hearing in a New York federal court following their alleged kidnapping during a US military operation on January 3rd. The core legal issue revolves around presidential immunity and parliamentary immunity, which could lead to the case being dismissed.

**Key points:**
- Judge Alvin Hellerstein stated he would not drop the case based on the inability of Maduro and Flores to pay court costs due to US sanctions.
- Venezuelan jurist Hermann Escarrá argued the proceedings are an act of supremacy by force, violating international law regarding judging foreign presidents.
- The legal impasse involves the doctrine of estoppel, as recognizing interim President Delcy Rodríguez validates Maduro's power origin.
- The freezing of Venezuelan funds prevents Maduro from paying his lawyer, which is cited as a structural error invalidating the procedure.
- The outcome may be determined by discreet political negotiations in New York and Caracas rather than a substantive judicial decision.

**Why it matters:** The case presents a delicate legal precedent concerning the jurisdiction of US federal courts over foreign heads of state and could trigger a political crisis between the US executive and judicial branches.

Мадуро и его супруга предстали перед судом в Нью-Йорке во второй раз

Maduro à New York : l’immunité présidentielle au cœur du chaos judiciaire

Maduro's Immunity Debated in US Court After January Kidnapping

**Summary:** Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić addressed upcoming local elections, framing them as crucial for state unity amid separatist pressures, while also discussing Serbia's EU integration path and regional security concerns, including a perceived military alliance forming against Serbia.

**Key points:**
- Vučić expects the first robots produced in Serbia to be ready by Vidovdan (a Serbian national holiday).
- He stated that flying cars will be present in Belgrade during the EXPO specialized exhibition, based on an agreement with Americans.
- Vučić called for peaceful and democratic local elections on March 29th, despite incidents like attacks on activists in Kula and Aranđelovac.
- He mentioned that the government wants 1.6 billion euros from the Growth Plan but faces issues because the European Parliament demands justification for giving funds to a non-democratic country.
- Vučić characterized the formation of a military alliance between Pristina, Tirana, and Zagreb as the most dangerous move against Serbia in the last year.

**Why it matters:** The statements link domestic political events (local elections) with major foreign policy and economic goals (EU accession and technological development), highlighting perceived external pressures on Serbia's sovereignty.

Radar - Ana Brnabić kao bensedin

Tanjug - Vučić: Za Vidovdan ćemo imati prve robote proizvedene u Srbiji

Politika - Вучић: Локални избори у сенци сепаратизма и притисака, Србија брани јединство и мир

Serbian President Vučić discusses EU path, local elections, and regional security

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump extended his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz until April 6, citing ongoing negotiations that he claims are progressing well. The initial threat involved destroying Iranian power plants if the strait, crucial for global oil transport, remained closed.

**Key points:**
- The extension was granted at the request of the Iranian government, according to Trump.
- The new deadline is April 6 at 20:00 Washington time (00:00 GMT on April 7).
- Trump's negotiating team includes Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
- Iran had previously threatened to fully close the strait and retaliate against energy facilities in Gulf states.
- Trump viewed Iran allowing passage to several oil tankers as a positive sign for negotiations.

**Why it matters:** This extension signals a temporary de-escalation in tensions between the US and Iran over maritime control, while negotiations continue regarding the strategic waterway.

Straße von Hormus: Donald Trump verlängert Ultimatum an den Iran bis Ostern - DIE ZEIT

Guerre au Moyen-Orient : Donald Trump repousse au 6 avril son ultimatum avant d'éventuelles frappes en Iran (revoir notre direct) - RTBF Actus

Trump extiende hasta el 6 de abril su ultimátum para que Irán reabra el estrecho de Ormuz - EL COMERCIO PERÚ

Trump Extends Ultimatum to Iran on Strait of Hormuz Until April 6

**Summary:** European stock markets concluded Thursday's trading session lower, erasing the previous session's gains due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding Middle East peace talks. The European "Stoxx 600" index fell by 1.2 percent, with most sectors and major exchanges declining.

**Key points:**
- The French "CAC 40" index dropped 0.98 percent to 7769 points.
- The German "DAX" index retreated 1.64 percent to 22581 points.
- The British "FTSE 100" index fell 1.33 percent to 9972 points.
- The education and technology sectors led the losses, declining by 3.4 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively.

**Why it matters:** The decline in major European indices reflects continued investor caution driven by unresolved geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

الأسواق الأوروبية تغلق منخفضة - زاد الاردن الاخباري - أخبار الأردن

Las bolsas europeas caen alrededor del 1 % mientras el petróleo sube cerca del 4 %

European Markets Close Lower Amid Middle East Peace Talk Uncertainty

**Summary:** Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is currently jailed in Brooklyn following a surprise U.S. military capture in Caracas, will face additional judicial charges in the United States, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are already facing charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy.

**Key points:**
- Maduro and Flores appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Thursday to argue for the dismissal of current drug trafficking charges.
- The couple claims U.S. sanctions prevent the Venezuelan government from paying their legal defense fees, interfering with their Sixth Amendment rights.
- Trump stated that Maduro has only been charged for a "fraction" of his actions and expressed hope that an accusation regarding "emptying his jails" onto the U.S. would be presented.
- Maduro was captured in a January 3 raid in Caracas and flown to New York.
- Current charges against Maduro include conspiracy for "narcoterrorism," cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons possession conspiracies.

**Why it matters:** The U.S. President has indicated that the legal proceedings against the captured Venezuelan leader will expand beyond the initial drug trafficking charges, escalating the international legal confrontation.

Quarte Bot