Responsible Statecraft

5 days ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Trita Parsi

Another round of constructive nuclear talks has been held with the help of the Omani mediators and Italian hosts. Though it is too early for a breakthrough, the momentum remains positive and is growing. As a critical sign of strong political will on both sides for a deal, the pace of the talks is increasing, with technical talks being held in four days and another round of political discussions in seven days, according to officials.

1 week ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Taiwo Hassan

The decision by the military-led Alliance of Sahel States to impose a 0.5% import duty on goods from the nations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has added a new twist in the rift plaguing the West African bloc. The tariff, which exempts only humanitarian aid, threatens to upend free trade and provoke retaliation, effectively creating a trade war within the region at a time when Africa’s exports to the crucial U.S. market face new challenges.

1 week ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | James Borton

Vietnam’s trade fortunes have taken a dramatic turn. Once slapped with a staggering 46% tariff in President Donald Trump’s initial “Liberation Day” trade offensive, the Southeast Asian nation now finds itself in a much better spot — benefiting from a reduced 10% tariff rate, in line with most other countries. It’s a striking reversal that highlights Hanoi’s stepped-up diplomatic hustle on the global stage.

1 week ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Connor Echols

Few American politicians can claim to back Israel more emphatically than Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). Since the Oct. 7 attacks, Torres has dedicated himself to defending Israel and striking out against those who criticize its war in Gaza, earning him the moniker of “Israel’s loudest House supporter.” These efforts have garnered high praise from Israeli leadership.

1 week ago | responsiblestatecraft.org | Trita Parsi

Donald Trump’s first diplomatic encounter with Tehran could not have gone any better. Both sides described the talks held in Oman as positive and constructive. But the true sign of their success was that the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, agreed to speak directly to Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. During Biden’s four years, the Iranians never once agreed to meet directly with U.S. officials at the foreign ministry level.