I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
Republican-Led Bill Would Let Americans Sue UNRWA. On April 14, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced legislation that would enable lawsuits in US courts against international organizations, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, that are accused of providing material support to terrorist groups.
House Resolution Looks to Recognize Arab American Heritage Month. On April 24, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced H.Res.351, which expresses support for recognizing April as “National Arab American Heritage Month.”
2) Personnel and Correspondence
Lawmakers Warn Witkoff Against Letting Iran Retain Nuclear Enrichment Capacity. On April 16, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, urged Special Envoy Steven Witkoff to reject any nuclear agreement that allows Iran to maintain nuclear enrichment capability. On April 17, Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Dan Goldman (D-NY), and Greg Landsman (D-OH) urged Witkoff to ensure that inspectors’ full access to Iran’s nuclear facilities is a requirement of any nuclear deal.
Congressional Delegation Returns from Trip to Region. On April 21, lawmakers serving on the House Armed Services Committee returned from a bipartisan delegation to Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where they met with local officials about regional security and economic issues.
SFRC Leadership Seeks Expanded Engagement with Syrian Interim Government. On April 22, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID) and Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to remove barriers to engagement with the Syrian interim government, to expand general licenses authorizing US companies and organizations to engage with sanctioned economic sectors in Syria, and to provide short-term sanctions relief.
Jewish Senators Tell Trump to Stop Weaponizing Anti-Semitism. On April 23, Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) accused President Donald Trump of “weaponizing anti-Semitism” in the administration’s moves against higher education.
Senate Democrats Express Concern Over Civilian Impact of US Strikes in Yemen. On April 24, in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) expressed concern about the civilian impact of US strikes in Yemen.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
Trump Speaks with Netanyahu. On April 22, President Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about trade issues and Iran, and commented on Truth Social that the two men “are on the same side of every issue.”
Trump Addresses Region in Interview with TIME. On April 22, in an interview with TIME, President Trump refuted reports that he stopped Israel from striking Iran. Trump said that he reiterated to Israeli officials that he believes a diplomatic resolution can be reached with Iran but he maintained that “it’s possible we’ll have to attack because Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.” Additionally, Trump addressed Israel-Arab normalization efforts, commenting that he is confident that Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords. Trump also discussed the war in Gaza, stating that President Joe Biden is to blame for the 300 children in Gaza killed since the ceasefire ended because “Iran was broke, and he allowed them to become rich.”
Trump Issues Executive Order on Foreign Funding in Higher Education. On April 23, President Trump issued an executive order to bolster transparency requirements for foreign funding provided to American higher education and research institutions.
Trump Says US Ships Should Travel Free Through Suez Canal. On April 26, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that American commercial and military ships should be allowed to travel through the Suez Canal (and the Panama Canal) free of charge, saying that he has asked Secretary Rubio to “take care” of the issue. Trump wrote that the canals would “not exist without the United States.”
US and Iran Hold Third Round of Talks. On April 26, US and Iranian officials held a third round of discussions, this time in Oman, regarding Iran’s nuclear program, with the talks reportedly entering into deeper and more technical discussions. The parties agreed to continue discussions on May 3, according to the Foreign Minister of Oman.
2) Department of State
Secretary Rubio Announces Plans for State Reorganization. On April 22, Secretary Rubio released a proposed reorganization plan for the Department of State that would close some 100 offices and bureaus. According to NBC News, the restructuring plan also would see US-based Department staff levels cut by 15 percent, a “reimagined” office focused on foreign and humanitarian affairs to coordinate remaining aid programs following Trump’s dismantling of USAID, and scaling back of international human rights and justice work.
US Officials Meet with Qatari Counterparts. On April 22, Secretary Rubio met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss security and economic cooperation and regional challenges in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. On the same day, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Qatari Minister of State Mohammed Al Khulaifi to discuss President Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar, economic ties, and Qatar’s engagement with the Syrian interim authorities.
Secretary Rubio Floats Letting Iran Keep Civil Nuclear Program. On April 22, Secretary Rubio said that “there’s a pathway to a civil, peaceful nuclear program if [Iran] want[s] one.” Rubio added that the United States and Iran are “a long ways away from any sort of agreement,” but expressed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations.
3) Department of Defense
CENTCOM Commander Meets with Israeli Officials. On April 25, CENTCOM Chief Gen. Michael E. Kurilla traveled to Israel for meetings with Israeli defense officials.
4) Department of the Treasury
Treasury Sanctions Iranian Oil Network. On April 22, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Iranian liquified petroleum gas (LPG) magnate Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and his corporate network for facilitating the export of Iranian LPG and crude oil.
