India-Pakistan tensions, a major reshuffle in the Trump administration, and the Liberal Party’s election victory in Canada— a lot has happened this week. Preparations for elections in Australia are all wrapped up. Iran remains tense after a massive explosion at its port turned deadly. Here’s a quick roundup of the key international developments that shaped headlines this past week.
India and Pakistan On Edge
Fears of a broader conflict grew this week as India and Pakistan continued to engage in tit-for-tat hostilities, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists. Both countries expelled diplomats and closed airspace, while skirmishes along the Line Of Control continued. US and UN urged both nuclear-powered nations to take steps to de-escalate after Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that India was planning military strikes against his country.
Trump Team Shake-Up
US President Donald Trump ousted his national security adviser Mike Waltz and named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his interim replacement. This was the first major shakeup of Trump's inner circle since he took office in January. Rubio will be the first person since Henry Kissinger in the 1970s to hold the positions of secretary of state and national security adviser simultaneously. News of the shake-up was so abrupt that State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce learned about it from reporters at a briefing.
Liberals Stun Conservatives
This week, Mark Carney’s Liberal Party won Canada’s 2025 federal election by narrowly defeating Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives. Carney, who became party leader after Justin Trudeau’s resignation, is set to form a minority government. Carney’s technocratic style and strong stance against Trump’s aggressive rhetoric played a major role in turning the tide in favour of Liberals, who were initially projected to lose the elections.
Iran Port Explosion
On April 26, a massive explosion at Iran's Port of Shahid Rajaee in Bandar Abbas killed at least 70 people and injured over 1,200. The blast reportedly originated from containers possibly containing rocket fuel.
Wildfires Rage Near Jerusalem
Wildfires in Israel and the West Bank have burned over 6,000 acres of forest land. The fires prompted evacuations of over 10,000 residents and injured at least 45 people. Major highways near Jerusalem were closed as the government declared a national emergency and sought international assistance
Australia To Vote For Next PM
On Saturday, close to 18 million Australians will vote to choose the next prime minister in a national election that's been dominated by cost-of-living concerns and Donald Trump's trade war. The campaign was marked by a fierce race between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party and the Liberal-National Coalition led by Peter Dutton. With early voting numbers surpassing 5.7 million, the outcome hinges on key battleground seats and the growing influence of independent candidates.
