Where Do Iran Nuclear Talks Stand?
Hwang Yuihyun (SNUAC)
The nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, which began in April, appear to be progressing smoothly so far. On April 12, the two delegations—led by Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister—held their first round of talks in Muscat, Oman. The meeting was conducted indirectly through the mediation of Oman’s Foreign Minister. A second meeting took place in Rome, Italy, on April 19. The two sides have agreed to meet again in Muscat for a third round on April 26.
Implications of President Trump’s Tariff Policy for Gulf States
Ahn So Yeon(SNUAC)
On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the imposition of large-scale reciprocal tariffs on America’s trading partners, effectively marking the onset of a trade war. As countries around the world closely monitor the potential ramifications of this policy shift, Gulf States—currently prioritizing ambitious economic reform—remain highly vigilant.
Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkey's Leading Opposition Figure, Arrested
Han Haeun (SNUAC)
On March 19, 2025, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading contender for the Turkish presidency, was arrested on charges of corruption and terrorism. On March 23, the Istanbul Court ordered his detention in Marmara Prison. Notably, this date coincided with the scheduled primary election of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) to determine its official presidential candidate. Despite İmamoğlu’s arrest, the primary proceeded, with approximately 1.7 million party members and 13 million non-members participating in the vote.
New leadership in Syria signals interest in Abraham Accords
Han Saerom (Sookmyung Women’s University)
Syria is entering a new phase of re-engagement with the international community following a dramatic political transition. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country’s new president who rose to power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, has signaled an interest in rebuilding diplomatic ties—including with Israel. According to U.S. Congressman Cory Mills, who met al-Sharaa on 18 April, the interim government expressed willingness to consider joining the Abraham Accords, pending appropriate conditions. Many commentators see that this would mark a historic shift in Syria’s foreign policy, given decades of hostility and unresolved disputes over the Golan Heights.
발행처: 서울대학교 아시아연구소 서아시아센터, HK+메가아시아연구사업단
발행인: 채수홍 편집위원장: 구기연 편집위원: 안소연, 한하은, 황의현
연락처: 02-880-2084, katib@snu.ac.kr