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As the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster approaches, Germany—having fully phased out nuclear power in 2023—has once again seen heated debate in parliament this week over its nuclear energy policy. The far-right Alternative for Germany is calling for the restart of shuttered nuclear plants, while the Alliance 90/The Greens firmly opposes any return to nuclear energy. The governing coalition currently has no plans to revive conventional nuclear power, instead focusing on the development of nuclear fusion technology.

Looking back, on April 26, 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant caused the worst nuclear disaster in history, with radioactive fallout affecting multiple countries and profoundly shaping Germany’s anti-nuclear movement. Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, then-Chancellor Angela Merkel decided to accelerate the nuclear phase-out, culminating in the closure of Germany’s last nuclear power plant in 2023.

Amid energy supply tensions caused by the Russia–Ukraine War and mounting pressure to boost industrial competitiveness, whether nuclear power should return as an energy option has once again become a focal point of political contention. With the 40th anniversary of Chernobyl, the debate has intensified rapidly in parliament this week.

According to records from the German Bundestag, the Alternative for Germany took the lead on the 22nd by submitting a motion to establish an expert committee to assess the feasibility of restarting nuclear plants. The party also called for an immediate halt to the dismantling of several facilities and urged local governments to revoke decommissioning permits.

The following day, the Greens countered with a motion titled “40 Years After Chernobyl—Nuclear Energy and Its Consequences,” urging the federal government not to resume nuclear development in order to avoid the continued accumulation of high-level radioactive waste. The party also called for reducing risks in the nuclear supply chain at the European Union level, including lowering dependence on Russian nuclear fuel and technology, and blocking cooperation between Russia’s state-owned nuclear company and the fuel element plant in Lingen.

The Greens noted that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, nuclear facilities have repeatedly come close to conflict zones, highlighting the cross-border spillover risks of nuclear safety. They also urged continued assistance to Ukraine in addressing the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

Within the ruling camp, views on restarting conventional nuclear power remain cautious. The Christian Democratic Union, which oversees energy policy, tends to adopt a technology-neutral stance in reassessing the role of nuclear power, while expressing optimism about the development potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fusion.

In terms of policy direction, the government led by Friedrich Merz has already incorporated nuclear fusion into one of its core national strategies. Last October, authorities unveiled a “Fusion Action Plan,” pledging to invest approximately €2 billion (around NT$74 billion) by 2029, with the goal of becoming the first country in the world to achieve commercial nuclear fusion power generation.

However, there are differing views on the future of nuclear energy. Renowned German astrophysicist Harald Lesch pointed out that both nuclear fission and fusion power rely heavily on large amounts of cooling water to operate. If climate change exacerbates water scarcity, it could become a significant limiting factor for the development of nuclear power.

After nearly two months of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran’s capital, Tehran, saw its main international gateway—Imam Khomeini International Airport—officially resume commercial flights on the 25th. This marks the first international passenger departures from Tehran since the outbreak of hostilities, signaling an initial easing of regional tensions.

According to multiple international media reports, the conflict escalated rapidly in late February after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran. The situation led Iran and several neighboring countries to close their airspace, bringing aviation traffic to a near standstill. Flight safety risks surged during this period, with numerous cancellations and rerouted flights causing severe disruption to regional air transport.

Iranian authorities stated that following a ceasefire arrangement with the United States and a temporary de-escalation in fighting, efforts are now underway to gradually restore air travel. The first batch of resumed flights from Tehran includes destinations such as Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina, with flight frequency expected to increase depending on security conditions.

Reports note that this is the first resumption of international commercial flights since the war began, carrying strong symbolic significance. Domestic flights within Iran had already restarted in mid-April, serving as a precursor to the broader reopening of aviation operations.

However, analysts caution that Iranian airspace has not yet fully returned to normal. Some airports will reopen in phases, with western and central regions proceeding more cautiously due to higher security risks. The return of foreign airlines to Tehran will also depend on ongoing regional security and diplomatic developments.

Moreover, despite the ceasefire reducing the intensity of the conflict, significant uncertainty remains in the Middle East. Unclear progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations, sporadic regional clashes, and concerns over energy and maritime security could all affect the pace of flight resumption and the broader international aviation market.

Overall, the reopening of commercial flights at Tehran’s international airport is seen as an important turning point in the conflict, though a full return to normal international air travel is still some distance away.

On the 23rd, the U.S. Central Command announced that the aircraft carrier “Bush” has arrived in the Indian Ocean. This marks the first time since the 2003 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that the U.S. military has simultaneously deployed three aircraft carriers in the Middle East, exerting maximum military and political pressure on Iran. On the same day, U.S. President Trump reiterated that he is “not in a hurry” to reach an agreement with Iran, but warned that if Iran refuses a deal, the United States will end the conflict by military means, while making clear that nuclear weapons would not be used.

President Trump stated that “time is counting down.” Israeli Defense Minister Katz said that Israel is ready to resume military operations against Iran and is waiting for the United States to “give the green light.” A CNN report noted that if the “Bush” is being deployed as reinforcement rather than as a replacement, it would indicate an unusually large commitment of U.S. carrier forces to a potential conflict with Iran.

Iran, for its part, stated that it continues to produce defense equipment capable of countering any threat. In response to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and waters outside the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s countermeasures are also evolving. Previously relying mainly on missiles and drones to disrupt shipping in the surrounding waters, Iran is now increasingly shifting toward “swarm” attacks using small, fast boats.

Analysts believe that the confrontation between the United States and Iran over the strait is essentially about gaining greater leverage in future negotiations, and that this stalemate is unlikely to be broken in the short term.

U.S. President Donald Trump formally announced on the 21st that the temporary ceasefire agreement, originally set to expire the following day, will be extended indefinitely. Trump said the decision was made in response to requests from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to allow Iran’s deeply divided leadership more time to reach a consensus and present a peace proposal.

However, during the ceasefire period, U.S. forces will continue enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

As negotiations have stalled, Vice President JD Vance has also indefinitely postponed his planned visit to Pakistan, pending a response from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to the latest proposal. Iran’s leadership remains locked in intense internal debate over negotiations with the United States. Sources indicate that civilian officials such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi favor continuing talks to reach an agreement, while Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Ahmad Vahidi strongly opposes making concessions as long as the blockade remains in place.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has maintained a hardline stance publicly, condemning the U.S. naval blockade as an “act of war” and a violation of the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that Washington must lift the blockade before negotiations can resume. Meanwhile, parliamentary speaker’s advisor Mahdi Mohammadi has expressed complete distrust in Trump’s statements, arguing that the United States is merely buying time to prepare for another wave of attacks.

Global financial markets have shown some relief following news of the extended ceasefire. However, oil prices remain above $90 per barrel due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with the conflict already causing a global supply shortfall of 1 billion barrels of crude oil. European Union official Apostolos Tzitzikostas warned that failure to restore freedom of navigation in the strait would have “catastrophic consequences” for both Europe and the global economy. A recent Ipsos poll further found that 51% of American respondents believe that attacking Iran is “not worth it.”

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, has been hit by a severe disaster, with authorities officially declaring a state of emergency. After Cyclone Vayanu battered the North Island last week, the area was unexpectedly struck by torrential rain overnight during the weekend, triggering floods and landslides. Residents in multiple areas were forced to evacuate urgently. Officials have warned that heavy rainfall will continue for approximately the next 36 hours, leading to widespread flight cancellations and school closures.

According to a BBC report, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little stated that on the 20th, rainfall reached a record 77 millimeters within just one hour. Footage shared online by residents shows streets turned into rivers, vehicles submerged, trees uprooted, and even homes destroyed by landslides. The situation is extremely severe and prompted the government to declare a state of emergency.

The report further noted that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and intense. The North Island had only just been hit by a cyclone, followed by a powerful storm on Friday, and then heavy rain over the weekend—disasters arriving one after another. New Zealand’s Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, warned that “even worse weather” could occur later that night.

Mitchell also urged residents via social media to stay alert. Those in the Wellington region should prepare for disasters in advance, evacuate early if necessary, and stay updated with the latest information. Local emergency management authorities advise minimizing unnecessary travel, and residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas should consider evacuating within the next 24 hours to ensure their safety.

A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan on the afternoon of the 20th, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue tsunami warnings and advisories. Authorities urged residents in coastal and river areas to immediately move to higher ground or evacuation shelters. Television broadcasts repeatedly delivered calm evacuation instructions in both Japanese and English, reminding viewers “Do not forget 3/11” as a warning against the potential devastation of tsunami waves.

According to the JMA, the earthquake occurred at 4:53 p.m. local time (3:53 p.m. Taipei time), with its epicenter located about 100 kilometers east of Miyako City and a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The magnitude was later revised upward from 7.4 to 7.5. Within two minutes of the quake, tsunami warnings were issued for Iwate Prefecture and central Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido, with waves of up to 3 meters forecast in some regions. By early evening, waves ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 meters had already been observed at Kuji Port and in Miyako City.

The Japanese government established an emergency response office at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately. Transportation was disrupted, with the Tohoku Shinkansen suspended between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori. No abnormalities have been reported at nuclear facilities so far. The JMA warned that tsunami waves may arrive repeatedly, with the largest waves potentially occurring hours later, and urged the public not to return to coastal areas or approach the sea until all warnings are lifted.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed on the 19th that North Korea launched multiple missiles into its eastern waters at around 6:10 a.m. The missiles were fired from the Sinpo area and flew approximately 140 kilometers toward the Sea of Japan. This marks North Korea’s first missile test since the 8th of this month and its seventh ballistic missile launch so far this year. South Korea’s military has heightened its surveillance posture and is sharing related intelligence with the United States and Japan to prepare for possible additional launches.

According to a Reuters report citing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the latest launch targeted an island area approximately 136 kilometers away, with impact zones covering about 12.5 to 13 hectares, indicating the missiles’ capability for concentrated strike suppression. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction with the test results, emphasizing that multi-purpose warheads could enhance precision strikes and regional firepower. He also instructed research teams to continue advancing military technology and combat readiness.

Japan has also raised its alert level. The Japanese Ministry of Defense stated that the missiles launched on the 19th are believed to have landed outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone, near the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, with no reports of damage to aircraft or vessels. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan is closely coordinating with the United States and South Korea to analyze the missiles’ trajectories and impact points. Meanwhile, South Korea’s presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, reiterated that North Korea’s actions violate United Nations Security Council resolutions and called on Pyongyang to immediately cease its provocations.

After more than two years of airspace restrictions, Haiti and the Dominican Republic announced in a joint statement on Friday (April 17, 2026) that they will officially resume direct flights starting in May. The decision marks a significant step toward normalizing trade and diplomatic ties between the two neighbors on the island of Hispaniola following a prolonged period of tension.

The Dominican government had previously ordered the closure of its airspace to all passenger and cargo flights to and from Haiti in March 2024, citing national security concerns amid escalating gang violence in Haiti. The move severely disrupted bilateral commerce and people-to-people exchanges.

According to a statement issued after a meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers at the CODEVI industrial park on the border, the resumption of direct flights aims to: (1) facilitate the movement of people by providing safer and more convenient travel options, reducing pressure from illegal crossings along the land border; (2) strengthen economic ties by restoring long-suspended air logistics and business travel, injecting momentum into post-pandemic and post-crisis economic recovery; and (3) enhance bilateral relations by rebuilding dialogue mechanisms on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty.

Despite the planned resumption of air travel, relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic still face challenges. The two countries share a 380-kilometer border, and the Dominican Republic is actively constructing a 174-kilometer concrete wall to curb illegal immigration and smuggling.

Haiti’s transitional Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, welcomed the move, stating that it demonstrates Haiti’s commitment to regional cooperation and good-neighborly relations. The Dominican Civil Aviation Board (JAC) has also approved the necessary resolutions to prepare technically for the first flights in May.

Observers note that although Haiti’s security situation remains fragile, the decision to resume flights suggests that Dominican authorities now consider the risks to be manageable, or that humanitarian and economic considerations have made reopening necessary. For many Haitians who rely on the Dominican Republic as a transit hub for international travel, the development comes as welcome news.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 16th that Israel and Lebanon will implement a 10-day ceasefire starting at 5:00 a.m. Taiwan time on the 17th. He also said that within the next one to two weeks, representatives from both sides will meet at the White House. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the move and urged all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement.

Trump stated that representatives from Israel and Lebanon held talks at the White House on Tuesday. As the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations, this meeting marked their first face-to-face contact since 1983. The talks were coordinated by Vice President James David Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine. The goal is to promote a long-term, stable peace agreement and ease tensions. Trump added that both sides have shown willingness to pursue peace and expressed optimism about the prospects for negotiations.

However, neither Israel nor Lebanon has officially confirmed the ceasefire arrangement so far. Shortly before the ceasefire was set to take effect, Hezbollah in Lebanon again engaged in cross-border clashes with Israel. Hours after the ceasefire began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah were not over. Meanwhile, Hezbollah declared on the 17th that its fighters remain ready to fight at any time and warned Israel not to violate the ceasefire agreement.

Although the ceasefire includes a commitment by the Lebanese government to prevent Hezbollah from attacking Israel and prohibits Israel from conducting offensive military actions in Lebanon, Lebanese authorities have limited control over Hezbollah, casting doubt on the future of the ceasefire agreement.

A two-week temporary ceasefire agreement is set to expire on the 21st. On the 16th, U.S. President Donald Trump signaled optimism, stating that the U.S.–Iran war is “very close to ending.” He also announced that Israel and Lebanon have reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military leader Asim Munir have been shuttling between Riyadh, Doha, and Tehran to create conditions for restarting negotiations. Trump revealed that representatives from both the United States and Iran are expected to meet again this weekend, on the 18th, in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. He noted that Iran is “very eager to reach a deal” and described current relations between the two sides as “very good.”

The bottom line in the negotiations is that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Trump added that a final peace agreement would bring the United States “free oil” and stable control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite Trump’s optimism, significant differences remain on key issues. These include the duration of any suspension of uranium enrichment and how existing stockpiles should be handled. In addition, Iran is demanding that the U.S. unfreeze tens of billions of dollars in overseas assets and provide a clear timetable for lifting sanctions, in exchange for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The original goal of achieving a “comprehensive peace agreement” may not be attainable, with both sides instead considering a “temporary memorandum” to prevent a resumption of hostilities.

While diplomatic efforts continue, U.S. military pressure on Iran has not ceased. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a navigation blockade targeting Iranian ports has been fully implemented. In the past 72 hours, 14 vessels linked to Iran have been forced to turn back.

If no breakthrough is achieved in this weekend’s talks, the U.S. military is highly likely to resume heavy strikes on civilian infrastructure within Iran, such as power plants and refineries. The outcome of the negotiations will determine whether the Middle East moves toward peace or descends into a new and more intense round of conflict.