Iran's president says deal might be reached if US abandons 'totalitarianism'

[ad_1] 7 hours ago Pinned

Fresh Iran-US talks could happen Thursday before ceasefire expires: report A second round of face-to-face negotiations between Iran and the United States is being discussed, The Associated Press reported Monday.

The fresh talks could also take place as early as Thursday, according to the report.

Citing officials familiar with the matter, the report said the talks would aim to secure a deal to end the six-week war before the ceasefire expires April 21.

A diplomat from one of the mediating countries said Tehran and Washington have agreed in principle to hold the talks.

It is unclear whether the same level of delegation would attend, according to the diplomat and U.S. officials.

Islamabad, Pakistan, is also being considered again as a potential host, while Geneva is also under discussion, officials said.

2 hours ago Iran's national team could compete in World Cup in US, minister of sport says

Iranian Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali said that Iran's national soccer team may compete in World Cup matches in the U.S.

Donyamali said Iran will keep the national team prepared to travel to the U.S. for the games, according to the semiofficial Iranian Students’ News Agency.

The World Cup, which kicks off in June, will be held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. U.S. officials have said Iran will be allowed to compete.

The Iranian team is scheduled to play in the U.S. Iran had requested that its matches be held in Mexico, but FIFA denied the request.

2 hours ago Israeli soldier killed, 3 wounded in southern Lebanon, military says

The Israeli military announced on Monday that a reserve soldier was killed and three others were wounded during fighting in southern Lebanon.

The military said that the reservist killed in the fighting was a firefighting vehicle driver.

With the latest death, the number of Israeli soldiers killed in the ongoing war in Lebanon rises to 13.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

3 hours ago Energy, bank groups warn high fuel and fertilizer prices will stay even if Strait of Hormuz reopens

The International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group warned that fuel and fertilizer prices will likely remain high even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens.

"The impact of the war is substantial, global, and highly asymmetric, disproportionately affecting energy importers, in particular low-income countries," the groups said in a joint statement. "The shock has led to higher oil, gas and fertilizer prices, triggering concerns about food security and job losses as well. Some oil and gas producers in the Middle East have also seen a dramatic loss of export revenue."

"The situation remains very uncertain, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is yet to normalize," the statement continued. "Even after a resumption of regular shipping flows through the Strait, it will take time for global supplies of key commodities to move back towards their pre-conflict levels—and fuel and fertilizer prices may remain high for a prolonged period given the damage to infrastructure."

"Due to supply disruptions, shortages of key inputs are likely to have implications for energy, food, and other industries," they added. "The war has also forcibly displaced people, impacted jobs, and reduced travel and tourism, which may take time to reverse."

4 hours ago UN chief urges resumption of US-Iran talks, says ceasefire must be preserved

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres on Monday called for talks between the U.S. and Iran to resume, adding that the ceasefire must "absolutely be preserved."

"After weeks of destruction & distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict in the Middle East," he wrote on X.

"I call for resumption of talks for an agreement to be reached. The ceasfire must absolutely be preserved. All violations must cease," he continued.

Guterres also said all parties involved in the conflict "must respect the freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law."

4 hours ago Pakistan proposes hosting second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad

Pakistani officials have proposed hosting a second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days before the end of the ceasefire .

The officials said the proposal would depend on whether the U.S. and Iran ask for a different location.

One of the officials said that while the first round of negotiations ended over the weekend without an agreement, the talks were part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

5 hours ago Thune says US has been ‘effective and successful’ in Iran war but needs a plan to end conflict

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said on Monday that the Trump administration's war on Iran has been "effective and successful" but that officials need to come up with a plan to bring the conflict to a close.

"They do need a plan for how to wind this down, how to get an outcome that actually leads to a safer, more secure Middle East and, by extension, a stronger national security position for the United States," Thune told reporters after returning from a two-week recess.

Addressing Trump's blockade of vessels entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, Thune said that "penalizing those who do business with the Iranians may get people’s attention," including officials in China, which relies on energy in the region.

"That, probably more than anything else right now, is going to be the key issue to resolving the situation, getting the Iranians to the table," Thune said of talks that have thus far failed to lead to an agreement to end the conflict.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

6 hours ago UK Deputy Prime Minister meets Vance in Washington, urges Iran ceasefire to hold

UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Washington on Tuesday and said it was “vital” for the Iran ceasefire to continue.

“Great to catch up with my friend @JDVance today in D.C. following his talks in Pakistan,” Lammy wrote on X.

The meeting comes amid heightened focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

“It is vital that the ceasefire continues and we get shipping flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

Lammy also underscored ongoing coordination between the U.K. and U.S. on the war in Ukraine.

“We continue to work together toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” he added.

6 hours ago Kremlin says offer to accept Iran’s enriched uranium still stands

The Kremlin said Monday that Russia’s offer to accept Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a potential deal with the United States is still on the table, according to reports .

“This proposal was voiced by President Putin in contacts with both the United States and regional states. The offer still stands, but it has not been acted upon,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti news agency.

Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium has been a central point of concern in nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran and remains a key issue for the Trump administration.

Peskov also said Russia was ready to provide support for efforts to de-escalate the war in Iran.

7 hours ago Rubio to host talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors tomorrow

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon are set to meet Tuesday with the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington for discussions , a State Department official said Monday.

The high-level talks would mark the first such meeting between Israel and Lebanon since 1993, the official said.

Tensions in the region have escalated in recent weeks. In early March, Hezbollah launched missile attacks on Israel with backing from Iran following U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic on Feb. 28.

The official also confirmed that State Department Counselor Michael Needham will attend the discussions.

8 hours ago Netanyahu’s Mossad chief pick shows major shake-up in intelligence leadership: report

The appointment of Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman as the next Mossad chief signals a “final nail in the coffin” of Israel’s prior intelligence establishment, the Jerusalem Post reported Monday.

According to the report, Gofman’s arrival means both the Mossad and the Shin Bet will now be led by outsiders—an outcome long sought by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though its impact remains uncertain.

Netanyahu has pushed to overhaul Israel’s defense leadership following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, the outlet said. Since then, several top officials have resigned, while outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea will complete his term in June.

Gofman, currently Netanyahu’s military secretary and an Israel Defense Forces major general, was approved for the role on April 12 and will take over on June 2.

8 hours ago Iran wants compensation from 5 Middle East countries, says official

Iran’s representative to the United Nations has demanded compensation from countries it claims took part in the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, the Associated Press reported Monday.

Iran’s state media said the nations include Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

According to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, U.N. envoy Amir-Saeid Iravani said the countries had violated international law and must “make full compensation for the damages caused to the Islamic Republic of Iran, including payment of compensation for all material and moral damages resulting from their international violations.”

8 hours ago Trump says he deleted 'Jesus' image to avoid confusion, not criticism

President Donald Trump said Monday he deleted a controversial social media image depicting himself as Jesus because “people were confused,” pushing back on criticism that the post showed a lack of humility.

During an interview with CBS’s Norah O’Donnell , Trump addressed the image directly and said his decision hinged on preventing confusion rather than a response to backlash.

Asked why he took down the photo, Trump said, “Normally, I don’t like doing that, but I didn’t want to have anybody be confused. People were confused.”

The interview also touched on Trump’s tensions with Pope Leo XIV. Trump had criticized the pontiff for his opposition to the war in Iran and went on to explain the reasoning behind the post showing himself as Jesus.

Earlier Monday on X, conservative activist Riley Gaines also said she couldn’t understand why Trump posted the image, asking: “Does he actually like this?” She added that “a little humility would serve him well” and that “God shall not be mocked.”

When asked by O’Donnell if he took the post down because of Gaines’ and others’ criticism, Trump replied no. “I didn’t listen to Riley Gaines. I’m not a big fan of Riley, actually," he said.

Trump also said he wasn’t sure if Pope Leo XIV would visit the United States during his presidency: “I have no idea,” Trump said. “It’s up to him, not up to me.” When asked if he plans to call the pope, Trump said, “No.”

Tensions between Trump and Pope Leo XIV began after the pope condemned the Iran war and urged peace, which Trump took as criticism of his policies. In response, Trump criticized the pope, labeling him "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" in a Truth Social post.

9 hours ago Lavrov urges Iran to avoid renewed fighting, says Russia ready to help

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, that it is important to prevent a new round of military action, while assuring Tehran that Moscow is ready to help support a settlement with the United States.

"S. Lavrov emphasised the importance of preventing a recurrence of armed confrontation and once again confirmed Russia's unwavering readiness to assist in resolving the crisis, which has no military solution," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in an account of the telephone conversation, according to Iran International .

According to the readout, Lavrov also welcomed efforts aimed at “long-term stabilization” and warned against renewed escalation in the conflict.

9 hours ago Vance says Vatican should ‘stick to morality’ as Iran war fuels Trump–pope rift

Vice President JD Vance said Monday that the Vatican should focus on matters concerning the Catholic Church and morality, responding to rising tensions between the Trump administration and the Holy See.

Speaking on “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Vance also maintained that President Donald Trump is responsible for handling American public policy.

“In some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality, to stick to matters of what's going on in the Catholic Church and let the President of the United States stick to dictating American public policy,” Vance said.

“But when they're in conflict, they're in conflict. I don't worry about it too much. Brett, I think it's a natural thing,” he added, before maintaining that “it's not that big of a deal.”

Vance’s remarks came as tensions mounted between Trump and the Vatican after Pope Leo XIV criticized U.S. policy on the Iran war and immigration.

"Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," Trump said in a lengthy post on Sunday.

"Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church," he added.

"I have no fear of the Trump administration," the pope also told reporters aboard the papal plane Monday en route to Algeria.

10 hours ago 'Ball is in the Iranian court' after US delegation walks away from Islamabad talks: Vance

Vice President JD Vance said Monday that following the end of negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, the “ball is in the Iranian court,” signaling the next move rests with Tehran.

Speaking on “Special Report with Brett Baier,” Vance said the U.S. delegation walked away from talks after determining Iranian negotiators lacked the authority to finalize an agreement, adding that any progress now depends on approval from leadership in Tehran.

“I do think that we acquired some knowledge about how the Iranians are negotiating, and this is ultimately why we left Pakistan, because what we figured out is that they were unable, I think the team that was there, one that was unable to cut a deal, and they had to go back to Tehran, either from the Supreme Leader or somebody else, and actually get approval to the terms that we had said,” he said.

“So again, whether we have further conversations, whether we ultimately get to a deal, I really think the ball is in the Iranian court, because we put a lot on the table,” Vance added.

Vance also emphasized that President Donald Trump remains open to a more normalized relationship with Iran, provided key conditions are met.

“We also made clear, Brett, that we actually would would be very happy. The President United States has said he would be very happy if Iran was treated like a normal country, if it had a normal economy, if its people were able to prosper and thrive,” Vance said.

But he said that in order for Iran to be a normal country economically, “it's going to have to be a normal country from the perspective of not pursuing a nuclear weapon, and it's going to have to be a normal country from not pursuing terrorism.”

10 hours ago Vance says Iran 'didn't move far enough' after 'historic' talks in Islamabad ended without deal

Vice President JD Vance said Monday that high-level U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad showed signs of progress but ultimately fell short of an agreement, underscoring lingering divisions over key U.S. demands.

Speaking on “Special Report with Brett Baier,” Vance said he believed that some things also "went right" despite no agreement reached.

“I wouldn't just say that things went wrong. I also think things went right,” he said.

“We made a lot of progress, but we also made it very clear, and I think this is part of the progress we made," Vance added.

“What the terms were under which the United States could make some accommodation, what terms we were flexible on, and what things we absolutely needed to see in order for the president of the United States to feel like he was getting a good deal," he said.

“We had some good conversations. I think it was the first time that you'd ever seen the Iranian government, U.S. government, meet at such a high level, maybe in the history of the current, the current leadership of Iran.”

10 hours ago Iran seizes women’s soccer captain’s assets after return from Australia

Iran confiscated assets belonging to the captain of its national women's football team, despite guaranteeing she would not face repercussions for returning from Australia.

On March 2, the women's soccer team players had stood in silence as their national anthem played ahead of an Asia Cup fixture with South Korea.

This prompted Iranian media to brand the team "wartime traitors." One player had reportedly received a voice message from her mother warning: "Don't come [back to Iran] they will kill you," in keeping with GB News .

Another communication, smuggled out of Iran by a player's family, warned the squad: "You need to stay."

President Donald Trump was among world leaders who intervened, saying the players "will most likely be killed" if they went back to Iran.

Australia offered the squad asylum. Ghanbari and others sought asylum in March but later changed their minds.

When Ghanbari traveled back to Iran, state media portrayed her decision as patriotic, with Iranian authorities assuring that neither Ghanbari nor her teammates would be penalized.

11 hours ago Iran’s internet blackout drains up to $80 million a day, official says

Iran's internet shutdown is causing tens of millions of dollars in daily losses to the country’s economy, according to the head of the Knowledge-Based Economy Commission at Iran’s Chamber of Commerce.

Afshin Kolahi said the direct cost of internet outages is between $30 million and $40 million per day, Iran International reported.

Including indirect losses, Kolahi also said the total impact rises to roughly $70 million to $80 million daily.

He compared the scale of the losses to major infrastructure projects.

Building a bridge such as the B1 bridge, which was hit in an airstrike during the war, costs around $15 million to $20 million, he said.

Meanwhile, the cost of constructing each megawatt of power plant capacity ranges from $1 million to $3 million.

Kolahi said the economic impact of internet shutdowns is effectively equivalent to losing multiple infrastructure projects every day.

“In practice, internet shutdowns mean losing the equivalent of four B1 bridges and two medium-sized power plants every day,” he told the outlet.

11 hours ago Sen. Lindsey Graham opposes 20-year uranium enrichment ban in Iran deal talks

Sen. Lindsey Graham said Monday he opposes a reported proposal by the U.S. for a 20-year ban on Iran’s uranium enrichment under a potential deal.

Reacting to a report by Axios, Graham said the U.S. had asked Iran to accept a 20-year moratorium on enrichment during talks in Islamabad on Saturday.

“I appreciate President Donald Trump’s resolve to end the Iranian conflict peacefully and through diplomacy. However, we have to remember who we’re dealing with in Iran: terrorists, liars, and cheaters,” Graham wrote in a post on X.

“If this reporting is accurate, the idea that we would agree to a moratorium on enrichment rather than a ban on enrichment would be a mistake in my view,” he said.

“Would we agree to a moratorium for al-Qaida to enrich? No.”

“The only difference between al-Qaida and the Iranian regime is that one is a Sunni terrorist organization and the other is a Shiite terrorist state,” he added.

“They both have the same goal when it comes to the United States, Israel and the civilized world.”

Graham repeated his call for a permanent ban on Iran’s uranium enrichment.

“No enrichment means no enrichment. Over 20 nations have peaceful nuclear power programs without enrichment capability. You can have peaceful nuclear power without enrichment, but you cannot make a bomb without enrichment,” he said before adding:

“Again, no enrichment for Iran. They want a bomb and they cheat.”

12 hours ago Iran secures UN role with backing from UK, France, Canada, Australia as US stands alone

Western democracies, including the UK, France, Canada and Australia, are facing backlash after allowing Iran and other authoritarian regimes to secure seats on influential United Nations (U.N.) bodies, with the United States standing alone in opposition.

The controversy stems from decisions by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a 54-member body that plays a central role in shaping U.N. policy and staffing key committees.

Critics warn the outcome could allow governments accused of human rights abuses to influence global policy and control which civil society groups are granted access to the United Nations.

ECOSOC nominated the Islamic Republic of Iran to the U.N.’s Committee for Program and Coordination Wednesday, a body that helps shape policy on human rights, women’s rights, disarmament and counterterrorism.

The nomination is widely expected to be finalized, as the United Nations General Assembly typically approves such recommendations without a vote.

At the same session, ECOSOC elected China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia and Sudan to the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, which oversees accreditation and access for thousands of NGOs operating within the U.N. system.

The United States was the only member state to formally break from consensus.

In remarks delivered April 8, U.S. Representative to ECOSOC Ambassador Dan Negrea said the U.S. "disassociates from consensus" on both decisions, calling several of the countries involved unfit for such roles.

"The regime threatens its neighbors and has, for decades, infringed on the Iranian people’s ability to exercise their basic human rights," Negrea said, adding that "we believe Iran is unfit to serve" on the committee.

This is an excerpt from a report by Efrat Lachter.

12 hours ago UN chief urges all sides in Iran war to respect freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz

Freedom for ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz is guaranteed in international law, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, via his spokesperson.

According to the Associated Press , spokesman Stephane Dujarric made the remarks when answering a question about the blockade set in place April 12 by President Donald Trump.

“No one should do anything that harms the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Dujarric said, before adding that Guterres believes “it is clear that there is no military solution.”

The secretary-general also believes the U.S.-Iran talks “underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue,” Dujarric added.

The spokesman also said that an agreement cannot be reached overnight, plus that the secretary-general calls for the Pakistan-mediated talks and for the ceasefire to continue.

12 hours ago Legal challenges surrounding the US blockade of Iranian ports: report

The U.S. blockade of ports along the entirety of the Iranian coastline must be officially announced and effectively and impartially enforced to meet international law, legal experts told the Associated Press .

“You have to apply it to everybody going in and out of Iran,” Raul Pedrozo, professor of international law at the U.S. Naval War College, said.

“It doesn’t just apply to people we don’t like.”

The U.S. said it began blocking ships from entering or exiting Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz at 10 a.m. ET on Monday.

The legal requirements are to warn mariners of any blockade and to make sure it is enforced fairly and safely.

International law experts will also be watching to see if the U.S. allows humanitarian aid, food or medicine to reach Iran, the outlet said.

“How it is carried out will determine whether it is lawful or not,” Todd Huntley, a retired Navy captain and director of Georgetown University’s National Security Law Program, said.

13 hours ago Pakistani general says Iran diplomacy still alive, despite US blockade, failed talks

The United States began enforcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic Monday, sharply escalating tensions in the Gulf just hours after high-level talks in Pakistan between Washington and Tehran collapsed without a deal.

The move, announced by President Donald Trump, came after negotiations in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough, despite what participants described as rare direct engagement between the two sides.

But Lt. Gen. (ret.) Mohammed Saeed, former chief of general staff of the Pakistan Army, said in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that the talks came far closer to success than their outcome suggests — and argued that diplomacy is still within reach.

"Both sides are saying they were very close … even inches away from a solution," he said based on his own knowledge and reports. Saeed retired in 2023 but remained part of the core team handling operational planning, internal security coordination, and sensitive periods of political tension.

"They talked to each other in a very friendly manner. There was, from both sides, an expression of accommodation and understanding from each other. So, what you can briefly say is that the engagement has sufficient potential to resume."

Speaking at the White House Monday, Trump defended the blockade, saying, "Right now, there’s no fighting. Right now, we have a blockade … Iran is doing absolutely no business, and we’re going to keep it that way very easily."

He added that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly degraded, saying its "Navy has gone, their air force is gone, their anti-aircraft is gone, their radar is gone and their leaders are gone."

This is an excerpt from a report by Efrat Lachter.

13 hours ago Could Somaliland base emerge as US foothold against Iran, Houthis in key sea lanes?

A strategically important air base and port have been offered to the U.S. as a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz begins and Iran-backed threats target the key Red Sea choke point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Top U.S. military officials, including the commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Dagvin Anderson, recently visited facilities being offered in Somaliland. Somaliland is a pro-U.S. outpost, having broken away from war-torn Somalia in 1991.

Bab-el-Mandeb, which is Arabic for "gate of tears," has become the main route for oil to ship out of the Middle East to Asia since the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed.

Bloomberg News reported that Saudi Arabia has switched to shipping potentially up to 7 million barrels of oil a day from its port at Yanbu on the Red Sea through the strait.

It’s reported that up to 14% of the world’s shipping passes through the 16-mile-wide strait.

Enter the controversial offer to the U.S. of an air and naval base at Berbera in Somaliland. The official Republic of Somaliland site on X extolled Berbera’s virtues last month, boasting that it has "a deep water port along the artery connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean", and "one of Africa’s longest runways, originally developed as a NASA emergency landing site."

"Berbera obviously has huge strategic potential," for sea and air operations, Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former U.K. ambassador to Yemen and a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), told Fox News Digital.

The U.S. does have another Red Sea base in Djibouti, but Fitton-Brown told Fox News Digital the government there is increasingly uncomfortable with some administration’s policies: "Djibouti becomes an increasingly reluctant, unwilling ally to the U.S. in helping enforce sanctions on the Houthis.

Somaliland, which is almost equally well-placed to address issues on the western and southwestern coasts of Yemen, can help the U.S., Israel and the UAE combat the Houthis."

The controversy comes over the question of U.S. recognition of Somaliland.

President Donald Trump, in the Oval Office last August, told reporters, "We’re looking into that right now," when asked about the recognition of Somaliland and the possible resettlement of Gazans there, adding, "We’re working on that right now, Somaliland."

This is an excerpt from a report by Paul Tilsley.

14 hours ago IDF on verge of seizing Hezbollah’s historic Bint Jbeil base

Israel is about to seize the Hezbollah stronghold of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon after killing more than 100 members of the terror group in the area, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Monday.

The Times of Israel also reported that Hezbollah continued launching rocket strikes into northern Israel with two IDF soldiers moderately injured and six others lightly wounded in a drone attack.

Bint Jbeil, located in southern Lebanon, is considered a symbol of Hezbollah’s power. The IDF has encircled the town in recent weeks.

Hezbollah broke the ceasefire that had been in place since November 2024 in support of the Iranian regime.

14 hours ago Hezbollah chief urges Lebanon to cancel Washington talks with Israel

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Monday asked the Lebanese government to cancel a Tuesday meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington, before calling the talks pointless.

According to Reuters, Qassem said in a televised speech that Hezbollah will carry on confronting Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's foreign minister, Youssef Rajji, said Beirut would use Tuesday's meeting in the U.S. to push for a ceasefire deal with Israel through direct negotiations.

14 hours ago Iran wants to make a deal, says Trump

President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran wants to make a deal, while adding that he will not come to any agreement that allows Tehran to have a nuclear weapon.

Trump said talks in Islamabad, led by JD Vance, on Saturday had failed because of the nuclear issue and confirmed that a "blockade" of ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz had started Monday.

According to Reuters , Trump said Iran had "called this morning" and that "they'd like to work a deal."

"Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," Trump also said at the White House. "We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world," he added.

14 hours ago Hillary Clinton warns US in 'very weak position' with Iran, 'lost the leverage' in negotiations

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Monday that the U.S. was in a weak position regarding negotiations with Iran.

"I worry that the United States is now in a very weak position vis-à-vis Iran, which should be the outlier, should be on the back foot and should be the one held to account," Clinton told MS NOW's "Morning Joe" on Monday.

Clinton told MS NOW that the U.S. would have to wipe the slate clean for negotiations with Iran and said they would "have to bring in people who actually know something about nuclear weapons."

Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran collapsed over the weekend, with Vice President JD Vance departing Pakistan empty-handed.Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran collapsed over the weekend, with Vice President JD Vance departing Pakistan empty-handed.

"So we’re in a situation now where we are weak, where we essentially have lost the leverage and initiative that we had," Clinton added. "I supported Trump bombing the nuclear sites back in June. I thought that was an appropriate and limited strategic objective. I opposed his incoherent attack on Iran."

Clinton said the administration needed to get back to hard negotiations with the "right people at the table."

"And I also know from personal experience how [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu has tried to get each American president to conform to have an open-ended conflict with Iran, as a result of I had many, many lengthy hours-long conversations with him and his conflict cupboard about this and refusing to go together with a really inchoate want to do one thing to Iran that, you recognize, with no actual finish state that might be described as sufficiently," she stated.

"So now here we are. I think you’ve got to get back into hard negotiations with the right people at the table who know what they are doing," Clinton added.

President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to blockade Iran's ports in the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Hanna Panreck

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 15 hours ago Trump warns China of ‘big problems’ over Iran weapons as Xi summit nears

President Donald Trump warned China it would face "big problems" if it supplies air defense systems to Tehran as Iran remains locked in a conflict with the United States and Israel.

"If China does that, China is gonna have big problems, OK?" Trump told reporters Saturday.

The warning comes as U.S. intelligence assessments indicate China may be preparing to supply, or already could have moved to supply, shoulder-fired air defense systems to Iran, according to multiple news reports reporting on intelligence assessnents, though officials caution the information is not definitive and there is no evidence the weapons have been used against U.S. or Israeli forces.

Trump’s warning also comes ahead of a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders expected to hold a summit in Beijing in May after it was postponed due to the ongoing conflict. The talks are likely to cover a range of issues, including trade tensions, Taiwan and the war involving Iran, placing additional pressure on U.S.-China relations as concerns mount over Beijing’s potential role in the conflict.

The potential transfer of Chinese-supplied air defenses could increase risks to U.S. aircraft operating in the region, particularly low-flying missions already vulnerable to shoulder-fired missiles.

China also has played a role in recent ceasefire efforts, pressing Iran to engage in talks with the United States and Israel through diplomatic outreach and coordination with regional partners, even as it denies providing military support to Tehran.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Morgan Phillips.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 15 hours ago Trump declines to apologize to Pope Leo, says Pontiff is 'wrong' on Iran

President Donald Trump refused to apologize to Pope Leo XIV on Monday and doubled down on his criticism of the Pontiff.

The comments came after Trump was asked about a statement by Bishop Robert Barron saying the president owed the pope an apology for calling his politics "terrible."

"No, I don't [apologize], as a result of Pope Leo stated issues which might be incorrect," Trump instructed reporters on the White Home. "He was very a lot towards what I am doing with with regard to Iran. And you can't have a nuclear Iran. Pope Leo wouldn't be proud of the tip outcome. You've a whole bunch of thousands and thousands of individuals lifeless and it is not going to occur. So I can not, I believe he is very weak on crime and different issues."

"So I'm not I mean, he, he went public. I'm just responding to Pope Leo, and, you know, his brother is a big MAGA person, and he's a great guy. Louis. And I said, I like Louis better than I like the Pope," he added.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 16 hours ago CENTCOM shares photos of USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship in the Arabian Sea

U.S. Central Command revealed images of the USS Tripoli participating in the blockade against Iranian ports on Monday.

The Tripoli is an amphibious assault ship that is one of many vessels supporting Operation Epic Fury.

"USS Tripoli (LHA 7) conducts night flight operations while sailing in the Arabian Sea. Tripoli is designed without a traditional well deck, which allows for more F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, MV-22 Ospreys, helicopters, and extra maintenance space. During peak operations, the ship can surge to support up to 20+ F-35Bs," CENTCOM wrote.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 17 hours ago Map shows fleets of empty oil tankers heading to US amid Iran war

More than 100 empty oil tankers are making their way to the U.S. to fill up as the war in Iran forces the industry to find new sources of oil.

Data from TankerTrackers and MarineTraffic shows that 121 oil tankers are en-route the U.S. Gulf Coast. Of those vessels, 68 are massive VLCC class tankers, capable of transporting 2 million barrels of oil each.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 17 hours ago Bishop Barron says Trump ‘owes the pope an apology’ after Iran spat

Bishop Robert Barron said Monday that President Donald Trump owes Pope Leo XIV an apology after Trump posted a scathing message about Leo in a Truth Social post.

"The statements made by President Trump on Truth Social regarding the Pope were entirely inappropriate and disrespectful," Barron said in an X post. "They don’t contribute at all to a constructive conversation. It is the Pope’s prerogative to articulate Catholic doctrine and the principles that govern the moral life. In regard to the concrete application of those principles, people of good will can and do disagree."

"I would warmly recommend that serious Catholics within the Trump administration — Secretary Rubio, Vice President Vance, Ambassador Brian Burch, and others — might meet with Vatican officials so that a real dialogue can take place," he continued. "This is far preferable to the statements on social media."

"I am very grateful for the many ways that the Trump administration has reached out to Catholics and other people of faith," Barron added. "It has been a high honor to serve on the Religious Liberty Commission. No President in my lifetime has shown a greater dedication to defending our first liberty. All that said, I think the President owes the Pope an apology."

Barron’s response was to a Sunday Truth Social post from Trump where the president called Pope Leo out for his stance on foreign policy and the Iran war.

"Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian Organizations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding Church Services, even when going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet apart."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Rachel del Guidice.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 17 hours ago Unauthorized ships breaking US blockade face 'interception, diversion and capture,' CENTCOM warns

U.S. Central Command warned that the U.S. blockade against Iran applies to all vessels regardless of flag on Monday.

CENTCOM issues a notice to seafarers in the region before the blockade went into effect, two U.S. officials told Fox News Digital.

"Any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture," the note said.

"The blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations," the statement continued.

The blockade includes "the entirety of the Iranian coastline," the note said, adding that "humanitarian shipments including food, medical supplies, and other essential goods would be permitted, subject to inspection."

Fox News Liz Friden contributed to this report.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 18 hours ago Trump issues new threat to Iran's remaining navy vessels: 'Quick and brutal'

President Donald Trump has warned Iran to keep away from U.S. vessels enforcing Monday's blockade of the nation's ports.

Trump acknowledged that Iran still has a number of fast attack vessels despite suffering huge losses to its navy under Operation Epic Fury.

"Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated - 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, 'fast attack ships,' because we did not consider them much of a threat," Trump wrote.

"Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea. It is quick and brutal," he added.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 18 hours ago Qatar pressures Iran on Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes

Qatar joined the U.S. in pressuring Iran to release its hold on shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassmin Al-Thani said he spoke with his Iranian counterpart on the issue, urging Tehran not to use the strait as a "bargaining chip."

"HE Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the need for all parties to respond positively to ongoing mediation efforts, calling for dialogue and peaceful means to address the root causes of the crisis and reach a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation," the ministry said in a statement.

"He also underlined the importance of keeping maritime routes open and ensuring freedom of navigation, warning against using them as a bargaining chip," the statement continued.

"His Excellency further cautioned that any disruption to shipping lanes could have serious consequences for countries in the region, as well as for global energy and food supplies, with wider implications for international peace and security," it added.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 18 hours ago US imposes naval blockade against Iran

The U.S. began enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz at 10 a.m. ET on Monday.

Trump ordered the blockade after peace talks with Tehran collapsed this weekend. A map of U.S. vessels in the region showed at least 17 ships deployed as of Monday morning.

US Central Command announced plans to enforce the blockade earlier Monday in a notice to seafarers.

"Any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture," the note said.

Iran has condemned the blockade as "piracy" and vowed to respond with force, potentially ending the fragile ceasefire with the U.S.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 19 hours ago Iranian president weighs in on Trump-Pope spat, condemns ‘insult’ to Pontiff

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned President Donald Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV on Monday.

Pezeshkian made the comment on social media after Trump called Leo "terrible" on foreign policy, among other criticisms.

"His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah," Pezeshkian wrote.

Leo touched on the debate in comments to the press on Monday, saying he is "not afraid" of the Trump administration.

The pope said he did not want to get drawn into a debate, but he did offer back handed criticism of Trump, sarcastically referring to the name of Trump's "Truth Social" media platform.

“It’s ironic – the name of the site itself. Say no more," Leo said.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 19 hours ago Iran talks done in by Tehran's delusions over leverage they don't have, US official says

Peace negotiations with Iran fell apart after Tehran severely misjudged what kind of leverage the regime believed it held, a U.S. official told Fox News Digital on Sunday.

While Vice President JD Vance left Islamabad, Pakistan, without a deal between the U.S. and Iran, the official said Vance used the talks to measure the Iranians own assessment of their position in the negotiations.

Vance found that Tehran thought they held a strong hand going into negotiations, according to the official, who added that no deal can be achieved when one party deludes itself into believing they have leverage that, in reality, they do not have.

The U.S. official described the talks to Fox News Digital as starting out tough, though developing into a more friendly and productive dialogue over the duration of the 21-hour-long negotiations.

The high-stakes talks between the U.S. and Iran ended without a deal after Iranian officials refused to accept American terms, Vance said earlier Sunday during a press conference from the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan.

"So we go back to the United States, having not come to an agreement. We've made very clear what our red lines are, what things we're willing to accommodate them on and what things we're not willing to accommodate them on," Vance said at the time. "And we've made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms."

The U.S. official said that over the course of the discussions, the Washington delegation determined it was clear that the Iranians did not comprehend that the core of any peace deal hinges on Iran never obtaining a nuclear weapon.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Stephen Sorace.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 19 hours ago Israel backs US blockade of Iranian ports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he supports President Donald Trump's order to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

Netanyahu says he spoke with Vice President JD Vance after peace talks collapsed in Pakistan on Sunday. He said the "explosion" in the talks came from the American side, which could not tolerate Iran's refusal to open the strait during the ceasefire.

"Since Iran violated the rules, President Trump decided to place a naval blockade on them. We of course support this firm position, and we are coordinated with the United States all the time," Netanyahu said.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 20 hours ago Oil surges past $100 as blockade fears grip markets

Oil prices surged past $100 on Monday as the market reacts to President Donald Trump's order to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

FOX Business' Taylor Riggs predicted that Americans may be in for some "pain at the pump" in the short term, but argued it is necessary to prevent a nuclear Iran.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 20 hours ago Targeting IRGC leaders could 'pay dividends,' former US CENTCOM deputy commander says

Former U.S. CENTCOM Deputy Commander Ret. Vice Adm. Robert Harward told Fox News on Monday that the U.S. would benefit from targeting leaders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps after peace talks collapsed this weekend.

Harward stated that Iran's whole navy is "under water," and predicted that President Trump's blockade against the nation's ports will be effective and successful.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 20 hours ago Pope Leo says he's unafraid of Trump admin after president calls him 'terrible' on foreign policy

Pope Leo XIV fired back after President Donald Trump attacked him on social media, saying his calls for peace are rooted in the Gospel and should not be treated as a political argument with the White House.

"I have no fear of the Trump administration," the pope told reporters aboard the papal plane Monday en route to Algeria.

"The message of the church, my message, the message of the Gospel: Blessed are the Peacemakers. I do not look at my role as being political, a politician," he added.

Trump had criticized the pope's positions on Sunday in a scathing rebuke on Truth Social.

"Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," Trump began in a lengthy post.

"Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church," he concluded.

The pope responded Monday, despite saying, "I will not enter into debate."

"The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone," he said, speaking in English, adding, "I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing. I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems."

"Too many people are suffering in the world today," Leo added. "Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Eric Mack.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 21 hours ago Retired Navy SEAL identifies how US will counter Iran's 'biggest threat' in Strait of Hormuz

Retired Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille joined Fox News to discuss how the U.S. Navy will enforce President Donald Trump's blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 21 hours ago Trump voices frustration with NATO, says Iranian navy ‘destroyed’ as US preps for blockade

President Donald Trump addressed several pressing international conflicts after stepping off Air Force One in Maryland on Sunday, declaring that Iranian naval forces had been destroyed ahead of a planned energy blockade and expressing sharp disapproval of NATO for its perceived lack of support.

"Their military is destroyed," Trump said. "Their whole Navy is underwater. You know that 158 ships are gone. Their navy is gone. Most of their mine droppers are gone."

"At 10 tomorrow, we have a blockade going into effect," Trump added. "Other nations are working so that Iran will not be able to sell oil."

Trump further underscored the United States’ energy independence, asserting that international vessels are bypassing traditional routes in favor of purchasing American oil.

"There are many boats heading toward our country to fill up with oil and then go and take it," he said.

The president then expressed sharp disapproval of NATO countries, indicating that America's financial commitment to support the alliance, particularly against Russia, is going to be under "very serious examination."

"But I'm very disappointed in NATO," he said. "They weren't there for us. We pay trillions of dollars for NATO, and they weren't there for us."

While NATO countries are now stepping up to assist the U.S., Trump described the effort as too late.

"Now they want to come up, but there's no real threat anymore," he said.

"When you think of it, we're guarding against Russia," he added. "And I've long thought it was a little ridiculous, but we spent trillions of dollars doing it. And I think that's going to be under very serious examination."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Bonny Chu.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 22 hours ago Iran's president says deal will be reached if US abandons its 'totalitarianism'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday an agreement with the United States was possible if Washington "abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation."

"If the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation, ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found," he wrote on X.

He also praised Iran’s negotiating team, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, saying, "God gives you strength."

Talks between the two sides broke down Saturday after hours of negotiations in Pakistan.

Iran and the United States remained divided on key issues, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.