8 hours agoPinnedGhalibaf warns Trump on X, Iran ‘prepared to reveal new battlefield cards’Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf sent a direct warning to President Donald Trump Monday on X, saying that Iran will not accept negotiations with the U.S. while under threat.”Trump, by imposing a blockade and violating the ceasefire, seeks, in his view, to turn the negotiating table into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” he said.”We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threat, and over the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield,” Ghalibaf added.Ghalibaf led the Iranian delegation in talks with Vice President J.D. Vance in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 11.15 mins agoIranian government demands release of cargo ship, crew seized by US NavyIran’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday denounced the U.S. Navy’s seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, calling for the “immediate release of the Iranian vessel, its sailors, crew and their families.”The Foreign Ministry called the seizure “extremely dangerous” and “criminal.””There is no doubt that the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all its capacities to defend Iran’s national interests and security and to safeguard the rights and dignity of its citizens,” the Tuesday statement said.”It is also clear that full responsibility for any further escalation in the region lies with the United States,” it added.Iran had earlier vowed to respond after the U.S. seizure of its vessel.1 hour agoBudget US airlines asking Congress for temporary tax relief to offset surging fuel costsThe CEOs of budget airlines are scheduled to meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday as they ask Congress for temporary tax relief to partially offset increasing jet fuel costs triggered by the war in Iran.A group representing Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Sun Country and Avelo wrote to congressional leaders last week, urging lawmakers to pass legislation to suspend the 7.5% federal excise tax on airline tickets and $5.30 per segment tax.Waiving the fees would offset about one-third of the incremental cost of higher jet fuel, according to the Association of Value Airlines.”Absent relief, sustained fuel cost pressures will translate to higher total trip costs for passengers,” the group’s executive director Jonathon Freye wrote to congressional leaders. “While base fares are often the most visible component of ticket pricing, airlines may increasingly be forced to rely on raising the cost both of fares and ancillary services to offset fuel cost increases.”The spike in fuel prices has led airlines in North America to raise baggage fees and reduce flights.Reuters contributed to this report.2 hours agoArgentine President Javier Milei awarded Israel’s highest honor for support of Jewish StateArgentine President Javier Milei received Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor at a ceremony in Jerusalem for his support of Israel on the international stage.The award was given in recognition for Milei’s support of Israel, his solidarity with families of hostages who were abducted by Hamas in Gaza and his connection to the Jewish people, Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s office said.”The state of Israel is not alone,” Herzog said in a statement. “We have allies, and we have great friends.”Herzog said Milei had demonstrated his friendship with his visits. The Argentine president has made two previous trips to Israel since taking office in 2023.Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also signed the “Isaac Accords,” which was launched by the Argentine president to expand cooperation between Israel and Latin American countries.The leader of the South American country also received an honorary doctorate from Israel’s Bar Ilan University.The Associated Press contributed to this report.3 hours agoIranian families continue to face school closures even as airstrikes stoppedSchools across Iran have remained closed since the U.S.-Israeli strikes started the war in late February, and it is unclear when in-person instruction might resume.While the threat of airstrikes has diminished since a fragile ceasefire went into effect, life for Iranian families continues to be disrupted.Many families fled Tehran after the airstrikes began nearly two months ago, leading to disrupted routines, crowded living arrangements and financial stress. Families are now struggling to find a sense of normalcy amid the unpredictable threats to safety due to the conflict.”I feel like I’m suspended — neither in the air nor on the ground,” said Roya Amiri, a housewife who recently returned to Tehran after fleeing with her two sons after the war began.Her family was among hundreds of thousands of Iranians who fled Tehran and other cities for safety in rural areas or the north. Amiri and her children stayed with relatives, where 15 people were living under one roof.The Associated Press contributed to this report.5 hours agoIran says rebuilding damaged bridge could cost $23M after US strikesRebuilding the B1 bridge damaged in U.S. attacks could cost about 3.5 trillion tomans (roughly $23 million), the head of the company overseeing construction of the northern Karaj freeway said Monday, according to Iran International.“We are trying to proceed with reconstruction under the current conditions by demolishing parts of the structure and redesigning it so it can be preserved as a symbol in the country,” said Abolfazl Rahmani, chief executive of the North Karaj Freeway Construction Company.Rahmani also said that the B1 bridge had been built “without foreign involvement” and that reconstruction costs could end up higher than the initial estimate.During Operation Epic Fury against Iran, U.S. forces struck key infrastructure, including the B1 bridge in Alborz province—one of the Middle East’s tallest—which was hit in two waves.Additional strikes targeted a highway bridge west of Qom and the Yahyaabad railway bridge near Kashan.6 hours agoA-10 Warthog service extended to 2030 after use in Iran warThe United States is extending the life of the A-10 “Warthog” attack aircraft until 2030 in order to “preserve combat power,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced on X Monday.“In consultation with @SecWar, we will extend the A-10 ‘Warthog’ platform to 2030,” he said.“This preserves combat power as the defense industrial base works to increase combat aircraft production.”“Thank you to @POTUS for your unwavering support of our warfighters and quick, decisive leadership as we equip our force. More to come,” Meink added6 hours agoUK official warns of ‘critical’ moment as US-Iran ceasefire deadline approachesUK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Monday that a “critical” moment is coming with the expiry of the 14-day U.S.-Iran ceasefire.In a post shared on X ahead of Wednesday’s deadline, Cooper also emphasized how she had been maintaining international pressure on opening the Strait of Hormuz.“As we near the end of the agreed two-week cease-fire, this is a critical diplomatic moment,” she said.“For the last six days, I’ve travelled through five countries, speaking to more than a dozen foreign ministers and counterparts, to maintain international pressure on opening the Strait of Hormuz,” Cooper added.The U.K. and France hosted a conference of about 40 countries April 10 in Paris to secure the strait, a key shipping waterway.7 hours agoSchumer: Senate Democrats to force another vote on war powers resolutionSen. Chuck Schumer D-N.Y. said Monday that Senate Democrats will force another vote on legislation looking to limit U.S. involvement in the war with Iran.“Tomorrow, Senate Democrats will force a fifth vote on our War Powers Resolution,” Schumer said in a post shared on X.“Senate Republicans cannot sit on the sidelines while our servicemembers are risking their lives on the front lines. We will continue putting them on the record until the war ends or until enough of them find the courage to vote with us to end this war,” he added.The vote, led by Sen. Tammy Baldwin D-Wis., comes a day before the two-week ceasefire with Iran expires.War powers resolutions have failed in the Senate in recent weeks. But Democrats say they will continue forcing votes every week for as long as the war in Iran goes on.7 hours agoIraq, Syria reopen key border crossing, offering alternative oil routeIraq and Syria have reopened the main border crossing between the two countries for the first time in more than a decade, according to reports.This comes as officials highlight its potential for trade and oil exports and say it provides an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, the Associated Press said.At the border opening ceremony on Monday, Nadia al-Jubouri, a member of Iraq’s provincial council of Nineveh, said the Iraq-Syria crossing would allow for “trade exchange and oil transportation towards this great gate.”7 hours agoCENTCOM releases images of forces surveilling, seizing Iranian-flagged vesselUS Central Command (CENTCOM) released images on X on Monday showing its forces operating near the Iranian-flagged vessel M/V Touska after U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship.“U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska, April 20, as the Iranian-flagged vessel’s container cargo is searched after U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship when it attempted to violate the U.S. naval blockade,” CENTCOM said in a post.According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces conducted a search of the vessel’s container cargo following the seizure.The M/V Touska, an Iranian-flagged container ship, was intercepted after it attempted to breach the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.8 hours agoIran deal without strict oversight would be “an illusion,” UN watchdog saysAny nuclear deal between Iran and the United States would be meaningless without U.N. oversight, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned Monday.“Without verification, any agreement is no agreement. It’s an illusion of an agreement,” Rafael Grossi told The Telegraph before adding that the IAEA is “the only” body capable of ensuring compliance.He also said that the world is at risk of a new nuclear arms race amid a period of rising instability.Grossi also said that global tensions could lead to a “crack in the system” of nonproliferation and trigger “as many as 20 states” to pursue nuclear weapons.“There is talk about ‘friendly proliferation’ … a world with 20 nuclear weapon states or more would be extremely dangerous,” he said, warning the international order is in a “very, very fragile position.”Grossi also told the outlet the current “atmosphere of fragmentation, conflict, polarization” could force countries to reconsider nuclear options9 hours agoIran executes two accused of ‘collaboration with hostile groups’ amid rising tensionsIranian authorities executed two men on Monday following convictions on national security-related charges, according to reports.Hamed Validi, 45, and Mohammad (Nima) Massoum Shahi, 38, had been arrested in Tehran in May 2025 and later sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court in Karaj.Officials had accused the two of offenses including “enmity against God” (moharebeh), collaboration with hostile groups, and involvement in weapons-related activities—claims their supporters dispute.Critics however argue the case was marked by due process concerns, citing allegations of torture, coerced confessions, and inconsistencies in the charges, including disputed timelines tied to broader regional conflict.Iranian state media had also described the pair as part of a network linked to foreign intelligence, but opposition groups maintain they were simply affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and were only targeted because of their political beliefs.The killings of Validi and Shahi came on the heels of the recent executions of six other PMOI members, bringing the number to eight MEK members executed by the regime since March 30. Nine more, including a 67-year-old woman, are on death row and at imminent risk of execution. In a statement, Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, or NCRI, said the two members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) joined a “growing number of heroic members executed this month under the rule of religious dictatorship.””Just as the Shah could not save his rule through repression and bloodshed, the criminal mullahs cannot escape the rising anger of the people of Iran and the determination of the rebellious youth,” Rajavi added.9 hours agoAragchi tells Lavrov that Tehran will monitor US behavior as ceasefire deadline loomsIranian Foreign Minister Aragchi has told his Russian counterpart that Iran will monitor U.S. behavior and take the appropriate decision to protect its interests and national security, according to reports.Citing Iranian state media, Reuters also reported that in a phone call with Sergey Lavrov, Araghchi said that the United States’ “illegal behaviors” and the “contradictory positions” of its leaders were “incompatible with the claim of diplomacy.”Aragchi’s remarks came as the two-week ceasefire set by the U.S. was set to end Wednesday.Iran’s Foreign Ministry also said that “no decision has been made” on whether to hold new talks.10 hours agoUS Navy continues Red Sea flight operations, CENTCOM saysThe U.S. Navy is continuing operations in the Middle East, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Monday.“U.S. Navy sailors were flying and handling aircraft on the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Red Sea as part of a larger naval group working in the Middle East region,” the command said in a post shared on X.The carrier and its accompanying ships are operating in the region amid ongoing tensions with Iran in the region.10 hours agoChina-linked route exposed after US seizes Iran-bound ship with suspected dual-use cargoAn Iranian-flagged cargo ship recently seized by U.S. forces had recently traveled through Chinese ports, spotlighting a supply route now under scrutiny as officials probe suspected dual-use cargo aboard the vessel.The vessel, Touska, remains in U.S. custody as American forces continue inspecting what maritime security sources told Reuters is likely “dual-use” cargo — materials that can serve both civilian and military purposes — following a voyage from Asia.Shipping data shows the Touska made multiple recent stops in Zhuhai, a major port in southern China, before transiting through Southeast Asia and heading toward Iran — part of a pathway analysts say has helped Iran sustain trade flows despite U.S. pressure.The seizure comes as part of a broader U.S. effort to enforce a naval blockade on Iran aimed at pressuring Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane.The ship had last docked in Port Klang, Malaysia, April 12 and was en route to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas when it was intercepted, a U.S. official told Fox News.The Touska was seized in the Gulf of Oman, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, as it was approaching Iranian waters Sunday.Analysts say attempting to transit amid an active U.S. naval presence suggests the cargo may have been a priority.”It tried to run the blockade, which seems like a particularly foolish thing to do … which would seem to indicate that there was something aboard that ship that they really perhaps needed in Iran,” said Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a maritime transparency initiative.Powell said the vessel’s route through Malaysia is notable, describing waters near the Singapore Strait as “infamous for ship-to-ship transfers” due to relatively weak enforcement — a tactic that can make cargo movements harder to trace. He added that the ship’s stops in China raise questions about the origin of its cargo, though what was on board remains unknown.This is an excerpt from a report by Morgan Phillips.10 hours agoRussia detains 40 Israelis arriving in Moscow over alleged Iran war linksRussian authorities detained around 40 Israelis as they arrival at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport over alleged involvement in the Iran war, according to reports.The group, arriving from Tel Aviv, included some dual Israel-Russia nationals and was held for hours without access to food, water, or bathrooms, according to the Jerusalem Post. Officials demanded passengers unlock their phones; when they refused, authorities required all devices be turned off.Some detainees were called in for “conversations” and told that Iran is Russia’s ally and that Iran’s enemy is Russia’s enemy. They were also told their visit was “not welcome” and that they had “come for nothing.” After questioning, they were asked to sign warnings about breaking the law before being released. Officials were “very politely and carefully” handling the paperwork, a source said.An Israeli source also told Ynet the number involved was “lower, but not by much, than what was stated.”A Foreign Ministry spokesperson told The Jerusalem Post that “As soon as the incident became known, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar directed ministry staff to act, along with the Russian Foreign Ministry and Israel’s Embassy in Moscow.””Following this intervention, the incident was resolved, and the Israelis’ entry was approved,” the spokesperson said.”It was made clear to the Russians that this conduct was completely unacceptable and Israel views the incident very seriously,” they added11 hours agoIran to offer businesses limited internet access under ‘Internet Pro’ planIran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is planning to offer limited internet access to some business sectors, a lawmaker said Monday.Iran International reported the plan had been approved and would help to maintain economic activity across Iran.Reza Alizadeh, chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s Industries and Mines Committee, gave details of a resolution that introduces a system referred to as “Internet Pro.”Alizadeh said the rollout would be done in stages, with first access given to commercial cardholders through the Chamber of Commerce.The second phase will provide international internet access to organizations and agencies related to production, industry and trade.Authentication for smaller production units is currently underway to grant them access to Internet Pro gradually, Alizadeh said.He also said that any decision surrounding the scope or restriction of global internet access lies with security agencies and the Supreme National Security Council.11 hours agoIran has forced ‘hundreds of ships’ toward US oil markets, says TrumpPresident Donald Trump said Monday that Iran’s leadership had driven maritime traffic toward U.S. ports for oil supplies.“The Iranian leadership has forced hundreds of ships toward the United States, mostly Texas, Louisiana and Alaska, to get their oil — thank you very much!” Trump said in a post shared to Truth Social.Roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint.The U.S. naval blockade implemented April 13 also prevents vessels from accessing Iranian ports along the coastline and the Strait of Hormuz.11 hours agoRussia lifts UAE flight restrictions after reopening Iranian airspaceRussian aviation authorities on Monday lifted airspace restrictions on routes to the United Arab Emirates following the reopening of Iranian airspace, allowing flights and ticket sales to resume in both directions.In a statement, the Russian Federal Aviation Agency confirmed that “restrictions on flights by Russian airlines through Iranian airspace” have been removed, clearing the way for carriers to restore suspended routes.Artur Muradyan, a board member of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, said key regional hubs are “steadily restoring full operations and resuming previously suspended flights and routes,” according to reports.The restrictions had been imposed after the outbreak of the war between the US, Israel and Iran.The Russian Federal Aviation Agency also said the updated framework will allow airlines to resume services while maintaining safety oversight.11 hours agoWho is Ahmad Vahidi? Iran’s new IRGC chief tied to global attacks, ‘Death to America’ ideologyAs President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to decide whether to extend a two-week ceasefire between the countries approaches, attention is increasingly turning not to Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, but to a shadowy Revolutionary Guard commander with a long record of terror, repression and hardline ideology.Ahmad Vahidi, recently elevated to the top of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the elite paramilitary force within Iran’s military, is emerging as one of the most powerful men in Iran and, according to analysts, one of the key figures likely deciding whether Tehran resumes fighting or continues talks.”By any standard, Vahidi is considered a radical even within the regime’s hardline elite, and his rise is a warning that Tehran’s war machine now calls the shots,” Lisa Daftari, foreign policy analyst and journalist, told Fox News Digital.”Putting someone with such a bloody and murderous record at the top of the Revolutionary Guard Corps confirms that the regime is not moderating under pressure. On the contrary,” Daftari added, “it is doubling down on men whose careers are built on hostage‑taking, assassinations, and domestic repression. By any standard, Vahidi is considered a radical even within the regime’s hardline elite, and his rise is a warning that Tehran’s war machine now calls the shots.”Why it matters: Analysts say Vahidi’s rise could shape whether Iran moves toward peace or deeper conflict. For the U.S., that means heightened risks to troops, allies and global stability if a hardline figure with a history tied to terror networks is now helping call the shots in Iran.Vahidi’s rise comes at a moment when Iran’s formal political institutions appear weaker than ever.Experts describe the Islamic Republic today as a system in which informal networks and personal relationships matter more than official titles.Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, described Iran as “a system of men, not laws, but one whose success rested on institutionalizing their power,” where decisions increasingly flow through Revolutionary Guard figures rather than the civilian government. This is an excerpt from a report by Efrat Lachter12 hours agoTrump says US winning Iran war ‘by a lot,’ calls regime ‘confused’President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States is winning decisively in the conflict with Iran, arguing that military pressure and the naval blockade have left the Iranian government weakened and disoriented.“I’m winning a war, by a lot. Things are going very well, our military has been amazing and, if you read the fake news, like the failing New York Times, the absolutely horrendous and disgusting Wall Street Journal, or the now almost defunct, fortunately, Washington Post, you would actually think we are losing the war,” Trump said in a post shared to Truth Social.“The enemy is confused, because they get these same media ‘reports,’ and yet they realize their navy has been completely wiped out, their air force has gone onto darker runways, they have no anti-missile or anti-airplane equipment, their former leaders are mostly gone (this has been, in addition to everything else, regime change!),” he added.“Perhaps most important of all, THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a ‘DEAL,’ is absolutely destroying Iran.”Trump also said Iran was losing “$500 million a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run.”“The anti-America fake news media is rooting for Iran to win, but it’s not going to happen, because I’m in charge! Just like these unpatriotic people used every ounce of their limited strength to fight me in the election, they continue to do so with Iran. The result will be the same — it already is!” Trump added.12 hours agoIDF says strikes in southern Lebanon targeted ‘imminent threat’ amid ceasefire violationsThe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Monday it carried out two attacks in southern Lebanon aimed at preventing what it described as an “imminent threat.”According to an IDF statement, the strikes were launched in response to alleged violations of the 10-day ceasefire.In one incident, the IDF said it identified “terrorists” in the Bint Jbeil area who it believes violated the ceasefire by “operating within the Forward Defense Area” and approaching Israeli soldiers. The individuals were struck and killed, the IDF said.IDF soldiers also targeted and eliminated other individuals they said posed an imminent threat.“IDF troops eliminated terrorists who violated the cease-fire understandings in southern Lebanon and approached the troops, posing an imminent threat,” the statement said.The IDF said both incidents involved individuals in the Bint Jbeil area who it claims violated cease-fire understandings by operating within the Forward Defense Area and approaching troops.“Following the identification, the Israeli Air Force, acting on the direction of the ground soldiers, subsequently struck and eliminated the terrorists in order to remove the threat,” the statement said.Another incident also happened in the Litani area, where the IDF said additional ceasefire violations took place.“Following the identification, the Israeli Air Force, acting on the direction of the ground soldiers, subsequently struck the terrorists and eliminated them,” the statement said.12 hours agoDemocrats ‘doing everything possible’ to sabotage US position with Iran, Trump saysPresident Donald trump accused Democrats of “doing everything possible” to undermine the U.S. position against Iran on Monday.”The Democrats are doing everything possible to hurt the very strong position we are in with respect to Iran. Despite World War I lasting 4 years, 3 months, and 14 days, World War II lasting 6 years and 1 day, the Korean War lasting 3 years, 1 month, and 2 days, the Vietnam War lasting 19 years, 5 months, and 29 days, and Iraq lasting 8 years, 8 months, and 28 days, they like to say that I promised 6 weeks to defeat Iran, and actually, from the Military standpoint, it was far faster than that, but I’m not going to let them rush the United States into making a Deal that is not as good as it could have been,” Trump wrote.”I read the Fake News saying that I am under ‘pressure’ to make a Deal. THIS IS NOT TRUE! I am under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly! Time is not my adversary, the only thing that matters is that we finally, after 47 years, straighten out the MESS that other Presidents let happen because they didn’t have the Courage or Foresight to do what had to be done with respect to Iran. We’re in it, and it will be done RIGHT, and we won’t let the Weak and Pathetic Democrats, TRAITORS ALL, who for years have been talking about the Dangers of Iran, and that something has to be done, but now, since I’m the one doing it, belittle the accomplishments of our Military and the Trump Administration,” Trump continued.”This is being perfectly executed, on the scale of Venezuela, just a bigger, more complex operation. The result will be the same. In my First Term, I built the Greatest Military our Country has ever seen, including adding Space Force. In my Second Term, I am properly and judiciously using our Military to solve problems left to us by others of far less understanding or competence,” he added.Posted by Anders Hagstrom12 hours agoTrump says US negotiating deal ‘far better’ than Obama-era nuclear dealPresident Donald Trump says the U.S. is making a deal with Iran that is “far better” than the nuclear deal agreed to during former President Barack Obama’s administration.Trump made the statement in a post on Truth Social on Monday, blasting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as one of the “worst deals ever.””The DEAL that we are making with Iran will be FAR BETTER than the JCPOA, commonly referred to as ‘The Iran Nuclear Deal,’ penned by Barack Hussein Obama and Sleepy Joe Biden, one of the Worst Deals ever made having to do with the Security of our Country. It was a guaranteed Road to a Nuclear Weapon, which will not, and cannot, happen with the Deal we’re working on. They actually gave $1.7 Billion Dollars in ‘GREEN’ Cash, loaded into a Boeing 757, and flown to Iran for Iranian leadership to spend anyway they saw fit. He emptied out all of the Cash from Banks in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Those Bankers said they’ve never seen anything like it before,” Trump wrote.”In addition, Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was paid to Iran. If I did not terminate that ‘Deal,’ Nuclear Weapons would have been used on Israel, and all over the Middle East, including our cherished U.S. Military Bases. The Fake News, like Lightweight Washington Post ‘Journalist’ David Ignatius, loves to talk about the JCPOA, knowing that it was DANGEROUS, and a Complete Embarrassment to our Country. If a Deal happens under ‘TRUMP,’ it will guarantee Peace, Security, and Safety, not only for Israel and the Middle East, but for Europe, America, and everywhere else. It will be something that the entire World will be proud of, instead of the years of Embarrassment and Humiliation that we have been forced to suffer due to incompetent and cowardly leadership!” he added.Posted by Anders Hagstrom13 hours agoTrump says Israel did not talk him into the Iran warPresident Donald Trump rejected the notion that Israel convinced him to launch the war against Iran, asserting in a Monday Truth Social post that the outcome “will be amazing.”The president said the heinous Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack against Israel bolstered his view that Iran must be blocked from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon.”Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did,” the president declared in the Truth Social post.”I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing – And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!” he added.The commander in chief launched the U.S. into the war against Iran in conjunction with Israel earlier this year, prosecuting a punishing air campaign against the Islamic Republic for more than a month.While Trump announced a ceasefire earlier this month, tensions have remained high, and the president warned on Sunday that if Iran fails to accept the deal offered by the U.S., the American military will destroy Iran’s bridges and power plants.”Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement! Many of them were aimed at a French Ship, and a Freighter from the United Kingdom. That wasn’t nice, was it?” Trump said in a Sunday Truth Social post.This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Alex Nitzberg.Posted by Anders Hagstrom13 hours agoTrump says ‘bombs start going off’ once ceasefire expires on TuesdayPresident Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. has no plans to extend its ceasefire with Iran on Monday.Trump made the statement during an interview with PBS News after he was asked what will happen if the deadline is reached Tuesday evening without a peace deal.”Then lots of bombs start going off,” Trump said.On the status of peace talks in Pakistan, Trump said simply, “I don’t know.””I mean, they’re supposed to be there. We agreed to be there, although they say we didn’t. But no, it was set up. And we’ll see whether or not it’s there. If they’re not there, that’s fine too,” he said.Posted by Anders Hagstrom13 hours agoIranian president declares Iran will not submit, cites ‘deep historical mistrust’ of USIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called U.S. peace offers “unconstructive and contradictory” on Monday.Pezeshkian said in a statement on X that Iran has a “deep historical mistrust” of the U.S. that has colored negotiations.”Honoring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue. Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward U.S. gov conduct remains, while unconstructive & contradictory signals from American officials carry a bitter message; they seek Iran’s surrender. Iranians do not submit to force,” Pezeshkian wrote.Posted by Anders Hagstrom14 hours agoUS Navy denies reports of food shortages about USS Abraham Lincoln, TripoliThe U.S. Navy has denied reports of food shortages aboard vessels operating in the Middle East on Sunday.The office of the Chief of Naval Operations addressed the claims in a post on X, saying U.S. sailors remain well fed and well stocked.”Statement on Claims of Food Shortages aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli: Recent reports alleging food shortages and poor quality aboard our deployed ships are false,” the office wrote.”Both USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli have sufficient food onboard to serve their crews with healthy options. The health and wellbeing of our Sailors and Marines are my top priority, and every crew member continues to receive fully portioned, nutritionally balanced meals,” the statement continued.Posted by Anders Hagstrom14 hours agoExpert predicts thousands of US troops would be needed to secure Iran’s highly enriched uraniumAndrew Weber, a national security expert, revealed on Sunday that removing Iran’s highly enriched uranium would likely take thousands of U.S. troops and experts to evacuate the material from the country.Weber served as the assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Defense Programs under former President Barack Obama and played a role in removing enriched uranium from Kazakhstan that was left behind by the Soviet Union.CBS News’ Cecilia Vega asked Weber during a “60 Minutes” interview if the same sort of mission would be possible in Iran.”In Iran, we couldn’t send a team in to do this unilaterally without great risk,” he said. “You would need to set up in the middle of the country a secure perimeter. It would probably take thousands of U.S. troops to secure the facility while our experts excavated the HEU that’s located inside deep tunnels at a place called Isfahan.”Matthew Bunn, a nuclear policy analyst and former White House adviser, said forces in the U.S. have been training for something like this.”It’s not like Iran hasn’t thought about the possibility that we might do this. But U.S. Special Forces have been training for deep underground facilities of one kind or another for a long, long, long time,” Bunn told CBS.Vega also asked about President Donald Trump, after the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facility in 2025, saying that Iran’s program had been completely obliterated.”Yeah, that statement is just not true,” Bunn said. “You can’t say that a program that still has enough nuclear material for a bunch of nuclear bombs is obliterated. Unfortunately. There’s no doubt that the combination of the strikes in June of last year, and the ongoing war, have seriously set back Iran’s capabilities. But the remaining capabilities are substantial. You can’t bomb away their knowledge.”This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Hanna Panreck.Posted by Anders Hagstrom15 hours agoThe US delegation plans to travel to Islamabad soon, source saysA U.S. delegation plans to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan for peace talks with Iran on Monday, a source familiar with the plans told Fox News Digital.The White House said this weekend that Vice President JD Vance will lead the delegation, joined by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.The news comes amid mixed messages surrounding Iran’s plans to participate in Talks. Pakistani officials said Iran had expressed willingness to attend, but Iran’s foreign ministry on Monday said they had no plans to participate due to certain demands by the U.S. side.Vance held talks with Iran last week, but they ultimately collapsed without making progress.Fox News’ Pat Ward contributed to this report.Posted by Anders Hagstrom15 hours agoUS destroyer warns tanker ship about Iranian blockade in new audioU.S. Central Command released audio of a U.S. Navy destroyer broadcasting warnings to an oil tanker in the Arabian Sea on Monday.President Donald Trump ordered the blockade last week amid a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.”Since the commencement of the blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, U.S. forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port,” CENTCOM wrote in a post on X.Posted by Anders Hagstrom16 hours agoTrump hits back at ‘pundits and polls’ on Iran, predicts ‘amazing’ resultsPresident Donald Trump lashed out at media pundits and polls over their commentary around the war in Iran.Trump made the statement in a post to his Truth Social account, urging Iran’s leaders to accept a peace deal with the U.S.”Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did. I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing – And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!” Trump wrote.Posted by Anders Hagstrom16 hours agoIran explains why no one fought back as US forces boarded shipThe command of Iran’s military, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, offered an explanation for why Iranian forces did not fight back as U.S. forces boarded and seized an Iran-flagged vessel on Sunday.“Due to the presence of some family members of the ship’s crew, they faced constraints in order to protect their lives and ensure their safety, as they were in danger at every moment,” Khatam al-Anbiya said.The U.S. ultimately disabled the engines of the M/V Trouska and seized the vessel without incident.Posted by Anders Hagstrom16 hours agoIsrael and Lebanon set date for second round of peace talks: reportIsrael and Lebanon are set to begin a second round of peace talks later this week, Israeli media reported Monday.The talks are reportedly expected to begin on Thursday. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted peace talks between the two nation’s last week, but they are not expected to play a role in this week’s talks.Lebanon and Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire after their U.S.-mediated talks in Washington.Posted by Anders Hagstrom16 hours agoWATCH: US Marines rappel from chopper to seize Iranian shipThe U.S. military released footage of Marines boarding and seizing an Iran-flagged vessel in the Arabian Sea on Monday.The footage shows Marines from a U.S. destroyer rappelling down from a helicopter onto the deck of the M/V Touska tanker. This operation came after a 6-hour standoff with the Iranian vessel, which saw the U.S. destroyer open fire to destroy the Touska’s engines.No U.S. Marines were injured in the operation.Posted by Anders Hagstrom17 hours agoXi Jinping calls for Strait of Hormuz to open in phone call with Saudi crown princeChinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday and called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened for trade.Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning gave a readout of the call in a statement on X.”This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership. Taking it as an opportunity, China stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to continuously increase the scope and depth of our bilateral relations, and set a fine example for the relations between China and Arab states,” Ning wrote.”On the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, China calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and stands for resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means,” she continued.”The Strait of Hormuz should maintain normal passage, as this serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community. China supports regional countries in building a common home of good-neighborliness, development, security, and cooperation, holding their future in their own hands, and promoting lasting peace and security in the region,” she added.Posted by Anders Hagstrom17 hours agoDistress call captures tanker under fire, Iran shuts Hormuz trapping thousands of sailorsHundreds of commercial tankers are stranded on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran shut the critical chokepoint on April 18, halting traffic and leaving crews trapped amid reports of gunfire and “traumatic experiences” on board.The Strait of Hormuz is considered an international waterway under international law, through which ships have the right of transit passage, according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical chokepoint for global energy markets, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker the same day, while a projectile struck a container vessel, damaging cargo.Audio released by maritime monitoring group TankerTrackers appears to capture the moment a vessel and its crew came under fire while approaching the strait, including a distress call from a crew member.”Sepah Navy! Motor tanker Sanmar Herald! You gave me clearance to go… you are firing now. Let me turn back!” the crew member can be heard saying in the recording, according to TankerTrackers.Iranian state media confirmed that shots were fired near vessels to force them to turn back, while the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India said the foreign secretary was deeply concerned.Hapag-Lloyd, the world’s fifth-largest container shipping line, told Fox News Digital that it had activated a crisis team as its crews remain stuck on board vessels in the region.”We have been working from Friday afternoon until today with the entire crisis team to bring the vessels out — in vain, unfortunately,” said Nils Haupt, senior director of group communications at Hapag-Lloyd AG.”These events can easily lead to traumatic experiences. There is also a significant risk from sea mines, which has made insuring vessels for passage through the Strait nearly impossible.”This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Emma Bussey.Posted by Anders Hagstrom18 hours agoIran’s foreign ministry says it has no plans to participate in Pakistan peace talksIranian officials have no plans to participate in peace talks with the U.S. in Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday.”If the U.S. sends a team to Islamabad, that is a matter that concerns them,” Baqaei said in a press conference.“The Islamic Republic of Iran does not accept any deadlines or ultimatums to safeguard its national interests. We have clearly stated our red lines from the beginning, and we will not change our principled positions,” Baqaei said.“In none of the stages of current or previous negotiations was the issue of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles to the U.S. or any other country raised, and fundamentally this option is not on the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added.Posted by Anders Hagstrom18 hours agoIran vows retaliation after US seizes cargo ship: ‘ARMED PIRACY’Iranian officials vowed retaliation after the U.S. fired upon and seized an Iranian vessel in the Arabian Sea on Sunday.Officials condemned the move as “armed piracy.”“We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military,” read a statement from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.Posted by Anders Hagstrom19 hours agoNetanyahu condemns IDF soldier pictured destroying statue of Jesus in LebanonIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the actions of an IDF soldier pictured destroying a statue of Jesus Christ in Lebanon on Monday.Netanyahu wrote in a post on X that Israel “cherishes” the values of “tolerance and mutual respect” between religions.”Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms,” Netanyahu wrote.”Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender. While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East. Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all,” Netanyahu continued.”We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world,” he added.The IDF says it completed an investigation into the incident on Sunday which determined the photograph was authentic. The image showed a soldier striking a statue of Jesus on the cross with a sledge hammer.”The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops,” The IDF said in a statement on X.Posted by Anders Hagstrom19 hours agoPakistan peace talks uncertain after Iranian state media reports Tehran’s refusal to participateIranian state media says Tehran has rejected taking part in peace talks with the U.S. in Pakistan, initially scheduled for Tuesday.Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to travel to Pakistan on Monday envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The White House has not responded to reports of the Iranian withdrawal.Posted by Anders Hagstrom20 hours agoNavy fires on Iranian-flagged vessel amid blockade violation in six-hour Straits standoffCENTCOM confirmed Sunday that the U.S. Navy fired into the engine room of an Iranian-flagged vessel after it allegedly violated a maritime blockade. The command also highlighted a six-hour standoff with the tanker in the Arabian Sea.In a post shared on X, the command said the action followed repeated warnings.“U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Sea enforced naval blockade measures against an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, April 19,” CENTCOM said.The command described how a guided-missile destroyer, USS Spruance (DDG-111), intercepted the vessel, M/V Touska, as it transited the North Arabian Sea at 17 knots en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran.“American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the U.S. blockade,” CENTCOM said.After Touska’s crew failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period, the command explained how Spruance directed the vessel to evacuate its engine room.“Spruance disabled Touska’s propulsion by firing several rounds from the destroyer’s 5-inch MK 45 Gun into Touska’s engine room,” CENTCOM said before adding that U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit “later boarded the non-compliant vessel, which remains in U.S. custody.”“American forces acted in a deliberate, professional, and proportional manner to ensure compliance,” it said.Since the blockade’s commencement, U.S. forces have directed 25 commercial vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port, CENTCOM added.Fox News’ Emma Bussey contributed to this report.Posted by Anders HagstromLive Coverage begins here
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