The White House correspondents’ dinner was interrupted by loud bangs on Saturday evening and Donald Trump and Melania Trump were evacuated immediately as many journalists and their guests ducked under tables in the Washington Hilton ballroom.

There were reports that the US Secret Service had guns drawn as White House pool reporters were rushed out of the room and Secret Service agents yelled “shots fired”.

White House Shooting | Trump: Law Enforcement Requested That We Leave Premises

From the White House briefing room, Trump addressed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, sharing images of the suspect and praising the Secret Service. He said the attacker charged a checkpoint with weapons, an officer was protected by a vest, and the suspect was taken down.

'He lives in California, he's sick person': Trump releases FIRST pic of suspect, shares key details

The White House correspondents’ dinner was interrupted by loud bangs on Saturday evening and Donald Trump and Melania Trump were evacuated immediately as many journalists and their guests ducked under tables in the Washington Hilton ballroom.

There were reports that the US Secret Service had guns drawn as White House pool reporters were rushed out of the room and Secret Service agents yelled “shots fired”.


Trump Says 'Let The Show Go On' After Shooting at White House Press Dinner

The US Secret Service confirmed that one person is in custody in connection with the shooting incident at the White House Dinner event in which US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were in attendance. The US Secret Service confirmed that Trump, Vance and First Lady Melania Trump are safe. It said that it is actively investigating the situation. The FBI in a statement said that the Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad responded to the shooting at the Washington Hilton and confirmed that the suspect was in custody. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We will provide updates as they become available and confirm information. Our teams are on the ground assessing the situation and investigating. All of our protectees are safe. <a href="https://t.co/BYl6sR5WVU">pic.twitter.com/BYl6sR5WVU</a>&mdash; Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJGuglielmi/status/2048211521814118828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-evacuated-from-white-house-correspondents-dinner-gunshots-heard-what-s-happening-1777164112094">Trump evacuated from White House Correspondents’ Dinner, gunshots heard - VIDEO</a>&nbsp;Revealing about the incident, an FBI official said the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent, though the agent is reported to be unharmed. Officials added that the shooting occurred in a “screening area” outside the event venue. The official added that a person armed with a shotgun attempted to breach security at the White House press dinner.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-trump-and-jd-vance-safe-shooting-incident-reported-at-washington-press-dinner-dramatic-video-surfaces-1777165766554">Reactions flow in after shooting incident at Washington press dinner, Trump safe</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Trump in his first reaction thanked the secret service agents and said that the show muct go on. He said that the law enforcement requested that he and others leave the premises “consistent with protocol,” which they did immediately. He also announced plans to hold a press conference in about 30 minutes from the White House press briefing room. Additionally, Trump stated he had spoken with officials in charge of the event and that the White House Correspondents’ Dinner would be rescheduled within the next 30 days.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260426/image-1777169551219.png"></figure>&nbsp;

The US Secret Service confirmed that a suspect is in custody after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton. Trump, JD Vance, and Melania Trump are safe. FBI said the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent outside the venue’s screening area.

The US Secret Service confirmed that one person is in custody in connection with the shooting incident at the White House Dinner event in which US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were in attendance. The US Secret Service confirmed that Trump, Vance and First Lady Melania Trump are safe. It said that it is actively investigating the situation. The FBI in a statement said that the Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad responded to the shooting at the Washington Hilton and confirmed that the suspect was in custody. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The US Secret Service confirmed that a suspect is in custody after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton. Trump, JD Vance, and Melania Trump are safe. FBI said the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent outside the venue’s screening area.

Suspect fired at US Secret Service agent with shotgun: Details emerge from White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting

Trump responded after shooting at WHCD, praising Secret Service and law enforcement. He said suspect apprehended; urged show continue under security guidance. He was evacuated per protocol. He will hold press briefing in 30 minutes and said event rescheduled within 30 days in Washington.

Trump issues first response after shooting incident at WH press dinner, confirms suspect in custody

US President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from the ballroom of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington by Secret Service after possible shots were fired at his table, on Saturday (Apr 25). In a dramatic video, Trump was shown a message by an agent as he remained unmoved. He was seen being escorted off swiftly by the officials. Soon after, loud bangs were heard and guests at the black-tie White House Correspondents' Dinner scrambled to hide under tables. The White House Press Pool Reports confirmed that the President of the United States and Vice President JD Vance are “safe and secure.” The White House Correspondents’ Association has addressed attendees from the stage, stating that the event will continue. However, it remains unclear whether any protectees will return to the venue, even as the Presidential Seal is still visibly placed on the podium.&nbsp;Incidentally, the Washington Hilton has a history linked to major security incidents: it is the same hotel outside which John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate then–U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1981. The latest evacuation at the venue also comes amid heightened political tensions, including the fact that Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during his 2024 presidential campaign rally.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-trump-and-jd-vance-safe-shooting-incident-reported-at-washington-press-dinner-dramatic-video-surfaces-1777165766554">Reactions flow in after shooting incident at Washington press dinner, Trump safe</a><h2>Here's the evacuation video:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Breaking : Gun shots heard at White House Correspondence dinner. President trump was escorted out! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#trump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whitehouse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whitehouse</a> <a href="https://t.co/jlijkzhRZZ">pic.twitter.com/jlijkzhRZZ</a>&mdash; Global News Check (@globalnewscheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/globalnewscheck/status/2048200839324422311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-evacuated-from-white-house-correspondents-dinner-gunshots-heard-what-s-happening-1777164112094">Trump evacuated from White House Correspondents’ Dinner, gunshots heard - VIDEO</a><h2>Who all have reacted to the incident?</h2>

In his first response, Trump said that the show must go on. Among the first official responses came from Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader of the United States Senate, who posted on X: “I am closely monitoring the unfolding situation at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. I am grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and am praying that everyone remains safe.”&nbsp;House Republicans issued a statement expressing solidarity and saying they are praying for those who were in harm’s way during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. They also thanked the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies for their swift response and for risking their lives to protect democracy and its leaders.

<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260426/image-1777167102649.png"></figure>Senator Lindsey Graham said he was “very thankful to God” that President Donald Trump, the First Lady, Vice President JD Vance, the Second Lady, and other attendees were safe following the White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident. He added that the event highlights an “unprecedented stream of threats” facing Trump and other officials, praising law enforcement for their swift response. Graham urged Americans to pray for calmer times and focus on unity rather than division.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260426/image-1777167155277.png"></figure>Meanwhile, the US Secret Service confirmed that one person is in custody in connection with the reported shooting incident and said it is actively investigating the situation. Authorities also stated that President Donald Trump and the First Lady are safe. However, officials added that the condition of other individuals involved has not yet been confirmed, and law enforcement continues to assess the scene. Reuters reported that the US Secret Service continued to move through the venue with weapons drawn as they conducted a sweep of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner floor. Security personnel were seen maintaining a heightened posture while ensuring the area was fully cleared and no further threats remained, as the situation remained under active investigation.&nbsp;The Governor of Texas said that prayers have been answered for the safety of President Donald Trump, the First Lady, cabinet members, and all guests attending the event. He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. Secret Service for their swift and decisive response in neutralizing the threat and ensuring the safety of everyone present, adding a prayer for continued protection and blessing for the nation.

US President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after possible gunshots were reported near his table. Secret Service rushed him out as guests took cover under tables. The White House confirmed Trump and VP JD Vance are safe

US President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from the ballroom of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington by Secret Service after possible shots were fired at his table, on Saturday (Apr 25). In a dramatic video, Trump was shown a message by an agent as he remained unmoved. He was seen being escorted off swiftly by the officials. Soon after, loud bangs were heard and guests at the black-tie White House Correspondents' Dinner scrambled to hide under tables. The White House Press Pool Reports confirmed that the President of the United States and Vice President JD Vance are “safe and secure.” The White House Correspondents’ Association has addressed attendees from the stage, stating that the event will continue. However, it remains unclear whether any protectees will return to the venue, even as the Presidential Seal is still visibly placed on the podium. Incidentally, the Washington Hilton has a history linked to major security incidents: it is the same hotel outside which John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate then–U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1981. The latest evacuation at the venue also comes amid heightened political tensions, including the fact that Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during his 2024 presidential campaign rally. Also Read: Reactions flow in after shooting incident at Washington press dinner, Trump safe Here's the evacuation video:

US President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after possible gunshots were reported near his table. Secret Service rushed him out as guests took cover under tables. The White House confirmed Trump and VP JD Vance are safe

Are Trump and JD Vance safe? Shooting incident reported at Washington press dinner, reactions flow in as dramatic video surfaces

US President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after reports of possible gunshots triggered panic. Attendees took cover as security sealed the venue. Authorities are investigating the incident, and Trump was moved to safety.

Trump evacuated from White House Correspondents’ Dinner after reports of possible gunshot - What's happening

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed his visit to Pakistan on Saturday, described it as fruitful, and put the ball for striking a deal in Washington’s court. Araghchi, who met Pakistan’s leaders and departed from Islamabad without meeting the US envoys, said he shared Iran’s position on a workable framework for a permanent end to the war.Araghchi arrived in Pakistan even as Iran ruled out direct talks with the US over the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;&nbsp;Araghchi “explained our country’s principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the complete end of the imposed war against Iran,” said a statement on the minister’s official Telegram account.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-gunfire-rock-mali-s-capital-other-cities-as-armed-groups-launch-coordinated-attacks-1777132372992">Explosions, gunfire rock Mali’s capital, other cities as armed groups launch coordinated attacks</a><h2>‘Very fruitful visit to Pakistan,’ Iran’s Foreign Minister</h2>&nbsp;“Very fruitful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we very much value. Shared Iran’s position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy,” the post said.&nbsp;During his visit, Araghchi met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief Asim Munir. He delivered Iran’s list of demands and reservations for ending the US-Israeli war, which began on February 28.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-energy-grab-says-iran-and-venezuela-military-actions-only-about-oil-1777115468087">Russia accuses US of energy grab, says Iran and Venezuela military actions only ‘about oil’</a>&nbsp;Araghchi departed from Islamabad, appreciating Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region.&nbsp;<h2>‘Tremendous infighting and confusion within their leadership’</h2>&nbsp;Soon after Araghchi’s departure, US President Donald Trump said he had cancelled the planned trip of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, where they were expected to meet Iranian representatives.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justice-department-drops-criminal-probe-of-fed-chair-powell-likely-clearing-the-way-for-kevin-warsh-1777055359799">Justice Department drops criminal probe of Fed chair Jerome Powell, likely paving the way for Kevin Warsh</a>&nbsp;“I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. Too much time wasted on travelling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their “leadership.” Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-cancels-licence-of-paytm-payments-bank-to-seek-winding-up-in-court-1777048619815">RBI cancels licence of Paytm Payments Bank, to seek its winding up in court</a>&nbsp;Trump has been firm that any deal must require Iran to give up its enriched uranium and ensure the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. He also reiterated that the US military will continue its blockade of Iranian ports until an agreement is reached.However, he said the cancellation of he two advisors’ trip to Islamabad did not mean the resumption of war. “No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet,” Trump told Axios.

Soon after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghch’s departure from Pakistan, US President Donald Trump said he had cancelled the planned trip of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, where they were expected to meet Iranian representatives.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed his visit to Pakistan on Saturday, described it as fruitful, and put the ball for striking a deal in Washington’s court. Araghchi, who met Pakistan’s leaders and departed from Islamabad without meeting the US envoys, said he shared Iran’s position on a workable framework for a permanent end to the war. Araghchi arrived in Pakistan even as Iran ruled out direct talks with the US over the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi “explained our country’s principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the complete end of the imposed war against Iran,” said a statement on the minister’s official Telegram account. Also Read: Explosions, gunfire rock Mali’s capital, other cities as armed groups launch coordinated attacks ‘Very fruitful visit to Pakistan,’ Iran’s Foreign Minister “Very fruitful visit to Pakistan, whose good offices and brotherly efforts to bring back peace to our region we very much value. Shared Iran’s position concerning workable framework to permanently end the war on Iran. Have yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy,” the post said. During his visit, Araghchi met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief Asim Munir. He delivered Iran’s list of demands and reservations for ending the US-Israeli war, which began on February 28. Also Read: Russia accuses US of energy grab, says Iran and Venezuela military actions only ‘about oil’ Araghchi departed from Islamabad, appreciating Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region. ‘Tremendous infighting and confusion within their leadership’ Soon after Araghchi’s departure, US President Donald Trump said he had cancelled the planned trip of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, where they were expected to meet Iranian representatives. Also Read: Justice Department drops criminal probe of Fed chair Jerome Powell, likely paving the way for Kevin Warsh “I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. Too much time wasted on travelling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their “leadership.” Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Also Read: RBI cancels licence of Paytm Payments Bank, to seek its winding up in court Trump has been firm that any deal must require Iran to give up its enriched uranium and ensure the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. He also reiterated that the US military will continue its blockade of Iranian ports until an agreement is reached. However, he said the cancellation of he two advisors’ trip to Islamabad did not mean the resumption of war. “No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet,” Trump told Axios.

Soon after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghch’s departure from Pakistan, US President Donald Trump said he had cancelled the planned trip of envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, where they were expected to meet Iranian representatives.

After Trump claims ‘we have all the cards,’ Araghchi says, yet to see ‘if US is truly serious’ about diplomacy

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (April 25) said Iranian negotiators could call Washington "anytime they want" after he cancelled a trip by his envoys to peace talks in Pakistan. He also confirmed that calling off the visit did not automatically mean that war with Iran would resume despite the setback in peace efforts.&nbsp;Asked whether the cancellation meant he would restart the war, Trump told Axios: "No. It doesn't mean that. We haven't thought about it yet."&nbsp;The US president also claimed that “there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership’ in the Islamic Republic", leading to confusion about who is in charge in Tehran.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. Too much time wasted on travelling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership’. Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards; they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!," Trump said on Truth Social.&nbsp;The cancellation of American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's trip to Pakistan came at the last moment, minutes after Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Pakistan after wrapping up a diplomatic visit to Islamabad ahead of the expected arrival of the US delegation.&nbsp;Before departing Islamabad, Araghchi met Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key figure in the mediation effort, as well as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.&nbsp;Araghchi, according to an Iranian statement, thanked Pakistan for its efforts but "explained our country's principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the complete end of the imposed war against Iran".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-cancels-witkoff-kushner-trip-to-pakistan-after-iranian-fm-leaves-islamabad-without-meeting-us-envoys-1777134576892">Trump cancels Witkoff, Kushner trip to Pakistan after Iranian FM leaves Islamabad without meeting US Envoys</a>&nbsp;Pakistan’s Dar posted on social media that the meeting with the Iranian delegation lasted around two hours and that Pakistan emphasised "the importance of dialogue and diplomacy".&nbsp;However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei earlier in the day clarified Tehran’s position, saying, “No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran’s observations will be conveyed to Pakistan.”&nbsp;Stating the purpose of the visit, he added, “We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation and good offices for ending the American-imposed war of aggression and restoring peace in our region,” Baqaei posted on X.&nbsp;The meeting between the two warring sides, who have publicly voiced differences, rested on Pakistan’s ability to convince Iran to make concessions to Trump’s demands, which Tehran has already described as excessive after the collapse of the first round of Islamabad talks.&nbsp;The first round of talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and attended by Witkoff and Kushner, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation, collapsed after Iran objected to Washington’s insistence on maintaining sanctions and naval restrictions during negotiations.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Trump confirmed that calling off the Pakistan visit did not automatically mean that war with Iran would resume despite the setback in peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (April 25) said Iranian negotiators could call Washington "anytime they want" after he cancelled a trip by his envoys to peace talks in Pakistan. He also confirmed that calling off the visit did not automatically mean that war with Iran would resume despite the setback in peace efforts. Asked whether the cancellation meant he would restart the war, Trump told Axios: "No. It doesn't mean that. We haven't thought about it yet." The US president also claimed that “there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership’ in the Islamic Republic", leading to confusion about who is in charge in Tehran. "I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians. Too much time wasted on travelling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership’. Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards; they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!," Trump said on Truth Social. The cancellation of American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's trip to Pakistan came at the last moment, minutes after Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Pakistan after wrapping up a diplomatic visit to Islamabad ahead of the expected arrival of the US delegation. Before departing Islamabad, Araghchi met Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key figure in the mediation effort, as well as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Araghchi, according to an Iranian statement, thanked Pakistan for its efforts but "explained our country's principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the complete end of the imposed war against Iran". Also Read: Trump cancels Witkoff, Kushner trip to Pakistan after Iranian FM leaves Islamabad without meeting US Envoys Pakistan’s Dar posted on social media that the meeting with the Iranian delegation lasted around two hours and that Pakistan emphasised "the importance of dialogue and diplomacy". However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei earlier in the day clarified Tehran’s position, saying, “No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran’s observations will be conveyed to Pakistan.” Stating the purpose of the visit, he added, “We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation and good offices for ending the American-imposed war of aggression and restoring peace in our region,” Baqaei posted on X. The meeting between the two warring sides, who have publicly voiced differences, rested on Pakistan’s ability to convince Iran to make concessions to Trump’s demands, which Tehran has already described as excessive after the collapse of the first round of Islamabad talks. The first round of talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and attended by Witkoff and Kushner, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation, collapsed after Iran objected to Washington’s insistence on maintaining sanctions and naval restrictions during negotiations. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Trump confirmed that calling off the Pakistan visit did not automatically mean that war with Iran would resume despite the setback in peace efforts.

Iran can call ‘anytime’: Trump rules out war restart after Araghchi’s departure, prompts US envoys to cancel Pakistan trip

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (April 25) said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment, minutes after Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Pakistan after wrapping up a diplomatic visit to Islamabad ahead of the expected arrival of the US delegation.&nbsp;Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18-hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished.&nbsp;"I’ve told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18-hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing," Trump said.&nbsp;Trump's statement comes after Araghchi departed from Islamabad, where he met Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key figure in the mediation effort, as well as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.&nbsp;Araghchi, according to an Iranian statement, thanked Pakistan for its efforts but "explained our country's principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the complete end of the imposed war against Iran".&nbsp;Pakistan’s Dar posted on social media that the meeting with the Iranian delegation lasted around two hours and that Pakistan emphasised "the importance of dialogue and diplomacy".&nbsp;However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei earlier in the day clarified Tehran’s position, saying, “No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran’s observations will be conveyed to Pakistan.”&nbsp;Stating the purpose of the visit, he added, “We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation and good offices for ending the American-imposed war of aggression and restoring peace in our region,” Baqaei posted on X.&nbsp;The meeting between the two warring sides, who have publicly voiced differences, rested on Pakistan’s ability to convince Iran to make concessions to Trump’s demands, which Tehran has already described as excessive after the collapse of the first round of Islamabad talks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-gunfire-rock-mali-s-capital-other-cities-as-armed-groups-launch-coordinated-attacks-1777132372992">Explosions, gunfire rock Mali’s capital, other cities as armed groups launch coordinated attacks</a>&nbsp;The first round of talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and attended by Witkoff and Kushner, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation, collapsed after Iran objected to Washington’s insistence on maintaining sanctions and naval restrictions during negotiations.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US President continued to escalate his rhetoric on Tehran in his self-styled “art of the deal” approach, claiming that Iran may make a proposal that could satisfy US demands.&nbsp;"They're making an offer, and we'll have to see," Trump said during a phone interview with Reuters on Friday.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Trump's statement comes after Araghchi departed from Islamabad, where he met Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key figure in the mediation effort, as well as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (April 25) said that American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will no longer travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, calling off the planned visit at the last moment, minutes after Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Pakistan after wrapping up a diplomatic visit to Islamabad ahead of the expected arrival of the US delegation. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said it was not worth making an 18-hour journey when talks were unlikely to take place. He added that Iran could reach out to the United States whenever it wished. "I’ve told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18-hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing," Trump said. Trump's statement comes after Araghchi departed from Islamabad, where he met Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key figure in the mediation effort, as well as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Araghchi, according to an Iranian statement, thanked Pakistan for its efforts but "explained our country's principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the complete end of the imposed war against Iran". Pakistan’s Dar posted on social media that the meeting with the Iranian delegation lasted around two hours and that Pakistan emphasised "the importance of dialogue and diplomacy". However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei earlier in the day clarified Tehran’s position, saying, “No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the U.S. Iran’s observations will be conveyed to Pakistan.” Stating the purpose of the visit, he added, “We arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for an official visit. FM Araghchi will be meeting Pakistani high-level officials in concert with their ongoing mediation and good offices for ending the American-imposed war of aggression and restoring peace in our region,” Baqaei posted on X. The meeting between the two warring sides, who have publicly voiced differences, rested on Pakistan’s ability to convince Iran to make concessions to Trump’s demands, which Tehran has already described as excessive after the collapse of the first round of Islamabad talks. Also Read: Explosions, gunfire rock Mali’s capital, other cities as armed groups launch coordinated attacks The first round of talks, led by US Vice President JD Vance and attended by Witkoff and Kushner, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led Tehran’s delegation, collapsed after Iran objected to Washington’s insistence on maintaining sanctions and naval restrictions during negotiations. Meanwhile, the US President continued to escalate his rhetoric on Tehran in his self-styled “art of the deal” approach, claiming that Iran may make a proposal that could satisfy US demands. "They're making an offer, and we'll have to see," Trump said during a phone interview with Reuters on Friday. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Trump's statement comes after Araghchi departed from Islamabad, where he met Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key figure in the mediation effort, as well as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Trump cancels Witkoff, Kushner trip to Pakistan after Iranian FM leaves Islamabad without meeting US Envoys

A group of Republican lawmakers in the US Congress has introduced a bill seeking a three-year pause on the H-1B visa programme, arguing that it is being used to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labour.&nbsp;The proposed “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026”, introduced by Eli Crane, calls for a temporary halt to the programme along with major changes to how visas are issued. The bill proposes cutting the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000, setting a minimum salary threshold of 200,000 dollars, and restricting visa holders from bringing dependents.&nbsp;The move comes months after US President Donald Trump announced a 100,000 dollar fee on fresh H-1B applications, adding to tightening immigration measures.&nbsp;The bill has received backing from several Republican lawmakers, including Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, Andy Ogles, Paul Gosar and Tom McClintock.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kejriwal-anti-women-aap-using-punjab-as-personal-atm-swati-maliwal-after-joining-bjp-1777119647678">Kejriwal ‘anti-women’, AAP using Punjab as ‘personal ATM’: Swati Maliwal after joining BJP</a>&nbsp;The H-1B visa programme is widely used by US companies to hire skilled foreign workers, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. Indian professionals form one of the largest groups of recipients, making the proposed changes significant for India’s workforce abroad.&nbsp;The bill also proposes structural reforms to the programme. It seeks to replace the current lottery system with a wage-based selection process, requiring employers to prioritise higher-paid roles. Companies would need to certify that they are unable to find qualified American workers and that no recent layoffs have taken place.&nbsp;Further, the legislation aims to bar third-party staffing firms from hiring H-1B workers, prevent visa holders from taking multiple jobs, and restrict their transition to permanent residency, reinforcing the temporary nature of the visa.&nbsp;It also calls for barring federal agencies from hiring or sponsoring non-immigrant workers and proposes ending the Optional Practical Training programme.&nbsp;If passed, the bill could significantly reshape the H-1B system, tightening access while increasing scrutiny on employers, and is likely to trigger strong reactions from both the technology industry and immigrant communities.

The move comes months after US President Donald Trump announced a 100,000 dollar fee on fresh H-1B applications, adding to tightening immigration measures.

A group of Republican lawmakers in the US Congress has introduced a bill seeking a three-year pause on the H-1B visa programme, arguing that it is being used to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labour. The proposed “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026”, introduced by Eli Crane, calls for a temporary halt to the programme along with major changes to how visas are issued. The bill proposes cutting the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000, setting a minimum salary threshold of 200,000 dollars, and restricting visa holders from bringing dependents. The move comes months after US President Donald Trump announced a 100,000 dollar fee on fresh H-1B applications, adding to tightening immigration measures. The bill has received backing from several Republican lawmakers, including Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, Andy Ogles, Paul Gosar and Tom McClintock. Also Read: Kejriwal ‘anti-women’, AAP using Punjab as ‘personal ATM’: Swati Maliwal after joining BJP The H-1B visa programme is widely used by US companies to hire skilled foreign workers, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. Indian professionals form one of the largest groups of recipients, making the proposed changes significant for India’s workforce abroad. The bill also proposes structural reforms to the programme. It seeks to replace the current lottery system with a wage-based selection process, requiring employers to prioritise higher-paid roles. Companies would need to certify that they are unable to find qualified American workers and that no recent layoffs have taken place. Further, the legislation aims to bar third-party staffing firms from hiring H-1B workers, prevent visa holders from taking multiple jobs, and restrict their transition to permanent residency, reinforcing the temporary nature of the visa. It also calls for barring federal agencies from hiring or sponsoring non-immigrant workers and proposes ending the Optional Practical Training programme. If passed, the bill could significantly reshape the H-1B system, tightening access while increasing scrutiny on employers, and is likely to trigger strong reactions from both the technology industry and immigrant communities.

The move comes months after US President Donald Trump announced a 100,000 dollar fee on fresh H-1B applications, adding to tightening immigration measures.

US Republicans moves bill to pause H-1B visas for 3 years, propose major overhaul

US President Donald Trump again launched his racist tirade on Friday evening against Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and conservative podcaster Candace Owens. In his intensifying rhetoric against the “anti-war” camp, he called both his political opponent and former ally “low-IQ” individuals in a social media post on his platform, Truth Social. He referred to Jeffries as “High Tax” Jeffries and shared a doctored graphic of Candace Owens on the front page of Time Magazine with the tag line, “Vile Person of the Year”."Candace Owens’ stock, which was never very high, has fallen a long way. Her attack on the First Lady of France is despicable. I believe, in this case, without verification, she is an extremely Low IQ individual!" wrote Trump in the post. The podcaster has been facing a defamation lawsuit from France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron and President Emanuel Macron for allegations against the First Lady of secretly being a transgender. The doctored picture of the Time Magazine cover also featured taglines accusing her of “using rich white men” and protecting “sex offenders.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everest-serac-blocks-route-khumbu-icefall-climbers-delayed-1777098987098">Frozen threat above as 400+ climbers remain stuck in Everest base camp</a>

Just minutes after this post, Trump changed his target to Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whom he had already targeted as a “low IQ” man. Trump dubbed him "Hakeem 'High Tax' Jeffries," claiming he is "not smart enough" to lead the Democratic Party or the country. He attacked Jeffries for criticising the administration's military actions in Iran, arguing that such "ranting and raving" hurts US negotiations.&nbsp;“Hakeem ‘High Tax’ Jeffries is a low-IQ individual who is not smart enough to be ‘running’ the Democrat Party, and certainly not smart enough to be involved in running the United States of America,” wrote Trump in his post. Trump derided “high tax” and “open border” policies responsible for almost destroying the US.&nbsp;Jeffries hit back at Trump, mocking him if he was going to charge rent “for space I am occupying in your head?” Former Congresswoman and once a Trump loyalist, Marjorie Taylor Greene, called it a “cruel post”, something “Laura Loomer would conjure up” while giving Trump “talking points, policy decisions, and political advice.”

Donald Trump launches fresh attacks on Hakeem Jeffries and Candace Owens, calling them “low IQ” in a series of Truth Social posts

US President Donald Trump again launched his racist tirade on Friday evening against Senate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and conservative podcaster Candace Owens. In his intensifying rhetoric against the “anti-war” camp, he called both his political opponent and former ally “low-IQ” individuals in a social media post on his platform, Truth Social. He referred to Jeffries as “High Tax” Jeffries and shared a doctored graphic of Candace Owens on the front page of Time Magazine with the tag line, “Vile Person of the Year”. "Candace Owens’ stock, which was never very high, has fallen a long way. Her attack on the First Lady of France is despicable. I believe, in this case, without verification, she is an extremely Low IQ individual!" wrote Trump in the post. The podcaster has been facing a defamation lawsuit from France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron and President Emanuel Macron for allegations against the First Lady of secretly being a transgender. The doctored picture of the Time Magazine cover also featured taglines accusing her of “using rich white men” and protecting “sex offenders.” Also Read: Frozen threat above as 400+ climbers remain stuck in Everest base camp

Donald Trump launches fresh attacks on Hakeem Jeffries and Candace Owens, calling them “low IQ” in a series of Truth Social posts

Trump calls Jeffries and Candace Owens 'Low IQ' in late-night Truth Social rant

US President Donald Trump wants the 2020 US Presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden, completely struck from history. On Friday (Apr 24), the Republican leader called for the election results to be "permanently wiped from the books" if the civil rights organisation is found guilty of secretly funnelling millions of dollars to the white supremacist groups it publicly claims to oppose.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-doj-working-at-warp-speed-to-strip-hundreds-of-naturalised-americans-of-us-citizenship-1777080057606">Trump DOJ working at 'warp speed' to strip hundreds of Americans of US citizenship. Are you at risk?</a><h2>A sore loser?</h2>Calling the Southern Poverty Law Centre "one of the greatest political scams in American History", Trump wrote on Truth Social that the organisation "has been charged with FRAUD".Calling it "another Democrat Hoax, along with Act Blue, and many others," he demanded, "If it is true, the 2020 Presidential Election should be permanently wiped from the books and be of no further force or effect!". However, Trump offered no basis for how a fraud conviction against a nonprofit organisation relates to a presidential election result.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/resurrecting-the-dead-shocking-reason-iran-just-pulled-30-year-old-ghost-ship-nasha-out-of-retirement-us-blockade-kharg-island-strait-of-hormuz-1777101002709">Resurrecting the dead: Why has Iran pulled 'ghost ship' Nasha out of retirement? Shocking reason REVEALED</a><h2>SPLC indictment and charges against the NGO</h2>The SPLC was indicted Tuesday (Apr 21) on charges of wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors allege that between 2014 and 2023, the organisation secretly paid approximately $3 million to individuals connected to or embedded within extremist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan, the American Nazi Party, the National Socialist Movement, United Klans of America and the organisers of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.The SPLC has long maintained a network of paid confidential informants inside violent extremist organisations, a practice it says is essential to tracking and exposing those groups. The indictment does not dispute that informants existed; it challenges how they were paid and what they were paid to do.SPLC CEO Bryan Fair said the organisation was being targeted for its use of confidential informants, a standard law enforcement tool, and suggested the prosecution was politically motivated.

Can a past US election really be “wiped from history”? That’s what Donald Trump is now demanding, linking the 2020 result to fraud charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center.

But what’s the actual connection? Scroll down to find out.

US President Donald Trump wants the 2020 US Presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden, completely struck from history. On Friday (Apr 24), the Republican leader called for the election results to be "permanently wiped from the books" if the civil rights organisation is found guilty of secretly funnelling millions of dollars to the white supremacist groups it publicly claims to oppose. Also read | Trump DOJ working at 'warp speed' to strip hundreds of Americans of US citizenship. Are you at risk? A sore loser? Calling the Southern Poverty Law Centre "one of the greatest political scams in American History", Trump wrote on Truth Social that the organisation "has been charged with FRAUD". Calling it "another Democrat Hoax, along with Act Blue, and many others," he demanded, "If it is true, the 2020 Presidential Election should be permanently wiped from the books and be of no further force or effect!". However, Trump offered no basis for how a fraud conviction against a nonprofit organisation relates to a presidential election result.

Can a past US election really be “wiped from history”? That’s what Donald Trump is now demanding, linking the 2020 result to fraud charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center.But what’s the actual connection? Scroll down to find out.

'Another Democrat Hoax': Trump demands 2020 election be 'wiped from the books' after SPLC bombshell

The Trump administration is reportedly moving to strengthen the application of the death penalty as part of a broader policy push linked to ongoing drug shortages affecting execution protocols in the United States. The move is expected to reignite national debate over capital punishment, legal ethics, and pharmaceutical supply constraints, while raising fresh questions about how states carry out executions under changing regulatory and supply conditions.


Trump Administration Seeks to Bolster Death Penalty Over Execution Drug Shortage

Hours after the Justice Department announced it was lifting the federal moratorium on capital punishment and reinstating firing squad executions, Pope Leo XIV, in a pointed video message, condemned the death penalty. The timing of the video left little ambiguity about where the Pope stood, or who he was addressing. "The dignity of the person is not lost even after very serious crimes are committed," Leo said in a message sent to DePaul University, a Catholic institution in his native Chicago, marking the 15th anniversary of Illinois abolishing capital punishment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-weird-stuff-happens-us-navy-sailor-headed-to-strait-of-hormuz-for-trump-s-minesweeping-mission-attacked-by-monkey-1777009414675">'Weird stuff happens': Monkey temporarily derails Trump's 'shoot and kill' mission in Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>What did the Pope say?</h2>In a pointed message, the head of the Catholic Church, who in recent days has been engaged in a very public feud with US President Donald Trump, highlighted that every life is sacred. "The Catholic Church has consistently taught that each human life, from the moment of conception until natural death, is sacred and deserves to be protected. Indeed, the right to life is the very foundation of every other human right," he said.Acknowledging that those who commit a crime need to be punished, he suggested that instead of such hardline penalties, methods that protect the citizens while giving the guilty a shot at "redemption" could be embraced. "Furthermore, effective systems of detention can be and have been developed that protect citizens while at the same time do not completely deprive those who are guilty of the possibility of redemption."The pope also invoked his predecessors to make clear this wasn't just a personal opinion. "Pope Francis and my recent predecessors repeatedly insisted that the common good can be safeguarded and the requirements of justice can be met without recourse to capital punishment," he said. "The church teaches that the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-die-with-a-smile-healthy-uk-mother-who-lost-son-to-freak-accident-chooses-assisted-suicide-over-living-without-him-1777017520511">'Die with a smile': Healthy UK mother chooses assisted suicide because of THIS heartbreaking reason</a><h2>US and firing squad punishment</h2>The remarks landed on the same day Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally announced the end of a Biden-era moratorium on federal executions, announcing the return of capital punishment, including by firing squad. Blanche also blamed the previous administration for failing to pursue "the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child murderers, and cop killers." There had been no federal executions during Biden's presidency or in the first 15 months of Trump's second term. The last federal execution took place in the final days of Trump's first administration.

As Donald Trump’s administration lifts the moratorium and brings back firing squads, the Pope has issued a sharp moral rebuke, calling the death penalty “inadmissible.”

What exactly did he say, and why does it matter now? Scroll down to find out.

Hours after the Justice Department announced it was lifting the federal moratorium on capital punishment and reinstating firing squad executions, Pope Leo XIV, in a pointed video message, condemned the death penalty. The timing of the video left little ambiguity about where the Pope stood, or who he was addressing. "The dignity of the person is not lost even after very serious crimes are committed," Leo said in a message sent to DePaul University, a Catholic institution in his native Chicago, marking the 15th anniversary of Illinois abolishing capital punishment. Also read | 'Weird stuff happens': Monkey temporarily derails Trump's 'shoot and kill' mission in Strait of Hormuz What did the Pope say? In a pointed message, the head of the Catholic Church, who in recent days has been engaged in a very public feud with US President Donald Trump, highlighted that every life is sacred. "The Catholic Church has consistently taught that each human life, from the moment of conception until natural death, is sacred and deserves to be protected. Indeed, the right to life is the very foundation of every other human right," he said. Acknowledging that those who commit a crime need to be punished, he suggested that instead of such hardline penalties, methods that protect the citizens while giving the guilty a shot at "redemption" could be embraced. "Furthermore, effective systems of detention can be and have been developed that protect citizens while at the same time do not completely deprive those who are guilty of the possibility of redemption." The pope also invoked his predecessors to make clear this wasn't just a personal opinion. "Pope Francis and my recent predecessors repeatedly insisted that the common good can be safeguarded and the requirements of justice can be met without recourse to capital punishment," he said. "The church teaches that the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person." Also read | 'Die with a smile': Healthy UK mother chooses assisted suicide because of THIS heartbreaking reason US and firing squad punishment The remarks landed on the same day Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally announced the end of a Biden-era moratorium on federal executions, announcing the return of capital punishment, including by firing squad. Blanche also blamed the previous administration for failing to pursue "the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child murderers, and cop killers." There had been no federal executions during Biden's presidency or in the first 15 months of Trump's second term. The last federal execution took place in the final days of Trump's first administration.

As Donald Trump’s administration lifts the moratorium and brings back firing squads, the Pope has issued a sharp moral rebuke, calling the death penalty “inadmissible.”What exactly did he say, and why does it matter now? Scroll down to find out.

'Attack on dignity': Pope Leo XIV takes fresh swipe at Trump; the most explosive moment yet in their public feud

Even as U.S. President Donald Trump has described the Hormuz blockade as a 'tremendous success', the ground reality paints a different picture. As per cargo tracking group 'Vortexa', at least 34 tankers linked to Iran have bypassed the U.S. blockade since it began. 


Trump Authorises US Navy to Target Iranian Fast Boats in Hormuz

Market manipulation allegations have resurfaced on bets placed just before key announcements under President Trump’s second term. When asked, Trump criticised the rise in betting on global events but said the world has become “somewhat of a casino.”


Trump: World Has Become Somewhat of a Casino 

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated after American forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel named Touska. According to Iran, the ship was carrying medical supplies, while U.S. officials allege possible dual-use cargo and a violation of maritime restrictions. The incident has further intensified diplomatic strain, raising concerns over maritime security, sanctions enforcement, and the already fragile US-Iran relationship amid ongoing regional instability.


US-Iran War: Iranian-Flagged Ship Seized by US Forces | Iran Claims Medical Supplies on Board |

Trump Administration Moves to Strengthen Death Penalty Amid Drug Shortage Policy Push 

The Justice Department is actively pursuing at least 300 foreign-born American citizens as potential targets for denaturalisation, the legal process of stripping someone of their US citizenship, in what may be the highest volume of such cases in the country's history. Talking to NBC News, a Justice Department official confirmed that the number of people under review runs into the hundreds. A department spokesperson said the effort was moving "at warp speed," adding that the administration was "pursuing the highest volume of denaturalisation referrals in history" under the leadership of US President Donald Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-weird-stuff-happens-us-navy-sailor-headed-to-strait-of-hormuz-for-trump-s-minesweeping-mission-attacked-by-monkey-1777009414675">'Weird stuff happens': Monkey temporarily derails Trump's 'shoot and kill' mission in Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>US 'laser focused on rooting out criminal aliens'</h2>The DOJ official confirmed that federal prosecutors in field offices across America were working on the effort. "The Department of Justice is laser-focused on rooting out criminal aliens defrauding the naturalisation process," said the unnamed official. "Under the leadership of President Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Department is pursuing the highest volume of denaturalisation referrals in history. We are moving at warp speed to ensure fraudsters are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent."Denaturalisation has historically been an exceptionally rare legal tool, reserved for cases where someone concealed a serious criminal history, like war crimes, human rights violations, or fraud during the naturalisation process. Across the entirety of Trump's first term, the administration filed a total of 102 such cases. The current push is on track to dwarf that figure within months.US Citizenship and Immigration Services has deployed experts to field offices across the country and reassigned staff specifically to identify potential cases, to supply between 100 and 200 referrals per month to the Justice Department for prosecution. Federal prosecutors in field offices nationwide are working through the caseload.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-use-nuclear-weapons-against-tehran-trump-finally-reveals-his-plan-on-day-55-of-iran-war-1776996331952">US to use nuclear weapons against Tehran? Trump FINALLY REVEALS his plan on day 55 of Iran war</a><h2>Which naturalised citizens is the Trump admin targeting?</h2>The Justice Department has outlined the types of cases it wants attorneys to prioritise, from individuals who pose national security risks or have been involved in war crimes or torture, to those accused of Medicaid and Medicare fraud or other forms of government fraud. It remains unclear which specific criteria apply to the roughly 300 people currently identified, or why they were singled out. The New York Times first reported the figure.The denaturalisation drive sits within a much broader immigration enforcement push that has defined Trump's second term. This, over the past year, has included mass deportation operations, large-scale ICE deployments into American cities, and the construction of detention facilities.<h2>How many naturalised citizens does the US have?</h2>Roughly 800,000 people become naturalised US citizens each year, according to Homeland Security data.

Why is the US government moving to strip citizenship from hundreds of people? Under Donald Trump, the Justice Department is fast-tracking denaturalisation cases, with at least 300 individuals under review.

Who’s being targeted? Is your citizenship at risk? Scroll down to find out.

The Justice Department is actively pursuing at least 300 foreign-born American citizens as potential targets for denaturalisation, the legal process of stripping someone of their US citizenship, in what may be the highest volume of such cases in the country's history. Talking to NBC News, a Justice Department official confirmed that the number of people under review runs into the hundreds. A department spokesperson said the effort was moving "at warp speed," adding that the administration was "pursuing the highest volume of denaturalisation referrals in history" under the leadership of US President Donald Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Also read | 'Weird stuff happens': Monkey temporarily derails Trump's 'shoot and kill' mission in Strait of Hormuz US 'laser focused on rooting out criminal aliens' The DOJ official confirmed that federal prosecutors in field offices across America were working on the effort. "The Department of Justice is laser-focused on rooting out criminal aliens defrauding the naturalisation process," said the unnamed official. "Under the leadership of President Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Department is pursuing the highest volume of denaturalisation referrals in history. We are moving at warp speed to ensure fraudsters are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent." Denaturalisation has historically been an exceptionally rare legal tool, reserved for cases where someone concealed a serious criminal history, like war crimes, human rights violations, or fraud during the naturalisation process. Across the entirety of Trump's first term, the administration filed a total of 102 such cases. The current push is on track to dwarf that figure within months. US Citizenship and Immigration Services has deployed experts to field offices across the country and reassigned staff specifically to identify potential cases, to supply between 100 and 200 referrals per month to the Justice Department for prosecution. Federal prosecutors in field offices nationwide are working through the caseload. Also read | US to use nuclear weapons against Tehran? Trump FINALLY REVEALS his plan on day 55 of Iran war Which naturalised citizens is the Trump admin targeting? The Justice Department has outlined the types of cases it wants attorneys to prioritise, from individuals who pose national security risks or have been involved in war crimes or torture, to those accused of Medicaid and Medicare fraud or other forms of government fraud. It remains unclear which specific criteria apply to the roughly 300 people currently identified, or why they were singled out. The New York Times first reported the figure. The denaturalisation drive sits within a much broader immigration enforcement push that has defined Trump's second term. This, over the past year, has included mass deportation operations, large-scale ICE deployments into American cities, and the construction of detention facilities. How many naturalised citizens does the US have? Roughly 800,000 people become naturalised US citizens each year, according to Homeland Security data.

Why is the US government moving to strip citizenship from hundreds of people? Under Donald Trump, the Justice Department is fast-tracking denaturalisation cases, with at least 300 individuals under review.Who’s being targeted? Is your citizenship at risk? Scroll down to find out.

Trump DOJ working at 'warp speed' to strip hundreds of Americans of US citizenship. Are you at risk?

Donald Trump has strongly criticized a United States Supreme Court decision on tariffs, warning it could cost the country as much as $159 billion in repayments. In a social media post, Trump said the ruling would force the United States to return substantial sums to companies that had previously paid tariffs, describing the decision as “horrible and ridiculous."&nbsp;“People and companies that have taken advantage of our country for decades… are now supposed to be given back $159 billion," he wrote. Trump argued that a small change in the court’s language could have avoided the repayments. “All they had to do was one little half sentence… and our country would be $159 billion richer," he said. He added that the figure surpasses the economic size of many nations, emphasizing what he sees as the magnitude of the impact.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-talks-iran-s-fm-abbas-araghchi-arrives-in-islamabad-for-second-round-talks-1777055882465">US-Iran peace negotiations: Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for second round talks</a>

The remarks come amid ongoing debates over US trade policy and court rulings affecting tariffs, which carry major implications for government revenue, global trade relations, and domestic industries. While the specific Supreme Court decision was not detailed in Trump’s post, his comments underscore continuing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over trade-related issues.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-terror-link-exposed-fresh-visuals-raise-questions-over-pakistan-s-terror-links-1777050491182/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-terror-link-exposed-fresh-visuals-raise-questions-over-pakistan-s-terror-links-1777050491182/embed</a>&nbsp;On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “People and Companies that have taken advantage of our Country for decades, because of the horrible and ridiculous United States Supreme Court decision on Tariffs, are now supposed to be given back 159 Billion Dollars. All they had to do was one little half sentence, “that the United States does not have to pay back monies that were already paid” — and our Country would be 159 Billion Dollars richer. That’s more than most Countries are worth! Think of it — Just one half sentence, and we would have saved 159 Billion Dollars. Couldn’t they have done that for our Nation? President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Donald Trump slams a US Supreme Court tariff ruling, claiming it could cost $159 billion in repayments and intensify debates over trade policy

Donald Trump has strongly criticized a United States Supreme Court decision on tariffs, warning it could cost the country as much as $159 billion in repayments. In a social media post, Trump said the ruling would force the United States to return substantial sums to companies that had previously paid tariffs, describing the decision as “horrible and ridiculous." “People and companies that have taken advantage of our country for decades… are now supposed to be given back $159 billion," he wrote. Trump argued that a small change in the court’s language could have avoided the repayments. “All they had to do was one little half sentence… and our country would be $159 billion richer," he said. He added that the figure surpasses the economic size of many nations, emphasizing what he sees as the magnitude of the impact. Also Read: US-Iran peace negotiations: Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Islamabad for second round talks

Donald Trump has slammed the Supreme Court's tariff ruling, claiming it could cost the US $159 billion and spark a major debate over trade policy

Trump: 'One little half sentence' and ridiculous Supreme Court ruling on tariffs could have saved US $159 billion

As per reports, U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan was ousted because he spoke truth to power. He reportedly suggested to U.S. President Donald Trump that European shipyards should be used to build Trump-class warships owing to a lack of domestic ability. However, Trump turned down this suggestion leading to an increase in their differences.


Differences Over Trump-class Warships, US Navy Secy Told Reportedly Trump Reality on Shipbuilding Capacity

The US is preparing for another round of high-stakes diplomacy as Donald Trump dispatches key envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, to Islamabad for talks linked to Iran. The move comes as ceasefire efforts hang in the balance, with Abbas Araghchi also expected in the region. While hopes for progress remain, uncertainty persists over whether direct negotiations will actually take place.


Iran With 'No Navy' Defies Blockade, US Fails to Break Iran's Stranglehold Over Strait of Hormuz

Senior Iranian cleric Ali Shirazi has said that US President Donald Trump must apologise to Iranians over the killing of Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. Ali Shirazi, who is head of the ideological-political organisation of Iran’s police, said Trump “must apologise to the Iranian people and admit before the world that killing our leader was a mistake.”&nbsp;Shirazi further said that hostility toward Israel is “a Quranic and unchangeable principle” and warned that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to deliver a strong response to any enemy action.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/raghav-chadha-2-other-mps-quit-aam-aadmi-party-announce-split-with-2-3rd-mps-to-join-bjp-1777026936391">Raghav Chadha, 2 other MPs quit Aam Aadmi Party, announce split with 2/3rd MPs joining BJP</a><h2>‘Hostility toward Israel is a Quranic and unchangeable principle’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Ali Khamenei was assassinated on Feb. 28 in Tehran in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting high-ranking Iranian officials. The Iranian government confirmed his death on March 1.&nbsp;Ali Khamenei’s daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law and daughter-in-law were also killed in the strikes. His son Mojtaba Khamenei was subsequently appointed Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts on March 8, 2026.&nbsp;Shirazi’s demand for an apology is unlikely to be met as officials in Washington see Khamenei’s killing as a strategic success.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-clock-is-ticking-for-iran-says-trump-as-third-us-aircraft-carrier-arrives-in-middle-east-1776976041893">‘Clock is ticking for Iran,’ says Trump as third US aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East</a>&nbsp;After the Feb 28 strikes, Trump had posted on Truth Social that Israel, with US support, had killed Khamenei. “He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump wrote in the post.&nbsp;The US president has since repeatedly claimed that the Iranian regime is “fractured”, pointing to tensions between hardliners and the moderate faction now engaged in negotiations for peace.Shirazi, however, said that elements within Iran’s security establishment remain uncompromising.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-talks-with-iran-appeasement-says-reza-pahlavi-appeals-western-countries-to-join-war-against-iran-1776970307677">‘Talks with Iran appeasement,’ says Reza Pahlavi, appeals Western countries to join war against Iran</a><h2>Iran risks ‘historic error’ in reading Trump, says former US envoy</h2>&nbsp;Former US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, said on Thursday that Iran is misjudging President Donald Trump’s commitment to victory. He warned that expecting Trump to “blink” would be a mistake of “historic dimensions.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intercepts-iranian-oil-tankers-in-asian-waters-away-from-strait-of-hormuz-sources-1776962536156">US intercepts Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters, away from Strait of Hormuz: Sources</a>&nbsp;“Iran is grossly misjudging the President of the United States’ commitment to victory against Iran. It thinks President Trump will blink because The New York Times says so. This will be an error of historic dimensions,” he posted on X.

Ali Khamenei was assassinated on Feb. 28 in Tehran in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting high-ranking Iranian officials. The Iranian government confirmed his death on March 1. Ali Khamenei’s daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law were also killed in the strikes.

Senior Iranian cleric Ali Shirazi has said that US President Donald Trump must apologise to Iranians over the killing of Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. Ali Shirazi, who is head of the ideological-political organisation of Iran’s police, said Trump “must apologise to the Iranian people and admit before the world that killing our leader was a mistake.” Shirazi further said that hostility toward Israel is “a Quranic and unchangeable principle” and warned that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to deliver a strong response to any enemy action. Also Read: Raghav Chadha, 2 other MPs quit Aam Aadmi Party, announce split with 2/3rd MPs joining BJP ‘Hostility toward Israel is a Quranic and unchangeable principle’ Ali Khamenei was assassinated on Feb. 28 in Tehran in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting high-ranking Iranian officials. The Iranian government confirmed his death on March 1. Ali Khamenei’s daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law and daughter-in-law were also killed in the strikes. His son Mojtaba Khamenei was subsequently appointed Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts on March 8, 2026. Shirazi’s demand for an apology is unlikely to be met as officials in Washington see Khamenei’s killing as a strategic success. Also Read: ‘Clock is ticking for Iran,’ says Trump as third US aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East After the Feb 28 strikes, Trump had posted on Truth Social that Israel, with US support, had killed Khamenei. “He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump wrote in the post. The US president has since repeatedly claimed that the Iranian regime is “fractured”, pointing to tensions between hardliners and the moderate faction now engaged in negotiations for peace. Shirazi, however, said that elements within Iran’s security establishment remain uncompromising. Also Read: ‘Talks with Iran appeasement,’ says Reza Pahlavi, appeals Western countries to join war against Iran Iran risks ‘historic error’ in reading Trump, says former US envoy Former US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, said on Thursday that Iran is misjudging President Donald Trump’s commitment to victory. He warned that expecting Trump to “blink” would be a mistake of “historic dimensions.” Also Read: US intercepts Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters, away from Strait of Hormuz: Sources “Iran is grossly misjudging the President of the United States’ commitment to victory against Iran. It thinks President Trump will blink because The New York Times says so. This will be an error of historic dimensions,” he posted on X.

Ali Khamenei was assassinated on Feb. 28 in Tehran in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting high-ranking Iranian officials. The Iranian government confirmed his death on March 1. Ali Khamenei’s daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law were also killed in the strikes.

Iran cleric wants Trump to apologise over Ali Khamenei killing, admit ‘mistake’ before world

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to rise as Iran claims it has received its first revenue from transit tolls imposed on vessels passing through the strategic waterway. The move comes amid heightened uncertainty linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict and concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.


US vs Iran: Trump Claims US Has Total Control Over Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that the administration is considering a federal takeover of the struggling budget carrier, Spirit Airlines, if they find a reasonable price for it. The President confirmed this interest in offering Spirit Airlines a lifeline as the oil prices rise to $110 per barrel. The President did not clarify how it is going to happen, but it is exploring a rare direct intervention in the private sector to prevent Spirit from liquidating.&nbsp;“Spirit is an airline that has had some trouble,” Trump said. “They have some good aircraft, some good assets, and when the price of oil goes down, we’d sell it for a profit.<h2>How does the Trump administration plan to rescue Spirit Airlines?</h2>A lawyer told a US Bankruptcy Court that the airline was in advanced talks with the U.S. government on a financing deal that would allow Spirit to emerge from Chapter 11 protection. The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg both reported that an amount of $500 million would give the government a sizeable part, at least 90 per cent ownership of the airline. It is likely to save nearly 18,000 jobs. However, aviation experts and other analysts suggest that its an waste of the taxpayers' dollars and if the investors, shareholders and creditors cannot run Spirit Airlines profitably, then the US government will also eventually fail. Republican Senator Tom Cotton and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren both have expressed scepticism about investing taxpayer dollars to stage a private bailout. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-ai-theft-distillation-trump-beijing-summit-1777012695107">What is distilling? US accuses China of ​industrial-scale AI system theft</a><h2>Why does Spirit Airlines require a bailout?</h2>The recent energy crisis due to the US war on Iran and the rising prices of jet fuel had tipped it over the edge. This might be the phase of many such corporate bankruptcies and mergers across the US and the globe. Though Spirit's financial health deteriorated following the legacy debt, not just recent geopolitical developments. It was grappling with a massive $7.4 billion debt and lease obligation, and had already filed two Chapter 11 bankruptcies in two years, in November 2024 and August 2025. It had already restructured its debts to stay afloat and was contemplating a merger in 2024. The Trump administration blamed the Biden administration for not allowing Spirit Airlines to merge with JetBlue, which would have allowed it to stabilise the debt but would have driven up the airfare for passengers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a rare move, Donald Trump has signalled that the US government could step in to rescue Spirit Airlines through a potential federal takeover. With rising oil prices and mounting debt, the airline’s future hangs in the balance, but critics warn it could burden taxpayers.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that the administration is considering a federal takeover of the struggling budget carrier, Spirit Airlines, if they find a reasonable price for it. The President confirmed this interest in offering Spirit Airlines a lifeline as the oil prices rise to $110 per barrel. The President did not clarify how it is going to happen, but it is exploring a rare direct intervention in the private sector to prevent Spirit from liquidating. “Spirit is an airline that has had some trouble,” Trump said. “They have some good aircraft, some good assets, and when the price of oil goes down, we’d sell it for a profit. How does the Trump administration plan to rescue Spirit Airlines? A lawyer told a US Bankruptcy Court that the airline was in advanced talks with the U.S. government on a financing deal that would allow Spirit to emerge from Chapter 11 protection. The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg both reported that an amount of $500 million would give the government a sizeable part, at least 90 per cent ownership of the airline. It is likely to save nearly 18,000 jobs. However, aviation experts and other analysts suggest that its an waste of the taxpayers' dollars and if the investors, shareholders and creditors cannot run Spirit Airlines profitably, then the US government will also eventually fail. Republican Senator Tom Cotton and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren both have expressed scepticism about investing taxpayer dollars to stage a private bailout. Also Read: What is distilling? US accuses China of industrial-scale AI system theft Why does Spirit Airlines require a bailout? The recent energy crisis due to the US war on Iran and the rising prices of jet fuel had tipped it over the edge. This might be the phase of many such corporate bankruptcies and mergers across the US and the globe. Though Spirit's financial health deteriorated following the legacy debt, not just recent geopolitical developments. It was grappling with a massive $7.4 billion debt and lease obligation, and had already filed two Chapter 11 bankruptcies in two years, in November 2024 and August 2025. It had already restructured its debts to stay afloat and was contemplating a merger in 2024. The Trump administration blamed the Biden administration for not allowing Spirit Airlines to merge with JetBlue, which would have allowed it to stabilise the debt but would have driven up the airfare for passengers.

In a rare move, Donald Trump has signalled that the US government could step in to rescue Spirit Airlines through a potential federal takeover. With rising oil prices and mounting debt, the airline’s future hangs in the balance, but critics warn it could burden taxpayers.

‘I think we just buy it'- Trump suggests federal take over of Spirit Airlines as oil prices push it to bankruptcy

President Trump announced that U.S. forces intercepted a ship carrying a "gift" from China to Iran, alleging it contained undesirable materials, without providing details on the cargo or location. This move, amid a U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, heightened tensions despite China denying the claim.


US President Trump Withholds Details on Seized Ship From China To Iran

Ukrainian officials have reportedly proposed to rename a part of the Donbas region, which is coveted by Russia, to “Donnyland” as a nod to US President Donald Trump’s efforts against Moscow. The moniker is a reference to “Donbas” and “Donald”. According to a report, officials in Kyiv have repeatedly brought up the idea of Donnyland to the US. This comes as the war in Ukraine continues for more than four years, with Russia capturing the vast majority of Donbas and continuing to seek control of Donetsk.According to a New York Times report, citing people familiar with the negotiations, the renaming of Donbas was a part of an effort to convince the Trump administration to put more pressure on Russia’s territorial demands. Although there has been no official document suggesting the move. Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to continue fighting until Russian forces seize a key administrative boundary on the edge of the Donbas, the industrial region in eastern Ukraine where Russia first began waging war in 2014.The report added that the proposed “Donnyland” would cover an area of about 50 miles long and 40 miles wide in northeastern Donetsk, where Ukrainian forces have maintained a strong defensive belt despite sustained Russian offensives. Kyiv envisions the zone as a fortified buffer, reducing the risk of deeper incursions while buying time for longer-term security arrangements.The proposal for Donnyland even went as far as a negotiator creating its flag, coloured green and gold, and a national anthem using ChatGPT, the report added. It is not clear whether the US side saw these symbols.Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have also explored a “Monaco model” for the region, referencing the Mediterranean city-state, in which a semi-autonomous entity with economic incentives is designed to stabilise the area while keeping it aligned with Ukraine.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stressed the importance of US support, saying that the only man who can end the war in Ukraine is Trump. “I trust President Trump because he’s the president of the United States, because your people, your people voted for him, and I respect their choice, and I will work with President Trump,” Zelensky told NBC’s “Meet the Press” earlier this year.However, broader negotiations over the future of Donbas have stalled in recent months, since the US waged war on Iran.

Ukraine has floated renaming part of Donbas as “Donnyland” to win over US President Donald Trump and push back against Russia, as stalled talks cloud the region’s future.

Ukrainian officials have reportedly proposed to rename a part of the Donbas region, which is coveted by Russia, to “Donnyland” as a nod to US President Donald Trump’s efforts against Moscow. The moniker is a reference to “Donbas” and “Donald”. According to a report, officials in Kyiv have repeatedly brought up the idea of Donnyland to the US. This comes as the war in Ukraine continues for more than four years, with Russia capturing the vast majority of Donbas and continuing to seek control of Donetsk. According to a New York Times report, citing people familiar with the negotiations, the renaming of Donbas was a part of an effort to convince the Trump administration to put more pressure on Russia’s territorial demands. Although there has been no official document suggesting the move. Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to continue fighting until Russian forces seize a key administrative boundary on the edge of the Donbas, the industrial region in eastern Ukraine where Russia first began waging war in 2014. The report added that the proposed “Donnyland” would cover an area of about 50 miles long and 40 miles wide in northeastern Donetsk, where Ukrainian forces have maintained a strong defensive belt despite sustained Russian offensives. Kyiv envisions the zone as a fortified buffer, reducing the risk of deeper incursions while buying time for longer-term security arrangements. The proposal for Donnyland even went as far as a negotiator creating its flag, coloured green and gold, and a national anthem using ChatGPT, the report added. It is not clear whether the US side saw these symbols. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have also explored a “Monaco model” for the region, referencing the Mediterranean city-state, in which a semi-autonomous entity with economic incentives is designed to stabilise the area while keeping it aligned with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stressed the importance of US support, saying that the only man who can end the war in Ukraine is Trump. “I trust President Trump because he’s the president of the United States, because your people, your people voted for him, and I respect their choice, and I will work with President Trump,” Zelensky told NBC’s “Meet the Press” earlier this year. However, broader negotiations over the future of Donbas have stalled in recent months, since the US waged war on Iran.

Ukraine has floated renaming part of Donbas as “Donnyland” to win over US President Donald Trump and push back against Russia, as stalled talks cloud the region’s future.

‘Donnyland’: Ukraine floats idea of renaming part of Donbas to flatter Trump

The Donald Trump administration has escalated tensions in the ongoing US-Iran War after ordering the United States Navy to strike Iranian boats accused of laying mines and disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.

US-Iran War: US President Orders Military to Hit Iranian Boats Choking Strait 

Uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified following remarks by Donald Trump and Marco Rubio, who flagged potential security and entry concerns. Earlier, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had suggested the idea of Italy stepping in as a replacement for Iran. Responding to the suggestion at the White House, Trump said he had not given it much thought but might consider it later.&nbsp;"I don't think about it too much... Let me gie that a little thought," Trump told the media at the White House.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rubio, however, addressed the issue more directly and stated that the United States has not officially blocked Iran’s team from attending the tournament. According to him, the issue is less about the players and more about additional personnel, some of whom may have links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, potentially complicating entry approvals.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nothing from the US has told them that they can't come. The problem with Iran would not be the athletes but some other people they would want to bring, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in... They decide not to come on their own because they decided not to come, but they can't bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers," he said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-we-should-have-batted-better-mi-skipper-hardik-pandya-on-103-run-loss-to-csk-1777003667033">IPL 2026 | ‘We should have batted better’: MI skipper Hardik Pandya on 103-run loss to CSK</a>&nbsp;These remarks add to growing doubts over Iran’s participation in the expanded 48-team tournament.&nbsp;The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest in the competition’s history, featuring 104 matches. The opening game is planned for Mexico City, with the final scheduled in New Jersey.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/get-serious-about-tests-bcci-tells-team-india-indian-cricket-board-asks-bumrah-to-play-all-wtc-games-report-1776955485833">BCCI tells India to get serious about Tests; asks Bumrah to play all WTC games</a>&nbsp;Iran has already secured qualification and is currently placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with matches expected to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle.&nbsp;Despite the uncertainty, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran remains part of the tournament lineup for now.

Iran have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and are placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Their group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified following remarks by Donald Trump and Marco Rubio, who flagged potential security and entry concerns. Earlier, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had suggested the idea of Italy stepping in as a replacement for Iran. Responding to the suggestion at the White House, Trump said he had not given it much thought but might consider it later. "I don't think about it too much... Let me gie that a little thought," Trump told the media at the White House. Rubio, however, addressed the issue more directly and stated that the United States has not officially blocked Iran’s team from attending the tournament. According to him, the issue is less about the players and more about additional personnel, some of whom may have links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, potentially complicating entry approvals. "Nothing from the US has told them that they can't come. The problem with Iran would not be the athletes but some other people they would want to bring, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in... They decide not to come on their own because they decided not to come, but they can't bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers," he said. Also Read - IPL 2026 | ‘We should have batted better’: MI skipper Hardik Pandya on 103-run loss to CSK These remarks add to growing doubts over Iran’s participation in the expanded 48-team tournament. The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest in the competition’s history, featuring 104 matches. The opening game is planned for Mexico City, with the final scheduled in New Jersey. Also Read - BCCI tells India to get serious about Tests; asks Bumrah to play all WTC games Iran has already secured qualification and is currently placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with matches expected to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle. Despite the uncertainty, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran remains part of the tournament lineup for now.

Iran have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and are placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Their group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.

'I don't think about it too much': Donald Trump on Iran's FIFA World Cup participation

donald-trump

Donald Trump, News on Donald Trump, stories on Donald Trump, articles on Donald Trump, Donald Trump stories at Wion, Donald Trump news, Donald Trump latest news

donald trump

White House Shooting | Trump: Law Enforcement Requested That We Leave Premises

Trump releases FIRST pic of suspect behind WH dinner event shooting

Trump Says 'Let The Show Go On' After Shooting at White House Press Dinner

Suspect fired at US Secret Service agent with shotgun: What we know so far

Trump reacts after shooting incident at his event, confirms suspect in custody

Reactions flow in after shooting incident at Washington press dinner, Trump safe

Trump evacuated from White House Correspondents’ Dinner, gunshots heard - VIDEO

Araghchi hails Pak visit, says yet to see ‘if US is truly serious’ on diplomacy

Iran can call ‘anytime’: Trump rules out war restart as he cancels envoy trip

Trump cancels Witkoff, Kushner trip to Pakistan after Iran's FM leaves Islamabad

Republicans move to pause H-1B visas for 3 years, propose stricter norms

Trump calls Jeffries, Candace Owens 'Low IQ' in late-night rant

Trump demands 2020 election be 'wiped from the books' after SPLC bombshell

Trump Administration Seeks to Bolster Death Penalty Over Execution Drug Shortage

Pope takes fresh swipe at Trump; most explosive moment yet in public feud

Trump Authorises US Navy to Target Iranian Fast Boats in Hormuz

Trump: World Has Become Somewhat of a Casino

US-Iran War: Iranian-Flagged Ship Seized by US Forces | Iran Claims Medical Supplies on Board |

Trump Administration Moves to Strengthen Death Penalty Amid Drug Shortage Policy Push

Trump DOJ to strip hundreds of Americans of US citizenship. Are you at risk?

Trump: 'One little half sentence' could have saved US $159 billion

Differences Over Trump-class Warships, US Navy Secy Told Reportedly Trump Reality on Shipbuilding Capacity

Iran With 'No Navy' Defies Blockade, US Fails to Break Iran's Stranglehold Over Strait of Hormuz

Trump Authorises US Navy to Target Iranian Fast Boats in Hormuz

Iran cleric wants Trump to apologise over Ali Khamenei killing, admit ‘mistake’

US vs Iran: Trump Claims US Has Total Control Over Strait of Hormuz