A routine fast-food delivery at the White House quickly turned into an unusual and wide-ranging press conference featuring President Donald Trump. The 79-year-old president stepped out to receive two bags of burgers from DoorDash delivery worker Sharon Simmons, who greeted him by saying, “I have a DoorDash order for you, Mr. President.” Wearing a red company t-shirt, Simmons handed over the order as cameras rolled.&nbsp;Trump, known for his fondness for fast food, turned to reporters and remarked, “This doesn't look staged, does it?” The moment was part of an effort to promote his “no tax on tips” policy, which he claimed had earned Simmons an $11,000 rebate this year. The event soon shifted tone as reporters questioned Trump about a controversial AI-generated image previously shared on his Truth Social account, depicting him as Jesus. Responding, Trump said, “I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do (with the) Red Cross,” adding, “And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-blockade-of-strait-of-hormuz-has-started-other-countries-will-help-trump-1776102081132">'Blockade of Strait of Hormuz has started, other countries will help': Trump</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump just received a McDonald’s delivery order from a DoorDash driver outside the Oval Office! Thanks to President Trump signing No Tax on Tips into law, Sharron is using the $11,000 in tips that she made last year to support her family. 💰 🚗 🍔 🍟 <a href="https://t.co/5JkpJo839k">pic.twitter.com/5JkpJo839k</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/2043738726178669041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Discussion then moved to escalating tensions with Iran. Trump asserted that negotiations had resumed despite recent setbacks, saying Iran ‘very badly’ wants to make a deal, while emphasizing that any agreement must prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump also addressed criticism from Pope Leo XIV, making his stance clear: “There's nothing to apologize for. He's wrong.” He added, "Pope Leo said things that are wrong. He was very much against what I'm doing about Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran," and further described the pope as “very weak on crime and other things.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vp-jd-vance-faces-historically-worst-approval-ratings-1776082512972/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vp-jd-vance-faces-historically-worst-approval-ratings-1776082512972/embed</a>&nbsp;The conversation briefly shifted again when Trump asked Simmons her opinion on transgender athletes in women’s sports. She responded candidly, “I really don’t have an opinion on that. I'm here about no tax on tips.” Reporters then asked Simmons whether the White House tips well. She hesitated, replying, "Um..." prompting Trump to intervene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pulling out cash, he handed her what appeared to be $100 and said, "Thank you," adding, “You reminded me!” What started as a simple food delivery ultimately turned into a headline-grabbing moment, blending policy promotion, political commentary, and unexpected humour.&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 bizarre press conference blends a McDonald’s delivery, Iran tensions, AI controversy, and sharp remarks on the pope

A routine fast-food delivery at the White House quickly turned into an unusual and wide-ranging press conference featuring President Donald Trump. The 79-year-old president stepped out to receive two bags of burgers from DoorDash delivery worker Sharon Simmons, who greeted him by saying, “I have a DoorDash order for you, Mr. President.” Wearing a red company t-shirt, Simmons handed over the order as cameras rolled. Trump, known for his fondness for fast food, turned to reporters and remarked, “This doesn't look staged, does it?” The moment was part of an effort to promote his “no tax on tips” policy, which he claimed had earned Simmons an $11,000 rebate this year. The event soon shifted tone as reporters questioned Trump about a controversial AI-generated image previously shared on his Truth Social account, depicting him as Jesus. Responding, Trump said, “I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do (with the) Red Cross,” adding, “And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.” Also Read: 'Blockade of Strait of Hormuz has started, other countries will help': Trump Watch the video here

Trump’s DoorDash delivery at the White House turns surreal as he addresses AI image controversy, Iran tensions, and tips a worker mid-press event

'I have a DoorDash order for you Mr President': McDonald's, Iran, and the Pope in Trump’s bizarre press conference

The US military on Monday (April 13) provided details of America's naval blockade of Iran after President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that "The United States to blockade ships entering or exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10:00 AM ET", a move that follows his Sunday declaration of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The back-to-back announcements mark a dramatic hardening of Washington's posture in the now seven-week-old conflict.&nbsp;In a note sent to seafarers and seen by Reuters, the US military said the blockade will be enforced in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Pentagon, however, clarified that the blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations. On humanitarian grounds, the military stated that humanitarian shipments, including food, medical supplies, and other essential goods, will be permitted, subject to inspection.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-iran-port-blockade-tehran-warns-no-gulf-port-will-be-safe-1776084021488">Trump orders Iran port blockade, Tehran warns no Gulf port will be safe</a>&nbsp;Neutral vessels, however, may still be subject to the right of visit and search to determine the presence of contraband cargo. The military further warned that any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorisation is subject to interception, diversion, and capture, and that the blockade applies to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag.&nbsp;The US pressure campaign against Iran through blockades comes in the wake of the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad. Following 21 hours of marathon talks mediated by Pakistan, Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Saturday that the two sides had failed to reach a breakthrough. Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands and acting in bad faith, with Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson citing a lack of sincerity from the American side.<h2>Iran hits back: 'Security is for everyone or for no one'</h2>Reacting to the US announcement, Iran vowed that if the security of its ports in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port across the entire region will be safe. Citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, state broadcaster IRIB declared that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be maintained collectively.&nbsp;"The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly declare that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no one. If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe," the statement read.

The Pentagon, however, clarified that the blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations.

The US military on Monday (April 13) provided details of America's naval blockade of Iran after President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that "The United States to blockade ships entering or exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10:00 AM ET", a move that follows his Sunday declaration of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The back-to-back announcements mark a dramatic hardening of Washington's posture in the now seven-week-old conflict. In a note sent to seafarers and seen by Reuters, the US military said the blockade will be enforced in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon, however, clarified that the blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations. On humanitarian grounds, the military stated that humanitarian shipments, including food, medical supplies, and other essential goods, will be permitted, subject to inspection. Also Read: Trump orders Iran port blockade, Tehran warns no Gulf port will be safe Neutral vessels, however, may still be subject to the right of visit and search to determine the presence of contraband cargo. The military further warned that any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorisation is subject to interception, diversion, and capture, and that the blockade applies to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag. The US pressure campaign against Iran through blockades comes in the wake of the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad. Following 21 hours of marathon talks mediated by Pakistan, Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Saturday that the two sides had failed to reach a breakthrough. Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands and acting in bad faith, with Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson citing a lack of sincerity from the American side. Iran hits back: 'Security is for everyone or for no one' Reacting to the US announcement, Iran vowed that if the security of its ports in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port across the entire region will be safe. Citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, state broadcaster IRIB declared that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be maintained collectively. "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly declare that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no one. If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe," the statement read.

The Pentagon, however, clarified that the blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations.

US military reveals Iran naval blockade plan after Trump’s announcement, full details inside

The United States escalated its standoff with Iran on Monday (April 13) as President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that "The United States to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 AM ET", a move that follows his Sunday declaration of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The back-to-back announcements mark a dramatic hardening of Washington's posture in the now seven-week-old conflict.&nbsp;The pressure campaign comes in the wake of the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad. Following 21 hours of marathon talks mediated by Pakistan, Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Saturday that the two sides had failed to reach a breakthrough. Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands and acting in bad faith, with Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson citing a lack of sincerity from the American side.&nbsp;On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to announce the Strait blockade. "Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," he wrote, while contemplating that "At some point, we will reach an 'ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT' basis."&nbsp;Notably, US Central Command clarified that the blockade would not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian ports, a significant qualification that narrows the scope of Trump's sweeping initial announcement.&nbsp;Iran hits back: ‘Security is for everyone or for no one’&nbsp;Iran responded swiftly and sharply. Citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, state broadcaster IRIB declared that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be maintained collectively, &nbsp;and warned that a threat to Iranian ports would be a threat to the entire region.&nbsp;"The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly declare that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no one. If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe," the statement read.&nbsp;Iran further reiterated that its armed forces would continue enforcing security in its territorial waters with "determination," that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and that other ships would only be allowed passage subject to regulations set by Iranian authorities. Iran's military adviser to the supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaee, separately declared that the nation "will not allow" such an embargo and claimed it has "great untapped leverage to counter it."

Iran reiterated that its armed forces would continue enforcing security in its territorial waters with "determination," that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States escalated its standoff with Iran on Monday (April 13) as President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that "The United States to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 AM ET", a move that follows his Sunday declaration of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The back-to-back announcements mark a dramatic hardening of Washington's posture in the now seven-week-old conflict. The pressure campaign comes in the wake of the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad. Following 21 hours of marathon talks mediated by Pakistan, Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Saturday that the two sides had failed to reach a breakthrough. Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands and acting in bad faith, with Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson citing a lack of sincerity from the American side. On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to announce the Strait blockade. "Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," he wrote, while contemplating that "At some point, we will reach an 'ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT' basis." Notably, US Central Command clarified that the blockade would not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian ports, a significant qualification that narrows the scope of Trump's sweeping initial announcement. Iran hits back: ‘Security is for everyone or for no one’ Iran responded swiftly and sharply. Citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, state broadcaster IRIB declared that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be maintained collectively, and warned that a threat to Iranian ports would be a threat to the entire region. "The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly declare that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no one. If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe," the statement read. Iran further reiterated that its armed forces would continue enforcing security in its territorial waters with "determination," that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and that other ships would only be allowed passage subject to regulations set by Iranian authorities. Iran's military adviser to the supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaee, separately declared that the nation "will not allow" such an embargo and claimed it has "great untapped leverage to counter it."

Iran reiterated that its armed forces would continue enforcing security in its territorial waters with "determination," that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump orders Iran port blockade, Tehran warns no Gulf port will be safe

Following failed peace talks in Pakistan, the US military launched a naval blockade against all Iranian ports. Supported by NATO minesweepers, the operation aims to stop Iran from collecting illegal shipping tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.


Strait of Hormuz at risk? What a naval blockade would mean for global trade

In an NBC News interview, Cuban President Miguel Canel warned the United States against military action in Cuba, stating there is "no justification" for an invasion while insisting Havana remains open to dialogue.
Canel attributed Cuba's energy crisis and shortages to the decades-old United States embargo, which he labeled "genocidal and cruel," while noting the country produces only 40 per cent of its fuel.
Pressed on United States demands regarding political prisoners and elections, Canel called such claims a "big lie," while the White House described Cuba as a "failing nation" that nevertheless wants a deal.
Addressing President Trump's rhetoric about a possible "takeover," Canel stated that if the United States launches a military operation, Cubans will "defend ourselves, and if we need to die, we'll die."
Public polling from The Hill shows over half of Americans oppose military action in Cuba, providing context as both governments acknowledge potential talks despite having no finalized details or specific plans.

Cuba Stands Firm Against US Invasion Threats

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the United States Navy will begin blocking ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, citing Iran’s “unyielding" stance on its nuclear ambitions during recent peace talks in Islamabad.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter or leave the Strait Of Hormuz."

Trump Announces Blockade o Iranian Ports After Failed Iran-US Truce Talks in Islamabad

The global oil market is on edge as Donald Trump proposes a potential blockade targeting Iranian oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The move could disrupt nearly 1.7 to 2 million barrels per day of Iranian exports, tightening an already constrained global supply.


Tanker Chaos Unfolds in Hormuz Corridor

Donald Trump's social media posts and threatening messages have shocked everyone, and netizens are now sure he is doomed. A WSJ report claims that he promised mass pardons to his top officials, and people think that's the final nail in the coffin.

'I'll pardon everyone...': Trump's alleged promise to staff and bizarre antics trigger fresh wave of shock

As the peace talks between the US and Iran failed in Islamabad, Pakistan, US President Donald trump was busy watching an UFC fight in Miami, Florida on Saturday (Apr 11). Along with him were US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and UFC chief Dana White as well as several members of Trump family. Trump attended the co-main event of the night in which Brazil's Paulo Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov at the Kaseya Center. The US president entered the arena shortly after 9 PM as his deputy, Vice-president JD Vance, told reporters that the peace talks with Iran have failed. The Democrats called out Trump for his 'priorities' as the world suffers from US-Iran war started on Feb 28.<h2>Democrats call out Trump for attending UFC fight as Iran peace talks fail</h2>"The Secretary of State skipped the Iran negotiations in Pakistan to attend a UFC fight. So did the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, while Pakistan has no confirmed U.S. ambassador," the House Democrats Foreign Affairs Committee wrote on social media platform X. "Tens of thousands of Americans are in harm’s way. Gas prices are rising. This is not serious leadership. It’s amateur hour."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-don-t-want-a-pope-who-criticises-president-of-us-trump-targets-pope-leo-over-his-iran-war-remark-1776051554636">'Weak on crime, terrible on foreign policy': Trump targets Pope Leo</a>Representing the US in the talks were Jared Kushner, Trump's daughter Ivanka's husband and VP Vance. Speaking to media after the failed talks, Vance said: "We need to see an affirmative commitment that [Iran] will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the president of the United States, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations."<h2>Trump stays on to support to UFC</h2>After Costa beat Murzakanov, the Brazilian stepped out of the octagon to shake hands with Trump and the US president told the fighter: "You’re a beautiful guy … You could be a model, you look so good. You’re too good looking to be a fighter, you are some fighter."Trump also watched another fight, the bloody bout between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes. UFC chief Dana White, a longtime supporter of Trump, has also added a Hokit fight to June's card at the US President's insistence. Trump, a known support of UFC, has announced a fight event in June at the White House to mark the 250th anniversary of the US, set to take place on 14th June - also Trump's 80th birthday.

Trump attended the UFC co-main event of Saturday night in which Brazil's Paulo Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov at the Kaseya Center. The US president entered the arena shortly after 9 PM as his deputy, Vice-president JD Vance, told reporters that the peace talks with Iran have failed.

As the peace talks between the US and Iran failed in Islamabad, Pakistan, US President Donald trump was busy watching an UFC fight in Miami, Florida on Saturday (Apr 11). Along with him were US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and UFC chief Dana White as well as several members of Trump family. Trump attended the co-main event of the night in which Brazil's Paulo Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov at the Kaseya Center. The US president entered the arena shortly after 9 PM as his deputy, Vice-president JD Vance, told reporters that the peace talks with Iran have failed. The Democrats called out Trump for his 'priorities' as the world suffers from US-Iran war started on Feb 28. Democrats call out Trump for attending UFC fight as Iran peace talks fail "The Secretary of State skipped the Iran negotiations in Pakistan to attend a UFC fight. So did the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, while Pakistan has no confirmed U.S. ambassador," the House Democrats Foreign Affairs Committee wrote on social media platform X. "Tens of thousands of Americans are in harm’s way. Gas prices are rising. This is not serious leadership. It’s amateur hour." Also Read - 'Weak on crime, terrible on foreign policy': Trump targets Pope Leo Representing the US in the talks were Jared Kushner, Trump's daughter Ivanka's husband and VP Vance. Speaking to media after the failed talks, Vance said: "We need to see an affirmative commitment that [Iran] will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the president of the United States, and that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations." Trump stays on to support to UFC After Costa beat Murzakanov, the Brazilian stepped out of the octagon to shake hands with Trump and the US president told the fighter: "You’re a beautiful guy … You could be a model, you look so good. You’re too good looking to be a fighter, you are some fighter." Trump also watched another fight, the bloody bout between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes. UFC chief Dana White, a longtime supporter of Trump, has also added a Hokit fight to June's card at the US President's insistence. Trump, a known support of UFC, has announced a fight event in June at the White House to mark the 250th anniversary of the US, set to take place on 14th June - also Trump's 80th birthday.

Trump attended the UFC co-main event of Saturday night in which Brazil's Paulo Costa defeated Azamat Murzakanov at the Kaseya Center. The US president entered the arena shortly after 9 PM as his deputy, Vice-president JD Vance, told reporters that the peace talks with Iran have failed.

'It is amateur hour': Donald Trump watches UFC fight with Marco Rubio as US-Iran peace talks fail in Pakistan

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the United States Navy will begin blocking ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, citing Iran’s “unyielding" stance on its nuclear ambitions during recent peace talks in Islamabad.


Donald Trump Challenges Iran's Control Over Strait of Hormuz

US–Iran tensions rise as Donald Trump warns China over alleged arms supply to Iran during ceasefire. US intelligence flags covert shipments, while Beijing signals peace efforts amid complex diplomacy and upcoming high-level talks.

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Trump issues two-word response to report of China shipping weapons to Iran: What he said

Iran Rejects US Demands, Trump Orders Naval Blockade of Hormuz Strait

US President Donald Trump has warned China of “big problems” if it supplies weapons to Iran, escalating tensions amid fragile US-Iran diplomacy and rising regional security concerns.

Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House for Miami, Trump issued the warning in response to reports suggesting Beijing may be preparing to transfer military equipment to Tehran. “If China does that, China is going to have big problems,” he said, without offering further details.

Trump Warns China Against Helping Iran With Aerial Defence Systems Allegedly

Donald Trump Orders Blockade of Hormuz Strait as Iran Refuses to Accept American Demands

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has said that talks with Iran ended without an agreement, with Tehran choosing not to accept key U.S. terms. Vance noted that Washington showed flexibility during the negotiations, but major differences—especially over nuclear assurances- remained unresolved. He stressed the need for clear confirmation that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons, highlighting the core issue that continues to block any breakthrough.


US Vice President JD Vance: No Nuclear Enrichment for Iran Amongst Trump's Key Goals

Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris said in an interview that she may run for President again. "I am not done," Harris said. "I have lived my entire career as a life of service and it's in my bones."


Democrat Kamala Harris Says She Might Run for President Again in 2028

U.S. President Donald Trump on ​Saturday posted on social media that the United States ‌military has started to clear the Strait of Hormuz, and that all of Iran's minelaying ships have been sunk.
"We're now starting the ​process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz," ​Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding that "all ⁠28" of Iran's "mine dropper boats are also lying at ​the bottom of the sea".

US-Iran War | Trump: US Initiating The Process of Clearing Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (April 11) hailed the sight of "massive numbers of completely empty oil tankers" heading toward the United States to collect American crude. Describing the exports as the "best and ‘sweetest’ oil (and gas!) anywhere in the world," the President’s remarks come as global markets pivot away from GCC countries due to severe disruptions caused by the escalating war in West Asia.&nbsp;&nbsp;The shift in global energy logistics follows Iran's effective closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on its own facilities, Tehran has targeted critical oil infrastructure across the region, including refineries and ports.&nbsp;Even as the pivot toward US energy is driven by a conflict many critics argue was exacerbated by American foreign policy, Trump utilised the moment to boast about the nation's energy independence. "We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined—and higher quality," he stated.&nbsp;"We are waiting for you. Quick turnaround!" In a separate interaction on Truth Social, the President amplified a post calling the movement of vessels "great." The shared post noted, "Very cool seeing the wave of empty tankers heading to the US to pick up some desperately needed crude for Hormuz-starved markets."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-aimed-at-complete-and-comprehensive-end-of-war-hamas-welcomes-us-iran-talks-in-pakistan-1775904180801">'Aimed at complete and comprehensive end of war': Hamas welcomes US-Iran talks in Pakistan</a>&nbsp;This sudden dependence on American energy highlights the strategic fragility of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Oman and Iran that typically facilitates the passage of 20% of the world’s total oil consumption. As Iranian forces continue to restrict maritime traffic and target regional infrastructure, the global supply of "sour" crude from the Persian Gulf has plummeted, leaving a deficit of millions of barrels per day.&nbsp;Consequently, international buyers are now prioritising the US Gulf Coast for its "sweet" crude oil with low sulfur content that is faster and cheaper to refine into essential fuels. This geopolitical shift has effectively positioned the United States as the primary guarantor of global energy security, as nations bypass the traditional energy hubs of the Middle East to secure their fuel reserves amidst the ongoing regional instability.

Even as the pivot toward US energy is driven by a conflict many critics argue was exacerbated by American foreign policy, Trump utilised the moment to boast about the nation's energy independence.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (April 11) hailed the sight of "massive numbers of completely empty oil tankers" heading toward the United States to collect American crude. Describing the exports as the "best and ‘sweetest’ oil (and gas!) anywhere in the world," the President’s remarks come as global markets pivot away from GCC countries due to severe disruptions caused by the escalating war in West Asia. The shift in global energy logistics follows Iran's effective closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on its own facilities, Tehran has targeted critical oil infrastructure across the region, including refineries and ports. Even as the pivot toward US energy is driven by a conflict many critics argue was exacerbated by American foreign policy, Trump utilised the moment to boast about the nation's energy independence. "We have more oil than the next two largest oil economies combined—and higher quality," he stated. "We are waiting for you. Quick turnaround!" In a separate interaction on Truth Social, the President amplified a post calling the movement of vessels "great." The shared post noted, "Very cool seeing the wave of empty tankers heading to the US to pick up some desperately needed crude for Hormuz-starved markets." Also Read: 'Aimed at complete and comprehensive end of war': Hamas welcomes US-Iran talks in Pakistan This sudden dependence on American energy highlights the strategic fragility of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Oman and Iran that typically facilitates the passage of 20% of the world’s total oil consumption. As Iranian forces continue to restrict maritime traffic and target regional infrastructure, the global supply of "sour" crude from the Persian Gulf has plummeted, leaving a deficit of millions of barrels per day. Consequently, international buyers are now prioritising the US Gulf Coast for its "sweet" crude oil with low sulfur content that is faster and cheaper to refine into essential fuels. This geopolitical shift has effectively positioned the United States as the primary guarantor of global energy security, as nations bypass the traditional energy hubs of the Middle East to secure their fuel reserves amidst the ongoing regional instability.

Even as the pivot toward US energy is driven by a conflict many critics argue was exacerbated by American foreign policy, Trump utilised the moment to boast about the nation's energy independence.

Trump hails surge in oil demand as tankers head to US amid West Asia crisis

US President Donald Trump has intensified rhetoric against Iran, claiming that its only remaining leverage is control over the Strait of Hormuz. He accused Tehran of relying on “extortion” tactics as tensions continue to rise over shipping routes and energy security. The remarks come amid ongoing disputes over maritime control, toll proposals, and broader geopolitical negotiations affecting global oil flows and regional stability.


US-Iran Talks: Trump Issues Ultimatum To NATO To Help in Opening Strait of Hormuz

The Trump administration on Friday released the official design renderings of the &nbsp;250-foot "Triumphal Arch", also called the "Independence Arch", intended to commemorate America's 250th anniversary of independence. The structure would stand at the Memorial Circle at the terminus of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial.<h2>The design of the “Triumphal Arch”</h2>The neoclassical monument will feature a 60-foot-long gilded Lady Liberty statue atop the stone structure, flanked by two golden eagles, with four golden lions at the base and will bear the golden inscriptions “one nation under god”- the concluding word from the Pledge of Allegiance and “Liberty and Justice for All”. At 250 feet, it will more than double the height of the Lincoln Memorial, which is 100 feet tall and resembles France’s historic Arc de Triomphe at 165 feet. The design is credited to Harrison Designs, and has filed it with the US Interior Department and the Commission of Fine Arts on Friday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-us-iran-talks-islamabad-trump-strategy-1775810974415">Trump’s ‘Good Cop, Bad Cop’ strategy: Can JD Vance deliver peace in high-stakes Iran talks?</a>“His business is mainly in sacred architecture, but he’s truly a classical architect, not just some guy who’s copying and pasting columns,” said a source familiar with the project about Architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau, who is working on the project.<h2>Who is funding the “Triumphal Arch”?</h2>At first, US President Donald Trump claimed that the Arch would be privately funded, from the White House Ballroom project. The $400 million Ballroom project had been halted by a federal judge's order unless approved by Congress, and the Trump administration has appealed the order. Now the budget shows that at least $15 million has been set aside from taxpayer funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. A group of Vietnam War veterans has also sued to stop the arch's construction, arguing a lack of congressional approval and that the arch would obstruct the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“I am pleased to announce that TODAY my Administration officially filed the presentation and plans to the highly respected Commission of Fine Arts for what will be the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World. This will be a wonderful addition to the… <a href="https://t.co/2CkiLuvn9z">pic.twitter.com/2CkiLuvn9z</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2042726447769325603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Trump administration reveals plans for a 250-ft “Independence Arch” near the Lincoln Memorial, sparking funding and legal controversy.

The Trump administration on Friday released the official design renderings of the 250-foot "Triumphal Arch", also called the "Independence Arch", intended to commemorate America's 250th anniversary of independence. The structure would stand at the Memorial Circle at the terminus of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. The design of the “Triumphal Arch” The neoclassical monument will feature a 60-foot-long gilded Lady Liberty statue atop the stone structure, flanked by two golden eagles, with four golden lions at the base and will bear the golden inscriptions “one nation under god”- the concluding word from the Pledge of Allegiance and “Liberty and Justice for All”. At 250 feet, it will more than double the height of the Lincoln Memorial, which is 100 feet tall and resembles France’s historic Arc de Triomphe at 165 feet. The design is credited to Harrison Designs, and has filed it with the US Interior Department and the Commission of Fine Arts on Friday. Also Read: Trump’s ‘Good Cop, Bad Cop’ strategy: Can JD Vance deliver peace in high-stakes Iran talks? “His business is mainly in sacred architecture, but he’s truly a classical architect, not just some guy who’s copying and pasting columns,” said a source familiar with the project about Architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau, who is working on the project. Who is funding the “Triumphal Arch”? At first, US President Donald Trump claimed that the Arch would be privately funded, from the White House Ballroom project. The $400 million Ballroom project had been halted by a federal judge's order unless approved by Congress, and the Trump administration has appealed the order. Now the budget shows that at least $15 million has been set aside from taxpayer funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. A group of Vietnam War veterans has also sued to stop the arch's construction, arguing a lack of congressional approval and that the arch would obstruct the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

The Trump administration reveals plans for a 250-ft “Independence Arch” near the Lincoln Memorial, sparking funding and legal controversy.

Trump administration unveils designs of 250-ft 'Triumphal Arch'

Melania Trump's decision to go public with a statement denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein appears to have caught her own husband off guard, or at least that's how US President Donald Trump is telling it. In an interview with the New York Times on Friday (Apr 10), Trump said he knew Melania was planning to make a statement but had no idea what it would contain. When asked if it bothered him, he said it didn't, because "she had a right to talk about it." He also made clear, more than once, that the statement wasn't his suggestion.<h2>Trying to get ahead of a bigger scandal?</h2>Soon after, Melania, in a statement, denied any link with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The internet had exploded with conspiracy theories, with many suggesting that the Trumps and the White House might be trying to get ahead of a bigger scandal.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-trying-to-get-ahead-of-a-big-scandal-internet-erupts-with-conspiracy-theories-as-melania-trump-denies-ties-with-epstein-maxwell-1775810948861">White House trying to get ahead of a big scandal? Internet erupts with conspiracy theories as Melania Trump denies ties with Epstein, Maxwell</a>Political analyst Ahmed Baba speculated that something big may be "about to drop". On X, he wrote, "This was so random. To my knowledge, there was no notable discourse recently about Melania’s ties to Epstein. All eyes have been on the Iran war. What prompted this? Is something about to drop? Seems to me the First Lady just injected Epstein back into the news cycle unprompted."However, talking to the New York Times, Donald Trump kept insisting that he did not recommend that Melania address the Epstein Files. "I didn't recommend it," he told the Times. "But I said: If you want to do it, do it." He added that the two discussed it for roughly "two minutes", but didn't say when that conversation happened. He also acknowledged he wasn't sure he would have handled it the same way himself.<h2>She finds it very insulting</h2>In her statement, Melania denied ever having a relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, disputed reports that Epstein had introduced her to Trump, called out what she described as fabricated images circulating on social media, and urged Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein's victims could testify under oath. She took no questions afterwards.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-macron-post-a-video-of-jeffrey-epstein-kissing-melania-trump-truth-behind-the-viral-clip-1775806317213">FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip</a>Trump said that the statement, which came as a shock to the world, centres on her feelings about the long-circulating claim that Epstein played matchmaker between them. "She finds it very insulting," he said. Melania has maintained she first met Trump at a New York City party in 1998, two years before she says she ever encountered Epstein. Paolo Zampolli, Trump's special envoy and a former modelling agent who had business dealings with Epstein, has said he was the one who made the introduction, describing it in characteristically brief terms to the Daily Beast: "I said: 'Melania meet Donald, Donald meet Melania,' and then I left the table because I had 300 guests." The first Mar-a-Lago photograph of Trump, Melania, Epstein and Maxwell together dates to February 2000. Trump told the Times that Melania "did a good job" with her statement. He also insisted the renewed avalanche of Epstein coverage doesn't upset him. "I never get upset," he said, before adding: "I don't mind anything having to do with Epstein. The only thing I don't like is I waste a lot of time" on the subject.

Is Donald Trump distancing himself from Melania Trump’s Epstein statement? He says he didn’t recommend it and isn’t upset—calling it her decision entirely. All you need to know.

Melania Trump's decision to go public with a statement denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein appears to have caught her own husband off guard, or at least that's how US President Donald Trump is telling it. In an interview with the New York Times on Friday (Apr 10), Trump said he knew Melania was planning to make a statement but had no idea what it would contain. When asked if it bothered him, he said it didn't, because "she had a right to talk about it." He also made clear, more than once, that the statement wasn't his suggestion. Trying to get ahead of a bigger scandal? Soon after, Melania, in a statement, denied any link with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The internet had exploded with conspiracy theories, with many suggesting that the Trumps and the White House might be trying to get ahead of a bigger scandal. Also read | White House trying to get ahead of a big scandal? Internet erupts with conspiracy theories as Melania Trump denies ties with Epstein, Maxwell Political analyst Ahmed Baba speculated that something big may be "about to drop". On X, he wrote, "This was so random. To my knowledge, there was no notable discourse recently about Melania’s ties to Epstein. All eyes have been on the Iran war. What prompted this? Is something about to drop? Seems to me the First Lady just injected Epstein back into the news cycle unprompted." However, talking to the New York Times, Donald Trump kept insisting that he did not recommend that Melania address the Epstein Files. "I didn't recommend it," he told the Times. "But I said: If you want to do it, do it." He added that the two discussed it for roughly "two minutes", but didn't say when that conversation happened. He also acknowledged he wasn't sure he would have handled it the same way himself. She finds it very insulting In her statement, Melania denied ever having a relationship with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, disputed reports that Epstein had introduced her to Trump, called out what she described as fabricated images circulating on social media, and urged Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein's victims could testify under oath. She took no questions afterwards. Also read | FACT CHECK: Did Macron post a video of Jeffrey Epstein kissing Melania Trump? Truth behind the viral clip Trump said that the statement, which came as a shock to the world, centres on her feelings about the long-circulating claim that Epstein played matchmaker between them. "She finds it very insulting," he said. Melania has maintained she first met Trump at a New York City party in 1998, two years before she says she ever encountered Epstein. Paolo Zampolli, Trump's special envoy and a former modelling agent who had business dealings with Epstein, has said he was the one who made the introduction, describing it in characteristically brief terms to the Daily Beast: "I said: 'Melania meet Donald, Donald meet Melania,' and then I left the table because I had 300 guests." The first Mar-a-Lago photograph of Trump, Melania, Epstein and Maxwell together dates to February 2000. Trump told the Times that Melania "did a good job" with her statement. He also insisted the renewed avalanche of Epstein coverage doesn't upset him. "I never get upset," he said, before adding: "I don't mind anything having to do with Epstein. The only thing I don't like is I waste a lot of time" on the subject.

Is Donald Trump distancing himself from Melania Trump’s Epstein statement? He says he didn’t recommend it and isn’t upset—calling it her decision entirely. All you need to know.

'I never get upset': Trump says didn't know what Melania would say, insists he isn't bothered by the renewed scrutiny over Epstein files

Donald Trump recently used his Truth Social platform to publicly praise Palantir Technologies, calling its systems highly effective in warfare and suggesting adversaries are already aware of its capabilities. The endorsement reflects a broader shift: artificial intelligence is no longer just a productivity tool; it is becoming central to how wars are planned and executed.&nbsp;This transformation was on display during the recent Iran conflict, where AI-assisted systems played a key operational role. Before strikes were carried out, software processed vast volumes of satellite imagery, drone feeds, and intelligence data to generate more than a thousand potential strike options. What once required days of human analysis was reduced to minutes, dramatically accelerating the pace of decision-making.&nbsp;At the center of this capability is Palantir’s Maven Smart System (MSS), a sophisticated command-and-control platform. Maven integrates intelligence streams from across the military, Army, Navy, Air Force, and even space-based assets into a unified system. It can identify, track, and classify targets such as vehicles, infrastructure, and weapons with remarkable speed, often reducing identification time to under a minute.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/molotov-cocktail-thrown-at-open-ai-s-ceo-sam-altman-s-home-suspect-arrested-1775850306127">Molotov cocktail thrown at OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman’s home; suspect arrested</a>&nbsp;Beyond targeting, Maven also supports predictive logistics. Analyzing patterns and real-time data, it helps commanders anticipate where supplies, reinforcements, or firepower will be needed before shortages arise. This allows military leaders to act proactively rather than reactively, improving operational efficiency on the battlefield.A major enhancement to Maven came through its integration with AI technology developed by Anthropic. Its Claude model enabled the system to go beyond raw data processing, offering contextual analysis, identifying patterns, and presenting commanders with more nuanced assessments.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead of simply flagging potential targets, the system could interpret their significance based on historical and situational context. However, the partnership has not been without challenges. Anthropic reportedly placed limits on how its AI could be used, particularly in autonomous weapons or surveillance roles, prompting the Pentagon to explore alternative solutions. Despite these tensions, the US Department of Defense has formally designated Maven as a long-term ‘programme of record’, signaling its deep and enduring integration into military operations.&nbsp;Maven’s use is not limited to a single conflict. Variants of the system have been deployed for nearly a decade, supporting missions in Somalia against extremist groups, aiding operations in Iraq and Syria, assisting evacuation and rescue efforts in Afghanistan, and contributing to monitoring efforts in the Ukraine conflict. Its adoption by NATO further underscores its growing global footprint. Yet the rise of AI in warfare has sparked serious ethical and operational concerns. Critics argue that compressing decision timelines leaves less room for human verification, increasing the risk of errors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-moon-mission-artemis-ii-crew-returns-after-10-days-of-travel-into-deep-space-1775839480480/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-moon-mission-artemis-ii-crew-returns-after-10-days-of-travel-into-deep-space-1775839480480/embed</a>&nbsp;In high-stakes environments, a misidentified target can lead to devastating consequences. Reports of civilian casualties during strikes in Iran have intensified scrutiny, with lawmakers calling for stricter oversight and transparency regarding the role of AI in targeting decisions. Palantir maintains that human operators remain firmly ‘in the loop’, making final decisions on the use of force. Still, as AI systems become more advanced and deeply embedded in military strategy, questions remain about accountability, reliability, and the future balance between human judgment and machine-driven insights.&nbsp;What is clear is that Palantir is no longer a niche defense contractor. With multi-billion-dollar government contracts and a rapidly growing market valuation, the company has positioned itself at the center of a new era, one where data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence are as critical to warfare as traditional weapons.&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.

Inside Palantir’s AI Maven system and how it helped the US military rapidly plan strikes in Iran, raising concerns about AI-driven warfare

Donald Trump recently used his Truth Social platform to publicly praise Palantir Technologies, calling its systems highly effective in warfare and suggesting adversaries are already aware of its capabilities. The endorsement reflects a broader shift: artificial intelligence is no longer just a productivity tool; it is becoming central to how wars are planned and executed. This transformation was on display during the recent Iran conflict, where AI-assisted systems played a key operational role. Before strikes were carried out, software processed vast volumes of satellite imagery, drone feeds, and intelligence data to generate more than a thousand potential strike options. What once required days of human analysis was reduced to minutes, dramatically accelerating the pace of decision-making. At the center of this capability is Palantir’s Maven Smart System (MSS), a sophisticated command-and-control platform. Maven integrates intelligence streams from across the military, Army, Navy, Air Force, and even space-based assets into a unified system. It can identify, track, and classify targets such as vehicles, infrastructure, and weapons with remarkable speed, often reducing identification time to under a minute. Also Read: Molotov cocktail thrown at OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman’s home; suspect arrested Beyond targeting, Maven also supports predictive logistics. Analyzing patterns and real-time data, it helps commanders anticipate where supplies, reinforcements, or firepower will be needed before shortages arise. This allows military leaders to act proactively rather than reactively, improving operational efficiency on the battlefield. A major enhancement to Maven came through its integration with AI technology developed by Anthropic. Its Claude model enabled the system to go beyond raw data processing, offering contextual analysis, identifying patterns, and presenting commanders with more nuanced assessments. Instead of simply flagging potential targets, the system could interpret their significance based on historical and situational context. However, the partnership has not been without challenges. Anthropic reportedly placed limits on how its AI could be used, particularly in autonomous weapons or surveillance roles, prompting the Pentagon to explore alternative solutions. Despite these tensions, the US Department of Defense has formally designated Maven as a long-term ‘programme of record’, signaling its deep and enduring integration into military operations. Maven’s use is not limited to a single conflict. Variants of the system have been deployed for nearly a decade, supporting missions in Somalia against extremist groups, aiding operations in Iraq and Syria, assisting evacuation and rescue efforts in Afghanistan, and contributing to monitoring efforts in the Ukraine conflict. Its adoption by NATO further underscores its growing global footprint. Yet the rise of AI in warfare has sparked serious ethical and operational concerns. Critics argue that compressing decision timelines leaves less room for human verification, increasing the risk of errors. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-moon-mission-artemis-ii-crew-returns-after-10-days-of-travel-into-deep-space-1775839480480/embed In high-stakes environments, a misidentified target can lead to devastating consequences. Reports of civilian casualties during strikes in Iran have intensified scrutiny, with lawmakers calling for stricter oversight and transparency regarding the role of AI in targeting decisions. Palantir maintains that human operators remain firmly ‘in the loop’, making final decisions on the use of force. Still, as AI systems become more advanced and deeply embedded in military strategy, questions remain about accountability, reliability, and the future balance between human judgment and machine-driven insights. What is clear is that Palantir is no longer a niche defense contractor. With multi-billion-dollar government contracts and a rapidly growing market valuation, the company has positioned itself at the center of a new era, one where data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence are as critical to warfare as traditional weapons. 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.

AI-powered Maven system helped US military plan rapid strikes in Iran, boosting Palantir’s role but raising concerns over speed, accuracy, and civilian risks

Inside Palantir’s AI Maven: How the system helped US military in Iran strikes. Know all about it

US President Donald Trump on Friday (April 10) &nbsp;declared that Iran has "no cards" going into upcoming peace talks with Washington, pointing to Tehran's temporary leverage over the strategic Strait of Hormuz as its only bargaining chip.&nbsp;Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, "The Iranians don't seem to realise they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways." He added, "The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate."&nbsp;Trump also criticised Tehran's handling of the vital waterway, saying Iran was doing a "very poor job" in allowing oil shipments through the strait, adding, "That is not the agreement we have." In a separate post, he took aim at Iran's media strategy, saying the country was "better at handling the Fake News Media and public relations than fighting."&nbsp;The remarks come ahead of crucial US-Iran talks scheduled in Islamabad, Pakistan, where the Strait of Hormuz is expected to dominate discussions. The narrow waterway handles nearly one-fifth of global crude oil shipments, making it a key geopolitical flashpoint.&nbsp;Although both sides agreed to reopen the channel following a ceasefire earlier this week, shipping traffic remains limited amid continued tensions and uncertainty over Iran's commitments.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-vance-departs-for-pakistan-as-fragile-ceasefire-and-mutual-suspicion-set-stage-for-iran-talks-1775830469700">‘US loading warships’: Trump warns of renewed strikes if Iran does not comply in peace talks</a>&nbsp;Trump's "no cards" remark echoes a similar comment he directed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year during a heated exchange over Ukraine's position in its conflict with Russia, underscoring his preferred negotiating posture of projecting dominance ahead of high-stakes diplomacy.&nbsp;The talks in Islamabad follow a fragile ceasefire reached on April 7, ending around 39 days of intense conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, a war that sent oil prices surging past $100 a barrel and dealt a severe blow to regional economies and global growth prospects. US Vice President JD Vance has departed for Pakistan to lead the American delegation, alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.&nbsp;However, the negotiations open in a deeply uncertain environment. Both sides remain suspicious of each other, and key aspects of the ceasefire continue to be contested, including a halt to Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon. Several media reports indicate Tehran has threatened to pull out of the talks if Israeli strikes on Lebanon continue.&nbsp;Adding to the uncertainty, conflicting interpretations of the ceasefire terms have clouded the diplomatic atmosphere. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly posted on X that the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was part of the deal, a post that, according to media reports, was shared with the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office by Washington itself. Both Israel and the White House have since contested that characterisation, deepening the confusion ahead of the first round of talks scheduled for Saturday morning, local time.

Trump also criticised Tehran's handling of the vital waterway, saying Iran was doing a "very poor job" in allowing oil shipments through the strait, adding, "That is not the agreement we have."

US President Donald Trump on Friday (April 10) declared that Iran has "no cards" going into upcoming peace talks with Washington, pointing to Tehran's temporary leverage over the strategic Strait of Hormuz as its only bargaining chip. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, "The Iranians don't seem to realise they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways." He added, "The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate." Trump also criticised Tehran's handling of the vital waterway, saying Iran was doing a "very poor job" in allowing oil shipments through the strait, adding, "That is not the agreement we have." In a separate post, he took aim at Iran's media strategy, saying the country was "better at handling the Fake News Media and public relations than fighting." The remarks come ahead of crucial US-Iran talks scheduled in Islamabad, Pakistan, where the Strait of Hormuz is expected to dominate discussions. The narrow waterway handles nearly one-fifth of global crude oil shipments, making it a key geopolitical flashpoint. Although both sides agreed to reopen the channel following a ceasefire earlier this week, shipping traffic remains limited amid continued tensions and uncertainty over Iran's commitments. Also Read: ‘US loading warships’: Trump warns of renewed strikes if Iran does not comply in peace talks Trump's "no cards" remark echoes a similar comment he directed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year during a heated exchange over Ukraine's position in its conflict with Russia, underscoring his preferred negotiating posture of projecting dominance ahead of high-stakes diplomacy. The talks in Islamabad follow a fragile ceasefire reached on April 7, ending around 39 days of intense conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, a war that sent oil prices surging past $100 a barrel and dealt a severe blow to regional economies and global growth prospects. US Vice President JD Vance has departed for Pakistan to lead the American delegation, alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, the negotiations open in a deeply uncertain environment. Both sides remain suspicious of each other, and key aspects of the ceasefire continue to be contested, including a halt to Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon. Several media reports indicate Tehran has threatened to pull out of the talks if Israeli strikes on Lebanon continue. Adding to the uncertainty, conflicting interpretations of the ceasefire terms have clouded the diplomatic atmosphere. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly posted on X that the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was part of the deal, a post that, according to media reports, was shared with the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office by Washington itself. Both Israel and the White House have since contested that characterisation, deepening the confusion ahead of the first round of talks scheduled for Saturday morning, local time.

Trump also criticised Tehran's handling of the vital waterway, saying Iran was doing a "very poor job" in allowing oil shipments through the strait, adding, "That is not the agreement we have."

Trump says Iran has 'no cards' ahead of high-stakes Islamabad talks

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday (April 10) signalled a possible return to presidential politics, saying she is considering a run in the 2028 election. Speaking at the National Action Network convention, Harris told Rev. Al Sharpton, “Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it,” when asked about her future plans, Politico reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;Harris, who was the Democratic Party’s nominee against Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, added, “I’ll keep you posted,” as she concluded her address to loud applause and a standing ovation.&nbsp;Her remarks came at what is widely seen as an early testing ground for potential 2028 Democratic contenders. The event drew influential Black lawmakers, party strategists, and voters, an essential base in Democratic primaries.&nbsp;“I know what the job is and what it requires,” Harris said during the interaction, underlining her experience and readiness. Her appearance carried added weight as she became one of several prominent figures informally positioning themselves ahead of the next presidential race.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-inflation-surges-to-near-two-year-high-as-energy-prices-spike-12-1775832116950">US inflation surges to near two-year high as energy prices spike 12%</a>&nbsp;Harris received the most enthusiastic response among speakers at the event, with attendees chanting “Run again!” during her session. Other potential contenders who addressed the gathering included Josh Shapiro, JB Pritzker, and Ro Khanna.The former vice president has previously floated the idea of another White House bid, but her latest comments suggest a more serious consideration as early political alignments for 2028 begin to take shape.&nbsp;Harris served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025, becoming the first woman, first African American, and first South Asian American to hold the office. Her political career includes roles as San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, and US Senator before joining Joe Biden on the winning Democratic ticket in 2020.

Harris, who was the Democratic Party’s nominee against Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, added, “I’ll keep you posted,” as she concluded her address to loud applause and a standing ovation.

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday (April 10) signalled a possible return to presidential politics, saying she is considering a run in the 2028 election. Speaking at the National Action Network convention, Harris told Rev. Al Sharpton, “Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it,” when asked about her future plans, Politico reported. Harris, who was the Democratic Party’s nominee against Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, added, “I’ll keep you posted,” as she concluded her address to loud applause and a standing ovation. Her remarks came at what is widely seen as an early testing ground for potential 2028 Democratic contenders. The event drew influential Black lawmakers, party strategists, and voters, an essential base in Democratic primaries. “I know what the job is and what it requires,” Harris said during the interaction, underlining her experience and readiness. Her appearance carried added weight as she became one of several prominent figures informally positioning themselves ahead of the next presidential race. Also Read: US inflation surges to near two-year high as energy prices spike 12% Harris received the most enthusiastic response among speakers at the event, with attendees chanting “Run again!” during her session. Other potential contenders who addressed the gathering included Josh Shapiro, JB Pritzker, and Ro Khanna. The former vice president has previously floated the idea of another White House bid, but her latest comments suggest a more serious consideration as early political alignments for 2028 begin to take shape. Harris served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025, becoming the first woman, first African American, and first South Asian American to hold the office. Her political career includes roles as San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, and US Senator before joining Joe Biden on the winning Democratic ticket in 2020.

Harris, who was the Democratic Party’s nominee against Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, added, “I’ll keep you posted,” as she concluded her address to loud applause and a standing ovation.

Kamala Harris hints at 2028 White House bid, says ‘I might run again’

First lady Melania Trump denies allegations of deeper ties to Jeffrey Epstein and calls for public hearings for survivors. The move has sparked bipartisan responses and brought renewed scrutiny to the Epstein files amid new document releases and political pressure.

Melania's Denial Resurfaces Epstein Case Amid Focus on Iran War

U.S. President Donald Trump told the media that he was considering a joint venture with Iran to collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes even as Iran is still maintaining control over this strategic waterway.


Trump Proposes New Deal: US & Iran to Jointly Collect Hormuz Toll

Donald Trump has again attacked NATO for not supporting the US in the Iran war, following a private meeting with its Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House.

In a post shared to Truth Social after the meeting, the US President said: "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN."

NATO Toils to Avoid Becoming Casualty of Iran War

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of doing a “very poor job” of allowing oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. He said Tehran was not honoring the agreement to keep the vital waterway open after the recent ceasefire.


US-Iran War: Trump Warns Iran Against Hormuz Toll, But Open To 'Joint Venture'

&nbsp;US President Donald Trump backtracked on one of the key provisions of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement after a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, CBS News reported on April 9. US President Donald Trump agreed on a ceasefire which would apply to the entire West Asia region, including Lebanon. The mediator, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also agreed to this, and the White House also responded to reporters from CBS that Israel had agreed to the terms of the deal.&nbsp;However, the US position changed following a phone call with Netanyahu. White House did not clarify its position publicly until it was asked about it. After the peace treaty was announced, Israel launched more than 100 strikes in Lebanon, killing at least 250 people. Vice President JD Vance called it a “legitimate misunderstanding”.Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “The US must choose, ceasefire or continued war via Israel.” &nbsp;Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said, "You cannot ask for a ceasefire and then accept terms and conditions, accept areas the ceasefire is applied to, and name Lebanon, exactly Lebanon in that, and then your ally just start a massacre."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/handala-hacks-ex-idf-chief-herzi-halevi-19000-files-leak-1775742994257">Palestine linked hacker group Handala claims breach of ex-IDF chief's phone</a>Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday accused Israel of "flouting" the US-Iran ceasefire and violating ‌international law with a massive round of airstrikes on Lebanon. Pakistan and the EU shared “concern over serious violations of the ceasefire”. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Sallam said on Thursday that his government will take the matter to the UN as Israel "blatantly violates the principles of international law."US President Donald Trump said that the US is not scaling back its military presence in the region, and more troops are being mobilised towards the region as the aircraft carrier USS George Bush is closing in. The ceasefire seems increasingly fragile, and the US seems to be buying more time to reinforce itself for a possible ground invasion. Some sections of the IRGC remain sceptical of the ceasefire; instead, the fact that Iran agreed to negotiate with the US suggests a schism between the Iranian military and political leadership, which the US-Israel would likely exploit as the war progresses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US shifted its stance on the Iran ceasefire after a call with Netanyahu, changing key provisions in the agreement and didn't provide any official clarification until it was too late.

US President Donald Trump backtracked on one of the key provisions of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement after a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, CBS News reported on April 9. US President Donald Trump agreed on a ceasefire which would apply to the entire West Asia region, including Lebanon. The mediator, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also agreed to this, and the White House also responded to reporters from CBS that Israel had agreed to the terms of the deal. However, the US position changed following a phone call with Netanyahu. White House did not clarify its position publicly until it was asked about it. After the peace treaty was announced, Israel launched more than 100 strikes in Lebanon, killing at least 250 people. Vice President JD Vance called it a “legitimate misunderstanding”. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “The US must choose, ceasefire or continued war via Israel.” Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said, "You cannot ask for a ceasefire and then accept terms and conditions, accept areas the ceasefire is applied to, and name Lebanon, exactly Lebanon in that, and then your ally just start a massacre." Also Read: Palestine linked hacker group Handala claims breach of ex-IDF chief's phone Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday accused Israel of "flouting" the US-Iran ceasefire and violating ‌international law with a massive round of airstrikes on Lebanon. Pakistan and the EU shared “concern over serious violations of the ceasefire”. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Sallam said on Thursday that his government will take the matter to the UN as Israel "blatantly violates the principles of international law." US President Donald Trump said that the US is not scaling back its military presence in the region, and more troops are being mobilised towards the region as the aircraft carrier USS George Bush is closing in. The ceasefire seems increasingly fragile, and the US seems to be buying more time to reinforce itself for a possible ground invasion. Some sections of the IRGC remain sceptical of the ceasefire; instead, the fact that Iran agreed to negotiate with the US suggests a schism between the Iranian military and political leadership, which the US-Israel would likely exploit as the war progresses.

The US shifted its stance on the Iran ceasefire after a call with Netanyahu, changing key provisions in the agreement and didn't provide any official clarification until it was too late.

Trump backtracked on Lebanon ceasefire after Netanyahu call

Newly created Polymarket accounts have made several high-profit bets on well-timed wagers tied to U.S. geopolitical actions. The surprise is that those bets were placed just before key announcements by President Donald Trump. Those wagers have led to widespread suspicions of insider knowledge.


Certain Bets on Polymarket Bring Insider Trading Questions 

Donald Trump is facing criticism from conservative voices who accuse him of stepping away from his earlier anti-war campaign promises amid rising U.S. involvement in overseas tensions. The backlash highlights divisions within his support base as debates intensify over foreign policy priorities, military engagement, and Washington’s role in ongoing global conflicts.


Conservatives Accuse Trump of Abandoning Anti-War Campaign Vows 

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