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Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh says President Trump “talks too much” and 'said contradictory things within the same statement'. While speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkiye, he said Trump contradicted himself within the statement when he said that the US would “start dropping bombs again” if no deal is reached with Iran by Wednesday.&nbsp;“President Trump said that if there is an agreement by Wednesday, then there will be a return to military action. Then let President Trump talk; he talks too much. He said contradictory things within the same statement,” said the Iranian official. “I don’t know exactly what he meant. The American people must decide about him.”He termed these comments from Trump a “diplomatic circus” that will do nothing but sabotage the diplomatic efforts. He believed that war would not lead to any better outcome, “diplomacy must prevail”, but Iran is ready to defend its national interest “with all heroism, nationalism and patriotism”, if it is pushed in that direction.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lutnick-criticises-canada-trade-strategy-usmca-talks-1776504387094">US Commerce Secretary Lutnick criticises Canada’s trade strategy of wait and watch - 'They suck'</a>“Iran is the oldest civilisation on the planet, and we will fight till the last Iranian soldier,” said Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, “War cannot lead to any positive outcome, American people must understand.” He emphasised that the era of colonialism must come to an end.Responding to the questions of the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, he said that no matter what the US claims, it is Iranian territorial water and the blockade will never be valid. “There will never be any blockade in the future,” he said.&nbsp;Iran has officially stated that it has not yet agreed to a second round of peace negotiations with the United States, as reported by Tehran News Agency, citing an unnamed Iranian official. While US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a deal is close, Iranian officials have countered these claims. Khatibzadeh also said on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum that no date for a second round of talks can be set until a "common framework" is established.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran’s deputy FM Saeed Khatibzadeh criticises Trump’s remarks as contradictory and warns against renewed military action amid stalled US-Iran talks.

Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh says President Trump “talks too much” and 'said contradictory things within the same statement'. While speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkiye, he said Trump contradicted himself within the statement when he said that the US would “start dropping bombs again” if no deal is reached with Iran by Wednesday. “President Trump said that if there is an agreement by Wednesday, then there will be a return to military action. Then let President Trump talk; he talks too much. He said contradictory things within the same statement,” said the Iranian official. “I don’t know exactly what he meant. The American people must decide about him.” He termed these comments from Trump a “diplomatic circus” that will do nothing but sabotage the diplomatic efforts. He believed that war would not lead to any better outcome, “diplomacy must prevail”, but Iran is ready to defend its national interest “with all heroism, nationalism and patriotism”, if it is pushed in that direction. Also Read: US Commerce Secretary Lutnick criticises Canada’s trade strategy of wait and watch - 'They suck' “Iran is the oldest civilisation on the planet, and we will fight till the last Iranian soldier,” said Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, “War cannot lead to any positive outcome, American people must understand.” He emphasised that the era of colonialism must come to an end. Responding to the questions of the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, he said that no matter what the US claims, it is Iranian territorial water and the blockade will never be valid. “There will never be any blockade in the future,” he said. Iran has officially stated that it has not yet agreed to a second round of peace negotiations with the United States, as reported by Tehran News Agency, citing an unnamed Iranian official. While US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a deal is close, Iranian officials have countered these claims. Khatibzadeh also said on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum that no date for a second round of talks can be set until a "common framework" is established.

Iran’s deputy FM Saeed Khatibzadeh criticises Trump’s remarks as contradictory and warns against renewed military action amid stalled US-Iran talks.

Iran slams Trump for creating a 'diplomatic circus' says he 'talks too much'

A video by Russian influencer Victoria Bonya has gone viral, putting the Kremlin under pressure as public criticism of the authorities gains traction amid falling approval ratings for President Vladimir Putin. Bonya, who rose to fame on the reality television show Dom-2, posted an 18-minute video on Instagram in which she warned that mounting domestic issues risk spiralling out of control. The video has amassed 26 million views and more than 1.3 million likes within four days.&nbsp;“The people are afraid of you, artists are afraid, governors are afraid,” she said, addressing Putin, while highlighting concerns that she claimed regional officials were unwilling to raise directly with the Kremlin. Among the issues cited were flooding in Dagestan, oil pollution along the Black Sea coast, livestock culls in Siberia, internet blackouts and increasing pressure on small businesses from rising taxes and prices.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kash-patel-responds-with-legal-notice-to-wild-drinking-allegation-calls-reports-completely-false-1776509457738">Kash Patel responds with legal notice to ‘wild drinking’ allegation, calls report ‘completely false’</a>&nbsp;“You know what the risk is?” Bonya said. “That people will stop being afraid, and they’re being squeezed into a coiled spring, and that one day that coiled spring will shoot out.”<h2>Kremlins responds</h2>In a rare move, the Kremlin publicly acknowledged the criticism, stating that efforts were underway to address the problems raised. The response has fuelled speculation that the intervention may have been tacitly encouraged by authorities ahead of parliamentary elections later this year.&nbsp;However, analysts have cast doubt on that theory. Andrei Kolesnikov, a Moscow-based political scientist, said the remarks were more likely a spontaneous reflection of growing unease. “War fatigue is really starting to set in,” he said, adding that people are increasingly linking everyday hardships to the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-fell-for-the-lies-eric-swalwell-s-friend-reveals-details-of-his-past-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations-1776273969914">‘Fell for the lies’: Eric Swalwell’s friend reveals details of his past amid sexual misconduct allegations</a>&nbsp;Exiled former Kremlin adviser Abbas Galyamov said Bonya’s comments could broaden dissent. “Bonya is bringing a fundamentally new audience into the opposition camp that wasn’t there before,” he said, pointing to rising prices, internet restrictions and frustration over the war.

Russian influencer Victoria Bonya’s viral video criticising domestic failures has pressured the Kremlin amid President Putin's falling approval ratings. Officials acknowledged her concerns, which range from environmental issues to economic strain.

A video by Russian influencer Victoria Bonya has gone viral, putting the Kremlin under pressure as public criticism of the authorities gains traction amid falling approval ratings for President Vladimir Putin. Bonya, who rose to fame on the reality television show Dom-2, posted an 18-minute video on Instagram in which she warned that mounting domestic issues risk spiralling out of control. The video has amassed 26 million views and more than 1.3 million likes within four days. “The people are afraid of you, artists are afraid, governors are afraid,” she said, addressing Putin, while highlighting concerns that she claimed regional officials were unwilling to raise directly with the Kremlin. Among the issues cited were flooding in Dagestan, oil pollution along the Black Sea coast, livestock culls in Siberia, internet blackouts and increasing pressure on small businesses from rising taxes and prices. Also read: Kash Patel responds with legal notice to ‘wild drinking’ allegation, calls report ‘completely false’ “You know what the risk is?” Bonya said. “That people will stop being afraid, and they’re being squeezed into a coiled spring, and that one day that coiled spring will shoot out.” Kremlins responds In a rare move, the Kremlin publicly acknowledged the criticism, stating that efforts were underway to address the problems raised. The response has fuelled speculation that the intervention may have been tacitly encouraged by authorities ahead of parliamentary elections later this year. However, analysts have cast doubt on that theory. Andrei Kolesnikov, a Moscow-based political scientist, said the remarks were more likely a spontaneous reflection of growing unease. “War fatigue is really starting to set in,” he said, adding that people are increasingly linking everyday hardships to the conflict in Ukraine. Also read: ‘Fell for the lies’: Eric Swalwell’s friend reveals details of his past amid sexual misconduct allegations Exiled former Kremlin adviser Abbas Galyamov said Bonya’s comments could broaden dissent. “Bonya is bringing a fundamentally new audience into the opposition camp that wasn’t there before,” he said, pointing to rising prices, internet restrictions and frustration over the war.

Russian influencer Victoria Bonya’s viral video criticising domestic failures has pressured the Kremlin amid President Putin's falling approval ratings. Officials acknowledged her concerns, which range from environmental issues to economic strain.

Russian influencer goes viral for calling out Putin, posts video saying ‘people are afraid of you’

The Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state” said IRGC’s joint military command in a statement on Saturday (April 18). The move, according to IRGC is being taken due to US’s continuing blockade of Iranian ports. The head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, too reacted and mocked United States by saying, "We warned you, but you ignored it. Now ENJOY the Strait of Hormuz returning to the status quo."&nbsp;While the IRGC warned US that the status of the Strait of Hormuz will not change "as long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat," due to the continued naval blockade by US.&nbsp;"Every breach of promise by America will be met with a fitting response. As long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in its previous state. By the will of Allah," IRGC said.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-talks-strait-of-hormuz-nuclear-deal-differences-1776500874880">Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything'</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile the United Kingdom has urged for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Saturday that normal maritime operations had not yet resumed despite the truce in the Iran war. “We are at a critical diplomatic moment with a ceasefire now in place, but we don’t yet have normal passage through the strait,” Cooper was quoted as saying on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye.<h2>What Trump said on Hormuz?</h2>&nbsp;On Friday both Iran and US had said the Strait of Hormuz is open for passage of commercial ships.&nbsp;Trump took to Truth Social to announce “The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!."&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.&nbsp;The opening is likely to provide relief to the global economy that has been hit hard ever since the war between Iran and US began in late February.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The IRGC warned US that the status of Strait of Hormuz will not change as long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat, due to US blockade.

The Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state” said IRGC’s joint military command in a statement on Saturday (April 18). The move, according to IRGC is being taken due to US’s continuing blockade of Iranian ports. The head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, too reacted and mocked United States by saying, "We warned you, but you ignored it. Now ENJOY the Strait of Hormuz returning to the status quo." While the IRGC warned US that the status of the Strait of Hormuz will not change "as long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat," due to the continued naval blockade by US. "Every breach of promise by America will be met with a fitting response. As long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in its previous state. By the will of Allah," IRGC said. ALSO READ: Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything' Meanwhile the United Kingdom has urged for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Saturday that normal maritime operations had not yet resumed despite the truce in the Iran war. “We are at a critical diplomatic moment with a ceasefire now in place, but we don’t yet have normal passage through the strait,” Cooper was quoted as saying on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye. What Trump said on Hormuz? On Friday both Iran and US had said the Strait of Hormuz is open for passage of commercial ships. Trump took to Truth Social to announce “The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete. This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!." The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. The opening is likely to provide relief to the global economy that has been hit hard ever since the war between Iran and US began in late February.

The IRGC warned US that the status of Strait of Hormuz will not change "as long as the passage of vessels from Iranian origin to Iranian destination remains under threat," due to US blockade.

'Now enjoy Strait of Hormuz returning to status quo': Iran mocks Trump over naval blockade

A legal dispute has erupted between FBI Director Kash Patel and Sarah Fitzpatrick following the publication of a report by The Atlantic alleging misconduct. Patel’s legal team has threatened court action, releasing a pre-publication letter that strongly disputes the claims. The letter, dated April 17, 2026, was authored by Patel’s attorney Jesse Binnall and accuses the magazine of preparing to publish “categorically false and defamatory assertions”. “This is the letter we sent… BEFORE they published their hit piece,” Binnall wrote on X, adding, “They were on notice… They published anyway. See you in court.”&nbsp;In the letter, Binnall’s firm said that it warned the publication that its draft article contained at least 19 claims, “most of which are false, unsourced, and facially defamatory”. The legal communication rejects allegations that Patel engaged in excessive drinking, became difficult to contact during key moments, or required intervention after becoming unresponsive behind locked doors.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-fell-for-the-lies-eric-swalwell-s-friend-reveals-details-of-his-past-amid-sexual-misconduct-allegations-1776273969914">‘Fell for the lies’: Eric Swalwell’s friend reveals details of his past amid sexual misconduct allegations</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is the letter we sent to The Atlantic and Sarah Fitzpatrick BEFORE they published their hit piece on FBI Director <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBIDirectorKash</a>. They were on notice that the claims were categorically false and defamatory. They published anyway. See you in court. <a href="https://t.co/Ke8cqNh8hY">pic.twitter.com/Ke8cqNh8hY</a>&mdash; Jesse R. Binnall (@jbinnall) <a href="https://twitter.com/jbinnall/status/2045287437325254768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It also disputes claims that his conduct posed a risk to public safety or delayed critical counterterrorism decisions. According to the letter, officials from the FBI’s Office of Public Affairs had already dismissed the allegations as “completely false at a nearly 100 per cent clip”.&nbsp;Binnall further criticised the report’s sourcing, arguing that reliance on unnamed individuals described as “people familiar with the matter” undermines its credibility and fails to meet journalistic standards.<h2>What did the report say?</h2>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-commander-in-grief-yet-most-powerfool-man-on-earth-iran-s-cheeky-cv-to-italy-s-meloni-after-trump-fallout-1776265666583">‘Commander in Grief, yet most 'powerfool' man on earth’: Iran’s cheeky CV to Italy’s Meloni after Trump fallout</a>&nbsp;The dispute follows a detailed report by Fitzpatrick, which cited multiple unnamed current and former officials alleging that Patel engaged in excessive drinking, erratic behaviour and unexplained absences. The article claims his alleged conduct raised concerns within national security circles and may have affected his availability for briefings.&nbsp;Among the allegations, the report stated that Patel was “known to drink to the point of obvious intoxication”, including at private venues such as Ned’s Club in Washington and the Poodle Room in Las Vegas, sometimes in the presence of White House and administration staff. The report also points to what it describes as internal unease within the FBI and the Department of Justice regarding leadership stability.&nbsp;

FBI Director Kash Patel threatened to sue The Atlantic over a report alleging "erratic behavior" and "excessive drinking." Patel’s legal team labelled the claims categorically false, defamatory, and based on unreliable sources.

A legal dispute has erupted between FBI Director Kash Patel and Sarah Fitzpatrick following the publication of a report by The Atlantic alleging misconduct. Patel’s legal team has threatened court action, releasing a pre-publication letter that strongly disputes the claims. The letter, dated April 17, 2026, was authored by Patel’s attorney Jesse Binnall and accuses the magazine of preparing to publish “categorically false and defamatory assertions”. “This is the letter we sent… BEFORE they published their hit piece,” Binnall wrote on X, adding, “They were on notice… They published anyway. See you in court.” In the letter, Binnall’s firm said that it warned the publication that its draft article contained at least 19 claims, “most of which are false, unsourced, and facially defamatory”. The legal communication rejects allegations that Patel engaged in excessive drinking, became difficult to contact during key moments, or required intervention after becoming unresponsive behind locked doors. Also read: ‘Fell for the lies’: Eric Swalwell’s friend reveals details of his past amid sexual misconduct allegations

FBI Director Kash Patel threatened to sue The Atlantic over a report alleging "erratic behavior" and "excessive drinking." Patel’s legal team labelled the claims categorically false, defamatory, and based on unreliable sources.

Kash Patel responds with legal notice to ‘wild drinking’ allegation, calls report ‘completely false’

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made a blunt criticism of Canada's trading strategy during Semafor’s World Economy Summit on Friday, April 17. He was responding to a Financial Post report which featured former trade negotiator Steve Verheul, who argued that Canada should adopt a "wait-and-see" approach to USMCA negotiations. Lutnick blasted Canada, “they suck”, and it was the “worst strategy”.&nbsp;“Look, we are a $30 trillion economy, right? We are the consumers of the world,” Lutnick said. “Carney has a problem with us. He gets on a plane, and he goes to China. Does he think the Chinese economy’s going to buy his stuff? China is entirely an export-driven economy. So what did he do? He came back, and he said, ‘Oh, we’ll take their electric cars.’ I mean, is this nuts?”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-talks-strait-of-hormuz-nuclear-deal-differences-1776500874880">Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything'</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on time being on Canada&#39;s side in trade negotiations: &quot;That is like the worst strategy I&#39;ve ever heard. They suck--&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QC4pCALaPJ">pic.twitter.com/QC4pCALaPJ</a>&mdash; Scott Robertson (@sarobertsonca) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarobertsonca/status/2045225287739129995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lutnick had been critical of the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; the relationship between the US and Canada appears to have taken a downturn since Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He declared that the "rules-based international order" is dead and described the current era as a "rupture, not a transition".Lutnick thinks that the wait-and-watch approach is fundamentally flawed since Canada is greatly dependent on the US economy. A clarification from the US Department of Commerce claims that Lutnick was “misquoted”. “Secretary Lutnick, describing our unfair trade imbalance with Canada, explained how Canada sucks off of our $30T economy,” said a spokesperson of the department to several outlets, as reported by The Hill.This confrontation comes just before the US, Mexico and Canada must agree to renew the terms of a trade agreement Trump renegotiated in his first US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. &nbsp;Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc remains hopeful of reaching a quick agreement.&nbsp;"I believe that we have a lot of things that the American economy needs. That's why I remain optimistic that we will get there," said LeBlanc. Trump thinks USMCA is a “bad deal” and it needs to be “reimagined”. A top US trade negotiator told Politico in December that US President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to pull out of the deal if it does not match his demands.&nbsp;

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticises Canada’s trade strategy and USMCA approach, sparking tensions ahead of key US-Canada-Mexico negotiations.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made a blunt criticism of Canada's trading strategy during Semafor’s World Economy Summit on Friday, April 17. He was responding to a Financial Post report which featured former trade negotiator Steve Verheul, who argued that Canada should adopt a "wait-and-see" approach to USMCA negotiations. Lutnick blasted Canada, “they suck”, and it was the “worst strategy”. “Look, we are a $30 trillion economy, right? We are the consumers of the world,” Lutnick said. “Carney has a problem with us. He gets on a plane, and he goes to China. Does he think the Chinese economy’s going to buy his stuff? China is entirely an export-driven economy. So what did he do? He came back, and he said, ‘Oh, we’ll take their electric cars.’ I mean, is this nuts?” Also Read: Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything'

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticises Canada’s trade strategy and USMCA approach, sparking tensions ahead of key US-Canada-Mexico negotiations.

US Commerce Secretary Lutnick criticises Canada’s trade strategy of wait and watch - 'They suck'

Amid tensions in West Asia, the United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in high-stakes negotiations over a proposed three-page framework aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Reports suggest that one key element under discussion involves the potential release of up to $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Tehran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium.According to an Axios report, citing US officials and other sources, the negotiations are expected to continue in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as the primary mediator, backed by Egypt and Turkey. The outlet added that the discussions are focused on addressing concerns over Iran’s nearly 2,000 kg of enriched uranium, including a significant portion enriched to 60 per cent purity, which is close to weapons-grade levels.While the US has pushed for Iran to transfer its nuclear material out of the country, Tehran has resisted, proposing instead to “down-blend” the uranium domestically under international supervision. Reportedly, a compromise is being explored that would involve sending part of the material to a third country while processing the rest within Iran.Meanwhile, the US has called for a 20-year halt, while Iran has suggested five years, leaving mediators to bridge the gap. The draft agreement also outlines provisions allowing Iran to operate civilian nuclear reactors for medical purposes, while requiring its underground nuclear facilities to remain inactive.The discussions also involve broader regional concerns, including security around the Strait of Hormuz, though significant disagreements remain. If successful, the deal could end hostilities, but it risks political backlash, particularly from hardliners who oppose concessions to Tehran.Trump called the report “totally false”, adding that “No money is changing hands”. Although he did not specifically refer to the possibility of unblocking Iranian funds.According to Axios, the US was ready to release $6 billion for Iran to purchase food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies in an earlier stage of the talks. However, Tehran demanded $27 billion. It added that the latest amount that was discussed by the two nations is $20 billion.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.

The United States and Iran are in talks to end the conflict, reportedly discussing a possible $20 billion deal tied to uranium limits. Here’s what we know about it.

Amid tensions in West Asia, the United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in high-stakes negotiations over a proposed three-page framework aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Reports suggest that one key element under discussion involves the potential release of up to $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Tehran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium. According to an Axios report, citing US officials and other sources, the negotiations are expected to continue in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as the primary mediator, backed by Egypt and Turkey. The outlet added that the discussions are focused on addressing concerns over Iran’s nearly 2,000 kg of enriched uranium, including a significant portion enriched to 60 per cent purity, which is close to weapons-grade levels. While the US has pushed for Iran to transfer its nuclear material out of the country, Tehran has resisted, proposing instead to “down-blend” the uranium domestically under international supervision. Reportedly, a compromise is being explored that would involve sending part of the material to a third country while processing the rest within Iran. Meanwhile, the US has called for a 20-year halt, while Iran has suggested five years, leaving mediators to bridge the gap. The draft agreement also outlines provisions allowing Iran to operate civilian nuclear reactors for medical purposes, while requiring its underground nuclear facilities to remain inactive. The discussions also involve broader regional concerns, including security around the Strait of Hormuz, though significant disagreements remain. If successful, the deal could end hostilities, but it risks political backlash, particularly from hardliners who oppose concessions to Tehran. Trump called the report “totally false”, adding that “No money is changing hands”. Although he did not specifically refer to the possibility of unblocking Iranian funds. According to Axios, the US was ready to release $6 billion for Iran to purchase food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies in an earlier stage of the talks. However, Tehran demanded $27 billion. It added that the latest amount that was discussed by the two nations is $20 billion. 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.

The United States and Iran are in talks to end the conflict, reportedly discussing a possible $20 billion deal tied to uranium limits. Here’s what we know about it.

Is US paying Iran $20 billion for its uranium? Here’s the truth

Iran has reimposed restrictions on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, reversing its earlier decision to reopen the key maritime corridor, while accusing the United States of breaching a ceasefire agreement. Tehran moved swiftly on Saturday (April 18) after Washington indicated that reopening the strait would not result in the lifting of its blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement, Iran’s joint military command said that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state under strict management and control of the armed forces”.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-talks-strait-of-hormuz-nuclear-deal-differences-1776500874880">Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything'</a>&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, particularly for global energy supplies. Speaking on the development, Ebrahim Azizi outlined Tehran’s position, declaring that “the time has come to comply with a new maritime regime for the Strait of Hormuz”.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-turn-off-the-phone-relax-iran-mocks-trump-over-strait-of-hormuz-advises-to-block-bibi-for-a-week-1776499938221">‘Turn off the phone, relax’: Iran mocks Trump over Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;Under the proposed framework, only commercial vessels authorised by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy will be permitted to pass through designated routes, and only after paying the required tolls. Azizi warned that any attempt by the United States to disrupt Iranian shipping could prompt a further escalation. “If the US attempts to create any disturbance for Iranian ships, this situation can be easily changed,” he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rebukes-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-iran-reopens-strait-hormuz-1776496556104">Trump rebukes Israel over Lebanon ceasefire, a shift in power dynamics</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the military headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya stressed that the situation would remain tightly controlled unless Washington lifts restrictions on the free passage of Iranian vessels.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-second-russian-oil-sanctions-waiver-despite-scott-bessent-s-pledge-not-to-what-does-it-mean-for-india-1776480327746">US issues another Russian oil sanctions waiver. What does it mean for India?</a>

Iran reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of breaching a ceasefire. New conditions require IRGC authorisation and toll payments for transit, pending the lifting of US blockades.

Iran has reimposed restrictions on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, reversing its earlier decision to reopen the key maritime corridor, while accusing the United States of breaching a ceasefire agreement. Tehran moved swiftly on Saturday (April 18) after Washington indicated that reopening the strait would not result in the lifting of its blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement, Iran’s joint military command said that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state under strict management and control of the armed forces”. Also read: Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything' The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, particularly for global energy supplies. Speaking on the development, Ebrahim Azizi outlined Tehran’s position, declaring that “the time has come to comply with a new maritime regime for the Strait of Hormuz”. Also read: ‘Turn off the phone, relax’: Iran mocks Trump over Strait of Hormuz Under the proposed framework, only commercial vessels authorised by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy will be permitted to pass through designated routes, and only after paying the required tolls. Azizi warned that any attempt by the United States to disrupt Iranian shipping could prompt a further escalation. “If the US attempts to create any disturbance for Iranian ships, this situation can be easily changed,” he said. Also read: Trump rebukes Israel over Lebanon ceasefire, a shift in power dynamics Meanwhile, the military headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya stressed that the situation would remain tightly controlled unless Washington lifts restrictions on the free passage of Iranian vessels. Also read: US issues another Russian oil sanctions waiver. What does it mean for India?

Iran reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of breaching a ceasefire. New conditions require IRGC authorisation and toll payments for transit, pending the lifting of US blockades.

After reimposing restrictions on Hormuz, Iran sets these conditions for vessel passage

US President Donald Trump, on Friday, April 17, 2026, after claiming victory and the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz, &nbsp;acknowledged that “there could” still be differences to work out between the U.S. and Iran. While talking to the reporters in Phoenix on Friday, Trump slightly tempered his earlier claim that Tehran had “agreed to everything” to the two countries have had "some very good discussions.""We've done a good job, but we'll see,” Trump said. "Talks are going on and will go on over the weekend, and a lot of good things are happening," Trump continued, adding, "That includes Lebanon, too.".Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rebukes-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-iran-reopens-strait-hormuz-1776496556104">Trump rebukes Israel over Lebanon ceasefire, a shift in power dynamics in West Asia</a>When the reporters said Iran claimed that the two countries have significant differences, "Let's see what happens. If there are, we'll have to straighten it out. But I don't think there are too many significant differences." But he insisted that the US blockade of Iran will end once Iran signs a deal.&nbsp;While Trump continues to frame the agreement as a potential “deal” that is near completion, key sticking points remain. Iran has categorically denied any deal involving the transfer of enriched uranium. Trump insists on the permanent end of Iran's nuclear programme, while Iran views continued enrichment as a "red line". President Donald Trump said in-person discussions would "probably" happen this weekend. Though reports from ABC News suggest that the US officials believe that a potential talk could be held on “Monday”. Further, there is no discussion about Iran's proxies and its missile program.&nbsp;Iran is further claiming release of its billions of dollars in frozen assets, and media reports have suggested a potential "cash-for-uranium" deal, but Trump explicitly denied these claims. The US has also denied these claims that Iran is also seeking $270 billion in war reparations. &nbsp;Official statement of Iranian negotiations leader, Mohammed Ghalibaf and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei suggest that Iran will not allow navigation in the Strait of Hormuz if the American blockade continues, and that navigation will be carried out based on a "designated route" and with "Iranian permission." Official statement further suggests that the open or closed status of the Hormuz will be determined in the field, not on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump says US-Iran talks show progress but admits differences remain over nuclear deal and Strait of Hormuz access, as Tehran rejects uranium transfer claims.

US President Donald Trump, on Friday, April 17, 2026, after claiming victory and the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz, acknowledged that “there could” still be differences to work out between the U.S. and Iran. While talking to the reporters in Phoenix on Friday, Trump slightly tempered his earlier claim that Tehran had “agreed to everything” to the two countries have had "some very good discussions." "We've done a good job, but we'll see,” Trump said. "Talks are going on and will go on over the weekend, and a lot of good things are happening," Trump continued, adding, "That includes Lebanon, too." . Also Read: Trump rebukes Israel over Lebanon ceasefire, a shift in power dynamics in West Asia When the reporters said Iran claimed that the two countries have significant differences, "Let's see what happens. If there are, we'll have to straighten it out. But I don't think there are too many significant differences." But he insisted that the US blockade of Iran will end once Iran signs a deal. While Trump continues to frame the agreement as a potential “deal” that is near completion, key sticking points remain. Iran has categorically denied any deal involving the transfer of enriched uranium. Trump insists on the permanent end of Iran's nuclear programme, while Iran views continued enrichment as a "red line". President Donald Trump said in-person discussions would "probably" happen this weekend. Though reports from ABC News suggest that the US officials believe that a potential talk could be held on “Monday”. Further, there is no discussion about Iran's proxies and its missile program. Iran is further claiming release of its billions of dollars in frozen assets, and media reports have suggested a potential "cash-for-uranium" deal, but Trump explicitly denied these claims. The US has also denied these claims that Iran is also seeking $270 billion in war reparations. Official statement of Iranian negotiations leader, Mohammed Ghalibaf and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei suggest that Iran will not allow navigation in the Strait of Hormuz if the American blockade continues, and that navigation will be carried out based on a "designated route" and with "Iranian permission." Official statement further suggests that the open or closed status of the Hormuz will be determined in the field, not on social media.

Trump says US-Iran talks show progress but admits differences remain over nuclear deal and Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran rejects uranium transfer claims.

Trump acknowledges possible remaining gaps after claiming Tehran 'agreed to everything'

Iran has yet again mocked US President Donald Trump over a series of posts made by him on his Truth Social platform after Tehran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The development came after a 10-day ceasefire was reached between Israel and Lebanon on Friday (Apr 17). Following the diplomatic move, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the crucial waterway was “completely open” for all commercial vessels.In response, Trump posted on Truth Social, “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!”The US president calling the waterway “Strait of Iran” quickly drew Tehran’s attention, with the Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe mocking him. “Bad mood= strait of trump; Normal mood= strait of Hormuz; Good mood= strait of Iran,” the Embassy posted on X. It was referring to the Republican’s earlier speech in which he referred to the Strait of Hormuz as Strait of Trump.A social media user responded to the post, commenting, “Guys, you use brutal authoritarian repressions, abuse human rights sistematicly, suppres of free speech, and I still liked your tweet over Trump’s. What’s happened to the world?”The Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe replied, “You are coming out of Western-made illusion.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bad mood= strait of trump Normal mood= strait of Hormuz Good mood= strait of Iran <a href="https://t.co/Hl6XAnOygv">pic.twitter.com/Hl6XAnOygv</a>&mdash; Iran Embassy in Zimbabwe (@IRANinZIMBABWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRANinZIMBABWE/status/2045132305883111888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Shortly after his initial post, Trump made several other posts on the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. He also claimed that the US “will get all Nuclear ‘Dust’ created by our great B2 Bombers,” and once again insulted NATO as a “Paper Tiger” for not helping him during the Hormuz crisis. Trump also said, “Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines! Thank you!” In another post, he thanked the Pakistani Prime Minister and Field Marshall for brokering the ceasefire.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.

Iran mocked US President Donald Trump after he called the Strait of Hormuz the “Strait of Iran” in a post following its reopening during the ceasefire.

Iran has yet again mocked US President Donald Trump over a series of posts made by him on his Truth Social platform after Tehran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The development came after a 10-day ceasefire was reached between Israel and Lebanon on Friday (Apr 17). Following the diplomatic move, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the crucial waterway was “completely open” for all commercial vessels. In response, Trump posted on Truth Social, “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!” The US president calling the waterway “Strait of Iran” quickly drew Tehran’s attention, with the Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe mocking him. “Bad mood= strait of trump; Normal mood= strait of Hormuz; Good mood= strait of Iran,” the Embassy posted on X. It was referring to the Republican’s earlier speech in which he referred to the Strait of Hormuz as Strait of Trump. A social media user responded to the post, commenting, “Guys, you use brutal authoritarian repressions, abuse human rights sistematicly, suppres of free speech, and I still liked your tweet over Trump’s. What’s happened to the world?” The Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe replied, “You are coming out of Western-made illusion.”

Iran mocked US President Donald Trump after he called the Strait of Hormuz the “Strait of Iran” in a post following its reopening during the ceasefire.

‘Western-made illusion’: Iran mocks Trump over ‘Strait of Iran’ Truth Social post

The Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad, in a X post on Friday (Apr 17), mocked America's "Expensive Failure," claiming that the United States has lost 42 aircraft during the Iran war. The Iranian embassy in a graphic listed losses including an F-35 Lightning II and 17 MQ-9 Reapers. The post is a direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent claim on Truth Social that the US has "completely destroyed" Iran's air force. It also includes a screenshot of the said post. According to the Iranian estimates, these losses have cost the US a whopping $1.878 billion, including one aircraft that alone costs $700 million.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-fake-jesus-iran-turns-trump-s-deleted-ai-image-into-a-viral-lego-diss-track-amid-pope-row-in-pics-1776326285612">'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics</a><h2>Iran war: The digital frontline</h2>In recent days, the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran have moved from the ground to online space. This is especially true on Iran's end, with the many Iran embassies feeding social media timelines a steady stream of memes and videos slamming Trump, the US, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his country.This latest graphic by Iran's embassy in India's Hyderabad purposefully juxtaposes high-tech marvels of American engineering against a backdrop of wreckage, seemingly aiming to maker Trump eat his words about US winning the war.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Expensive Failure.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WarOnIran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WarOnIran</a> <a href="https://t.co/9HNR0m7QCF">pic.twitter.com/9HNR0m7QCF</a>&mdash; Iran Consulate - Hyderabad (@IraninHyderabad) <a href="https://twitter.com/IraninHyderabad/status/2045196106230047193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Breaking down the "Expensive Failure"</h2>The list provided by the Iranian mission is a "who's who" of American aerial supremacy. It alleges that in the 47 days since Trump launched the war on Iran on February 28, the US has already lost 45 aircraft.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-maybe-i-won-t-extend-it-trump-not-interested-in-extending-ceasefire-insists-us-will-continue-blockade-of-iran-ports-1776484728184">'Maybe I won't extend it': Trump not interested in 'extending' ceasefire, insists US will continue blockade of Iran ports</a>The list, according to Iran includes:- E-3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning &amp; Control)Quantity: 1Cost: $700 Million&nbsp;- MQ-4C Triton (High-Altitude Maritime Drone)Quantity: 1Cost: $240 Million&nbsp;- MC-130J Commando II (Special Ops Transport)Quantity: 2Cost: $228 Million ($114M each)&nbsp;- F-35 Lightning II (Stealth Fighter)Quantity: 1Cost: $110 Million&nbsp;- F-15E Strike Eagle (Multirole Fighter)Quantity: 4Cost: $360 Million ($90M each)&nbsp;- MQ-9 Reaper (Armed Surveillance Drone)Quantity: 17Cost: $510 Million ($30M each)&nbsp;- KC-135 Stratotanker (Aerial Refueler)Quantity: 8Cost: $320 Million ($40M each)&nbsp;- A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)Quantity: 1Cost: $18.8 MillionNote: Iran claimed to have shot down near the Strait of Hormuz on April 3 during a combat search-and-rescue support mission. However, reports suggest that the pilot ejected safely and was rescued.&nbsp;- AH/MH-6 Little Bird HelicoptersQuantity: 4Cost: $18-30 Million ($4.5-7.5M each)&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, 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.

Has the US really lost aircraft worth billions in the Iran war? An Iranian mission claims dozens of American aircraft worth $1.87 billion have been downed, calling it an “expensive failure” and pushing back at Donald Trump’s victory claims.

Scroll down to read more.

The Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad, in a X post on Friday (Apr 17), mocked America's "Expensive Failure," claiming that the United States has lost 42 aircraft during the Iran war. The Iranian embassy in a graphic listed losses including an F-35 Lightning II and 17 MQ-9 Reapers. The post is a direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent claim on Truth Social that the US has "completely destroyed" Iran's air force. It also includes a screenshot of the said post. According to the Iranian estimates, these losses have cost the US a whopping $1.878 billion, including one aircraft that alone costs $700 million. Also read | 'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics Iran war: The digital frontline In recent days, the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran have moved from the ground to online space. This is especially true on Iran's end, with the many Iran embassies feeding social media timelines a steady stream of memes and videos slamming Trump, the US, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his country. This latest graphic by Iran's embassy in India's Hyderabad purposefully juxtaposes high-tech marvels of American engineering against a backdrop of wreckage, seemingly aiming to maker Trump eat his words about US winning the war.

Has the US really lost aircraft worth billions in the Iran war? An Iranian mission claims dozens of American aircraft worth $1.87 billion have been downed, calling it an “expensive failure” and pushing back at Donald Trump’s victory claims.Scroll down to read more.

Iran mocks the US's 'expensive failure,' claims America already lost 45 aircraft worth $1.87 billion during Iran War

Iran-US-Israel war LIVE: Iran will shut the strategic Strait of Hormuz once again if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Saturday.At the same time, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the country is entering a “new phase” marked by “permanent agreements”, adding that Lebanon will no longer serve as a battleground for external conflicts following the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.a<h2>Follow WION for all the latest developments, analysis, and live updates on the unfolding US‑Iran‑Israel crisis.</h2>

President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X that a French solider, who was taking part in an international peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, was killed on Saturday morning in the south of the country.Three other soldiers were wounded and evacuated during the attack against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil)'s peacekeeping mission, the French president says. Available information suggests that Hezbollah is responsible for the attack, Macron added.

French soldier killed in Lebanon, says Macron, blames Hezbollah

Iran's Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Parliament blamed the US for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a response to the “new hypocrisy” of the enemy. He said that the US has again and again betrayed the trust and broken promises. He accused the US President of substituting “dreams” for factual reality. He urged Trump to change his tone from "dreaming and bullying” to “politeness and humility” toward the Iranian people.

'The era of bullying has ended': Ebrahim Azizi says closing the Strait of Hormuz was the Response to US bad faith 

The IDF has acknowledged that it has fired several rounds of artillery on the other side of the imaginary “yellow line” established by itself unilaterally. “Immediately after identification and in order to eliminate the threat ... forces attacked the terrorists in several areas in southern Lebanon”, said the IDF, claiming that the military was authorised to take action against threats despite the ceasefire.&nbsp;

Israel acknowledges violation of ceasefire calls them response to 'imminent threat'

The Iranian Navy has broadcast a message to the merchant vessel stationed in and around the Strait of Hormuz, that the way is shut and none shall pass. The message marks a rapid reversal following Iran’s earlier announcement that the strait would be open to commercial vessels. Iranian officials have subsequently blamed the US for creating a "diplomatic circus" and accused Trump of giving contradictory statements.

Merchant vessel receives message from Iran the strait is shut again

The Israeli military on Saturday claimed that it had established a “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon, suggesting that it had already struck militants approaching from the other side. "Over the past 24 hours, IDF forces operating south of the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon identified terrorists who violated the ceasefire understandings and approached the forces from north of the Yellow Line in a manner that posed an immediate threat," &nbsp;said the IDF in a statement.&nbsp;

IDF claims it established a "Yellow Line" in southern Lebanon

Iranian gunboats fired at a tanker on Saturday, claimed the British military. It did not identify the tanker or the destination, but the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said the tanker and crew were reported safe.

Iranian gunboats fired on British tankers claims British military 

US CENTCOM has posted a message claiming that it continues its blockade against the ships entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas. It claimed that 23 ships have complied to the order of the USS Canberra (LCS 30) which is patrolling the Arabian Sea as part of the blockade.&nbsp;

US CENTCOM continues its naval blockade 

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei marked Army Day by vowing continued resistance against what he termed the “two armies at the forefront of infidelity and arrogance”. In a message release by Telegram he said that &nbsp;Iran's "brave navy" is prepared to make its enemies "taste the bitterness of new defeats," specifically referencing readiness in the Strait of Hormuz. He framed the war as the continuation of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Mojtaba Khamenei vows resistance against the two armies "infidelity and arrogance"

Iran has officially stated that it has not yet agreed to a second round of peace negotiations with the United States, as reported by Tehran News Agency citing an unnamed Iranian official.. While US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a deal is close, Iranian officials have countered these claims, labelling the US demands as "unreasonable" and "excessive". Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum no date can be set until a "common framework" is established.

‘Iran has not agreed to second round of negotiations’

Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh says President Trump 'talks too much' and 'said contradictory things within the same statement'. While speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkiye, he said Trump contradicted himself within the statement when he said that the US would “start dropping bombs again” if no deal is reached with Iran by Wednesday.&nbsp;

Iran's Deputy Prime MInister: 'Trump talks too much'

There are reports of artillery shelling, and intermittent strikes have targeted several southern Lebanese towns of Beit Leif, Qantara and Touline. The Lebanese Army has officially documented several Israeli attacks since the truce began. Israeli bulldozers continue razing homes in southern Lebanon.

Israel continues violation of the 10 day truce in Lebanon

The Foreign Minister of Turkey hosted a diplomatic forum on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia were part of the diplomatic effort. They focused on preserving a fragile ceasefire and exploring regional solutions to shared security challenges. It was the third consecutive meeting of the four nations within a month.

Turkey hosts meeting of foreign ministry on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum

The United Kingdom had urged for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Saturday that normal maritime operations had not yet resumed despite the truce in the Iran war. “We are at a critical diplomatic moment with a ceasefire now in place, but we don’t yet have normal passage through the strait,” Cooper was quoted as saying on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye. She emphasised that the ceasefire must evolve into lasting peace.&nbsp;

UK urges full reopening of Strait of Hormuz, calls it a 'critical diplomatic moment' 

Following earlier reports that Iran has opened part of its airspace in the east, six Iranian airports have now reopened, according to the Association of Iranian Airlines.

Six Iranian airports reopen: Iranian airline official

The IRGC’s joint military command has issued a statement claiming that control of the Strait of Hormuz has now “returned to its previous state” due to the US’s continuing blockade of Iranian ports.In a statement cited by Iran’s IRIB broadcaster, the IRGC command said the US has “continued acts of piracy and maritime theft under the guise of a so-called blockade”.

IRGC says Hormuz returns to ‘previous state’

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Saturday (April 18) that the Strait of Hormuz had not yet returned to normal operations despite the ceasefire in the Iran war. He urged Tehran to allow global shipping to resume fully.

Britain calls for full resumption of shipping through Strait of Hormuz

Israel will impose a so-called “yellow line” in Lebanon, barring residents from returning to areas occupied by the Israeli military, as per the senior Israel Defence Forces (IDF) officials.&nbsp;

Israel to impose "yellow line" in Lebanon, will bar residents from access villages

Pakistan’s military chief, who mediated last weekend’s Islamabad talks between the US and Iran, has wrapped up an official three-day visit to Iran focused on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.&nbsp;

Pakistan's army chief, a mediator in war negotiations, wraps up Iran visit

US President Trump warned on Saturday (April 18) that the US will start “dropping bombs” on Iran again if a deal is not reached in the upcoming second round of talks. He also said that Washington “may not” extend the ceasefire with Iran in case negotiations don’t go well.

'Will start dropping bombs' on Iran if deal not reached, says Trump

Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz if US port blockades persist, while President Aoun declares Lebanon will no longer be a proxy battleground following the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

Iran-US-Israel war LIVE: Iran will shut the strategic Strait of Hormuz once again if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Saturday. At the same time, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the country is entering a “new phase” marked by “permanent agreements”, adding that Lebanon will no longer serve as a battleground for external conflicts following the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.a Follow WION for all the latest developments, analysis, and live updates on the unfolding US‑Iran‑Israel crisis.

Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz if US port blockades persist, while President Aoun declares Lebanon will no longer be a proxy battleground following the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

Iran-US-Israel war highlights: French soldier killed in Lebanon, says Macron, blames Hezbollah

US President Donald Trump issued an unprecedented public rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ordered him to stop military action roughly 15 hours after the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire officially took effect. Soon after, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to an Axios report, the remark created confusion among the Israelis and shocked the Netanyahu officials.“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” said Trump in a statement on social media.&nbsp;The statement came just after US President Donald Trump, after reports that Israel committed several violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video statement. While he accepted the truce, he claimed Israeli forces would stay in southern Lebanon to counter "imminent threats" and stated, "We have not yet finished the job."“There are things we plan to do regarding the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat, which I will not detail here,” said Netanyahu. Following the sharp rebuke directed at Israel, Trump invited both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Michel Aoun to the White House for "meaningful talks" next week to finalise a permanent peace.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-uranium-transfer-strait-of-hormuz-tensions-1776492415837">Iran rejects uranium transfer, calls it 'sacred' and contradicts Trump on Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>Is the ceasefire in Lebanon a shift in power dynamics in West Asia</h2>The ceasefire in Lebanon, which was tried to be bulldozed by the US-Israeli camp in a lopsided agreement. The Trump administration at first tried to did not want to link the Iran-US-Israel situation with Lebanon, claiming it was a simple misunderstanding. At least 570 people had been killed in Lebanon since Pakistan first pushed for Lebanon’s inclusion on April 8. But since Trump rebuked Israel over its violation of the 10-day truce, Israeli officials and Ambassador Yechiel Leiter reportedly "scrambled" to determine if the US had fundamentally shifted its policy. White House later issued a clarification that offensive military operations are strictly barred during the 10-day truce, Israel does retain the right to respond to specific, imminent threats in self-defense.This shows a shift in the power dynamics in the vital West Asia region, one from unilateral US-backed Israeli aggression to a multilateral negotiated process, at the core of which lies the issue of a Palestinian state, which the US-Israeli camp tries to avoid accountability. In its broadest historical context, American University of Beirut Professor Rami Khouri said the moment is “part of the last chapter of the anti-colonial battle in the Middle East: the Iranians, Hezbollah, Hamas, and others are fighting to stop a century of Western military dominance and control of this region. Palestine is the core element.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In an unprecedented occurrence, Trump rebuked Netanyahu over Lebanon ceasefire violations as Iran announces Strait of Hormuz reopening, signalling shifting West Asia dynamics.

US President Donald Trump issued an unprecedented public rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ordered him to stop military action roughly 15 hours after the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire officially took effect. Soon after, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to an Axios report, the remark created confusion among the Israelis and shocked the Netanyahu officials. “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” said Trump in a statement on social media. The statement came just after US President Donald Trump, after reports that Israel committed several violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video statement. While he accepted the truce, he claimed Israeli forces would stay in southern Lebanon to counter "imminent threats" and stated, "We have not yet finished the job." “There are things we plan to do regarding the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat, which I will not detail here,” said Netanyahu. Following the sharp rebuke directed at Israel, Trump invited both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Michel Aoun to the White House for "meaningful talks" next week to finalise a permanent peace. Also Read: Iran rejects uranium transfer, calls it 'sacred' and contradicts Trump on Strait of Hormuz Is the ceasefire in Lebanon a shift in power dynamics in West Asia The ceasefire in Lebanon, which was tried to be bulldozed by the US-Israeli camp in a lopsided agreement. The Trump administration at first tried to did not want to link the Iran-US-Israel situation with Lebanon, claiming it was a simple misunderstanding. At least 570 people had been killed in Lebanon since Pakistan first pushed for Lebanon’s inclusion on April 8. But since Trump rebuked Israel over its violation of the 10-day truce, Israeli officials and Ambassador Yechiel Leiter reportedly "scrambled" to determine if the US had fundamentally shifted its policy. White House later issued a clarification that offensive military operations are strictly barred during the 10-day truce, Israel does retain the right to respond to specific, imminent threats in self-defense. This shows a shift in the power dynamics in the vital West Asia region, one from unilateral US-backed Israeli aggression to a multilateral negotiated process, at the core of which lies the issue of a Palestinian state, which the US-Israeli camp tries to avoid accountability. In its broadest historical context, American University of Beirut Professor Rami Khouri said the moment is “part of the last chapter of the anti-colonial battle in the Middle East: the Iranians, Hezbollah, Hamas, and others are fighting to stop a century of Western military dominance and control of this region. Palestine is the core element.”

In an unprecedented occurrence, Trump rebuked Netanyahu over Lebanon ceasefire violations as Iran announces Strait of Hormuz reopening, signalling shifting West Asia dynamics.

Trump rebukes Israel over Lebanon ceasefire, a shift in power dynamics in West Asia

Iran on Saturday (April 18) sharply pushed back against claims by US President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz, adopting a sarcastic tone in response to his recent statements. Reacting to Trump’s assertion that Tehran had agreed to keep the vital shipping route permanently open, the Iranian embassy in Zimbabwe mocked the US President in a post on the social media platform X.&nbsp;“Try not to show yourself too happy. Have a little prestige; 2. Never, emphasise never, think to the new legal regime of the Strait of Iran. We will fix it; 3. Turn off the phone, relax, no more posts and, block Bibi for one week; 4. Eat a light dinner and sleep well,” the embassy wrote.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-maybe-i-won-t-extend-it-trump-not-interested-in-extending-ceasefire-insists-us-will-continue-blockade-of-iran-ports-1776484728184">Trump not interested in 'extending' ceasefire, insists US blockade to continue</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1. Try not to show yourself too happy. Have a little prestige; 2. Never, (emphasize) never think to the new legal regime of the Strait of Iran. We will fix it; 3. Turn off the phone, relax, no more posts and, block Bibi for one week; 4. Eat a light dinner and sleep well. <a href="https://t.co/dYicAvzvHn">pic.twitter.com/dYicAvzvHn</a>&mdash; Iran Embassy in Zimbabwe (@IRANinZIMBABWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRANinZIMBABWE/status/2045214766822510833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The remarks came after a series of posts by Trump on Friday, in which he claimed that Iran had committed to keeping the strait open and would not use it as leverage in future conflicts. “Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again. It will no longer be used as a weapon against the world,” Trump said on Truth Social, adding that the development marked “a great and brilliant day for the world”. He also suggested that Tehran would hand over its “nuclear dust” to the United States.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-nuclear-dust-means-trump-claims-iran-may-give-up-enriched-uranium-as-tehran-denies-transfer-claim-1776479814553">What 'nuclear dust' means? Trump claims Iran may give up enriched uranium</a>&nbsp;Iranian officials, however, strongly disputed these claims. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised Trump’s remarks, accusing him of making “seven false claims in one hour”. He warned that Iran retains the option of shutting the strategic waterway if it considers US actions, such as a naval blockade, to be hostile. In a separate post, Trump said the US blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a peace agreement is reached.&nbsp;

Iran mocked Donald Trump’s claims that Tehran agreed to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, dismissively advising him to "relax." Officials denied his assertions, maintaining their right to close the waterway.

Iran on Saturday (April 18) sharply pushed back against claims by US President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz, adopting a sarcastic tone in response to his recent statements. Reacting to Trump’s assertion that Tehran had agreed to keep the vital shipping route permanently open, the Iranian embassy in Zimbabwe mocked the US President in a post on the social media platform X. “Try not to show yourself too happy. Have a little prestige; 2. Never, emphasise never, think to the new legal regime of the Strait of Iran. We will fix it; 3. Turn off the phone, relax, no more posts and, block Bibi for one week; 4. Eat a light dinner and sleep well,” the embassy wrote. Also read: Trump not interested in 'extending' ceasefire, insists US blockade to continue

Iran mocked Donald Trump’s claims that Tehran agreed to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, dismissively advising him to "relax." Officials denied his assertions, maintaining their right to close the waterway.

‘Turn off the phone, relax’: Iran mocks Trump over Strait of Hormuz, advises to ‘block Bibi for a week’

A communication between two pilots over an air traffic control frequency has gone viral on social media for its usual nature when they were heard making animal sounds. What seemed like a harmless joke at first is now being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Reportedly, the exchange happened at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on April 12.In the audio, which is being widely circulated on social media, one of the pilots was heard saying “meow meow”. In response, another pilot barked back like a dog. The two were scolded by someone on the same frequency, who said, “You guys need to be professional pilots”. Another person chided in, “This is why you still fly an RJ,” referring to a regional jet, on which many aviators start their careers.It was not known which flights the pilots were operating on or which airline they worked for.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: The FAA has announced that they will investigate an incident after two pilots were heard meowing and woofing on an emergency aviation frequency. <a href="https://t.co/OkOdptf2lN">pic.twitter.com/OkOdptf2lN</a>&mdash; R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/rawsalerts/status/2044576195153424597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a statement, the FAA said that it prohibits pilots from engaging in “non-essential conversations” when they are flying below an altitude of 10,000 feet.“Conversations must be related to the safe operation of the aircraft. The FAA investigates all situations where pilots may have violated any regulation,” the agency said in a statement.Dennis Tajer, pilot and spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, said that heard pilots meowing on the “guard” frequency before, according to ABC News. This channel is not used by pilots frequently as it is reserved for emergencies.“It’s not entertainment, it’s a serious frequency, and it has a serious purpose,” Tajer said. “Anything that contaminates that with idle humour or any kind of schtick is not received well, and it should stop.”In a message for the meowing pilots, Tajer said, “For the few individuals out there that do it: stop, join us, stay safe, and we’ll keep that frequency sacred and protected.”The FAA said that the viral audio came from a third-party source, but added that the agency will investigate the incident once it has been verified.

A lighthearted exchange between pilots making animal sounds on an air traffic control frequency has gone viral. What seemed like a harmless joke is now under scrutiny, as the Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into a possible violation of communication rules.

A communication between two pilots over an air traffic control frequency has gone viral on social media for its usual nature when they were heard making animal sounds. What seemed like a harmless joke at first is now being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Reportedly, the exchange happened at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on April 12. In the audio, which is being widely circulated on social media, one of the pilots was heard saying “meow meow”. In response, another pilot barked back like a dog. The two were scolded by someone on the same frequency, who said, “You guys need to be professional pilots”. Another person chided in, “This is why you still fly an RJ,” referring to a regional jet, on which many aviators start their careers. It was not known which flights the pilots were operating on or which airline they worked for.

A lighthearted exchange between pilots making animal sounds on an air traffic control frequency has gone viral. What seemed like a harmless joke is now under scrutiny, as the Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into a possible violation of communication rules.

‘Meow, meow’: Pilots’ bizarre ATC exchange goes viral on social media; FAA launches investigation

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reaffirmed on April 17 that the decisions on the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear file rest completely with the Iranians. He asserted that even though Iran is willing to negotiate, the contradictory positions from the US reflect a lack of seriousness and commitment to its obligations. He clarified that the rumours about transferring enriched Uranium are part of psychological warfare and emerged after the enemy failed to achieve its military objectives. Baghei describe the enriched uranium as “sacred” and non-negotiable.&nbsp;<h2>Opening of the Strait of Hormuz</h2>Baghei emphasised that the ceasefire was not a temporary pause, but an opportunity to bring the war to a complete end and remove the country from the shadow of military threats. He said that Iran did not close the Strait of Hormuz, but it was the unsafe conditions resulted from the action of the enemy. He added that Iran, as a coastal state, has the right to assert full control over its territorial waters, and even at the height of the conflict, Iran assisted vessels not aligned with the aggressors to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz. &nbsp;The statements made by the US officials are largely rhetorical and lack any practical substance. He added that these recent remarks fall largely within the framework of the April 8 ceasefire understanding and do not constitute a new development, but it has not been fully implemented due to the failure of the US to uphold its commitments.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-zohran-mamdani-pied-a-terre-tax-new-york-feud-1776429804366">End of bromance; Trump slams Zohran Mamdani over pied-à-terre tax</a><h2>Transferring of enriched Iranian uranium</h2>Esmaeil Baghaei explicitly stated that "enriched uranium is as sacred to us as Iranian soil", implying that giving up the uranium would be surrendering Iranian soil. &nbsp;He equated the nuclear program to a historic achievement that cannot be traded away for sanctions relief. This comes in total contradiction to US President Donald Trump's claims that the US and Iran would jointly use "lots of excavators" to remove the material and would be taken to the US, and an agreement on this transfer was already 100 per cent complete.&nbsp;He maintained that Iran is looking for the continuation of the diplomatic apparatus and is fully committed to securing the interests of the Iranian people. He highlighted the synchronicity of the battlefield in diplomacy, stating that diplomacy is a continuation of the Iranian interest pursued by the Iranian army on the ground, now carried forward in the political and international arena.<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Iran says enriched uranium is “sacred” and non-negotiable, rejects US claims, and asserts control over the Strait of Hormuz amid fragile ceasefire tensions.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reaffirmed on April 17 that the decisions on the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear file rest completely with the Iranians. He asserted that even though Iran is willing to negotiate, the contradictory positions from the US reflect a lack of seriousness and commitment to its obligations. He clarified that the rumours about transferring enriched Uranium are part of psychological warfare and emerged after the enemy failed to achieve its military objectives. Baghei describe the enriched uranium as “sacred” and non-negotiable. Opening of the Strait of Hormuz Baghei emphasised that the ceasefire was not a temporary pause, but an opportunity to bring the war to a complete end and remove the country from the shadow of military threats. He said that Iran did not close the Strait of Hormuz, but it was the unsafe conditions resulted from the action of the enemy. He added that Iran, as a coastal state, has the right to assert full control over its territorial waters, and even at the height of the conflict, Iran assisted vessels not aligned with the aggressors to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz. The statements made by the US officials are largely rhetorical and lack any practical substance. He added that these recent remarks fall largely within the framework of the April 8 ceasefire understanding and do not constitute a new development, but it has not been fully implemented due to the failure of the US to uphold its commitments. Also Read: End of bromance; Trump slams Zohran Mamdani over pied-à-terre tax Transferring of enriched Iranian uranium Esmaeil Baghaei explicitly stated that "enriched uranium is as sacred to us as Iranian soil", implying that giving up the uranium would be surrendering Iranian soil. He equated the nuclear program to a historic achievement that cannot be traded away for sanctions relief. This comes in total contradiction to US President Donald Trump's claims that the US and Iran would jointly use "lots of excavators" to remove the material and would be taken to the US, and an agreement on this transfer was already 100 per cent complete. He maintained that Iran is looking for the continuation of the diplomatic apparatus and is fully committed to securing the interests of the Iranian people. He highlighted the synchronicity of the battlefield in diplomacy, stating that diplomacy is a continuation of the Iranian interest pursued by the Iranian army on the ground, now carried forward in the political and international arena.

Iran says enriched uranium is “sacred” and non-negotiable, rejects US claims, and asserts control over the Strait of Hormuz amid fragile ceasefire tensions.

Iran rejects uranium transfer, calls it 'sacred' and contradicts Trump on Strait of Hormuz

In a major shift for government transparency, US President Donald Trump has promised that a ‘Great Disclosure’ is imminent. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday (Apr 17), the President made a shocking announcement, saying that the Pentagon will begin releasing highly classified files on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) and UFOs “very, very soon,” a disclosure he said he had been saving specifically for this audience. Trump revealed that he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to begin the declassification process. "I thought I'd save it for this crowd, because you're a little bit out there," he joked.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-fake-jesus-iran-turns-trump-s-deleted-ai-image-into-a-viral-lego-diss-track-amid-pope-row-in-pics-1776326285612">'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics</a><h2>UFO files incoming</h2>Speaking to a crowd of young conservative voters, Trump revealed that the US government was in possession of "many very interesting documents". The US president promised that the "first releases will begin very, very soon."The announcement wasn't entirely out of nowhere. Trump had posted on Truth Social in February, directing Hegseth and other relevant agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to "alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and unidentified flying objects." Hegseth subsequently told reporters his department was "digging in" to the files and would comply with the president's instructions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-s-robot-army-how-kyiv-used-ground-based-robots-to-carry-out-over-100-combat-operations-against-russia-all-you-need-to-know-in-pics-1776323150157">Ukraine's robot army: How Kyiv used ground-based robots to execute 100+ combat operations against Russia | In Pics</a><h2>Congressional pressure behind the release?</h2>Over the past few months, congressional pressure has been building on the same front. The House Oversight Committee's UAP Task Force sent a letter to Hegseth in March requesting more than 45 video files dating back to 2019, with a deadline of April 14. The request followed September hearings where whistleblowers testified that the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, a Pentagon division, possessed video records of UAP encounters. The footage reportedly includes sightings of cigar-shaped and spherical objects, UAP formations near Iran and Syria, incidents near US military bases and airports, and a 2023 shootdown over Lake Huron. One file allegedly shows UFOs in formation over the Persian Gulf."The lack of disclosure regarding the very real threat posed by UAPs in and around US restricted airspace is concerning," the congressional letter stated, adding that their presence near sensitive military installations posed security and readiness risks.<h2>Obama confirms aliens exist</h2>Around the same time, former US president Barack Obama also sparked speculation when, during a podcast, he confirmed that UAP files exist, but stopped short of confirming alien life. "They're real, but I haven't seen them," he said, adding that there was no underground facility holding aliens, "unless there's this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president."

Did Donald Trump just promise to reveal UFO secrets? At a Phoenix event, he said classified files on unidentified aerial phenomena will be declassified soon.

What’s really in these documents and why now? Scroll down to read more.

In a major shift for government transparency, US President Donald Trump has promised that a ‘Great Disclosure’ is imminent. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday (Apr 17), the President made a shocking announcement, saying that the Pentagon will begin releasing highly classified files on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) and UFOs “very, very soon,” a disclosure he said he had been saving specifically for this audience. Trump revealed that he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to begin the declassification process. "I thought I'd save it for this crowd, because you're a little bit out there," he joked. Also read | 'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics UFO files incoming Speaking to a crowd of young conservative voters, Trump revealed that the US government was in possession of "many very interesting documents". The US president promised that the "first releases will begin very, very soon." The announcement wasn't entirely out of nowhere. Trump had posted on Truth Social in February, directing Hegseth and other relevant agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to "alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and unidentified flying objects." Hegseth subsequently told reporters his department was "digging in" to the files and would comply with the president's instructions. Also read | Ukraine's robot army: How Kyiv used ground-based robots to execute 100+ combat operations against Russia | In Pics Congressional pressure behind the release? Over the past few months, congressional pressure has been building on the same front. The House Oversight Committee's UAP Task Force sent a letter to Hegseth in March requesting more than 45 video files dating back to 2019, with a deadline of April 14. The request followed September hearings where whistleblowers testified that the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, a Pentagon division, possessed video records of UAP encounters. The footage reportedly includes sightings of cigar-shaped and spherical objects, UAP formations near Iran and Syria, incidents near US military bases and airports, and a 2023 shootdown over Lake Huron. One file allegedly shows UFOs in formation over the Persian Gulf. "The lack of disclosure regarding the very real threat posed by UAPs in and around US restricted airspace is concerning," the congressional letter stated, adding that their presence near sensitive military installations posed security and readiness risks. Obama confirms aliens exist Around the same time, former US president Barack Obama also sparked speculation when, during a podcast, he confirmed that UAP files exist, but stopped short of confirming alien life. "They're real, but I haven't seen them," he said, adding that there was no underground facility holding aliens, "unless there's this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the president."

Did Donald Trump just promise to reveal UFO secrets? At a Phoenix event, he said classified files on unidentified aerial phenomena will be declassified soon.What’s really in these documents and why now? Scroll down to read more.

Trump announces Pentagon UFO files release: 'We found many very interesting documents'

Austria and India have taken a significant step forward in educational and skilled mobility cooperation, with an expected intake of 200 Indian students into Austrian universities this year through a targeted partnership involving VFS Education Services. The plan builds on the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (CMMPA) signed in 2023, which entered into force in September that year.The initiative, part of the “Focus India” programme with Austria’s Technical Universities (TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben), focuses on quality-driven recruitment of engineering and technology talent. It addresses Austria’s skilled labour shortage while offering Indian students a world-class education and pathways to the European job market.Last week, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Austrian Chancellor Stocker reconfirmed the bilateral immigration agreement and positioned Austria as a preferred European destination for skills development.Susanne Feiel, Director of International Relations and European University, underlined the demographic and economic drivers: “The Indian market is a very strong market in terms of potential students for Austria and Europe. It’s demography. Demography speaks for itself, with all these young people available and also more and more coming in the coming years.” She noted that policy alone is insufficient without effective implementation. “We’ve already managed to show that in a very short time, only one year, we’ve been able to get 200 students into Austria successfully. And I think it’s amazing how quickly this has happened, and there’s more to come for the future.”The partnership with VFS Education Services has proven instrumental in streamlining the process. Bernard Martyris, Chief of Education Trade and Migration Services at VFS Global, explained: “VFS education services have been established to strengthen the integrity, efficiency, and outcomes of international student mobility. Core role to support companies and academic institutions to provide structured, transparent services across the student life cycle.”Feiel stressed the quality-over-quantity approach: “It’s not only about bringing students to Austria, but it’s about really placing them in the labour market. It’s very important we have a skilled labour shortage in Austria, in Europe as such… with 1.5 million people that we need in skilled labour sectors.”Clemens Weihs, Team Lead Strategic Partnerships, described the 200 students as a “blueprint” that could scale across Europe: “We started with 200. It was a kind of a blueprint… it’s not just interesting for Austria, it’s even interesting for Europe… the number can be much higher than this 200.”The programme targets purpose-driven mobility, offering Indian graduates from recognised institutions structured master’s pathways, pre-screening, and support for post-study work opportunities. Austrian officials view these “connector talents” as vital for bridging economies amid demographic challenges.As both nations review and expand cooperation under the 2023 pact during Stocker’s visit, this initial success of 200 students signals a maturing partnership.&nbsp;

Last week, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Austrian Chancellor Stocker reconfirmed the bilateral immigration agreement and positioned Austria as a preferred European destination for skills development.

Austria and India have taken a significant step forward in educational and skilled mobility cooperation, with an expected intake of 200 Indian students into Austrian universities this year through a targeted partnership involving VFS Education Services. The plan builds on the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (CMMPA) signed in 2023, which entered into force in September that year. The initiative, part of the “Focus India” programme with Austria’s Technical Universities (TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben), focuses on quality-driven recruitment of engineering and technology talent. It addresses Austria’s skilled labour shortage while offering Indian students a world-class education and pathways to the European job market. Last week, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Austrian Chancellor Stocker reconfirmed the bilateral immigration agreement and positioned Austria as a preferred European destination for skills development. Susanne Feiel, Director of International Relations and European University, underlined the demographic and economic drivers: “The Indian market is a very strong market in terms of potential students for Austria and Europe. It’s demography. Demography speaks for itself, with all these young people available and also more and more coming in the coming years.” She noted that policy alone is insufficient without effective implementation. “We’ve already managed to show that in a very short time, only one year, we’ve been able to get 200 students into Austria successfully. And I think it’s amazing how quickly this has happened, and there’s more to come for the future.” The partnership with VFS Education Services has proven instrumental in streamlining the process. Bernard Martyris, Chief of Education Trade and Migration Services at VFS Global, explained: “VFS education services have been established to strengthen the integrity, efficiency, and outcomes of international student mobility. Core role to support companies and academic institutions to provide structured, transparent services across the student life cycle.” Feiel stressed the quality-over-quantity approach: “It’s not only about bringing students to Austria, but it’s about really placing them in the labour market. It’s very important we have a skilled labour shortage in Austria, in Europe as such… with 1.5 million people that we need in skilled labour sectors.” Clemens Weihs, Team Lead Strategic Partnerships, described the 200 students as a “blueprint” that could scale across Europe: “We started with 200. It was a kind of a blueprint… it’s not just interesting for Austria, it’s even interesting for Europe… the number can be much higher than this 200.” The programme targets purpose-driven mobility, offering Indian graduates from recognised institutions structured master’s pathways, pre-screening, and support for post-study work opportunities. Austrian officials view these “connector talents” as vital for bridging economies amid demographic challenges. As both nations review and expand cooperation under the 2023 pact during Stocker’s visit, this initial success of 200 students signals a maturing partnership.

Last week, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Austrian Chancellor Stocker reconfirmed the bilateral immigration agreement and positioned Austria as a preferred European destination for skills development.

200 Indian students head to Austria this year under education-mobility cooperation

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Apr 17) said he may not extend the US-Iran ceasefire, which is due to expire on Wednesday (Apr 22). Trump also insisted that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place. This comes as Iran threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz once again if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports. In a X post, Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote, "With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open". He also said that passage through the waterway would require authorisation from Iran.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-second-russian-oil-sanctions-waiver-despite-scott-bessent-s-pledge-not-to-what-does-it-mean-for-india-1776480327746">US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver despite Scott Bessent's pledge not to. What does it mean for India?</a><h2>US-Iran deal 'very soon'?</h2>Talking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump insisted that the blockade of Iran's ports is "going to remain".&nbsp; "Maybe I won't extend it, but the blockade is going to remain," he told reporters when asked about the ceasefire's future. He added that he still believes a broader peace deal is achievable. "I think it's going to happen," he said.Trump also ruled out another Iranian proposal that had surfaced during the Pakistan talks — the imposition of tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. "There are not going to be tolls," he said flatly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-talks-expected-in-pakistan-on-monday-as-trump-eyes-nuclear-dust-1776475229677">US-Iran peace talks expected in Pakistan on Monday as Trump eyes nuclear 'dust'</a>In a separate statement to AFP, he said that a peace deal was 'very close' and that the Iranians have agreed to surrender their nuclear materials. Iran, meanwhile, has rejected the POTUS's claims.<h2>China ‘very happy’ about the re-opening of Hormuz</h2>On a more optimistic note, Trump posted on Truth Social that Chinese President Xi Jinping was "very happy" about the strait's reopening, and referenced an upcoming summit in Beijing in May. "Our meeting in China will be a special one and, potentially, Historic," he wrote — a signal that Trump sees the broader geopolitical moment as connected to his China diplomacy as well.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, 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. &nbsp;

Will the US extend its ceasefire with Iran, or is another escalation coming? US President Donald Trump says he may not extend the truce and will keep the naval blockade in place. Iran meanwhile, has issued a fresh warning over the Strait of Hormuz.

What happens next? Scroll down to read

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Apr 17) said he may not extend the US-Iran ceasefire, which is due to expire on Wednesday (Apr 22). Trump also insisted that the naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place. This comes as Iran threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz once again if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports. In a X post, Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote, "With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open". He also said that passage through the waterway would require authorisation from Iran. Also read | US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver despite Scott Bessent's pledge not to. What does it mean for India? US-Iran deal 'very soon'? Talking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump insisted that the blockade of Iran's ports is "going to remain". "Maybe I won't extend it, but the blockade is going to remain," he told reporters when asked about the ceasefire's future. He added that he still believes a broader peace deal is achievable. "I think it's going to happen," he said. Trump also ruled out another Iranian proposal that had surfaced during the Pakistan talks — the imposition of tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. "There are not going to be tolls," he said flatly. Also read | US-Iran peace talks expected in Pakistan on Monday as Trump eyes nuclear 'dust' In a separate statement to AFP, he said that a peace deal was 'very close' and that the Iranians have agreed to surrender their nuclear materials. Iran, meanwhile, has rejected the POTUS's claims. China ‘very happy’ about the re-opening of Hormuz On a more optimistic note, Trump posted on Truth Social that Chinese President Xi Jinping was "very happy" about the strait's reopening, and referenced an upcoming summit in Beijing in May. "Our meeting in China will be a special one and, potentially, Historic," he wrote — a signal that Trump sees the broader geopolitical moment as connected to his China diplomacy as well. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, 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.

Will the US extend its ceasefire with Iran, or is another escalation coming? US President Donald Trump says he may not extend the truce and will keep the naval blockade in place. Iran, meanwhile, has issued fresh warning over the Strait of Hormuz.What happens next? Scroll down to read

'Maybe I won't extend it': Trump not interested in 'extending' ceasefire, insists US will continue blockade of Iran ports

The Indian government on Friday (Apr 18) confirmed that it has been invited to join the initiative led by the United Kingdom and France to secure the transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most crucial waterway amid the conflict in West Asia. During the weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the invitation.“Yes, India has got the invitation to join the initiative. The meeting is scheduled to start in a few hours. We will inform you on India's role and will also inform you on what was discussed at the meeting,” Jaiswal said.This comes as the international community ramps up efforts to ensure the security of the most strategic shipping route that accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the global oil trade. The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockade amid the war had significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices.According to the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi has been asked to participate in efforts aimed at maintaining “uninterrupted navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz.Meanwhile, Iran on Friday declared that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for all commercial ships for the remaining period of the ceasefire, marking a significant easing in maritime restrictions in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.In a post on X, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire.” he added that safe passage will only be applied on the coordinated route as already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.However, Tehran warned that it could once again close the passage if the US continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The developments come after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect at midnight on April 17.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.

India confirmed that it was invited by the UK-France-led initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz transit amid tensions. 

The Indian government on Friday (Apr 18) confirmed that it has been invited to join the initiative led by the United Kingdom and France to secure the transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most crucial waterway amid the conflict in West Asia. During the weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the invitation. “Yes, India has got the invitation to join the initiative. The meeting is scheduled to start in a few hours. We will inform you on India's role and will also inform you on what was discussed at the meeting,” Jaiswal said. This comes as the international community ramps up efforts to ensure the security of the most strategic shipping route that accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the global oil trade. The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockade amid the war had significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi has been asked to participate in efforts aimed at maintaining “uninterrupted navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran on Friday declared that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for all commercial ships for the remaining period of the ceasefire, marking a significant easing in maritime restrictions in one of the world’s most strategic waterways. In a post on X, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire.” he added that safe passage will only be applied on the coordinated route as already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. However, Tehran warned that it could once again close the passage if the US continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. The developments come after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect at midnight on April 17. 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.

India confirmed that it was invited by the UK-France-led initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz transit amid tensions.&nbsp;

India confirms invite to join the UK-France-led initiative to secure Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is prepared to hand over its so-called “nuclear dust” to the United States, a term he uses to describe Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium believed to be buried underground after US strikes on key nuclear sites last June. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iran regarding any such agreement in ongoing talks with the US or through Pakistani intermediaries. If true, however, the move would mark a major step toward limiting Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon. "There will be no enrichment of Uranium," Trump said, adding that the United States would work with Iran to "dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) nuclear 'dust.'"<h2>How much uranium does Iran have?</h2>Before US and Israeli airstrikes in June, Iran was estimated to possess over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, along with nearly 200 kilograms enriched to 20%, material that can be further refined to weapons-grade levels of 90%. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended for civilian energy production and energy security. However, available data has raised doubts about that claim.&nbsp;Tehran has announced plans to expand its nuclear electricity generation capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2041. Currently, its only operational nuclear facility is the Bushehr power plant, built by Russia and operational since 2013, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. This contributes roughly 1% to Iran’s total electricity output. To address a 25,000-megawatt shortfall, Iran would need to construct about 25 similar plants, each taking nearly two decades to complete.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-hungry-all-the-time-us-navy-calls-uss-abraham-lincoln-uss-tripoli-food-shortage-claims-fake-news-1776477997252">‘Hungry all the time’? US Navy calls USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Tripoli food shortage claims ‘fake news’</a>&nbsp;Energy strategist Umud Shokri said in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), “Iran holds some of the world's largest natural gas and oil reserves, enabling electricity generation at costs significantly lower than nuclear power.” "In practice, its electricity mix remains dominated by natural gas, while nuclear contributes only a small share from the single operating Bushehr reactor."<h2>Where is Iran’s uranium stored?</h2>A significant portion of Iran’s enriched uranium is believed to be buried beneath a mountainous site damaged during US airstrikes, operations Trump previously claimed had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, most of Iran’s nuclear material is located at two of the three targeted sites: an underground tunnel at the Isfahan nuclear complex and storage at Natanz. Reports suggest Iran still possesses centrifuges and retains the capability to establish new underground enrichment facilities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-junta-chief-turned-prez-min-aung-hlaing-approves-prisoner-release-1776480278945/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-junta-chief-turned-prez-min-aung-hlaing-approves-prisoner-release-1776480278945/embed</a><h2>The ongoing nuclear standoff</h2>Iran’s nuclear program remains a central point of contention between Washington and Tehran. The US considers Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile a serious security threat due to its potential use in nuclear weapons. While Iran insists it does not seek nuclear arms, a pledge not to build them in the future may carry limited weight.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, handing over existing enriched uranium would represent a more meaningful concession, though concerns would remain if Iran retains enrichment capabilities. US officials have said that last year’s joint US-Israeli strikes destroyed or disabled many of Iran’s centrifuges. Still, it is widely believed that additional equipment remains operational.

Trump claims Iran may hand over its buried enriched uranium or “nuclear dust.” No confirmation yet, but it could impact US-Iran nuclear tensions

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is prepared to hand over its so-called “nuclear dust” to the United States, a term he uses to describe Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium believed to be buried underground after US strikes on key nuclear sites last June. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iran regarding any such agreement in ongoing talks with the US or through Pakistani intermediaries. If true, however, the move would mark a major step toward limiting Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon. "There will be no enrichment of Uranium," Trump said, adding that the United States would work with Iran to "dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) nuclear 'dust.'" How much uranium does Iran have? Before US and Israeli airstrikes in June, Iran was estimated to possess over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, along with nearly 200 kilograms enriched to 20%, material that can be further refined to weapons-grade levels of 90%. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended for civilian energy production and energy security. However, available data has raised doubts about that claim. Tehran has announced plans to expand its nuclear electricity generation capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2041. Currently, its only operational nuclear facility is the Bushehr power plant, built by Russia and operational since 2013, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. This contributes roughly 1% to Iran’s total electricity output. To address a 25,000-megawatt shortfall, Iran would need to construct about 25 similar plants, each taking nearly two decades to complete. Also Read: ‘Hungry all the time’? US Navy calls USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Tripoli food shortage claims ‘fake news’ Energy strategist Umud Shokri said in an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), “Iran holds some of the world's largest natural gas and oil reserves, enabling electricity generation at costs significantly lower than nuclear power.” "In practice, its electricity mix remains dominated by natural gas, while nuclear contributes only a small share from the single operating Bushehr reactor." Where is Iran’s uranium stored? A significant portion of Iran’s enriched uranium is believed to be buried beneath a mountainous site damaged during US airstrikes, operations Trump previously claimed had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. According to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, most of Iran’s nuclear material is located at two of the three targeted sites: an underground tunnel at the Isfahan nuclear complex and storage at Natanz. Reports suggest Iran still possesses centrifuges and retains the capability to establish new underground enrichment facilities. https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-junta-chief-turned-prez-min-aung-hlaing-approves-prisoner-release-1776480278945/embed The ongoing nuclear standoff Iran’s nuclear program remains a central point of contention between Washington and Tehran. The US considers Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile a serious security threat due to its potential use in nuclear weapons. While Iran insists it does not seek nuclear arms, a pledge not to build them in the future may carry limited weight. However, handing over existing enriched uranium would represent a more meaningful concession, though concerns would remain if Iran retains enrichment capabilities. US officials have said that last year’s joint US-Israeli strikes destroyed or disabled many of Iran’s centrifuges. Still, it is widely believed that additional equipment remains operational.

Donald Trump claims Iran may hand over buried enriched uranium. Tehran has denied the deal, but it could mark a major step in limiting nuclear weapon risks

What 'nuclear dust' means? Trump claims Iran may give up enriched uranium as Tehran denies 'transfer claim'

The Trump administration quietly reversed course on Friday (Apr 17), issuing a second month-long sanctions waiver allowing the purchase of Russian crude oil and petroleum products currently at sea. This comes just two days after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters the US would not be extending the measure. How would this waiver benefit India, which imports around 38 and 40 per cent of its total crude imports from Moscow? All you need to know.<h2>US extends sanction waiver on Russian oil</h2>The Treasury Department has issued a month-long sanctions waiver for Russian oil. It covers oil already loaded onto vessels as of April 17 and permits purchases through 12:01 AM on May 16. This waiver is the second of its kind in recent days. It mirrors a previous waiver that expired on April 11, which was designed to cushion global energy markets from the supply shock caused by Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israel military campaign that began on February 28.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-calls-out-unacceptable-attacks-on-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz-flags-lost-precious-lives-of-indian-seafarers-1776387875954">India calls out 'unacceptable' attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz, shares 3-point plan for regional stability</a><h2>Didn't Bessent say no more waivers on Russian oil?</h2>United States' reversal is notable both for its timing and its political awkwardness. Bessent had been unambiguous on Wednesday (Apr 15), saying Washington would not renew the waiver for either Russian or Iranian oil. "We ​will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil, and we will not be renewing the general license ​on Iranian oil. That was oil that ​was on the water prior to March 11. So all ‌that ⁠has been used," Bessent said at a White House briefing. The administration's U-turn two days later suggests that energy market pressures, and their domestic political consequences ultimately overrode the harder line. US gasoline prices have risen sharply since the conflict began, adding pressure on households ahead of the midterm elections later this year.<h2>Waiver only for oil already at sea</h2>Notably, the waiver applies only to oil already in transit and is not intended to encourage new transactions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-s-robot-army-how-kyiv-used-ground-based-robots-to-carry-out-over-100-combat-operations-against-russia-all-you-need-to-know-in-pics-1776323150157">Ukraine's robot army: How Kyiv used ground-based robots to execute 100+ combat operations against Russia | In Pics</a><h2>What it means for India</h2>For India, the waiver's extension provides short-term relief, though New Delhi previously made clear it doesn't consider US sanctions policy determinative of its own energy decisions.Russia currently supplies between 38 and 40 per cent of India's total crude imports, averaging roughly 1.57 to 1.98 million barrels per day in early 2026. India depends on imports to meet over 88 per cent of its energy requirements, and with Iranian oil effectively off the table due to longstanding sanctions, Russia and the broader West Asian region are its primary alternatives, both of which have been disrupted by the current conflict.When the first waiver expired on April 11, Indian refineries signalled they would continue purchasing Russian crude regardless of the US position. An official cited by Mint said, "Efforts are on for further LPG purchases from Russia. Also, import of both crude and LPG is likely to continue from non-sanctioned entities." The official described India's energy import strategy as a sovereign decision that does not hinge on US sanctions policy.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, 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.

The United States has extended a one-month sanctions waiver for Russian crude that was already on ships. And for India, that matters more than it might look at first glance. All you need to know.

The Trump administration quietly reversed course on Friday (Apr 17), issuing a second month-long sanctions waiver allowing the purchase of Russian crude oil and petroleum products currently at sea. This comes just two days after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters the US would not be extending the measure. How would this waiver benefit India, which imports around 38 and 40 per cent of its total crude imports from Moscow? All you need to know. US extends sanction waiver on Russian oil The Treasury Department has issued a month-long sanctions waiver for Russian oil. It covers oil already loaded onto vessels as of April 17 and permits purchases through 12:01 AM on May 16. This waiver is the second of its kind in recent days. It mirrors a previous waiver that expired on April 11, which was designed to cushion global energy markets from the supply shock caused by Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israel military campaign that began on February 28. Also read | India calls out 'unacceptable' attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz, shares 3-point plan for regional stability Didn't Bessent say no more waivers on Russian oil? United States' reversal is notable both for its timing and its political awkwardness. Bessent had been unambiguous on Wednesday (Apr 15), saying Washington would not renew the waiver for either Russian or Iranian oil. "We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil, and we will not be renewing the general license on Iranian oil. That was oil that was on the water prior to March 11. So all ‌that ⁠has been used," Bessent said at a White House briefing. The administration's U-turn two days later suggests that energy market pressures, and their domestic political consequences ultimately overrode the harder line. US gasoline prices have risen sharply since the conflict began, adding pressure on households ahead of the midterm elections later this year. Waiver only for oil already at sea Notably, the waiver applies only to oil already in transit and is not intended to encourage new transactions. Also read | Ukraine's robot army: How Kyiv used ground-based robots to execute 100+ combat operations against Russia | In Pics What it means for India For India, the waiver's extension provides short-term relief, though New Delhi previously made clear it doesn't consider US sanctions policy determinative of its own energy decisions. Russia currently supplies between 38 and 40 per cent of India's total crude imports, averaging roughly 1.57 to 1.98 million barrels per day in early 2026. India depends on imports to meet over 88 per cent of its energy requirements, and with Iranian oil effectively off the table due to longstanding sanctions, Russia and the broader West Asian region are its primary alternatives, both of which have been disrupted by the current conflict. When the first waiver expired on April 11, Indian refineries signalled they would continue purchasing Russian crude regardless of the US position. An official cited by Mint said, "Efforts are on for further LPG purchases from Russia. Also, import of both crude and LPG is likely to continue from non-sanctioned entities." The official described India's energy import strategy as a sovereign decision that does not hinge on US sanctions policy. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, 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.

The United States has extended a one-month sanctions waiver for Russian crude that was already on ships. And for India, that matters more than it might look at first glance. All you need to know.

US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver despite Scott Bessent's pledge not to. What does it mean for India?

Sailors say “hungry all the time,” but US Navy denies shortages on USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli. What’s the truth?

‘Hungry all the time’? US Navy calls USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Tripoli food shortage claims ‘fake news’

The next round of diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran is expected to happen in Pakistan on Monday (Apr 20), according to reports. According to CNN, citing Iranian sources, delegations from both sides are expected to travel to Islamabad on Monday. Notably, Washington has yet to confirm the schedule. This comes as US President Donald Trump on Friday (Apr 17) told AFP that a peace deal was 'very close' and that the Iranians have agreed to surrender their nuclear materials. Iran, meanwhile, has rejected the POTUS's claims.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-fake-jesus-iran-turns-trump-s-deleted-ai-image-into-a-viral-lego-diss-track-amid-pope-row-in-pics-1776326285612">'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics</a><h2>A peace deal is 'very close'</h2>In a telephonic conversation with the news agency, Trump insisted, "We're very close. Looks like it's going to be very good for everybody. And we're very close to having a deal".As Iran moved to open the Strait of Hormuz, he also said that there were "no sticking points at all" left with Tehran. "The strait's going to be open; they already are open. And things are going very well."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-sure-get-to-die-for-them-though-iran-mocks-reports-of-food-shortages-on-uss-tripoli-and-uss-abraham-lincoln-warships-iran-war-1776414073483">'They sure get to die for them, though!': Iran mocks reports of food shortages on USS Tripoli and USS Abraham Lincoln</a><h2>Iran not ready to transfer its uranium stockpile</h2>Iran's foreign ministry, in a statement, insisted that the nation would not transfer its uranium stockpile "anywhere". "Enriched uranium is as SACRED to us as the soil of Iran" said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, adding, "Will NOT be transferred anywhere under any circumstances”. &nbsp;However, Trump insists that the USA will take possession of the "nuclear dust".President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States and Iran would jointly remove uranium from Tehran's nuclear sites with excavators under any peace deal, before the material is transferred to US territory. Despite Iran's Foreign Ministry's rejection of the claims, the US president insisted that his nation would use the "biggest excavators" to get to the stockpile."Somebody said, how are we going to get the nuclear dust? We're going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators," Trump told a gathering of the conservative Turning Point USA movement in Phoenix, Arizona."We need the biggest excavators you can imagine," he answered, adding, "But we're going to go in together with Iran. We're going to get it. We're going to take it back home to the USA very soon."&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, 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.

US and Iran on the brink of a deal? Reports suggest that the next round of truce talks may happen in Pakistan on Monday. Donald Trump says a breakthrough is “very close,” even as Tehran rejects key claims on its nuclear programme.

Scroll down to read more.

The next round of diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran is expected to happen in Pakistan on Monday (Apr 20), according to reports. According to CNN, citing Iranian sources, delegations from both sides are expected to travel to Islamabad on Monday. Notably, Washington has yet to confirm the schedule. This comes as US President Donald Trump on Friday (Apr 17) told AFP that a peace deal was 'very close' and that the Iranians have agreed to surrender their nuclear materials. Iran, meanwhile, has rejected the POTUS's claims. Also read | 'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics A peace deal is 'very close' In a telephonic conversation with the news agency, Trump insisted, "We're very close. Looks like it's going to be very good for everybody. And we're very close to having a deal". As Iran moved to open the Strait of Hormuz, he also said that there were "no sticking points at all" left with Tehran. "The strait's going to be open; they already are open. And things are going very well." Also read | 'They sure get to die for them, though!': Iran mocks reports of food shortages on USS Tripoli and USS Abraham Lincoln Iran not ready to transfer its uranium stockpile Iran's foreign ministry, in a statement, insisted that the nation would not transfer its uranium stockpile "anywhere". "Enriched uranium is as SACRED to us as the soil of Iran" said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, adding, "Will NOT be transferred anywhere under any circumstances”. However, Trump insists that the USA will take possession of the "nuclear dust". President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States and Iran would jointly remove uranium from Tehran's nuclear sites with excavators under any peace deal, before the material is transferred to US territory. Despite Iran's Foreign Ministry's rejection of the claims, the US president insisted that his nation would use the "biggest excavators" to get to the stockpile. "Somebody said, how are we going to get the nuclear dust? We're going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators," Trump told a gathering of the conservative Turning Point USA movement in Phoenix, Arizona. "We need the biggest excavators you can imagine," he answered, adding, "But we're going to go in together with Iran. We're going to get it. We're going to take it back home to the USA very soon." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, 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.

US and Iran on the brink of a deal? Reports suggest that the next round of truce talks may happen in Pakistan on Monday. Donald Trump says a breakthrough is “very close,” even as Tehran rejects key claims on its nuclear programme.Scroll down to read more.

US-Iran peace talks expected in Pakistan on Monday as Trump eyes nuclear 'dust'

Tehran on Saturday (April 18) warned it could once again shut the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports, just hours after the crucial shipping route was reopened following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. The reopening of the strait had boosted global markets on Friday and raised hopes of de-escalation, with US President Donald Trump telling news agency AFP that a peace agreement was “very close.” He also claimed that Iran had agreed to transfer its enriched uranium, one of the main sticking points in negotiations.&nbsp;"We're going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators," Trump told a gathering of the conservative Turning Point USA movement in Phoenix. Iran, however, rejected the assertion, insisting its enriched uranium stockpile would not be moved. At the same time, officials warned that continued US naval interference could lead to renewed disruption in the strait, a vital global trade route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-usa-will-get-all-nuclear-dust-says-trump-at-turning-point-usa-event-in-phoenix-1776459649800">'Will bring Iran uranium back home to USA', says Trump at Turning Point USA event in Phoenix</a>&nbsp;"With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open," parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X, adding that passage through the waterway would require Iran’s authorization. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasised that decisions regarding the strait are determined on the ground. "The opening and closing of the Strait of Hormuz, does not take place on the internet; it is determined in the field, and our armed forces certainly know how to behave in response to any action by the other side," he said.&nbsp;He further warned that any continued blockade would provoke a response from Tehran. “What they call a naval blockade will definitely be met with an appropriate response from Iran. A naval blockade is a violation of the ceasefire, and Iran will definitely take the necessary measures.” Despite the tensions, Trump struck an optimistic tone, describing the day as “GREAT AND BRILLIANT” in a series of social media posts. He praised mediation efforts by Pakistan and Gulf allies, while rejecting assistance from NATO, urging the alliance to “STAY AWAY.”&nbsp;In a phone interview with AFP, Trump reiterated his confidence in the negotiations. "Looks like it's going to be very good for everybody. And we're very close to having a deal," he said, adding that there were "no sticking points at all" remaining with Tehran.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">۱- رئیس جمهور آمریکا در یک ساعت هفت ادعا مطرح کرد که هر هفت ادعا کذب است. ۲- با این دروغگویی‌ها در جنگ پیروز نشدند و حتما در مذاکره هم راه به جایی نخواهند برد. ۳- با ادامهٔ محاصره، تنگهٔ هرمز باز نخواهد ماند.&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2045264713593114970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Here's what Ghalibaf said in his post on X</h2><ul><li>The President of the United States made seven claims in one hour, all seven of which were false. &nbsp;</li><li>They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either. &nbsp;</li><li>With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open.</li><li>Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be conducted based on the ‘designated route’ and with ‘Iranian authorization’.&nbsp;</li><li>Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media.</li><li>Media warfare and engineering public opinion are an important part of war, and the Iranian nation is not affected by these tricks. Read the real and accurate news of the negotiations in the recent interview of the Foreign Ministry spokesman.</li></ul><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/women-s-reservation-bill-fails-govt-fails-to-get-two-third-lok-sabha-majority-1776446992475/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/women-s-reservation-bill-fails-govt-fails-to-get-two-third-lok-sabha-majority-1776446992475/embed</a>&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.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf issued a warning to Donald Trump, saying that if the naval blockade continues on the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran will close it

Tehran on Saturday (April 18) warned it could once again shut the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports, just hours after the crucial shipping route was reopened following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. The reopening of the strait had boosted global markets on Friday and raised hopes of de-escalation, with US President Donald Trump telling news agency AFP that a peace agreement was “very close.” He also claimed that Iran had agreed to transfer its enriched uranium, one of the main sticking points in negotiations. "We're going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators," Trump told a gathering of the conservative Turning Point USA movement in Phoenix. Iran, however, rejected the assertion, insisting its enriched uranium stockpile would not be moved. At the same time, officials warned that continued US naval interference could lead to renewed disruption in the strait, a vital global trade route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Also Read: 'Will bring Iran uranium back home to USA', says Trump at Turning Point USA event in Phoenix "With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open," parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X, adding that passage through the waterway would require Iran’s authorization. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasised that decisions regarding the strait are determined on the ground. "The opening and closing of the Strait of Hormuz, does not take place on the internet; it is determined in the field, and our armed forces certainly know how to behave in response to any action by the other side," he said. He further warned that any continued blockade would provoke a response from Tehran. “What they call a naval blockade will definitely be met with an appropriate response from Iran. A naval blockade is a violation of the ceasefire, and Iran will definitely take the necessary measures.” Despite the tensions, Trump struck an optimistic tone, describing the day as “GREAT AND BRILLIANT” in a series of social media posts. He praised mediation efforts by Pakistan and Gulf allies, while rejecting assistance from NATO, urging the alliance to “STAY AWAY.” In a phone interview with AFP, Trump reiterated his confidence in the negotiations. "Looks like it's going to be very good for everybody. And we're very close to having a deal," he said, adding that there were "no sticking points at all" remaining with Tehran.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf issued a warning to Donald Trump, saying that if the naval blockade continues on the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran will close it

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