Trump renews bridge, power plant threat against Iran in push for deal, mocks ‘tough guy’ IRGC
President Donald Trump is giving peace – and war – a chance after alleged ceasefire violations, he told Fox News on Sunday morning. “If the deal isn’t done, the deal that we made, then I’m going to take out their bridges and their power plants,” Trump said as he fired off another warning to repeat his threat to end “civilization” in Iran. “If they don’t sign this thing, the whole country is going to get blown up.” “We’re preparing to hit them harder than any country has ever been hit before because you cannot let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump added. Those remarks came as Trump mocked the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a Truth Social post for staking claim to a Strait of Hormuz “blockade” the U.S. military had already put in place. TOP GOP HAWK GRAHAM WARNS IRAN DEAL HAS ‘TROUBLING ASPECTS’ AS CEASEFIRE BEGINS “Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait, which is strange, because our BLOCKADE has already closed it,” Trump wrote. “They’re helping us without knowing, and they are the ones that lose with the closed passage, $500 Million Dollars a day! The United States loses nothing. “In fact, many Ships are headed, right now, to the U.S., Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, to load up, compliments of the IRGC, always wanting to be ‘the tough guy!’” Notably, Trump told Fox News that there is turmoil in Iran, over control of a country where multiple layers of leadership have been killed over the past few months during strikes by Israel and the U.S. “There’s a little bit of a fight between the moderates [in Iran] and the crazies,” Trump said. “Nobody’s winning it.” IRAN REVEALS 10-POINT PLAN FOR PEACE WITH THE US – HERE’S WHAT’S IN IT “Our Navy has done an unbelievable job,” he continued. “We haven’t even been challenged.” Trump declared that Saturday’s IRGC fire was “a total violation” of the ceasefire. “Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!” his Truth Social post began. “Many of them were aimed at a French Ship, and a Freighter from the United Kingdom. That wasn’t nice, was it? My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations.” Trump remains hopeful about diplomacy, but is not ruling out a return to force, where he once warned about ending “civilization” in Iran as they know it. PAKISTANI GENERAL SAYS IRAN DIPLOMACY STILL ‘ALIVE, DESPITE US BLOCKADE, FAILED TALKS “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran,” Trump’s stern warning continued. “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” “They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the DEAL, it will be my Honor to do what has to be done, which should have been done to Iran, by other Presidents, for the last 47 years,” Trump added. “IT’S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END!” Trump’s Middle East peace envoys are going to take the next step toward a diplomatic resolution first, he told Fox News. “Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are heading to the Middle East,” Trump said. “They will be leaving [Monday]. Their meeting will begin on Tuesday morning. It’s a very simple deal, they’ve agreed to much of it.” “It’s almost like they don’t learn,” he said. Trump added that he has not made a decision on targeting water infrastructure, including desalination plants. “I hate to do that one,” he said.
Vance says he’s ‘grateful’ for Pope Leo’s statement on not wanting public debate with Trump
Vice President JD Vance said Saturday he was “grateful” after Pope Leo XIV sought to ease tensions with President Donald Trump and indicated he had no interest in engaging in a public dispute. The pontiff said earlier Saturday that coverage of remarks he made during a recent trip to Africa had created “a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects.” He added that the speech in question had been prepared weeks before any response from Trump, pushing back on suggestions it was directed at the president. Vance, who is Catholic and met Pope Leo at the Vatican in 2025, welcomed the pontiff’s latest comments. Earlier in the week, Vance had suggested the pope should “be careful” when weighing in on theological and political matters, underscoring the tensions that had emerged. “While the media narrative constantly gins up conflict — and yes, real disagreements have happened and will happen — the reality is often much more complicated,” Vance said. “Pope Leo preaches the Gospel, as he should, and that will inevitably mean he offers his opinions on the moral issues of the day. The president — and the entire administration — work to apply those moral principles in a messy world. He will be in our prayers, and I hope that we’ll be in his.” POPE LEO SAYS REMARKS ABOUT WORLD BEING ‘RAVAGED BY A HANDFUL OF TYRANTS’ WERE NOT AIMED AT TRUMP: REPORT There appeared to be tension after Pope Leo delivered remarks in Cameroon in which he criticized those who “manipulate religion” for political and military gain. “Jesus told us, blessed are the peacemakers. But woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic or political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth,” Pope Leo said. The words were interpreted by some as tied to the Trump administration’s stance on the conflict with Iran, helping to spark a broader dispute between the White House and the Vatican. TRUMP ACCUSES POPE LEO OF BEING ‘TERRIBLE’ ON FOREIGN POLICY OVER PONTIFF’S ANTI-WAR COMMENTS The pope also criticized rhetoric surrounding the conflict, at one point calling comments about potentially targeting Iran’s “whole civilization” “truly unacceptable.” Trump responded by calling the pontiff “WEAK on crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” The disagreement unfolded over several days, with senior administration officials defending the president and offering their own criticism of the pope’s remarks, further amplifying the clash. Despite the escalating perceived tension, the pope said Saturday that it was “not in my interest at all” to debate the president and emphasized that he would continue preaching a message centered on peace, justice and brotherhood. “Much of what has been written since then has been commentary on commentary trying to interpret what has been said,” the pope said.
Big relief for Rahul Gandhi as Allahabad High Court puts FIR on hold in dual citizenship row
A piece of good news has arrived for the Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court stayed the FIR order against him in the dual citizenship case.
India takes BIG action after two Indian-flagged ships fired by Iran in Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Secretary conveys ‘deep concern’ to Iranian envoy
India on Saturday called Iran’s Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali and conveyed “deep concern” at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Who is Nidhi Mittal? Lenskart founder Peyush Bansal’s wife deactivates X account after old tweets targeting PM Modi, praising Arvind Kejriwal resurface
After Peyush Bansal, his wife has taken over the spotlight from him, after she began trending on social media. This comes after she deactivated her X account following the resurfacing of her old posts criticising PM Modi and praising Arvind Kejriwal. Know more about here.
PM Modi slams opposition after women’s bill setback in Lok Sabha, says ‘oppn committed foeticide’
The Women’s Reservation Bill failed in the Lok Sabha after falling short of the required majority.
Trump taps Texas’ top public health official as CDC chief medical officer
Jennifer Shuford, an infectious disease physician who oversaw the country’s largest measles outbreak in 30 years, is among a slate of CDC nominations with no apparent ties to the anti-vaccine movement.
Obama, Mamdani sing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ with Bronx kids during first joint appearance: video
Former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met for the first time Saturday to read and sing with children at a Bronx childcare center, and to discuss the mayor’s vision for the city. Video showed the two leaders laughing, reading children’s books and performing their rendition of “Wheels on the Bus” at the Learning Through Play Pre-K Center in the South Bronx. The pair also met with families and discussed Mamdani’s vision for the city, according to the mayor’s office, stressing the importance of “giving New York’s Cutest have the strongest start possible.” SOCIALIST MAYOR MAMDANI BACKS HOCHUL IN MOVE THAT COULD RESHAPE NEW YORK GOVERNOR RACE While Obama had not met Mamdani in person prior to Saturday’s visit, the former president called the self-proclaimed socialist shortly before his election and offered to be his sounding board, according to The Associated Press. Mamdani marked his 100th day in office less than a week ago, vowing to create five government-run grocery stores by the end of his first term on Jan. 1, 2030, falling in line with promises made during his campaign. MAMDANI GRILLED ON WHETHER HIS SOCIALISM PLATFORM WILL WORK OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY Recent polls showed 48% of his constituents approve of Mamdani’s job so far, while 30% disapprove and 23% are unsure, FOX 5 New York reported. In terms of direction, 56% of residents said they liked where the city was headed under Mamdani, an improvement from the 31% who said the same in October, the outlet reported. Fox News Digital’s Elaine Mallon contributed to this report.
Rubio targets Nicaraguan official over alleged torture tied to ‘brutal’ Ortega regime
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Saturday that the Trump administration is sanctioning a senior Nicaraguan official over alleged human rights violations. Rubio said the U.S. is designating Vice Minister of the Interior Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for his role in “gross violations of human rights” under the government of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, the latest effort to hold the regime accountable. “The Trump administration continues to hold the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship accountable for brutal human rights violations against Nicaraguans,” Rubio said in a post on X. “I’m designating Nicaraguan Vice Minister of the Interior Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for his role in human rights violations.” RUBIO TESTIFIES IN TRIAL OF EX-FLORIDA CONGRESSMAN ALLEGEDLY HIRED BY MADURO GOVERNMENT TO LOBBY FOR VENEZUELA The designation was made under Section 7031(c), which allows the State Department to bar foreign officials and their immediate family members from entering the United States due to involvement in significant corruption or human rights abuses. The State Department has said the Ortega-Murillo government has engaged in arbitrary arrests, torture and extrajudicial killings after mass protests that began in April 2018. “Nearly eight years ago, the Rosario Murillo and Daniel Ortega dictatorship unleashed a brutal wave of repression against Nicaraguans who courageously stood against the regime’s increased tyranny, corruption and abuse,” the statement said. The State Department said the sanction marked the anniversary of the 2018 protests, after which more than 325 protesters were murdered. A panel of U.N.-backed human rights experts previously accused Nicaragua’s government of systematic abuses “tantamount to crimes against humanity” after an investigation into the country’s crackdown on political dissent, according to The Associated Press. The experts said the repression intensified after mass protests in 2018 and has since expanded across large parts of society, targeting perceived opponents of the government. TRUMP ADMIN ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF VISA RESTRICTION POLICY IN WESTERN HEMISPHERE Nicaragua’s government has rejected those findings. The designation follows a series of recent U.S. actions targeting the Ortega-Murillo government. In February, the State Department sanctioned five senior Nicaraguan officials tied to repression, citing arbitrary detention, torture, killings and the targeting of clergy, media and civil society. Earlier this week, the department also announced sanctions on individuals and companies linked to Nicaragua’s gold sector, including two of Ortega and Murillo’s sons, accusing the regime of using the industry to generate foreign currency, launder assets and consolidate power within the ruling family. The State Department said the move is part of ongoing efforts to hold the Nicaraguan government accountable for its actions. Fox News Digital reached out to the Nicaraguan government and its embassy in Washington for comment but did not immediately receive a response. The Trump administration has taken an increasingly aggressive posture in the Western Hemisphere in recent months, including a Jan. 3, 2026, operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The U.S. has also carried out a series of strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the region, part of a broader crackdown tied to regional security and narcotics enforcement efforts.
Walz rips Trump and Vance in Europe, says ‘feeble-minded, trigger-happy president’ has no exit plan for Iran
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz slammed President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at a conference for progressives in Spain on Saturday, accusing Trump of being a “feeble-minded, trigger-happy president” who has “no exit plan” for the ongoing conflict with Iran. Walz delivered the criticism after a crowd at the inaugural Global Progressive Mobilization event in Barcelona heard video messages from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani about affordability and from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., about the “illegal and dangerous wars being waged by Netanyahu and Trump in Iran and Lebanon.” “We’ve got a feeble-minded, trigger-happy president who plunged us into a war where no threat was present, with no clear objectives and no exit plan. We need to call that what it is. That’s fascism. Or at least it’s fascist curious as they would be,” Walz said. “Look, it’d be easy to stand up here and just bash Donald Trump. He’s an easy target. And if you know me, we don’t get along very well,” Walz added. “But we’ve got a lot of bigger fish and bigger problems to fry in this room, because the truth is, authoritarianism is not just confined to the United States. It’s everywhere.” JD VANCE TELLS POPE LEO XIV TO ‘STICK TO MATTERS OF MORALITY’ AND STAY OUT OF US PUBLIC POLICY Walz also said, “Many of you might know me as the guy who isn’t currently the vice president of the United States, and all I have to say about that is I’m very sorry about that. “But unlike our current vice president, I’m not here to arrogantly lecture or scold you. I’m not here to pick up a fight with the Pope, and I’m not here to host a rally for some local wannabe dictator. Instead, I’m here to say thank you and to share some thoughts on what we can do to be part of a progressive movement that moves all of our countries forward.” Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for a response. GOV. TIM WALZ SAYS HE’D ‘BEAT THE S— OUT OF’ JD VANCE IN A DEBATE REMATCH Walz told the crowd at one point in his speech, “Please don’t give up on the American people.” “Go ahead and give up and condemn that monstrosity that sits in our White House,” he added in reference to Trump. “Keep the pressure on. Keep calling it out. Keep standing up to it. Keep naming it. But know there are more good people that stand on the right side of history. There are more good people that care about equality, that understand it’s not America First, it’s humanity first. It’s all of us together.” The two-day Global Progressive Mobilization conference described itself on its website as a “necessary alternative to conservative and far-right forces.” Prior to Walz’s remarks, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Spain. “Has anybody looked at how badly the country of Spain is doing. Their financial numbers, despite contributing almost nothing to NATO and their military defense, are absolutely horrendous. Sad to watch!!!” Trump wrote Saturday. Begoña Gómez, the wife of liberal Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, also was formally charged this week with corruption after a years-long probe into charges she and her husband deny, according to Deutsche Welle.