Iran talks done in by Tehran’s delusions over leverage they don’t have, US official says
Peace negotiations with Iran fell apart after Tehran severely misjudged what kind of leverage the regime believed it held, a U.S. official told Fox News Digital on Sunday. While Vice President JD Vance left Islamabad, Pakistan, without a deal between the U.S. and Iran, the official said Vance used the talks to measure the Iranians own assessment of their position in the negotiations. Vance found that Tehran thought they held a strong hand going into negotiations, according to the official, who added that no deal can be achieved when one party deludes itself into believing they have leverage that, in reality, they do not have. GEN JACK KEANE ‘SKEPTICAL’ THAT IRAN CEASEFIRE WILL HOLD, WARNS TEHRAN WILL ‘DELAY AND OBFUSCATE’ The U.S. official described the talks to Fox News Digital as starting out tough, though developing into a more friendly and productive dialogue over the duration of the 21-hour-long negotiations. The high-stakes talks between the U.S. and Iran ended without a deal after Iranian officials refused to accept American terms, Vance said earlier Sunday during a press conference from the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. “So we go back to the United States, having not come to an agreement. We’ve made very clear what our red lines are, what things we’re willing to accommodate them on and what things we’re not willing to accommodate them on,” Vance said at the time. “And we’ve made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms.” TRUMP REVEALS IRAN MADE ‘SIGNIFICANT PROPOSAL’ AFTER ULTIMATUM, BUT ‘NOT GOOD ENOUGH’ The U.S. official said that over the course of the discussions, the Washington delegation determined it was clear that the Iranians did not comprehend that the core of any peace deal hinges on Iran never obtaining a nuclear weapon. While that point remains the main objective of any potential peace deal, the U.S. has other red lines that it will not compromise on. The official said the U.S. and Iran failed to reach an agreement on all of Washington’s red lines, which include: Iran ending all uranium enrichment; the dismantling of all Iran’s major nuclear enrichment facilities; the retrieval of highly enriched uranium; the acceptance of a broader peace, security and de-escalation framework that includes regional allies; an end to the funding of Iran’s terrorist proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis; and Iran fully opening the Strait of Hormuz with no tolls for passage. The official added that Vance has underscored that while a deal remains on the table, it is up to Tehran to accept the terms. “And we leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer,” Vance said during the earlier press conference before departing Pakistan. “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”
Conservative group launches $5M ad blitz pressuring Senate on voter ID as GOP eyes SAVE America Act push
FIRST ON FOX: A conservative nonprofit is launching a $5 million nationwide ad blitz pressuring the Senate to pass voter ID legislation as Republicans move to advance parts of the SAVE America Act through Congress in coming months. Restoration of America (ROA) told Fox News Digital the campaign begins Monday, and includes a $3.1 million national television buy, with a digital push targeting selected swing states. The group pointed to polling it says shows 83% of Americans support requiring a photo ID to vote, arguing the issue is “overwhelmingly supported by everyday Americans.” The effort comes as Senate Republicans signal they are prepared to bypass Democrats and move key priorities through reconciliation. OBAMA-APPOINTED JUDGE REVERSES COURSE, RULES VOTER ID LAW ISN’T DISCRIMINATORY IN GOP WIN Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has said Republicans plan to include elements of the SAVE America Act in a broader legislative package later this year, describing it as a “down payment” on the measure. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., has said Republicans are prepared to “go it alone” using reconciliation — a process that allows them to bypass Democrats — as lawmakers work under a tight timeline set by President Donald Trump, who has pushed for legislation to reach his desk by June 1. The group said its campaign is aimed at forcing the Senate to act on voter ID legislation. TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER OVERHAULING MAIL-IN VOTING IN MAJOR ELECTION INTEGRITY PUSH The centerpiece of the effort is a 30-second ad titled “Save America,” which is set to air on national news shows “both conservative and liberal,” according to the group. “As Americans, we’re fair and logical,” the ad says. “83% of us favor requiring a photo ID to vote.” The ad goes on to argue that voter ID is standard elsewhere. TWO DOZEN HOUSE REPUBLICANS GO TO WAR WITH SENATE GOP OVER SAVE AMERICA ACT “In fact, most of the civilized world requires it, but not us,” the ad says. “We need to be able to trust that only eligible Americans are casting ballots.” The spot also takes aim at both parties in Washington, not just Democrats, for the stall. “Democrats oppose voter ID for no coherent reason. Republicans favor it, but haven’t acted. What are they waiting for?” the ad says. It closes with a direct call to action: “Call your United States senators and tell them to pass the Save America Act today.” Restoration of America founder and CEO Doug Truax said the campaign is meant to restore trust in elections. “There’s nothing more important right now than restoring confidence in our elections,” Truax said. “We can’t have a country where people are dubious about the accuracy and fairness of our elections. The Senate needs to do whatever it takes to pass this law.” Restoration of America described itself as the umbrella for a network of conservative organizations focused on policy and voter-related issues, including the Voter Reference Foundation. The ads go live Monday, coinciding with the end of a congressional recess that will bring senators back to Capitol Hill. Fox News Digital’s Alex Miller contributed to this reporting.
Trump says US to blockade ships crossing Strait of Hormuz
NewsFeed US President Donald Trump says the US Navy will immediately blockade the Strait of Hormuz and intercept ships that pay tolls to Iran – after talks in Islamabad failed to produce a peace deal. Al Jazeera’s James Bays looks at what this escalation could look like in the coming days. Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
FIFA rejects Iran’s request to relocate World Cup games amid US-Israel war
Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests. Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026 FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms. Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned. “FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City. “It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said. FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games. The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day. Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones. A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon. Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation. Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26). Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31. Advertisement “The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica. Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US. “Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico. “I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced. Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”. “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump. Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures. Adblock test (Why?)
Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail from Barcelona for Gaza
NewsFeed Thousands gathered at Barcelona’s port as the largest ever Global Sumud Flotilla prepared to depart for Gaza, aiming to break Israel’s blockade. Al Jazeera’s @Mohammadfff_ reports, as organisers and volunteers insist they will sail to Gaza despite the risks. Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Legendary Singer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Asha Bhosle passes away at 92
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passes away at 92.
Samrat Chaudhary to be next CM of Bihar? Deputy CM visits Nitish Kumar’s residence in Patna amid speculations
Amid speculation over the next Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Sunday visited Nitish Kumar’s residence in Patna, while the people of the state wait for an announcement over their new leader.
When Asha Bhosle teamed with Australian pacer Brett Lee: Surprising collab you didn’t know about
Few know that legendary singer Asha Bhosle once shared the mic with Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, creating a rare CricketxMusic crossover that still surprises fans today. Know more about this collab.
India slams China for giving new names to locations in Arunachal Pradesh: ‘Cannot alter undeniable reality’
This diplomatic pushback comes amid friction regarding territorial disputes in Ladakh, where China has established a fresh administrative division in the Xinjiang region, situated near the borders of Afghanistan and PoK.
Trump orders a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran soar
President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy will begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and interdict vessels that have paid a toll to Iran, after U.S. peace talks with Tehran ended in a stalemate. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “At some point, we will reach an ‘ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT’ basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen… THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION.” He said the U.S. would deny safe passage to vessels that paid the toll and begin clearing mines. “I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran,” he wrote. “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage… We will also begin destroying the mines… Any Iranian who fires at us… will be BLOWN TO HELL!” WHY THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ MATTERS AS TRUMP ISSUES FRESH ULTIMATUM TO IRAN Iran’s closure of the strait has triggered global economic turmoil, and reopening it was a key condition in U.S. efforts to reach a deal. In a second post, Trump reiterated the demand: “They better begin… getting this INTERNATIONAL WATERWAY OPEN AND FAST!” Trump’s warning raises the stakes in the narrow but vital waterway, a critical artery for global energy supplies. The strait, which lies between Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, is one of the world’s most critical energy choke points, carrying roughly 20 million barrels of oil a day along with about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas. The strait is also a vital artery for refined fuels, including products like jet fuel. The latest threat builds on a pattern of deadlines Trump has imposed on Tehran over the strait. Here is a timeline of those demands: In a Truth Social post, Trump declared that if Iran did not “FULLY OPEN” the strait within 48 hours, the United States would “obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Ali Mousavi, Iran’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization, responded by saying that the Strait of Hormuz was “open to everyone” except Tehran’s enemies. Meanwhile, other Iranian officials warned that attacks on energy infrastructure would amount to an attack on the Iranian people and would be met with retaliation. SAN FRANCISCO BECOMES FIRST US CITY WHERE DIESEL PRICES TOP $8 A GALLON Two days later, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that the U.S. had had “productive” conversations with Iran and that he had ordered the Pentagon to delay any strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. Iranian officials publicly denied that any talks were taking place. Trump again extended his deadline — this time by 10 days, to April 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern — saying in a social media post that he was “pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction” at the Iranian government’s request. WHERE GAS PRICES ARE RISING FASTEST AS TRUMP ISSUES FRESH WARNING TO IRAN Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that “great progress” had been made in negotiations to end the conflict. At the same time, he warned that if a deal was not reached and the Strait of Hormuz was not “immediately” opened, the United States would destroy Iran’s power plants, oil wells, Kharg Island — the country’s main oil export hub — and “possibly all” desalination plants. Trump said Iran requested a ceasefire, a claim Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson called “false and baseless,” according to the state news agency IRIB. In a social media post, Trump said the United States would consider a ceasefire only once the strait was “open, free and clear,” adding: “Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!” WHERE GAS PRICES ARE RISING FASTEST AS TRUMP ISSUES FRESH WARNING TO IRAN Trump warned in a Truth Social post that “time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.” The post followed several conflicting statements in previous days, in which he alternately criticized allies for not acting to reopen the strait and suggested it would reopen on its own. In a profanity-laced post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F—–’ Strait, you crazy b——-, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.” “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” he wrote in a second post. Two days later, Trump issued a fresh ultimatum to Iran, demanding that it allow all vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on critical infrastructure. The warning came after weeks of escalating threats and missed deadlines. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “We will find out tonight — one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the world,” he added, referencing his 8 p.m. ET deadline for Iran to agree to a ceasefire and reopen the strait. A ceasefire was called a few hours before the 8 p.m. deadline.