Shafaq News- Moscow

Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday a temporaryceasefire on May 8–9, marking the Victory Day (a national holiday honoring theSoviet victory over Nazi Germany), warning of a “massive missile strike” ifUkraine attempts attacks during that period.

In a statement, the ministry said the ceasefire was orderedby President Vladimir Putin. It warned that any attempt by Kyiv to disrupt thecelebrations would trigger a large-scale retaliatory strike on the Ukrainiancapital, noting that Russia had previously refrained from such actions forhumanitarian reasons, and urged civilians in Kyiv and staff at foreigndiplomatic missions to leave the city in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saidUkraine had not received any official request from Russia regarding the ceasefireand announced that Kyiv would implement a ceasefire starting at midnight on May5–6.

As of today, there has been no official appeal to Ukraine regarding the modality of a cessation of hostilities that is being claimed on Russian social media. We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary “celebration”. In this regard, we are announcing a…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 4, 2026

Russia’s RIA Novosti, citing data from the Defense Ministry,reported that 10 new Ukrainian settlements came under Russian control over thepast week in Sumy , Donetsk, and Kharkiv provinces.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry stated that it has expanded its long-rangestrike operations, targeting locations from Crimea to regions deep insideRussia, including Perm, Ufa, Orsk, and Chelyabinsk.

Ukraine’s deep strike campaign keeps expanding.From temporarily occupied Crimea to the Urals — Perm, Ufa, Orsk, Chelyabinsk — no longer a “deep rear.”Russia’s military-economic infrastructure is now within reach.https://t.co/5AP5VeL1mg

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 4, 2026

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump warned on Monday to destroy Iran if it attacksAmerican naval vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz under the ProjectFreedom.

According to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, who spoke with Trump, thepresident warned the Iranian regime that any attempt to target US ships in thearea would result in Iran being "blown off the face of the earth."

Earlier today, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that US Navyguided-missile destroyers are currently operating in the Gulf after transitingthe Strait of Hormuz.

Trump told Fox News the US military buildup in the region is ongoing,citing an expanded arsenal. "We have more weapons and ammunition at a muchhigher grade than we had before," he was quoted as saying, adding thatAmerican bases worldwide are fully stocked and ready for deployment ifrequired.

Despite the threatening posture, Trump characterized Iranian behavior asshifting, telling Fox News that Tehran has become "more malleable"than in the past, a remark he offered without elaboration.

Shafaq News- Abu Dhabi

A fire broke out Monday on a vessel 14 nautical miles west of KhorFakkan, the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported, advising shipstransiting the Strait of Hormuz to consider routing through Omani territorialwaters.

South Korea's Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed a separateexplosion in the engine room of a South Korean vessel in the strait. InFujairah, three Indian nationals were injured in an attack on the Fujairah OilIndustries Zone, UAE authorities said.

The UAE Ministry of Defense reported intercepting three of four Iraniancruise missiles detected over its territory; the fourth fell into the sea. CNN,citing well-informed sources, reported that an Israeli air defense systemdeployed in the UAE downed the projectiles.

Escalation had been building throughout the day. Iran's IslamicRevolutionary Guard Corps had earlier threatened to stop by force any vesselsit deemed in violation of its rules in the strait, while a US official saidrules of engagement had been updated to authorize American forces to strikethreats to transiting ships. The IRGC subsequently dismissed US accounts ofvessel movements as false, stating no commercial or oil tankers had passedthrough the waterway in recent hours.

Tehran separately reported firing warning shots at a US warship toprevent its entry into the strait, without confirming any damage. The Iranianmilitary said it had blocked American ships and destroyers from transitingfollowing that warning.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to endthe war on Sunday, describing it as “not acceptable” after reviewing its terms,in remarks to Israeli broadcaster Kan News.

However, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN thatdiplomatic contacts remain ongoing.

Earlier today, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson EsmaeilBaqaei confirmed that Tehran is reviewing the US response to itsceasefire proposal and will issue a reply after completing its assessment.

Iranian media, citing a senior official, reported thatTehran submitted a 14-point proposal through mediators calling for acomprehensive end to the war within 30 days. The plan includes sanctionsrelief, the release of frozen assets, guarantees against further attacks,reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US naval blockade, whilepostponing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said a proposal submitted by Iran is unlikely to be accepted, as Tehran “has not yet paid a big enough price” for its actions over 47 years.

Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump also declined to rule out renewed military action. “If they misbehave, we’ll see.”

Iranian media, citing a senior official, had reported that Tehran submitted a 14-point plan through mediators calling for a comprehensive end to the war within 30 days, alongside demands for sanctions relief, the release of frozen assets, and guarantees against further attacks, as well as reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the US naval blockade, while postponing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program to a later stage.

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly a fifth of global oil and gas flows, has remained largely disrupted since the outbreak of the war on February 28 and the imposition of a US naval blockade on April 13, tightening pressure on energy markets and global supply chains. Iran, meanwhile, is preparing a draft law to regulate transit through the Strait beyond the war, including a permanent ban on Israeli vessels and restrictions on ships from countries it considers hostile, according to Deputy Speaker Ali Nikzad.

Shafaq News- Brussels

Europe’s natural gas storagelevels fell to 32.73% at the end of April, the lowest spring reading in fiveyears, the Association of Gas Infrastructure Operators noted on Saturday.

Underground gas storagedeclined from 39.52% a year earlier. The figure compares with 62.44% in 2024and 59.73% in 2023, placing current inventories close to the 2022 crisis-eralevel of 33.47%, when the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted energy flows acrossthe continent.

‘’Several European countriescontinued net withdrawals into May, tightening already limited reserves,’’ theAssociation added, pointing out that the drawdown contrasts with typicalseasonal patterns, when injections usually begin in early spring as heatingdemand eases.

According to the Council ofthe European Union, the United States currently covers around 45% of Europe’sgas imports, making it the largest supplier. Qatar ranks second with roughly10–15%, while Russia remains third at about 10%, though volumes have fluctuatedamid shifting trade flows. The flow of Qatari LNG has been particularlyaffected by security risks along key maritime routes, including the Strait ofHormuz, which is currently closed due to rising tensions in the Middle East.

Shafaq News-Washington

The UnitedStates will pull 5,000 troops out of Germany, the US Department of Warconfirmed on Saturday, framing the move as part of a broader reassessment ofoverseas deployments linked to shifting security priorities.

In astatement, Sean Parnell, spokesperson for the Pentagon, noted that thewithdrawal is expected to be completed within six to 12 months.

Earlier thisweek, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Iran was “humiliating theUnited States” in the ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the US campaign againstTehran. US President Donald Trump urged Merz to focus on “fixing his brokencountry” rather than spending time interfering with those ‘’making the World,including Germany, a safer place!’’

Berlin hasnot yet reacted to Trump’s remarks.  

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Saturday signaled the United States mayforgo a nuclear deal with Iran, warning that any agreement would have to comeat Tehran’s expense.

Speaking at the “Club Florida Forum,” Trump indicated his administrationhas been receiving outreach from multiple Iranian figures proposing possiblearrangements, noting officials are weighing which side could emerge as a viablenegotiating partner.

He described his current dealings as involving “very tough people inIran,” reiterating that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

“They all want to make a deal, but they’re all messed up. It’s a verydisjointed leadership,” he remarked, asserting that the top tiers of Iranianleadership have effectively disappeared. He claimed US strikes had killedformer Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with first- and second-tier officials,adding that about half of the third tier is no longer present.

Despite a two-week ceasefire signed on April 8 and later extended byTrump, the US and Iran have yet to reach a longer-term arrangement. Earlierthis week, Trump rejected an Iranian modified proposal for negotiations withthe US through Pakistani mediators.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday plans to raise tariffs on European Union vehicle imports, accusing the EU of failing to implement a previously agreed trade deal.

Tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the EU will increase from 15% to 25% starting next week, while vehicles manufactured in the United States by European companies will remain exempt.

The announcement prompted an immediate reaction from European officials. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, criticized the decision, describing it as a sign of declining trust in US commitments and calling for a firm response.

The trade agreement, reached in Scotland, set a baseline tariff of 15% on most EU exports to the United States, including automobiles, following earlier threats of significantly higher duties. However, the deal has yet to complete Brussels’ formal approval process, which requires endorsement from the European Commission, member states, and the European Parliament.

EU officials are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to preserve the agreement amid the latest escalation.

The tariff move comes amid broader tensions between Washington and European capitals. Trump recently signaled he may reduce US troop deployments in Europe, including in Germany, Italy, and Spain, criticizing some allies over their level of support for US policies.

Shafaq News- Washington

The US President Donald Trump on Friday declared that aceasefire had "terminated" hostilities against ​Iran, adding that theIranian threat to the United States “remains significant.”

In a letter to ‌congressional leaders, Trump said there has been no exchange of fire withIran since the ceasefire. "The hostilities that began on February 28,2026, have terminated," he stated, arguing that argued that he didn't need lawmakers' authorisation for the conflict.

Trump vowed that he will continue to brief Congress on anychanges to the US troop presence in line with the "War Powers Act," noting that theredploying of forces is aimed at countering threats from Iran and its allies,and protecting US allies and partners.

In response, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on theSenate Foreign Relations Committee, said, “After sixty days of conflict,President Trump still does not have a strategy or way out for this poorlyplanned war," calling the deadline "a clear legal threshold" forTrump to act.

Despite the ceasefire, the US and Iran have not yet reached a longer-term deal. Earlier on Friday, Trump rejected the Iranian modified proposalfor negotiations with the US through Pakistani mediators.

Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a US president canwage military action for only 60 days before ending it, asking Congress for​authorization or seeking a 30-day extension due to "unavoidable militarynecessity regarding the safety of United States Armed Forces" whilewithdrawing forces. 

Read more: Opinion: Washington pursues regional de-escalation through fragile frameworks

Shafaq News- Washington

The US Treasury Department on Friday imposed a new round ofsanctions on Iran linked to maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz,targeting 30 individuals and entities, the Office of Foreign Assets Control(OFAC) stated.

The sanctions focus on those facilitating Iranian oilexports through illicit methods, as well as companies operating within the“shadow fleet,” used to bypass international restrictions. Measures includeenhanced vessel tracking, tighter restrictions on intermediary firms, andcoordination with international partners to disrupt networks engaged insanctions evasion, particularly in the energy and maritime transport sectors.

OFAC added that Iran’s shadow financial networks processtens of billions of dollars in transactions annually, relying on exchangehouses, agents, and offshore front companies to move funds globally.

The Treasury also warned shipping companies that paying feesto Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sanctions.

Today, as part of Economic Fury, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated three Iranian foreign currency exchange houses and their associated front companies. Collectively, Iranian exchange houses facilitate billions of dollars in foreign currency transactions each…

— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) May 1, 2026

These actions follow remarks last week by US TreasurySecretary Scott Bessent, who warned of penalties targeting vessels andindividuals facilitating Iranian oil shipments. The Treasury also sanctioned aChinese refinery and around 40 entities linked to importing Iranian oil.

Shafaq News- Washington/ New York

US Central Command announced on Thursday that it haddirected 44 Iranian commercial vessels to return to their ports of origin.

U.S. Marines aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stand watch in the Arabian Sea during naval blockade operations against Iran. As of today, 44 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port. pic.twitter.com/uisKpGHEqW

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 30, 2026

Earlier, Seyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the IslamicRevolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, warned that US naval vesselscould face the same fate as American military bases in the region.

“The Iranian response to enemy actions will be long andpainful strikes,” he said.

US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told AlJazeera that Washington will not pursue an agreement with Iran similar to theone reached under former President Barack Obama. He said President Donald Trump has made clear that Iran mustnot obtain a nuclear weapon, adding that the United States seeks control overIran’s enriched uranium to prevent further nuclear development.

Pigott also noted that Trump prefers direct, face-to-facenegotiations and would not send envoys on lengthy trips “just to review adocument.”

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called onall parties involved in the Strait of Hormuz crisis to act urgently to restorenavigation rights and freedom of passage.

In remarks to reporters, Guterres stressed the need toimmediately uphold maritime freedoms in line with UN Security CouncilResolution 2817, expressing deep concern over restrictions affecting navigationand the disruption of oil, gas, and essential goods supplies.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Berlin

US President Donald Trump on Thursday called on German ChancellorFriedrich Merz to focus on “fixing his broken country,” rather than critiquingUS efforts to neutralize the Iranian nuclear threat.

“The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war withRussia/Ukraine (Where he has been totally ineffective!),” Trump added, pressinghim to devote less time interfering with those ‘’making the World, includingGermany, a safer place!’’

Berlin did not immediately react to Trump’s remarks.

Earlier today, Merz signaled Germany’s readiness to take part inmilitary measures to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,subject to international or parliamentary authorization. He also urged Iran toreturn to negotiations without delay, stressing that the waterway should remainopen “without conditions.”

The escalation began after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February28, prompting Tehran to impose restrictions on US- and Israeli-linked shippingin the strategic corridor, disrupting maritime traffic. Washington laterimposed a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports.

Shafaq News- Washington

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump urged Iran to surrender, citing its “collapsing economy” and saying recent progress in negotiations remains “insufficient.”

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated that Iran’s currency had “become worthless” and inflation had reached record levels. He indicated that discussions with Tehran had advanced but not to a level that would secure an agreement, noting that adviser Jared Kushner had assessed the current position as “very good.”

Trump said US forces had demonstrated their capabilities during the war, adding that any Iranian military equipment moved during the ceasefire could be destroyed within minutes. “Iran’s air defenses had been largely neutralized, more than 80% of its missile capabilities had been destroyed, and 159 Iranian vessels had been sunk.”

He described the blockade on Iran as effective and said no military could rival US forces, adding that attempts to challenge the maritime restrictions would not succeed.

Read more: Washington pursues regional de-escalation through fragile frameworks

Shafaq News- Tehran/ Washington

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said onWednesday that US pressure on Iran has entered a “new phase,” calling for nationalcohesion as the central response to growing external challenges.

In an audio message, Ghalibaf outlined what he portrayed asrepeated failed attempts to destabilize the country, including plans to targetsenior leadership, weaken missile and drone capabilities, “Venezuelanize” Iran, and activate separatist groups in westernregions.

Adversaries, he added, are now shifting tactics toward a navalblockade, media pressure, economic strain, and internal division to “weaken oreven collapse the country from within,” confirming that “the only solution to confront the enemy’s newconspiracy is one thing: preserving unity.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, in a phone call with Axios, defendedmaintaining a naval blockade on Iran as his primary leverage to secure anuclear agreement, describing it as “more effective than the bombing.”

Trump alleged that Iran wants to reach a deal to lift the blockade."They want to settle. They don't want me to keep the blockade. I don'twant to, because I don't want them to have a nuclear weapon," he clarified.

Iran has maintained that lifting the blockade is a prerequisite forany meaningful talks, a position that continues to stall diplomatic progress,as Washington earlier extended a two-week ceasefire set to expire on April 22,citing internal divisions in Tehran and a request from Pakistani mediators formore time to allow negotiations to proceed.

A senior Iranian security source quoted by English-language statemedia PRESS TV said the blockade “will soon be met with practical andunprecedented action,” adding that restraint so far was intended to givediplomacy a chance.

Shafaq News-Middle East

The IsraeliPresident Isaac Herzog’s flight to Kazakhstan was forced to significantly alterits route after Turkiye denied access to its airspace, Israeli media reportedon Wednesday, adding that the aircraft was rerouted through Europe and Russia.

Israel’sChannel 12 said Herzog arrived in the Kazakh capital, Astana, after aneight-hour journey, noting that Ankara’s refusal required the aircraft tochange course mid-flight and take a longer route. “The plane did not receivethe expected overflight clearance from Turkish authorities after departure.”

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump has directed aides to prepare for an “extended” blockade of Iran, opting against renewed military escalation, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing US officials.

Trump views sustained pressure as less risky than strikes or withdrawal, with the strategy aimed at restricting Iran’s oil exports and access to shipping routes. The plan targets roughly 2 million barrels per day of Iranian exports and centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for about a fifth of global oil flows, where traffic has been sharply disrupted.

He also remains unwilling to drop demands that Iran suspend uranium enrichment for at least 20 years, the report added, while Iran has told mediators it needs several days to consult Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei before submitting a revised proposal to resume talks.

Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a political affairs official in the naval wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), separately warned that Iran is ready to deploy “new capabilities” if the US “miscalculates” and launches another attack. Speaking in Minab, where US-Israeli strikes killed over 170 schoolchildren, he stressed that IRGC forces are on full alert, could disable large aircraft carriers, and may activate additional tools across allied fronts.

Shafaq News- Washington

US intelligence agencies are examining how Iran might react if President Donald Trump declares a unilateral victory in the ongoing war, two US officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

A rapid de-escalation could reduce mounting domestic pressure on the White House, while raising concerns among officials that Iran could use the pause to rebuild elements of its nuclear and missile programs. Earlier intelligence reviews suggested Tehran would likely interpret a US declaration of victory followed by a troop drawdown as a strategic gain. Maintaining a significant US military presence, however, would more likely be seen as “leverage in negotiations rather than a signal of an end to hostilities.”

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said negotiations with Iran remain ongoing and that Washington would not be rushed into a “bad deal,” reiterating that any agreement must safeguard US national security and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The conflict has also disrupted global energy flows after Iran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, constraining a key shipping route for crude oil and pushing fuel prices higher. Diplomatic efforts have yet to yield a breakthrough, with both sides still far from reaching an agreement despite ongoing mediation.

Military options remain formally under consideration, including renewed airstrikes targeting Iranian military and political leadership, according to a separate source familiar with internal discussions. More expansive options, such as a ground invasion, are now viewed as “less likely than they were in recent weeks.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any agreement with Iran must “definitively prevent them from sprinting toward a nuclear weapon at any point.”

SECRETARY RUBIO: We have to ensure that any deal that is made with Iran definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point. pic.twitter.com/3UI8yNcYzW

— Department of State (@StateDept) April 28, 2026

Iran, for its part, has maintained that lifting the US blockade is a prerequisite for renewed talks. A source cited by Tasnim News Agency indicated that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed Tehran’s conditions during a recent visit to Islamabad, which is mediating between the two sides, including a new legal framework for the strait, removal of restrictions, and guarantees alongside compensation for potential future incidents.

Read more: Washington pursues regional de-escalation through fragile frameworks

Shafaq News- Washington

The United States on Tuesday offered up to $10 million for information on Atef Yahya Ghouri, deputy leader of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, accusing him of directing operations against the United States.

Have you seen this terrorist? If so, your information could be worth up to $10 million and relocation. pic.twitter.com/PkRCS0vZDU

— Rewards for Justice (@RFJ_USA) April 28, 2026

In the past month, similar bounties have been offered for several figures designated by the United States as terrorists, including Abu Alaa Al-Walai, leader of the Iraqi armed group Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah Al-Awfiya Secretary-General Haydar Al-Gharawi, and Kataib Hezbollah leader Ahmad Al-Hamidawi.

Shafaq News- Washington

The White House on Monday ruled out negotiating withIran through media channels, underscoring that preventing Tehran from acquiringnuclear weapons remains a core US priority.

Assistant White House Press Secretary Olivia Walestold CBS that any potential agreement would have to align with US interests,while Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled cautious optimism aboutdiplomacy, linking Iran's openness to talks to mounting internal pressures.

Speaking to Fox News, he cited economic strain —includinginflation, drought, and financial challenges— as factors pushing Tehran towardnegotiations, while warning that internal political and ideological divisionscould complicate progress. Rubio also dismissed any scenario in which Irancould control access to the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the strategicwaterway must remain open to international navigation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile,indicated that Tehran is considering the option of talks with Washingtonfollowing discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, presenting Iran as“resilient” under external pressure and pointing to ongoing coordination withMoscow.

Read more: Washington pursues regional de-escalation through fragile frameworks

Shafaq News- Tehran

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remainedseverely limited on Monday, with only seven vessels passing through thewaterway over the past 24 hours.

According to data cited by Reuters, just four shipscrossed the strait since midnight Sunday. Despite a US-imposed blockadetargeting Iran’s exports, vessels carrying about four million barrels ofIranian oil passed through the route on April 24.

US Central Command claimed on April 25 that 37 vesselshave been redirected since the blockade began on April 13.

London-based The Times had pointed to widerdisruption, estimating that more than 600 large commercial vessels werestranded in the region under strict transit controls imposed by Iran.

Shafaq News- Washington

A gunman opened fire outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton on Sunday as US President Donald Trump attended the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting Secret Service agents to rush him from the stage.

Trump said he and the first lady were unharmed, while a Secret Service agent was shot but protected by a bulletproof vest and is expected to recover.

He said the attack was likely the act of a lone gunman and not linked to Iran, and described it as the third assassination attempt against him since 2024, in reference to a shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and a separate incident at his Florida golf course.

US media reported the suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California, was taken into custody. There was “no indication” of additional suspects and no ongoing threat to the public.

Vice President JD Vance and senior cabinet officials were also evacuated from the venue, and the White House Correspondents’ Association announced the dinner was cancelled and would be rescheduled.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump clarifiedthat canceling a planned envoy trip to Pakistan does not signal a return to warwith Iran, Axios reported on Saturday, as negotiations remain stalled.

Trump cancelled the planned visit byenvoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, where they had beenexpected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, citing Iran'snegotiating position as the reason. He said the trip was not justified undercurrent conditions and that Tehran could initiate contact by phone for talks.

Asked whether the move signaled areturn to war, Trump said the United States had not ruled out military optionsbut had not yet formulated a course of action, adding that Washington holdsdecisive leverage in the standoff.

He later pointed to a delay in theanticipated meeting until Tuesday, describing travel under those circumstancesas a “waste of time.” A counterproposal delivered through Pakistani mediatorsalso fell short, though a revised version followed shortly after thecancellation.

"They gave us a paper thatshould have been better and interestingly the minute I cancelled it, within 10minutes, we got a new paper that was much better …they offered a lot but notenough," Trump said.

Before heading to Muscat, Araghchimet in Islamabad with Pakistan’s prime minister, army chief, and foreignminister as part of mediation efforts without committing to meet Witkoff andKushner if they traveled to Pakistan.

Iran has already made clear inprevious rounds that lifting the US naval blockade remains a precondition forfurther negotiations, a position that continues to complicate efforts toadvance talks.

The United States had earlierextended a two-week ceasefire set to expire on April 22, citing internaldivisions in Tehran and a request from Pakistani leaders for more time to allownegotiations to proceed. Iranian officials pushed back against the characterization,with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President MasoudPezeshkian each posting identical statements on X asserting that Iranrecognizes no distinction between radicals and moderates, describing thecountry as unified under the Supreme Leader and vowing to make “the aggressorregret its actions.”

Shafaq News- Washington

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday thatships and individuals facilitating the flow of Iranian oil could facesanctions.

Bessent noted in a statement that the economic pressure on Iranis “hampering its aggression in the Middle East and helping to curtail itsnuclear ambitions”, adding, “Any person or vessel facilitating theseflows –through covert trade and finance– risks exposure to US sanctions.”

Economic Fury is imposing a financial stranglehold on the Iranian regime, hampering its aggression in the Middle East, and helping to curtail its nuclear ambitions. At @POTUS’ direction, Treasury will continue to constrict the network of vessels, intermediaries, and buyers Iran… https://t.co/tNx0egCLsm

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) April 24, 2026

The US Treasury Department also announced sanctions on aChinese oil refinery and around 40 entities involved in importing Iranian oil.

Today, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co., Ltd., a China-based independent teapot refinery. China-based teapot refineries continue to play a vital role in sustaining Iran’s oil economy, and Hengli Petrochemical…

— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) April 24, 2026

Earlier today, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) claimedit had redirected 34 vessels as part of enforcement actions linked to theblockade of Iranian ports.

Talks between Washington and Tehran, held in Islamabad onApril 12, failed to reach an agreement on halting the war that began onFebruary 28. US President Donald Trump said the temporary ceasefire, which tookeffect on April 8, would be extended to allow room for renewed negotiations,while warning that Iran faces a “final opportunity” to respond to US demands.

Read more: Washington pursues regional de-escalation through fragile frameworks