‘No credibility’: Obama’s top Iran negotiator torched by State Department after ripping Trump war plan

On day 62 of escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the American blockade of Iranian ports successful, urging Iran to "give up." Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed the blockade's impact, stating it has only driven up global oil prices and accusing U.S. officials of acting on poor advice. While the U.S. aims to force Iran to halt oil production by filling its storage, analysts suggest remaining capacity might only last about 20 days. The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted global markets, pushing oil prices above $120 a barrel and U.S. gasoline prices to a four-year high. Separately, Iranian football officials departed Canada due to alleged "inappropriate behavior" by immigration officials.

Oil prices surged to their highest point since 2022 on Thursday in Asian trading following a report that President Trump is to be briefed on new US military options regarding Iran. The US Central Command has reportedly developed plans for swift strikes on Iran, potentially targeting infrastructure, to break negotiation impasses. Another proposed strategy involves securing part of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen commercial shipping, which could necessitate ground troops. Brent crude rose nearly 7% to over $126 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 2.3% to around $109 per barrel. These price increases coincide with stalled peace talks and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran is reportedly using a sophisticated scheme involving $800 million worth of oil smuggling to circumvent U.S. sanctions and blockade. According to maritime intelligence firm Windward AI, sanctioned tankers are falsifying their location data to appear as if they are anchored off Iraq, while secretly loading Iranian crude at Iranian ports. This tactic involves at least four very large crude carriers (VLCCs), each capable of holding approximately 2 million barrels, potentially totaling 8 million barrels valued at $800 million. The operation comes as President Trump has reaffirmed the U.S. blockade on Iran's oil exports, demanding concessions on its nuclear program. This method allows Iran to continue exporting oil despite international pressure and U.S. efforts to isolate its economy.

The international order is facing significant strain due to unilateralism, protectionism, and selective application of international law, eroding confidence in global cooperation frameworks. Concerns about the United States prioritizing domestic interests over international responsibility have been amplified by the potential return of Donald Trump to American politics. The article highlights US actions, such as tariff escalations, extraterritorial sanctions, and disregard for multilateral norms, as undermining global stability. Furthermore, the US has withdrawn from numerous international organizations and UN agencies, indicating a continued retreat from international commitments. In this context of a weakening global order, the article suggests that China, and specifically Hong Kong, may be looked to for institutional anchors.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Wednesday, discussing the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. Trump described the conversation as "very good" and indicated that a solution to the ongoing dispute with Iran would be reached "relatively quickly." He stated that the US was engaged in talks with Iran, noting progress but emphasizing that a deal would only be reached if Iran agreed to forgo nuclear weapons. The article also briefly mentions that US energy exports are up, though this was not a primary focus of the reported conversation. The ongoing tensions with Iran are noted as impacting global markets.

Wendy Sherman, a former top negotiator for the Obama administration's Iran nuclear deal, criticized President Trump's Iran strategy in recent interviews, calling it tactical and transactional without a clear strategy. Sherman, who also served under President Biden, argued Trump's approach damaged alliances and American interests. In response, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated Sherman lacks credibility due to her role in the Iran nuclear deal, which he claimed provided the regime with funds and a path to nuclear weapons. Pigott contrasted this with the Trump administration's achievements, including peace deals and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

President Donald Trump stated the US will maintain its naval blockade on Iranian ports until a nuclear deal is reached, calling it more effective than military action. This stance rejects Iran's precondition for returning to talks, which included lifting the siege. Iran has reportedly offered a limited deal to end its own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US ending its blockade. The impasse has led to soaring oil prices, with Brent crude futures exceeding $119 per barrel. Iran views the US blockade as an attempt to weaken the country economically and internally. The US has captured Iranian-linked commercial ships and redirected others, while Iran has also seized vessels.

Average US gas prices have reached a new high of $4.23 per gallon, the highest since 2022, driven by fears of a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This critical waterway, through which 20% of the world's oil passes, is experiencing a significant reduction in ship transits. The price of Brent crude oil has surged to $114.60 per barrel, a nearly 25% increase from its mid-April low. US officials are reportedly considering an extended blockade as a strategy to pressure Iran, with President Trump suggesting it is a more effective approach than military action. This situation is occurring as refineries typically undergo maintenance, further contributing to seasonal price increases.

Federal prosecutors are seeking the detention of Cole Tomas Allen, who is accused of planning to assassinate Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The filing details Allen's alleged weeks-long plot, including selfies showing him with firearms and knives, which prosecutors claim are the weapons used in the incident. Allen, a 31-year-old tutor from California, was arrested after allegedly breaching a Secret Service checkpoint with a shotgun. During an exchange of fire, a Secret Service agent was shot but protected by a bulletproof vest. Prosecutors cite overwhelming evidence of guilt, with Allen facing a potential life sentence. Allegedly prescheduled emails suggest Allen's motivation was to stop Trump, whom he described with accusations of pedophilia, rape, and treason.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's final rate decision saw interest rates held steady due to uncertainty surrounding the duration and impact of ongoing geopolitical conflict. Despite a recent surge in March inflation to 3.3%, the Fed's statement indicated potential rate cuts at its next meeting. However, rising oil prices, influenced by expectations of continued US blockades, could delay rate cuts until 2027, according to an economist. Powell will remain a Fed governor until a Trump administration probe is concluded, despite an attorney's statement that the investigation would be closed. This decision reflects the Fed's balancing act between controlling inflation and stimulating economic growth amidst complex global factors.

The US Federal Reserve has decided to maintain its interest rates at 3.5-3.75 percent. This decision, announced on Wednesday following a two-day policy meeting, comes amid concerns about persistent inflation and global economic strain. The Fed cited rising global energy prices, partly influenced by developments in the Middle East, as a significant factor contributing to elevated inflation. While the majority of officials voted to hold rates steady, there were notable dissents, indicating potential divisions within the central bank regarding future monetary policy adjustments. The Fed's statement highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook due to these geopolitical events.

The Senate Banking Committee has advanced Kevin Warsh's nomination to be the next chair of the US Federal Reserve. The committee voted 13-11 along party lines, with Republicans supporting the nominee and Democrats opposing him. Warsh, President Trump's choice to succeed Jerome Powell, now moves to the full Senate for confirmation, with a vote potentially occurring as early as May 11. A previous hurdle, Senator Thom Tillis's hold on the nomination pending a criminal investigation into Powell, was removed after the Department of Justice dropped its inquiry, finding no evidence of wrongdoing. Warsh previously served on the Fed Board of Governors from 2006 to 2011.

Former FBI Director James Comey appeared in federal court in Virginia after being indicted on charges of threatening the life of the US president and transmitting threats across state lines. The indictment stems from an Instagram post from May of the previous year, which prosecutors allege contained a coded threat against President Donald Trump, who is referred to as the 47th president. Comey turned himself in and has denied the allegations, stating he will fight the charges. His lawyer plans to argue that the prosecution is vindictive. This case represents a renewed effort by the Justice Department to pursue criminal charges against perceived political adversaries of the president. Comey's next court appearance is scheduled for North Carolina.

Claire Finkelstein, a legal scholar, suggests that James Comey is likely to contest any indictment related to a social media post critical of former President Donald Trump. This perspective arises in the context of what Finkelstein characterizes as the "Trump's Justice Department is on a revenge tour." The article implies that potential legal actions against individuals who have opposed Trump are being considered. The specific details of any potential indictment or the social media post in question are not provided in this excerpt.

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on federal charges in North Carolina for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump. Prosecutors accuse Comey of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce by posting an image of seashells arranged to spell "8647" on Instagram in May of the previous year. This indictment comes amid heightened political tensions and follows a previous criminal case against Comey that was dismissed. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and an arrest warrant has been issued for Comey, who denies any wrongdoing. The case has raised concerns about the justice system being used for political retaliation, particularly given Trump's past calls for prosecuting political opponents.

A US regulator is reviewing broadcast licenses for Disney-owned stations following a joke made by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump. The review was prompted by a complaint from Donald Trump, who characterized Kimmel's remarks as a "call to violence." Kimmel defended his joke as a lighthearted roast, stating it was not a call for assassination and highlighting his stance against gun violence. This action occurs amidst White House pressure on ABC to dismiss Kimmel, with a White House official calling for him to be "shunned for the rest of his life." The controversy arose shortly after an incident where a gunman opened fire near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents' dinner was being held, leading to the suspect being charged with attempting to assassinate the president.

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on Tuesday following an investigation into

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-

Cole Tomas Allen appeared in a Washington D.C. court

A suspect has been charged following an attempted assassination of Donald Trump during

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year

A shooting occurred during a dinner for White House correspondents, resulting in immediate

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old

Cole Tomas Allen is expected to be formally charged in court today following a

On day 59 of the conflict between Iran and the US

The U.S. Department of Justice is pressuring the National

On Saturday night, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen

On Saturday evening, Secret Service agents apprehended a gunman who allegedly fired

Donald and Melania Trump were evacuated from the White House correspondents’ dinner

World leaders are condemning an armed attack that disrupted the White House Correspondents

World leaders have condemned a shooting that occurred Saturday night at the Washington Hilton

On April 25, 2026, a

Iranian President Donald Trump canceled planned talks with Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan, citing "infighting and confusion" within the regime. The cancellation comes after Iranian leadership projected a unified front just days earlier, undermining the long-cited moderate-vs.-hardliner divide. Social media posts from Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other key officials suggest that the "good cop, bad cop" tactic used to deceive adversaries has collapsed. Trump had planned to discuss nuclear talks with Iranian leaders in Islamabad. The cancellation may have significant consequences for Trump's approach to atomic talks. Experts warn that Iran views the US as "evil," citing the regime's perception of American actions as aggressive and divisive.

On April 25, 2026, diplomatic tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Islamabad on Sunday for further

US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip by US officials to Pakistan for talks on the Iran war on Saturday. The trip was intended for special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, but Trump stated that they would be wasting "too much time" if Iran wanted to discuss the issue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi had previously met with Pakistani mediator, sharing Iran's position on ending the war, but expressed skepticism about US seriousness in diplomacy. Diplomatic efforts have stalled despite a recent ceasefire extension. The US and Iran are locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, with restrictions on oil exports and increased naval presence by the US. Trump announced that the ceasefire would hold despite fading hopes for face-to-face talks.

President Donald Trump has canceled a planned diplomatic mission to Pakistan by envoys

On day 57 of the conflict, United States envo