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

A Korean-American leader, Kim Dong-seok, suggests that President Trump's foreign policy, particularly concerning North Korea, is driven by a "destroy-and-deal" strategy influenced by "new neocons." This approach, he argues, prioritizes drone warfare to force negotiations without risking American lives, and is financially beneficial to the Trump family through drone industry investments. Kim asserts that South Korea should analyze these calculated strategies rather than viewing Trump's actions as mere impulses. He identifies figures like Elliott Abrams and Stephen Miller as central to this faction, which has reportedly influenced objectives like regime change in Iran.

European leaders are exploring the EU's mutual defense clause, Article 42.7, as a potential alternative to NATO amid growing concerns about US commitment. Tensions between the US, particularly under President Trump, and European allies have intensified due to criticisms of defense spending, disagreements over foreign policy, and recent conflict in Iran. These strains have led European nations to consider strengthening their own defense capabilities. Article 42.7, a rarely invoked clause in the EU treaty, obligates member states to assist another if it is subjected to armed aggression. This discussion aims to clarify its potential to offer collective defense similar to NATO's, independent of Washington's support.

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.

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.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock in Beijing on Wednesday, urging global unity to safeguard international justice against powers prioritizing "might over right." Wang criticized unnamed countries for challenging the UN's role and promoting the "law of the jungle." The meeting occurred amidst the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran and a global energy crisis caused by blockades of the Strait of Hormuz. Wang reaffirmed China's commitment to the UN-centered international system and pledged support for Baerbock's efforts to unite member states around sovereign equality.

Iran has submitted a new proposal to the United States aimed at de-

On day 60 of the conflict, the United States is

US-Iran talks have stalled after a fragile ceasefire, with efforts to translate it into a permanent agreement failing to materialize. The negotiations, held in Islamabad, Pakistan, were cancelled by US President Donald Trump after he scrapped a visit by his envoys due to concerns over the cost and adequacy of an Iranian offer. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the US for the failure, citing excessive demands from Washington. However, experts say the impasse reflects a slowdown in negotiations rather than a collapse, with diplomacy often marked by deadlocks and setbacks. Trump has offered Iran the opportunity to negotiate via telephone or in-person talks, emphasizing that a nuclear weapon is non-negotiable. The talks' current status remains uncertain, leaving questions about what could come next.

* *Word count check:* 1

On day 59 of the conflict between Iran and the US

Brent crude oil prices rose by more than 2

On April 25, 2026, diplomatic tensions

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.

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