US negotiators to go to Islamabad, but Iran says no direct talks

April 25, 2026 11:25 AM

US negotiators to go to Islamabad, but Iran says no direct talks

U.S. negotiators are scheduled to leave for Pakistan on Saturday, but Iran said its officials did not plan to meet the Americans to discuss ending the war that has killed thousands and roiled global markets. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are due to depart on Saturday morning for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the White House said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that Iran had a chance to make a "good deal" wi...

US says its forces ready to restart combat if Iran doesn’t agree a deal

April 16, 2026 7:30 PM

US says its forces ready to restart combat if Iran doesn’t agree a deal

U.S. forces in the Middle East are postured to restart combat operations immediately if Iran doesn't agree to a peace deal, top American military officials said on Thursday. As part of a campaign to pressure Tehran to sign an agreement, U.S. military forces are mounting a blockade on all ships seeking to enter or leave Iran. "You Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing. "But...