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...

US lifts sanctions on Venezuela acting president, opening door for assets control

April 2, 2026 1:15 PM

US lifts sanctions on Venezuela acting president, opening door for assets control

The U.S. on Wednesday removed sanctions against Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department website, less than three months after U.S. forces seized the country's then-President Nicolas Maduro in a raid on the capital. The Trump administration has closely engaged with the interim government led by former Vice President and Maduro ally Rodriguez, sending U.S. energy and interior secretaries on visits to Caracas with potential investors, making an agreement ...