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Thursday, April 16, 2026

Trump Says Iran Ready To Hand Over Its Uranium; Hints At Possible Pakistan Visit If Deal Reached

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile, indicating that a potential agreement between the two countries may be close. "They've agreed to give us back the nuclear dust," Trump told reporters at the White House, using his name for the enriched uranium stockpile that the United States says could be used to build nuclear weapons. "There's a very good chance we're going to make a deal," he added. <h3>Trump Says 'Very Successful Negotiation' Underway</h3> Trump described the ongoing engagement between Washington and Tehran as productive, suggesting that both sides are nearing an agreement. "I think we have a very successful negotiation going on right now," he said. "If it happens, it'll be announced fairly soon, and that'll give us free oil, free Hormuz Strait, everything will be nice. And I think your oil price will go down to lower than what it was before." He also noted that fuel prices have already started easing amid diplomatic progress. "Well, they're not very high, if you look at what they were supposed to be, in order to get rid of a nuclear weapon with the danger that entails. So the gas prices have come down very much over the last three, four days," he said. <h3>Trump Hints At Pakistan Visit</h3> The US President indicated that he may travel to Pakistan if a deal is finalised there, pointing to Islamabad’s possible involvement in the talks. "I would go to Pakistan, yeah," Trump told reporters at the White House while en route to Las Vegas, Nevada. "If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go. They want me to go," he told the reporters. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Donald Trump says, "I would go to Pakistan, yeah. Pakistan has been great...If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go. The Field Marshal has been great. The Prime Minister has been really great in Pakistan. I might go. They want me" (Source: The White… <a href="https://t.co/qSxYTclrEg">pic.twitter.com/qSxYTclrEg</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2044947919443579035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Trump also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran, calling its involvement helpful. He said Pakistani intermediaries in the negotiations over the conflict "have been so great."  Addressing domestic economic concerns, Trump said his administration is working to bring inflation under control. "I inherited the highest prices in the history of our country, the worst inflation in the history of our country. I'll get it down to a very low number and it's still low." The remarks come amid increased diplomatic engagement surrounding the Iran issue. Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran, signalling renewed efforts to revive stalled negotiations. Munir, who arrived in Tehran earlier, was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The visit is aimed at setting the stage for a possible second round of talks after earlier discussions failed to yield results. Key issues remain unresolved, including how long Iran would pause uranium enrichment and what happens to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Munir is also expected to travel to Washington as part of Pakistan’s broader mediation push, according to reports.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-talks-trump-says-iran-ready-to-hand-over-its-uranium-hints-at-possible-pakistan-visit-if-deal-reached-1836980

Drones, AI And Robots: How Is US Clearing Mines From Strait Of Hormuz?

As the United States has started clearing naval mines from the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after announcing the blockade, it is turning to advanced technologies, including drones, robotic systems, and helicopters, to reduce risks to personnel. Despite these innovations, mine-clearing crews remain exposed to potential Iranian attacks. The operation is part of broader efforts to restore secure shipping routes after disruptions linked to recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, which significantly impacted global energy supplies. While modern tools allow remote detection and neutralization of mines, experts caution that clearing a major waterway like the Strait of Hormuz will be a slow and complex process. The US military confirmed it has already initiated operations, deploying warships through the strait and planning to add underwater drones in the coming days, though details remain limited, Reuters reported. Iran is believed to have deployed around a dozen mines in the area, though their exact locations are unknown. Even limited mining can have outsized effects. As retired British Rear Admiral Jon Pentreath notes, “the mere threat of a minefield is enough to halt commercial shipping.” Also Read: <a title="'This Will Be My 10th War Solved': Donald Trump Announces Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire" href="https://ift.tt/aUeilr9" target="_self">'This Will Be My 10th War Solved': Donald Trump Announces Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire</a> <h2 data-section-id="1825fn7" data-start="1394" data-end="1453">From Traditional Minesweepers to Autonomous Systems</h2> Historically, the US Navy relied on manned minesweeping ships that entered minefields directly, using sonar and mechanical systems—often supported by divers—to locate and clear explosives. Much of this aging fleet has now been retired. In its place, the Navy is deploying lighter, more advanced vessels such as littoral combat ships equipped with semi-autonomous surface and underwater drones, as well as remotely operated robots. These systems allow crews to operate at a safer distance while maintaining effectiveness. Current US mine-clearing assets in the region include unmanned underwater vehicles, helicopters, divers, and some legacy vessels. However, overall capacity remains limited and partially constrained by maintenance cycles. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9AhBAqIex38?si=2AuISrfQ3w8r_3Jv" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2 data-section-id="nuh8yq" data-start="2204" data-end="2248">Varied Threats and Complex Detection</h2> Iran is thought to possess multiple types of maritime mines, including seabed “bottom” mines, tethered mines floating below the surface, drifting mines, and limpet mines that attach directly to ships. To counter these threats, US forces are likely using unmanned vehicles equipped with sonar and sensors to scan for mine-like objects. Once detected, data is relayed to operators outside the danger zone for identification and decision-making. Mines can then be neutralized using remotely operated devices such as the torpedo-shaped “Archerfish,” which carries an explosive charge and transmits live video. Helicopters may also assist in spotting near-surface mines, while unmanned boats can tow equipment designed to trigger or collect explosive devices. <h2 data-section-id="2o8xl0" data-start="3010" data-end="3044">A Slow and Risky Operation</h2> Despite technological advances, mine clearance remains time-intensive. Experts estimate that securing the strait could take several weeks, with ongoing risks of further Iranian deployments or direct attacks on clearing crews. “Finding and destroying mines is very time consuming,” said US Admiral Daryl Caudle, highlighting the vulnerability of such operations. To mitigate these risks, the US is expected to deploy defensive assets, including warships and aerial drones, to protect personnel and equipment. <h2 data-section-id="12lsf8x" data-start="3561" data-end="3591">Future of Mine Warfare</h2> New technologies aim to accelerate mine detection and removal. Innovations in sonar now allow multi-angle scanning in a single pass, while artificial intelligence is improving onboard data analysis for unmanned systems. The long-term goal is to develop fully autonomous systems capable of detecting, identifying, and destroying mines without human intervention. While that capability does not yet exist, it represents a key focus for naval forces worldwide.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-trump-administration-clearing-mines-from-strait-of-hormuz-after-announcing-blockade-us-iran-peace-talks-failed-in-pakistan-fresh-round-soon-1836977

Asim Munir In Tehran, Briefs Iran On Saudi Deployments And Shares US Proposals

Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation, positioning Pakistan at the centre of ongoing US-Iran negotiations and shifting regional military dynamics. The four-member delegation included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, DG Military Operations Major General Kashif Abdullah, and Munir’s Private Secretary Major General Syed Jawad Tariq. During the visit, Pakistani officials held detailed discussions with the Iranian side led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, alongside senior officials Kazem Gharibabadi and Esmail Baghaei. The engagements combined both military briefings and diplomatic exchanges, signalling a coordinated approach by Islamabad. <h2>Military Deployment Clarifications</h2> A key component of the discussions was a military briefing by Major General Kashif Abdullah, focusing on Pakistan’s recent deployments in Saudi Arabia. Islamabad has stationed F-16 fighter jets at the Abdul Aziz Airbase, located close to the Iranian border, and deployed elements of its 25th Mechanised Division near the Yemen frontier, including armoured and mechanised brigades. Pakistan conveyed to Iran that these deployments are not directed against Tehran, seeking to ease concerns amid heightened regional tensions. While the military briefing was underway, Major General Syed Jawad Tariq managed the optics of the visit, documenting key moments including Munir’s reception and meetings in Tehran. <h2>Washington & Tehran Talks</h2> At the centre of the visit was Munir’s role as a conduit between Washington and Tehran. He directly conveyed updated US proposals and concessions to Iranian leadership following sustained backchannel coordination with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. After earlier talks in Islamabad collapsed, Munir maintained continuous engagement with US officials, enabling him to arrive in Tehran with revised inputs. This positioned Pakistan as an active intermediary in efforts to revive negotiations between the two sides. Pakistan’s intermediary role is rooted in longstanding diplomatic arrangements following the breakdown of US-Iran ties after the Iranian Revolution. Iran continues to operate an Interests Section within the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, currently headed by diplomat Mehdi Atefat, allowing indirect communication through Pakistani channels. <h2>Strategic, Financial Dimensions Of Talks</h2> The mediation process also carries a strategic-economic dimension. Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both involved in Iran-related discussions since the Oman talks, maintain financial linkages with Pakistan. Witkoff recently facilitated a redevelopment deal for the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, owned by the Pakistani government, drawing scrutiny over its structure. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency venture World Liberty Financial involves members of Donald Trump’s family, including Kushner, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., with Witkoff as co-founder. Pakistan formally signed on to the venture last year in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Munir. Reports indicate that such financial engagements have contributed to Islamabad securing a role in the broader diplomatic process. <h2>Parallel Engagement With Saudi Arabia</h2> Simultaneously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Saudi Arabia and held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. This marked the first high-level interaction following Pakistan’s deployment of military assets in the Kingdom. Earlier engagements between Munir and Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman had included commitments to deploy Pakistani military capabilities, which were later fulfilled under sustained pressure from Riyadh. Pakistan’s renewed military support came amid financial pressures, including a demand from the United Arab Emirates for repayment of a $3.5 billion loan. Subsequently, Pakistan deployed fighter jets, anti-drone systems and AWACS platforms in Saudi Arabia beginning April 9. Reports indicated that Saudi Arabia approved a $3 billion financial package for Pakistan following these deployments. Sharif’s visit aimed to express gratitude, reaffirm defence commitments and encourage Riyadh to support diplomatic efforts with Iran. <h2>Iran Reviews US Proposals</h2> Following Munir’s briefing, Iran signalled it is evaluating the latest US proposals before deciding on the next round of negotiations. State-linked Tasnim News Agency confirmed that Tehran is conducting an internal assessment. A major sticking point remains uranium enrichment. The United States has proposed a 20-year halt, while Iran has offered a maximum pause of five years, citing civilian energy needs. The outcome of this review will determine whether negotiations move forward, with Pakistan continuing to play a pivotal intermediary role in shaping the next phase of diplomatic engagement.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-news-live-asim-munir-in-tehran-briefs-iran-on-saudi-deployments-and-shares-us-proposals-1836964

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Economic normalisation could take longer: CEA Anantha Nageswaran

Washington, Apr 15 (PTI): India's top economic adviser on Wednesday cautioned about the impact of rising oil prices on the global economy and said normalisation could take longer. Addressing a conference organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum here, Chief Economic Anantha Nageswaran said the impact of the global conflict may be felt in four broad areas – higher energy prices, supply disruptions in other commodities, rising logistics and insurance costs, and a decline in remittance flows. “So I think that we need to be more patient in the conflict cessation and the resumption of economic activity as per normal, that we may call it,” Nageswaran said, addressing the US-India Economic Forum 2026. He said there was a need to understand the range of uncertainty arising out of the conflict, particularly in South Asia and in general in the Asia-Pacific region. “It is not purely about the price of oil... it is about the commodities that matter,” he said. India's landed crude cost rose to about USD 113 per barrel in March, Nageswaran said. “The kind of challenges that India will face with respect to the global inflation and the external impact is something that needs to be watched,” he said. Nageswaran said remittances, particularly from the Gulf nations, could also come under pressure. The Chief Economic Adviser said despite these risks, India's fundamentals remain strong, citing sustained growth, moderate inflation and improving fiscal balances. Nageswaran said India has expanded its global engagement through new trade agreements such as with the UK, the European Union and the United States. He said these agreements would help cushion external shocks and strengthen India's role in global value chains. Nageswaran said capital expenditure has increased more than threefold in recent years. “If you look at the total number of highways, the length of highway kilometres, 10 times, the railway network, and if you look at the port handling capacity, and lastly, the amount of goods that India transports to inland waterways, is on the rise,” Nageswaran said. PTI SKU SCY SCY(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/economic-normalisation-could-take-longer-cea-anantha-nageswaran-1836736

TIME100 2026: Global Political Leaders Dominate As Trump, Pope Leo, Netanyahu Feature

TIME magazine on Wednesday unveiled its list of the ‘100 Most Influential People of 2026’, with a strong presence of political leaders shaping global discourse. Among those named were Pope Leo XIV, Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani, alongside a host of other prominent figures from across the world. <h2>World Leaders Feature Prominently</h2> The list includes several key global leaders such as Benjamin Netanyahu, Marco Rubio, Mark Carney, Claudia Sheinbaum, Sanae Takaichi and Xi Jinping. Newly elected leaders from South Asia also found a place on the list, including Balen Shah and Tarique Rahman. <h2>Key US Figures Make The Cut</h2> Several senior US officials were also featured, reflecting their influence on domestic and global policy. These include Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, California Governor Gavin Newsom, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Joint Chiefs of Staff head Dan Caine and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. <h2>Indian-Origin Figures Across Sectors</h2> Beyond politics, the TIME100 list also highlights individuals driving influence across industries, including three figures of Indian origin. Among them is Sundar Pichai, whose leadership continues to shape global technology and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital ecosystems. Actor Ranbir Kapoor represents the entertainment industry, reflecting the expanding global reach of Indian cinema. His profile in TIME was written by Ayushmann Khurrana, who described him as an artist who becomes a legacy through his craft rather than chasing it. Chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna also features on the list, recognised among global figures in fashion, visual, literary and culinary arts, alongside names such as Ralph Lauren and Victoria Beckham. <h2>A Snapshot Of Global Influence</h2> The TIME100 list remains a widely recognised benchmark of global influence, spotlighting individuals shaping conversations and driving impact across sectors. This year’s list underscores the dominance of political leadership in a year marked by global tensions, while also highlighting contributions from technology, entertainment and the arts. India’s presence, though limited in number, reflects its growing footprint across key global industries.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/time100-2026-global-political-leaders-dominate-as-trump-pope-leo-netanyahu-feature-1836731

Iran’s War Fallout: Hundreds Of Thousands Lose Jobs As Economy Crumbles

This report was originally written in German. More than 93 million people in Iran are living in the shadow of a war that could flare up again at any moment. Many Iranians are now fearing the difficult days that lie ahead. After the failed peace talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, Washington began blockading Iranian ports and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The move is intended to cut Iran's oil export revenues and to prevent Tehran from charging a toll for passage through the strategic sea route. The blockade also means that goods are no longer reaching Iranian ports. <h2>War hits working Iranians the hardest</h2> "The continuation of the war — whether at the military level or in the form of blockades and regional tensions — puts the greatest pressure on ordinary people, especially workers, teachers and wage earners," trade unionist Ismail Abdi wrote in response to an inquiry from DW. The teacher and human rights activist was a member of the executive board of the Iranian Teachers' Association when he came to the attention of Iranian authorities 11 years ago because of his commitment to defending teachers' rights. Accused of "propaganda against the political system," he spent several years in prison. After international pressure — particularly from trade unions around the world — he was eventually released. Since March 2025, he has been living in exile in Germany, where he continues his work for education rights and freedom of expression. "In recent weeks, we have received shocking reports about the suffering of the working class under wartime conditions in Iran," he said. "When factories, workshops or service projects are shut down or scaled back, contract workers, day laborers and those in informal employment are the first to suffer. This process weakens workers' bargaining power and pushes wages further toward an outright collapse." The war has had devastating consequences for Iran's economy, which has long been plagued by mismanagement, corruption and sanctions. Tehran has already put the war damage at the equivalent of around €229 billion (about $270 billion), according to a preliminary estimate Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohadscherani gave in an interview with Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti on April 14. However, the true extent of the damage to the country's largest industrial facilities, which serve as engines of the economy, is not yet fully known. <h2>Tens of thousands of day laborers sent home</h2> The Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan was forced to halt operations entirely after a second US-Israeli attack. The US and Israel said the strikes had weakened Iran's military capabilities. Steel is a key raw material for the production of military goods such as missiles, drones and ships. At the same time, it plays a crucial role in civilian industries, including automotive supply chains, the production of household appliances, and the packaging and canning industry. Steel is also indispensable in the construction sector. The steel industry is considered one of the main driving forces of Iran's economy. According to the World Steel Association, Iran was among the world's 10 largest steel producers in 2025 — alongside countries such as China, the United States and Germany — exporting around 31.8 million tons of steel annually. Between March 2025 and January 2026, export revenues amounted to $860 million (€741 million). With production suspended, thousands of workers were sent home, but for how long remains unclear. At least 10,000 employees in the steel industry are day laborers. A production shutdown can also trigger a chain reaction, forcing dozens of other companies that depend on these facilities also to halt their operations. Attacks on petrochemical plants will also have massive repercussions on the labor market, says Umud Shokri, an energy strategist and senior visiting fellow at George Mason University. Strikes on major petrochemical hubs in Asaluyeh (South Pars), Mahshahr and Shiraz caused significant damage and brought numerous facilities to a standstill. In industrial centers such as Mahshahr, where more than 30,000 people are employed, many are now facing sudden job losses and wage cuts, Shokri wrote in response to an inquiry from DW. "The damage extends far beyond the facilities themselves, affecting supply chains, state revenues and people's livelihoods," he added. "Even under optimal conditions, assessments based on comparable industrial complexes suggest that restoring a key hub like Mahshahr could take around two years," he said. This would require improved access to foreign technology, capital, spare parts and technical know-how — conditions that are scarcely attainable under the current sanctions regime. <h2>Mass layoffs and falling wages</h2> Job losses in the industrial sector have already created widespread insecurity. On April 14, the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA) dismissed all of its journalists and shifted their employment to freelance contracts. Many other companies are also reported to have begun mass layoffs. One example is the digital services sector, including platforms such as Snapp, often described as the "Iranian Uber." Despite ongoing internet restrictions imposed by the authorities since the start of the war to prevent potential protests, such services continue to operate in the country. However, fewer people are on the move because of the war, and many can no longer afford to use them. "Due to internet restrictions alone, thousands of freelancers, programmers and content producers have lost their ability to work. They are now being pushed back into the traditional, already fragile labor market," said trade unionist Abdi. "In the short term, this situation leads to falling real incomes and growing poverty among workers. In the long term, there is a risk of an exploited, less skilled and more dependent society emerging." Trade unionist Ismail Abdi has not given up on the dream of political change in Iran. But he warns that the war is primarily leading to rising poverty and increasing insecurity for disadvantaged segments of the population. "This war must be ended before its human and social costs become irreversible," he said. However, little attention seems to be paid to the Iranian population, neither by the leadership of the Islamic Republic, whose priority is staying in power, nor by the US president, despite his promises of support. From the outbreak of the war on February 28 until April 8, when a fragile ceasefire was agreed, 3,636 people were killed in Iran, according to the US‑based human rights organization HRANA. Of those, 1,701 were civilians, including at least 254 children. Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-s-war-fallout-hundreds-of-thousands-lose-jobs-as-economy-crumbles-1836726

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Trump Says Iran War ‘Very Close To Over’; Claims Tehran Wants Deal, Hints At Fresh Talks

Trump On Iran War: U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the ongoing confrontation with Iran may be nearing its conclusion, even as military and diplomatic efforts continue in parallel. Speaking during an appearance on Fox News, Trump strongly defended Washington’s intervention, framing it as a necessary move to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. <h3>Trump Signals Possible Endgame In Iran Standoff</h3> Trump said, “I think it’s almost over.” In a segment aired by the network, Trump remarked, “I see it as very close to being finished.” The president argued that failing to act would have had far-reaching consequences for global power dynamics. He said that if he hadn't stepped in then Iran which already has a nuclear arm would have changed the balance of power completely. He said, “You don’t want to be in a position where you’re forced to bow to them because of that.” <h3>Cautious Optimism Amid Ongoing Military Pressure</h3> Despite his optimistic tone, Trump acknowledged that the situation remains unresolved. He emphasized that while progress has been made, the United States is not yet ready to disengage from the conflict. “If we pulled out today, it would take them twenty years to rebuild. We’re not done yet,” he adding that they were desperate to make a deal. His remarks suggest a strategy that combines sustained pressure with openness to negotiations, as Washington seeks to ensure long-term limits on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. <h3>Backchannel Talks Continue Without Breakthrough</h3> Alongside the military dimension, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Vice President JD Vance and other senior U.S. officials held discussions with Iranian representatives in Pakistan over the weekend. While the talks did not yield a significant breakthrough, they are expected to continue, with Trump hinting in remarks to The New York Post that another round could take place soon. These negotiations follow earlier attempts that faltered due to disagreements over the scope and limits of Iran’s nuclear programme, highlighting the complexity of reaching a lasting agreement. ALSO READ: <a title="Trump Says Pakistan Likely To Host US-Iran Talks; Islamabad, Istanbul Venues On Table" href="https://ift.tt/N9QOMFP" target="_self">Trump Says Pakistan Likely To Host US-Iran Talks; Islamabad, Istanbul Venues On Table</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-on-iran-war-live-updates-says-iran-war-close-to-over-claims-tehran-wants-deal-hints-at-fresh-talks-1836511