Donald Trump warned he might restart military action against Iran while his vice-president JD Vance met with Iranian officials to kick off peace talks in Switzerland.
Adding tension to the discussions in Bürgenstock was Tehran’s announcement of a renewed closure of the strait of Hormuz, which it threatened due to ongoing Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.
In what seemed like a reference to the Tehran-supported Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Sunday: “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!”
While speaking to Fox News, the US president also hinted at taking control of the Hormuz strait and suggested he might even threaten to kidnap Iranian negotiators by stating: “You close it and you won’t have a country. You won’t even make it back to your fucking country.”
Trump’s comments led negotiators to walk out of crucial discussions in protest. His remarks were also at odds with Vance’s more optimistic tone, who noted progress during the first round of direct US-Iran talks after their initial agreement and mentioned that Trump wanted him to use these negotiations to create a “new leaf” with Iran.
US-Iran talks strained as Trump threats spark Iranian walkout
Iranian state media reported that negotiations had entered a “difficult phase” and paused after the “publication of an insulting message by the US president”. The Iranian delegation met Qatari mediators before leaving the negotiation site, according to reports.
However, high-level negotiations continued and wrapped up early Monday morning. Pakistan and Qatar announced that technical discussions between both sides would carry on throughout the rest of the week. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, commended Pakistan and Qatar for their mediation efforts early Monday, claiming they “delivered major progress”.
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Trump faces fresh bipartisan criticism on Iran deal
Political figures across both parties have raised new concerns about Trump’s provisional agreement with Iran.
Outgoing Republican senator John Cornyn shared a quote on X from a Wall Street Journal article discussing how rogue regimes evade US economic warfare. Senior Democratic leader Susan Rice added her previous description of the US-Iran deal as a “horrific surrender” by Trump, labeling it “egregious” since “so many concessions were granted up front”.
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Trump says beleaguered reflecting pool will ‘probably’ be drained for repairs
The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington is likely going to be drained for repairs, according to statements made by the president following issues like algae blooms and peeling paint from recent renovation efforts ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations next month.
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At least seven killed in Chicago shootings as Trump renews military call
According to police reports, at least seven people lost their lives and dozens were injured in multiple shootings across Chicago since Friday. In response, Trump has once again called for military intervention in that midwestern city.
In a post on Truth Social, he questioned why Illinois governor JB Pritzker hadn’t embraced military deployment.
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