President Donald Trump in the White House’s Oval Office on Saturday. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that an intercepted vessel contained “a present from China.” It was unclear which vessel the president meant, and the White House did not promptly offer more details.
We intercepted a vessel yesterday carrying certain items, which were not very pleasant,” he mentioned on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “Maybe it’s a present from China, I’m not sure.” However, I was somewhat taken aback, yet I believe I have a strong rapport and understanding with (Chinese) President Xi(Jinping).
Xenix News reported last week that US intelligence suggested China was set to send new air defense systems to Iran in the coming weeks.
Trump has previously stated that Beijing would encounter repercussions if it provided weapons to Tehran. “If China proceeds with that, it will face significant issues, understood?” he stated last week.
On Tuesday, he seemed to dismiss the possible Chinese backing for Iran.
“It’s fine,” he replied. “That’s how it is in war, isn’t it?”
We just provided coverage of an interview that US President Donald Trump had recently.
In a telephone interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Trump discussed various subjects, including the conflict with Iran and the two-week truce that is due to end tomorrow.
If you’re coming in now, find out what was discussed in the interview below:
Trump stated he anticipates continuing bombings in Iran if the US and Iran fail to finalize a deal to prolong the ceasefire by tomorrow evening’s deadline, declaring that the US military is “ready to act.”
He also showed minimal interest in prolonging the ceasefire, stating that “they (Iran) need to negotiate.”
Trump once more condemned Tehran for its handling of protesters in the nation earlier this year, stating “we’re not interacting with the kindest group of individuals.”
Trump stated that public criticism regarding the war with Iran jeopardizes negotiations, referencing critiques from Democrats and specifically highlighting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
President Donald Trump recently stated that public criticism of the conflict with Iran negatively impacts negotiations.
“They ought not to say that while we are in the middle of a negotiation because it does affect us to some extent,” Trump stated to CNBC in a phone interview, mentioning critiques from Democrats, specifically targeting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “It provides the opposing side with a glimmer of hope, and I don’t wish for them to have that.”
Trump’s remarks arise as Vice President JD Vance and senior negotiators are anticipated to depart for Pakistan today in advance of a possible second round of discussions with Iran, as per sources.
President Donald Trump addresses reporters at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 16. Jessica Koscielniak/Reuters
President Donald Trump showed minimal interest Tuesday in prolonging the US ceasefire with Iran beyond its new cutoff of tomorrow evening.
I’m not interested in doing that,” Trump stated on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “We don’t have much time since, by the time both sides arrive, as you know, they just received approval to proceed – which I was certain they would do regardless – I believe they had no alternative.” “They need to reach an agreement.”
When inquired about the effects of his threat to bomb bridges and power facilities in Iran, Trump stressed that it would damage the Iranians’ military capabilities.
“It’s not my decision, but it will also cause them pain.” It will damage them in terms of military strength. “They utilize the bridges for their armaments, for their missile relocations,” Trump stated. He noted that both parties have utilized the ceasefire to “replenish their supplies.”
Trump stated that Iran has a strong motive to negotiate with the United States, describing the citizens as “incredible,” while labeling the leaders as “bloodthirsty” and “harsh.”
“Trump stated that if Iran reaches an agreement, they will restore themselves as a strong and wonderful nation.”
President Donald Trump states he anticipates ongoing bombings of Iran if the US fails to secure an agreement to prolong the ceasefire by a Wednesday evening cutoff.
“I anticipate bombing since I believe that’s a more favorable mindset to adopt,” Trump mentioned in a phone interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” this morning.
“Yet we’re prepared to proceed.” I mean, the military is eager to act. “They are truly remarkable,” he stated, continuing to highlight his endeavors to restore the US military.
Vice President JD Vance and other senior Trump officials are anticipated to fly to Pakistan today for a second round of vigorous talks.
The president has stated before that it is “very unlikely” he will prolong the ceasefire deadline beyond tomorrow night.
Last weekend, President Donald Trump declared that American delegates would be heading to Islamabad, Pakistan, for a second set of talks with Iran this week.
Although sources from Iran acquainted with the discussions informed Xenix News that a team from Tehran would be heading to Pakistan for the talks, Iranian officials have since refuted that negotiations will take place.
Here’s an overview of the statements made by both parties following Trump’s announcement on Sunday:
In an extensive Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump mentioned that a US team was heading to Islamabad for the discussions. “We’re presenting a quite just and acceptable OFFER, and I wish they accept it because, if they refuse, the United States will eliminate every single Power Plant and every single Bridge in Iran,” the president stated.
Sources in Iran aware of the talks informed Xenix News that an Iranian team is set to head to Islamabad today. The sources anticipated that the team would remain unchanged from the previous round of discussions.
Iranian state media stated that Iran’s involvement in Islamabad had not been verified, with certain outlets mentioning that a second round of discussions would not occur as long as a US blockade of Iranian ports persisted.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated yesterday that Iran has “no intentions for the upcoming round of talks,” emphasizing, “We do not trust in deadlines or ultimatums to protect Iran’s national interests.”
Iran is “considering every aspect” and “will determine the next steps,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed his Pakistani counterpart during a phone discussion yesterday, as reported by Iran’s foreign ministry.
Trump asserted yesterday that Iran is “going to engage in negotiations” prior to the expected discussions in Pakistan, stating that “if they fail to do so, they will encounter issues unlike any they’ve faced previously.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf stated yesterday that Trump “wants to transform this negotiating table — in his own view — into a table of capitulation or to rationalize renewed aggression.”
The US Defense Department stated today that it seized a “stateless sanctioned” ship overnight in the Indo-Pacific.
The tanker, M/T Tifani, is penalized for carrying Iranian oil, as stated by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The event seems to have taken place in the Indian Ocean, as reported by Marine Traffic.
“Having made our position clear, we will actively engage in global maritime enforcement to dismantle illegal networks and intercept sanctioned vessels offering material support to Iran—regardless of their operational locations,” the Defense Department stated in a post on X.
The overnight event follows the US Navy’s attack on and capture of an Iranian-flagged ship in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday as the US blockade of Iran’s ports persists.
Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf participates in discussions in Tehran, Iran, on April 16. Hamed Malekpour/Iranian Legislature Communication Office/Getty Images
Iranian officials have consistently stated in recent days that they will not be engaging in negotiations with the US in Pakistan this week, despite US President Donald Trump’s assertion that discussions will occur.
Nevertheless, on Sunday, sources in Iran informed Xenix News that a delegation from Iran would reach Pakistan today for discussions.
The sources indicated they anticipated the team would remain consistent with the previous round, featuring Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Ghalibaf, heading the Iranian delegation, is a regime insider known for quelling opposition.
In his teenage years, he enlisted in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) amid the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, and subsequently led the IRGC’s air force.
Ghalibaf participated in suppressing pro-reform student demonstrations in 1999. He supervised the quelling of additional student protests in 2003 as police chief and occupied a high-ranking security position during the extensive demonstrations that ensued after the contentious 2009 election.
He served as the mayor of Tehran for 12 years, during which he upgraded the capital’s infrastructure and managed extensive housing initiatives along with the development of green areas.
In remarks made over the weekend, Ghalibaf stated that military action and diplomacy are both essential for Iran’s national interests, cautioning that if the US commits “even the slightest error, we will react with force.”
He stated to state media that although the recent negotiations with the US resulted in “a more realistic understanding of each other,” both parties “are still far from reaching a final agreement.”
Iran has successfully stopped traffic in the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route since the war began.
The tracker below indicates the restricted movement along the waterway, as captains and ship owners stay wary amid the unstable US-Iran ceasefire. On Monday, merely 16 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
Xenix News is unable to independently confirm the information displayed on platforms such as MarineTraffic.com, and shipping data does not consistently reflect the complete number of vessels navigating the strait – certain ships may disable their transponders, while others could be affected by spoofing, altering their signals to disguise their whereabouts.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff addresses a cabinet meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on January 29. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy from the US and a longtime friend of President Donald Trump, is among the officials anticipated to depart today for a possible second round of peace discussions in Pakistan.
Witkoff assisted in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza and has also sought to end Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin several times, but without success.
Witkoff meets with the US president nearly every day, communicates with Trump’s family via text, has direct access to the Oval Office, and has more freedom than almost anyone else in the Trump administration, sources informed Xenixnews.com last year.
According to an administration official, the special envoy does not receive a salary from the US government and covers his travel on his private plane without any reimbursement from the federal government.
A Middle Eastern diplomat familiar with Witkoff commended him as a “clever negotiator” and noted that his independent strategy can lead to “successful and efficient deal execution.”
Donald Trump Jr., who has developed a strong personal friendship with Witkoff and is a major supporter of his involvement in his father’s administration, spoke highly of Witkoff during a discussion with Xenixnews last year.
“No one is more qualified to oversee peace talks in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine than he is.” “His skill in making deals and excelling in difficult negotiations is unmatched, and thanks to his efforts, America will be in a better position,” stated Trump Jr.
