JD Vance to lead US delegation in Iran talks The White House said Vice President JD Vance will lead the US negotiating team in talks with Iran aimed at reaching a permanent end to the war on Iran. The delegation is expected to include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The talks are set to begin on Friday in Islamabad.
Democrats and die-hard pro-Israel voices skewer Iran ceasefire, as Republicans back Trump Submitted by Sean Mathews on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 17:51 Republican lawmakers spun the fragile Iran ceasefire as a Trumpian victory, but pro-Israel voices and Democratic sceptics called it a defeat Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli air strike that targeted an area in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, on 8 April 2026 (Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP) Off Republican lawmakers greeted news of a ceasefire for the US-Israeli war on Iran with polite applause and some scepticism, while their Democratic counterparts called it a monumental defeat for the US . “A diplomatic solution to end the reign of terror in Iran is the preferred outcome. The supposed negotiating document, in my view, has some troubling aspects, but time will tell,” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump and early advocate for the war, wrote on X.
Trump's 'Apocalypse Now' is a busted flush. Iran has proved it and China knows it Submitted by David Hearst on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 17:01 Two factors will now determine the fate of the ceasefire: what happens in Hormuz, and whether Israel continues pummelling Lebanon US President Donald Trump speaks at the White House in Washington, DC, on 6 April 2026 (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP) Off US President Donald Trump has just given the world a masterclass in the art of dealmaking. You threaten armageddon one minute, and cave in to your enemy’s main demands the next.
'Islamic bomb': The secret Pakistani scheme to make Iran a nuclear power Submitted by Imran Mulla on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 13:07 Scientist AQ Khan, surveilled and targeted by Israel's Mossad, wanted to give Iran nuclear technology to challenge the authority of the West Abdul Qadeer Khan sits during a public meeting along with members from the Jamaat-e-Islami party in Islamabad on 26 February 2013 (AFP) Off "I want to question the holier-than-thou attitude of the Americans and British. Are these bastards God-appointed guardians of the world? " So said Abdul Qadeer Khan, the godfather of Pakistan's nuclear programme, when asked to justify his international network aimed at giving nuclear technology to Iran , Libya and North Korea.
UK ban on Ye sparks criticism as Starmer stays silent over US threats to destroy Iran Submitted by Dalia Anis on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 12:12 Home Office barred US rapper formerly known as Kanye West after days of pressure due to past antisemitic remarks Kanye West meets with US President Donald Trump in the White House on 11 October 2018 (Saul Loeb/ AFP) Off The United Kingdom’s decision to block the American rapper formerly known as Kanye West from entering the UK, citing his antisemitic comments, has sparked an intense debate online. The director of the Wireless Festival, which had booked the controversial artist for this summer’s headline slot had defended the decision, despite mounting pressure from politicians and Jewish organisations to disinvite him due his past antisemitic statements. West, who now goes by Ye, submitted his visa application on Monday to travel to Britain.
Anger and surprise in Israel after US-Iran ceasefire Submitted by Nadav Rapaport on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 13:37 Politicians, commentators and analysts slam agreement as ‘complete failure’ People pass by an impact site, which is wrapped in a large Israeli flag, in the aftermath of missile attacks launched from Iran into Israel on Monday on 7 April 2026 (Reuters/Florion Goga) Off The ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran has been met with anger and sharp criticism in Israel . Politicians, commentators and analysts were quick to condemn the framework, with many blaming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for what they described as a failure. “There has never been such a diplomatic disaster in our entire history,” opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on Wednesday on X.
White House says Iran talks not final despite ceasefire The White House says discussions over potential in-person talks with Iran remain uncertain despite the recent ceasefire. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said no plans have been finalised following the two-week truce agreed between Washington and Tehran. “There are discussions about in-person talks, but nothing is final until U.
Starmer hopes to establish key diplomatic role for Britain as he heads to the Gulf Submitted by Imran Mulla on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 10:50 British prime minister to 'discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire' on three-day trip Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a meeting to discuss the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and the impact on the Strait of Hormuz, inside 10 Downing Street in London on 30 March 2026 (AFP) Off British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting the Gulf in a bid to work on unblocking the Strait of Hormuz after the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. Starmer is expected to "discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire" on a three-day trip to the Middle East, Downing Street announced. The prime minister said on Wednesday morning: "I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.
Italy rules out Hormuz naval deployment without UN mandate Italy has ruled out sending naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran unless it is part of a United Nations-led mission. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said the move is not currently under consideration. "It is not on the agenda.
Spain welcomes Iran-US ceasefire, criticises US role Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has welcomed a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while criticising Washington for triggering the conflict. In a post on X, Sanchez wrote: "The Spanish government will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they turn up with a bucket. " He said any ceasefire offers relief but warned against overlooking the wider damage caused by the war.
Macron welcomes Iran-US ceasefire, urges Lebanon inclusion French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, but warned that the situation in Lebanon remains fragile. Speaking at the start of a defence meeting with advisers and cabinet members, Macron said the truce marks a positive step but stressed that regional tensions have not eased. He called for Lebanon to be included in any broader arrangement, highlighting the risks of continued instability along its borders.
'Worst strategic failure': Israeli political leaders criticise Iran ceasefire Israeli political leaders criticised the ceasefire with Iran, accusing the government of failing to achieve its objectives. Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, said Israel had suffered “one of the worst strategic failures,” adding that while the military achieved successes, the government failed to translate them into results. Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman warned that the truce gives Iran time to regroup.
Israel opposition leader calls Iran ceasefire ‘political disaster’ Israel’s main opposition leader, Yair Lapid, said the ceasefire with Iran was a “political disaster,” criticising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict. Lapid said Israel “wasn’t even at the table when decisions were made concerning the core of our national security. ” He said the military had met its objectives and the public showed resilience, but accused Netanyahu of failing “politically” and “strategically,” adding the damage would take years to repair.
Video: US lawmakers call to remove Trump More than 70 lawmakers are calling for the removal of US President Donald Trump following his “civilisation will die” threat against Iran. Democratic lawmakers are urging for Trump's removal from office through the 25th Amendment, a process in which the vice president and the cabinet evaluate his fitness to continue performing his duties. “I think it’s very clear that Donald Trump is not fit to serve as president.
Trump says Iran uranium will be ‘taken care of' US President Donald Trump said Iran’s enriched uranium will be “perfectly taken care of” under the two-week ceasefire deal, telling AFP he would not have agreed otherwise. “That will be perfectly taken care of, or I wouldn’t have settled,” Trump said in a telephone interview. He described the outcome as a “total and complete victory.
Fars details Iran’s 10-point plan for US talks Iran’s Fars news agency has reported additional details of Tehran’s proposed 10-point plan set to form the basis of talks with the United States in Islamabad. Citing an informed source, the report said the proposals include a commitment by Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, alongside provisions aimed at ending attacks on Iran and allied groups. The plan also includes possible withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, limited ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian rules, lifting of all sanctions and acceptance of Iran’s right to enrich nuclear material.
Associated Press reports discrepancy in Iranian ceasefire texts on enrichment The Associated Press reported a discrepancy between the Persian and English versions of Iran’s ceasefire proposal, noting that the Persian text includes the phrase “acceptance of enrichment” while the English version omits it. It was not immediately clear why the wording differed or whether it reflected a substantive change in Iran’s position. ' The issue could carry significance as negotiations focus on key nuclear and security provisions.
Iran claims ‘historic victory,’ says US accepted terms ahead of talks Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 02:42 Tehran says negotiations will proceed in Islamabad, but warns war is not over A municipal worker gestures near a large political banner at Valiasr Square in Tehran on 6 April 2026. ATTA KENARE / AFP Off Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday said the country has achieved a “historic” victory in the war and forced the United States to accept the framework of a 10-point proposal ahead of planned negotiations, according to a statement. The council said the proposal includes guarantees of non-aggression, continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, withdrawal of US forces from the region and reparations.
Iran says talks with US to begin Friday in Islamabad Iran's Supreme Security Council said on Wednesday negotiations with the US would begin on Friday 10 April in Islamabad after it submitted a 10-point proposal to Washington via Pakistan, Iranian state media reported. The talks do not signal the end of the war, the Council added. The talks, which may last up to 15 days and could be extended by agreement, aim to finalise details of the proposal, which includes provisions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and withdrawal of US military forces from regional bases, Iran said.
Iranian 10 point proposal ‘workable basis’, Trump says Trump said the US has received a 10 point proposal from Iran and believes it to be "a workable basis on which to negotiate. " "Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks," Trump wrote on social media. "This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE," Trump said.
