Half of Taiwanese not only doubt the US would send troops to defend Taiwan in the event of a cross-strait conflict but also question whether American weapons would prove effective, a poll this week has revealed.
The results highlighted mounting scepticism on the island over Washington’s security guarantees, according to the survey released on Monday by the Taipei-based Democracy Foundation.
The poll found that 57 per cent of respondents did not believe the US would send troops to defend the island if war broke out in the Taiwan Strait – and thereby risk direct conflict with mainland China.
Less than a quarter said they believed Washington would help militarily.
Asked if US forces could provide timely and effective military assistance in a crisis, 55.6 per cent said no – versus 31.5 per cent who believed they could.
Confidence in US-made weapons was equally low: 49 per cent lacked faith in their defensive power, while just over a third expressed confidence.
#Trump #effect #Taiwan #poll #reveals #deep #doubts #military #protectionDonald Trump, Iran, Lee Teng-hui, Gaza Strip, People's Liberation Army, Chang Chun-kai, Kuomintang, National Quemoy University, Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan, United States, China, Kuei Hung-cheng, Middle East, Beijing">
Half of Taiwanese not only doubt the US would send troops to defend Taiwan in the event of a cross-strait conflict but also question whether American weapons would prove effective, a poll this week has revealed.
The results highlighted mounting scepticism on the island over Washington’s security guarantees, according to the survey released on Monday by the Taipei-based Democracy Foundation.
The poll found that 57 per cent of respondents did not believe the US would send troops to defend the island if war broke out in the Taiwan Strait – and thereby risk direct conflict with mainland China.
Less than a quarter said they believed Washington would help militarily.
Asked if US forces could provide timely and effective military assistance in a crisis, 55.6 per cent said no – versus 31.5 per cent who believed they could.
Confidence in US-made weapons was equally low: 49 per cent lacked faith in their defensive power, while just over a third expressed confidence.
#Trump #effect #Taiwan #poll #reveals #deep #doubts #military #protectionDonald Trump, Iran, Lee Teng-hui, Gaza Strip, People's Liberation Army, Chang Chun-kai, Kuomintang, National Quemoy University, Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan, United States, China, Kuei Hung-cheng, Middle East, Beijing">Trump effect? Taiwan poll reveals deep doubts about US military protection
Half of Taiwanese not only doubt the US would send troops to defend Taiwan in the event of a cross-strait conflict but also question whether American weapons would prove effective, a poll this week has revealed.
The results highlighted mounting scepticism on the island over Washington’s security guarantees, according to the survey released on Monday by the Taipei-based Democracy Foundation.
The poll found that 57 per cent of respondents did not believe the US would send troops to defend the island if war broke out in the Taiwan Strait – and thereby risk direct conflict with mainland China.
Less than a quarter said they believed Washington would help militarily.
Asked if US forces could provide timely and effective military assistance in a crisis, 55.6 per cent said no – versus 31.5 per cent who believed they could.
Confidence in US-made weapons was equally low: 49 per cent lacked faith in their defensive power, while just over a third expressed confidence.
#Trump #effect #Taiwan #poll #reveals #deep #doubts #military #protectionDonald Trump, Iran, Lee Teng-hui, Gaza Strip, People's Liberation Army, Chang Chun-kai, Kuomintang, National Quemoy University, Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan, United States, China, Kuei Hung-cheng, Middle East, Beijing
Half of Taiwanese not only doubt the US would send troops to defend Taiwan in…
Greek firm warns ships of “fraudulent messages” offering safe Strait of Hormuz passage for cryptocurrency
The Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS has warned mariners in the Middle East of fraudulent messages being issued to shipping companies offering vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency, according to the Reuters news agency.
After a brief reopening of the vital waterway, Iran reimposed restrictions on vessels transiting the strait in response to the U.S. naval blockade of its own ships and ports over the weekend. As of now, Iran demands that any commercial vessel seeking passage do so in direct coordination with its military authorities, and that it use a designated route that passes close to its Larak Island in the far north of the narrow strait.
MARISKS issued an alert to shipowners on Monday warning that unknown actors claiming to represent Iranian authorities were sending some shipping companies messages demanding fees payable in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for permission to transit the strait.
“These specific messages are a scam,” and not actually sent by Iranian authorities, the firm warned.
Reuters said there was no comment from Tehran about the messages, noting that hundreds of ships, with about 20,000 seafarers on board, remained stranded in the Gulf as of Tuesday.
They saw dozens of cargo ships and tankers, all of which have sat idle for weeks, waiting and hoping for passage through the strait.
Iranian state TV says nobody sent to Pakistan yet, participation in talks requires change in U.S. “behavior”
Iranian state TV on Tuesday rejected reports suggesting a lower-level preliminary delegation had arrived in Pakistan’s capital ahead of possible peace talks with Trump administration officials.
“Since Saturday, numerous reports have circulated about the ‘departure’ or ‘arrival’ of an Iranian delegation to Pakistan, and even announcements of the meeting time as ‘Monday afternoon’ or ‘Tuesday morning’ by international and regional media — all of which are inaccurate,” the state TV broadcast said.
The report then reiterated a remark by the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who said Monday: “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats.”
“Continuing participation in the talks depends on a change in the behavior and positions of the Americans,” the state TV report said.
Security personnel stand guard at a checkpoint near the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 21, 2026, amid heightened security measures ahead of anticipated U.S.-Iran peace talks.
Aamir QURESHI/AFP/Getty
Trump says recovering Iran’s uranium will be “long and difficult process”
President Trump said late Monday that obtaining uranium from Iran would be “long” and “difficult” in the aftermath of last year’s U.S. strikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites.
“Operation Midnight Hammer was a complete and total obliteration of the Nuclear Dust sites in Iran,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding: “Therefore, digging it out will be a long and difficult process.”
Mr. Trump regularly uses the term “nuclear dust” to refer to Iran’s stock of enriched uranium, which the United States accuses Iran of hoarding in order to use in a nuclear bomb. But he has also sometimes used it to refer to material left over from U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June last year.
Mr. Trump has said Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium will ultimately be transferred to U.S. territory, despite Iran’s foreign ministry disputing any such plans.
Israeli officials say Tehran had stepped up efforts to acquire a nuclear weapon since the end of the 12-day war last June, which was launched by Israel and included U.S. bombings of three nuclear facilities, including an enrichment plant.
Trump warns Iran will “see problems like they’ve never seen before” if they don’t negotiate
Speaking on the John Fredericks radio show, President Trump predicted Monday that Iran will negotiate with the U.S., but “if they don’t, they’re going to see problems like they’ve never seen before.”
He also reiterated that he believes the Iran war is “very close to being over.”
Mr. Trump has said his Vice President JD Vance, senior envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for another possible round of U.S.-Iran peace talks, as a two-week ceasefire between the two countries is set to expire this week. It’s not clear whether Iran plans to send a delegation to Islamabad.
Iran’s parliament speaker casts more doubt on further negotiations with U.S.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, cast further doubt on future negotiations with the U.S. on Monday, saying: “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats.”
“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table — in his own imagination — into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf said on X.
“In the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.”
Ghalibaf was among the Iranian officials who met with Vice President JD Vance, President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff earlier this month for direct talks in Pakistan that did not result in a breakthrough.
How Trump’s messaging on Iran has shifted since saying they “agreed to everything”
In less than 48 hours this weekend, President Trump went from saying Iran has “agreed to everything,” including working with the U.S. to remove its enriched uranium, to warning that if Iran doesn’t sign a U.S.-backed deal, the “whole country is getting blown up.”
The president’s rapid shifts in messaging, expressed in phone calls with individual reporters and on Truth Social, come as the two-week ceasefire in the war with Iran enters its final days, and as the state of negotiations with Iran is uncertain.
Trump says “time is not my adversary” in reaching a deal with Iran
Only a day after threatening that Iran would be “getting blown up” unless the regime signed a U.S.-backed deal, the president on Monday said he’s in no rush to reach an agreement with Tehran.
“The Democrats are doing everything possible to hurt the very strong position we are in with respect to Iran,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, noting that Democrats “like to say that I promised 6 weeks to defeat Iran.”
The president insisted that from a military standpoint, it was “far faster” than six weeks to defeat Iran. Still, he said, “I’m not going to let them rush the United States into making a deal that is not as good as it could have been.”
“I read the Fake News saying that I am under ‘pressure’ to make a Deal,” he wrote. “THIS IS NOT TRUE! I am under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly! Time is not my adversary, the only thing that matters is that we finally, after 47 years, straighten out the MESS that other Presidents let happen because they didn’t have the Courage or Foresight to do what had to be done with respect to Iran.”
Greek firm warns ships of “fraudulent messages” offering safe Strait of Hormuz passage for cryptocurrency
The Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS has warned mariners in the Middle East of fraudulent messages being issued to shipping companies offering vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency, according to the Reuters news agency.
After a brief reopening of the vital waterway, Iran reimposed restrictions on vessels transiting the strait in response to the U.S. naval blockade of its own ships and ports over the weekend. As of now, Iran demands that any commercial vessel seeking passage do so in direct coordination with its military authorities, and that it use a designated route that passes close to its Larak Island in the far north of the narrow strait.
MARISKS issued an alert to shipowners on Monday warning that unknown actors claiming to represent Iranian authorities were sending some shipping companies messages demanding fees payable in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for permission to transit the strait.
“These specific messages are a scam,” and not actually sent by Iranian authorities, the firm warned.
Reuters said there was no comment from Tehran about the messages, noting that hundreds of ships, with about 20,000 seafarers on board, remained stranded in the Gulf as of Tuesday.
They saw dozens of cargo ships and tankers, all of which have sat idle for weeks, waiting and hoping for passage through the strait.
Iranian state TV says nobody sent to Pakistan yet, participation in talks requires change in U.S. “behavior”
Iranian state TV on Tuesday rejected reports suggesting a lower-level preliminary delegation had arrived in Pakistan’s capital ahead of possible peace talks with Trump administration officials.
“Since Saturday, numerous reports have circulated about the ‘departure’ or ‘arrival’ of an Iranian delegation to Pakistan, and even announcements of the meeting time as ‘Monday afternoon’ or ‘Tuesday morning’ by international and regional media — all of which are inaccurate,” the state TV broadcast said.
The report then reiterated a remark by the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who said Monday: “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats.”
“Continuing participation in the talks depends on a change in the behavior and positions of the Americans,” the state TV report said.
Security personnel stand guard at a checkpoint near the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 21, 2026, amid heightened security measures ahead of anticipated U.S.-Iran peace talks.
Aamir QURESHI/AFP/Getty
Trump says recovering Iran’s uranium will be “long and difficult process”
President Trump said late Monday that obtaining uranium from Iran would be “long” and “difficult” in the aftermath of last year’s U.S. strikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites.
“Operation Midnight Hammer was a complete and total obliteration of the Nuclear Dust sites in Iran,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding: “Therefore, digging it out will be a long and difficult process.”
Mr. Trump regularly uses the term “nuclear dust” to refer to Iran’s stock of enriched uranium, which the United States accuses Iran of hoarding in order to use in a nuclear bomb. But he has also sometimes used it to refer to material left over from U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June last year.
Mr. Trump has said Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium will ultimately be transferred to U.S. territory, despite Iran’s foreign ministry disputing any such plans.
Israeli officials say Tehran had stepped up efforts to acquire a nuclear weapon since the end of the 12-day war last June, which was launched by Israel and included U.S. bombings of three nuclear facilities, including an enrichment plant.
Trump warns Iran will “see problems like they’ve never seen before” if they don’t negotiate
Speaking on the John Fredericks radio show, President Trump predicted Monday that Iran will negotiate with the U.S., but “if they don’t, they’re going to see problems like they’ve never seen before.”
He also reiterated that he believes the Iran war is “very close to being over.”
Mr. Trump has said his Vice President JD Vance, senior envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for another possible round of U.S.-Iran peace talks, as a two-week ceasefire between the two countries is set to expire this week. It’s not clear whether Iran plans to send a delegation to Islamabad.
Iran’s parliament speaker casts more doubt on further negotiations with U.S.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, cast further doubt on future negotiations with the U.S. on Monday, saying: “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats.”
“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table — in his own imagination — into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf said on X.
“In the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.”
Ghalibaf was among the Iranian officials who met with Vice President JD Vance, President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff earlier this month for direct talks in Pakistan that did not result in a breakthrough.
How Trump’s messaging on Iran has shifted since saying they “agreed to everything”
In less than 48 hours this weekend, President Trump went from saying Iran has “agreed to everything,” including working with the U.S. to remove its enriched uranium, to warning that if Iran doesn’t sign a U.S.-backed deal, the “whole country is getting blown up.”
The president’s rapid shifts in messaging, expressed in phone calls with individual reporters and on Truth Social, come as the two-week ceasefire in the war with Iran enters its final days, and as the state of negotiations with Iran is uncertain.
Trump says “time is not my adversary” in reaching a deal with Iran
Only a day after threatening that Iran would be “getting blown up” unless the regime signed a U.S.-backed deal, the president on Monday said he’s in no rush to reach an agreement with Tehran.
“The Democrats are doing everything possible to hurt the very strong position we are in with respect to Iran,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, noting that Democrats “like to say that I promised 6 weeks to defeat Iran.”
The president insisted that from a military standpoint, it was “far faster” than six weeks to defeat Iran. Still, he said, “I’m not going to let them rush the United States into making a deal that is not as good as it could have been.”
“I read the Fake News saying that I am under ‘pressure’ to make a Deal,” he wrote. “THIS IS NOT TRUE! I am under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly! Time is not my adversary, the only thing that matters is that we finally, after 47 years, straighten out the MESS that other Presidents let happen because they didn’t have the Courage or Foresight to do what had to be done with respect to Iran.”
#Live #Updates #Unclear #U.S.Iran #peace #talks #happen #day #Trumps #latest #ultimatum #expiresWar, Pakistan, Iran, Israel, Nuclear Weapons, Ceasefire, Donald Trump, Middle East, Strait of Hormuz">Live Updates: Unclear if U.S.-Iran peace talks will happen one day before Trump’s latest ultimatum expires
Greek firm warns ships of “fraudulent messages” offering safe Strait of Hormuz passage for cryptocurrency
The Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS has warned mariners in the Middle East of fraudulent messages being issued to shipping companies offering vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency, according to the Reuters news agency.
After a brief reopening of the vital waterway, Iran reimposed restrictions on vessels transiting the strait in response to the U.S. naval blockade of its own ships and ports over the weekend. As of now, Iran demands that any commercial vessel seeking passage do so in direct coordination with its military authorities, and that it use a designated route that passes close to its Larak Island in the far north of the narrow strait.
MARISKS issued an alert to shipowners on Monday warning that unknown actors claiming to represent Iranian authorities were sending some shipping companies messages demanding fees payable in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for permission to transit the strait.
“These specific messages are a scam,” and not actually sent by Iranian authorities, the firm warned.
Reuters said there was no comment from Tehran about the messages, noting that hundreds of ships, with about 20,000 seafarers on board, remained stranded in the Gulf as of Tuesday.
They saw dozens of cargo ships and tankers, all of which have sat idle for weeks, waiting and hoping for passage through the strait.
Iranian state TV says nobody sent to Pakistan yet, participation in talks requires change in U.S. “behavior”
Iranian state TV on Tuesday rejected reports suggesting a lower-level preliminary delegation had arrived in Pakistan’s capital ahead of possible peace talks with Trump administration officials.
“Since Saturday, numerous reports have circulated about the ‘departure’ or ‘arrival’ of an Iranian delegation to Pakistan, and even announcements of the meeting time as ‘Monday afternoon’ or ‘Tuesday morning’ by international and regional media — all of which are inaccurate,” the state TV broadcast said.
The report then reiterated a remark by the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who said Monday: “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats.”
“Continuing participation in the talks depends on a change in the behavior and positions of the Americans,” the state TV report said.
Security personnel stand guard at a checkpoint near the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 21, 2026, amid heightened security measures ahead of anticipated U.S.-Iran peace talks.
Aamir QURESHI/AFP/Getty
Trump says recovering Iran’s uranium will be “long and difficult process”
President Trump said late Monday that obtaining uranium from Iran would be “long” and “difficult” in the aftermath of last year’s U.S. strikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites.
“Operation Midnight Hammer was a complete and total obliteration of the Nuclear Dust sites in Iran,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding: “Therefore, digging it out will be a long and difficult process.”
Mr. Trump regularly uses the term “nuclear dust” to refer to Iran’s stock of enriched uranium, which the United States accuses Iran of hoarding in order to use in a nuclear bomb. But he has also sometimes used it to refer to material left over from U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June last year.
Mr. Trump has said Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium will ultimately be transferred to U.S. territory, despite Iran’s foreign ministry disputing any such plans.
Israeli officials say Tehran had stepped up efforts to acquire a nuclear weapon since the end of the 12-day war last June, which was launched by Israel and included U.S. bombings of three nuclear facilities, including an enrichment plant.
Trump warns Iran will “see problems like they’ve never seen before” if they don’t negotiate
Speaking on the John Fredericks radio show, President Trump predicted Monday that Iran will negotiate with the U.S., but “if they don’t, they’re going to see problems like they’ve never seen before.”
He also reiterated that he believes the Iran war is “very close to being over.”
Mr. Trump has said his Vice President JD Vance, senior envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for another possible round of U.S.-Iran peace talks, as a two-week ceasefire between the two countries is set to expire this week. It’s not clear whether Iran plans to send a delegation to Islamabad.
Iran’s parliament speaker casts more doubt on further negotiations with U.S.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, cast further doubt on future negotiations with the U.S. on Monday, saying: “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats.”
“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table — in his own imagination — into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” Ghalibaf said on X.
“In the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield.”
Ghalibaf was among the Iranian officials who met with Vice President JD Vance, President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff earlier this month for direct talks in Pakistan that did not result in a breakthrough.
How Trump’s messaging on Iran has shifted since saying they “agreed to everything”
In less than 48 hours this weekend, President Trump went from saying Iran has “agreed to everything,” including working with the U.S. to remove its enriched uranium, to warning that if Iran doesn’t sign a U.S.-backed deal, the “whole country is getting blown up.”
The president’s rapid shifts in messaging, expressed in phone calls with individual reporters and on Truth Social, come as the two-week ceasefire in the war with Iran enters its final days, and as the state of negotiations with Iran is uncertain.
Trump says “time is not my adversary” in reaching a deal with Iran
Only a day after threatening that Iran would be “getting blown up” unless the regime signed a U.S.-backed deal, the president on Monday said he’s in no rush to reach an agreement with Tehran.
“The Democrats are doing everything possible to hurt the very strong position we are in with respect to Iran,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, noting that Democrats “like to say that I promised 6 weeks to defeat Iran.”
The president insisted that from a military standpoint, it was “far faster” than six weeks to defeat Iran. Still, he said, “I’m not going to let them rush the United States into making a deal that is not as good as it could have been.”
“I read the Fake News saying that I am under ‘pressure’ to make a Deal,” he wrote. “THIS IS NOT TRUE! I am under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly! Time is not my adversary, the only thing that matters is that we finally, after 47 years, straighten out the MESS that other Presidents let happen because they didn’t have the Courage or Foresight to do what had to be done with respect to Iran.”
#Trump #asked #Chinas #give #Iran #weaponsIran, U.S., China, Donald Trump, Xi Jinping">Trump says he asked China’s Xi not to give Iran weapons
WASHINGTON –
U.S. President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping in a letter not to give Iran weapons, and Xi responded that China was not supplying Tehran, the U.S. president told Fox Business Network in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
Trump, in the interview taped on Tuesday, did not say when the letters were exchanged. Last week, he threatened countries with an immediate 50% tariff if they supplied Iran with weapons.
“I wrote him a letter asking him not to do that, and he wrote me a letter saying that, essentially, he’s not doing that,” Trump told FBN’s “Mornings with Maria” program. He also said he did not expect shifts in the global oil market over the war on Iran and changes in Venezuela to impact the dynamics of his planned meeting with Xi next month. “He’s somebody that needs oil. We don’t,” Trump said.
#Trump #asked #Chinas #give #Iran #weaponsIran, U.S., China, Donald Trump, Xi Jinping
WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping in a letter not…
said its blockade would apply to “all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports,” but that it would “not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.”
One ship that crossed the strait after the blockade began on Monday – the Christianna – had previously been stopped at the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini, data shows.
Another ship, the Ladonna, had been at Bandar Imam Khomeini for a week before turning on its transponder Tuesday and journeying into the Persian Gulf.
The Murlikishan, which is under U.S. sanctions over its connections to Iran, journeyed west through the strait overnight, tracking data shows, along with another tanker, the Peace Gulf, which is not sanctioned by the U.S. but made a port call in Iran in December 2025.
The Rich Starry, a tanker that is sanctioned by the United States under a different name, sailed through the strait overnight Monday, while the Elpis, another sanctioned tanker, sailed through the strait after the blockade began, having apparently come from the Iranian port of Bushehr, according to tracking data.
CBS News cannot confirm that the ships have not been broadcasting false location reports – called spoofing – to conceal their true whereabouts.
said its blockade would apply to “all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports,” but that it would “not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.”
One ship that crossed the strait after the blockade began on Monday – the Christianna – had previously been stopped at the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini, data shows.
Another ship, the Ladonna, had been at Bandar Imam Khomeini for a week before turning on its transponder Tuesday and journeying into the Persian Gulf.
The Murlikishan, which is under U.S. sanctions over its connections to Iran, journeyed west through the strait overnight, tracking data shows, along with another tanker, the Peace Gulf, which is not sanctioned by the U.S. but made a port call in Iran in December 2025.
The Rich Starry, a tanker that is sanctioned by the United States under a different name, sailed through the strait overnight Monday, while the Elpis, another sanctioned tanker, sailed through the strait after the blockade began, having apparently come from the Iranian port of Bushehr, according to tracking data.
CBS News cannot confirm that the ships have not been broadcasting false location reports – called spoofing – to conceal their true whereabouts.
#Live #Updates #Iran #war #continues #U.S #blockade #ports #Lebanon #Israel #hold #direct #talksIran">Live Updates: Iran war continues with U.S. blockade of ports; Lebanon and Israel hold direct talks
Tracking data appears to show a number of Iran-linked ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in the hours after the U.S. blockade of the waterway began on Monday.
The U.S. military said its blockade would apply to “all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports,” but that it would “not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.”
One ship that crossed the strait after the blockade began on Monday – the Christianna – had previously been stopped at the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini, data shows.
Another ship, the Ladonna, had been at Bandar Imam Khomeini for a week before turning on its transponder Tuesday and journeying into the Persian Gulf.
The Murlikishan, which is under U.S. sanctions over its connections to Iran, journeyed west through the strait overnight, tracking data shows, along with another tanker, the Peace Gulf, which is not sanctioned by the U.S. but made a port call in Iran in December 2025.
The Rich Starry, a tanker that is sanctioned by the United States under a different name, sailed through the strait overnight Monday, while the Elpis, another sanctioned tanker, sailed through the strait after the blockade began, having apparently come from the Iranian port of Bushehr, according to tracking data.
CBS News cannot confirm that the ships have not been broadcasting false location reports – called spoofing – to conceal their true whereabouts.
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
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Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada">
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
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Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada">Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President Sheinbaum
Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.
Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
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Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada
Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published…
![Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President SheinbaumMexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada](https://i1.wp.com/www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2024-02-03T113745Z_2071810696_UP1EK230WAW91_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ASIANCUP-IRN-JPN-REPORT-1772629382.jpg?resize=1920%2C1440&ssl=1 "Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President SheinbaumMexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada")
