The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended by three weeks. US President Donald Trump announced the extension, saying he expects the leaders of Israel and Lebanon to meet with him in the next two weeks. "We don't need nuclear weapons against Iran; no one should be allowed to use them," the US president also said, referring to the stalled negotiations with Tehran and reiterating his desire to secure "a lasting agreement with Iran." According to CNN, however, the US military is preparing contingency plans to strike Iranian defenses in the Strait of Hormuz should the fragile ceasefire collapse. However, internal Pentagon assessments suggest the war would have significantly reduced the US's missile stockpile.

News for Friday, April 24, 2026

Trump: "Iran will make an offer to satisfy US demands."

Iran plans to make an offer to meet US demands. According to the Guardian, President Donald Trump said that "they're making an offer and we'll see," specifying that he didn't know what it would consist of. When asked about US interlocutors in the negotiations, the tycoon replied: "I don't want to reveal it, but we're talking to the people who are in power now." Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: the two will leave on Saturday morning, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said.

White House: "Witkoff and Kushner leave for Pakistan tomorrow."

Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will leave for Pakistan tomorrow, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News. According to CNN, Vice President J.D. Vance will also be ready to travel to Islamabad should the talks progress.

Netanyahu: "Excellent call with Trump, we are fully cooperating."

"I promised you we would change the face of the Middle East, and that's exactly what we're doing. First, on Iran: I had a very good conversation with President Trump. He's putting very strong pressure on Iran, both economically and militarily. We're working in full cooperation," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video.

Araghchi: "I'm going to Islamabad for consultations on regional issues."

"I am leaving for a timely tour to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The purpose of my visits is to coordinate closely with our partners on bilateral issues and consult on regional developments. Our neighbors are our priority." This was written by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a message on X, confirming the trip, which had already been anticipated by state media. According to Pakistani sources cited by Reuters, during the tour, Tehran's foreign minister will discuss with his counterparts his position on the proposal for talks with the United States regarding the war with Iran, which will then be presented to Washington.

Trump extends suspension of Jones Act to address high oil prices

Donald Trump has decided to extend for 90 days the suspension of a maritime law restricting the transportation of oil within the United States, in an effort to stem the price increases caused by the war against Iran. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt announced the news on social media. The Jones Act of 1920 requires domestic shipments to use US-built, US-owned, and US-crewed vessels.

Tehran has received new proposals for negotiations from Pakistan

Pakistani Armed Forces Chief Asim Munir has forwarded new proposals to Iran for talks with the United States, which Tehran is considering. This was stated by the Islamic Republic's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, during consultations held in Moscow with member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. "In recent days, following the arrival in Tehran of the Pakistani Army Commander as a mediator, new proposals were presented, which we are currently examining and exchanging communiques on," Jalali said, as quoted by the Russian news agency Tass. On April 16, the Pakistani Armed Forces Chief visited Tehran, where he met with the military and political leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"US missile stockpiles drained"

According to internal Department of Defense assessments, confirmed by congressional sources who spoke to the New York Times, U.S. stockpiles of missiles and expensive weapons have been significantly reduced due to the war with Iran. The U.S. has estimated that it has consumed 1,100 long-range stealth cruise missiles, designed for a war with China; 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles, about 10 times the number it currently purchases annually; 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles, each costing more than $4 million; and 1,000 precision-guided and land-based missiles.

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(Unioneonline)

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